Vinyl Community Podcasts

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!  

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   . . . . 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 "Chad Fest" - The 40th Anniversary Celebration of Acoustic Sounds has landed. What do we think of the news, the pricing, and the vinyl fellowship in store direct from Salina, KS Oct 15-18th? From there the guys discuss an often misunderstood myth about vinyl - that everything on vinyl automatically sounds better....or warmer...or worth it. We dig into some of the real recipe for a good sounding record, regardless of the format it's released on, including the continued return of CD's (they are back, BAYBAY). Why do some other forms of physical media sound better to us (calling all cassette fans, 8-track collections, and even reel-to-reel enthusiasts) also outperform their vinyl counterparts? From vinyl trends, market shifts, pressing quality, record store culture, Discogs debates, audiophile upgrades, concert memories, rare finds, collecting strategies, and everything in between — no topic is off limits on SURFACE NOISE - the show that aims to inform, entertain, and even complain. Taste the rainbow!   ⏬⏬⏬⏬   For more on host Concert Buddie: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie https://concertbuddie.com IG: @concertbuddie   For more on Chris (Groove Seeker): https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker IG: @thegrooveseeker   For more on Jason Roxas: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonRoxas   For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts: https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com   . . . . 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  

Another Vinyl Community Podcasts first! Host Alex from Columbus (aka Beer & Vinyl) hosts a new monthly show discussing two of his favorite things: beer and...(wait for it....) vinyl. Joining him on this premiere episode are his co-hosts Americana Sam and Jason Arsenault. The theme of each show will have the boys share a distinct beverage selection along with an accompanying album, and why they chose them.  Questions not answered during this show -  - What is the show's actual name? - Why is "Over The Top" Jason's favorite movie? - Over under on minutes between laughs? We hope you enjoy this initial offering and future episodes, ONLY on Vinyl Community Podcasts!   ⤵️ ⤵️ ⤵️ ⤵️   For more on Alex from Columbus (Beer & Vinyl): https://www.youtube.com/@beerandvinyl   For more information on Americana Sam:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Americanasam1994 IG: @americanasam94   For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts: https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com    

From near mutiny, to unsettled opinions: this helping of BONUS TRAX following SURFACE NOISE centers on a spirited debate of the greatest concert films of all time. From "Stop Making Sense" to "Woodstock", our panel of music fans attempt to properly rank the most important and entertaining concerts put to film. From legendary performances to iconic live recordings, we break down which concert films truly belong on the Mount Rushmore of music cinema. Sure to agitate, possibly motivate (to watch them), listen and discover if we did these rankings justice! To close the proceedings, a discussion centered around a recent New York Times piece about the "30 Greatest Living American Songwriters" and their snub of the pride of Long Island, William Joel. Basically a disgrace, if you ask a few of the panelists. Perhaps you agree?  BONUS TRAX, for the win! Info on the NY Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/magazine/greatest-american-songwriters-alive.html   ⏬⏬⏬⏬   For more on host Concert Buddie: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie https://concertbuddie.com IG: @concertbuddie   For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency):  https://www.youtube.com/@fidelios_frequency IG: @fidelios_frequency   For more on Chris (Groove Seeker): https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker IG: @thegrooveseeker   For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong): https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com   For more on Jason Roxas: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonRoxas   For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts: https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com   . . . .   Don't forget to visit FOTS (friends of the show) Vinyl Storage Solutions for the BEST sleeves to protect your best records (and your worst). Save 10% using the code(s) below: VCP10  

What's really happening in the world of vinyl collecting right now—and where is it all headed? I On this episode of SURFACE NOISE, we kick things off with our weekly vinyl record collecting current events segment, breaking down the latest trends, news, and conversations shaping the hobby. From market shifts to collector behavior, we're covering what matters most to today's vinyl community.  Then we tackle a topic that doesn't get discussed enough in today's hobby: the disappearing "middle class" of record collecting. With so much attention focused on ultra-expensive grails, rare pressings, and social media “big score” culture—and on the opposite end, cheap heat and dollar-bin finds—what happened to the collectors in the middle? The ones with budget/fiscal discipline, simply upgrading pieces they already have, or just looking for the best sounding version of their favorite albums - for them?  Expect real talk, strong opinions, and insights from passionate collectors who live and breathe vinyl records. This 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 the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong): https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com   For more on Jason Roxas: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonRoxas     For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts: https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com . . . . . . .   Don't forget to visit FOTS (friends of the show) Vinyl Storage Solutions for the BEST sleeves to protect your best records (and your worst). Save 10% using the code(s) below: VCP10  

A few weeks removed from roaming the halls of listening rooms of AXPONA, David Bianco of Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion and Louie V from Vinyl Latte return with the newest installment of CHASING BETTER SOUND sharing their thoughts covering the systems, surprises, and sonic moments that truly stood out. This isn't just a surface-level “best of” recap — it's an honest conversation shaped by focused listening sessions, real-world impressions, and the ongoing pursuit of better sound. The guys dive into which rooms delivered the most engaging experiences, what gear actually lived up to the hype, and which highly anticipated systems failed to connect once the music started playing. Along the way, the discussion explores emerging trends across the high-end audio world, including the continued strength of vinyl playback, the rise of hybrid analog/digital systems, and how setup, room acoustics, and system synergy often matter more than raw price tags. From standout surprises to some questions from the live chat, this episode captures the energy, debate, and passion that make AXPONA one of the premier gatherings for music lovers and audio enthusiasts alike.   CHASING BETTER SOUND never stops. It only amplifies

