Explore every episode of the podcast Vinyl Community Podcasts

What happens when a vinyl record collector gets invited to an exclusive Mobile Fidelity (MoFi) listening event and returns to tell the tale? The answer may surprise you! Welcome to another unfiltered edition of Surface Noise | Bonus Trax, where the conversation continues long after the power hour ends!

This week Arnaldo (Fidelios_Frequency) takes us behind the scenes of an invitation-only Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MoFi) listening event in New York City, celebrating + showcasing the latest audiophile reissues from legendary Canadian rock band RUSH. From conversations with MoFi's Jim Davis to hearing the new One-Step pressings firsthand, we get the inside scoop on the sound quality, mastering decisions, and some very generous parting gifts. Has Arnaldo officially boarded the audiophile influencer gravy train? 🤔💭

But the conversation doesn't stop there.

We also dive into the complicated return of Vinyl Me, Please (VMP) and the controversy surrounding its Fela Kuti box set. With some former customers reportedly left holding unfulfilled preorders, what happens when the company's new ownership starts distributing complimentary review copies to vinyl YouTubers? Arnaldo shares his experience receiving and reviewing the box set, while the panel tackles some uncomfortable questions about transparency, credibility, and the responsibilities of vinyl reviewers.

Along the way, expect plenty of laughs, good-natured shilling accusations, audiophile rabbit holes, and the kind of spontaneous conversations that make these Bonus Trax anything but predictable.

Surface Noise + Bonus Trax is where the Vinyl Community keeps talking. No scripts, no filters, and absolutely no guarantees that we'll stay on topic.

Part of the Vinyl Community Podcasts network — podcasts for, by, and featuring members of the Vinyl Community.

 

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For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

To vote in the "Top Host" competition, please click here: https://tophost.org/2026/chance-hollingsworth

 

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 information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

The Vinyl Community never slows down, and neither do we! This week on Surface Noise — The Show of Record, Talking Records, we're covering major record collecting events and (almost) celebrity sightings. 

We're fresh off the Vinyl Summit in Salina, Kansas, celebrating 40 years of Chad Kassem's Acoustic Sounds! What were the biggest highlights, surprises, and takeaways from this gathering of audiophiles, vinyl collectors, and music enthusiasts? From rare records and high-end audio to the people who make this hobby special, we're breaking down the experience.

Then we're headed to Texas for a mini-preview of the upcoming fall Austin Record Convention, one of the country's premier record collecting events! What can collectors expect? And what record 🔥 is Roxas bringing to the event to sell? 

 

Expect hot takes, unpopular opinions, spirited debates, and maybe a few stories about Applebee's.

 

This.

Is.

Surface Noise.

 

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For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

To vote in the "Top Host" competition, please click here: https://tophost.org/2026/chance-hollingsworth

 

For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency): 

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

IG: @fidelios_frequency

 

For more on Jason Roxas:

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

 

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

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

IG: @thegrooveseeker

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

Was Vinyl Summit 2026 everything it was cracked up to be? And what does the future hold for Chad Kassem and Acoustic Sounds?

In this special, podcast-exclusive episode on Vinyl Community Podcasts, Concert Buddie returns from Salina, Kansas, with an unfiltered, firsthand recap of Vinyl Summit 2026 (aka ChadFest), celebrating 40 years of Acoustic Sounds and the unique legacy of founder Chad Kassem.

From behind-the-scenes tours of Quality Record Pressings (QRP) and the Acoustic Sounds operation to rare vinyl records, audiophile encounters, live music, and fellowship with fellow record collectors, this was a weekend unlike any other. But was everything a home run?

Going beyond the typical event recap, Concert Buddie shares his personal observations on the people, the passion, and the business behind one of the most influential companies in the vinyl record industry. He also explores the opportunities for growth, the challenges of the Vinyl Summit record show, and whether this ambitious gathering should/could/would become a recurring destination for vinyl enthusiasts.

Among the topics discussed:

• Chad Kassem's remarkable 40-year journey and the legacy of Acoustic Sounds

• An exclusive look inside Quality Record Pressings and the people manufacturing audiophile vinyl

• The Vinyl Summit record show: rare records, high prices, and missed opportunities

• Why Acoustic Sounds might have even greater potential beyond its traditional jazz and blues offerings

• The Vinyl Community coming together, from YouTube creators to industry veterans

• What worked, what could improve, and whether Vinyl Summit should return

Part celebration, part observational analysis, and entirely from the perspective of a passionate record collector, this episode asks a bigger question: After 40 remarkable years, has Acoustic Sounds reached it's own "summit", or is the best still yet to come?

If you attended Vinyl Summit 2026 (or not), collect Analogue Productions UHQR releases, appreciate audiophile vinyl, or simply love the culture surrounding record collecting, this is a conversation worth hearing.

 

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For more on Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

To vote in the "Top Host" competition, please click here: https://tophost.org/2026/chance-hollingsworth

 

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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

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

The Vinyl Summit 2026 is almost here, and we're heading to Salina, Kansas, to celebrate 40 YEARS of Acoustic Sounds! Join Concert Buddie and several of "The YouTubers" for a special LIVE preview of one of the biggest events of the year for vinyl record collectors, audiophiles, and music lovers! From October 15–18, 2026, Chad Kassem and Acoustic Sounds are bringing together the worlds of vinyl collecting, audiophile sound, record pressing, mastering, and live music for an unforgettable four-day celebration of analog!

Joined by a panel of attendees - Scott Wilson (The Pressing Matters), Melinda Murphy, Norman "Mazzy" Maslov, and Jason Roxas - to talk about what we're most excited to see, do, and experience at the Vinyl Summit. What's at the top of everyone's must-see list? What records are we hoping to find? Who are we looking forward to meeting? And what surprises might be waiting for us in Salina?

ON THE AGENDA:

🎵 40 Years of Acoustic Sounds – Celebrating Chad Kassem's incredible journey and four decades of dedication to vinyl records and high-quality sound.

🏭 Behind the Scenes – Tours of Quality Record Pressings (QRP), Blue Heaven Studios, and exclusive opportunities to experience the record-making process firsthand.

💿 The Ultimate Record Hunt – A special record fair featuring collectible vinyl, rare pressings, and dealers from around the world. Will anyone come home with a grail?

🎸 Live Music & Special Guests – Jazz, blues, and a special anniversary concert featuring Taj Mahal and Jimmie Vaughan, plus opportunities to connect with some of the biggest names in the audiophile and vinyl industries.

🎙️ The YouTubers Take Salina – Catching up with fellow vinyl community creators, meeting subscribers, talking records, and sharing our expectations for this historic gathering.

🔊 The Audiophile Experience – Mastering engineers, industry insiders, vinyl enthusiasts, and the people responsible for bringing some of our favorite records to life. And we want YOU in the conversation! Are you attending Vinyl Summit 2026? What are you most looking forward to? If you can't make it, what would you want to see covered by your favorite vinyl YouTube creators? Join the live chat, ask questions, and tell us what should be on our radar! If you're a serious record collector, an audiophile chasing the perfect pressing, or simply someone who loves music on vinyl, this is a celebration you won't want to miss! 📍 VINYL SUMMIT 2026 October 15–18, 2026 | Salina, Kansas

🌐 Official Event Information, Schedule & Tickets: https://www.vinylsummit.com/about.html 👍 Don't forget to LIKE this livestream, SUBSCRIBE to Concert Buddie, and SHARE with your fellow vinyl enthusiasts!

 

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For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

To vote in the "Top Host" competition, please click here: https://tophost.org/2026/chance-hollingsworth

 

For more on Jason Roxas:

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

 

For more on guest Scott Wilson (The Pressing Matters):

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

IG: @sw.thepressingmatters

 

For more on guest Melinda Murphy:

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

 

For more on guest Norman (Mazzy) Maslov:

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

IG: @mazzys_music

 

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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

The waiting is ova! Record Store Day Black Friday 2026 is just around the corner, and the list is HERE! 📋

On this super-sized episode of Surface Noise, our crew of dedicated vinylists comb through some current events, take a detour down Shill Street™️, then dive headfirst into one of the latest anticipated event on the vinyl collecting calendar. Will it be a list worth waiting for, or to quote the songsmith Michael McDonald , "what a fool believes"?

We're breaking down the RSD Black Friday 2026 lineup, separating the must-haves from the head-scratchers, discussing the growing costs of record collecting, and debating whether Record Store Day still delivers the excitement, exclusivity, and value that vinyl enthusiasts expect. From overlooked gems to obvious cash grabs, nothing is off-limits!

Which exclusive vinyl releases deserve your hard-earned money? What limited-edition pressings, rare reissues, first-time-on-vinyl releases, and collectible records have us excited? And which titles leave us scratching our heads, questioning the prices, or wondering who exactly asked for them? More toys? Plastic record players? We dissect and inspect all the options - win or lose.

