The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds

The Vinyl Guide
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Nate is a record collector, music lover and vinyl maniac. Join him on his journey to discuss, share and review all things related to vinyl records. We feature stories about and interviews with musicians, artists and people of knowledge in the area of vinyl records. Additionally we share information on desirable pressings of records, how to tell a $5 pressing from a $500 pressing and care and maintenance for your cratedigging hobby. Subscribe and share with your record-nerd friends. Cheers!

  1. Ep535: Making Music & Vinyl History w Producer Plug

    2D AGO

    Ep535: Making Music & Vinyl History w Producer Plug

    Producer Plug discusses his journey from New York DJ to hip hop producer for Wu-Tang members, running multiple record stores, and launching R&G Records in Inglewood with Snoop Dogg. Topics Include: Producer Plug discusses meeting again at Austin Record Fair His three superpowers: DJing, executive producing, and music production Born in Flushing Queens with father's influential Fisher sound system Father introduced him to WCBS-FM and classic disc jockeys The Fugees "Killing Me Softly" became his first musicology lesson Father taught him to stay curious and humble about music Started buying records at Nobody Beats The Wiz and Coconuts Carried white garbage bag of records through high school All The Right Records shop combined haircuts and vinyl shopping Made popular mixtapes across Queens neighborhoods, sold as CDs Got on record label promo lists by showcasing his tapes Mixtapes evolved into producing albums with original beats naturally Career progression through DJing, A&R, and label executive roles Opened multiple Records & Goods locations across different cities R&G stores feature unique Grail Museum showcasing rare pressings Hip hop's importance: taking best moments from every music genre Each store represents a spiritual piece of his father Haradio Sound Lab offers vinyl meditation space for listening sessions Tom Silverman's advice: learn from my billion-dollar mistakes instead Vinyl On Demand releases reissues plus upcoming Big Boo collaboration High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

    1h 6m
  2. Chuck Negron (1942-2026) - The Vinyl Guide interview

    5D AGO

    Chuck Negron (1942-2026) - The Vinyl Guide interview

    Co-founder and former Three Dog Night frontman Chuck Negron (1942-2026) discusses the collectible records of his career, the early releases on small labels, the rare and recalled albums of Three Dog Night and mega-smash excesses and turnaround of his life and career. Interview from July 2022 Topics Include: Chuck's autobiography Three Dog Nightmare . Basketball was first passion growing up in Bronx schoolyards. Made first record "Oh Baby" in 1958 at age fifteen. Early releases on tiny Bronx Records label extremely rare today. Progressed through Rondelles, Marlinda, and Heart Van regional California labels. "I Dream of an Angel" became regional hit across central California. Columbia Records offered deal while playing college basketball at Hancock. Chose to finish basketball season, damaging initial Columbia Records excitement. Learned hard lesson about commitment after squandering early industry enthusiasm. Bill Sharman offered Cal State LA scholarship but chose music. Left school permanently, ending high-level basketball career for music industry. Three Dog Night formed with three lead singers sharing spotlight. Band's strategy: find great songs, not write them themselves exclusively. "One" by Harry Nilsson became breakthrough hit launching massive success. Achieved 21 consecutive Top 40 hits selling over 60 million records. "Joy to the World" became worldwide number one, band's biggest success. "Black and White" addressed racial integration as mainstream social statement message. Hard Labor's controversial birthing cover recalled after hundreds of thousands distributed. Now hosts weekly WhatNot show selling rare Three Dog Night collectibles. At 80, credits basketball training for vocal stamina and survival. High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

    52 min
  3. Ep534: Celebrating Chess Records with Steve Jordan

    FEB 2

    Ep534: Celebrating Chess Records with Steve Jordan

    Legendary drummer & producer Steve Jordan (The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Batiste, SNL & more), discusses the history and deep personal reverence for the music of Chess Records and the 75th vinyl reissue series.  Topics Include: Steve Jordan discusses touring with John Batiste at Davos Economic Summit He's producing Robert Cray's new album at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals JayVee Records finishing Willie Mitchell documentary, The Verbs album, and Tony Joe White posthumous record Chess Records called arguably the cornerstone of modern music New vinyl reissue campaign marks first proper Chess reissues in decades Steve's compilation "Let's Play Chess" features personally meaningful recordings The Dells were his first Chess records—Chicago's hardcore R&B answer to Motown Tommy Tucker's "High Heel Sneakers" on Checker was childhood obsession British Invasion reintroduced American blues that establishment had suppressed racially Etta James "At Last" originals fetch four to five hundred dollars Universal fire destroyed masters; some duplicates recovered from Europe thankfully Early stereo versions often poorly done with hard-panned instruments and fake echo Chess building preserved physically but control room was completely stripped of gear Steve brought API console and ribbon mics for 2010 session there Correctly guessed drum placement; Hubert Sumlin confirmed the next day Otis Spann's piano still vibrates sympathetically when musicians play the room Jack Wiener designed Chess gear and later mastered recordings in basement Mastering represents twenty-five percent of the mix, often overlooked historically Jamie Krentz alerted Universal to Chess catalog's 75th anniversary reissue potential Rarities campaign revealed extraordinary alternate takes including deep Lowell Fulsom version Willie Mitchell spent years perfecting Royal Recording's signature snare drum sound Keith Richards session led to lifelong friendship with Willie Mitchell Willie gave Steve one of Al Jackson's tom-toms from Al Green recordings Recording, overdubbing, and mixing in same room captures authentic studio sound John Lennon was his white whale—missed meeting him by five minutes Finally played with Paul McCartney on Rolling Stones' Hackney Diamonds album Blues Brothers debuted on SNL's third season finale with Saturday Night Live band Matt Guitar Murphy was a Chess session player—Steve's first Chess connection unknowingly John Belushi educated Steve nightly on deep Chess catalog from his Chicago roots Devo's SNL performance was a life-changing moment Steve witnessed firsthand High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

