Best Vinyl Countdown Podcasts (2025)

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S2 - Ep 16 - Rolling Stone’s Original ’80s Countdown: Albums 80-61 38:29

2h ago38:29

38:29

This week on Revinyl, Shawn and Craig return to their deep dive into Rolling Stone’s original Top 100 Albums of the 1980s, straight from the November 1989 issue—a snapshot of the decade as it ended, unfiltered by revisionist history. They reveal and discuss albums #80 through #61, digging into the context, impact, and some eyebrow-raising choices f…

1
Vinylthon Month Special: Vinyl on Film Countdown! 1:08:49

16d ago1:08:49

1:08:49

Vinylthon month is here! Which raises a fun question: How does vinyl intersect with other mass mediums? To connect the dots between vinyl and film history, Scott McMurry joins Special Topics in Media for a discussion about films that capitalize on the music craze. Celebrate "Vinylthon" by tuning in to the nonprofit event this April, or consider sup…

1
Internship Interview Series: "Public Speaking" with Annabeth Fehrle 24:45

2h ago24:45

24:45

Diving deeper into May's Internship Interview Series, host Garret Castleberry sits down with graduating senior, MACU Women's Volleyball player, and recipient of the 2024-25 Media Production Award, Annabeth Fehrle. Annabeth discusses her passion for public speaking and how it translates into and out of the classroom. This May, Special Topics in Medi…

1
Internship Interview Series: "JV Collegiate Coaching" with Jordan Smith 19:25

4d ago19:25

19:25

Kicking off May's Internship Interview Series, host Garret Castleberry sits down with graduating senior, MACU Men's Baseball Pitcher, and recipient of the 2024-25 Communication Award Jordan Smith to discuss his transition from collegiate student athlete to junior varsity assistant coach. This May, Special Topics in Media is proud to recognize colle…

1
S2 - Ep 15 - Hidden Gems: Some Of Our Favorite Overlooked Albums 1:07:36

7d ago1:07:36

1:07:36

In today’s episode of Revinyl, Shawn and Craig shine a spotlight on some of their favorite overlooked albums—records that might’ve flown under the radar but left a major impression. 💎 Hidden Treasures: From bands few have heard of to albums that never got their due, Shawn and Craig dig deep into the crates to unearth some truly underrated gems—incl…

1
Internship Interview Series - The Teaser! 6:23

7d ago6:23

6:23

This May, Special Topics in Media is proud to recognize students demonstrating excellence through participating in internship partnership this year. Throughout the month we will spotlight one-on-one sit-downs with current and graduating students in the Media Production and Communication program at MACU. Host: Garret Castleberry Producers: Garret Ca…

1
"College Unpacked" Author Interview with J Hall 52:37

9d ago52:37

52:37

Celebrating independent bookstore week, Special Topics in Media host Garret Castleberry sits down with indie book store aficionado, universal book lover, and nonfiction author J Hall to discuss the release of his newest book College Unpacked: A Practical Guide to Choosing, Preparing For, and Excelling in College. The book provides a user-friendly g…

1
S2 - Ep 14 - Rolling Stone’s Original ’80s Countdown: Albums 100–81 (Published Nov ’89) 42:48

15d ago42:48

42:48

This week on Revinyl, Shawn and Craig kick off a multi-part series diving into Rolling Stone’s original Top 100 Albums of the 1980s—not the updated list, but the real-time rankings published in November 1989, when the decade had just wrapped. 🧠 A List Frozen in Time: Before hindsight and reissues reshaped history, this list captured how critics vie…

1
S2 - Ep 13 - RSD Recap, One-Hit Wonders & A Blast From April 1980 (with a special guest) 1:00:45

22d ago1:00:45

1:00:45

This week on Revinyl, Shawn and Craig are joined by Kevin from the Schizophrenic Music Podcast for a jam-packed episode full of vinyl talk, list battles, and musical time travel. 🛍️ RSD 2025 Recap: The trio kicks things off by sharing their experiences from this year’s Record Store Day—favorite grabs, surprising finds, and thoughts on how RSD has e…

