Swami John Reis of Rocket from the Crypt and Drive Like Jehu digs deep on record collecting, the thrill of the hunt, running Swami Records, and why the next release always matters most.

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Topics Include:

• Swami John Reis joins to talk record collecting and Punk Rock Museum.
• His collection is evolving — trading old hardcore for more desired records.
• Collection is 95% 45s, driven by a lifelong musical pursuit.
• Early punk led him to hunt for MC5, Stooges, Velvet Underground.
• The thrill: records still exist that nobody knows about yet.
• Digging through boxes feels calming, healthy, and satisfying every time.
• Hawaii vintage shop surprise — radio station collection hidden outside for decades.
• Detroit and Pittsburgh are his highest strike-rate cities for finds.
• Always ask the clerk — the best stuff is never on the floor.
• Styrene vs vinyl: the label sticker is the definitive tell.
• Making records informed his collecting — plain white sleeves, big hole 45s.
• Pressing plant relationships are everything; affordability is the biggest challenge.
• Customs delays under the current administration are wrecking release schedules badly.
• Major labels scrapped their own pressing plants — now everyone competes for time.
• Marketing records stopped making sense; the artist always drives interest anyway.
• Every record is essentially limited and out of print from day one.
• Smaller runs mean no unsold closet stock and more collector value later.
• Hot Snakes packaging and Rick Griffin's creativity still inspire him deeply.
• Upcoming: Sultans reissue, Mrs. Magician LP, new Swami John Reis record.
• Schizophonics collaboration in the works — the next thing is always the thing.

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