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
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.
Thursday Mar 16, 2023
Episode 102: RPWL Front Man Yogi Lang Discusses ”Crime Scene”
Thursday Mar 16, 2023
Thursday Mar 16, 2023
I have another treat for you this week as I got the chance to speak with Yogi Lang, the front man and keyboard player for the excellent German progressive rock band RPWL. The band has a uniquely German-flavored brand of atmospheric prog rock that is heavily influenced by Pink Floyd. Yogi discussed the band's new album, Crime Scene, which drops March 17. The record explores some dark themes and bizarre stories and Yogi was kind enough to not only tell me about the songs, but also about RPWL's writing process, his early influences, 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 09, 2023
Episode 101: We Came From Space - Overlords
Thursday Mar 09, 2023
Thursday Mar 09, 2023
This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bill Hubauer and Dave Buzard from the Pennsylvania-based We Came From Space about their new album, Overlords. This progressive rock release has the musicality that will satisfy prog fans and infectious hooks and soaring harmonies that any music fan would enjoy. In addition to giving me the story on making Overlords, the guys also talked about their early musical influences, opening for The Winery Dogs recently, and why they embrace humorous sci-fi B-movie stories on their website. I also asked Bill about his time in The Neal Morse Band. Find out more about the band at wecamefromspace.net.
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 02, 2023
Episode 100: A.C.T - Falling
Thursday Mar 02, 2023
Thursday Mar 02, 2023
It's the 100th episode of MRC! Joining me for this milestone show is Jerry Sahlin and Ola Andersson from the Swedish progressive rock band A.C.T. These guys are not your typical prog band, leaning heavily into melodies and harmonies inspired by the likes of ELO and the Beach Boys. If you threw songs by Saga, Dream Theater, and Jellyfish into a blender, the resulting music might sound like A.C.T. Jerry and Ola were kind enough to talk about their new release Falling, which will be released March 3 (two singles are already available on all the streaming sites). Falling is the third EP in a four-EP cycle that mirrors the seasons and this is, of course, fall. There are eight songs totaling about 30 minutes of excellent music the way only A.C.T can write and play it. The guys also told me about their musical backgrounds, the formation of the band, and much more. You can find out more about A.C.T on their Facebook page or visit actworld.se.
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 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 Feb 23, 2023
Episode 99: Mike Portnoy Discusses The Winery Dogs ”III”
Thursday Feb 23, 2023
Thursday Feb 23, 2023
I jumped at the chance to talk to one of my favorite drummers for this episode. I've been following Mike Portnoy's career for 20-odd years and he joins me this week to discuss the new album, III, by The Winery Dogs. This is a brilliant collection of technical blues-based rock featuring Portnoy, the incomparable Richie Kotzen, and bass legend Billy Sheehan. In addition to discussing the making of this Winery Dogs record, Mike talked about his musical beginnings, his musical chemistry with Neal Morse, why it's difficult for young bands to make a living as musicians, and more. Find out more about The Winery Dogs and their current worldwide tour at www.thewinerydogs.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.
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Episode 98: Great Love Songs!
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! You may notice this week's show dropped a couple of days early. That's because I wanted this episode about great love songs to go live on Valentine's Day. What could be more appropriate? I'm joined by Jon Lamoreaux from The Hustle Podcast and Ben Montgomery from Records Revisited and we each selected five of our favorite love songs to present to you on this holiday. It was a fun discussion and there were some surprises along the way. Be sure to check out The Hustle Podcast and Records Revisited wherever you get your podcasts.
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 Feb 09, 2023
Episode 97: Kelly Nordstrom of eMolecule Discusses ”The Architect”
Thursday Feb 09, 2023
Thursday Feb 09, 2023
Canadian musician Kelly Nordstrom is half of a duo called eMolecule with Simon Collins, the drumming and singing son of Genesis legend Phil Collins. Kelly and Simon are dropping a new concept album called The Architect on Feb. 10 and it's a good one. This modern take on progressive rock is grounded in guitars, big drums sounds, electronics, atmosphere, mood, rock, and pop, all wrapped up in a modern production. Kelly talked to me about his background, the concept behind the album, the writing process, his previous work with Simon, the rise and fall of the band Sound of Contact, and much more. For more info head over to emoleculemusic.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 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 Feb 02, 2023
Episode 96: Great Second Singles with the Great Song Podcast
Thursday Feb 02, 2023
Thursday Feb 02, 2023
J.P. Moser and Rob Alley of the excellent Great Song Podcast joined me this week to explore a unique topic. The three of us all selected five songs that were the second singles released from their respective albums that we loved more than that record's first single. The caveat to the topic was that us liking that first single was a requirement. This turned out to be a lot of fun and I think we got a nice mixture of different kinds of songs. Check out our picks and let me know what your favorite second singles are! The guys also talked about how they got started doing their show and tell listeners a little bit about it. You can find J.P. and rob at their regular haunt at greatsongpodcast.com or on any major podcast platform.
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 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 Jan 26, 2023
Episode 95: Robin McAuley Returns with New Solo Album, ”Alive”
Thursday Jan 26, 2023
Thursday Jan 26, 2023
Robin McAuley returns to Michael's Record Collection to talk about his new solo album, Alive, which is not a live album, but a studio release that drops on Feb. 17. The album rocks, has plenty of crunch and power, but it's also melodic as hell and Robin's sings the songs incredibly well. In addition to the making of the record, he spoke about what else he's been up to, what he has planned (including some live shows!), and much more. To find out more about Robin, check out his website at http://www.robinmcauley.com/ and (if you missed it), listen to Episode 56 of this show to catch his first appearance, in which he provides a lot more of his background and talks about Black Swan's Generation Mind 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 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 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 Jan 19, 2023
Episode 94: Todd Kerns Talks Heroes and Monsters
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
Canadian bassist and vocalist Todd Kerns (Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators) stopped by to talk about his new band, Heroes and Monsters! The trio consists of Kerns, guitarist Stef Burns (Huey Lewis & the News, Sheila E., Berlin, Alice Cooper, Y&T, etc.), and drummer Will Hunt (Evanescence, Dark New Day, Black Label Society, Staind, Slaughter, etc.). Their self-titled debut album drops Jan. 20 and features 10 tracks of excellent and varied hard rock. Heroes and Monsters makes quite an opening statement with this record and I got a little of the background on the project from Todd, who also discussed his musical influences, but we also devolved a bit into a discussion of KISS, a band we're both passionate about (Todd has played with Bruce Kulick's band on the KISS Kruise in recent years). Find out more about Todd's work at ToddKerns.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 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.