1
S2 - Ep 12 - Springsteen Spotlight, More One-Hit Wonders & ’90s Gold 41:06

1M ago41:06

41:06

This week on Revinyl, Shawn and Craig tip their hats to The Boss himself—Bruce Springsteen—before diving into some more random musical treasures. 🎤 Spotlight on "The Boss": Shawn’s Picks: His Top 5 Bruce Springsteen Albums, showcasing the depth and power of the Boss’s iconic discography. Craig’s Picks: His Top 10 Springsteen Songs, highlighting eve…

1
Vinylthon Month Special: What is Vinyl? 27:13

1M ago27:13

27:13

Vinylthon month is here! Which raises an important question: What exactly IS Vinyl? To deepen listener appreciation for Vinylthon month, Scott McMurry joins Special Topics in Media for a discussion about what distinguishes vinyl from other forms of physically reproduced media. Celebrate "Vinylthon" by tuning in to the nonprofit event this April, or…

1
S2 - Ep 11 - RSD 2025 Picks, April '85 Chart Battles & More ’90s Gems 42:31

1M ago42:31

42:31

On this episode of Revinyl, Shawn and Craig celebrate Record Store Day 2025 with a fresh round of top picks, dive into a bit of chart nostalgia, and keep their journey through the '90s rolling. 🛍️ Top 10 RSD 2025 Releases: Shawn & Craig reveal their Top 10 releases from this year’s Record Store Day—from exclusive reissues and long-awaited live reco…

1
Vinylthon Month is Here! What is Vinylthon? (Interview: Tim Craig) 44:32

1M ago44:32

44:32

Vinylthon month is here! Which raises an important question...What IS Vinylthon? Joining us to discuss "Vinylthon" and more, Dr. Tim Craig (Warner University) joins Special Topics in Media for a discussion about the origins of Vinylthon, grassroots growth of this musical movement, and the ways in which it continues to diversify its programming stra…

1
S2 - Ep 10 - Van Halen's Fair Warning Meets Okonski's Entrance Music 42:49

1M ago42:49

42:49

In this episode of Revinyl, Shawn and Craig cover a wide range of sonic territory—from hard rock legends to modern-day grooves, and a continued journey through ‘90s classics. 🎸 Shawn’s Pick: A spotlight on Van Halen’s Fair Warning—arguably their darkest and most underrated album. Shawn breaks down the raw energy, guitar work, and why this album sta…

1
Film Listology: The Recalibration Countdown (#107-76) 1:31:44

2M ago1:31:44

1:31:44

The time has come. In this "Recalibration Preview", Special Topics in Media examines the data sets that feed into the tabulation process defining the "Film Listology" methodology. Cohost Scott McMurry provides listeners with the clearest explanation yet for how the math works to determine placement in the Super Index ranking for culturally signific…

1
S2 - Ep 9 - Random Selections from Brent Mann's "101 Greatest One Hit Wonders" 48:27

2M ago48:27

48:27

On today’s episode of Revinyl, Shawn and Craig take a nostalgic journey through some of the most iconic one-hit wonders of all time—randomly selected from Brent Mann’s book 101 Greatest One Hit Wonders. 📖 Shawn’s Resource: A deep dive into Mann’s definitive collection of one-hit wonders, exploring the songs that made a massive impact before the art…

1
Film Listology: Recalibration Preview! 32:31

2M ago32:31

32:31

The time has come. In this "Recalibration Preview", Special Topics in Media examines the data sets that feed into the tabulation process defining the "Film Listology" methodology. Cohost Scott McMurry provides listeners with the clearest explanation yet for how the math works to determine placement in the Super Index ranking for culturally signific…

1
Film Listology: #76 - A Streetcar Named Desire 1:05:29

2M ago1:05:29

1:05:29

In the "Film Listology" entry to Special Topics in Media, hosts Garret Castleberry and Scott McMurry evaluate the legacy of Elia Kazan's adaptation of the Tennessee Williams literary stageplay of the same name, A Streetcar Named Desire (1951). Boasting a pair of explosive performances by Vivian Leigh (Gone With the Wind) and Marlon Brando (The Godf…

1
S2 - Ep 8 - R.E.M. Reunite Live...and Shawn Was There - Our Fave Albums & Tracks 1:05:00

2M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

On this special edition of Revinyl, Shawn shares his firsthand experience witnessing R.E.M.’s surprise reunion at the legendary 40 Watt Club—a night of unforgettable music featuring Michael Shannon, Jason Narducy & friends performing Fables of the Reconstruction in full. 🎤 Shawn’s Story: What it was like to see R.E.M. together again, the energy of …

