Michael's Record Collection

Episode 156: Tom Galgano of IZZ Discusses Debut Solo Album

My guest for this episode is IZZ co-founding member Tom Galgano, who has finally put out his first solo album after more than 25 years as a professional musician. Sleepwalking in a Strange Land will present many surprises for longtime IZZ fans, but at the same time, there is a lot that the band's longtime supporters will love. Tom was kind enough to take me through his process, his musical background, how he formed IZZ, his approach to soloing, which IZZ albums he would have liked to have worked on more, and much more. To keep up with Tom, follow along on the IZZ Facebook page and you can get the new album digitally or on CD at the IZZ Bandcamp site.

Please hit the like button and/or leave a rating/review wherever you consume this podcast. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like it on Facebook, and follow on Instagram, Bluesky, and/or TikTok. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com.

I'd love to have your support for this independent podcast. You can become a patron of this show by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month 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 at some levels you can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. 

 

Episode 155: Arjen Anthony Lucassen on Solo Album "Songs No One Will Hear"

Arjen Anthony Lucassen, best known for his Ayreon all-star progressive rock project, is back with his first solo album in 13 years. Songs No One Will Hear is a conceptual piece about the world finding out that an asteroid is coming to destroy the planet in five months' time. The music is eclectic — at times fun, at others serious, with an excellent blend of darker and lighter moments. Arjen was kind enough to talk to me about his new album, his musical past, working with legendary actor Rutger Hauer on his last solo album, and many other topics. Learn more about Arjen's work at https://arjenlucassen.com/.

Please hit the like button and/or leave a rating/review wherever you consume this podcast. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like it on Facebook, and follow on Instagram, Bluesky, and/or TikTok. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com.

I'd love to have your support for this independent podcast. You can become a patron of this show by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month 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 at some levels you can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. 

Episode 154: Author Andrew Wild Discusses 80s British Prog Rock Scene

It was my honor recently to speak with music writer Andrew Wild, who has written books about the likes of Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Dire Straits, and Pink Floyd, as well as about the iconic Live Aid concert festival. Andrew just released his second book about the 1980s "neoprog" era in England, chronicling six British bands that kept the progressive rock torch alive when the 1970s bands were either fading out or pivoting to more pop-oriented sounds. Those bands are: Marillion, IQ, Pallas, Pendragon, Twelfth Night, and Solstice. The book, A Playground of Broken Hearts: the Progressive Rock Revival 1984 to 1989, is a sequel to his A Mirror of Dreams: the Progressive Rock Revival 1981 to 1983. Andrew spoke to me about his music history, how he came to write about these six bands, how those groups kept the prog scene alive, and much more (including his upcoming book about Big Big Train!). Learn more about Andrew's work at https://www.andrew-wild.co.uk/ or follow him on Facebook at Andrew Wild - Author.

Please hit the like button and/or leave a rating/review wherever you consume this podcast. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like it on Facebook, and follow on Instagram, Bluesky, and/or TikTok. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com.

I'd love to have your support for this independent podcast. You can become a patron of this show by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month 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 at some levels you can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. 

Episode 153: Mark Zonder of A-Z Discusses "A2Z2"

My guest for this episode is Warlord and former Fates Warning drummer Mark Zonder, who was kind enough to talk to me about A-Z's sophomore album, A2Z2, which dropped June 6 on Metal Blade Records. A-Z provides catchy and accessible hard rock music that's a bit more adventurous than your typical AOR fare. The band is made up of accomplished musicians and they just flat out rock. The band's second album has more bite and has more progressive elements than the debut, as A-Z continues to define its sound. Big thanks to Mark for telling me about his musical background, playing in Fates Warning, forming A-Z and more. Learn more about A-Z at www.a-zband.com or follow them on Facebook.

Please hit the like button and/or leave a rating/review wherever you consume this podcast. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like it on Facebook, and follow on Instagram, Bluesky, and/or TikTok. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com.

I'd love to have your support for this independent podcast. You can become a patron of this show by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month 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 at some levels you can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. 

Episode 152: Roine Stolt of The Flower Kings Discusses "LOVE"

I welcome back the legendary Roine Stolt from The Flower Kings to discuss LOVE, the new album from the Swedish progressive rock masters. This 17th studio release is sure to appeal to longtime fans of the band, as The Flower Kings have produced an album that builds on their recent releases while calling back to their classic sound. Roine was kind enough to tell me the stories behind the recording and writing of LOVE, the guitars he used, and even a few surprises about the band's co-headlining tour with Neal Morse & the Resonance. Learn more about the band at their Facebook page or at roinestolt.com.  

Please hit the like button and/or leave a rating/review wherever you consume this podcast. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like it on Facebook, and follow on Instagram, Bluesky, and/or TikTok. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com.

I'd love to have your support for this independent podcast. You can become a patron of this show by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month 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 at some levels you can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. 

Episode 151: Imminent Sonic Destruction Interview - "Floodgate"

My guests for this episode are Tony Piccoli and Pete Hopersberger from Michigan-based progressive metal outfit Imminent Sonic Destruction. Tony has been on the show before, back on Episode 58 to discuss the band's third album, The Sun Will Always Set, but the band is back with fourth album, Floodgate, which dropped April 25 on FC Records. Tony and Pete discussed the making of the album, the stories behind the songs, Pete's musical background, and much more. Learn more about the band on their Facebook page or at imminentsonicdestruction.com. 

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

I'd love to have your support for this independent podcast. You can become a patron of this show by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month 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 at some levels you can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. 

Episode 150: Phil Keaggy of Cosmic Cathedral Discusses "Deep Water"

My guest for this episode is legendary guitarist Phil Keaggy. Phil has joined forces with Neal Morse, ex-Genesis drummer Chester Thompson, and noted session bassist Byron House to form a new prog rock supergroup called Cosmic Cathedral. The band's debut album, Deep Water, drops April 25 from Inside Out Music. Phil was kind enough to tell me how the project came about, the making of the record, his musical beginnings and more. Cosmic Cathedral rocks, swings, grooves, and is full of all the proggy goodness you'd expect from a project involving Neal Morse.

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

I'd love to have your support for this independent podcast. You can become a patron of this show by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month 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 at some levels you can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. 

Episode 149: Steve Babb of Glass Hammer - Rogue

After the heavy, guitar-driven science fiction epic Arise (2023), Glass Hammer returns with the band's most accessible album yet. Co-founder Steve Babb returns to Michael's Record Collection to discuss the brand new album Rogue, the most human of all Glass Hammer's concept albums. Drenched in keyboards, Rogue shares connective tissue with some of Glass Hammer's most beloved albums, with hints of Genesis and Yes mixed with dream pop, space rock, and 80s synth pop influences. Steve was kind enough to share the stories behind the concept and the music with me. Find out more about the band at glasshammer.com or order their music at glasshammer.bandcamp.com.

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

I'd love to have your support for this independent podcast. You can become a patron of this show by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month 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 at some levels you can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. 

Episode 148: Dave Kerzner on New Genesis Lamb Tribute

My guest for this episode is repeat offender Dave Kerzner, making his third appearance on the show. In his first, we discussed one of his all-time favorite albums, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway by Genesis. That was a few years ago and he hinted about a Lamb tribute album in the works featuring performers such as Francis Dunnery (It Bites), Nick D'Virgilio (Big Big Train), Billy Sherwood (Yes), Steve Rothery (Marillion), and others. That album is now a reality, with the recent release of Sonic Elements' IT - A 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Lamb Lies Down on Broadway by Genesis. Dave was kind enough to tell me the hows and whys of the new album, which was obviously a painstaking labor of love. It's well crafted, honors the source material, and includes a few pleasant surprises. Find out more about Dave's work at davekerznermusic.com and sonicelements.bandcamp.com.

Please hit the like button and/or leave a rating/review wherever you consume this podcast. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like it on Facebook, and follow on Instagram and/or TikTok. I'm also on Bluesky now as well. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com.

I'd love to have your support for this independent podcast. You can become a patron of this show by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month 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 at some levels you can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more. 

Episode 147: Grackle Interview - All That Matters

For this episode, I'm joined by three members of Grackle, a Louisville, Kentucky-based indie/progressive rock band that defies simple classification, with elements of prog, alt-rock, jazz, classical, folk, classic rock, and more. Primary songwriter Steve Katsikas (vocals, keyboards, saxophone, etc.) along with backing vocalist Jennifer Lauletta and drummer Jeff Gard stopped by for a discussion of the band's recently released third album, All That Matters, which sees Grackle take a big step forward in development in songwriting and finding themselves as a band. Big thanks to the three musicians for the chat. Check out Grackle's website at grackleband.com, follow them on Facebook, and sample their music at grackleband.bandcamp.com.

Please hit the like button and/or leave a rating/review wherever you consume this podcast. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like it on Facebook, and follow on Instagram and/or TikTok. I'm also on Bluesky now as well. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com.

I'd love to have your support for this independent podcast. You can become a patron of this show by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month 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 at some levels you can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more.