Al Barile (1962-2025) - The Vinyl Guide Interview

Al Barile (1962-2025) - The Vinyl Guide Interview

Author: The Vinyl Guide April 6, 2025 Duration: 1:09:11

Replay of our 2024 interview with hardore legend Al Barile of SSD and X-Claim! Records.

Photos by Alison Braun

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Society System Decontrol (SSD) self-released several landmark hardcore punk records in the early 80s. Out of print for over 4 decades, SSD has only recently reissued their two masterpieces "The Kids Will Have Their Say" and "Get It Away" on vinyl. SSD founder Al Barile takes us through the making of those records.

Topic Include:

  • Interview start
  • The continued popularity of SS Decontrol music
  • Al was a natural leader for the hardcore scene
  • Naturally managing risk
  • Jumping to an album – no singles for SSD
  • 1900 units of "The Kids Will Have Their Say"
  • Self-funding the album, selling the initial pressing
  • Recording "The Kids Will Have Their Say"
  • Was Al happy with the original recordings?
  • Al doesn't enjoy listening to "The Kids Will Have Their Say"
  • Comparing Trust reissue with original Xclaim
  • Issues getting the tapes back from a label
  • Original pressing of "The Kids…." goes for > $1k
  • Why were there no repressings before the recent Trust reissue
  • CD issue of "Power"
  • Has Al hung onto his records?
  • White cover of "The Kids Will Have Their Say" designed by Bryan Ray Turcotte
  • Original concept & artwork for "The Kids Will Have Their Say"
  • The difference in recording "Get It Away"
  • Was "Get It Away" always envisioned as an EP?
  • The cover songs that SSD performed
  • Original 4800 copies of "Get It Away"
  • Running the X-Claim! label/imprint
  • All X-Claim! bands ran their own vinyl pressings
  • What is the source of the "Get It Away" reissue
  • Will there be reissues of "How We Rock" and "Break it Up"
  • Al's health update
  • Al wants everyone to get a colonoscopy
  • The SSD book "How Much Art Can You Take?"
  • Interview wrap up

Order "The Kids Will Have Their Say" and "Get It Away" on vinyl here.

Order the book "How Much Art Can You Take" here.

EXTENDED, Commercial free, high resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0
Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who are deeply passionate about music get together, surrounded by shelves of records. The Vinyl Guide-Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds captures that feeling perfectly. Hosted by Nate, a dedicated collector and enthusiast, this podcast feels less like a formal interview and more like you're overhearing a great chat in the back of a record store. The discussions naturally weave through artists' creative processes, the stories behind iconic albums, and the tangible magic of the format itself. You'll hear from musicians, producers, and other insiders who live and breathe vinyl, offering perspectives that go far beyond the liner notes. But it's not just about the artists; it's for the collectors, too. Episodes often delve into the practical, nerdy details that make this hobby so compelling-like distinguishing between a common pressing and a rare, valuable find, or learning how to properly care for your collection so it lasts for decades. It’s that blend of artistic insight and collector-focused knowledge that gives this podcast its unique character. Whether you're a seasoned cratedigger or just appreciate the warmth of an analog recording, these conversations offer a rich, human connection to the music you love, all centered around the grooves of a vinyl record.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
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