Summer is here, but it's never too hot for another dose of CHEAP HEAT! On the latest FREESTYLE following SURFACE NOISE, our panel shares another round of great vinyl at great prices (all under $20-ish). Patterns emerge, favorites climb, and a few classics take shots from our gallery. 🎯 We close this latest freebie with sharing some recent pickups, including some rarities that raise eyebrows. Beauty school dropouts, stay far away. This is the latest FREESTYLE, taking aim at your earholes NOWWWWW...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 283
Legend. Icon. G.O.A.T. 👑 These terms are brandied about very freely in today's culture, but does everyone deserve it when this accolade comes their way? What exactly warrants "Legend" status? What makes an "Icon"? Not everyone can be the "G.O.A.T", can they? On the latest episode of SURFACE NOISE, our panel opens up the lid on this topic, first explaining what they feel constitutes such hefty titles. After setting the table, they open up the bag to share their own picks for these lofty labels o...
Jun 27, 2025•59 min•Ep. 282
For this latest trip around the turntable, Sam St. John (aka Americana Sam) had the great fortune of sitting down with legendary singer, songwriter and PLATINUM selling artist Tommy James. In this chat, they discuss his long historic career with Tommy James and the Shondells and iconic hits like "Mony, Mony", "Crimson and Clover", and "I Think We're Alone Now"; songs that have been covered from other legendary artists ranging from Billy Idol, Prince, Dolly Parton, and even Tiffany. Besides regul...
Jun 18, 2025•30 min•Ep. 281
Roll over Beethoven, and tell Tchaikovsky that SURFACE NOISE has a FREESTYLE to share with the masses! For this separate stanza, our crew of dedicated sound merchants is still joined by Adam Tiro from The Freight to discuss "Vinyl Myths" - notions (preconceived or other) we have held about record collecting and the hobby in general that have yet to bear the fruit we expected. 🍒 The immortal John Bong arrives just in time to share his love of the Boston Red Sox and sex toys at Spencer’s Gifts be...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 280
Join us for the latest in vinyl vernacular courtesy of SURFACE NOISE with something different. For this trip around the turntable we are joined by Adam Tiro of The Freight discussing the release of their new album "Tales of Maybe" - out now (links below). 🔗 An avid record collector himself, Adam shares his music journey, formation of this band (a two-time nominee for Rock Act of The Year for the New England Music Awards), the writing and recording of the album, and the decision-making they unde...
Jun 13, 2025•58 min•Ep. 279
For this 'sode on Vinyl Community Podcasts, we have a SURFACE NOISE mash-up consisting of our vinyl enthusiasts discussing their take(s) on the greatest cover songs of all time - some more obvious than others - before launching into the full-on FREESTYLE discussing the latest additions to the shelves and turntables of their personal collections. Only on the latest FREESTYLE courtesy of SURFACE NOISE! 👇 👇 👇 👇 👇 For more on Concert Buddie: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie https://concer...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 278
Just when you think you have all the answers, SURFACE NOISE changes the questions! Join our squad of vinyl connoisseurs as we discuss the 11th hour news of a VMP lifeline - what do we know, what does it mean for open orders, and what do we feel are the biggest things to avoid for this next incarnation? Plus, why is our resident international phenomenon "John Bong" ordering a coffee delivery during the show while smoldering in the 100+ degree heat? The answer may surprise you. Remember, if it's v...
Jun 06, 2025•55 min•Ep. 277
BOGO this week only on SURFACE NOISE! For your freebie, here is the latest FREESTYLE! 🤯 The dais briefly hits on Discogs having their own YouTube channel (who knew?) and all that entails, before launching into a blitzkrieg of other physical music formats, sponsored by the immortal John Bong himself. 🚭 Hear why cassettes never really went away (for independent musicians), and why other formats (mini-discs, anyone?) still have the fervent supporters, even inside the walls of the SURFACE NOISE co...
