How is it not possible in doing 39 shows that the Vinyl Ventures crew had not done a live vinyl show is a crime. We are not sending the guys to jail, well at least not yet, but we are rectifying the crime. Thanks to a suggestion from a listener in Montreal, Canada , Kevin Groulx for the suggestion.

“Live music is the most primal form of energy release you can share with other people besides having sex or taking drugs.” ~ Kurt Cobain

At the beginning of this 100 Essential Album shows John and Jason thought - "No problem, we have thousands to choose from, this'll be easy".  While it's not hard picking an album, it gets tougher picking the right album that the guys deem essential.  Along the way by discovering hidden gems in their collections, or picking up that missing wax, this journey has been a treat.  Thanks for joining the Vinyl Ventures gang for the ride.

1971, somehow Vinyl Ventures overlooked an incredible year for new releases from some Monsters of rock. Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin to name a few. Never forget 1971 it was a wonderful year for music and classic vinyl.

Essential Albums 5: The Fifth Element. In the twenty-first century, the universe is threatened by evil. The only hope for mankind is the Fifth Element-Vinyl Ventures' 5th installment of their essential albums list. 
The guys have embarked on a seemingly impossible journey to list 100 essential albums each.  With the fate of mankind hanging in the balance, the journey is only half complete. Music is the only hope and every listener strengthens the cause.  Vinyl Venturers...UNITE!

Speed of lightning, roar of thunder, fighting all who rob or plunder...Underdog, Underdog, Underdog. 
No, Vinyl Ventures is not doing a cartoon episode.  The guys are talking about records that may not fit into other shows and records the guys don't get a chance to talk about often...the Underdog records.
(And, lest we forget Mr. Russell, Jay scratched the hell out of his Mom's Beatles records).  

As the AC/DC song goes - It's a Long Way to the Top if Wanna Rock and Roll.  Vinyl Ventures had a chance to sit down with Nick Light, (a record company executive) and learn how he got to the top.  One day out of High School his career started as a roadie at the Ritz (now Webster's Hall).  With some connections in the industry, Nick moved to California and started working his way through the record business.  It was a circuitous route, but along the way he developed lasting relationships and connections that set him up for future success.  So, buckle up, Vinyl Venturers...this is a fantastic talk.  

You asked for it, you get it; another essential albums show. Listing 100 essential albums each is no small task, and on this 4th installment, the guys right the ship.  After doing only 9 albums each on the last Essential Albums show they take this show to 11!  Tune in and get your groove on.

On the second (long overdue) 3D episode, we dive into an epic (and of course) essential album by the thin white duke.  We re-enlist the assistance of our "Fifth Beatle" Bill Hayse.  Not sure where the other two members are coming from, but you get it.  Bill is our third team member and his research on these 3D episodes is invaluable. Until the release of Ziggy, Bowie's releases had not had tremendous success. David had even explored being a mime, and was influenced, in a way, by Bob Dylan's acid dealer (now that's a tease)!  This album really introduced the world to David Bowie, and propelled him to mega-stardom.  Enjoy this fantastic discussion...it was definitely worth the wait.   

In a their continued quest to name 100 essential albums the Vinyl Ventures crew list another number nine, number nine, albums each. Since the guys are not putting albums in order, each show list will contain some big hitters in the music world. Lists tend to favor the list makers taste, and The Return of the king is no different. The guys have some top notch releases on the show, enjoy.

1972, a 50 year celebration. How many albums do Jay and John have from 1972...a lot. It was a great year for music. America had settled into the 1970s after the decade of change the 1960s. Music changed from pop, Motown sing along songs to Heavy Metal, Progressive, Experimental and Singer Song Writers.