On this episode, Marc talks with Josh Bloom, author of "The Apples In Stereo," published in December of 2025. It's all about the Denver band The Apples in Stereo, who began in the early 90s and were part of the Elephant 6 Collective alongside Neutral Milk Hotel, Olivia Tremor Control, of Montreal, and more. Josh has known members of the band for decades, particularly their main leader Robert Schneider, and his book is a mixture of informational bio and first-person narrative, written in a conversational, often humorous tone.

As he writes, "Because Robert and I have a history as on-off-on again friends, I can speak from personal experience to complete a picture of him as the more emotionally complex person, and therefore, songwriter, recording artist, and producer I know him to be."

You can buy Josh's book here.

We hope you enjoy Marc's conversation with Josh Bloom!

On this episode, Marc talks with Al Shipley, author of "Tough Breaks: The Story of Baltimore Club Music," published in August 2025. It's a thoughtful, detailed, and revealing look into a music movement that grew organically in Baltimore clubs, radio stations, and record stores, with beats and other musical ideas passed around quickly so that the styles and sounds morphed constantly. Though it may not have gotten a lot of play outside of the city, was as innovative and important as any club music scene in America.

As Al writes, ""Local" is sometimes seen as a shameful or insulting word in music media, but treating the music that’s made in your neck of the woods with curiosity and respect is incredibly rewarding, and too many music writers have never even tried it. Fun music and dance music deserve thoughtful journalism and critical analysis as much as more conventionally “serious” art."

You can buy Tough Breaks here.

We hope you enjoy Marc's conversation with Al Shipley!

On this episode, Marc talks with Simon Raymonde, author of "In One Ear: Cocteau Twins, Ivor, and Me," published in America in November of 2025. It's a sharp, enthusiastic, and funny memoir of Raymonde's life as a musician, member of the legendary UK band Cocteau Twins (with Elizabeth Fraser and Robin Guthrie), and owner of the vital indie record label Bella Union. Simon also delves into his relationship with his father Ivor, who was himself a renowned musician, producer, and arranger. It's all told with a sense of humor and wisdom that makes Simon's words practically leap off the page.

As Simon writes, "It seems that my own past is no longer just a shoegazey blur of distant lights receding in the rear-view mirror; it is clearly visible in my present too. Cocteau Twins have never been as popular as we are now, almost three decades after we stopped making music."

You can by Simon's book here.

We. hope you enjoy Marc's conversation with Simon Raymonde!