    1h 1m
  4. Ep533: Exploring the Pusciverse with Carina Round

    JAN 26

    Ep533: Exploring the Pusciverse with Carina Round

    Carina Round discusses the new Puscifer album "Normal Isn't", their creative partnership, how motherhood transformed her songwriting, the emotional experience of revisiting The Disconnection and much more. Topics Include: New Puscifer album "Normal Isn't" and concert film drop February 6th Puscifer described as dark multimedia project with interconnecting 20-year storyline New characters introduced: Belendia Black, Fanny Gray, the Synth Whisperer Writing began post-Existential Reckoning; Mat keeps a magical idea folder Maynard learned Logic software, contributed more initial musical sketches this time Carina waits for lyrics—word rhythms shape her vocal approach entirely Mat masters specific gear per album: Fairlight, Synclavier, custom guitars Carina sang through Eventide effects unit, letting it shape melodies Mat designs all stage plots, lighting, and visual concepts himself Carina recently started improv classes—facing her worst nightmare on purpose Mat discovered her at LA show; V is for Vagina hooked her Maynard conveys mood clearly while leaving lyrics open to interpretation Humbling River audition taught her: no preciousness about ideas here Maynard's response—"as long as it doesn't interfere with me"—was freeing Having an eight-year-old son completely changed her creative process Revisiting The Disconnection live revealed surprising wisdom in her youth Music became her way to connect rather than dissociate emotionally She bootlegged her own Interscope album just to have it on vinyl Kids today skip songs constantly—no commitment to full album journeys Rare Ocean Blue pressing was a happy accident—only 13 copies exist High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

    59 min
  5. Ep532: Lucinda Williams in a World Gone Wrong

    JAN 19

    Ep532: Lucinda Williams in a World Gone Wrong

    Lucinda Williams discusses her recent creative surge with multiple tribute albums, paying homage to the masters, Folkways days, post-stroke recovery and the new album World's Gone Wrong Topics Include: Lucinda announces her 18th album "World's Gone Wrong" releasing January 23rd Reveals dramatic shift from releasing albums every 3-8 years recently Credits husband-manager Tom Overby for keeping creative momentum going post-stroke Explains how new band members made working out songs fun Describes creative process challenges between inspiration and studio deadlines Shares need for quiet, private spaces to write freely Reveals hotel rooms as unexpected creative sanctuaries like John Prine Discusses how songs emerge either formed or requiring detailed work Explains editing process of refining and "trimming the fat" Details collaboration with Tom Overby on "We've Come Too Far" Talks recording at Ray Kennedy's Room and Board studio Shares Steve Earle connection from Car Wheels on Gravel Road Laments losing song ideas when unable to record immediately Recalls taking control in studio despite band's initial surprise Tells sweet story of meeting Ringo Starr at Capitol Records Discusses transformative Beatles albums from early work to Sergeant Pepper Names Bob Dylan as her North Star musical mentor Explains The Doors' influence especially their dark poetic imagery Connects tribute album work to preparing for original songwriting Previews future projects including Neil Young tribute and stroke treatment High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

    56 min
  6. Ep531: Erik "Smelly" Sandin of NOFX

    JAN 12

    Ep531: Erik "Smelly" Sandin of NOFX

    Erik "Smelly" Sandin discusses NOFX life after touring, new music, sobriety through the NOFX hurricane, the Las Vegas incident controversy, the upcoming NOFX Retrospective at the Punk Rock Museum and more. Topics Include: NOFX didn't break up, just stopped touring, still recording new music together Band recorded 6-7 new songs three months ago in the studio Mike constantly writes new material, has lots of unreleased songs ready January 16-18 NOFX retrospective exhibit opening at Las Vegas Punk Rock Museum Smelly will give personal tours but doesn't know what artifacts they'll display Never kept any memorabilia from 42 years, always gave everything away immediately Shocked that original PMRC records now sell for $5,000+ on collector market Band relationships remain same, they talk regularly but need space between tours Currently playing drums with Randy from Pennywise, Cameron Webb Fills in with the Vandals when Josh Freese tours with other bands Recorded drums on Vandals' Christmas album 30 years ago, including transgender song Early drug experimentation began with acid at 16, escalated quickly into addiction Became homeless junkie living on streets for years during darkest period Got clean in 1992, has maintained sobriety for over 30 years now Joined NOFX through classified ad, instant chemistry with Mike during first jam Band went through multiple lineup changes before finding the classic NOFX formula Fascinated by ancient mysteries like underground Turkish cities, pre-Incan megalithic structures Favorite museum artifact: Joe Strummer's original "London Calling" lyrics with water stains His museum tour focuses on how punk rock saved his life story High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

