Best Chris Ruffini Podcasts (2025)

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38-Chris Wrenn of Bridge 9 Records 1:10:14

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1d ago1:10:14

1:10:14

On this episode I speak with Chris Wrenn of Bridge 9 Records. He discusses how the label started, growing up in the northeast, and how he infused the Boston community into developing his label. We also talk about his new book, Fenway Punk, that comes out February 10, 2026. The book touches on his life growing up in Boston, discovering punk/hardcore…

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37-Carlos the Jakal of On Our Own/Bleak Existence 1:00:56

16d ago1:00:56

1:00:56

On this episode, I speak with Carlos the Jakal, the vocalist of On Our Own from South Florida. We discuss the bands formation, writing process, and how they structured their debut album Now and Forever. Carlos also reviews how they structured their setlist, tour stories, and potentially reissuing the album on vinyl. The discussion ended with Carlos…

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36- Chiqui Rodriguez of DMIZE 1:02:08

23d ago1:02:08

1:02:08

On this episode, I speak with Chiqui Rodriguez of DMIZE. We discuss his history with music, the formation of DMIZE, their return, and song writing process. Chiqui also reviews their setlist structure and lyrical themes. The conversation also includes their upcoming shows, future releases, and what is next for the band. DMIZE (instagram): https://ww…

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35-Jayway of Bayway/Shattered Realm 1:11:34

1M ago1:11:34

1:11:34

On this episode I speak with Jayway from Bayway and Shattered Realm. We discuss his history in music, Bayway’s new album, setlist structure, and what’s in store for Shattered Realm. We end with discussing Bayway’s upcoming tour with Biohazard, and Jayway answering questions based on his interests. Bayway: https://www.instagram.com/baywaynj?igsh=cDk…

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34- John Cuccinello of Hogan's Heroes/OS101/Punk Rock Family 1:06:30

1M ago1:06:30

1:06:30

On this episode, I speak with John Cuccinello about his history in punk rock, formation of Hogan's Heroes, and their writing process for their albums. We also discuss his time in Murphy's Law, and the beginning of OS101. John also discussed his new interactive children's book for adults, Punk Rock Family, Volume 1 that is distributed through RevHQ.…

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33-Jon Contino of Contino New York 1:11:46

2M ago1:11:46

1:11:46

I speak with Jon Contino of Contino New York. We discuss his history with hardcore, playing in bands, to creating artwork. He discusses his passion for design and how it began at an early age. He reviews his jobs, and how each experience led to him creating album covers, working with professional athletic teams, to designing merchandise for compani…

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32-Dave Campbell and Jon Berg of State of Mind Recordings 1:21:15

2M ago1:21:15

1:21:15

On this episode I speak with Dave Campbell and Jon Berg (Contra, The Path) of State of Mind Recordings. We discuss the labels history, distribution, and upcoming releases. We also review the flood that damaged their merchandise and how they have recovered. Thankfully, they are doing well and discuss how they are stronger as a result of it. State of…

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31-Joey Chiaramonte of Koyo/51st State Records 1:08:19

2M ago1:08:19

1:08:19

On this episode, I speak with Joey from Koyo and 51st State Records. We discuss the bands history, how they write their songs, and the structure of their setlist. He also talks about their upcoming album and tour dates. We also discuss his label 51st State Records and their upcoming releases. The conversation ends with Joey discussing his favorite …

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30-Artie White of Milhouse/Ready For Death 1:12:50

2M ago1:12:50

1:12:50

On this episode, I speak with Artie White. We discuss his musical influences, booking shows across Long Island, and the formation of Milhouse. The discussion also includes how he joined Indecision and their writing process for their LP. The conversation ends with him answering questions on his favorite songs he created, and his top albums. He also …

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29-Mike Bruno of Iron Chic/Dead Broke Rekerds/Adult Magic 53:59

3M ago53:59

53:59

On this episode, I speak with Mike Bruno of Iron Chic, Dead Broke Rekerds, and Adult Magic. He speak about his history with music and the first show he attended. We discuss Iron Chic's song writing process, how they structure their album tracklist, and how they determine their set list. We also review his other band Adult Magic and what the future …