🎙️ Surface Noise — The Show of Record, Talking Records. Click in to get in!

 

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For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

To vote in the "Top Host" competition, please click here: https://tophost.org/2026/chance-hollingsworth

 

For more on guest Kendall (Spin Doctor & His Vinyl Mayhem): 

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

IG: @spindoctorsvinylmayhem

 

For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency): 

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

IG: @fidelios_frequency

 

For more on Jason Roxas:

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

 

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

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

IG: @thegrooveseeker

 

For more on the returning legend Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong, aka Al Pacino):

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

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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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: CONCERTBUDDIE

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

The Power Hour of SURFACE NOISE may be over, but the conversation is just getting started. On this edition of BONUS TRAX, the crew sticks around for a spirited debate about The Anti-Grail: those expensive, rare, highly coveted records that collectors are supposed to want…but we simply don’t.

What happens when a record is considered essential, commands thousands of dollars, or sits atop countless wantlists—but the music just doesn’t connect with you? Are some records genuinely worth their legendary status, or are scarcity, collector hype and peer pressure doing most of the heavy lifting?

The panel puts some sacred cows on the chopping block, with Alice Coltrane, rare psych records, The Beatles’ infamous Butcher Cover, Vashti Bunyan, Nick Drake, Nirvana and plenty more entering the conversation. We also get into the difference between appreciating why a record is valuable and actually wanting to own it. As one viewer perfectly sums it up: “My grails are someone else’s dumpster crops.”

Along the way, things predictably wander off the rails with Billy Joel, record-flipping stories, questionable soundtrack purchases, U2 and Bono slander, Bob Dylan’s ’80s output, rare records worth thousands that nobody actually wants to hear—and a little friendly interrogation of Surface Noise viewers caught fraternizing with another livestream.

It’s loose, unfiltered and exactly what BONUS TRAX is supposed to be: the conversation after the conversation, when the Power Hour ends and nobody is quite ready to go home.

BONUS TRAX is part of the Vinyl Community Podcasts network — podcasts for, by and featuring members of the Vinyl Community. Wherever you go, take the music with you. Get some!

 

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For more on guest Alan Always:

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

Video link for his VC Lasagna Tag 2026: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03uUcIcLYqM&t=66s

 

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 Jason Roxas:

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

 

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

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

IG: @thegrooveseeker

 

For more on the returning legend Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong, aka Al Pacino):

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

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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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: CONCERTBUDDIE

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

How much is supporting your local record store actually worth—and when does loyalty start costing too much?

On this episode of Surface Noise — The Show of Record, Talking Records, we’re digging into some of the biggest conversations happening in vinyl collecting, record stores, reissues, till simmering for vinyl record collecting talk after SURFACE NOISE? Good...these BONUS TRAX aim to satisfy! 🤩

The panel jumps into a discussion asking whether vinyl preorders still necessary? Still joined by friend of the show Louie V (Vinyl Latte) whose recent blog post touched on this sensitive issue. Preordering once felt like the only way to guarantee you wouldn't miss a limited pressing, exclusive variant, or anticipated reissue. But with rising prices, delayed releases, questionable quality control, endless variants, and records frequently remaining available long after release day, are collectors better off waiting?

Still 'til the very end for a word from our new "sponsor" and re-kindle your inner thug. 😜

An informed collector is a better collector (at least that's what we keep telling ourselves). Join the brain train of vinyl record collecting!

 

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For more on guest Alan Always:

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

IG: @dj_alan_always

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 Jason Roxas:

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

 

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

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

IG: @thegrooveseeker

 

For more on the returning legend Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong, aka Al Pacino):

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

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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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: CONCERTBUDDIE

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

The conversation keeps spinning after Surface Noise as the crew throws the agenda out the window for another freestylin' edition of BONUS TRAX.

This time, it’s all about the records. The guys dig into recent pickups, rare 45s, albums desperately in need of a proper reissue, and the patience and perseverance it sometimes takes to finally land that elusive record. Along the way, the Beatles inevitably invade the conversation, Fleetwood Mac, Fanny and fusion enter the reissue discussion, and some decidedly unusual additions to the collection make an appearance.

Then it’s time for a little record-store road trip as Chance and Arnaldo compare notes from recent digging in Florida, including stops in Tampa, Orlando and Daytona Beach. From Foundation College Park and Park Ave CDs to the shops that delivered—and a few that definitely didn’t—the crew talks prices, inventory, grading, unexpected finds and the thrill of discovering something you weren’t even looking for.

Plus: bargain-bin “cheap heat,” Bobby Caldwell, Michael Henderson, jazz finds, condition upgrades, strange album covers, vintage T-shirts, listener comments and plenty of the usual detours that make BONUS TRAX what it is.

No agenda. No guardrails. Just record collectors talking records after the show of record has officially ended.

BONUS TRAX — from Surface Noise and the Vinyl Community Podcasts Network. 🧨💥

 

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For more on guest Adam Tiro (The Freight):

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFreightOfficial

IG: @the_freight_official

Music: https://thefreight.bandcamp.com

 

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 Jason Roxas:

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

 

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

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

IG: @thegrooveseeker

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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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: CONCERTBUDDIE

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

After a week off, Surface Noise is BACK — and we’ve got plenty to talk about in the world of vinyl records, record collecting, music, and the Vinyl Community at large. On this episode we’re digging into the habits, obsessions, and choices that define us as vinyl record collectors.

First, we hit Current Events from around the vinyl world, including yet another audiophile reissue of The Cars that seemingly nobody asked for, a major counterfeit vinyl bust in the UK, and the apparently unstoppable Bret Michaels, who simply cannot quit touring.

Then we open up The Collection Within the Collection. Most serious record collectors eventually develop those weird little sub-collections hiding inside the larger collection. Maybe you chase promos and white label promos, hype stickers, Japanese pressings, Blue Note records, Christmas albums, movie soundtracks, private press records, colored vinyl variants, regional bands, or something even more specific. What started yours? Was it intentional—or did you suddenly realize you owned 30 records that all had one oddly specific thing in common?

It’s the must listen weekly conversation about vinyl collecting sure to inform, entertain, and complain!

 

This

is

Surface Noise.

 

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For more on guest Adam Tiro (The Freight):

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFreightOfficial

IG: @the_freight_official

Music: https://thefreight.bandcamp.com

 

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 Jason Roxas:

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

 

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

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

IG: @thegrooveseeker

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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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: CONCERTBUDDIE

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

How much better is that expensive audiophile reissue—really?

On this episode of Chasing Better Sound, David and Louie welcome Mitch from Mitch & Max’s Vinyl Corner for a deep dive into one of the biggest debates in record collecting and high-end audio: original vinyl pressings vs. modern audiophile reissues.

The conversation starts with the importance of the source and quickly moves into the increasingly expensive world of premium vinyl. Are $100, $150—or even several-hundred-dollar—pressings actually delivering better sound, or are collectors sometimes paying more for marginal improvements, fancy packaging, and audiophile hype?

The guys compare originals and reissues from albums and artists including Steely Dan, Michael Jackson, Heart, Chet Baker, Pink Floyd, Pearl Jam and more, while discussing mastering choices, aging master tapes, AAA releases, digital processing, dynamics, detail, warmth, and why the “best sounding pressing” can depend as much on your system and preferences as the record itself.

David also breaks down his process for conducting vinyl “bake-offs,” including level-matched comparisons and evaluating bass, mids, highs, imaging, dynamics, vocals, vinyl quality—and ultimately sound quality per dollar.

Then the discussion turns toward what audiophile labels should be releasing. Instead of another trip through the same classic-rock catalog, is it time for more premium reissues of the music collectors who grew up in the ’80s, ’90s and early 2000s actually want? Jeff Buckley’s Grace, ’80s and ’90s hip-hop, alternative rock, metal and other underserved titles all enter the conversation.

At the heart of the episode is a simple question every serious vinyl collector eventually faces:

Are we chasing better sound—or just chasing the next pressing?

Join David, Louie and special guest Mitch for an hour of audiophile vinyl talk, pressing comparisons, mastering rabbit holes, expensive records, overlooked bargains and plenty of opinions about where the audiophile reissue market should go next.

Chasing Better Sound is part of the Vinyl Community Podcasts Network—podcasts for, by, and featuring members of the Vinyl Community. Listen up, now! 👂🏻

 

🔉🔉🔉🔉🔉

 

For more on guest Mitch (c/o Mitch’s and Max’s Vinyl Corner)

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@MitchsVinylCorner

 

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

blog: https://blog.vinyllatte.com

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

On this episode of Vinyl Community Podcasts, host Sam St. John (Americana Sam) welcomes back Glenn Gretlund of 7A Records for a deep dive into the label’s latest Davy Jones release (on CD), Let Me Entertain You—a career-spanning collection that shines a light on a side of the Monkees star that often gets overlooked.

