In this episode we take a look at the growing mountain of books on my metaphorical nightstand - including Cory Doctorow, Tori Amos and Howard Fishman's wonderful bio of Connie Converse. You can't get signed eBooks and I was so happy to see Cory and Tori live and in person here in Union Square.
Speaking of the folk musician history almost erased—Connie Converse. Her songs, recorded in the 1950s, never found an audience in her time.
We dig into her story, the challenges of being an artist in a time when the industry had one narrow lane for success, and how today’s algorithm-driven platforms aren’t all that different. Instead of record execs, it’s engagement metrics deciding what gets amplified and what disappears.
This ties into some of what Cory Doctorow has been writing about—how platforms turn from enablers to enforcers, pushing independent creators into a corner. And Tori Amos, ever the advocate for artists carving their own path, just put out a book for kids about creativity (Tori was on the soundtrack to my youth—now she’s influencing new generations).
Also in this episode:
📱 A final update on my Dumb Phone experiment—where friction actually helped and where I just needed a map.
📖 A look at Howard Fishman’s book on Connie Converse and why book readings might be the best place to find your people.
Check out the episode and dig into more:
📚 To Anyone Who Ever Asks: The Life, Music, and Mystery of Connie Converse by Howard Fishman
🔗 Bookshop.org | Books Are Magic | Howard Fishman’s Website | Cory Doctorow
Connie Converse wrote songs in the 1950s that feel like they belong to another time—maybe even this one. Introspective, deeply personal, and years ahead of the folk revival, her music never found an audience. By 1974, after years of struggling to be heard, she packed up her life, wrote goodbye letters, and drove off. She was never seen again.
Because history has a way of circling back. Decades later, a few of her recordings surfaced, and slowly, she found the audience she never had in her lifetime. But it raises a bigger question: how many artists have slipped through the cracks of history? And how many are disappearing now—not because of industry gatekeepers, but because of the algorithm?
And it’s about the eerie parallels between the rigid music industry of the 1950s and the data-driven landscape we live in today.
Take a listen, and if Connie’s music moves you, consider supporting the indie bookstores that keep stories like hers alive: Bookshop.org, Books Are Magic, or learn more from Howard Fishman’s book.
Here's the YouTube Video:
PS: Thanks to Jackie for the suggestion.
Housekeeping before the good stuff...
I gotta tell you, this week has been a lot. I lost my battle against doomscrolling—hard. Just searching for any glimmer of positivity, some little piece of news that isn’t soul-crushing. But, as we all know, the algorithm thrives on keeping us hooked, whether it’s outrage, despair, or just the endless churn of content.
That’s why this week’s episode of The Unstreamables is a little different. I needed to step back, so I’m carrying my Punkt. dumbphone around to see if it helps. Experimenting with the right level of friction so that I can reset and dip into the internet mindfully.
I’m also talking about Kyle Chayka’s book, Filterworld—a deep dive into how algorithms have flattened culture.
And, to keep it weird, I’m playing some unstreamable vinyl—specifically sdrawkcaB gniyalP (or, you know, playing “Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love” in reverse, as TMBG intended).
https://tmbgshop.com/collections/all/products/stellub-7-vinyl
Here's a live version:
I know I’ve been talking about vinyl a lot lately, and yes, there’s some nostalgia there. But this isn’t just about retreating into the past. It’s about pushing back against the way monopolistic tech companies manipulate what we see, hear, and experience. It’s about reclaiming discovery, curiosity, and the joy of finding something unexpected.
So, if you’re feeling the same way—if the scroll feels relentless, if the world feels too online—consider unplugging a little. Go touch some grass. Or better yet, dig through a used bookshop or pick up a record you’ve never heard of before.
As always, thanks for being here. If you haven’t already, subscribe to The Unstreamables on YouTube (because if I must play this algorithm game, we’re doing it on our terms).
More soon.
— JT
P.S. Tell me about the last great thing you discovered offline. I want to hear from you.
Welcome back to The Unstreamables! I’m Jonathon Townley, and today, I’ve got something special for you—a full conversation with my friend Kyle Supley, a record collector, preservationist, and DJ. What was supposed to be a short teaser turned into a full episode because, well… we had a lot to talk about.
The Nostalgia of Vinyl and Analog Sound
Kyle and I go way back—we met at the “Fruit Stand” (Apple Store on Fifth Ave) years ago, and since then, he’s been a fixture in NYC’s vintage and nightlife scenes. We talked about everything from collecting records to why vinyl has outlived its digital obituaries.
For me, vinyl is more than just nostalgia—it’s a physical connection to music. When that little needle hits the grooves, the music isn’t just playing, it’s happening in the room with you. Kyle agrees, saying there’s something almost imperceptible in analog sound that digital just can’t replicate.
Of course, vinyl isn’t the only old-school format making waves. Kyle even dabbled in 8-tracks (RIP to all those that snapped in the middle of an Elton John song). But while cassettes might be a fun novelty, vinyl has real staying power—and the sales numbers back that up.
Julius’ Bar and The NYC Underground
One of the highlights of our chat was talking about Julius’ Bar, one of the oldest gay bars in NYC and a landmark of LGBTQ+ history. If you don’t know about The Sip-In, Google it—it’s a precursor to Stonewall and a fascinating slice of protest history.
