They're Just Records

Mark's all by his lonesome for the holidays, answering listener questions. Where do you get all those records? How do I store them? Which ones do you take home? Why won't you hold one for me? Why is your website so terrible?

Here it is: everything you never wanted to know that, like, six other people did want to know.

'Tis the season! Kristi joins me again to tackle Christmas records. What do we love - and even more fun - what can we absolutely not stand? What songs can freshen up a holiday playlist beyond the sacred cows and overplayed standards?

Early Present: Kristi whipped up some superior holiday playlists incorporating every song mentioned in this episode (plus a few extra stocking stuffers) - get 'em at Spotify, YouTube or Apple Music.

In this episode Kristi joins me again as we break down the Record Store Day Black Friday list for 2025 and dig into what we like, what customers are asking for and what goes into prepping for the event.

Mark and Kristi cover albums that, for whatever reason, are NOT in their collections but should be. Some are virtually unattainable grails and others would just take walking into the right shop at the right time. It's a wishlist (or a gift list). Browse your shelves and take advantage of these two desperate record collectors with gaps that need filled.

Mark and Kristi bring you a super-sized episode in which they break down:

Their favorite physical piece of vinyl - be it the best color, the best packaging or just the best story behind it;

What they consider to be their favorite record, musically, of all time, and;

Their picks for the Best Album(s) ever recorded.

Grab a caffeinated beverage and settle in.

In this episode Mark and Jason discuss their experiences with  1001albumsgenerator.com, a website that randomly selects a daily record from the book, 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, edited by Robert Dimery. 

Mark and Kristi discuss times in their lives when they either chose or had to sell off part or all of their collections. What happened and what happened when they decided to rebuild? Do they sell/trade items regularly? If so, which has been the biggest loss and which provided the biggest return? They also dive into into how used items are assessed for condition, value, the work that goes into prepping them for resale and how offers are calculated.

Mark and Kristi discuss the process of discovery of new music, especially in the pre-internet era. Record clerks, friend recommendations, blind buys and just good luck all come into play.

In this episode Mark and Jason each discuss an album they dislike from the discography of an artist they otherwise absolutely love.

In this episode Mark and Jason each discuss an album they love from the discography of an artist they otherwise don't enjoy.