Jun 02, 2025•54 min•Ep. 276
The show of record on collecting records had a power-packed show lined up, but as fate would have it, The Beatles had other ideas (thanks Ringo). We kick off SURFACE NOISE talking about the sudden announcement of the Beatles + Mono boxset repress coming in a few weeks: who is picking it up, why repress this again (first since 2014), and what will these mean for those who already have the 2014 version and will likely see their value plummet. Then, as the Surface Noise Boys begins summer hours, ou...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 275
It's the show in the know about the music format that costs some dough - SURFACE NOISE! Getting ready for a long holiday weekend in the US, our panelists are sharing their "lookout" records - records that they'd ask other collectors in their orbit to look for in their travels to records shows and stores near, far, and anywhere they can't get to themselves. Are they only grails? Are they expensive? Find out! Then the discussion turns to markdowns - are we already in "markdown season" of stores an...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 274
The extras aren't extra here on SURFACE NOISE - case in point, the latest FREESTYLE following the podcast proper. Still filling in for the AWOL Jose, "John Bong" helps lead a spirited discussion on "unofficial European imports" and whether they are good (or bad) for today's hobby. Arnaldo shares some of the records he tried to unsuccessfully trade at VINYLCON: Philly, and more hijinks ensured. Download and go, this is the bonus record talk you didn't ask for....courtesy of the FREESTYLE + SURFAC...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 273
The show of record talking about records is BACK: SURFACE NOISE! ⌨️ On our show this week the dais talks about MoFi selling their returned records back to customers (and others doing the same), and we hear from our correspondent on the ground about VinylCon in Philly. 📹🎤 Get in where you fit in, only on SURFACE NOISE! 👇 👇 👇 👇 👇 For more on Concert Buddie: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie https://concertbuddie.com IG: @concertbuddie For more on Jason Roxas: https://www.youtube.com/@J...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 272
Where bad jokes, bad takes, and bad records go to die, the FREESTYLE of the latest 'sode of SURFACE NOISE follows in that esteemed tradition; a tradition like no other. The panel attempts a new segment on new releases called "Grip or Flip" where they discuss whether a title is worth the grip (keeping), or buying to level up on something else (flip). Be forewarned, the landing is rocky. Then our brand of vinyl connosseurs show recent pickups, including some treasures picked from the bins of the A...
May 12, 2025•44 min•Ep. 271
Join us for the latest installment of vinyl record collecting insanity courtesy of SURFACE NOISE‼️ Our panel of dedicated vinylists will discuss the recent spring Austin Record Convention, including observations from the tables, the crates, and the grail walls littered throughout the convention center. Some sold records there, others simply bought. What did they see, who did they meet, what did they grab, and what was Jack White doing there? ⚡️ Then the dais talks about the essential parts of bu...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 270
Back on the airwaves of Vinyl Community Podcasts, Alex (Beer & Vinyl) shares a recent interview with musician/songwriter M Ross Perkins. M Ross Perkins is currently a featured artist on the Colemine Records label, and has a new album that dropped on May 2nd (interview recorded prior) entitled "What's The Matter, M Ross?" Composed, performed, and recorded completely by Perkins in his Dayton, OH studio, What’s the Matter… is both the most stripped down and expansive within his tryptic of album...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 269
Back at it, Buddies! Here for a quick 'sode to share what happened when I went to the spring Austin Record Convention over the weekend. Many records were acquired, many meats and eats were consumed, and many memories were made. And no, I did not get to meet Raekwon or Jack White there (yes, that happened). BUT....I still had a good time and will share a brief recap here! Before that, I share some quick news on SURFACE NOISE and what to expect in the short term. Let's start the week off right, an...
May 05, 2025•27 min•Ep. 268
Apologies to Britney, but ooops we did it again....we found another way to chime in with even MORE Record Store Day talk. 😬 On the latest FREESTYLE following SURFACE NOISE, we are discussing some of the fresh SoundScan data behind the sales to learn which titles/releases were the biggest of the RSD25 bunch. Following the first segment moving through spreadsheet purgatory, we have a hearty conversation/game for the biggest record collector pet peeves - RANKED. Are corner dings "annoying AF"? Is ...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 267
Surface Noise is B-A-C-K!! Our panel of dedicated vinyl enthusiasts present another spin around the turntable, where in this week's podcast proper we'll discuss the hardest records to collect, find, or track down - does it vary by label, by artist, or genre? How much of a pursuit is TOO much of a pursuit (limits, people, limits). Everybody's got a price, but somebody's gotta pay (shoutout to the Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase) 💵 Then we discuss what is the the best "closing" song to see in conc...
Apr 25, 2025•53 min•Ep. 266
Just when you thought it was safe to get back in the water, we bring you another FREESTYLE courtesy of the latest episode of SURFACE NOISE: A-Side! 🦈 Our record collecting coalition shares "the one that got away" - a record that was attainable at one time, either when it first came out, or later at an affordable price - but (for whatever reason) will not be joining our collections any time soon (if ever) 🩸 From there, we discuss a topic on the internet of late regarding the recently concluded ...
Apr 21, 2025•58 min•Ep. 265
The title says it all. 🙊 (Don't worry, we have plenty to talk about). After a busted attempt at a BRIEF RSD25 recap from our perches across the vinyl galaxy, we launch into our favorite best buys/scores from our record collecting careers. Were they records we found well, well, well under market rate? Maybe records we bought new when they first hit stores and now they are going for monopoly money? 💰💸 The show that is regularly out of ideas continues to wring the mop 'til the last drop, only on...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 264
For a few more fixins' on our vinyl baked potato, in the FREESTYLE of the latest episode of SURFACE NOISE (A-Side) the panel discusses a few more topics: Thoughts on the new Tracy Chapman (self titled) reissue, and how come other companies cannot figure out the pricing puzzle at $25(ish)? Is MoFi back? With some more contemporary curation choices of late, is Mobile Fidelity reissuing titles other won't, can't, or should? When will we finally get a vinyl issue of the infamous Doobie Brothers perf...
