Ep517: Preserving the Westbound Sound

Ep517: Preserving the Westbound Sound

Author: The Vinyl Guide September 29, 2025 Duration: 1:11:13

Mastering Engineer Dave Gardner & Audio Archivist Catherine Vericolli discuss the preservation of the Westbound Records audio catalogue, including the masters of legendary recordings by Funkadelic, The Counts, Ohio Players & more.

Topics Include:

  • Dave Gardner (mastering engineer) and Catherine Vericoli (archivist) introduce their specialized roles
  • Mastering serves as link between creative process and manufacturing standards
  • Catherine transfers analog tapes to highest possible digital quality preservation
  • Physical restoration work includes extensive mold and splice remediation tasks
  • Much archival work involves "audio archaeology" detective work with clues
  • Working backwards from incomplete information when documentation is missing completely
  • Common assumption that old records were always done "the right way"
  • Reality reveals beloved records often weren't made using proper methods
  • Got rare access to examine entire Westbound Records collection together
  • Westbound Records started late 1960s by distributor Armin Bolodian in Detroit
  • Detroit-based independent label achieved regional success with multiple hit records
  • Funkadelic, Ohio Players, Detroit Emeralds were among their major successful acts
  • Complete catalog reissue approach rather than cherry-picking just popular hits
  • Assets moved between multiple locations over decades, not everything returned
  • Found various generations and copies of tapes for each release
  • Maggot Brain original masters were believed to be permanently missing
  • Discovery of missing masters hidden in completely unmarked white archive boxes
  • Original tape playback speeds rarely match speeds of vinyl releases
  • Spent entire week meticulously fine-tuning correct playback speeds for accuracy
  • Academic ethnomusicologist confirmed musical key was wrong on commercial releases
  • Many recent European reissues contain fundamentally inaccurate speed and sound
  • Double 45 RPM format avoids sonic compromises required for long sides
  • 27-minute album sides on 33 RPM required major audio quality sacrifices
  • All-analog cutting process preserves original sound character without digital conversion
  • Unreleased material exists primarily in unprocessed multitrack tape format only
  • Dennis Coffey played guitar on many more Funkadelic recordings than known
  • Analog tape degradation accelerating rapidly, especially problematic for digital formats
  • Cultural preservation mission drives their passionate collaborative archival restoration work
  • Asset paranoia and trust issues affect access to important historical recordings
  • Primary motivation remains saving irreplaceable music for all future generations

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide


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
Ep458: Keeping it Reel with Blag Dahlia of Dwarves [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:16
Blag Dahlia of Dwarves discusses band history, collectible records, the challenges of running a label and the balance of art and business, as well as new and reissued Dwarves vinyl. Topic Include: Dwarves should be a rec…
Ep457: Hugh Cornwell - The Stranglers & Beyond [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:58
Hugh Cornwell takes us through early records of his life, rare records of the Stranglers, solo materials, analogue recording and more. Topic Include: Aussie tour, New Album Does Hugh have a record collection? Early music…
Ep456: Al Barile - SS Decontrol (SSD) & X-Claim! Records [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:23
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"…
Ep455: The Saints 73-78 with Ed Kuepper and Mark Arm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:08
The Saints made history with the record "(I'm) Stranded" in 1976 - nearly 50 years later founder/songwriter Ed Kuepper is revisiting the early Saints material with some old bandmates and new friends, including Mark Arm o…
Ep454: The Return of Redd Kross with Jeff & Steven McDonald [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:19
Jeff & Steven McDonald formed Redd Kross at a pivotal time in the LA music scene, playing their 1st gigs in their early teens and were mentored by Black Flag. Their influences are vast and their appreciation for musical…
Ep453: Joe Bonamassa & The Art of Collecting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:49
Guitarist and music-gear mega-collector Joe Bonamassa joins us to talk about his new record label, collecting gear, his appreciation and approach to the art of vinyl records, his new LP "Live at the Hollywood Bowl" on Jo…
Ep452: Managing the Miles Davis Legacy with Vince Wilburn Jr [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:41
Managing the estate of a legend like Miles Davis requires tremendous coordination, detail and creativity. Vince Wilburn Jr, musician, collaborator and nephew of Miles and co-manager of the Miles Davis Estate discusses th…
Ep451: Data, Trends & the Future of Discogs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:45
Most record collectors use Discogs each day - so what does the data tell us about the state of record collecting? Founder & CEO Kevin Lewandowski and COO Lloyd Starr talk to us about the data and future of this pivotal p…
Ep450: The Legend of Fraction "Moon Blood" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:21
The 1971 album "Moon Blood" by Fraction has fascinated record collectors for decades. The perfect intersection between great musicianship, intriguing backstory and supreme rarity, Fraction "Moon Blood" is now getting an…

«1...678910