Mix n' Match - An Abandoned Albums Podcast

This week, Steve Epley of the Music Rewind Podcast takes the hot seat. His podcast is a vibrant forum where fans, musicians, and industry experts converge to unpack their beloved music albums.

You would find it hard to find someone who could mix The Allman Brothers, Pink Floyd, Steven Sondheim, and Queen so seamlessly.

If you think one of those is an outlier, you’re not wrong; yet, it all works.

Steve is a proud Midwesterner who relishes in the unique upbringing that allowed him to dissect his favorite albums in a garage, a youthful venture with friends fueled by a mere thimble full of life experience.

His diverse passions stretch from the rock anthems of Buffalo Springfield to the grand stages of Broadway musicals, a testament to the broad spectrum of his musical affections.

As a father, he's equally proud of his son, Reed Epley, who is currently dazzling audiences with the national touring company of the legendary "Peter Pan."

Much like his Music Rewind Podcast, The Mix n' Match Podcast epitomizes the essence of being a music lover: exploring our musical preferences and the songs that have shaped us as fans.

With Steve's guidance, it's clear that having an eclectic taste isn't just possible; it's a gateway to richer musical explorations.

Get full access to Abandoned Albums at abandonedalbums.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode, we welcome multi-hyphenate Eric Beetner.

Eric’s been a guest on the Abandoned Albums podcast to talk about his two bands, Go! Dog! Go! and Build Your Own Monster, so it was great to have him on to talk about his writing, which is how I was initially introduced to him.

Crime fiction is my go-to genre for literature, and over far too many short stories for my abacus to tally up and 32 (and counting) novels, he has established himself as one of the best voices in the genre... and one of my go-to writers.

He’s known for his gripping and thrilling narratives - can confirm. He’s got a knack for crafting intricate plots and compelling characters as he seamlessly blends suspense, action, and dark humor - can confirm.

This makes Eric Beetner one of my go-to writers in my go-to genre.

Lucky for those who love a good crime yarn, he has a new book on February 27 - The Last Few Miles of Road: A Carter McCoy Novel. This is the first book of a planned trilogy - a good thing because I assure you that you will want more of Carter McCoy.

With this book, Eric Beetner continues to cement his mark on crime fiction and further secures his place as a master storyteller.

SOUNDTRACK

LINKS:

Eric Beetner

Last Few Miles of Road: A Carter McCoy Novel

Get full access to Abandoned Albums at abandonedalbums.substack.com/subscribe

[Quick note: this is an amended interview, the complete interview can be found on the Abandoned Albums podcast.]

Writer Joel Selvin has covered so many topics with his books like Altamont, Fare Thee Well, Hollywood Eden, Sly and the Family Stone, and on and on. So when I found out that Jim Gordon’s story was in his hands, I felt a sense of relief. I didn’t think there was anyone more suited to tell this story.

And that is just what he has done with his new book Drums & Demons: The Tragic Journey of Jim Gordon (available 2.27).

If you’ve ever held a conversation with me for any specific amount of time, then I have undoubtedly brought up two artists I feel that you should know about. Welsh band Manic Street Preachers and drummer Jim Gordon. Two very important artists not only for the work they’ve done, but each has a truly sad story.

This week's Mix n’ Match is a shortened version of last week's Abandoned Albums podcast. Why the double whammy? I believe very much in helping raise awareness of Jim’s contributions to popular culture; they are almost unparalleled.

In one way or another, I promise you, you have been impacted by Jim Gordon’s creative work.

If you want a more nuanced and textured discussion, you can head on over to the Abandoned Albums site to hear my entire entire conversation with Joel.

The story of Jim Gordon is terribly complicated, and epically tragic, but it’s one that needs to be told. And Joel is the guy to do it.

The book drops tomorrow, and I have read it, and despite the crime committed, you get a clear perspective on his creative work.

Can an artist be more than the crime they’ve committed?

Jim Gordon died on March 23, 2023, at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, California.

PLAYLIST

LINKS

Joel Selvin on the Web

The full interview on Abandoned Albums

When The Voices Took Over By Barry RehfeldFrom Rolling Stone- June 6th, 1985This links to a rogue post because RS requires all sorts of nonsense to read it.

An article I wrote on Medium about Jim Gordon in 2019

Get full access to Abandoned Albums at abandonedalbums.substack.com/subscribe

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or have a more misanthropic point of view, it can’t be denied. Believe me, friends; I’ve tried.

So when I discovered that it fell on a Wednesday this year, I had mixed feelings.

On the one hand, I could ignore it, as I usually would, and release a regular episode of Abandoned Albums, OR I could embrace it and do something different. Going against type, I went with the latter.

However, I didn’t know what an Abandoned Albums Valentine’s Day Special might sound like.

I bounced around a few ideas and then received the art I had purchased from Allison Moorer - an artist in the truest sense of the word. Much to my surprise and delight, she included this red heart (check out Allison’s work). This red heart gave me an idea.

Ain’t it strange what can prompt inspiration... I’m so glad when it happens.

I threw a post on the socials asking for “love” (or love-adjacent) songs that may have been misinterpreted or forgotten. I determined I would provide a vast berth in interpreting “love.”

“Every Breath You Take” by The Police, or anything by GG Allin, was not welcome.

I have nothing against “Every Breath You Take,” but it is one of my least favorite songs in The Police oeuvre. And if I have to listen to one more person natter on about how it’s one of the creepiest songs in pop music and not a love song, I may have an aneurysm.

And I hate GG Allin.

Between guests, fellow podcasters, and social media replies, I received the suggestions that I needed to create something on brand. So, that’s what I did. I hope you like it.

Let’s be happy St. Patrick’s Day isn’t on a Wednesday... I don’t think anyone would benefit from 45-60 additional minutes of Irish drinking songs.

Thank you to everyone who dropped a note and contributed.

FUN FACT: My favorite part of February 14th is February 15th, when all the candy goes on sale. Put another way:

“Well, if tonight belongs to you, tomorrow’s mine.” #IYKYK

Abandoned Albums will return next week with my conversation with writer Joel Selvin. We discuss his new book, Drums & Demons: The Tragic Journey of Jim Gordon (out February 27th). If I told you that Jim Gordon’s footprint is on a lot, and I mean A LOT, of what we call “classic rock,” it wouldn’t be an understatement. And it’s not just rock; it’s every genre.

Jim Gordon is the guy Ringo Starr called the “greatest rock and roll drummer.”

I’ve been fascinated by Jim Gordon for years since I read Barry Rehfeld’s article in Rolling Stone from 1985. Gordon’s story is Shakespearean in every way. The truth is that it may out Shakespeare, Shakespeare.

I’ve read a few of Joel’s books and can think of no one better to tell Jim Gordon’s story; and it’s a story I feel that matters a great deal. For many different reasons, I look forward to sharing my chat with Joel.

Get full access to Abandoned Albums at abandonedalbums.substack.com/subscribe

Many moons ago, when I was just a wee lad, I got to bring an album to school for the class to listen to.

It didn’t go well.

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