Vinyl Relics

EPYSODE 81: Begin by The Millennium.

Guest: Michael Fennelly.

Additional commentary by Uncle Herff.

This week we dive into Begin (1968) by The Millennium, a breathtaking studio creation that pushed pop music to its limits and then quietly disappeared. Featuring exclusive commentary from band member Michael Fennelly, we uncover the story behind one of the most ambitious albums of its time.

With its layered harmonies, orchestral flourishes, and groundbreaking production, Begin was designed to be the future of pop. Instead, it became a cult artifact...rediscovered decades later as a defining statement of sunshine pop and baroque psych.

A beautiful failure, or a masterpiece the world simply wasn’t ready for?

I hope you dig Begin as much as I do.

- Farmer John

===CONNECT & SUPPORT===

Transport yourself into the realm of grooviness by supporting us on Patreon for as little as $2/month using this link -->

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Email me @ [email protected]

===LINKS===

Portland College Radio Station interview with Sandy Salisbury, 2012:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5WNmiK7X4w

 

===THE MUSIC===

Songs used in this Epysode, in order of appearance. Here's a link to a Spotify playlist for all the tracks featured.

*denotes track is not available on Spotify.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1JGEhgWHIiBcB0cO5zhMfw?si=f7dde73b87544686

ARMAGEDDON "Buzzard"

THE GOLDEBRIARS “Sea Of Tears”

LEE MALLORY “That’s The Way It’s Gonna Be”

THE ASSOCIATION “Along Comes Mary”

THE ASSOCIATION “Cherish”

SAGITTARIUS “The Truth Is Not Real”

*SANDY SALISBURY “All I Really Have Is A Memory”

THE BALLROOM “Spinning, Spinning, Spinning”

*THE MUSIC MACHINE “Talk Talk”

THEME FROM “GUNSMOKE”

THE EVERLY BROTHERS “All I Have To Do Is Dream”

RICKY NELSON “Travellin’ Man”

THE PRETTY THINGS “Rosalyn”

THE ZOMBIES “She’s Not There”

MARVIN GAYE “Hitch Hike”

BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD “For What It’s Worth”

SCOTT McKENZIE “San Francisco”

THE MILLENIUM "Prelude"

THE MILLENIUM "To Claudia On Thursday"

THE MILLENIUM "I Just Want To Be Your Friend"

THE MILLENIUM "5 A.M."

THE MILLENIUM "I'm With You"

THE MILLENIUM "The Island"

THE MILLENIUM "Sing To Me"

THE MILLENIUM "It's You"

THE MILLENIUM "Some Sunny Day"

THE MILLENIUM "It Won't Always Be The Same"

THE MILLENIUM "The Know It All"

THE MILLENIUM "Karmic Dream Sequence #1"

THE MILLENIUM "There Is Nothing More To Say"

THE MILLENIUM "Anthem (Begin)"

*THE MILLENIUM “Dying With You”

THE MILLENIUM “I Just Don’t Know How To Say Goodbye”

*THE MILLENIUM “A Younger Me”

SANDY SALISBURY “Spell On Me”

LEE MALLORY “Hey You”

JOEY STEC “Give My Love To You”

CURT BOETTCHER “I Love You More Each Day”

CRABBY APPLETON “Go Back”

NEWPORT ELECTRIC "So It Goes"

^^ That's my band. This is shameless self-promotion!! Listen to all our stuff here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5y6kGmYnS4SWvqAfijhDdp?si=jJpxTXitTQeKSQWRuMGRcg
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EPYSODE 80: Armageddon by Armageddon.

Guest: Louis Cennamo.

Additional commentary by the Psychedelic Wizard Uncle Herff.

This week we explore the explosive sound of 1975's Armageddon, the self-titled debut and only album by the British progressive hard rock band Armageddon. This album fuses progressive rock, hard rock, and psychedelic textures, delivering a powerful and intricate listening experience that has captivated collectors and prog-rock enthusiasts for decades. Featuring dynamic guitar work and rich rhythmic interplay, Armageddon stands as a seminal statement of 70s British hard prog.