    42 min
  7. Ep530: Tales of The Ramones with Monte A Melnick

    JAN 5

    Ep530: Tales of The Ramones with Monte A Melnick

    The Ramones influenced generations despite critical dismissal and radio absence. Ramones tour manager Monte A Melnick reveals insider history, promotional collectables, diplomatic strategies for handling volatile band dynamics and the journey of the revival and current cultural adoration of the band. "On The Road with The Ramones" book is available here. Topics Include: Monte Melnick's bonus edition adds 40 pages to his Ramones road stories collection Full-color book features posters, tour passes, and interactive visual design beyond typical text Monte served as diplomat, psychologist, babysitter, and mediator between wildly different band personalities Managing crazy crews, promoters, and venues doubled the nutty people Monte handled daily He delayed writing until after Joey's death to avoid discussing uncomfortable personal problems Frank Meyer co-authored as musician and Ramones fan, earning full credit beyond ghostwriter Book structured as oral history combining new interviews with archived quotes from multiple sources Early reviews dismissed the Ramones as "crap" unlike today's celebrated 10/10 album ratings Sex Pistols' anarchy lumped Ramones into punk danger zone, killing radio station support Major acts like Talking Heads, B-52s, and Blondie opened for Ramones before surpassing The band never considered quitting despite frustration, constantly seeking new producers for radio Johnny Ramone insisted on maintaining consistent sound while others wanted musical growth experimentation The Ramones acted as "Johnny Appleseeds," inspiring kids worldwide to form their own bands 1996 Lollapalooza tour revealed Metallica and Soundgarden formed bands inspired by Ramones performances Record labels rarely interfered except removing "Carbona Not Glue" fearing potential lawsuits The Simpsons appearance was considered an honor with special studio recording and commemorative jackets John Holmstrom created Rocket to Russia artwork and illustrations later used for merchandise Monte immortalized in song lyrics: "Monty's driving me crazy, it's like being in the Navy" 1977 "It's Alive" album represents peak original four members captured in live perfection The Ramones legacy: showing kids worldwide they could form bands without virtuoso skills High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

    55 min
  8. Ep529: Johnny Brennan of The Jerky Boys

    12/22/2025

    Ep529: Johnny Brennan of The Jerky Boys

    Johnny Brennan reveals how The Jerky Boys' underground cassette tapes became an American comedy phenomenon, spreading from NYC musicians to Howard Stern's radar before landing an Atlantic Records deal and finding success with voiceover work on Family Guy. Get yerself (or a friend) a Cameo holiday video from Johnny Brennan here Topics Include: Johnny Brennan reveals The Jerky Boys infiltrated American vocabulary for over five decades People still answer phones with "tough guy" and use Jerky Boys catchphrases daily Johnny started creating characters on tape for his brothers back in the 1960s Father's threat to "put boot in ass" drove kids to creative outdoor activities Nine-year-old Johnny was already doing fake sportscasting with neighborhood friends on tape Looking through Buy Lines magazine for trucks sparked idea to record prank calls First recordings made on boombox intended just for family gatherings upstate New York All characters based on real people: Frank Rizzo was Johnny's father's personality Sweet innocent voice character came directly from observing his mother's speaking style Friend Kamal discovered forgotten tapes and declared them funniest things he'd ever heard Kamal distributed copies to musician friends throughout NYC's Village music scene underground Tape trading exploded nationwide through word-of-mouth before internet or computers existed Howard Stern desperately searched on-air for mysterious Frank Rizzo character's true identity Atlantic Records' Ahmet Ertegun signed band after discovering underground cult phenomenon spreading Johnny's mom actually came up with "The Jerky Boys" name for the act Catchphrases like "sizzle chest" and "milky licker" were completely spontaneous during calls Johnny spent incredible week with Ozzy Osbourne filming The Jerky Boys movie Currently voices Mort Goldman on Family Guy for over twenty-one consecutive years Records at professional studio thirty seconds from home, works with hardcore bands Offers personalized Cameo messages, giving special shoutout to Australian fans after forty years High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

    50 min
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4.7
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515 Ratings

About

Nate is a record collector, music lover and vinyl maniac. Join him on his journey to discuss, share and review all things related to vinyl records. We feature stories about and interviews with musicians, artists and people of knowledge in the area of vinyl records. Additionally we share information on desirable pressings of records, how to tell a $5 pressing from a $500 pressing and care and maintenance for your cratedigging hobby. Subscribe and share with your record-nerd friends. Cheers!

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