This week on The Spindle, Marc Masters and John Howard drop the needle on Swell Maps, “Read About Seymour” b/w “Ripped and Torn” and “Black Velvet.” Initially released on the band’s own Rather Records and then reissued by the Rough Trade label in 1979, this single presents Nikki Sudden, Phones Sportsman, Epic Soundtracks, Jowe Head, along with D. Mint and Golden Cockrill, as young adolescents.

John and Marc both have personal ties to the Swell Maps crew, which they get into plus much more on this super-fun episode of the show.

About The Spindle: The 7-inch record isn’t just a format—it’s an art form. On each episode of The Spindle podcast, music writer Marc Masters (Pitchfork, The Wire, Bandcamp) and music historian (and music maker) John Howard dive into a great 7-inch, dissecting its background, impact, and the reasons why it stands out as a small plastic piece of music history. 

What’s your favorite 7″? Call us at 1-877-WASTOIDS and weigh in!