On tap for this episode of Vinyl Community Podcasts, Beer & Vinyl host Alex (from Columbus) sits down with local record store owner Thomas Stanley of Stanley's Records for a conversation rooted in passion, purpose, and community. Thomas shares his journey into vinyl—how a deep love for records turned into opening his own shop—and what it really takes to build a record store in today's evolving collecting landscape. Beyond the store, Thomas has become a driving force in the Columbus vinyl scene, leading the charge in organizing record fairs that bring collectors, diggers, and music fans together under one roof. They also preview the upcoming May 16th record show at Ohio Brewing Company in Columbus, breaking down what attendees can expect (free parking, free admission, two rooms full of LP's, 45's, CD's, etc.), why these events matter more than ever, and how these shows continue to grow the local vinyl community in positive ways. If you are a seasoned collector or just getting started, this episode is a great look at the people putting in the work to keep vinyl culture thriving at the local level.

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

The conversation keeps spinning on SURFACE NOISE —the show of record, talking records. In this episode, the panel kicks things off with the latest current events in vinyl collecting, breaking down what's happening across the hobby right now—from record store chatter to the latest releases and headlines shaping collectors' conversations:   - A new ERC release of a reissue staple? - Miles Davis returns in Salina, Kansas? - And another musician has left this celestial plane (but had some baggage while they were amongst the living).   From there, we dig into a topic that might be too

After the mics cool down on SURFACE NOISE,  the conversation keeps spinning on BONUS TRAX —and this time, it's all about perspective. In this laid-back, off-the-cuff episode, the panel dives into a spirited round of Overrated, Underrated, or Properly Rated, taking a closer look at the careers of some of music's most talked-about figures. From legendary icons to polarizing hitmakers, we break down where these artists truly stand today—cutting through nostalgia, hype, and revisionist history to ask: are they getting too much credit, not enough, or just the right amount? Along the way, expect plenty of laughs, sharp takes, and a few surprising opinions that might challenge your own rankings. It's a fun, unfiltered extension of the SURFACE NOISE conversation—perfect for vinyl record collectors, music fans, and anyone who loves debating the legacy of the artists who shaped the soundtrack of our lives.

It's almost over - we promise! On this episode of SURFACE NOISE, we break down the full aftermath of Record Store Day 2026 — what time did we set the alarm for, and everything we witnessed in-store and in line on one of the biggest days in vinyl record collecting. Making history or rather HERstory, we are joined for the first time by Melinda Murphy to class up the joint, and we're talking real experiences from the ground: the hype, the surprises, the sellouts, and whether this year lived up to expectations. Did the drops deliver? Were the lines worth it? And what does it all say about the current state of the vinyl hobby? What titles were the winners, losers, or surprises of RSD26? What did our members of the panel pick up - or strike out on? And what were our take away impressions from this year's "Super Bowl" of vinyl record collecting?  Answers to those questions and so many more....coming a click away!

If you are still needing a taste of vinyl record collecting talk, we serve it up in spades for this portion of BONUS TRAX.

Get ready for the ULTIMATE Record Store Day 2026 preview on the next episode of SURFACE NOISE as we break down everything vinyl collectors need to know before Record Store Day hits on Saturday, April 18, 2026. We talk must-have RSD 2026 releases, collector strategy, hype titles, hidden gems, and which records could become the biggest stories of this year's event. Whether you're lining up at dawn, building your wish list, or deciding which exclusive vinyl releases are worth chasing, this episode is your guide to one of the biggest days in the record collecting calendar. After discussing some current events in the form of the official 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees list (it's a BIG list), we share which titles have been officially CANCELLED in advance of Record Store Day. The panel then discusses the most talked-about Record Store Day 2026 vinyl releases, what collectors should expect from local shops, and how to prepare for the rush, the competition, and the surprises that always come with Record Store Day. From major exclusive pressings to under-the-radar picks, SURFACE NOISE gives record collectors, Vinyl Community members, and music fans a sharp preview of RSD 2026 before the doors open. If you love vinyl records, record collecting, audiophile culture, exclusive releases, and record store culture, this is an episode you do not want to miss.

