Ep479: Aussie Legend James Baker - The Victims, The Scientists, The Beasts and more

Ep479: Aussie Legend James Baker - The Victims, The Scientists, The Beasts and more

Author: The Vinyl Guide December 25, 2024 Duration: 52:02

Australian drummer James Baker chased after punk rock overseas before returning to Perth, forming The Victims, The Scientists, The Beasts of Bourbon and more with an extensive discography of increasingly collectible records.

Topics Include:

  • Born in Perth 1954, travelled to US/UK at age 21 in 1976
  • Saw early Ramones shows at CBGB's in New York
  • Met Sid Vicious on bus while wearing NY Dolls shirt
  • Auditioned as drummer for The Clash in London
  • Formed The Victims in Perth after returning home
  • Pressed 500 then 1000 copies of "Television Addict" single
  • Hand-stamped Victims record sleeves during beer-fueled parties
  • The Victims only lasted eight months as band
  • Joined The Scientists a day after Victims broke up
  • Scientists' "Frantic Romantic" shipped 500 copies to LA
  • Never got paid from BOMP
  • Early punk records now worth hundreds of dollars
  • Reformed The Victims with Ray Ahn of Hard-Ons
  • Beasts of Bourbon formed when Tex needed backup band
  • Recorded The Axe Man's Jazz album in just one day
  • New Beasts album "Ultimo" recently released
  • Planning Sydney and Melbourne tour for new album
  • Released multiple records during 70th year celebration
  • Live Victims album coming soon through In The Red
  • James Baker Experience single produced by John Foy
  • Most recent recordings done in just two days
  • Still actively recording but less live performance
  • Original Victims records now worth thousands of dollars
  • New "James Baker Beat" single on Cheersquad Records

Get new music from the Beasts and the James Baker Beat now!

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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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