Vinyl Community Podcasts

Latest Episodes:

Chasing Better Sound | 40 Incredible Records We Use to Test Audio Systems May 21, 2026

Show notes

In the latest episode of CHASING BETTER SOUND, hosts David and Louis V. dive deep into one of the biggest questions in their never-ending pursuit of audio bliss: What makes a record truly incredible sounding?

Listen as they each share 20 vinyl records they regularly use to test and evaluate Hi-Fi audio systems — covering everything from soundstage and imaging to bass response, dynamics, detail retrieval, vocal realism, tonal balance, and overall musical engagement. These are the albums that help reveal what a turntable, cartridge, phono stage, speakers, room setup, and complete analog system are truly capable of delivering.

This isn’t just another list of expensive audiophile pressings or hard-to-find collectibles. These are real-world reference records David and Louis continually return to while chasing better sound. Some selections are legendary demo discs, while others will surprise even longtime vinyl enthusiasts. Familiar faces (and sounds), to new or emerging artists - these titles won't be what you'd normally expect!

What records do YOU use to test your system? Join the conversation and let us know your go-to reference albums for evaluating sound quality. And join us in the continued pursuit of CHASING BETTER SOUND!

👇 👇 👇 👇 👇

For more on David Bianco (Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion):

https://www.youtube.com/@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion

IG: @audio_excursion

For more on Louie V. (Vinyl Latte):

https://www.youtube.com/@VinylLatte

IG: @vinyllattecafe

shop: vinyl-latte-shop.fourthwall.com

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

Americana Sam | Interview with Glenn Gretlund, Co-founder and CEO of 7a Records May 20, 2026

Show notes

This episode of Vinyl Community Podcasts features an in-depth interview hosted by Americana Sam with Glenn Gretlund, the passionate force behind 7a Records — the UK-based label dedicated to preserving music history and giving forgotten recordings a second life on physical media.

Known throughout the vinyl and Monkees fan communities for their meticulous archival releases, Glenn shares the story behind 7a Records and the label’s mission to celebrate and restore the solo catalogs and overlooked works connected to the four members of The Monkees. Beyond Monkees-related releases, the conversation also explores 7a’s work with legendary artists including Dave Edmunds, Macy Gray, Paul Young, Peter Noone, and Mungo Jerry.

Americana Sam and Glenn dive into what it’s really like operating a small independent record label in today’s music industry, the ongoing importance of vinyl and physical media, the challenges of archival restoration, and why preserving music history matters now more than ever.

For fans of vinyl culture, music preservation, independent labels, and classic pop-rock history, this is a fascinating behind-the-scenes discussion you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about 7a Records.

For more information on American Sam:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Americanasam1994

IG: @americanasam94

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

Surface Noise | Bonus Trax: Would You Sell a G+ Record Online? What Happened to Dance Shows? May 18, 2026

Show notes

The plane is in the hangar. The crew is de-boarding. But the seats are still not fully in the complete upright positions. That only means that we have some more BONUS TRAX to discuss following the latest episode of SURFACE NOISE!

First, would you feel comfortable selling a G+ record (or worse) online for all to see? Maybe at a record show, where you can talk through the purchase to another vinyl enthusiast, perhaps even to a friend of sorts. But to sell to (often times) a stranger....different story. Or no?

To close these extra meanderings, we opine about what happened to dance programs of the youngs - from American Bandstand, to Soul Train, to Club MTV or The Grind - these shows no longer exist; does that mean young people no longer dance? Or socialize in this fashion? What about the legendary music that debuted during those programs? Another lost avenue for a band or artist to get their footing in a burgeoning career?

Just like these BONUS TRAX.....Seacrest, out.

⏬⏬⏬⏬

For more on host Concert Buddie:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker

IG: @thegrooveseeker

For more on Jason Roxas:

https://www.youtube.com/@JasonRoxas

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

Another handy piece to have in your record collector arsenal is the Spinz Vinyl app, courtesy of our old friend Jason "Spinz Vinyl" - step up your collecting game by downloading his app (and take your Discogs experience to another level) all in pursuit of vinyl glory - here:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/spinz-vinyl-record-scanner/id6758249212

Don't forget to visit FOTS (friends of the show) Vinyl Storage Solutions for the BEST sleeves to protect your best records (and your worst).

Save 10% using the code(s) below:

VCP10

Surface Noise | Not Everything on Vinyl Sounds Good? May 14, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to SURFACE NOISE — the show of record, talking records. Join the panel as we dive into the latest current events across the vinyl record collecting world, break down hot topics shaping the hobby today, and share real-world perspectives from collectors who live this culture every day.