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28-Dan Alivio of Private Mind/Heaven Records 1:12:01

3M ago1:12:01

1:12:01

On this episode I speak with Dan Alivio of Private Mind. He discusses his history with music, playing guitar, and the formation of his first band. He also reviews how Private Mind formed, their tours, setlist structure, and what the future holds for the band. We also discuss his new label, Heaven Records. He explains their future releases and the i…

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27-Frank Traficante of Somerset Thrower/Victory Garden 58:07

3M ago58:07

58:07

On this episode, I speak with Frank Traficante of Somerset Thrower and Victory Garden. We discuss his history with music, the formation of the band, and how they structure their set list. The conversation includes Frank reviewing all 10 tracks on their new album, Take Only What You Need To Survive on Smart Punk Records. We also discuss Victory Gard…

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26-Popeye Vogelsang of Farside/Calling Hours 1:06:01

3M ago1:06:01

1:06:01

On this episode, Popeye discisses his musical history, Farside’s writing process, his new project Calling Hours, and connecting with Revelation Records. Popeye talks about his career as a voice actor and the new record Calling Hours is working on.By Chris Ruffini

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25-Lenny Bednarz of Fahrenheit 451/Crazy Eddie 1:32:22

4M ago1:32:22

1:32:22

On this episode I speak with Lenny Bednarz. He discusses his musical history, Without A Cause, the formation of Fahrenheit 451, and their writing process. Lenny discusses their releases, the impact of the NY Hardest Compilation, and playing shows. Lenny also discusses his time in District 9. He also reviews Crazy Eddie, their writing process and wh…

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24-Rachel Rubino of On The Might Of Princes/Open City 1:18:20

4M ago1:18:20

1:18:20

On this episode, I speak with Rachel Rubino of On The Might Of Princes and Open City. We discuss her musical history, the scene in the late 90s/early 00’s, and how the On The Might Of Princes reunion show developed. We also discuss Open City, their writing process, lyrical themes, and favorite artists. On The Might Of Princes (Instagram): https://w…

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23-Vinnie Caruana of The MovieLife/I Am The Avalanche/Nite Sports 1:34:08

4M ago1:34:08

1:34:08

On this episode, I speak with Vinnie Caruana. We discuss his history with music, writing process, and how he structures his lyrics over songs. The discussion also includes his favorite tours and how each band organizes their set list. Vinnie also announced that I Am The Avalanche are completing their new album for a potential early/late winter rele…

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22-Dylan Jones of Blind Path Booking/Overcome Fest/Lucky Feeling 1:03:19

4M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

On this episode I speak with Dylan Jones of Blind Path Booking, Dynamic Talent, and Overcome Fest from North Carolina. He discusses his process in booking shows and how the idea for Overcome Fest developed. We also discuss his band Lucky Feeling, their new EP Super Lucky, and what is in store for the future. The interview ends with Dylan discussing…

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21-Brendan Garrone of Incendiary 1:04:17

5M ago1:04:17

1:04:17

On this episode, I speak with Brendan Garrone of Incendiary. We talk about the bands origins, how they structure their album tracklist, writing process, and his lyrical themes. The discussion also includes how they organize their set list, his favorite songs to play live, and what they have planned for the future. The interview ends with Brendan an…

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20-Andrew Vacante of Combust 1:06:16

5M ago1:06:16

1:06:16

On this episode, I speak with Andrew Vacante of Combust. We discuss the band's new LP on Triple B Records, Belly of the Beast. We review each track, music, and the theme behind each song. He also discussed their set list structure, writing process, and favorite hardcore records. Combust (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/combustnyhc?igsh=MXVxOH…

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19- J. Curtis Strickland of The T&F Podcast/HellsHeart Merch 1:27:59

5M ago1:27:59

1:27:59

On this episode I speak with J Curtis Strickland of The T&F Podcast and HellsHeart Merch about his history, experiences in acting, and what the future holds. We also discuss his audition for Mission Impossible: Rouge Nation, background in the Navy, and how he established his podcast. The T&F Podcast: https://youtube.com/@thetandfpodcast?si=a4_V9Dk-…

