EPISODE · Sep 19, 2025 · 50 MIN
204. Mark Brend Discusses David Ackles, self-titled
from You, Me and An Album · host Al Melchior
Send us Fan MailThis week’s episode features UK-based author, music journalist and musician Mark Brend, who introduces Al to David Ackles and his 1968 self-titled debut album. Mark talks about why he decided to buy the album 40 years ago without having heard any of it, and he revisits what his initial impressions were. He also shares what he learned about the making of the album and about Ackles’ career as a result of researching his latest book, Down River: In Search of David Ackles. Mark discusses his musical project Ghostwriter and how its latest album, Tremulant, was something of a departure.Mark mentioned that you can order Down River: In Search of David Ackles via the Jawbone Press website. You can find out more about the book and order it here: http://jawbonepress.com/down-river/You can follow Mark on Bluesky at @minutebookTo check out Mark’s music with Ghostwriter, head on over to their Bandcamp page…https://ghostwriter3.bandcamp.com/Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io. The first two episodes of Bonus Tracks—YMAAA’s subscriber-only podcast series—are now available at patreon.com/youmealbum, and more episodes and other good stuff are soon to come. Please consider subscribing! Your support will make it possible for Al to keep this podcast going.To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.1:16 Mark joins the show1:36 Mark recounts his first experience with listening to David Ackles4:55 Mark talks about Ackles’ penchant for telling stories with his songs6:33 Mark initially had a hard time finding information about Ackles10:06 Mark explains why he chose this Ackles album to discuss12:23 Mark highlights a couple of his favorite moments from the album15:54 Mark surmises why Ackles hasn’t received more recognition23:24 Mark talks about the recording of the album29:21 Mark and Al talk about how well the album’s final two tracks work together32:55 Mark acknowledges the contributions of Michael Fonfara and Jerry Penrod35:37 Mark explains why he decided to write Down River36:51 Mark talks about some discoveries that surprised him while researching the book39:44 Ackles has some devoted fans, including some well-known musicians43:24 Mark talks about his musical project GhostwriterOutro music is from “Often Forfeit” by Ghostwriter.Support the show
What this episode covers
Send us Fan Mail This week’s episode features UK-based author, music journalist and musician Mark Brend, who introduces Al to David Ackles and his 1968 self-titled debut album. Mark talks about why he decided to buy the album 40 years ago without having heard any of it, and he revisits what his initial impressions were. He also shares what he learned about the making of the album and about Ackles’ career as a result of researching his latest book, Down River: In Search of David Ackles. Mark d...
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204. Mark Brend Discusses David Ackles, self-titled
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