The Vinyl Approach: Recent Episodes
Tom Wilmeth
Short bursts of insight about artists and their albums -- Rock, Jazz, and Beyond . . . Presented by Tom Wilmeth, Collector of Popular (and unpopular) Music.
Tom discusses Harry Belafonte's million-selling Calypso LP and his live album. This episode includes cameos by Elvis, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson.
Tom revisits an important musical influence -- Bill Drake's "History of Rock & Roll," a massive 48-hour radio special that was first aired in 1969.
Tom again obsesses over the Woodstock Music & Art Fair of 1969 and wonders how Elvis would have been received by the Woodstock audience.
Tom discusses Paul McCartney’s concerts as a solo performer, beginning in 1972, with a focus on McCartney’s choice of material.
Musical insights and abilities of the late Mike Michalicek are recalled in this memorial episode.
Tom discusses the audio format of quadraphonic sound and its failure to connect with consumers in the 1970s.
Tom discusses different types of monaural sound, fake stereo, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and the tight bond connecting Metallica and Adele.
Tom talks about his fascination and frustrations with the forgotten format of 8-track tape cartridges.
Tom discusses the various types of music offered by Community Radio. He also talks about his own days as a broadcaster.
Tom gives examples of works added to a musician’s existing canon and ponders the legitimacy of these inclusions. The Carter Family, King Crimson, Jimmie Rodgers, Aerosmith, George Strait, and other artists are discussed.
Tom talks about the origins of Fusion Music and a new biography of the band Weather Report.
Tom discusses the jazz-influenced accompaniment used on concert albums by Donovan and Tim Hardin.
Tom wraps-up Dylan’s 80th Birthday celebration by answering questions from Vinyl Approach listeners.
Tom looks at a live recording of Dylan’s “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” from his 1966 tour.
Tom ponders the parallels between Yes’ “Tales from Topographic Oceans” and Duke Ellington’s “Black, Brown, and Beige.”
Tom talks about some of the duet recordings from Willie Nelson’s six decades of making music.
Tom talks about the music of John Lennon that Yoko Ono has released since John’s death.
Tom gives examples of how a record company keeps an artist’s career alive even in death.
Tom examines Elton John's arrival in America through his early albums and energetic live shows.