Ep560: Captain Sensible of The Damned

Ep560: Captain Sensible of The Damned

Author: The Vinyl Guide August 17, 2026 Duration: 47:15

The Damned's Captain Sensible talks vinyl rarities, back catalogue, scented records, chasing the "perfect album," and what may be their final Australia and New Zealand tour dates.

Topics Include:

  • Captain Sensible is a record nerd - Still plays childhood favorites: Groundhogs, Pretty Things, Moody Blues, loves Bee Gees' first album
  • Grew up around his dad's pub singing, informally musical
  • Paper round savings meant records played obsessively, analyzed deeply
  • Cites Shane Fenton's "I'm a Moody Guy" as formative
  • Joe Meek's Telstar and tiny Holloway Road studio praised
  • Recalls magical Motown Hitsville USA studio tour in Detroit
  • "Sonar Deceit" track was band's Motown tribute song
  • Lyric inspired by marine biologist's whale-stranding sonar theory
  • Describes uncanny ability to instantly recall and replay songs
  • Hosted radio challenge replaying requested songs live for charity
  • New Rose confirmed as first UK punk single release
  • Stiff Records signed them with a bribe of cheeseburgers
  • Beating the Sex Pistols to release still amuses him
  • Sydney Opera House gig ironic given past band bannings
  • Royal Albert Hall sent rejection letters into the 1980s
  • Mentions unlikely celebrity fans, including Australia's prime minister
  • Recalls Barney Bubbles' art department and album cover mishap
  • First pressing's mismatched back cover became a collector's item
  • Says he collects 60s psych, not punk records himself
  • Discusses Brian James tribute covers album made after his death
  • Five reunion shows almost didn't happen, no live release planned
  • Loves live show chaos, unpredictability, and Rat Scabies' drumming
  • Confirms no hidden unreleased Damned tracks remain in vaults
  • Notes band rarely controls or profits from its own catalog
  • Explains "Strawberries" album concept and its scented vinyl insert
  • Describes love of vinyl artwork, liner notes, and physical ritual
  • Talks pursuit of first editions and test pressings today
  • Names rare Cowsills albums as his current collecting holy grail
  • Tells story of Sid Barrett nearly producing their second album
  • Recalls haunted, sleepless sessions recording Machine Gun Etiquette
  • Reflects on creative bond and offstage humor with Dave Vanian
  • Closes with tour dates, S.F. Sorrow recommendation, and one-step vinyl talk

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: 50

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