Michael's Record Collection

I couldn't wait to get this episode out because I spoke with longtime Billy Joel drummer Liberty DeVitto. I've always been a big fan of Billy's music and part of the reason for that is his outstanding band, highlighted by DeVitto's work behind the drum kit. With Billy's The Nylon Curtain album set to celebrate its 40th anniversary in September, I wanted to talk to Liberty about a record which is very special to me. But we didn't just talk about the album. We also spoke about his autobiography, his involvement with the excellent Hired Gun documentary, his trip behind the iron curtain to play rock music in the Soviet Union, his current bands (the Slim Kings and the Lords of 52nd Street), and more. Big thanks to Liberty for his time.

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. Learn more about Gentle Giant releases on the band's official webstore.

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 us on Facebook, and check us out on Instagram. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at [email protected].

The sad news of Christine McVie's passing hit me like a punch to the gut on Nov. 30, and I felt like it was important to talk about her place in the iconic band Fleetwood Mac. Although it seems like Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham grab all the headlines, Christine was the connective tissue, playing well off both and happy to serve both the band and the music without needing all of the attention. I enlisted the help of friend Brian Colburn from the Playlist Wars podcast (also a fine solo artist and leader of his own band, Colburn & Co.) to help me process Christine's passing and celebrate her legacy of excellent music. You can find out more about Brian's work at BrianColburn.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. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at [email protected].

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 [email protected].

This week, I've enlisted the help of fellow music lovers Dave Zalatoris (from the Beer in Front Podcast) and Jon Lamoreaux (from The Hustle Podcast) to discuss our favorite morning wakeup songs. We each brought five songs to the table that get us going one way or another in the morning, whether that's a fast-paced track that gets the blood pumping or a beautifully arranged song that awakens us spiritually and helps us face the day. We've crafted three very different lists and even mention some of our honorable mentions as well. Here's a handy list, in case you want to check them out:

Michael - 1. ELO - Mr. Blue Sky, 2. Queen - Headlong, 3. Iron Maiden - The Trooper, 4. Rush - The Spirit of Radio, 5. R.E.M. - The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite.

Dave - 1. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Let the Day Begin, 2. The Killers - All These Things That I've Done, 3. The Darkness - I Believe in a Thing Called Love, 4. Stevie Wonder - Superstition, 5. Frank Turner - Get Better.

Jon - 1. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Awake, 2. James - Born of Frustration, 3. The Moody Blues - Your Wildest Dreams, 4. UB40 - Breakfast in Bed (feat. Chrissie Hynde), 5. Cat Stevens - Morning Has Broken.

There are two honorable mentions each as well. I hope you enjoy this discussion as much as we did!

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. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at [email protected].

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 [email protected].