Vinyl Emergency is a podcast presented by Jim Hanke which discusses the importance of vinyl records with a host of different artists, music industry people and collectors. Previous guests have included Rosanne Cash, The Secret Sisters and Lilly Hiatt talking about topics such as their childhood memories of music right through to their thoughts on the recent vinyl resurgence. The latest episode features Lydia Loveless and the three tracks she played live during the show have also been released as an EP called Live From the Vinyl Emergency Podcast.
The podcast interview with Lydia is a fascinating insight into her life and career, covering topics as wide ranging as her childhood spent reading books about punk bands, to life on the road and even her appreciation of Justin Bieber. For me it was a really quick hour of comforting chat, like having a couple of friends in your living room talking about records. Even if you’re not familiar with Lydia’s music this is a really great introduction to who she is as an artist and person so it’s well worth a listen. There is also a Spotify playlist to go along with the last couple of podcasts, which gives you a chance to listen to Lydia’s music and some of the artists who she discusses on the show.
The EP itself consists of three live acoustic tracks recorded at Pinwheel Records in Chicago. The first song is called Mile High and is taken from her recent album of rarities and covers called Boy Crazy and Single(s) (reviewed by Rocking Magpie earlier this year) which is available on vinyl from Bloodshot Records. Mile High is a song of unflinchingly honesty about her life and loves. This stripped back version really exposes the gut-wrenching power of her vocals. The second track Heaven is a pessimistic tune about how we’re all doomed, which is pretty perfect for this year we’ve endured. Sometimes the best thing music gives us is a voice to articulate our collective pain. Clumps might be less than two minutes long but this little lament to her lover packs a beautifully brutal punch. Together these three sad songs just soar in this intimate live setting.
All the proceeds from this EP are all being donated to a charity of Lydia’s choice – the Faith Mission Ohio and at only $3 minimum donation this really is a great opportunity to help a worthy cause this Christmas.
Buy the EP on Bandcamp here: https://lydialoveless.bandcamp.com
Listen to the podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/vinyl-emergency/id1073212119?mt=2&i=1000397418832
Listen to the Spotify playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/user/jrhanke/playlist/6cF70Z1vk3Bd0PPWGc7P1V?si=_u8yibLBQQyifo7in0L7QQ
Highway Queens 
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