Apr 14, 2025•41 min•Ep. 263
Record Store Day 2025 is almost upon us , and we've got everything you need to know! On this show we're diving into what makes RSD such a unique experience for vinyl lovers, highlighting the most exciting releases, and discussing why this event is a must for every record collector. What titles are MUST grabs for our panel of trusty vinyl enthusiasts? (2:15) What titles could they be talked into adding to their stacks? (39:17) And what titles give off the "come on, man" vibe with their inclusion ...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 262
Happy Record Store Day Week Buddies! 🎉🍾 It's a great list this year, and one of those coveted selections is sure to be the 90's rock album "Puzzle" from dada. For this 'sode on Vinyl Community Podcasts we speak with Joie Calio from dada to celebrate this long overdue vinyl arrival! (1:11) The chat begins with learning about the origins of the band and how the boys crafted their sound in the early days before connecting with famed producer Ken Scott (The Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, Lou Re...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 261
Guest spot here on the latest Vinyl Community Podcasts presentation. Sam St. John is back to share an interview he conducted with North Carolina singer/songwriter Seth Walker, who is on the eve of releasing his brand new record "Why the Worry" out 04/04/2025 on Royal Potato Family Records. Seth has collaborated with artists such as The Mavericks, The Wood Brothers, Paul Thorn, Ruthie Foster, Oliver Wood, Raul Malo, and many more. In this chat they discuss the new record, his touring plans, and H...
Apr 04, 2025•23 min•Ep. 260
When the extras aren't just extra, we serve another FREESTYLE of the latest Surface Noise: B-Side. 🦃 Our vinylists put a bow on talk of the vinyl bubble, then share their latest pickups including a QC replacement you should be aware of. We wrap it up with another installment of SMASH OR PASS where the guys discuss which musicians would (or wouldn't) be allowed at a children's birthday party. Would Frank Zappa be great at balloon animals? Maybe Snoop Dogg running the petting zoo? Cher serving re...
Mar 31, 2025•52 min•Ep. 259
Yo! What is shakin, everybody? The vinyl resurgence has taken the world by storm, but is it sustainable? Is the Vinyl Bubble about to BURST? In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the rise of vinyl records, what’s driving the boom, and the signs that could spell trouble for collectors. 🔍 Are we on the edge of another decline like the sports card bubble of the '90s? Or will vinyl continue it's recent ascension? Join us as we break it all down, including market trends, prices, and the fut...
Mar 28, 2025•52 min•Ep. 258
When the cup runneth over, SURFACE NOISE: A-Side gives you more than you asked for in the form of this latest FREESTYLE 🚰 Listen to our savvy group of vinylinguists discuss the best (and worst) producers in music in the form of "Mount Rushmore" (great) to "Mount Flushmore" (not so great). 🏔️ Where does your all-time favorite producers rank? Find out on the latest installment of the SURFACE NOISE: A-Side FREESTYLE! 👇 👇 👇 👇 👇 For more on Concert Buddie: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddi...
Mar 24, 2025•59 min•Ep. 257
Action packed and medium paced, SURFACE NOISE: A-Side is back for more news, reviews, and takes that will bruise inside the world of vinyl record collecting. 🎧 🚨 With some high-profile exits recently, is the end here + near for Vinyl Me, Please? We continue a conversation we had months ago following the news of the pressing plant fallout, but this time there are even MORE questions than answers - namely, who is left at VMP in the first place? And will the potential demise of VMP end up being t...
Mar 21, 2025•59 min•Ep. 256
Just a littttle bit more to squeeze out of the latest SURFACE NOISE: B-Side in the form of this here FREESTYLE! Our dais shares some recent trials, tribulations, and triumphs in the form reissues in our segment: the good, the bad, and the (kinda) ugly. We aim to spare you from parting with your well-earned dollars and cents. Right here, right now, only on this FREESTYLE courtesy of our team at SURFACE NOISE: B-Side! 👇 👇 👇 👇 👇 For more information on Jason (Spinz Vinyl): https://www.youtube....
Mar 17, 2025•29 min•Ep. 255
Yo, what is shakin' everybody? In this week’s Surface Noise: B-Side, we’re diving into the most iconic music conversation – Holy Grails vs Guilty Pleasures! Join us as we debate those perfect, must-have records and those secretly loved tunes we’re not ashamed to admit. Plus, we're taking it a step further – imagine being stranded on a desert island! 🌴 What records or bands would you really want to have with you? 🎶 👑 Get ready for passionate debates, surprising picks, and a whole lot of vinyl ...
Mar 14, 2025•59 min•Ep. 254