Covering live performances from 1979 through the early 2000s, Let Me Entertain You finds Davy Jones stepping well beyond the familiar hits and love songs. Glenn takes Sam inside the two-year process of assembling the collection, tracking down the best available master tapes and choosing performances that showcase Jones’ versatility as a singer, musician and live entertainer. The result mixes Monkees favorites with solo material, deep cuts and unexpected covers ranging from Van Morrison and Harry Nilsson to Robbie Williams and Ian Dury.

Sam and Glenn discuss Jones’ ability to read a room and change a set on the fly, his underrated musicianship, his devotion to his fans and the remarkable range of venues represented on the collection—from intimate clubs with only a few hundred people to arenas packed with screaming fans in Japan. They also explore how Jones’ post-Monkees career evolved, his enduring popularity overseas and why Glenn believes Davy could sometimes be an even more compelling performer onstage than he was on record.

The conversation also pulls back the curtain on 7A Records itself: working with the Davy Jones estate, locating rare recordings, deciding when imperfect sound quality is worth preserving for historical importance, and the advantages an independent label has when approaching archival releases from the perspective of a fan.

Plus, Glenn offers a glimpse at what may be ahead for 7A Records—including hopes for future Monkees-related projects, additional Davy Jones material, possible work involving the Michael Nesmith archive, and upcoming releases from other artists on the label.

It’s a conversation about Davy Jones, The Monkees, archival music, physical media and the work that goes into making sure important recordings don’t remain scattered, forgotten or unheard. And it's here on Vinyl Community Podcasts, now!

 

Learn more about 7a Records.

For more information on this release:

www.7arecords.com/product/davy-jones-let-me-entertain-you

 

For more information on American Sam: 

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

IG: @americanasam94

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

 

This round of BONUS TRAX starts with a bang as a couple of hot takes from the end of Surface Noise threaten to unravel the panel at the seams.

Then we build the Band/Artist Merch Mount Rushmore. From endless reissues, remasters and deluxe box sets to T-shirts, toys, collectibles, coffee, liquor, sneakers, action figures, cruises—and just about anything else you can slap a logo on—which artists have turned their music, image and intellectual property into full-blown merchandising machines?

But this isn’t just about who sells the most T-shirts. Which artists have been the smartest at extending their brand beyond the music? Who has created an instantly recognizable visual identity that can sell almost anything? Who keeps finding new ways to repackage the same catalog for another generation of fans—and convince longtime collectors to buy it all over again?

We’ll nominate, debate and ultimately rank the artists and bands that represent the gold standard of maximizing their brand and extracting every possible dollar from their fanbase. KISS? The Rolling Stones? The Beatles? Grateful Dead? Taylor Swift? Metallica? Elvis? Who deserves one of only four spots on the Merch Mount Rushmore—and who gets left off the mountain?

A spirited debate. A passionate fandom. Who wins...or loses? Only on BONUS TRAX! 

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

For more on guest Norman Maslov (Mazzy):

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

IG: @mazzys_music

 

For more on Kendall (Spin Doctor and His Vinyl Mayhem): 

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

IG: @spindoctorsvinylmayhem

 

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 Jason Roxas:

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

 

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

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

IG: @thegrooveseeker

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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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: CONCERTBUDDIE

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

Record collecting has its temptations—and this week on Surface Noise, we’re confessing ours.

We kick things off with the latest vinyl news and Current Events, including a hard look at the latest Maggot Brain reissue. Do collectors really need another copy, or is this exactly the kind of release that leads us directly into our main topic? But before we can jump into the topic de jour of the Power Hour, a bit of controversial news arrives in the chat, and friend of the show Norman Maslov (aka Mazzy) asks to jump on to defend his influential powers as a YouTuber.

From there, our man on the scene - Kendall (aka The Spin Doctor and His Vinyl Mayhem) shares his opening weekend visit to the Goodwill store in Matthews, NC that sells records (and other retro media) exclusively in that storefront. His findings will provide some shock, a little awe, and some old fashioned "least surprising news, ever" feedback. Hint: grab your wallet....

Then it’s time to confess The Seven Deadly Sins of Record Collecting. Every vinyl collector has a weakness, but which habits cross the line from passion into obsession? We identify and debate seven of the biggest sins in the hobby:

• FOMO.
• Hoarding.
• Variant chasing.
• Condition obsession.
• Flipping.
• Upgrade addiction.
• And perhaps the greatest sin of all—buying records you don't actually like.

Which ones are we guilty of? Which are simply part of collecting? And are there even worse vinyl sins that deserve a spot on the list?

It's another spirited edition of Surface Noise: The Show of Record, Talking Records, featuring vinyl collecting, record collecting culture, new vinyl releases, reissues, music collecting, audiophile records, record collector habits, artist merchandise and plenty of opinions from the Vinyl Community. 

📞 Call yo mama, this one is not for the faint of heart! ❤️‍🔥 ❤️‍🔥 ❤️‍🔥 

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

For more on guest Norman Maslov (Mazzy):

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

IG: @mazzys_music

 

For more on Kendall (Spin Doctor and His Vinyl Mayhem): 

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

IG: @spindoctorsvinylmayhem

 

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 Jason Roxas:

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

 

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

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

IG: @thegrooveseeker

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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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: CONCERTBUDDIE

The conversation keeps spinning with more BONUS TRAX, as the Surface Noise crew digs into two big questions facing the vinyl record collecting community.

First up: the vinyl “death tax.” We've discussed this phenomena in passing before, but following the passing of Dolly Parton, prices for some of her records exploded overnight reaching ridiculous levels — is that sudden demand justified, or are collectors simply getting caught up in panic buying and speculation? The panel looks at skyrocketing asking prices, disappearing inventory, what happens behind the scenes at record distributors and labels when a major artist dies, and why collectors might be better served waiting for the market to cool down.

Then we turn our attention to the future of VinylCon. After expanding into multiple markets, could VinylCon eventually become the first truly national record convention brand? We discuss the opportunities—and potential risks—of taking the model across the country, including market saturation, competition with established local record shows, the importance of independent dealers, and whether large national events and smaller regional shows can successfully coexist.

Plus, plenty of the usual Surface Noise tangents, record talk, questionable humor, and collector chaos along the way!

Join us, won't you? 🎭

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

For more on guest Amanda Schutzman:

Website: https://www.wearesmelly.com

IG: @amanda.sells.records

and please consider a vote for her little guy in the "Baby of the Year" contest currently underway: https://babyoftheyear.org/2026/emmitt-f898

 

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 Jason Roxas:

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

 

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

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

IG: @thegrooveseeker

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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.

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.

.

 

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: CONCERTBUDDIE

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

Is there such a thing as a Record Collector Mid Life Crisis? This week on Surface Noise our special guest Amanda Schutzman helps us discuss whether longtime vinyl collectors eventually reach a point where the hobby fundamentally changes—from chasing more records to becoming far more selective about what deserves a place on the shelf. Other things such a "crisis" may make us ponder:

When do you realize you might have too many records? Are you buying less vinyl than you were five years ago? We debate quality vs. quantity, upgrading existing copies vs. discovering new music, downsizing a record collection, and whether a vinyl collection can ever truly be considered “finished.” After years—or decades—of collecting, is there a natural phase shift where accumulation gives way to curation?

Before that exercise in psychoanalysis we tackle the latest vinyl record and music news, including the new Bee Gees Vinylphyle release, Weezer’s Pinkerton selling out through Interscope Vinyl Collective (IVC), the latest from Capitol Music Club, including the 40th anniversary of Crowded House, a new Miley Cyrus release, developments involving Suno and Jason Isbell, and the passing of acclaimed jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson.

If you're a longtime record collector questioning why you still need another pressing, a newer collector building your first serious vinyl collection, or simply a music fan wondering where this hobby eventually leads, join us for another round of opinions, debates, laughs, and a little collector existential crisis.

Surface Noise — The Show of Record, Talking Records.

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

For more on guest Amanda Schutzman:

Website: https://www.wearesmelly.com

IG: @amanda.sells.records

and please consider a vote for her little guy in the "Baby of the Year" contest currently underway: https://babyoftheyear.org/2026/emmitt-f898

 

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 Jason Roxas:

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

 

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

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

IG: @thegrooveseeker

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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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: CONCERTBUDDIE

Are vibrations quietly sabotaging your turntable’s performance?

