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

*/ ?>

Copyright: © TheVinylGuide.com interview is property of Nate Goyer. Featured songs are the property of their copyright holders, used with their permission.

Latest Episodes:

Ep537: Bongo Fury at 50 – Zappa, Beefheart and the Vaultmeister Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

Zappa Vaultmeister Joe Travers discusses the Bongo Fury box set, the Frank and Beefheart origin story, Frank's cutting edge approach and what may be next from the Zappa Universe.

Order the Zappa/Beefheart Bongo Fury 50th Anniversary editions here

Topics Include:

Joe and Nate bond over the Stooges and unreleased raw recordings
Bongo Fury turns 50 with 48 previously unheard tracks
Two complete Armadillo shows finally presented unedited in sequence
Portuguese Lunar Landing emerges from rehearsal tapes—a true nugget
Frank kept tour itineraries but few detailed production notes
Joe worked solo digitizing tapes for decades under Gail's direction
Universal now controls the vault—the process has changed significantly
Frank's Mac had one gigabyte—they dumped mixes to tape constantly
Kennedy backup tapes and Synclavier data may be unplayable forever
Racing against tape decay and obsolete machines that can't be replaced
Heartbreak: 1630 tapes getting stuck and destroyed inside malfunctioning machines
Early history of Frank and Captain Beefheart
The Soots recorded together—Tiger Roach released, two covers still unreleased
Frank invited Beefheart to join tour to get him some money
Beefheart was unpredictable—lyrics in paper bags, sketching onstage mid-show
"Born to Suck" captures spontaneous studio magic with Snoop tape banter
Frank constantly taped everything—jokes often sparked future song ideas
Post-tour darkness: Herb Cohen fallout left Frank uncertain about everything
Frank and Beefheart reconnected—hour-long phone calls in Frank's final months
Warner Brothers failed to promote One Size Fits All and Bongo Fury
Cheaper Than Cheap footage sat in vault for decades—sync issues unresolved
Joe finally identified the mystery tapes; Universal funded the restoration
More Atmos projects coming—Joe teases a big announcement next month

Extended & 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

Ep536: Danny Goldberg - Bumping Into Geniuses (Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, & more) Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Danny Goldberg shares insider stories from his 50-year career as Led Zeppelin's publicist and Nirvana's manager, revealing Kurt Cobain's creative genius and the first-hand dynamics behind rock's biggest bands.

Order Danny's book "Bumping Into Geniuses" here

Topics Include:

Danny discusses the 2026 reissue of "Bumping into Genius"
Admits his turntables are mostly for show, prefers streaming now
Kept about 100 vinyls including The Fugs on ESP Records
Answered a Billboard ad not knowing music business existed
Found his calling through enthusiasm and sensitivity to artists
Became Led Zeppelin's US publicist in 1973 for Houses of the Holy
The biggest band in the world had never gotten positive press
Peter Grant described them as "just mild barbarians"
Bonzo would arrive early to tune drums for each room's acoustics
Jimmy Page avoided TV—felt it couldn't deliver Zeppelin's true sound
Physical Graffiti era: Danny became Swan Song Records vice president
His blues tribute pitch rejected—later repurposed for Foghat
Robert Plant was eloquent and handled most press duties willingly
Jimmy's Crowley interest rarely came up in day-to-day interactions
Met Ringo, never John or George—All Things Must Pass is essential
Nirvana's 92 Australian tour produced the Rolling Stone cover shoot
Kurt's "Corporate magazines still suck" shirt was pure tightrope genius
He storyboarded every Nirvana video shot by shot himself
Appeared on Headbangers Ball in a dress to subvert metal culture
Nevermind hit five radio formats simultaneously—unprecedented crossover success
Kurt agreed to edit In Utero packaging for Walmart-only kids
Fame invaded his privacy—tabloid coverage of Courtney infuriated him
Depression and heroin predated fame—confirmed by Chris Novoselic
Danny dismisses conspiracy theories—Seattle PD had no coverup motive
Sub Pop planned "Cash Cow"—Kurt licensed it back as Incesticide
Incesticide liner notes rank among Kurt's most remarkable creative statements
Danny calls In Utero Kurt's best songwriting, his personal favorite
Bonnie Raitt's Nick of Time gave Danny credibility to expand management
John Silva brought Redd Kross, leading to Sonic Youth, then Nirvana
Born Innocent documentary on Redd Kross earns Danny's recommendation

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

Ep535: Making Music & Vinyl History w Producer Plug Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

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

Chuck Negron (1942-2026) - The Vinyl Guide interview Feb 07, 2026

Show notes

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

Ep534: Celebrating Chess Records with Steve Jordan Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

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

Ep533: Exploring the Pusciverse with Carina Round Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

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

Ep532: Lucinda Williams in a World Gone Wrong Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

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

Ep531: Erik "Smelly" Sandin of NOFX Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

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

Ep530: Tales of The Ramones with Monte A Melnick Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

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

Ep529: Johnny Brennan of The Jerky Boys Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

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

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected