Let's listen to records (or CDs, or mp3, or whatever you've got) together! I share stories, artist interviews and reviews from the world of music with an emphasis on rock, prog, metal, pop (especially 70s and 80s), indie, or whatever else is floating my boat at any given time. Support the show at: patreon.com/michaelsrecordcollection
Episodes
Saturday Jul 15, 2023
Episode 112: A Cheap Trick Concert and Venue Review
Saturday Jul 15, 2023
Saturday Jul 15, 2023
On June 28, the legendary Cheap Trick was the first band to headline a new outdoor concert venue in Clearwater, Florida, called The Sound at Coachman Park. I was fortunate enough to attend the show with my friend Ben Montgomery from the Records Revisited Podcast. Ben joins me for this show as we review the concert, which was his first time seeing Cheap Trick and my first time seeing them since 1987. We not only gave our thoughts on the band's performance, but also on the new venue itself.
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.
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 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.
Saturday Jul 01, 2023
Episode 111: Jim Peterik Talks Survivor, Pride of Lions
Saturday Jul 01, 2023
Saturday Jul 01, 2023
Grammy Award-winning songwriter Jim Peterik (Ides of March, Pride of Lions, ex-Survivor) joins me for this episode and I crammed as many topics in as I could while still trying to do justice to his excellent new Pride of Lions album, Dream Higher. Jim was a fantastic interview and has collaborated with some of the biggest artists in rock history. He not only co-wrote the iconic rock anthem "Eye of the Tiger" and most of Survivor's best-known songs, but he also co-wrote several 38 Special hits, collaborated with Sammy Hagar on "Heavy Metal," and has had a fascinating career in rock. His autobiography is damn good, too! Learn more about Jim's work at jimpeterik.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.
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 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.
Saturday Jun 24, 2023
Episode 110: Progressive Rock Legend Neal Morse
Saturday Jun 24, 2023
Saturday Jun 24, 2023
Here's an interview I've been wanting to do for a long time! My guest is the legendary Neal Morse, founder of Spock's Beard and currently a solo artist, a member of The Neal Morse Band, Flying Colors, Transatlantic, and D'Virgilio, Morse & Jennings. I spoke with Neal about many topics, including his two upcoming releases, An Evening of Innocence & Danger: Live in Hamburg by The Neal Morse Band, and a new solo prog rock concept album, The Dreamer - Joseph Part One. We covered a variety of subjects and Neal was gracious with his time. To find out more about these two releases and Neal's work in general, check out www.nealmorse.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.
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 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.
Saturday Jun 10, 2023
Episode109: Whitesnake Guitarist Joel Hoekstra
Saturday Jun 10, 2023
Saturday Jun 10, 2023
It was a real treat for me to talk with guitar legend Joel Hoekstra, who is probably best known for having been in Whitesnake for nearly a decade. He's also a member of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Revolution Saints, and Iconic. He's played on Broadway in Rock of Ages, toured with Cher, and is a former member of Night Ranger. Joel's solo project, Joel Hoekstra's 13, has a new album dropping soon called Crash of Life. It's another standout effort from Joel and an all-star cast of musicians and Joel was gracious enough to take the time to talk to me about all of the above. Find out more about Joel and his work at JoelHoekstra.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 at some levels you 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 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.
Saturday Jun 03, 2023
Episode 108: Talking Record Store Day with Park Ave CDs owner Sandy Bitman
Saturday Jun 03, 2023
Saturday Jun 03, 2023
If you like Record Store Day, like I do, you look forward each year to seeing what titles will be available and strategizing for the big event. But what goes on behind the scenes? How do the record stores deal with RSD? I questioned Sandy Bitman, owner of Orlando, Florida's Park Ave CDs to find out more about Record Store Day, record store ownership, and more. It was a fun conversation, and a bit of a departure from the normal album discussion. I hope you like it. Support your local, independent record store!
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 at some levels you 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 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.
Friday May 05, 2023
Episode 107: Remembering Gordon Lightfoot
Friday May 05, 2023
Friday May 05, 2023
Well, I can't say that these tribute shows are getting any easier, especially when we're remembering an artist as legendary as the incomparable Gordon Lightfoot. Joining me to talk about Gordon's talent, legacy, and vast music catalog is Sly Dog from the Sly Dog Music-Cast. We share our experiences of how we became Gordon Lightfoot fans, discuss his underrated work, and try to process his loss. Be sure to check out the Sly Dog Music-Cast.
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 at some levels you 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 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.
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Episode 106: Deen Castronovo Talks Journey, Revolution Saints and More
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
This week's episode is a special one as I spoke with Journey drummer Deen Castronovo about a variety of topics, including the new album, Eagle Flight, by his other band, Revolution Saints. It's the band's fourth album and features a new lineup that includes guitarist Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) and bassist Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, Black Swan, ex-Dokken), with Deen on drums and lead vocals. We spoke about Deen's early influences, learning the drums, how he met Neal Schon and was invited to join Bad English, playing with Ozzy, and much more, including the making of the great, new Revolution Saints album.
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 at some levels you 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 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.
Thursday Apr 13, 2023
Episode 105: Remembering Gentle Giant’s Ray Shulman
Thursday Apr 13, 2023
Thursday Apr 13, 2023
I'm joined by IZZ bassist/vocalist/guitarist John Galgano to celebrate the supremely talented multi-instrumentalist Ray Shulman, a founding member of progressive rock legends Gentle Giant. Ray passed away on March 30 at age 73 and his death hit me hard, as he was one of the first guests I had on this show, back on Episode 12, when we discussed the making of the Free Hand album. John was the perfect guest to discuss Ray, because he's also a bassist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter, and he too is in a band with a sibling, just as Ray was in Gentle Giant with brothers Derek and Phil.
John and I talk about what made Ray and Gentle Giant great, our favorite GG albums, and prog rock in general. Near the end, John discussed the reissue of his solo album, Real Life is Meeting, and what's next for IZZ.
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 at some levels you 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 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.
Thursday Mar 30, 2023
Episode 104: dUg Pinnick of King’s X - Out of the Silent Planet
Thursday Mar 30, 2023
Thursday Mar 30, 2023
They may not be a household name, but if you're a rocker, many of your favorite bands know King's X. The band has been recording and performing for decades and in this episode, we're celebrating where it all started. I'm joined by bassist/vocalist dUg Pinnick to discuss the debut album by King's X, Out of the Silent Planet. The album turned 35 years old on March 28 and it's time to reflect on such a fantastic bland of rock, metal, funk, soul, gospel, and power pop that radio stations and the record company had no idea what to do with the band. I had a great time catching up with dUg and discussing the making of this record, his background, and more.
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 at some levels you 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 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.
Thursday Mar 23, 2023
Episode 103: Stephan Lill of All My Shadows Talks ”Eerie Monsters”
Thursday Mar 23, 2023
Thursday Mar 23, 2023
Guitarist Stephan Lill returns to the show, but this time he's not talking (much) about his usual band, Vanden Plas like he did on Episode 72. This time he's got a new project called All My Shadows, which just released its first album, Eerie Monsters. The songs are shorter and more hook-laden than Vanden Plas' usual progressive metal offerings, but the presence of Lill, vocalist Andy Kuntz, and drummer Andreas Lill gives these songs a decidedly familiar flavor. Stephan talked about why he started All My Shadows, why 3/5 of Vanden Plas are in the band, the influences that led him to make this kind of music, and more. Learn more about All My Shadows at 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 at some levels you 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 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.