More ”Alternative” Than You’ll Ever Be (Randy Layton’s Long Strange Trip)

Randy Layton may not be a household name, but that's not the point with people like him. Layton has been advocating for some of the most important - if not famous and successful - artists of the last forty years through his label Alternative Records and his previous work with the enormously influential Sacramento label Exit Records. He was all about the "Alternative" back when that word meant something. Layton has helped release projects by The 77s, Vector, Steve Scott, 2 Pound Planet, Robert Vaughn and the Shadows, and many others. Although we have heard pieces of this conversation here and there on previous episodes of the show, we finally unspool the whole enchilada and get the full story of Layton's formative years in the 70s, his early years as an importer of rare music from the UK and Europe, his work with some of our favorite artists, and some recent reissues as well. Along the way, we catch a glimpse of the power behind his story, and our own. Spoiler alert - it's about a lot more than music.   We have also featured many of the beneficiaries of Layton's largesse on previous episodes, including Michael Roe, Charlie Peacock, Steve Scott, and Jimmy Abegg   For full SHOW NOTES and music list visit TrueTunes.com/LaytonAlternative   If you want to support the show, please join our Patreon community or drop us a one-time tip and check out our NEW MERCH!