Ep03 Vinyl Visionaries: Inside Pub Rock's Untold Legacy

When was the last time you saw Dr. Feelgood on the cover of a mainstream rock magazine? The answer might be never - until now. In this episode of Needlepoint, Paul Lester and Daryl Easlea unpack Record Collector's groundbreaking cover story on the pub rock movement, exploring why this influential genre has been surprisingly overlooked in rock's documented history.

The duo delves deep into what exactly constituted "pub rock" in the early-to-mid 1970s  in London's pubs. We discover how Dr. Feelgood and their contemporaries created something genuinely revolutionary. More fascinating still is tracing pub rock's DNA through generations of music that followed - from The Clash to Gang of Four, and even across the Atlantic to Talking Heads.

The conversation takes fascinating detours into the musical transformations of the 1970s, examining how artists like Lou Reed, Todd Rundgren, and Stevie Wonder made extraordinary evolutionary leaps in their sound within remarkably short timeframes. We're treated to Daryl's adventures at the world's largest record fair in Den Bosch, where paper sleeves sell for thousands while personal holy grails remain elusive. Paul shares his recent experiences seeing both John Lodge of the Moody Blues and experimental post-punk outfit Geordie Greep, highlighting the wonderful diversity of today's music landscape.

Whether you're seeking insights on the current issue of Record Collector (featuring not just the Dr. Feelgood cover story but also interviews with Smokey Robinson and features on musical hotspots), or simply want to spend time with two passionate music experts celebrating rock's rich tapestry, this episode delivers a masterclass in music appreciation. Subscribe now and join the conversation about the sounds, scenes and stories that shaped our musical world.