In the current events segment, we hit on:

(1) The loss of a producer who made early Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, and solo John Lennon records sound great (Jack Douglas)

(2) The Beach Boys - "Pet Sounds" One Step (DSS) is ready to ship. Is the "hype train" in full effect, making us itch with FOMO?

(3) The official news of "The Vinyl Summit" ask "Chad Fest" - The 40th Anniversary Celebration of Acoustic Sounds has landed. What do we think of the news, the pricing, and the vinyl fellowship in store direct from Salina, KS Oct 15-18th?

From there the guys discuss an often misunderstood myth about vinyl - that everything on vinyl automatically sounds better....or warmer...or worth it. We dig into some of the real recipe for a good sounding record, regardless of the format it's released on, including the continued return of CD's (they are back, BAYBAY). Why do some other forms of physical media sound better to us (calling all cassette fans, 8-track collections, and even reel-to-reel enthusiasts) also outperform their vinyl counterparts?

From vinyl trends, market shifts, pressing quality, record store culture, Discogs debates, audiophile upgrades, concert memories, rare finds, collecting strategies, and everything in between — no topic is off limits on SURFACE NOISE - the show that aims to inform, entertain, and even complain. Taste the rainbow!

⏬⏬⏬⏬

For more on host Concert Buddie:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker

IG: @thegrooveseeker

For more on Jason Roxas:

https://www.youtube.com/@JasonRoxas

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/spinz-vinyl-record-scanner/id6758249212

Don't forget to visit FOTS (friends of the show) Vinyl Storage Solutions for the BEST sleeves to protect your best records (and your worst).

Save 10% using the code(s) below:

VCP10

Pour One, Play One | Episode One: The Beer & Vinyl Sessions May 13, 2026

Show notes

Another Vinyl Community Podcasts first! Host Alex from Columbus (aka Beer & Vinyl) hosts a new monthly show discussing two of his favorite things: beer and...(wait for it....) vinyl. Joining him on this premiere episode are his co-hosts Americana Sam and Jason Arsenault. The theme of each show will have the boys share a distinct beverage selection along with an accompanying album, and why they chose them.

Questions not answered during this show -

- What is the show's actual name?

- Why is "Over The Top" Jason's favorite movie?

- Over under on minutes between laughs?

We hope you enjoy this initial offering and future episodes, ONLY on Vinyl Community Podcasts!

⤵️ ⤵️ ⤵️ ⤵️

For more on Alex from Columbus (Beer & Vinyl):

https://www.youtube.com/@beerandvinyl

For more information on Americana Sam:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Americanasam1994

IG: @americanasam94

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

Surface Noise | Bonus Trax: Greatest Concert Films of ALL TIME? Justice for Billy Joel May 11, 2026

Show notes

From near mutiny, to unsettled opinions: this helping of BONUS TRAX following SURFACE NOISE centers on a spirited debate of the greatest concert films of all time. From "Stop Making Sense" to "Woodstock", our panel of music fans attempt to properly rank the most important and entertaining concerts put to film. From legendary performances to iconic live recordings, we break down which concert films truly belong on the Mount Rushmore of music cinema. Sure to agitate, possibly motivate (to watch them), listen and discover if we did these rankings justice!

To close the proceedings, a discussion centered around a recent New York Times piece about the "30 Greatest Living American Songwriters" and their snub of the pride of Long Island, William Joel. Basically a disgrace, if you ask a few of the panelists. Perhaps you agree?

BONUS TRAX, for the win!

Info on the NY Times article:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/magazine/greatest-american-songwriters-alive.html

⏬⏬⏬⏬

For more on host Concert Buddie:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency):

https://www.youtube.com/@fidelios_frequency

IG: @fidelios_frequency

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker

IG: @thegrooveseeker

For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong):

https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

For more on Jason Roxas:

https://www.youtube.com/@JasonRoxas

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

Don't forget to visit FOTS (friends of the show) Vinyl Storage Solutions for the BEST sleeves to protect your best records (and your worst).

Save 10% using the code(s) below:

VCP10

Surface Noise | Is the "Middle Class" of Vinyl Record Collecting Shrinking? May 07, 2026

Show notes

What’s really happening in the world of vinyl collecting right now—and where is it all headed? I

On this episode of SURFACE NOISE, we kick things off with our weekly vinyl record collecting current events segment, breaking down the latest trends, news, and conversations shaping the hobby. From market shifts to collector behavior, we’re covering what matters most to today’s vinyl community.

Then we tackle a topic that doesn’t get discussed enough in today’s hobby: the disappearing "middle class" of record collecting. With so much attention focused on ultra-expensive grails, rare pressings, and social media “big score” culture—and on the opposite end, cheap heat and dollar-bin finds—what happened to the collectors in the middle? The ones with budget/fiscal discipline, simply upgrading pieces they already have, or just looking for the best sounding version of their favorite albums - for them?