Is this the BEST time ever to collect vinyl… or are we just living through the most complicated era the hobby has ever seen? Fresh off the floor at the 2026 AXPONA North American Audio Expo, this episode features a panel discussion moderated by Jim Kaplan of Record Collector News— featuring Concert Buddie, Louie V (Vinyl Latte), and David Bianco (Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion) — as they tackle the state of vinyl record collecting in present times. From explosive growth and mainstream popularity to rising prices and reissue overload, this conversation pulls no punches. Is vinyl more accessible than ever, or is the barrier to entry quietly getting higher? Are collectors thriving in a golden age of availability, or drowning in a sea of variants, represses, and FOMO-driven buying? The panel dives into: The reality behind today's booming vinyl market Whether scarcity still matters in the age of endless reissues How apps, online marketplaces, and digital tools are reshaping crate digging Why Gen Z could hold the key to the future of the hobby Is Classic Rock now becoming the easiest to find genre? And tips, tactics, and best practices aimed at making your collecting better for using them! Ultimately, the panel doesn't give a simple yes-or-no answer—but instead paints a nuanced picture: this may be the most active era in vinyl history, but whether it's the “best” depends on what kind of collector you are.   ⏬⏬⏬⏬   For more on moderator Jim Kaplan of Record Collector News: https://recordcollectornews.com   For more on Concert Buddie: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie https://concertbuddie.com IG: @concertbuddie   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  

Continuing the conversation from SURFACE NOISE to these here BONUS TRAX, technology still lingers in the air. For the bonus morsel, the panel openly opines whether the "VC" (Vinyl Community on YouTube) is too crowded. With some many options and so little time, how do we consistently support each other in the vinyl battlefield of opinions, takes, and time stealing content? What caused this explosion of content creation? Are the motivations different than they were before the pandemic-inspired explosion of the hobby? Or is this simply the rest of social media catching up to a legacy hobby of vintage collecting goodness? Those questions answered (somewhat), only with these BONUS TRAX!   ⏬⏬⏬⏬   For more on host Concert Buddie: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie https://concertbuddie.com IG: @concertbuddie   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 Joel (Static ATX Records): https://staticatx.com https://www.youtube.com/@staticatx   For more on Jason (Spinz Vinyl) and his new app to take your Discogs experience next level: https://www.youtube.com/@spinzvinyl?sub_confirmation=1 IG: https://www.instagram.com/spinz.vinyl https://apps.apple.com/us/app/spinz-vinyl-record-scanner/id6758249212   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: CONCERTBUDDIE      

Get ready for a thought-provoking new episode of SURFACE NOISE as we dive into one of the biggest questions facing vinyl collectors today: is the future of analog… digital? Kicking it off with the latest current events in the world of music and vinyl, we touch on: (1) The passing of a hip hop legend (2) VinylCon expands to NYC (Brooklyn) (3) Coachella takes place this weekend....is it any good? (4) Megadeth FINALLY reissues two of their fan favorite classics on vinyl in Countdown to Extinction and Youthanasia (5) Axpona takes place this weekend, with a few familiar faces talking records #cheapplug   After breaking down the latest headlines and weekly current events shaping the vinyl record collecting landscape, we turn our focus to the rapidly evolving intersection of technology and crate digging. Are record fairs and local shops still king—or are apps and online platforms becoming the new frontier for scoring rare and valuable finds? In this episode, we explore emerging tools that could redefine the hobby we spotlight the new Spinz app, developed by our own SN alumnus Jason “Spinz Vinyl” Elwood to discuss how it's designed to enhance the record collecting experience—from discovery to cataloging and beyond. Also joining the dais this 'sode is Joel from Static ATX Records to give his point of view as a record store owner/operator on the importance of function and user interface when it comes to selling your wares through those platforms. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, this episode tackles where the hobby is headed, what tools you should have on your radar, and how digital platforms might shape the next generation of vinyl culture.

Get ready for an exciting deep dive into one of alternative rock's most beloved cult bands as Concert Buddie returns to Vinyl Community Podcasts with a must-hear interview featuring Joie Calio of Dada. In this episode, we explore the long-awaited vinyl debut of "El Subliminoso", the band's third studio album, arriving for the very first time on wax as part of Record Store Day 2026. Following the overwhelming response to last year's reissue of "Puzzle", collectors and fans alike are asking the big question: will vinyl lightning strike twice? Joie shares his thoughts on the reception to "Puzzle" being one of the most sought after releases of RSD 2025 - driving the aftermarket frenzied with demand - and whether that success propelled this album towards this year's starting gate. Get behind-the-scenes stories about the making of "El Subliminoso", the importance of seeing the work get released on the format he loves, and what this effort means to both longtime fans and a new generation of record collectors. We also dig into what Joie plans on doing this time around on RSD26 (cookies, part deux?), the evolving culture of Record Store Day, and whether this highly anticipated and it's smaller print of pressings (possibly topping out at 1500) can satisfy the ever-hungry vinyl community. Whether you're a dedicated collector, a fan of 90s alternative rock, or someone chasing the thrill of Record Store Day exclusives, this conversation delivers insight, nostalgia, and plenty of collector-focused perspective.   Topics include: The history and legacy of "El Subliminoso" Why this album is finally getting a vinyl release Reflections on the success of "Puzzle" for Record Store Day The current state of vinyl collecting and demand Tips and expectations for Record Store Day 2026 Keep your eyes and earholes ready for more interviews, vinyl news, and collector insights from Concert Buddie and Vinyl Community Podcasts!

After another triumphant turn around the turntable, the crew from SURFACE NOISE still had a few clips in the chamber in the form of BONUS TRAX. For this extra session, this band of vinyl junkies shared some thoughts they had in the form of Vinyl Inventions: what tools, tech, or ideas could make vinyl collecting even better? From innovative storage solutions to next-gen cleaning systems—and even a few wild concepts—we imagine what the future of the hobby could look like (including devices inspired by nail polish - thank John Bong for this one).

