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!

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
Podcast Episodes
Ep468: Justin Trosper of Unwound [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:08
Justin Trosper of Unwound discusses the band's resurgence, vinyl reissues, intergenerational fanbase, reflections on maintaining artistic integrity and what may be next for the band. Topics Include: Unwound's upcoming de…
Ep467: Jerry Cantrell - Alice In Chains [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:00
Jerry Cantrell, founder, songwriter, guitarist for Alice In Chains, talks about his new solo album "I Want Blood", upcoming vinyl reissues of solo work, Alice In Chains, his love for vinyl and how to make the vinyl recor…
Ep466: Eddie Kramer - The Making of Electric Lady Studios [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:00
Legendary producer Eddie Kramer shares the history and legacy of Electric Lady Studios, the revolutionary space built for Jimi Hendrix's creative genius - from its groundbreaking design, Hendrix's final sessions, to the…
Ep465: Steve Wynn - The Dream Syndicate & Beyond [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:18
Steve Wynn of The Dream Syndicate reflects on his career, the resurgence of vinyl, the collectable nature of his rare vinyl releases and the creative process behind his latest album "Make It Right" and autobiography "I W…
Ep464: John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:05
John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants discusses the evolution of the band's pioneering approach of music and technology to create innovative media and strengthen connections to their devoted fanbase. Topic Include: Oct…
Ep463: Lee Loughnane of Chicago [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:24
Lee Loughnane of Chicago shares memories of the band's early period, the Chicago Transit Authority debut, Chicago's live performances, rediscovered recordings and the band's enduring legacy. Topic Include: Lee Loughnane…
Ep462: Henry Rollins Stays Fanatic!!! Pt 2 of 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:30
Henry Rollins explores the intricacies of record collecting, sharing stories from his book series "Stay Fanatic!!!" and discussing his commitment to preserving rare music artifacts (Pt 2 of 2). Topic Include: Response fo…
Ep461: Henry Rollins Stays Fanatic!!! Pt 1 of 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:45
Henry Rollins dives into the fascinating world of record collecting, sharing insights through his book series "Stay Fanatic!!!" and discussing his passion for preserving & sharing music history. Topic Include: The origin…
Ep460: David Yow - The Jesus Lizard, Scratch Acid [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:59
David Yow discusses "RACK", the first Jesus Lizard album in 26 years, his acting career, stage vs. screen, dangerous moments of live performances & more! Topic Include: David Yow meets Skater the cat Penny the cat meets…
Ep459: The Making of "Free LSD" with Dimitri Coats [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:56
Dimitri Coats dives into the creation of OFF!'s groundbreaking film project "Free LSD". Hear the story behind the band's journey with punk legend Keith Morris and the eight-year odyssey that led to their ambitious cinema…