1
S2 - Ep 7 - Our Top 10 Shoegaze / Dreampop Albums & Songs of the 90's 58:58

2M ago58:58

58:58

Inspired by last week’s listener emails, Shawn and Craig take a trip back to the ‘90s, exploring the ethereal sounds of Shoegaze and Dream Pop—two genres that defined an era and continue to influence artists today. 🎶 Shawn’s Picks: A curated list of his top Shoegaze/Dream Pop songs of the ‘90s, featuring standout tracks that capture the dreamy, rev…

1
Film Listology: #77 - Metropolis 1:21:08

3M ago1:21:08

1:21:08

This week in our "Film Listology" season of Special Topics in Media, Garret Castleberry and Scott McMurry explore the innovation and influence of Fritz Lang's 1927 science fiction silent film Metropolis. Can silent cinema maintain high cultural significance in an age of immersive media and high definition spectacle? The dialogic duo wrestle with th…

1
S2 - Ep 6 - Uncut Top 20 Albums of the 70's (Part 1) / Listener Emails 42:47

3M ago42:47

42:47

This week on Revinyl, Shawn and Craig dig into some listener emails and take a deep dive into two separate top albums lists that spark discussion, debate, and nostalgia. 📩 Listener Spotlight: A fan shares her Top 10 Shoegaze Albums that reveals some new discoveries, some personal faves and a couple of reminders of albums they need to revisit. 📚 Unc…

1
Film Listology: #78 - The Dark Knight 1:10:45

3M ago1:10:45

1:10:45

Continuing the "Film Listology" seasons of Special Topics, the dialogic duo strategize the placement of the #78 film on the Super Index(TM), Christopher Nolan's 4-quadrant blockbuster released by Warner Bros. in 2008, The Dark Knight. The middle act to Nolan's Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight won praise among audiences and critics, and became a zeit…

1
S2 - Ep 5 - Led Zeppelin's Houses of the Holy Meets The Pains of Being Pure at Heart 42:32

3M ago42:32

42:32

This week on Revinyl, Craig and Shawn dig into their latest vinyl acquisitions, uncovering the history, rarity, and sonic magic behind their picks. 🔥 Craig’s Pick: A rare promotional DJ copy of Houses of the Holy by Led Zeppelin. He breaks down what makes this pressing unique, its collectibility, and how it stacks up against other editions of this …

1
Rebirth 15:12

3M ago15:12

15:12

Back, shatting, shit Feb 2025. Drop us an email [email protected]. I doubt we'll reply

1
Film Listology: #79 - Amadeus 1:06:19

3M ago1:06:19

1:06:19

In this "Film Listology" episode, hosts Garret Castleberry and Scott McMurry compose an argument both for and against reading the 1985 Academy Award winner for Best Picture as culturally significant to the history of film. Directed by Milos Forman and released in 1984, Amadeus posits a lavish period biopic about the famed composer Wolfgang Amadeus …

1
Film Listology: #80 - WALL*E 38:12

3M ago38:12

38:12

In this episode, hosts Garret Castleberry and Scott McMurry assess the cultural significance of the 2008 Pixar Animated feature film WALL*E. Directed by Andrew Stanton and released to wide critical acclaim, WALL*E centers on a labor robot fascinated by the haunting reveries of the now-vanished human civilization. WALL*E imaginatively embodies quali…

1
S2 - Ep 4 - Special Edition (Uncut Magazine's Top Albums of the 90's Part 2) 33:00

3M ago33:00

33:00

In this episode, Shawn and Craig further explore Uncut Magazine’s Top Albums of the ’90s, once again making it he main event. The duo embarks on an another unpredictable journey through some of the decade’s most celebrated records. With Craig randomly selecting 10 spots from the top 250, neither host knows what albums will come up, adding an elemen…

1
S2 - Ep 3 - Our Top 10 Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Albums of the 80's 48:34

4M ago48:34

48:34

In this episode, Shawn and Craig reveal their top 10 hard rock and heavy metal albums from the legendary 1980s. They explore iconic records that shaped the decade’s sonic landscape, discussing standout tracks, unforgettable guitar riffs, and the lasting influence these albums continue to hold today. Tune in for a headbanging journey through the era…