Welcome back our fellow seasoned audiophiles! Get ready for another must-listen episode of SURFACE NOISE, the podcast where the vinyl community dives deep into the trends, habits, and future of record collecting. First the panel jumps into the latest current events making waves in the world of vinyl record collecting, including some reissue announcements sure to make us say "hmmm"....including a new MoFi One-Step of Television's debut albut Marquee Moon, the Vinylphyle series continues with a classic 90's album from the Cranberries - Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We - and Rhino HiFi with not one but two new titles - Uncle Tupelo's Anodyne and a live recording from the J. Geils Band called "Live - Full House". Raise your hand out there if you are itching for these fresh reissues! Next, we tap into the collector mindset with a deep discussion on why vinyl collectors upgrade what they already own. From chasing better pressings and audiophile reissues to investing in higher-end turntables, cartridges, and speakers, what drives the constant pursuit of “better”? Is it about sound quality, collectibility, or something deeper within the hobby? Is "Frankenstein-ing" to complete the pieces of a complete album a form of OCD or archival restoration? You decide, only on the latest 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 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 immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong): https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com   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: CONCERTBUDDIE  

For his next audio excursion join David Bianco from the Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion YouTube channel as he sits down with Bryan Ekus of the Vinyl Record Manufacturing Association and President of Making Vinyl (links below) to explore what really happens behind the scenes in vinyl record manufacturing. From pressing plant capacity and production timelines to supply chain challenges and quality control, this conversation breaks down the key factors shaping today's vinyl boom. Bryan shares insider insight into how manufacturers are adapting to rising demand, what causes delays, and what collectors, artists, and labels should understand about the production process. Whether you're deep into vinyl collecting or just curious how records are made, this episode offers a clear and informative look inside the industry. Hear all about it, here on Vinyl Community Podcasts!   For more on Bryan Erkus and the Vinyl Record Manufacturers Association: https://www.vrmagroup.com https://makingvinyl.com   For more on David Bianco (Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion): https://www.youtube.com/@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion IG: @audio_excursion   For more on Vinyl Community Podcasts: https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com  

Back for another round on Vinyl Community Podcasts, Alex from Beer & Vinyl returns to share his love of music on our airwaves. In this episode, Alex sits down with Frank Secich and Jim Kendzor of the legendary power pop band Blue Ash to discuss their latest release, Dinner at Mr. Billy's. The conversation dives into the origins of the project, how the material came together, and what fans can expect from this long-awaited addition to the band's catalog. Frank and Jim reflect on the band's enduring legacy while sharing behind-the-scenes stories about revisiting recordings, preserving the original spirit of Blue Ash, and bringing previously unheard material to life. They also explore the importance of archival releases for longtime fans and vinyl collectors, offering insight into how this new release connects past and present. Whether you're a dedicated power pop enthusiast, a longtime Blue Ash fan, or a vinyl collector always on the hunt for meaningful reissues, this episode delivers a candid and nostalgic look at a band continuing to make an impact decades later. Empty your glass of power pop goodness with Alex only on Vinyl Community Podcasts!   For more on Blue Ash and to get a copy of "Dinner at Mr.Billy's": https://peppermintrecords.bandcamp.com/album/dinner-at-mr-billys https://gethip.com/?s=blue+ash&post_type=product   For more on host Alex (Beer & Vinyl): https://www.youtube.com/@beerandvinyl https://beerandvinyl.com   For more on Vinyl Community Podcasts: https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com    

Welcome back to Chasing Better Sound, where we break down the art and science of great audio for real-world music lovers. In this episode, we're starting with the basics. Whether you're new to building the system of your dreams, or looking to rethink your upgrade path, we cover the core fundamentals that actually improve sound quality at home. From smart gear decisions to setup priorities and upgrade philosophy, this is your foundation for building a better system without wasting money. This episode focuses on terminologies and words that help to better understand how we all chase better sound. Hosted by Vinyl Community members David Bianco of Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion and Louie V from Vinyl Latte, the show explores the art and science of better sound for real-world music fans. If you love music and want practical insight into improving your listening experience at home, join us for future installments of Chasing Better Sound or fore even further exploration subscribe to Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion and Vinyl Latte and join the journey toward getting the best possible sound from the music you love! Plus, you can take the show with you exclusively on Vinyl Community Podcasts

After a word from yet another prospective new sponsor on SURFACE NOISE, the first topic on BONUS TRAX might just aggrevate or agitate some in the Vinyl Community: Is Discogs the center of the vinyl universe? From pricing records and cataloging collections to buying and selling worldwide, Discogs has become a powerful force—but is it too influential? We break down its role, impact, and whether collectors rely on it more than they should. The dais then jumps into what exactly is "Gripsweat" and can it be another valuable tool in your tool belt as you continue building the record collection of your dreams. Or is this another example of fun name, nothing more? Revealing these vinyl secrets, tricks, and tactics is what we do! Your vinyl resting place should be these BONUS TRAX. Are you made for this?   To learn more about the website "Gripsweat", click the link below: https://gripsweat.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 . . . . .   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    