On this episode of Chasing Better Sound, David and Louie dig into the science—and sometimes questionable audiophile mythology—behind turntable isolation, vibration control, and resonance. From footfalls and suspended floors to speakers, subwoofers, furniture, and the turntable itself, they explore how unwanted mechanical energy can make its way to the stylus and potentially affect what you hear.

The conversation looks at the different approaches to isolation, including rigid platforms, isolation feet, damping materials, foam, rubber, cork, and more sophisticated isolation technologies. But does every turntable and listening room actually need them? And when listeners report an improvement, how much is measurable performance—and how much might be expectation or confirmation bias?

David and Louie also discuss how your floor construction, equipment rack, turntable design, cartridge, speaker placement, and listening environment can determine whether vibration is a genuine problem worth solving. Along the way, they examine the difference between isolation and damping, why low-frequency energy can be particularly troublesome, and whether expensive audiophile accessories always outperform simpler solutions.

Plus, the guys catch up after some time away and discuss several new and upcoming audiophile vinyl releases—and the increasingly eye-watering prices that come with them.

If you're looking to improve your vinyl playback, turntable setup, system isolation, resonance control, or overall analog sound quality, this episode offers a practical look at another variable in the never-ending pursuit of better sound.

Is turntable isolation an essential upgrade—or another audiophile rabbit hole? Plug in for the latest edition of Chasing Better Sound to find out!

 

🔉🔉🔉🔉🔉

 

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

On this episode of Vinyl Community Podcasts, host Sam St. John (Americana Sam) sits down with Nashville multi-instrumentalist Matt Glassmeyer for a fascinating conversation about improvisation, analog recording, musical creativity, and his new supergroup Slow Accordion.

Featuring Glassmeyer alongside Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers, bassist Ted Pecchio, and drummer Mark Rautabaugh, Slow Accordion brings four distinctive musical personalities together for an exploratory instrumental project built around improvisation. Matt takes Sam inside the formation of the group, explaining how four musicians who had crossed paths in different ways entered the studio without a rigid roadmap and discovered their sound by simply listening and reacting to one another.

The conversation also dives deep into the making of Slow Accordion’s self-titled debut, released by Royal Potato Family Records. Recorded in Glassmeyer’s home studio using just four microphones and a four-track tape machine, the album embraces a raw, lo-fi analog approach where limitations become part of the creative process. Matt discusses why watching the tape physically roll while recording changes the way musicians perform, why fewer options can actually produce better results, and what modern recording may have lost in the age of unlimited digital takes.

From there, Sam and Matt explore the larger history and philosophy of musical improvisation—from jazz and blues to fusion, jam bands, Americana, old-time music, and experimental sounds. They discuss everyone from Cecil Taylor and Keith Jarrett to Chick Corea, Weather Report, Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell, and Bob Dylan, while questioning how useful genre labels really are when artists refuse to stay inside clearly defined musical boundaries.

They also look ahead to Slow Accordion’s live performances, where the group is learning how to recreate the spontaneity and space of its studio sessions in front of an audience.

And then there’s the description that may capture Slow Accordion better than any genre ever could: “the anti-AI summer soundtrack we all need.” In a world increasingly dominated by computers, algorithms, and artificial intelligence, Slow Accordion represents four musicians in a room, playing together in real time, recording to tape, making mistakes, reacting to each other, and trying to create something that exists only in that particular moment.

It’s an insightful conversation about improvisation, analog recording, vinyl, technology, artistic expression, and the very human act of making music.

For fans of vinyl records, jazz, Americana, experimental music, The Wood Brothers, analog recording, improvisational music, or discovering artists outside the mainstream, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Vinyl Community Podcasts — podcasts for, by, and about members of the Vinyl Community.

 

🔽 🔽 🔽 🔽 🔽

 

For more information on guest Matt Glassmeyer:

Website: www.mattglassmeyer.com

Purchase the Record: https://royalpotatofamily.com/product...

 

For more information on host Americana Sam: 

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

IG: @americanasam94

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

The music world has lost one of its most beloved and influential voices. In this special episode of Surface Noise, we remember and celebrate the extraordinary life, music, and lasting legacy of Dolly Parton, who passed away at the age of 80. We reflect on Dolly Parton’s remarkable recording and film careers: the albums, movies, songs, performances, and stories that made her one of the most recognizable and enduring artists of all time.

For more than six decades, Dolly Parton was far more than a country music superstar. She was a songwriter, storyteller, recording artist, actress, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural icon whose influence reached far beyond Nashville. From timeless recordings like “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You” to a catalog spanning generations, Dolly created music that became part of the fabric of American culture.

We’ll discuss the records that matter most to us, her place in country and popular music history, her extraordinary gifts as a songwriter, and the influence she leaves behind for artists and music fans alike. We’ll also look beyond the records. Dolly's legacy includes her work in film and television, Dollywood, and decades of philanthropy—most notably the Imagination Library, which has distributed hundreds of millions of books to children around the world.

Perhaps most importantly, this episode is about remembering Dolly Parton through the music. The songs we discovered. The records we collected. The performances we remember. And the unmistakable personality, humor, kindness, and humanity that made Dolly one of those rare artists who seemed to belong to everyone. Join the Surface Noise as we celebrate the records, the stories, the songs, and the incredible legacy of Dolly Parton (1946–2026).

Rest in peace, Dolly. We will always love you. ❤️

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

For more on special guest Norman Maslov (Mazzy):

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

IG: @mazzys_music

 

For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency): 

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

IG: @fidelios_frequency

 

For more on Jason Roxas:

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

 

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

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

IG: @audio_excursion

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

 

 

 

Still simmering for vinyl record collecting talk after SURFACE NOISE? Good...these BONUS TRAX aim to satisfy! 🤩

The panel jumps into a discussion asking whether vinyl preorders still necessary? Still joined by friend of the show Louie V (Vinyl Latte) whose recent blog post touched on this sensitive issue. Preordering once felt like the only way to guarantee you wouldn't miss a limited pressing, exclusive variant, or anticipated reissue. But with rising prices, delayed releases, questionable quality control, endless variants, and records frequently remaining available long after release day, are collectors better off waiting?

Still 'til the very end for a word from our new "sponsor" and re-kindle your inner thug. 😜

An informed collector is a better collector (at least that's what we keep telling ourselves). Join the brain train of vinyl record collecting!

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

For more on guest Louie V (Vinyl Latte):

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

IG: @vinyllattecafe

shop: vinyl-latte-shop.fourthwall.com

blog: https://blog.vinyllatte.com

Link to Louie V's blog post on the episode topic: https://blog.vinyllatte.com/should-vinyl-collectors-stop-preordering-new-albums/

 

For more on guest Alan Always:

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

IG: @dj_alan_always

 

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, aka Al Pacino) returns:

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

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

This week on Surface Noise — the show of record, talking records - we dig into where vinyl has been, where it’s headed, and whether artificial intelligence could become the next unlikely chapter in record collecting.

We kick things off with Current Events from the Vinyl Community, including the reported end of Columbia House — RIP to the legendary mail-order music club…or maybe not? We look at what’s actually happening with the iconic name and why Columbia House still carries so much nostalgia for generations of music fans. Plus, Vinylphyle announces new audiophile vinyl releases from The Allman Brothers Band, Frank Sinatra, and GZA, and VinylCon heads to Los Angeles this weekend.

Then we tackle a topic that could become increasingly important for collectors: AI TO VINYL. With platforms like Suno making it possible for almost anyone to generate original music using artificial intelligence, what happens when that music makes the jump from a digital file to a physical vinyl record? Inspired by Louie V of Vinyl Latte's recent opinion piece, we discuss what AI-generated music could mean for musicians, collectors, record labels, pressing plants, and the very idea of what makes a record worth owning. Does putting AI music on vinyl somehow legitimize it? Does it matter who — or what — actually created the music? Could AI-generated records eventually become collectible? And in a hobby built around authenticity, history, artists, and the human connection to music, does AI change what a vinyl record means?

It's another collector-driven conversation about vinyl records, record collecting, audiophilia and MORE! 🧨

 

This.

Is.

Surface Noise.

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

For more on guest Louie V (Vinyl Latte):

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

IG: @vinyllattecafe

shop: vinyl-latte-shop.fourthwall.com

blog: https://blog.vinyllatte.com

 

For more on guest Alan Always:

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

IG: @dj_alan_always

 

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, aka Al Pacino) returns:

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

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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.

.

.

.

 

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

Surface Noise had a lot of flavor this week, but these Bonus Trax are sure to put the last spicy touch on the vinyl meatball of this messy, messy episode on Vinyl Community Podcasts! 🌯

Next up: The Most Stubborn Record to Find. Every collector has one. Maybe you've never seen it in the wild. Maybe you can find the album, but never the right pressing. Perhaps every copy is trashed, the price is ridiculous, or that one specific variant continues to escape you. We reveal the records that have stubbornly remained on our wantlists despite years of digging.