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18- Sarah Kuretzky Rossington of The Hardcore Therapist Podcast 56:32

5M ago56:32

56:32

On this episode, I speak with Sarah Kuretzky Rossington of The Hardcore Therapist Podcast. We discuss her history going to shows, the origins of her podcast, and how she blends mental health with her guests. The interview ends with Sarah reviewing her five year plan for her career and podcast. She also answers a list of questions about her favorite…

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17- Dean of No Redeeming Social Value 1:20:54

5M ago1:20:54

1:20:54

On this episode I speak with Dean of No Redeeming Social Value. We discuss his history in music, formation of the band, and how they structure their set list. The conversation also includes his favorite tours as a band, the time they played a wedding in Holland, and his favorite records. Instagram (No Redeeming Social Value): https://www.instagram.…

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16-Mat Rienecker of Stand Still/Humankind 1:10:34

5M ago1:10:34

1:10:34

On this episode, I speak with Mat Rienecker of Stand Still and HumanKind. We discuss his origins of hardcore, Stand Still’s writing process, and his new project, HumanKind. We also review his work as a production manager of The Paramount on Long Island, and what the future holds for his bands. Instagram (Stand Still): https://www.instagram.com/stan…

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15- Sal Lococo of Sworn Enemy 1:02:32

6M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

On this episode, I speak with Sal Lococo of Sworn Enemy. We discuss the formation of the band, writing process, Ozzfest stories, and how they structure their setlist. We also talk about his favorite albums, Castle Heights, and the future of the band. Instagram (Sworn Enemy): https://www.instagram.com/swornenemynyc?igsh=ZmlxbTl2czlscW5q…

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Rahm Emanuel: I Warned the White House Biden Couldn't Run 55:25

6M ago55:25

55:25

Tara is joined by Rahm Emanuel to look at what he feels are the past mistakes of the Democratic Party and what needs to change moving forward. They discuss Joe Biden’s decision to not seek reelection, President Trump invoking antisemitism to defund universities, and Emanuel’s own political aspirations. For more of Tara’s independent journalism, sub…

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14-Scott Jarzombek of Tripface 1:14:01

6M ago1:14:01

1:14:01

On this episode I speak with Scott Jarzombek of Tripface. We discuss his musical history, how the band structured their set list, playing shows, and the upcoming re-release of their demo on vinyl. The discussion ends with his career, favorite records, and other topics. Tripface on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2wuG4FTwlu2uHW5v3AlV7d?si=i…

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Maureen Dowd on ‘Claudius' Trump, Whitmer’s Wrecking & Clooney for President? 49:20

6M ago49:20

49:20

Tara Palmeri sits down with Maureen Dowd to talk about her latest release, Notorious. Their conversation covers everything from Elon Musk and Donald Trump to the shifting dynamics of American politics. Dowd reflects on her decades in journalism, offering a look at Washington’s current challenges and the media’s complicated relationship with figures…

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How Long Will Gen Z Stick With Trump? With Rikki Schlott. 34:56

6M ago34:56

34:56

Tara starts the pod with some inside reporting on RFK Jr.’s mismanagement of the Dept. of Health and Human Services. She’s then joined by Rikki Schlott from the New York Post to talk about Donald Trump’s standing with Gen Z. They discuss possible breaking points Trump may be testing with young men, shine a light on the current administration’s war …

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13- Jay Reason of Static Era Records 1:20:15

6M ago1:20:15

1:20:15

On this episode I speak with Jay Reason. We discuss his history in music, his time with Voice of Reason/The Distance/Blackened, his work with various labels, and the formation of Static Era Records. The interview ends with Jay speaking on the future of his label, his record store in Connecticut, and his favorite releases. Instagram (Static Era Reco…

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Inside the Biden Campaign: George Clooney's 'Morning Joe' Meltdown 26:49