Get ready for another deep-dive episode of SURFACE NOISE —your go-to destination for real talk in the vinyl record collecting community. This week's show kicks off with a look at the latest current events shaping the vinyl landscape, from a report about $1B in US Vinyl Sales last year, to the latest Vinylphyle release, we talk about the latest & greatest news in vinyl record collecting. We then jump into one of the most debated topics in the hobby: Collectors vs. Music Fans — is there really a difference? Are vinyl collectors chasing rarity, value, and completionism, while music fans focus purely on the listening experience? Or is the line more blurred than ever in today's resurgence of physical media? Expect thoughtful takes, honest opinions, and perspectives from across the community. If you're passionate about vinyl records, record collecting culture, and the evolving music marketplace, this episode is packed with insight, debate, and plenty of “Surface Noise” moments. 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 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 . . . . .   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

Step back inside the world of rare records and serious collecting as Vinyl Community Podcasts presents a special interview hosted by Concert Buddie with one of the most respected names in vinyl record dealing—Craig Moerer, founder and owner of Records By Mail. In this episode, Craig shares the fascinating story behind building one of the most trusted destinations for rare and hard to find vinyl. From the early days of mail-order record dealing to operating a global online marketplace for collectors based from his website and every platform record collectors persue (eBay, Discogs, Amazon, etc.), Craig offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the rare record business really works. For decades, Records By Mail has been a global destination for rare vinyl records, collectible LPs, 45s, and music memorabilia. Craig shares the story of how he built one of the most trusted rare record businesses in the world and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the rare vinyl marketplace. In this episode we discuss:

This BONUS TRAX episode sets the hobby back decades (not really). We kick off the extra session with a little collector honesty in “Did I Really Buy That?”—a segment where we confess to the vinyl purchases we probably didn't need… but bought anyway. Impulse buys, questionable upgrades, strange finds, and those records that somehow made it into the collection. No regrets… well, maybe a few. A brief detour to some talk about liquid-filled vinyl and should they be slabbed serves as an ominous interlude before an unexpected power outage drives the dais into rapid fire music talk mode by showing as many records as they can while the power resumes at the Concert Buddie compound. Sprinkle some music-inspired literary and cinematic takes, and we land this BONUS TRAX plane right before it implodes.  If you're passionate about vinyl records, record collecting, Discogs, crate digging, and the culture surrounding physical media, this episode of SURFACE NOISE delivers the lively discussion and collector perspectives the Vinyl Community loves.   ⏬⏬⏬⏬   For more on host Concert Buddie: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie https://concertbuddie.com IG: @concertbuddie   For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency):  https://www.youtube.com/@fidelios_frequency IG: @fidelios_frequency   For more on Chris (Groove Seeker): https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker IG: @thegrooveseeker   For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong): https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com   For more on returning guest Jeff Paris (Vinyl Record Info): https://www.youtube.com/@vinylrecordinfo   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

What's happening right now in the world of vinyl collecting—and what should collectors be paying attention to? On this episode of SURFACE NOISE, the panel dives into the latest current events shaping the vinyl record hobby including: (1) The "Kick" of a surprise Rhino Hi-Fi announcement? (2) Vinyl market (new) growing by close to $1 billion dollars by 2029? These are just some of the current events we tackle on this edition! Then we flip the script with “Try This Instead of That.” Tired of chasing the same expensive pressings everyone else is after? What about other ways to hear the same great music we love? The crew shares creative alternatives, overlooked records, and unconventional collecting strategies that can satisfy your vinyl appetite without always following the crowd. Whether it's exploring different pressings, diving into unexpected genres, or rethinking how you build your collection, you might walk away with a few new ideas for your next record hunt. If you're passionate about vinyl records, record collecting, Discogs, crate digging, and the culture surrounding physical media, this episode of SURFACE NOISE delivers the lively discussion and collector perspectives the Vinyl Community loves. Only on Vinyl Community Podcasts.    ⏬⏬⏬⏬   For more on host Concert Buddie: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie https://concertbuddie.com IG: @concertbuddie   For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency):  https://www.youtube.com/@fidelios_frequency IG: @fidelios_frequency   For more on Chris (Groove Seeker): https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker IG: @thegrooveseeker   For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong): https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com   For more on returning guest Jeff Paris (Vinyl Record Info): https://www.youtube.com/@vinylrecordinfo   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

Welcome! Chasing Better Sound is a new show for music lovers who want to get the most out of their listening experience—no matter their room, system, or budget. Hosted by Vinyl Community members David Bianco of Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion and Louie V. from Vinyl Latte, the show explores the art and science of better sound for real-world music fans. Each episode will dive into the topics that matter most to anyone building or improving a hi-fi system: speakers, turntables, amplifiers, room acoustics, streaming, vinyl, and practical setup tips that can dramatically improve how your music sounds. Whether you're just starting your audio journey or you're a seasoned audiophile, Chasing Better Sound focuses on smart upgrades, thoughtful system matching, and simple adjustments that unlock more detail, clarity, and emotion from your favorite records and playlists. Joined in this inaugural debut episode by VCP founder Concert Buddie, this kicks things off with David and Louie sharing their personal journeys in the pursuit of great sound—how they first fell in love with music, the gear that shaped their listening experiences, some lessons learned along the way, and a few upgrades that truly made a difference. They'll also walk through their current audio setups, explaining the components they use today and why those systems work for their rooms, preferences, and budgets. Blending passionate music discussion with real-world audio experience, honest opinions, and practical advice, Chasing Better Sound is about helping listeners discover how to make their own systems sound better—without chasing hype or breaking the bank. If you love music and want practical insight into improving your listening experience at home, subscribe to Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion and Vinyl Latte on YouTube and join the journey toward getting the best possible sound from the music you love. As always, you can take the show with you exclusively on Vinyl Community Podcasts

