Say it ain't so... Don't worry, it ain't. We're still all about the records but in this episode Mark and Kristi discuss the (latest) CD renaissance, how a "vinyl-only" shop is evolving in response and their own journeys through multiple physical music formats.

Six degrees of Ginger Baker? Kind of. Mark And Jason discuss how one album, one player, one sound can lead to another and how, in just a few short steps, a listener can find themselves in an entirely different genre while maintaining a clear through line of influences. From primitive, explosive punk to the rhythmic dialogue of Afrobeat to Aquemini to Björk and back, they trace some of their own musical journeys.

Jason's back and he and Mark are discussing Jack White, specifically his impact on physical media as his career and the vinyl format both skyrocketed in parallel. Jack White didn't invent colored vinyl, collectible records or deluxe packaging but he has been one of the most important artists of the 21st century in re-establishing vinyl itself as an artistic medium. Through Third Man Records, he treated the record not merely as a carrier of music, but as an object of design, engineering and craftsmanship.

Mark is talking "micro collections" again; specifically, Chet Baker's seven albums on Steeplechase released between 1979 and 1986. Once dismissed as inessential fodder of an artist "over the hill," these records have been rediscovered, reassessed and embraced in recent years and present some of the finest recordings in Baker's career.

Check out photos here.

Mark is back from the dead and talking about "micro collections;" specifically, his Samhain collection. It's All Murder, All Guts, All Fun as he covers the transition from the Misfits to Danzig and various pressings in his collection on vinyl and CD.

Check out photos here

In this episode Mark is all alone again (well, Stromboli the cat tries to make himself heard), ranting and raving about the current state of vinyl pricing and sales with lots of insider numbers and opinions specific to his little shop. On the bright side, he also runs down a list of his favorite releases so far in 2026.

Finally, the podcast will take a brief hiatus following this episode and should be back with new content mid- to late-June. Take some time to catch up on old episodes or, even better, that stack of records you haven't cracked open yet.

Jason's back and he's having a party. He and Mark discuss the best albums for social gatherings, especially when music isn't the main focus but instead a key element of an evening. From low-key jazz instrumentals to massive trance compilations, they've got your next gathering covered.

In Episode 21 Mark and Kristi return to Record Store Day one more time (and just two days after RSD26) - to list their wishes for future releases. It's a wide-open topic limited only by imagination and what's already out. Spoiler: there's not a single Love & Rockets-related release mentioned.

Send your own wishes to Record Store Day here!