Expect real talk, strong opinions, and insights from passionate collectors who live and breathe vinyl records.

This

SURFACE NOISE

⏬⏬⏬⏬

For more on host Concert Buddie:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency):

https://www.youtube.com/@fidelios_frequency

IG: @fidelios_frequency

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker

IG: @thegrooveseeker

For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong):

https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

For more on Jason Roxas:

https://www.youtube.com/@JasonRoxas

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

Don't forget to visit FOTS (friends of the show) Vinyl Storage Solutions for the BEST sleeves to protect your best records (and your worst).

Save 10% using the code(s) below:

VCP10

Chasing Better Sound | From Axpona & Beyond! May 07, 2026

Show notes

A few weeks removed from roaming the halls of listening rooms of AXPONA, David Bianco of Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion and Louie V from Vinyl Latte return with the newest installment of CHASING BETTER SOUND sharing their thoughts covering the systems, surprises, and sonic moments that truly stood out. This isn’t just a surface-level “best of” recap — it’s an honest conversation shaped by focused listening sessions, real-world impressions, and the ongoing pursuit of better sound.

The guys dive into which rooms delivered the most engaging experiences, what gear actually lived up to the hype, and which highly anticipated systems failed to connect once the music started playing. Along the way, the discussion explores emerging trends across the high-end audio world, including the continued strength of vinyl playback, the rise of hybrid analog/digital systems, and how setup, room acoustics, and system synergy often matter more than raw price tags.

From standout surprises to some questions from the live chat, this episode captures the energy, debate, and passion that make AXPONA one of the premier gatherings for music lovers and audio enthusiasts alike.

CHASING BETTER SOUND never stops. It only amplifies 🔈🔈🔈

👇 👇 👇 👇 👇

For more on David Bianco (Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion):

https://www.youtube.com/@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion

IG: @audio_excursion

For more on Louie V. (Vinyl Latte):

https://www.youtube.com/@VinylLatte

IG: @vinyllattecafe

shop: vinyl-latte-shop.fourthwall.com

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

Beer & Vinyl | From Crates to Community: Thomas Stanley on Building Stanley's Records & Powering Columbus Record Fairs May 06, 2026

Show notes

On tap for this episode of Vinyl Community Podcasts, Beer & Vinyl host Alex (from Columbus) sits down with local record store owner Thomas Stanley of Stanley's Records for a conversation rooted in passion, purpose, and community.

Thomas shares his journey into vinyl—how a deep love for records turned into opening his own shop—and what it really takes to build a record store in today’s evolving collecting landscape. Beyond the store, Thomas has become a driving force in the Columbus vinyl scene, leading the charge in organizing record fairs that bring collectors, diggers, and music fans together under one roof.

They also preview the upcoming May 16th record show at Ohio Brewing Company in Columbus, breaking down what attendees can expect (free parking, free admission, two rooms full of LP's, 45's, CD's, etc.), why these events matter more than ever, and how these shows continue to grow the local vinyl community in positive ways.

If you are a seasoned collector or just getting started, this episode is a great look at the people putting in the work to keep vinyl culture thriving at the local level.

🍺 Drop the needle, grab a frosty one, and tap into the Columbus, Ohio record scene!

For more on Thomas Stanley from Stanley's Records:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/stanleysrecords

E: stanleyrecords@gmail.com

For more on the Ohio Brewing Company, host to the May 16th Record Show:

https://ohiobrewingcolumbus.com

For more on host Alex (Beer & Vinyl):

https://www.youtube.com/@beerandvinyl

https://beerandvinyl.com

For more on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

Surface Noise | Bonus Trax: How Do You Prefer to Track Down Big Ticket Records? May 04, 2026

Show notes

One hour cannot contain the unbridled enthusiasm for record collecting that is SURFACE NOISE. Here with another helping of BONUS TRAX, we get off on unusual footing with some shade sent the way of the young pop star Lorde. 👑

After most of the panel comes to their senses, the dais discusses what they find to be the best way to track down their grail records these days. Is it better to lean more towards saving up for rare finds at record fairs? Keep a closer mind to online listings on Discogs or eBay? Or by leaning more on the eyes, locations, and travels of other collector friends?

Before the lights go out we discover a new record has been set courtesy of Bong. John Bong. Long time listeners will know what to expect. For the rest of you...consider this parental discretion now advised.

Only on these BONUS TRAX. Don't say we didn't warn you. ⚠️

⏬⏬⏬⏬

For more on host Concert Buddie:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency):

https://www.youtube.com/@fidelios_frequency

IG: @fidelios_frequency

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker

IG: @thegrooveseeker