The BONUS TRAX came in hot this week with an update from a shipping fiasco with Rhino Hi-Fi (tears may have been shed). What follows came an impromptu Beatles discussion that caught many off guard. Bong launches his patented verbal bows and arrows into the new Paul McCartney: Man on the Run documentary, which opens the floodgates to all kinds of feelings on the Liverpool Four.  Following those spicy takes, the guys discuss the role social media plays in the artificial (or real) hype train(s) that have our wallets sometimes begging for mercy. It is deliberate? Calculated? Dumb luck? Or simply over saturation we create in our own feeds trying to chase down more elusive vinyl prizes?  Only way to win is to play, right? Learn more vinyl record goodness, only on Vinyl Community Podcasts in the form of these BONUS TRAX!   ⏬⏬⏬⏬   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 David Bianco (Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion): https://www.youtube.com/@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion IG: @audio_excursion   For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong): https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com   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

Get ready for another deep-dive vinyl discussion on the next SURFACE NOISE — where record collecting culture meets real-time current events.

Discogs has become the backbone of modern record collecting — a sprawling, user-built archive that powers buying, selling, cataloging, and pricing across the globe. But with that influence comes responsibility… and controversy.  For the glorious BONUS TRAX following the latest podcast episode of SURFACE NOISE, the conversation turns to one of the most debated topics in the vinyl collecting world: Should record collectors contribute to the Discogs global database? We break down the pros and cons of adding entries, editing submissions, and becoming an active database contributor. Leading to a bigger question: is contributing to Discogs a community service? A civic duty of collecting? Or is it unpaid labor that benefits sellers more than archivists? Whether you're a power contributor with hundreds of submissions or a collector who has never touched the “Add Release” button, this episode explores the ethical, practical, and philosophical sides of maintaining the world's largest music database. Closing the show out, Jason Roxas shares his experiences at the debut offering of Vinyl Con: Atlanta and whether this series of regional record shows is worth the squeeze. Drop the needle, these BONUS TRAX are worth their weight in vinyl gold!   ⏬⏬⏬⏬   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 David Bianco (Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion): https://www.youtube.com/@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion IG: @audio_excursion   For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong): https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com   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: CONCERTBUDDIE  

Thinking about buying rare vinyl online? Before you click “Buy,” listen to this episode of SURFACE NOISE — the podcast for new and serious record collectors alike. We start the show diving into some current events in the world of record collector sure to inspire you to perspire, including: (1) Another MoFi Release Misses the Mark (2) ERC Announces a Reissue That Asks "What is True Mono"? (3) Which Record Distributor is Now Slabbing Records For Sale? (4) The 2026 Rock N Roll HOF Noms: What They Got Right, and What They Didn't.   After some spirited debate

Rhyming, feeling, and audiophile healing - what else do you expect from the latest BONUS TRAX following the latest episode of SURFACE NOISE?  The panel jumps into some of the biggest myths flooding the zone of our beloved hobby - marketing jargon, catchphrases, and tools used to convert purchases of collectors from all ends of the record collecting formation. Do we mention any that come to mind for you? Not too long after, our not-so seasoned audiophiles share what they've been listening to this past week, from jazz to experimental to whatever it is John Bong picked up this week. It's a pu pu platter of vinyl tastes! We also may be breaking some news who is playing the title role of a proposed Marvin Gaye biopic. (*Allegedly) All this, and so much more nonsense, courtesy of these BONUS TRAX!   ⏬⏬⏬⏬   For more on host Concert Buddie: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie https://concertbuddie.com IG: @concertbuddie   For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency):  https://www.youtube.com/@fidelios_frequency IG: @fidelios_frequency   For more on Chris (Groove Seeker): https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker IG: @thegrooveseeker   For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong): https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com   Returning to the madness is friend of the show Adam from The Freight: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFreightOfficial https://thefreight.bandcamp.com/album/tales-of-maybe IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_freight_official     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: CONCERTBUDDIE

