Episode 6: Vinyl records

Let's go beyond the surface discussion of the "vinyl boom" and look at the good and the bad that's come with the hobby's massive rebirth over the past eight years. Chris Lantinen runs modern-vinyl.com. He joins me to discuss how the music business is putting one foot in the grave yet again -- and how independent record stores hold a responsibility in all of this as well. Plus, of course: Why vinyl is the best way to become a music fan.

For more music discussion, you can get all the R&R episodes via the iTunes store.

Episode 5: Taylor Swift

Yes, it's OK to admit: You love Taylor Swift. Or maybe you really don't get it at all. But that's why this episode was recorded. Is Taylor Swift the most powerful person in music? And how did she get so big by the age of 25? Deadspin culture writer Rob Harvilla joins the pod to explain how Swift continues to rightfully earn praise. There's an element to her success that's frequently overlooked yet pretty important. And yes, we touch on that Ryan Adams 1989 cover LP, too.

You'll see that this first season of the Records & Riffs podcast has myriad topics and discussions. Get them all on your phone or tablet right here.

Episode 4: Nirvana

[Get every R&R episode in the iTunes store, for free, right here.]

What is the legacy of Nirvana now, and has it changed in the past decade?

I'd argue yes.

My guest on this episode is Will Leitch who, in addition to being a multifaceted and incredibly talented writer, is a hardcore Nirvana megafan. We have some disagreements, but boy was this a fun one to record. This is one of the two or three most engaging podcasts of the first season. Some real back-and-forth between Will and myself.

We discuss Nirvana, Kurt dying young, his closet disdain for Pearl Jam (I kid, Will!) and how he doesn't take Dave Grohl's Foo Fighters output all too seriously. Nor should he, I might add, but there's an element to Grohl's legacy that warrants some serious reflection.

Really fun episode, and I think we hit on some angles with Nirvana that aren't tired and stock at this point.

Episode 3: Talking Guster — with Guster!

Guster is among my five favorite bands ever. One particular song ("Lazy Love") off the band's most recent LP (Evermotion) is what you hear as the intro and outro music for the podcast. Brian Rosenworcel is a founding member of the band, and serves as the drummer and percussionist. It was only appropriate to have someone from Guster on the pod.

We talk all things Guster, going back to the band's origins, and some side chatter on fantasy sports, too. I also mention Brian's writing, and how good it is, with his road journal. Give it a scan. Some amazing anecdotes in there.

Oh, and yeah: Guster used to sneak Kesha into its shows.This was years before the pop star would become just that, but it's an amazing did-you-know type of story. Brian explains.

Also: If you enjoy this kind of podcastin', then be so kind and endorse the podcast via subscription in iTunes.

Episode 2: Favorite album-opening tracks

The first full-length podcast features a fun topic: best side one, track ones ever. Grantland writer Steven Hyden joined me to chat, as he tackled this subject in a column over the summer.

Enjoy! Feedback much appreciated, so reach out on Twitter. Also: Hop on now and start getting all the episodes of the R&R podcast via this feed.

Episode 1: An introduction.

It all starts here. What is the Records & Riffs podcast about, and what can you expect in the coming episodes? An introduction below, and then we get to the fun stuff.