6M ago26:49

26:49

Tara is joined by author and journalist Chris Whipple to discuss his latest book, 'Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History.’ During their conversation, they focus on the passages that talk about the inner workings of Team Biden during Joe's chaotic 2024 campaign and discuss how the influence of a cer…

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The Inside Story of the Wild Final Days of the Biden Campaign With Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes 37:13

6M ago37:13

37:13

Tara is joined by NBC senior political analyst Jonathan Allen and senior political journalist for The Hill, Amie Parnes, to discuss their latest book, ‘Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House,’ a behind-the-scenes account of the events surrounding Joe Biden stepping down in the presidential race through the end of Kamala Harris’s unpre…

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12- Mike Gallo of Agnostic Front 1:02:06

6M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

On this episode of the What Lies Ahead, I speak with Mike Gallo of Agnostic Front. We discuss his history in music, the new Agnostic Front record, and how they structure their set list. We also dive into Gallo Originals and the various art shows he has been featured in over the last couple of years. The conversation ends with asking questions on hi…

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Mark Cuban Says Elon Musk Would be Fired from Tech Support 1:00:35

6M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

Tara is joined by billionaire entrepreneur and ‘Shark Tank’ co-host Mark Cuban to talk about all the hot political topics currently burning up the Hill. During their wide-ranging conversation, they cover the possible negative effects of Donald Trump’s ambitious tariffs, Elon Musk’s role in the White House, Signalgate, AI, and much more. For more of…

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How Musk Became Addicted to Trump With Teddy Schleifer 36:04

7M ago36:04

36:04

Tara starts the pod with an update on the Department of Defense text chain scandal currently rocking Capitol Hill. She is then joined by Teddy Schleifer from The New York Times in front of a live audience at the Sine Institute to discuss Elon Musk’s rise to the forefront of the Trump administration and subsequent red-pilling of the tech industry. T…

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11- Gary Bennett of Kill Your Idols/Murphy's Law/Deathcycle 1:17:23

7M ago1:17:23

1:17:23

In the episode, I speak with Gary Bennett to discuss his musical history, playing for various bands, the formation of Kill Your Idols, and his future plans with each project. We also discuss, his favorite albums, venues, and how KYI structures their set list.By Chris Ruffini

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Texting War Plans & How Democrats Get Their Shit Together with Matt Bennett 37:56

7M ago37:56

37:56

Tara begins the show by discussing Pete Hegseth accidentally sending war plans in a group chat that included Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor in chief of The Atlantic; a preview of her newsletter, where she has the details to a secret AI conference; and more. Then she welcomes Matthew Bennett, and they discuss Axios’s Alex Thompson’s list on why the De…

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Alex Isenstadt on Trump's Revenge Tour and Return to the White House 36:44

7M ago36:44

36:44

Tara is joined by political reporter Alex Isenstadt to discuss his new book, ‘Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power.’ He shares his intel on Trump’s political moves, campaign strategy, and cabinet selections. They go over some of Trump’s quotes in the book, and he shares what the Republican campaign team was planning for after Joe Bi…

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10- Nick Picerno of Godseyes 1:06:06

7M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

On this episode, I speak with Nick Picerno of Godseyes. We discuss his history in music, Godseyes releases, tour stories, and what the band has planned for the future. Nick also answers questions on his favorite records, tours, and venues.By Chris Ruffini

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Musk Tea, Schumer Fury, and Tariffs Hit the Heartland With North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong 35:04

7M ago35:04

35:04

Tara is joined by Gov. Kelly Armstrong to discuss Donald Trump’s tariffs and government cuts. They break down the Republican budget resolution decision that the Democrats passed in December, which is now blindsiding them. She asks Gov. Armstrong about Trump and Musk’s DOGE sledgehammer to government agencies, tariffs and how that affects North Dako…

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Why Trump Is Toying With the Market, With Marc Caputo and Teddy Schleifer 41:57

7M ago41:57

41:57

Tara is joined by Marc Caputo and Teddy Schleifer to discuss the state of the White House and the economy. Tara gets their perspective on Elon Musk’s power over Trump’s economic decisions and cabinet, as well as what they expect Democratic and Republican responses to the declining stock market will be. Host: Tara Palmeri Guests: Marc Caputo and Ted…