It's those guys again...SURFACE NOISE is back in the building! This latest trip around the turntable begins with a recap of some current events in our world of vinyl record collecting: (1) The latest 'Vinylphyle' titles are officially announced. What are they? (2) More drip from the "Pittsburgh George" collection on Discogs beginning tomorrow, February 20th. (3) A new IVC (Interscope Vinyl Collective) release was announced. Will you "Stay" for it? (4) A new Duran Duran reissue excites the masses. Hear about it!   From there, the panel discusses our main meat of the show: what would you do if you had to start your vinyl record collection from scratch? We break down the smartest ways to rebuild a vinyl collection from the beginning in today's record market, including a discussion on how new/returning collectors should choose their first records, whether to buy original pressings or modern reissues, how to avoid overpriced vinyl, and the best strategy for building a meaningful record collection without wasting money. From essential starter albums and collecting priorities to budget-friendly crate digging tips, this episode is packed with practical advice for both beginners and experienced collectors who want to rethink their approach. If you're new to vinyl collecting, upgrading your setup, or wondering what truly belongs in a core record collection, this conversation will help you build smarter, buy better, and focus on the music that matters. It's the show that aims to inform, entertain, and sometimes complain.  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 the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong): https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com   Returning to the madness is friend of the show Adam from The Freight: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFreightOfficial https://thefreight.bandcamp.com/album/tales-of-maybe IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_freight_official     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: CONCERTBUDDIE  

Rounding out the latest episode of SURFACE NOISE, these BONUS TRAX focus on another matter of vinyl record finance: when is it ok to over pay for a record? What does it mean to over pay? Who drives the ultimate cost between you bringing your next record home or it staying where you found it.  Plus, you won't hear a man happier about the Ween reissue announcement than John Bong. The passion is intoxicating. Drink it up, only with these BONUS TRAX!   ⏬⏬⏬⏬   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 immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong): https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com   Joining the First Timer Club is records store owner Joel of Static ATX Records: https://staticatx.com https://www.youtube.com/@staticatx IG: @staticatxrecords   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: CONCERTBUDDIE

The show of record, talking records - SURFACE NOISE - is back to discuss whether vinyl record collecting is becoming too expensive for new collectors.

For the latest second helping of SURFACE NOISE, this episode of BONUS TRAX is going to hit a nerve (for some).  When it comes to collecting vinyl records, where is the line drawn between "collecting" versus "accumulating"? Are you actually listening to what you are bringing into your collection, or merely creating your own archive of music on wax? Are you buying with intention, or simply buying everything you see? And when does a "good deal" collide with a "completionist" approach? Lots of opinions on this one. What is yours? Judge away, after listening to these BONUS TRAX!   ⏬⏬⏬⏬   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 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   Joining the First Timer Club is chat regular "Dr. Johnny Fever":  IG: https://www.instagram.com/johnlillphotography   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: CONCERTBUDDIE

The show of record, talking records - SURFACE NOISE - gets deep into the freshly minted Record Store Day 2026 list sharing our first impressions of this annual record collector holiday.  Our selective vinyl connoisseurs dissect the titles that stuck out - the good, the bad, and the ugly - including some "items" that had us scratching our heads at their inclusion. Hello Kitty fans...get ready. Which releases are you (or aren't you) lining up for in April??? There may be new faces to compete for space at your local independent stores. Don't say we didn't warn you! 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 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 on Chris (Groove Seeker): https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker IG: @thegrooveseeker   Joining the First Timer Club is chat regular "Dr. Johnny Fever":  IG: https://www.instagram.com/johnlillphotography   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: CONCERTBUDDIE    

It's coming....like another Neil Diamond tribute band. It's BONUS TRAX, from the latest episode of SURFACE NOISE. And a fan favorite is back by request: Cheap Heat!. To those out there saying vinyl record collecting is too expensive, we scour the discount bins on the floors of our local vinyl record stores to share some records that can still be found in the wild that won't break your budget. Beware: there will be a lot of titles from "The Incredible String Band" on full frontal display (and it's not from who you would think). BONUS TRAX, front and center - NOWWWW!!!!   ⏬⏬⏬⏬   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 immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong): https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com   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: CONCERTBUDDIE  

Ever feel that little sting

From one segue to those that need a segway, on BONUS TRAX following the latest episode of SURFACE NOISE, this band of vinylists dive into some popular online sellers on popular selling platforms that have great (and sometimes not so great) reputations. Are some better than others, and why? The crew also discusses shrinkage/theft and share a couple particular cases where the risk didn't outweigh the reward. Didn't these fools mamas not raise them right? Another happy ending, courtesy of these BONUS TRAX. Get a taste.   ⏬⏬⏬⏬   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 immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong): https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com   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: CONCERTBUDDIE

Before you spin that next black circle, let SURFACE NOISE inform, entertain, and complain! For this latest rendition of the program, we go through some current events including updated release dates from Acoustic Sounds on some long awaited Bob Marley titles and a new Beach Boys boxset highly coveted by their fan base (and already sold out on their webstore). Add in a couple other new releases out this weekend, and consider the "inform" box checked! ✅ The panel then delves into a conversation about whether record collectors today are too critical - expectations in quality, value, and sound just scratch the surface (pun not intentional). Does a critique often become misconstrued as being critical? And should we always be critical in evaluating what we are bringing into our collections, and why we collect? So many questions! Grab the oven mitt,

Much more cookin' in the kitchen of SURFACE NOISE with this extra helping of BONUS TRAX to digest!