Plus, we reminisce once again about a ghost of our record collecting journeys' past and whether they would still be in existence with all the labels going direct to consumer (Vinylphyle, Rhino Hi-Fidelity, Capitol Music Club, Interscope Vinyl Collective, etc). 

Cherry on top? 🍒 We walk through some vinyl-inspired tchotchkes that may or may not be in our stockings come this holiday season (might want to go to the YouTube version to see these "creative" pieces of merch). 

VMP < D2C? We discuss only on these Bonus Trax!

 

YouTube version of the show: https://www.youtube.com/live/P62cMa_uGqk

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

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, aka Al Pacino) returns:

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

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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.

.

.

.

 

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

This week on Surface Noise, we’re digging into vinyl collecting news, the records collectors are supposedly required to own, and a bonafide Beatles bomb goes off! 💣💥

We kick things off with Current Events and some of the latest stories affecting the music and vinyl community. What could the Veeps layoffs mean for outlets like Goldmine, BrooklynVegan, and other music journalists? Plus, with National Vinyl Record Day upon us, who actually came up with it—and how did August 12 become a day devoted to celebrating vinyl records? And a 25th anniversary reissue that nobody was opening asking for (dare we say "swamp juice"). 

Then we're challenging one of the unwritten rules of record collecting: Records We're Supposed to Own...But Don't. Every hobby has albums, pressings, audiophile releases, box sets, grails, and even entire artists that seemingly everyone is expected to chase. But what happens when you simply don't care? From famous pressings and audiophile staples to universally praised albums we have absolutely zero interest in owning, we're admitting the records missing from our collections—and why they're probably staying that way.

Unpredictably the conversation segues into a deeper discussion involving the Beatles, Nirvana, and a music debate not to be missed. (Or should it be?) You decide! 🫵🏻

This.

Is.

Surface Noise.

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

For more on guest Alex from Columbus (Beer & Vinyl), also the host of "Pour One, Play One" here on VCP:

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

https://beerandvinyl.com

 

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, aka Al Pacino) returns:

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

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

 

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

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

IG: @audio_excursion

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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.

.

.

.

 

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

 

 

 

 

As SURFACE NOISE moved into the BONUS TRAX segment, we return back from the border to hear about recent travels and record store exploration in new places from a couple members of the dais, and the records they rescued along the way. From there the discussion turns to a couple new areas that may be helpful in tracking down the black wax gold we need to scratch that record collecting itch. Are these websites + apps valuable resources in tracking down hard to find records, or just the latest attempts to claw a little bit of the throne from Discogs?

Listen + Discover + Decide for Yourself. Links below.

 

⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️

 

Check out Dead Format here:

https://deadformat.com/

 

Check out Flipped.FM here:

https://flipped.fm

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

For more on guest Nick and his record store Resurrected Records:

https://resurrectedrecords.ca

IG: @resurrecords

 

For more on one of our favorite VC Canadians, Rob (Northern Revolutions):

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

IG: northern_revolutions

 

For more guest Kendall (aka Spin Doctor and His Vinyl Mayhem):

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

 

For more on guest Joel (Static ATX Records):

https://staticatx.com

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

IG: staticatxrecords

 

And our returning champion, Arnaldo (Fidelios_Frequency):

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

IG: @fidelios_frequency

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

 

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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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

Get ready for another episode of Surface Noise: The Show of Record, Talking Records as we dive into the latest happenings in the world of vinyl collecting, record releases, and industry news!

For the latest current events, the panel talks about a Rhino Reserve recall situation, the latest Vinylphyle release news underwhelming us, and a QUICK discussion on the Beatles/Rubber Soul box set announcement.

Next we head north of the border for an in-depth conversation about what it's really like buying and selling vinyl in Canada from new friend of the show Nick, owner of the record store Resurrected Records, in Saskatchewan. Nick shares his origin story in starting a record store and all the things he's learned doing it close to two years strong (and at 25 years old, to boot!). We also touch on some irritable topics for our fellow vinylists up north including shipping costs and import fees to availability, local record stores, online marketplaces, and the unique challenges Canadian collectors face, as we compare experiences across borders and discuss how geography can shape the collecting journey.

If you're passionate about vinyl records, record collecting, Discogs, rare LPs, vinyl community discussions, record stores, audiophile releases, music collecting, and the ever-changing vinyl marketplace, you've found your vinyl resting place. 

This.

Is.

Surface Noise.

 

⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

For more on guest Nick and his record store Resurrected Records:

https://resurrectedrecords.ca

IG: @resurrecords

 

For more on one of our favorite VC Canadians, Rob (Northern Revolutions):

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

IG: northern_revolutions

 

For more guest Kendall (aka Spin Doctor and His Vinyl Mayhem):

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

 

For more on guest Joel (Static ATX Records):

https://staticatx.com

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

IG: staticatxrecords

 

And our returning champion, Arnaldo (Fidelios_Frequency):

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

IG: @fidelios_frequency

 

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

In this BONUS TRAX episode of Surface Noise, the conversation gets personal as the panel shares the biggest Mistakes Made and Lessons Learned throughout their vinyl collecting journey. Every collector has a story—and sometimes the most expensive education comes from experience.

From buying the wrong pressings, overpaying for records, and selling albums we wish we'd kept, to trusting the wrong sellers, misjudging record grades, making impulse purchases, and letting once-in-a-lifetime opportunities slip away, we reflect on the successes, regrets, and hard-earned wisdom that shaped us into smarter collectors.

Bringing it home, Concert Buddie shares some pickups from a quick run to the Windy City by way of Indy, and a couple of bonafide grails that he secured in his bag. 

Regardless if you're just starting your vinyl journey or have been collecting for decades, these stories offer practical advice, cautionary tales, and relatable experiences that can help you avoid common pitfalls while building a collection you'll truly enjoy. This BONUS TRAX conversation is packed with insights that every collector can appreciate!

 

 

⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

For more on guest Michael (Clash City Rocker):

https://www.youtube.com/@flahertymt65

 

For more guest Kendall (aka Spin Doctor and His Vinyl Mayhem):

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

 

For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong, aka Al Pacino) returns:

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

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

 

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

 

.

.

.

.

 

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

 

 

The conversation goes far beyond what's spinning on the turntable in this episode of Surface Noise, the Show of Record, Talking Records. 🎙️

We kick things off with the latest vinyl record collecting news and Current Events, including discussion surrounding the newly announced Mobile Fidelity (MoFi) reissue of Rodriguez's Cold Fact, the latest releases from Vinylphyle featuring Sheryl Crow and Counting Crows, and other noteworthy developments impacting collectors, audiophiles, and music fans (think: Bret Michaels merch opportunities.....yes....we covered that....a lot).

Then we dive into one of the biggest questions facing the hobby today: Are we living in the Age of Collector Culture? From vinyl records and CDs to Pokémon cards, video games, comics, sneakers, and beyond, collecting has become a cultural phenomenon. But when does collecting shift from enjoying music to simply accumulating things? What drives the desire to own, complete, preserve, and display? We explore how record collecting fits into today's collector-first mindset and whether that's changing the hobby for better or worse. Finally, each panelist shares personal stories of Mistakes Made and Lessons Learned throughout their collecting journey. From buying the wrong pressing and overpaying for records to selling albums we wish we'd kept, trusting the wrong sellers, grading mishaps, impulse purchases, and overlooked opportunities, we discuss the experiences that ultimately made us smarter, more informed vinyl collectors.

Join the discussion by sharing your thoughts with us on social media, in the comments of the live video on YouTube, telling us what you're spinning, and suggesting topics for future episodes. This is the show of the people, by the people, for the people - the people's show!

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

For more on guest Michael (Clash City Rocker):

https://www.youtube.com/@flahertymt65

 

For more guest Kendall (aka Spin Doctor and His Vinyl Mayhem):

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

 

For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong, aka Al Pacino) returns:

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

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

 

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

 

.

.

.

.

 

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

 

 

Raise a glass and spin another record! On this episode of Pour One, Play One, host Alex from Columbus is joined by Americana Sam, Jason Arsenault, and special guest Chris the Grooveseeker for another round of craft beer and vinyl pairings, where every pour inspires a record from each panelist's collection.

Chris makes his debut on the show with stories from his days collecting and aging rare craft beers, pairing an English barley wine with one of the greatest blues recordings ever made. Americana Sam keeps things rooted in Virginia with a local IPA and a landmark progressive bluegrass classic. Jason continues his blues journey with a Canadian craft brew inspired by wolves, leading to a heartfelt discussion about Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, and the emotional connection between music and family. Meanwhile, Alex reaches for a refreshing Ohio wheat beer to battle the summer heat before pairing it with one of the greatest live albums in rock history.