This epysode is particularly special because it marks the conclusion of our mini-series featuring exclusive commentary by legendary bassist Louis Cennamo, who provides insider insights and reflections on the creative process that went into crafting this iconic album. Listeners will gain unique perspectives on the recording sessions and collaborative energy of the band.

Tune in for track-by-track analysis and firsthand insights from a rock legend, as we close out the mini-series with a celebration of a record that remains a must-have for collectors, prog aficionados, and fans of classic 70s British rock.

I hope you dig Armageddon as much as I do.

- Farmer John

===CONNECT & SUPPORT===

Transport yourself into the realm of grooviness by supporting us on Patreon for as little as $2/month using this link -->

patreon.com/FarmerJohnMusic

Use this link to follow us on Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/farmerjohnmusic/

Use this link to follow us on Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/vinylrelics/

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Use this link to follow us on BlueSky --> https://bsky.app/profile/farmerjohnmusic.bsky.social

And find us on X @VinylRelicsPod

Email me @ [email protected]

===LINKS===

Keith and Louis’s interview from the A&M promo album, 1975:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbBYkGkTqYw

Buy Louis' book "Awake In The Dream" here:

https://www.amazon.com/Awake-Dream-Spiritual-Diary-Rockstar/dp/1917056737

 

===THE MUSIC===

Songs used in this Epysode, in order of appearance. Here's a link to a Spotify playlist for all the tracks featured.

*denotes track is not available on Spotify.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6BvOm4DLpMjXzbO1XNU9S8?si=45bc718744674131

RENAISSANCE “Kings And Queens”

COLOSSEUM “Bring Out Your Dead”

STEAMHAMMER “Mortal Thought”

*THE GROUP “Land Of Lakes”

*NOAH’S ARK “Love In”

JOHNNY WINTER AND “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”

RICK DERRINGER “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo”

CAPTAIN BEYOND “Dancing Madly Backwards”

ARMAGEDDON "Buzzard"

ARMAGEDDON "Silver Tightrope"

ARMAGEDDON "Paths And Planes And Future Gains"

ARMAGEDDON "Last Stand Before"

ARMAGEDDON "Basking In The White Of The Midnight Sun"

ILLUSION “Man Of Miracles”

??MYSTERY ARTIST?? Tune in next week to find out...

NEWPORT ELECTRIC "Bad Idea"

^^ That's my band. This is shameless self-promotion!! Check out our music here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5y6kGmYnS4SWvqAfijhDdp?si=KH09exGTSVqRI_seDS6yLw
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EPYSODE 79: Speech by Steamhammer.

Guest: Louis Cennamo.

Additional commentary by the Psychedelic Wizard, Uncle Herff.

This week we delve into 1972's Speech, the final album by Steamhammer. A masterful blend of blues-rock, progressive textures, and psychedelic experimentation. Speech showcases the band at a creative peak during an adventurous time in British rock.

With help from bassist Louis Cennamo, we learn how he achieved that unique sound never before heard.

And get a load of this: with Louis' blessing, we were able to include snippets of a couple tracks from the "lost" Steamhammer album, Axis, the album recorded after Speech that has never been released.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Steamhammer, this epysode offers a deep dive into one of the most underrated British rock albums of the decade.

I hope you dig Speech as much as I do.

- Farmer John

===CONNECT & SUPPORT===

Transport yourself into the realm of grooviness by supporting us on Patreon for as little as $2/month using this link -->

patreon.com/FarmerJohnMusic

Use this link to follow us on Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/farmerjohnmusic/

Use this link to follow us on Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/vinylrelics/

Use this link to follow us on TikTok --> https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylrelicspodcast

Use this link to follow us on BlueSky --> https://bsky.app/profile/farmerjohnmusic.bsky.social

And find us on X @VinylRelicsPod

Email me @ [email protected]

===LINKS===

Steve Joliffe 2019 Interview with Red Octupus Media:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFpLnsg5ShM

Buy Louis' book "Awake In The Dream" here:

https://www.amazon.com/Awake-Dream-Spiritual-Diary-Rockstar/dp/1917056737

 

===THE MUSIC===

Songs used in this Epysode, in order of appearance. Here's a link to a Spotify playlist for all the tracks featured.

