They're Just Records

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...

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!

In this episode Kristi joins me again as we break down the Record Store Day list for 2026 and dig into what customers are asking for, how we feel about the list, personally, and what we'd like to take home for ourselves.

In this episode Mark and Jason discuss albums they own but never play - yet don't plan on parting with anytime soon. Why purchase an album you'll never spin? And why continue to keep albums you don't enjoy in the collection? 

In this episode Mark and Kristi roll out some alternatives to music's sacred cows, offering "if you like this, maybe try this" suggestions for such classics as Paranoid, Dark Side of the Moon, Rumours and more.

In this episode Mark and Jason talk about talk. Specifically, skits as a component of albums. From their origins to their prevalence in hip hop and how they're changing as music - and how we consume it - evolves.

In the episode Mark and Kristi cover their favorite soundtracks. From synth-y scores to killer compilations, they cover all the sounds that make their favorite movies better.

Mark and Kristi are discussing physical vinyl again. This time it's all about packaging and presentation. What boxes, jackets, colors and more make that vinyl experience all the more special? You got to visualize this one... but we also have some pictures here if you don't mind spoilers (or save that click for after).

Kristi's back again and she and Mark are talking record labels; specifically, some they love - labels that helped to form their taste in music and continue to drive exploration as a reliable source of new sounds. 

In this New Year's Day episode, Mark looks back at Top Sellers and Trends for 2025 as well as some clouds (and rainbows) on the horizon for 2026. Check out all the lists and visual aids on the shop's Instagram post here.

Jason's back and, in this episode, he and Mark look back on their favorite releases from 2025. From new albums to reissues and archival collections, they touch on everything from Bieber to Beelzebub. No one mentions The Life of a Showgirl, though. Go figure.

Mark's all by his lonesome for the holidays, answering listener questions. Where do you get all those records? How do I store them? Which ones do you take home? Why won't you hold one for me? Why is your website so terrible?

Here it is: everything you never wanted to know that, like, six other people did want to know.

'Tis the season! Kristi joins me again to tackle Christmas records. What do we love - and even more fun - what can we absolutely not stand? What songs can freshen up a holiday playlist beyond the sacred cows and overplayed standards?

Early Present: Kristi whipped up some superior holiday playlists incorporating every song mentioned in this episode (plus a few extra stocking stuffers) - get 'em at Spotify, YouTube or Apple Music.

In this episode Kristi joins me again as we break down the Record Store Day Black Friday list for 2025 and dig into what we like, what customers are asking for and what goes into prepping for the event.

Mark and Kristi cover albums that, for whatever reason, are NOT in their collections but should be. Some are virtually unattainable grails and others would just take walking into the right shop at the right time. It's a wishlist (or a gift list). Browse your shelves and take advantage of these two desperate record collectors with gaps that need filled.

Mark and Kristi bring you a super-sized episode in which they break down:

Their favorite physical piece of vinyl - be it the best color, the best packaging or just the best story behind it;

What they consider to be their favorite record, musically, of all time, and;

Their picks for the Best Album(s) ever recorded.

Grab a caffeinated beverage and settle in.

In this episode Mark and Jason discuss their experiences with  1001albumsgenerator.com, a website that randomly selects a daily record from the book, 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, edited by Robert Dimery. 

Mark and Kristi discuss times in their lives when they either chose or had to sell off part or all of their collections. What happened and what happened when they decided to rebuild? Do they sell/trade items regularly? If so, which has been the biggest loss and which provided the biggest return? They also dive into into how used items are assessed for condition, value, the work that goes into prepping them for resale and how offers are calculated.

Mark and Kristi discuss the process of discovery of new music, especially in the pre-internet era. Record clerks, friend recommendations, blind buys and just good luck all come into play.

In this episode Mark and Jason each discuss an album they dislike from the discography of an artist they otherwise absolutely love.

In this episode Mark and Jason each discuss an album they love from the discography of an artist they otherwise don't enjoy.

Mark, owner of Resignation Records in Troy, Ohio and Jason, friend of the shop, discuss their history with and love of the vinyl record format, diving into what it is that makes vinyl somehow stand out from alternative physical (and digital) formats as their preferred music experience.