Along the way, the conversation dives deep into **Lightning Hopkins, Howlin' Wolf, Warren Zevon, Tony Rice, J.D. Crowe & The New South, progressive bluegrass, blues history, Jerry Garcia, Billy Strings, craft beer culture, audiophile reissues, Acoustic Sounds, Rhino Hi-Fi, collecting stories, and the personal memories that make both music and beer so meaningful. Expect plenty of laughs, passionate recommendations, and the kind of organic conversation that only happens when friends gather around great records and great beer.

Here are the pairings for this week's proceedings:

Panelist Beer Vinyl Pairing Chris the Grooveseeker J.W. Lee's Harvest Ale (2007) – English Barley Wine (11.5%) Lightnin' Hopkins – Goin' Away Americana Sam Star Hill Brewing – Ramble On Juicy IPA J.D. Crowe & The New South – The New South (Rounder 0044) Jason Arsenault Driftwood Brewery – Raised By Wolves IPA Howlin' Wolf – Moanin' in the Moonlight Alex from Columbus Derive Brewing – Stay Cool Citrus Wheat Ale

 

If you're passionate about vinyl records, craft beer, blues, bluegrass, classic rock, audiophile pressings, record collecting, music history, and the Vinyl Community, this episode is packed with recommendations you'll want to add to both your listening room and your refrigerator.

⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️

🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺

 

For more on special guest Chris (Groove Seeker):

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

IG: @thegrooveseeker

 

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

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

https://beerandvinyl.com/

 

For more information on Americana Sam: 

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

IG: @americanasam94

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

 

 

 

The turntable keeps spinning on Surface Noise, as this edition of Bonus Trax is a fun exercise in "What If". 

It's time for Top Billing. If you could create the ultimate concert featuring any three acts from any era, who would make your perfect lineup? There are no restrictions—living or deceased, solo artists or bands, any genre, any decade. We'll build our dream (or even nightmare) concerts, compare picks, and discuss what makes the perfect live music experience.

We close the show with a brief discussion on the new Jack White album "Frozen Charlotte" and how the vinyl release came out sounding a little flat - literally.

It's Bonus Trax.....you know what that means.....

 

⤵️ ⤵️ ⤵️

🎫 🎫 🎫 🎫 🎫

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

For more guest Kendall (aka Spin Doctor and His Vinyl Mayhem):

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

 

For more on guest Joel (Static ATX Records):

https://staticatx.com

IG: @staticatxrecords

 

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

 

.

.

.

.

 

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

From the latest vinyl record collecting news to one of the biggest debates in music, this week's episode of Surface Noise is packed with opinions, hot takes, and plenty of opportunities for you to weigh in!

 

We kick things off with Current Events, covering the biggest headlines from the world of vinyl records, record collecting, audiophile releases, upcoming reissues, pressing news, and everything happening across the Vinyl Community.

 

Topics covered:

(1) Iron Maiden sells their catalog and intellectual property. What is gained? What is lost?

(2) Not one but TWO DSS (Definitive Sound Series) One-Step announcements, including one announced at the launch of a new album (new Beck record, "Ride Lonesome).

(3) A rare record collection is going up for sale through another Discogs co-op, this time with Lance and his store, Permanent Records, out of Los Angeles. 

(4) The grass-roots campaign in the VC led by Steve Westman to get the attention of Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page to reissue their catalog as Rhino Hi-Fidelity Audiophile releases. Will it work?

 

Then we tackle a fascinating question: What's the difference between talent and skill? Are the greatest musicians naturally gifted, or have they simply mastered their craft through relentless work? We'll name some of the biggest artists in music history and debate whether they're truly talented, exceptionally skilled, both... or neither. This topic is sure to offend (you've been warned).

If you love vinyl records, record collecting, classic rock, jazz, soul, metal, punk, country, live concerts, music history, audiophile discussions, record stores, Discogs, rare records, album collecting, and passionate conversations about music, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

For more guest Kendall (aka Spin Doctor and His Vinyl Mayhem):

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

 

For more on guest Joel (Static ATX Records):

https://staticatx.com

IG: @staticatxrecords

 

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

 

.

.

.

.

 

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

Let's do this, Buddies! Concert Buddie returns on Vinyl Community Podcasts for an in-depth conversation with Amanda Schutzman as we explore her passion for music, vinyl records, collecting, and the stories that connect people through physical media.

In this exclusive interview, Amanda reflects on growing up as a "record store kid," spending countless hours in her father Mike Schutzman's Long Island shop, Slipped Disc Records. That early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for music, but it wasn't until the store closed in 2008 that she began building a vinyl record collection of her own and developed a deeper appreciation for format.

Amanda shares how relationships and networking have shaped her career—from working the sales floor and managing record stores to her current role as a sales representative for All Media Supply LLC. Along the way, she has become one of the hobby's most recognizable advocates, creating her incredibly detailed record store maps that help collectors discover shops across the U.S. (now covering all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.) and helping organize the twice-yearly Vinyl Revolution Record Fair in New York City. 

A former board member of Women in Vinyl, Amanda discusses the importance of representation, diversity, and welcoming new generations into the hobby. We also dive into her experiences within the Vinyl Community, her favorite albums, thoughts on the continuing + evolving vinyl resurgence, and why collecting records remains such a meaningful way to connect with music.

And despite her sharing her open disdain for Long Island's finest export, Mr. William Joel, it's a conversation not to be missed! 😀🎹

 

⚠️⬇️⚠️⬇️⚠️⬇️⚠️⬇️

 

For more information on guest Amanda Schutzman:

https://www.wearesmelly.com

IG: @amanda.sells.records

For information on the next Vinyl Revolution Record Show October 4th, 2026 at the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden in Astoria, NY:

https://www.vinylrevolutionrecordshow.com

IG: @vinylrevolutionrecordshow

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

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

 

Still hungry for more record talk? After Surface Noise, the conversation continues on Bonus Trax with a deep dive into one of the most fascinating corners of vinyl record collecting: albums that became valuable because something went wrong... or unexpectedly right.

From infamous pressing mistakes and manufacturing errors to accidental cover art, label variations, mastering anomalies, withdrawn releases, and production quirks, we explore the records whose flaws transformed them into some of the most sought-after collectibles in the hobby. Sometimes a simple mistake creates a legendary rarity. Other times, a fortunate accident produces a version collectors chase for decades.

Along the way, we'll discuss iconic examples like The Beatles' infamous "Butcher Cover", original pressings under dispute, or reworking the songs on the album, misprints, alternate mixes, promotional oddities, and other records whose stories are every bit as compelling as the music they contain.

From a seasoned record collector, audiophile, crate digger, Discogs enthusiast, or eBay buyer to someone just discovering the world of rare vinyl, this Bonus Trax episode offers plenty of surprising stories, collecting insights, and hidden gems that prove perfection isn't always what makes a record valuable.

Be sure to follow Vinyl Community Podcasts for more episodes of Surface Noise, Bonus Trax, exclusive interviews, and conversations celebrating every corner of the vinyl collecting hobby.

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

For more on the new album - Dark Forces '95 - from Louie Golden aka Sharon is Karen:

https://sharoniskaren1.bandcamp.com/album/dark-forces-95

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

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

For more guest Kendall (aka Spin Doctor and His Vinyl Mayhem):

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

 

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, aka Al Pacino) returns:

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

The conversation never stops on Surface Noise: The Show of Record, Talking Records! Join the panel for another episode covering the biggest news, stories, and debates from the world of vinyl records, record collecting, audiophile releases, and music.

Hear about the latest current events in the wild world of vinyl record collecting, including the newly announced ORG reissue of Funkadelic's Maggot Brain (in all their various forms and colors) and the official announcement of Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab's (MoFi) Rush reissue series. We'll discuss what collectors should know, what these releases could mean for the market, and whether they're worth adding to your collection.

Then we’re joined by special guest Louie Golden, aka the man behind the music of Sharon is Karen to talk about his brand-new album, Dark Forces ’95. We’ll discuss the creative process behind the project, the music that inspired it, recording an original album in today’s vinyl landscape, and what listeners can expect from the release.

Our aim is to inform, entertain, and complain. How'd we do this week?

This

Is

Surface Noise

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

For more on the new album - Dark Forces '95 - from Louie Golden aka Sharon is Karen:

https://sharoniskaren1.bandcamp.com/album/dark-forces-95

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

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

For more guest Kendall (aka Spin Doctor and His Vinyl Mayhem):

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

 

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, aka Al Pacino) returns:

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

On this special episode of Surface Noise: The Show of Record, Talking Records, we're turning the show over to YOU. That's right—this entire episode is built around listener-submitted questions from the vinyl record collecting community, and no topic is off limits!