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09- Alex Dunne of Crime In Stereo 1:33:47

7M ago1:33:47

1:33:47

On this episode of What Lies Ahead, I speak with Alex Dunne of Crime in Stereo. We discuss his history in music, writing songs, how they structure their set list, and future plans for the band. The interview ends with Alex answering questions on his favorite albums, venues from the 90's, and his label House of Commons.…

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Congressman Jason Crow takes on the Democrats' Authenticity Crisis 44:29

7M ago44:29

44:29

Tara is joined by Colorado Rep. Jason Crow to explain his walkout during Donald Trump’s address to Congress last Tuesday. They discuss the Republican decision to extend Joe Biden’s budget, which was passed in December, in hopes to reroute it toward border control and defense. Additionally, they break down the potential repercussions of freezing gov…

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08- John Scanlon of Miles To Go Presents/Dead Last 58:17

7M ago58:17

58:17

On this episode, I speak with John Scanlon of Miles To Go Presents. We discuss his history in hardcore, booking shows, selecting the right venue, and the newly renovated AMH. We also spoke about his band Dead Last, their releases, tour of Europe, and future plans. The discussion ends with rapid fire questions on promoting, music, and his favorite a…

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Republicans Twist Their Talking Points After the Zelenskyy Meltdown 46:26

7M ago46:26

46:26

Tara is joined by political adviser Joe Hack to discuss an eventful and fiery past few days on the Hill. They break down the political fallout from Donald Trump’s contentious Oval Office meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, preview the president’s State of the Union address, and speculate on the future star of the Democratic Party. For more of Tara’s …

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Biden Insider Michael LaRosa Tells All 21:32

7M ago21:32

21:32

Tara starts the pod by recapping a highly chaotic week for the Trump administration. She’s then joined by Michael LaRosa, former press secretary for Jill Biden, in front of an audience at American University for her Sine Institute seminar on changing media. They discuss and dissect Jake Tapper’s upcoming book about the alleged top-level cover-up of…

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07- Chris Tzompanakis of skycamefalling 1:08:15

8M ago1:08:15

1:08:15

On this episode of What Lies Ahead Podcast, I speak with Chris Tzompanakis of skycamefalling. We discuss his history in music, formation of the band, tour stories, and how they structure their set list. The conversation also includes the reissue of the 10.21 LP, the future of the band, One Day Savior Recordings, and rapid fire questions to end the …

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06- Jay of Last Laugh 54:11

8M ago54:11

54:11

On this episode, I speak with Jay from Last Laugh. We discuss his musical history, formation of the band, their EP on 51st State Records, and past tours. Jay also reviews upcoming plans for the band in terms of shows and releases for 2025. We review his hip hop solo project, Jaysix, and his new band Evil Ways. The podcast ends with Jay answering va…

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MAGA Senator Jim Banks on Short-Term Tariff "Pain," Trump’s Fullback Elon, and How the Midwest Can Grow With MAHA 45:33

8M ago45:33

45:33

Tara is joined by freshman Senator Jim Banks (R-Indiana) to discuss Trump’s policy decisions in the first month of his second term, including whether he views Elon Musk as a conflict of interest for the Trump administration, his level of concern over potential tariffs hitting his home state, what to make of the MAHA movement, and his thoughts on wh…

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05- George and Wes of Deadshot 51:34

8M ago51:34

51:34

On this episode of What Lies Ahead Podcast, I speak with George and Wes of the Long Island Hardcore band, Deadshot. We discuss everything from their new EP, Not a Shot, on 51st State Records, to their introduction to the hardcore scene. We also discuss their influences and song writing process. The interview ends with them answering rapid fire ques…

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04- Christian Mcknight- Promoter 1:10:40

8M ago1:10:40

1:10:40

On this episode of What Lies Ahead Podcast, I sit with Christian Mcknight to discuss his history as a promoter, booking shows in the late 90's, the Long Island scene, and Cleanser. We end with rapid fire questions on his favorite albums, venues, and the NY Mets.By Chris Ruffini