Episode 72: Stephan Lill - Vanden Plas Live & Innocent

This week I had the pleasure of speaking with Vanden Plas guitarist Stephan Lill. The German progressive metal masters have a new live CD, LP, and video release coming out Aug. 12 called Live & Immortal, which captured a full concert performance on the band's Chronicles of the Immortals tour. Stephan discussed why the band seldom tours, takes a long time between albums (especially live albums), how he got into rock music, and much more. 

For more info on Vanden Plas, visit the band's website at VandenPlas.de or check them out on Facebook.

Reminder: You can support independent podcasting by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month (50 cents an episode...or less!) at the MRC Patreon page. Supporter benefits escalate at each level, providing more value the more you support the show. For example, you will know about interviews in advance and some levels can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. 

Please hit the like button and leave a rating/review on Apple Music or the Goodpods app if you consume this podcast on those platforms. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like us on Facebook, and check us out on Instagram. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com.

Episode 71: Mary Fahl - Can’t Get It Out of My Head

Former October Project vocalist Mary Fahl has had a solo career as unique as her voice. She's got a new album out called Can't Get It Out of My Head, which is made up of her early favorite classic songs that became part of her musical DNA. Mary was kind enough to talk about the making of the album, how she reimagined the songs to put her own spin on them, how she ended up doing a song for an Anne Rice audiobook, how she got dragged back into music, and much more.

For more information on Mary Fahl, go to MaryFahl.com or look for Mary Fahl Music on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even Tiktok.

Reminder: You can support independent podcasting by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month (50 cents an episode...or less!) at the MRC Patreon page. Supporter benefits escalate at each level, providing more value the more you support the show. For example, you will know about interviews in advance and some levels can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. 

Please hit the like button and leave a rating/review on Apple Music or the Goodpods app if you consume this podcast on those platforms. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like us on Facebook, and check us out on Instagram. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com.

Episode 70: Ryo Okumoto - The Myth of the Mostrophus

Keyboardist Ryo Okumoto (Spock's Beard, ProgJect) joins me to discuss his upcoming solo album, The Myth of the Mostrophus, which drops July 29. It's his first solo release in 20 years and it's amazing. He enlisted the help of his Spock's Beard and ProgJect bandmates on an album that is cohesive, progressive (in all the right ways), and fun. Ryo also talked to me about his background, how he ended up in both of his main bands, and much more.

Learn more about Ryo Okumoto's work and order his merch at his website, RyoOkumoto.com.

Reminder: You can support independent podcasting by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month (50 cents an episode...or less!) at the MRC Patreon page. Supporter benefits escalate at each level, providing more value the more you support the show. For example, you will know about interviews in advance and some levels can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. 

Please hit the like button and leave a rating/review on Apple Music or the Goodpods app if you consume this podcast on those platforms. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like us on Facebook, and check us out on Instagram. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com.

Episode 69: You Asked, I Answered

What does a podcaster do when he starts to get actual email questions that he's been asking for but forgets to answer those on his shows? Well, in my case, I wait a couple more weeks, get a few more questions, and go ahead and do a whole show about them. Thanks to everyone who has been sending in questions via email (michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com) or to me on Twitter (@MikesRecords). This show covers concerts, albums, bands, and even this podcast. I hope you enjoy this episode, which is a bit different than the standard format. 

Reminder: You can support independent podcasting by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month (50 cents an episode...or less!) at the MRC Patreon page. Supporter benefits escalate at each level, providing more value the more you support the show. For example, you will know about interviews in advance and some levels can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. 

Please hit the like button and leave a rating/review on Apple Music or the Goodpods app if you consume this podcast on those platforms. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like us on Facebook, and check us out on Instagram. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com.

Episode 68: Talking Pat Benatar’s ”Precious Time” with Playlist Wars

For this episode I welcome back to the show Brian Colburn, an Americana artist from New Jersey and the co-host of the popular Playlist Wars podcast. Brian and I have a shared love of the Precious Time album by Pat Benatar. With the 1981 album serving as our favorite Benatar record, we took the opportunity to spin it a few times and go through it track by track. 

To learn more about Playlist Wars, head to their website. Be sure to visit Brian's Bandcamp page to check out his music. And, of course, check out Pat Benatar's website for all things Pat Benatar.

Reminder: You can support independent podcasting by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month (50 cents an episode...or less!) at the MRC Patreon page. Supporter benefits escalate at each level, providing more value the more you support the show. For example, you will know about interviews in advance and some levels can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. 

Please hit the like button and leave a rating/review on Apple Music or the Goodpods app if you consume this podcast on those platforms. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like us on Facebook, and check us out on Instagram. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com.

Episode 67: Maiah Wynne from Envy of None

The delightful Maiah Wynne from Envy of None (and a terrific solo artist) was kind enough to talk to me about her career, her musical background, working with legendary Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson and Coney Hatch's Andy Curran in Envy of None, the stories and meanings behind the songs on the band's self-titled debut album, and so much more.