1
Film Listology, Reveal Episode! #80-76 54:10

4M ago54:10

54:10

In our January RETURN to the Film Listology experiment, Scott McMurry reveals the next five films currently ranked by the analytics super index. What movies emerge as the Dialogic Duo debut the #80-76 entries? Should each of these be canonized in the Top 100, or is the data scheme exhibiting flaws in its matrix? Screen these film classic all month …

1
S2 - Ep 2 - Shawn's Latest Haul from Noble Records 33:40

4M ago33:40

33:40

In this episode, Shawn runs through his favorite 10 records purchased during his latest trip to Noble Records in North Carolina. Covering everything from hard rock and outlaw country to shoegaze and indie pop, this eclectic haul offers a glimpse into the wide-ranging tastes that drive Shawn’s crate-digging adventures. Tune in for highlights of each…

1
Future Shock Voices: Michael Harris (Author, Come With Me If You Want to Live) 1:17:20

4M ago1:17:20

1:17:20

In a world where science fiction breeds serious introspection... In this episode, host Garret Castleberry connects with science fiction film and media scholar Michael Harris to discuss his book Come With Me If You Want to Live: The Future as Foretold in Classic Sci-Fi Films (Roman & Littlefield). Commemorating the book's one-year anniversary releas…

1
S2 - Ep 1 - Things We're Looking Forward To Or Hope Will Happen in 2025 36:54

4M ago36:54

36:54

In this episode, Shawn and Craig share their hopes, wishes and predictions for the year ahead. They discuss everything from upcoming album releases and possible band reunions to personal goals and broader cultural shifts on the horizon. Tune in to hear what they’re excited about and why they believe 2025 could be a standout year in music, technolog…

1
Future Shock Voices: Keith M. Johnston (Author, Science Fiction Film: A Critical Introduction) 1:26:45

4M ago1:26:45

1:26:45

In a world where science fiction breeds serious discussion... In this episode, host Garret Castleberry connects with science fiction film and media scholar Keith M. Johnston to discuss his book Science Fiction Film: A Critical Introduction (Bloomsbury Press). Commemorating the book's ten-...to fifteen-year anniversary, the author discusses his rese…

1
Future Shock Film: Student Roundtable, Part 2 38:39

4M ago38:39

38:39

In a world where free speech converges with film studies, one group of students fight the pandemic and enter the "forbidden zone" whereby their thoughts on Future Shock Cinema enter the public sphere. In "Part 2" of our student roundtable, we sit down with the second group of classmates to discuss their reaction to the future shock course, our film…

1
Ep. 33 - Albums of 2024 - Shawn's Top 10 Meets Craig's Top 10 34:42

5M ago34:42

34:42

It's that time of year! That's right, Shawn and Craig count down their top 10 albums of 2024, showcasing a rich tapestry of sounds and global influences. From Athens to Austin, London to Australia, they highlight bands that capture the year’s most compelling new music. Their picks span genres including dreamy, reverb-soaked shoegaze, soulful neo-so…

1
Sad Boi Draft w/ Dillon of the Off the Beaten Clef podcast 1:07:13

5M ago1:07:13

1:07:13

Oh man, a new Vinyl Countdown episode is out? What is this, 2021???? Seriously though, it’s fun to be back just in time for the holiday season so we can be sad together! This week , I have my good buddy Dillon on once again to help me out with picking some of the most depressing songs in our libraries. It’s a fun but at times hard conversation we h…

1
Future Shock Film: Student Roundtable 57:51

5M ago57:51

57:51

In a world where free speech converges with film studies, one group of students fight the pandemic and enter the "forbidden zone" whereby their thoughts on Future Shock Cinema enter the public sphere. We sit down with students from the class immediately following our final course screening to discuss their reaction to the future shock course, our f…

1
Ep. 32 - Willis Alan Ramsey Meets Engineers 26:16

5M ago26:16

26:16

In this episode, Shawn turns back the clock to spotlight the self-titled album from Willis Alan Ramsey, often considered a hidden gem and a "lost album" in American singer-songwriter lore. He delves into the album’s timeless charm, exploring why it still resonates decades after its initial release. Shawn reflects on the blend of folk, country, and …

