Marc Maron Loves Riffs And Vinyl, But He's Not A Music Snob

Marc Maron has gone through his share of rough times. Several years ago, the hard-working but struggling comedian's radio show was cancelled, his marriage collapsed, and he was unsure of what to do next. So he started inviting friends and and fellow comedians over to his house -- to record a podcast in his garage. Now, WTF with Marc Maron is one of the most popular podcasts around thanks to his intimate interviews and his signature revealing and unfiltered monologues. Each episode features Maron talking with celebrity guests -- comedians and writers, musicians, filmmakers and actors. And he's become one of more influential voices in comedy. 

Last year, Maron published his book, Attempting Normal, and his IFC TV series, Maron, is currently in its second season. His podcast recently celebrated its 500th episode. In a conversation with Soundcheck host John Schaefer, Maron talks about music snobbery, his growing vinyl collection, and his passion for blues guitar riffs -- plus, he shares a few of his favorite songs as part Soundcheck's Pick Three series. 

Chuck Berry,"Roll Over Beethoven"

I was chasing that song for years for some reason. I was completely blown away by that opening Chuck Berry riff and I think I actually got to the Chuck Berry one through the Beetles ... There was just something that resonated with me deeply when I was a kid. ... Eventually that lead me everywhere — it lead me back to the blues, to a lifelong pursuit of learning that riff, it installed the driveshaft of my musical taste. 

 

Bob Dylan, "It's All Right Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)"

There's something about that guitar riff — I'm really a riff guy, I'm not innately a lyrics guy — but that lyric in "It's Alright Ma" was just haunting to me and the momentum of the song and the urgency of what he was saying and how confusing he said it I thought was just mystifying. And I loved the way it sounds.

David Bowie, "Heroes" 

There's something about "Heroes" that makes my heart soar in sort of a dark but victorious way. I don't even know what the song means, really, but the pace of it, there's something longing about it, there's something intensely sad about it but there's something romantic about it and by the time he goes up an octave at the end it makes my brain explode. It's just a great song.