*denotes track is not available on Spotify.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1qnaKktjRWoOh91RNGBOT0?si=294808539803486d

RENAISSANCE “Bullet”

COLOSSEUM “Time Lament”

FREDDIE KING “Hideaway”

STEAMHAMMER “Lost You Too”

STEAMHAMMER “Junior’s Wailing”

STEAMHAMMER “On The Road”

*METHUSELAH “Prism Fawn”

STEAMHAMMER “Passing Through”

STEAMHAMMER “Another Travelling Tune”

STEAMHAMMER “Mountains”

STEAMHAMMER "Penumbra: 1) Entrance 2) Battlements 3) Passage To Remorse 4) Sightless Substance 5) Mortal Thoughts"

STEAMHAMMER "Telegram (Nature's Mischief)"

STEAMHAMMER "For Against"

ROD STEWART “Maggie May”

*STEAMHAMMER “Small Boar And Gibbon” (previously unreleased)

*STEAMHAMMER “Christine” (previously unreleased)

*STEAMHAMMER “A Buzz To Armageddon” (previously unreleased)

ARMAGEDDON "Silver Tightrope"

NEWPORT ELECTRIC "Nice And Slow"

^^ That's my band! This is shameless self-promotion!!

Listen to my band's music here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5y6kGmYnS4SWvqAfijhDdp?si=Bk880y33QNSK_gZLSQvv_A
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EPYSODE 78: Daughter Of Time by Colosseum.

Guest: Louis Cennamo.

Additional commentary by the Psychedelic Wizard, Uncle Herff.

Step into the innovative soundscape of 1970's Daughter of Time, by Colosseum. Known for its seamless fusion of progressive rock, jazz improvisation, and psychedelic textures, this album showcases the band at the height of their creative powers. Complex arrangements galore!

With help from bassist Louis Cennamo, we explore the tracks and the story behind this tremendous LP.

I hope you dig Daughter Of Time as much as I do.

- Farmer John

===CONNECT & SUPPORT===

Transport yourself into the realm of grooviness by supporting us on Patreon for as little as $2/month using this link -->

patreon.com/FarmerJohnMusic

Use this link to follow us on Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/farmerjohnmusic/

Use this link to follow us on Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/vinylrelics/

Use this link to follow us on TikTok --> https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylrelicspodcast

Use this link to follow us on BlueSky --> https://bsky.app/profile/farmerjohnmusic.bsky.social

And find us on X @VinylRelicsPod

Email me @ [email protected]

===LINKS===

Jon Hiseman 2007 interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7NMZGXiWWM

 

Jon Hiseman Interview Progressive Music Awards 2016:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH2KfrOubcI

Buy Louis' book "Awake In The Dream" here:

https://www.amazon.com/Awake-Dream-Spiritual-Diary-Rockstar/dp/1917056737

 

===THE MUSIC===

Songs used in this Epysode, in order of appearance. Here's a link to a Spotify playlist for all the tracks featured.

*denotes track is not available on Spotify.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6nIAOtklQUlZow3KJlAdWS?si=75d94a5e69734b2f

RENAISSANCE "Kings And Queens"

THE GRAHAM BOND ORGANIZATION “Neighbour Neighbour”

ALEXIS KORNER’S BLUES INCORPORATED “I Thought I Heard That Whistle Blow”

*JOHN MAYALL’S BLUES BREAKERS “She’s Too Young”

*THE WES MINSTER FIVE “Sticks And Stones”

CHRIS FARLOWE & THE THUNDERBIRDS “Dawn”

COLOSSEUM “Walking In The Park”

COLOSSEUM “The Road She Walked Before”

COLOSSEUM “The Kettle”

COLOSSEUM “The Valentyne Suite”

COLOSSEUM “Lost Angeles”

BAKERLOO “Gang Bang”

CHRIS FARLOWE “Out Of Time”

COLOSSEUM "Three Score And Ten, Amen"

COLOSSEUM "Time Lament"