1
Ep. 31 - Special Christmas Edition: Craig's Top 5 Meets Shawn's Top 5 29:16

5M ago29:16

29:16

In this special weekday episode, Shawn and Craig deck the halls with their personal picks of top Christmas albums. They explore a festive blend of genres, from indie rock renditions that offer fresh holiday twists, to soulful classics that warm the heart. The duo also dives into the improvisational sounds of jazz-based Christmas tunes and the nosta…

1
Future Shock Film: Arrival (2016) 45:23

5M ago45:23

45:23

In a world where language gains new meaning, Special Topics looks back at a film that imagines forward to a point in which "first contact" with extraterrestrial life posits the unexpected arrival of the future. In this entrant to our "Future Shock" season, we examine 2016's Arrival. Twenty-first century sci-fi auteur Denis Villeneuve directs this a…

1
Ep. 30 - Special Edition: RSD Black Friday Re-Cap 30:50

5M ago30:50

30:50

Episode Title: Record Store Day 2024 Black Friday Recap In this special episode, Shawn and Craig shift gears to recap the 2024 Record Store Day Black Friday event. They dive into the latest selection of exclusive releases, offering their opinions on standout albums and the overall quality of this year’s lineup. From highly anticipated reissues to r…

1
Future Shock Film: Tenet (2020) 2:04:25

5M ago2:04:25

2:04:25

In a world where time marches forward...and backward, one protagonist stands between an open future and an open war on the past. John David Washington stars in the mind-bending blockbuster that never was, Tenet (2020). Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, Tenet posits a world where the laws of physics both conceal and reveal ways in which the…

1
Future Shock Film: Oblivion (2013) 1:00:59

6M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

In a world where science fiction spectacle overwhelms science fiction narrative, one team emerges from deep space to confront the uncanny moviegoing valley. Amidst a career pivot from grounded dramas and espionage action films, global superstar Tom Cruise reinvented his career with a series of strategic choices increasingly oriented around the scie…

1
Ep. 29 - J. Robbins Meets Iron Maiden 41:36

6M ago41:36

41:36

In this episode, Craig dives into J. Robbins’ latest release, Basilisk, exploring the enduring legacy of the post-hardcore icon. Craig reflects on Robbins’ influential career, from his work with bands like Jawbox and Burning Airlines to his production work and continued evolution as a solo artist. He delves into how Basilisk captures Robbins’ signa…

1
Future Shock Film: I Am Legend (2007) 1:04:04

6M ago1:04:04

1:04:04

In a world where society suffers the consequences of global biological contamination, one individual survives as the bridge between our recognizable past and an undetermined future. Box office superstar Will Smith stretches his action-comedy comfort zone to anchor I Am Legend, which was released in 2007 and directed by Francis Lawrence. Smith stars…

1
Ep. 28 - Craig Meets Shawn's Latest Haul from Plaid Room Records 43:43

6M ago43:43

43:43

In this episode, the fellas switch things up a bit as Shawn shares his latest vinyl haul from Plaid Room Records with Craig. With ten new albums in tow, Shawn takes Craig through each one, diving into the unique finds that make up his latest purchase. From deep cuts to hidden gems, the conversation flows as they break down the albums’ sounds, artwo…

1
Future Shock Film: Greenland (2020) 1:04:02

6M ago1:04:02

1:04:02

In a world where extinction events pose an imminent threat, one family enacts their survivalist instincts in a desperate ploy to stay alive. From director Ric Roman Waugh and starring his frequent leading man counterpart Gerard Butler, Greenland fell out of theatrical wide-release in 2020 when it ran up against the real-world threat in the COVID-19…

1
Ep. 27 - U2 Meets Spoon 36:12

6M ago36:12

36:12

In this episode, Shawn celebrates the 40th anniversary of U2’s Unforgettable Fire, delving into how this pivotal album reshaped the band’s sound and set the stage for their global breakthrough. Shawn discusses the influence of producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, who helped U2 explore atmospheric textures and a more expansive style. He reflects o…

1
Future Shock Sound Bite: Literature Review 18:45

6M ago18:45

18:45

In this interlude "Future Shock Sound Bite", host Garret Castleberry briefly overviews key academic scholarship selected to accompany the educational approach to studying future shock science fiction film. Future Shock sound bites will function as complementary additions to the episodic Special Topics film analysis episodes. These supplemental mini…

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