We back! If you know, you know. The show of record, talking records - SURFACE NOISE - is looking at the potential future of our own record collecting journeys. After we hit on some current events in the hobby: Bob Weir's passing (RIP)

The tap is back on at Vinyl Community Podcasts as Alex (Beer & Vinyl) returns to the airwaves with an insightful chat with the founder/owner of Colemine Records Terry Cole.  Coleman Records was founded in late 2007 by Terry and Louis Rideout as a way to release music they loved, starting with an album from their own band and evolved into a significant independent soul and funk label, later expanding with his brother Bob in the form of the independent shop Plaid Room Records in Loveland, OH in 2015.   Colemine has released amazing vinyl contemporary soul, funk, and indie pop from arists like Durand Jones & The Indications, Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, Monophonics, as well as artists like Neal Francis and Kendra Morris.   This conversation focuses on about the economics of running a label like Colemine, the impact of streaming on the business, the importance of physical media to what they do, and MORE! Empty that glass and pour another, and don't forget to tip the bartender - only on Vinyl Community Podcasts!   For more information on host Alex (Beer & Vinyl): https://www.youtube.com/@beerandvinyl IG: alexdudek1   For more on Terry Cole + Colemine Records & Plaid Room Records: https://www.coleminerecords.com https://www.plaidroomrecords.com   IG: https://www.instagram.com/coleminerecords       https://www.instagram.com/plaidroomrecords     For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts: https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

If your New Year's resolution was to listen to more Surface Noise, we've got your hookup with the latest BONUS TRAX! Hear our adventurous vinylists discuss a few vinyl-related gifts they each received over the holidays, then they discuss a new app called Vinyl Snap. What is Vinyl Snap? Check in on the next episode as only Arnaldo did the homework (during a trial period).    The show concludes with a few vinyl surprises, including a famous rapper and his new album being advertised as "limited" and a "one of one", but we put on our detective hats to research those claims, and a brief discussion of yet another variant of a recent "Wish You Were Here" Pink Floyd anniversary reissue. If you like it loud and with some interruptions to your listening experience, then we have the copy for you!   That and more vinyl madness only found from the Surface Noise Crew here in BONUS TRAX!   ⏬⏬⏬⏬   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 David Bianco (Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion): https://www.youtube.com/@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion Please join David every Monday on his YouTube channel for "The Audio Quest", a livestream discussing the latest news in gear, releases, and topics keen to the auditorily inclined.    For more on Chris (Groove Seeker): https://www.instagram.com/thegrooveseeker IG: @thegrooveseeker   For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong): https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com   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: CONCERTBUDDIE

Welcome back to the show of record, talking records - Surface Noise! And we are ready to bring you more vinyl record talk than you can fit in your record room! For the first show of 2026, the panel jumps into some current events in the wacky world including another box set fiasco, a pulse from Vinyl Me, Please, and the Rhino Start Your Ear Off Right (SYEOR) reissue releases are out now in January (and who ordered any). From there we share some of the key record shows on our radar for 2026. Will we see you at any? Austin? Vinyl Con(s)? Chicago? The Surface Noise crew is excited to explore new record shows for 2026, and hope to see our fellow vinylists all across the globe! Add in a few John Bong F bombs, and we are off to the races! 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 Jason Roxas: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonRoxas   For more on David Bianco (Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion): https://www.youtube.com/@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion Please join David every Monday on his YouTube channel for "The Audio Quest", a livestream discussing the latest news in gear, releases, and topics keen to the auditorily inclined.    For more on Chris (Groove Seeker): https://www.instagram.com/thegrooveseeker IG: @thegrooveseeker   For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong): https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com   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: CONCERTBUDDIE

Happy New Year, fellow vinylists! Back with another contribution to Vinyl Community Podcasts, host David Bianco of the YouTube channel Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion shares an interview conducted with the venerable mastering and audio engineer Kevin Gray.  Kevin has mastered music for every major label in every genre, including pop, rock, jazz, classical, adult contemporary, alternative, punk, heavy metal, contemporary Christian, new age, gothic, world ethnic, disco, dance, soul, blues, and hip-hop / rap. In addition, Kevin has to his credit more than a hundred top ten and Grammy award winning records, and dozens of RIAA certified gold and platinum albums and singles. In this interview he shares integral parts of his journey to becoming a premier audio mastering engineer, beginning way back at the age of eighteen to the present day with the business he operates, Cohearent Audio. You'll hear about mentors in Kevin's career along the way, the importance of plating in the record production process, his thoughts on half-speed mastering and lacquer availability, and additional insights into the full chain process of bringing a recording to life on the vinyl format. Sit back and adjust those audio devices to their preferred settings, your tray tables upward, and relax as David is proud to bring another Audio Excursion to the Vinyl Community here on Vinyl Community Podcasts!   For more on David Bianco (Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion): https://www.youtube.com/@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion Please join David every Monday on his YouTube channel for "The Audio Quest", a livestream discussing the latest news in gear, releases, and topics keen to the auditorily inclined. 

As we close 2025 here on Vinyl Community Podcasts, the last BONUS TRAX segment of the year features a spirited debate amongst the SURFACE NOISE crew about the greatest (and worst) Christmas/Holiday songs in existence. Dishes were smashed. Names were called. And we find Arnaldo is not a fan of Saint Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime"....like the opposite of big fan. Like hates it, hates it.