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MP3s to LPs: From Digital Piracy to Vinyl's Revenge | Club TWiT Special
TWiT+ Club Shows

Jun 27th 2025

TWiT+ Club Shows 703

MP3s to LPs: From Digital Piracy to Vinyl's Revival

Hosted by Leo Laporte

Live with Leo 6/27/25

Check the Club TWiT Discord for event recording times.
Category: News

Join Leo Laporte for an epic two-part journey through the revolution that transformed the music industry forever!

Part 1: The MP3 Revolution with Stephen Witt
Author of "How Music Got Free" reveals the untold story of how a German research team accidentally sparked the digital music revolution. Learn about:

  • The secret history of Fraunhofer's MP3 codec and why it almost died
  • Dell Glover: The factory worker who leaked 2,000+ CDs before release
  • How the music industry's greed created their own downfall
  • The politics behind MP3 vs MP2 and why "Funky MP3" became the first demo track

Part 2: The Vinyl Renaissance with Norman Maslov (@mazzysmusic)
YouTube's vinyl expert and Leo's longtime friend dives deep into why physical media is making a stunning comeback:

  • The emotional connection between vinyl and music lovers
  • Hot cuts, dead wax, and why some Led Zeppelin II records sell for $1,000
  • Building the perfect listening setup without breaking the bank
  • Plus: Leo's earthquake story, lost Beatles memorabilia, and audio debates!

From Napster's disruption to today's streaming wars, from compressed MP3s to audiophile vinyl pressings – discover how we went from "music wants to be free" to collectors paying hundreds for original Blue Note jazz records.

Special appearances by TWiT's Benito Gonzalez on mastering techniques and a surprise update on Salt Hank's NYC sandwich empire!

🔗 Links mentioned:
Stephen Witt's "How Music Got Free": (Affilate Link) https://amzn.to/4lxkDAU
Stephen Witt's "The Thinking Machine": (Affilate Link) https://amzn.to/3TLq0QZ
Mazzy's Music YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mazzysmusic

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