The Vinyl Curriculum

This week on Vinyl Curriculum , we’re turning up the groove and diving into the funky side of the 1970s. From Parliament-Funkadelic’s spacey jams to Stevie Wonder’s groundbreaking sounds and Earth, Wind & Fire’s unstoppable energy, the decade redefined rhythm and soul. We’ll explore how funk shaped not just the music charts but also culture, fashion, and the dance floor. Tune in as we spin som...

This week, on episode 8 of The Vinyl Curriculum, we travel back to the early 80s. Before they were icons, these artists were just fresh faces dropping their very first albums—and wow, did they make a splash. From U2 to Madonna, Stevie Nicks to R.E.M., these records didn’t just start careers… they rewrote the rules. Hear the songs that launched legends. Listen to the Spotify Playlist⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen...

In this episode of Vinyl Curriculum , Logan and Jim dive into the vibrant world of modern indie music. From basement bands to festival headliners, they explore the genre’s evolution, DIY spirit, and genre-bending sounds that are redefining the music scene today. Expect fresh picks, unexpected gems, and a conversation that unpacks what makes indie feel so personal, and so powerful, in today’s strea...

Southern Rock is raw, loud, and unapologetically full of attitude, and in this episode of Vinyl Curriculum , Logan and Jim dig into the genre’s roots in the American South. From the Allman Brothers’ jam-band brilliance to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s anthemic swagger, the two explore what made Southern Rock explode in the ’70s and why its influence still lingers today. Expect guitar riffs, storytelling, and m...

In Episode 5 of The Vinyl Curriculum podcast, we take a humorous and critical look at some of the biggest musical mistakes in history. From cringe-worthy lyrics to questionable production choices, we dive into songs that should never have been made and definitely should never be repeated. Join us for a fun and opinionated discussion, as we highlight the tunes that missed the mark and explore what...

Set sail with The Vinyl Curriculum as Jim takes Logan aboard the smoothest genre of them all— Yacht Rock . It's all about tight harmonies, slick production, and breezy vibes from the late ’70s and early ’80s. Think soft rock with a captain’s hat. This week, we drift through hits from Toto, Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, and more. Logan tries to figure out what actually qualifies as Yacht Rock, whil...

This week on The Vinyl Curriculum , Jim introduces Logan to the sound that stormed America in the '80s—the Second British Invasion . Fueled by synths, stylish hair, and the rise of MTV, British bands took over U.S. charts with a sound that was sleek, strange, and unforgettable. From New Wave to New Romantic, we explore what made this era so explosive—and whether these hits still hold up today. Fea...

Back in the late ’70s, albums weren’t just built around radio hits, they were full journeys meant to be played from start to finish. In this week’s episode of Vinyl Curriculum , Jim and Logan dig into the deep cuts from 10 legendary album rock records. From Queen to Boston, Meat Loaf to Pink Floyd, these tracks may not have topped the charts, but they helped define an era. Listen to the Spotify Pl...

Welcome to the very first class of The Vinyl Curriculum ! In this episode, Jim takes Logan back to the glory days of flannel, fuzz, and fiery vocals with a lesson on the alternative music scene of 1995 —a year packed with raw emotion, rising legends, and radio hits that defined a generation. We originally recorded this episode live on WLRA Radio, so we can’t include the full songs here due to copy...

Welcome to The Vinyl Curriculum —where the needle drops, generations meet, and opinions definitely clash. In this weekly podcast, Logan teams up with Jim, his older (and possibly wiser?) musical guide, to explore the legends, deep cuts, and iconic sounds from before Logan was even born. Jim brings the songs, the stories, and the memories; Logan brings the reactions—and some pretty ruthless grades....