From vinyl collecting strategies, audiophile pressings, record store experiences, and rare records, to music fandom, concert memories, turntable setups, record cleaning, and the future of the vinyl hobby, we're diving into the questions that matter most to collectors and music lovers alike.

Join the Surface Noise panel as we tackle thought-provoking, controversial, nostalgic, and downright fun questions submitted by viewers and listeners from across the Vinyl Community. Expect passionate opinions, spirited debate, personal stories, collecting advice, and plenty of surprises along the way.

If you're a longtime record collector, an audiophile, a crate digger, a Discogs power user, a newcomer to vinyl, or simply a music fan who loves great conversation, this episode offers something for everyone.

This

Is

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 David Bianco (Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion):

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

IG: @audio_excursion

 

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

 

.

.

.

.

 

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

On this episode of Vinyl Community Podcasts, host Americana Sam sits down with songwriter and musician Bob Wagner to discuss the release of his debut solo album, I've Been Down, available now through Royal Potato Family Records.

Although Bob Wagner has spent years collaborating with a wide range of talented artists and building a respected career in music, this new release marks a significant personal milestone: his first solo album. In this conversation, Bob and Sam explore the creative journey behind I've Been Down, the songwriting process, the stories and experiences that shaped the record, and what it means to finally share these deeply personal songs with listeners.

They also discuss Bob's musical influences, his experiences working with fellow musicians, the importance of storytelling in songwriting, and the enduring power of physical media and music collecting in today's digital landscape.

If you're a fan of Americana, folk, singer-songwriter traditions, independent music, vinyl records, or simply enjoy hearing artists discuss the creative process, this conversation offers an engaging and insightful look into the making of a debut album years in the making.

Be sure to follow Vinyl Community Podcasts for more conversations with artists, musicians, record collectors, and music lovers from across the vinyl and music communities.

 

🔽 🔽 🔽 🔽 🔽

 

For more information on Bob Wagner:

https://bobwagner.art

Order the new album here: https://royalpotatofamily.com/product/bob-wagner-ive-been-down

 

For more information on host Americana Sam: 

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

IG: @americanasam94

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

For the latest version of Surface Noise: Bonus Trax we tackle a question every serious collector has considered: which records will you never sell? We each share the albums we'd keep until the very end—the records you'd have to pry from our cold, dead hands. Whether they're valuable, deeply personal, impossible to replace, or simply tied to unforgettable memories, we explain why these albums have earned permanent places in our collections.

More toothpaste left in the tube (or not) 🫧🫧🫧 These Bonus Trax are for you, for us, and forever. 

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

For more on guest DG Mono (Rich) from Record Collector Confessions:

https://dgmono.com/confession

Apple Podcasts: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/record-collector-confessions/id1752312714

Spotify: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/1qC1gX85hm3xSswWJMbTWB?si=b554f16dd2e54d0a

 

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 Jason Roxas:

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

 

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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.

.

.

.

 

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

 

⏰ Time for another episode packed with lively discussion, collector insights, industry news, and plenty of opinions from around the world of vinyl record collecting as current events, collector psychology, and quality control nightmares collide in another packed to the rafters episode of Surface Noise - The Show of Record, Talking Records!

This week we break down some of the biggest stories in the world of vinyl record collecting and audiophile releases. We discuss the passing of legendary music executive Clive Davis, the newly announced Marvin Gaye Definitive Sound Series (DSS) release, Rhino HiFi's highly anticipated Joni Mitchell Blue reissue, the news on how you can own a piece of the large record collection from the late frontman of Television - Tom Verlaine - and the growing reports of quality control problems surrounding the new Bob Marley UHQR releases. What do these developments mean for collectors, audiophiles, and the future of premium vinyl?

Then we tackle a question every serious collector has considered: Which records will you never sell? We each share the albums we'd keep until the very end—the records you'd have to pry from our cold, dead hands. Whether they're valuable, deeply personal, impossible to replace, or simply tied to unforgettable memories, we explain why these albums have earned permanent places in our collections.

If you're passionate about vinyl records, audiophile pressings, record collecting, music history, concerts, reissues, Discogs, or the Vinyl Community, this episode is packed with news, opinions, nostalgia, and conversation that every music fan can enjoy. What records would you keep forever? And what would your perfect three-act concert lineup be? Let us know in the comments!

⤵️

This.

Is.

Surface Noise.

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

For more on guest DG Mono (Rich) from Record Collector Confessions:

https://dgmono.com/confession

Apple Podcasts: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/record-collector-confessions/id1752312714

Spotify: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/1qC1gX85hm3xSswWJMbTWB?si=b554f16dd2e54d0a

 

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 Jason Roxas:

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

 

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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.

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.

.

 

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

 

Join us on the next Chasing Better Sound as hosts David Bianco and Louie V. welcome Steve DeHarde of Bedrock Audio for a practical conversation about choosing the right speakers for your room. Steve is an audio expert and acoustic specialist widely known as the speaker designer and owner of Bedrock Audio, and a consultant at House of Stereo in Jacksonville, Florida.

 

Before chasing the next upgrade, it’s worth asking a bigger question: is the speaker the problem, or is the room? We’ll discuss how room size, layout, acoustics, speaker design, listening levels, and bass management all shape what you actually hear.

Topics include:

• What’s a safe listening level?
• Should you think about the room or gear first?
• How room size and shape impact speaker choice room acoustics and common setup mistakes.
• Different speaker types and where they work best.
• Bass management, subwoofers, and avoiding bloat.

If you’re building your first serious system or trying to get more from the gear you already own, this episode is about making smarter choices for better sound. Tune in, and tune it up!

 

🔉🔉🔉🔉🔉

 

For more on guest Steve DeHarde of Bedrock Audio:

https://bedrock-audio.com

https://houseofstereo.com

 

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

 

 

 

Back in the Tap Room, on this episode of Pour One, Play One host Alex from Columbus, Jason A and Americana Sam are joined by special guest Chris from the YouTube channel Stylus Meets Vinyl for an engaging conversation that blends great music, vinyl records, and a favorite beverage.

As always, each participant brings a carefully selected beverage and vinyl pairing, creating a laid-back discussion filled with music appreciation, collecting insights, and plenty of laughs. If you're a longtime vinyl enthusiast, a casual collector, or simply a fan of discovering new music, this episode offers a fun look into the records, artists, and albums that continue to inspire passionate collectors.

Grab your favorite drink, drop the needle, and join us for another edition of Pour One, Play One. Cheers! 🍻🎶

 

Alex's Pairing: So by Peter Gabriel + Dank Charmer Terpene IPA from Columbus Brewing Company (Columbus, OH)

Jason's Pairing: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars by David Bowie + Intergalactic Mango Pale Ale from Trench Brewing (Prince George, British Columbia)

Americana Sam's Pairing: American Beauty by Grateful Dead + Heavenly Trip Juicy IPA from Devil's Backbone Brewing (Roseland, VA)

Chris' Pairing: George Thorogood and the Destroyers (Self Titled Debut) + Party Dad IPA by Nickel Brook Brewing (Ontario)

 

⤵️ ⤵️ ⤵️ ⤵️

 

For more on special guest Chris (Stylus Meets Vinyl):

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

 

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

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

https://beerandvinyl.com/

 

For more information on Americana Sam: 

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

IG: @americanasam94

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

 

 

Headed into ⏱ overtime here with these Surface Noise: BONUS TRAX! Inspired by a recent video editorial courtesy of VCP's own Americana Sam, the panel digs into the subsequent discussions in the Vinyl Community to ask a thought-provoking question: is there ever a "right time" to step away from creating content on YouTube? Sure, talking records is fun, but at what point does it feel like a bore? A chore? Or make you a whore to the algorithm? You might be surprised by some of the takes expressed. Do you think the "VC" has officially "jumped the shark"?

Thankfully the Bong Man, "Al Pacino" joins at the very end of the show to keep this from getting too heavy a deep dive. 🤲🏼

If you're a longtime creator, occasional contributor, or dedicated viewer, we'll explore the challenges, motivations, and realities of participating in the Vinyl Community and what keeps creators engaged—or encourages them to move on.

Only on these BONUS TRAX!

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

For more on guest Alex from Columbus (Beer & Vinyl), also the host of "Pour One, Play One" here on VCP:

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

https://beerandvinyl.com

 

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 Jason Roxas:

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

 

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

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

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

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.

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.

 

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

Another week, another Surface Noise: The Show of Record, Talking Records!

This time, we're diving into the latest vinyl record collecting news and current events (the Marley UHQR's have shipped - let's go!), including a firsthand recap of VinylCon New York from our panelists on the scene. What was the atmosphere like? How was attendance? What records were turning heads, and what trends are collectors talking about coming out of one of the hobby's most talked-about events?

