Ep. 58 – Tony Theil of Attic Records shares his love of vinyl
We take a spin through the history of the store, his personal record collection, and his advice for folks just starting their stacks
by Stephanie Brea
December 22, 2020
iTunes | Spotify | Direct Download Episode 57
In this week’s episode, we meet Tony Theil of Attic Records. Just how much does Theil love buying, selling and playing records? He quit multiple jobs and moved to Millvale from Ohio when owner Fred Bohn Jr. offered him a job at the store. Learn about the history of Attic Records (spoiler alert: it wasn’t just records at the start) and about the “Pittsburgh sound.”
When asked why he loves records, Theil explains, “[It’s] a sound that is definitely unique. I can’t say it’s better all the time than streaming or a CD, but I can say that it’s way more unique. If you have a stereo with a volume all the way down, if you listen close, you can hear a needle actually playing just the record very faintly. I mean, it’s interacting with the record. How cool is that?”
Theil gives some advice for those just starting to collect vinyl and shouts out some local bands whose albums he thinks you should own. (It’s a non-comprehensive list.)
Since Theil lives right above the shop, we also ask him to share some of his favorite Millvale spots.
View this post on Instagram
The Slaw 2020 Greatest Hits
What’s December without a little year-end review? Aadam and I got together (6 feet apart) and asked each other some questions. Listen to the full responses in the episode, but here’s a little cheat sheet.
What are some surprising things you learned about Pittsburgh from the podcast?
Stephanie: The buried Bellefield Bridge in Oakland thanks to Justin Greenawalt
Sunny Side Up brunch sandwich inspiration from Mike Carney
Aadam: Pittsburgh’s horror film history with David Hood, aka Cinemonster
Poet Karla Lamb’s work and the Latinx and Proud! Reading series at City of Asylum
What were some of your favorite moments?
Stephanie: Scott Kowalski biked up to Allentown for his interview in the studio pre-COVID
And producing this beer tasting video
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4SfFhjHY7A[/embedyt]
What’s your can’t-miss episode?
Stephanie: Our one-year anniversary episode with Rick Sebak
Aadam: Artist Camo Customz
Who would you want to interview in 2021?
Stephanie: Randy Baumann of WDVE. Or State Representative Sara Innamorato.
Aadam: Martayla Poellinitz, content creator and makeup artist @martymoment on Instagram and TikTok
Subscribe to The Slaw: Staying on Top of Pittsburgh podcast
The Slaw Podcast is available on:
More Local Stories
Blind Kitchen: More Than a Feeling
In this episode, Mark Quiroz aka Estrada, chef at House of Blues, and Linda Green, The Ya-Ka-Mein Lady, face off to see who can recreate each other’s mystery dish.
Maddy and Dixie Take Sactown: Haunted and Historic
In this episode of Maddy and Dixie Take Sactown, it’s time to dive into the history of Sacramento and get a little spooky. Maddy and Dixie learn about the city’s underground history, indulge in the best Chinese food around and do some ghost hunting of their own. Watch the full episode of “Maddy & Dixie…
13 of the Most Haunted Hotels in America
Interested in spending the night with a specter? Here are 13 of the most haunted hotels in America guaranteed to send shivers up your spine.
Crimes, Cons and Capers: Wild Captures
Two serial killers whose chilling crimes left their communities devastated.
Poms Poms in Orlando brings a unique twist to old favorites
The sandwich shop in the Milk District also offers authentic salads, a curated tea selection, sweet treats and innovative sake cocktails.
Sacramento Brew Bike Puts a Spin on Bar Hopping
Sacramento Brew Bike is essentially a bar crawl on wheels. The 15-passanger party bike provides bar tours in Sacramento.
Eat Play Stay: Capitola, CA
Tune into this episode of Eat Play Stay where we explore Capitola, California and show you our favorite spots to explore near Sacramento.
Blind Kitchen: Let’s Dance
n this episode of “Blind Kitchen,” Chef Nathaniel Zimet of Boucherie and Bourrée goes up against Chef Peter Kusiw of La Provence.
Maddy and Dixie Take Sactown: Treat Yo Self
In this episode of Maddy and Dixie Take Sactown, it’s time to slow things down and feel a little fancy. Maddy and Dixie find unique ways to zen out, indulge in sweet treats, craft artistic hand-painted nail art, and end up on cloud “wine.” Watch the full episode of “Maddy & Dixie Take Sactown” on…
What to do on a Friday Night in Sacramento
We surveyed a few locals to find out where they like to go on a Friday night in Sacramento. What’s your favorite thing to do in the city?
Orbis Caffe brings global flavors to Mt. Lebanon
Orbis Caffe not only has coffee and pastries, but hosts monthly dinners inspired by international flavors.
1:11 Juice Bar feeds your mind, body and taste buds
1:11 Juice Bar features organic juices, snacks, salads and wraps.
Everything you need to know about the Barrel & Flow Fest
Barrel and Flow, the nation’s only beer festival in Pittsburgh to put people of color in the spotlight is back. August 13, 2022
Need a beach trip? Go for a swim at Presque Isle State Park in Erie
Just a short 2-hour drive north of Pittsburgh, Presque Isle State Park offers beaches and relaxation in an era of social-distancing.