To learn more about Envy of None, visit the band’s website and to learn more about Maiah Wynne, you can visit her solo website.

Reminder: You can support independent podcasting by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month (50 cents an episode...or less!) at the MRC Patreon page. Supporter benefits escalate at each level, providing more value the more you support the show. For example, you will know about interviews in advance and some levels can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. 

Please hit the like button and leave a rating/review on Apple Music or the Goodpods app if you consume this podcast on those platforms. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like us on Facebook, and check us out on Instagram. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com.

Episode 66: The Tangent’s Andy Tillison Discusses ”Songs from the Hard Shoulder”

For this week's episode, The Tangent's Andy Tillison joined me to discuss his band's new album, "Songs from the Hard Shoulder." Andy dove into the stories behind the songs on the record and other topics include: his intro to music, how he came to love Close to the Edge by Yes, some of the thoughts behind some of The Tangent's top songs, and much more.

Find out more about The Tangent at www.thetangent.org and follow the band's Facebook page.

Reminder: You can support independent podcasting by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month (50 cents an episode...or less!) at the MRC Patreon page. Supporter benefits escalate at each level, providing more value the more you support the show. For example, you will know about interviews in advance and some levels can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. 

Please hit the like button and leave a rating/review on Apple Music or the Goodpods app if you consume this podcast on those platforms. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like us on Facebook, and check us out on Instagram. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com.

Episode 65: Weird Al’s ”Dare to Be Stupid” with the Beer’d Al Podcast

Music comes in all kinds of forms and some of them are funny as well as pleasing to the ear. In my opinion, that perfectly describes "Weird Al" Yankovic's 1985 classic, Dare to Be Stupid. Joining me to dissect this excellent slice of mid-80s pop culture is Lauren Carey from the outstanding Beer'd Al Podcast. Lauren and her brother combined their two favorite things, craft beer and the music of Weird Al, to create a unique and entertaining show. In addition to discussing Dare to Be Stupid, we talk about the origin of the Beer'd Al Podcast, where her love of Weird Al began, and more. And look for me on the next episode of Lauren's show as well, as we take a different angle and rank our songs from the album, countdown style.

Learn more about the Beer'd Al Podcast at beerdalpodcast.com and download it basically everywhere podcasts are available.

Reminder: You can support independent podcasting by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month (50 cents an episode...or less!) at the MRC Patreon page. Supporter benefits escalate at each level, providing more value the more you support the show. For example, you will know about interviews in advance and some levels can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. 

Please hit the like button and leave a rating/review on Apple Music or the Goodpods app if you consume this podcast on those platforms. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like us on Facebook, and check us out on Instagram. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com.

Episode 64: Billy Joel Drummer Liberty DeVitto on ”The Nylon Curtain”

I couldn't wait to get this episode out because I spoke with longtime Billy Joel drummer Liberty DeVitto. I've always been a big fan of Billy's music and part of the reason for that is his outstanding band, highlighted by DeVitto's work behind the drum kit. With Billy's The Nylon Curtain album set to celebrate its 40th anniversary in September, I wanted to talk to Liberty about a record which is very special to me. But we didn't just talk about the album. We also spoke about his autobiography, his involvement with the excellent Hired Gun documentary, his trip behind the iron curtain to play rock music in the Soviet Union, his current bands (the Slim Kings and the Lords of 52nd Street), and more. Big thanks to Liberty for his time.

Reminder: You can support independent podcasting by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month (50 cents an episode...or less!) at the MRC Patreon page. Supporter benefits escalate at each level, providing more value the more you support the show. For example, you will know about interviews in advance and some levels can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. Learn more about Gentle Giant releases on the band's official webstore.

Please hit the like button and leave a rating/review on Apple Music or the Goodpods app if you consume this podcast on those platforms. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like us on Facebook, and check us out on Instagram. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com.

Episode 63: Gentle Giant’s Derek Shulman - ”Civilian”

Derek Shulman, founding member of Gentle Giant and successful record executive, is my guest for this episode. We're here to talk about the remastered and reissued "Civilian" release that just dropped. Derek also talked about his musical beginnings, ending the band, his transition from musician to record executive, his new endeavors in the music documentary space, and what other releases Gentle Giant fans can look forward to in the near future. Big thanks to Derek for his time. 

Reminder: You can support independent podcasting by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month (50 cents an episode...or less!) at the MRC Patreon page. Supporter benefits escalate at each level, providing more value the more you support the show. For example, you will know about interviews in advance and some levels can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. Learn more about Gentle Giant releases on the band's official webstore.

Please hit the like button and leave a rating/review on Apple Music or the Goodpods app if you consume this podcast on those platforms. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like us on Facebook, and check us out on Instagram. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com.