Next, we tackle a topic that every collector has experienced at some point: retail headaches. Why are some record stores pricing used copies of recent releases at full MSRP? Should cosmetically damaged records receive automatic discounts? Where is the line between fair pricing and collector frustration? We'll share stories, opinions, and real-world examples from both sides of the record store counter. Then, inspired by recent discussions in the Vinyl Community, we ask a thought-provoking question:

If you're passionate about vinyl records, record collecting, record stores, music fandom, live concerts, audiophile culture, Discogs, crate digging, and the ever-evolving Vinyl Community, this episode is packed with discussion, debate, and plenty of opportunities to join the conversation.

 

This.

Is.

Surface Noise.

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

For more on guest Alex from Columbus (Beer & Vinyl), also the host of "Pour One, Play One" here on VCP:

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

https://beerandvinyl.com

 

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 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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

 

 

For our next trick on Surface Noise, these BONUS TRAX summon the "Vinyl Genie" 🧞‍♂️  

If you could be granted one wish related to music, vinyl records, collecting, reissues, concerts, your favorite artists, or the hobby itself, what would it be? Would you bring back a long out-of-print album, attend a legendary concert from the past, see a dream reissue finally become reality, or change something about the record collecting world altogether? We'll reveal our own wishes and explore the possibilities that collectors and music fans often dream about. 

Then, we dive into one of the more fascinating aspects of record collecting: the fine line between collector preferences and collector quirks. Why do some collectors obsess over cut-out notches, saw cuts, drill holes, promo stamps, corner dings, hype stickers, original shrink wrap, and other perceived flaws, while others barely give them a second thought? At what point does personal preference become collecting OCD, and why do these details matter so much to some collectors while remaining completely irrelevant to others?

Record collecting is filled with dreams, debates, preferences, and peculiarities—and we're diving into all of them. Let us know where you stand on these topics (and others) that keep the vinyl community talking!

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

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 David Bianco (Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion):

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

IG: @audio_excursion

 

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

 

 

 

Welcome to another episode of Surface Noise: The Show of Record, Talking Records as we dive into the latest happenings in the world of vinyl record collecting, music fandom, and the hobby we all love.

This week, we kick things off with the biggest current events in vinyl collecting, including industry news, record show calendars, new releases, and the stories collectors are talking about right now.

Then we tackle a question that many collectors have wrestled with: Is over-analysis taking the fun out of record collecting? From obsessing over matrix numbers and stampers to endless debates about pressings, mastering, and sound quality, has the hobby become too focused on perfection and not enough on enjoying the music? Next, we summon the Vinyl Genie. If granted you one wish related to records, music, collecting, reissues, concerts, artists, or the hobby itself, what would you choose?

Whether you're a seasoned vinyl enthusiast, casual record buyer, audiophile, crate digger, Discogs hunter, or music fan, this episode is packed with discussion, opinions, and plenty of opportunities to join the conversation. 

This.

Is.

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 David Bianco (Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion):

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

IG: @audio_excursion

 

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

Don't mind us, we're just the last of the vendors wheeling out of the Austin Record Convention finishing up with our patented BONUS TRAX. But before we get out of Austin, word around the campfire was our last Surface Noise show before the break may have not been received appropriately as it relates to our initial discussion on the looming fall "Vinyl Summit" in Salina, KS from the fine folks at Acoustic Sounds/Analogue Productions. We attempt to dispel the myths and motivations of why we said what we said, and continue to maintain our support for the endeavor.

After that housekeeping, we close the show sharing some of our Austin pickups and other latest finds, so you may need a cold one to tame down the HEAT we present - it's the good/good. 

VIP status - revoked - it comes with the territory...now cuddle up to these BONUS TRAX to make your record collecting world just a little brighter!

 

Feast your eyes on all the information about the "Vinyl Summit" here:

https://www.vinylsummit.com

 

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

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, aka Al Pacino):

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

 

Welcome back to Surface Noise — The Show of Record, Talking Records!

This week, we're diving into more topics every vinyl record collector should have an opinion on. First, we break down the latest Current Events in the world of vinyl record collecting, including industry news, market trends, pressing plant updates, record store developments, and the stories that have collectors talking.

From there head deep into the Austin Record Convention with a full recap of one of the largest and most legendary record shows in the world, now in year 45! What were the biggest surprises? What records were changing hands? Were the crowds, prices, and inventory a sign of where the hobby is headed? We'll share our firsthand observations, favorite finds, and key takeaways from the event and answer the question on a lot of people's minds: why was Roxas selling some heaters out of his own personal collection?

Plus, new friend of the show "Al Pacino" joins towards the end of the proceedings to give his thoughts on the power hour. 

Whether you're hunting grails, crate digging at record shows, building your collection, or simply love talking about music, this episode is packed with insights, opinions, and plenty of vinyl-fueled conversation.

 

⏬⏬⏬⏬

 

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, aka Al Pacino):

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

 

For more information on the Spinz Vinyl App for IOS and taking your collecting game to the next level, get your free download here: 

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

 

Pour One, Play One has returned! Host Alex from Columbus (Beer & Vinyl) welcomes back Jason A and American Sam for another laid-back session of craft beer and vinyl conversation.

In this episode, the trio once again bring a carefully selected beer pairing alongside a vinyl record that matches the mood, flavor, energy, or story behind the pour. From tasting notes and music memories to album discussion and collector insight, the conversation blends the worlds of analog sound and craft brewing into one easygoing hangout for music lovers and beer enthusiasts alike.

Expect laughs, personal stories, recommendations for both your turntable and your fridge, and the kind of authentic chemistry that makes Pour One, Play One feel like sitting around the table with friends after a long day of digging through records.

What are YOU spinning and sipping right now?

 

Alex's Pairing: Scorpions - Lonesome Crow (1973) + Teutonic Distortion/German Style Pilsner, Noble Beast Brewing Company, OH)

Jason's Pairing: Wintersleep - Wishing Moon (2026) + Filthy Dirty IPA (Vancouver, BC)

Americana Sam's Pairing: John Denver - Rocky Mountain High (1972) + Full Nelson IPA (Blue Mountain Brewery, VA)

 

⤵️ ⤵️ ⤵️ ⤵️

 

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

 

 

Buddies! I'm back with another interview on Vinyl Community Podcasts, this time speaking with Richard Foos—the influential founder behind Rhino Entertainment and co-founder of Shout! Studios. Sometimes referred to as the "Godfather of Modern Reissues", the work from Richard's companies has been instrumental in the current "golden age" of vinyl, and have inspired reissue labels we know and love like Light in the Attic (LITA), Sundazed Music, and the folks in Salina, KS at Analogue Productions. 

In this reflective interview, Foos shares the incredible journey from opening the original Rhino Records store in Westwood, Los Angeles in 1973 to building one of the most influential reissue labels in music history. From preserving lost music and comedy albums to pioneering deluxe box sets, archival releases, and collector culture, Richard Foos helped shape how generations of music fans experience physical media. With Rhino, he set a standard for quality and bonus essays, lost tracks, features, etc. that music fans have enjoyed for decades. 

Topics include:

• The origins of his connection to music
• The early days of Rhino Records, the record store
• Building the reissue label and store through a couple "happy accidents"
• Legendary Rhino projects involving The Monkees, Ramones, James Brown and MORE!
• What goes into curating a reissue choice? from licensing to consumer desire to personal preferences
• Launching Shout! Factory and expanding into film and television preservation
• Why curation, community, and storytelling still matter
• What does he think of the "vinyl resurgence" of the past two decades?
• Moving away from the boardroom and into philanthropic projects like The Narrative Method and Volunteer Collective
• Did Dave Grohl "license" his name to when naming the Foo Fighters?

 

This conversation is essential listening for vinyl collectors, music historians, physical media enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the business and culture behind record collecting.

 

Often imitated, never duplicated, please join us for another fine interview courtesy of Vinyl Community Podcasts!

 

🦏 ⬇️ 🦏 ⬇️ 🦏 ⬇️ 🦏 ⬇️

 

For most on guest Richard Foos - Founder of Rhino Records, Shout! Factory, Radial Entertainment, etc. -

Rhino Records: https://www.rhino.com

IG: @rhino_records

Shout! Factory: https://www.shoutstudios.com

IG: @shout_studios

Radial Entertainment: https://www.radialentertainment.com

IG: @radialent

 

Philanthropic Initiatives:

Chair of The Narrative Method: https://www.thenarrativemethod.org

The Volunteer Collective: https://volunteer-collective.org

 

 

For more on host Concert Buddie:

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

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

 

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

 

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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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

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

 

 

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!

 

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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

 

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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