COLOSSEUM "Take Me Back To Doomsday"

COLOSSEUM "The Daughter Of Time"

COLOSSEUM "Theme For An Imaginary Western"

COLOSSEUM "Bring Out Your Dead"

COLOSSEUM "Downhill And Shadows"

COLOSSEUM "Time Machine"

COLOSSEUM “Skellington” (live)

ATOMIC ROOSTER “Little Bit Of Inner Air”

HUMBLE PIE “Hot ‘N’ Nasty”

TEMPEST “Foyers Of Fun”

COLOSSEUM II “Down To You”

COLOSSEUM II “Put It That Way”

JON HISEMAN “A Night In The Sun”

COLOSSEUM “Bread & Circuses”

COLOSSEUM “Not Getting Through”

??MYSTERY ARTIST?? Tune in next week to find out...

NEWPORT ELECTRIC "Bad Idea"

^^ That's my band. This is shameless self-promotion!! Listen to all our music here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5y6kGmYnS4SWvqAfijhDdp?si=OL-6gnfZRQWOgEQHlwL6Gg
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Epysode 77: Renaissance, by Renaissance.

Guest: Renaissance bassist Louis Cennamo.

Additional commentary by the Psychedelic Wizard, Uncle Herff.

This week we step into the mesmerizing world of 1969's Renaissance, the debut album from the pioneering British band Renaissance. Far ahead of its time, this record blends progressive rock, psychedelic textures, and classical influences to create a soundscape that remains unique in the late 60s British rock scene. With their melodic arrangements, this album set a template for many of the prog bands that followed.

With help from Louis Cennamo, we'll dive into the tracks and the stories of this truly groundbreaking LP.

I hope you dig Renaissance as much as I do.

- Farmer John

===CONNECT & SUPPORT===

Transport yourself into the realm of grooviness by supporting us on Patreon for as little as $2/month using this link -->

patreon.com/FarmerJohnMusic

Use this link to follow us on Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/farmerjohnmusic/

Use this link to follow us on Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/vinylrelics/

Use this link to follow us on TikTok --> https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylrelicspodcast

Use this link to follow us on BlueSky --> https://bsky.app/profile/farmerjohnmusic.bsky.social

And find us on X @VinylRelicsPod

Email me @ [email protected]

===LINKS===

Keith Relf’s interview from 1969:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NX8FgVrg-c

Buy Louis' book "Awake In The Dream" here:

https://www.amazon.com/Awake-Dream-Spiritual-Diary-Rockstar/dp/1917056737

 

===THE MUSIC===

Songs used in this Epysode, in order of appearance. Here's a link to a Spotify playlist for all the tracks featured.

*denotes track is not available on Spotify.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0FOK2hB8hVRpgUaZI4DqBZ?si=5f1f284554144298

THE YARDBIRDS "What Do You Want"

TOGETHER “Henry’s Coming Home” 

TOGETHER “Love Mum And Dad”

THE NASHVILLE TEENS “Tobacco Road”

DJANGO REINHARDT “Minor Swing”

JOHN LEE HOOKER “Dimples”

CHUCK BERRY “Night Beat”

*JIMMY POWELL & THE FIVE DIMENSIONS “That’s Alright”

THE HERD “So Much In Love”

THE HERD “I Can Fly”

JAMES TAYLOR “Something In The Way She Moves”

JAMES TAYLOR “Carolina In My Mind”

RENAISSANCE "Kings & Queens"

RENAISSANCE "Innocence"

RENAISSANCE "Island"

RENAISSANCE "Wanderer"

RENAISSANCE "Bullet"

RENAISSANCE “Love Is All”

RENAISSANCE “Carpet Of The Sun”

*ILLUSION “Isadora”

ILLUSION “Louis’ Theme”

??MYSTERY ARTIST?? Tune in to next week's show to find out...

NEWPORT ELECTRIC "If Wishes Were Horses"

^^ That's my band. This is shameless self-promotion!! Check out our music here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5y6kGmYnS4SWvqAfijhDdp?si=dCVg_wePQDuPtPEN-YwUdQ
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices