More Episodes
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Episode 2448: ‘More Punk Than the Public Library’
We talk with J. Hunter Bennett, longtime friend of the pod, about his new book “More Punk Than the Public Library: The Adventures of a Little Free Punk Rock Bookstore.” Hunter talks about how his little library project during the pandemic morphed into a passion project in publishing. Many of the writings featured in his regular communiques are collected in this book.
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Episode 2447: A Brief Review of the Songs of the Summer, 1958-2025
As Labor Day rolls into view, most people’s thoughts turn to the coming autumn, unpacking your hoodie collection and all things Pumpkin. Here at Rockin’ the Suburbs, Labor Day means it’s time to figure out what was the Song of the Summer. We sent Patrick to find the 2026 Song of the Summer, but he stumbled onto something else that he thought he would share with you, dear listener.
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Episode 2446: Book Nook: Reading Lester Bangs
Patrick recently had occasion to look through his books on legendary writer Lester Bangs and before he returned them to the shelves, he shares his thoughts on three volumes: Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung, Let it Blurt and Main Lines, Blood Feasts, and Bad Taste.
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Episode 2445: Second Album Syndrome: Jefferson Airplane and Fairport Convention
Mark Neese takes on Second Album Syndrome, linking two bands who changed singers after their debut albums. Both Jefferson Airplane (“Surrealistic Pillow”) and Fairport Convention (“What We Did On Our Holidays”) made big artistic strides on their second efforts. Hop in the wayback machine with Mark and learn all about them!
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Episode 2444: More Matthew Sweet in the 90s
Episodes 2439-2433 were dedicated to Matthew Sweet’s 90s albums and Kevin Clement, Niklas Nygards and Justin Steiner hosted while Jim and Patrick were on summer vacation. It’s a great listen and friend of the show David Lee (who has also contributed to Joe Ely and Greg Kihn episodes) wanted to share his thoughts. Take it away, David!
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Episode 2443: 50th Anniversary: Boston’s Debut Album
50 years ago this week, a debut album was released that changed the face of rock and roll. Tom Scholz recorded a series of tracks in the basement of a house outside Boston and named his makeshift group for the city. It went on to sell millions of copies. Patrick is joined by George (formerly of Hong Kong, now of West Virginia) to discuss this landmark LP.
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Episode 2442: Rest in Power: Dolly Parton
American musical icon Dolly Parton passed away on August 25, 2026 at the age of 80. Patrick takes a look at four different musical periods of Dolly’s career – her early songs, her 1970-1975 classic albums, her duets with Porter Wagoner and her trio work with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris – as a tribute to her amazing talent. Rest in Power, Dolly.
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Episode 2441: July New Music – Dinosaur Jr., The Goods, The Tubs, Billboard Style
It’s a double caboose on the New Music Train! Jim talks about songs released in July by the Goods, the Tubs, Billboard Style and Dinosaur Jr.
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Episode 2440: July 2026 New Music – Valerie June, Stef Chura, Jawdropped, Freak Slug
Jim is in the caboose of the New Music Train this month, with songs released in July by Stef Chura, Jawdropped, Freak Slug and Valerie June.
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Episode 2439: July 2026 New Music 6: Parker Barrow, The Dead Reds, Black Sites, Low Cut Connie, Swampmeet, The Reds, Pinks and Purples, Son Volt, Sharp Pins
The July 2026 New Music Train is close to the end of its journey, but not before Harris and Rachel King and Sunny Varney hop on board with a bevy of fresh tracks. The trio will bring you up to speed on new releases from Parker Barrow, The Dead Reds, Black Sites, Low Cut Connie, Swampmeet, The Reds, Pinks and Purples, Son Volt and Sharp Pins.