Kyle’s monthly DJ night, After Dark: A Disco Very, brings vintage music lovers together at Julius, creating a dance floor time machine. The event spans from ’60s mod to ’80s new wave, gradually shifting as the night goes on. Whether it’s playing requests from NYC legends like Michael Musto or digging up long-lost disco treasures, Kyle keeps the music flowing.
The Thrill of the Unfindable
One of my favorite parts of this conversation was about un-Shazamable music. You know that feeling when you hear a song and Shazam just shrugs? For collectors like Kyle, that’s the start of the adventure.
We also talked about the difference between actual hits and weird knockoff versions (looking at you, Ray Block Singers). If you’ve ever unknowingly bought a budget compilation and wondered why the Bee Gees sound…off, you know the struggle.
Catch Kyle Live
If you’re in NYC, After Dark: A Disco Very happens Saturday, February 1st at Julius’ Bar in Greenwich Village. And Every 1st Saturday!
You can follow Kyle on Instagram (@KylesOutThere) for updates.
This episode was a total blast to record, and it got me thinking—so much of what we’re covering in The Unstreamablesis about the tactile, the ephemeral, and the things that slip through the cracks of digital curation. Whether it’s vinyl, forgotten films, or weird analog experiments, there’s a lot of treasure to be found.
If you haven’t already, sign up for the newsletter at TheUnstreamables.com to get notified when new episodes drop. And if you liked this one, share it, comment, and spread the word—you never know who might have an unstreamable gem hiding in their collection.
Until next time, keep digging for the good stuff. 🎶
Join us in this debut episode of The Unstreamables, where we explore the DIY ingenuity of They Might Be Giants’ Dial-A-Song, a quirky precursor to streaming that turned an answering machine into a cultural phenomenon.
Hey Charter Members! First for-real really official Episode! Thanks everyone for your support. Take a listen. If you'd prefer to listen with your eyes, too, scroll down just a little bit. The YouTube Video goes live at 5pm NY time. There are a bunch of resources and links below if you really want to dive into the TMBG (They Might Be Giants) rabbit hole.
• A celebration of the 35th anniversary of Flood, the band’s iconic album.
• Personal reflections on David Lynch and his impact as a creative force.
• An introduction to guest Kyle Supley, who shares stories about vintage treasures and spinning vinyl at Julius’.
• Fan-favorite and underappreciated tracks from TMBG, including insights into their live shows and fan reactions.
• A look at how Dial-A-Song brought lo-fi charm to music distribution, proving creativity beats perfection.
• Subscribe to the newsletter at TheUnstreamables.com to discover more rare and forgotten media.
• Check out Dial-A-Song, still alive and kicking! Call 844-387-6962 or download their app to hear fresh tracks.
Embrace the imperfect, celebrate the obscure, and rediscover treasures you’ll never forget. 🎶
The Unstreamables Podcast YouTube Playlist.
They Might Be Giants Official Website
https://www.theymightbegiants.com/
• Official information on Dial-A-Song and the band’s history.
Dial-A-Song Reboot
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/they-might-be-giants/id562807635
The modern version of Dial-A-Song, now available online.
TMBW.net: They Might Be Giants Wiki
https://tmbw.net/wiki/Dial-A-Song
• Comprehensive fan-maintained archive with detailed info about the service.
Spin Magazine
“They Might Be Giants Revive Dial-A-Song for a Digital Age.”
BrooklynVegan
“A Look Back at TMBG’s Dial-A-Song Legacy.”
https://www.brooklynvegan.com/
NPR Interview with TMBG
Discusses the origins and cultural impact of Dial-A-Song.
https://www.npr.org/2015/06/05/413177625/dial-a-giant
My Murdered Remains Compilation Album
https://theymightbegiants.bandcamp.com/album/my-murdered-remains
https://www.theymightbegiants.com/free-downloads1
Video / Stills / Audio Credits
Vintage Cassette Tape Video
File / Title: Video-background-free-to-use-compact-cassette-playing-5-min-no-sound 1080p.webm
Author: Matthias Wunderlich (webm by Jahobr)
Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
Source: Wikimedia Commons
BeepBox Example Song
File / Title: BeepBox_Example_Song.wav
Author: John Nesky
Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Audio Sting
File / Title: Beep_example.ogg
Author: Dan Stolyarov aka DVS
Licence: Public Domain
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Digitally Mastered Beat
File / Title: Digitally mastered beat created from recorded Foley samples of common houseware (flac)
Author: Subhashish Panigrahi
Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Endless Loop Outgoing Message Tape
File / Title: Outgoing Message Tape
Author: Wasted Time R
Licence: Wikimedia Commons
Dual Endless Cassette Tapes in National Easa-Phone
File / Title: Dual endless cassette tapes in National Easa-Phone 20130722.jpg
Author: phreakindee
Licence: Public Domain (CC0)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
National Easa-Phone Answering Machine by Panasonic
File / Title: National Easa-Phone Answering Machine by Panasonic
Author: phreakindee
Licence: Public Domain (CC0)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
DeLorean Replica Kovacs Time Machine
File / Title: DeLorean Replica Kovacs Time Machine.png
Description: Replica of the DeLorean Time Machine from Back to the Future, made by Joe Kovacs.
Author: Durban
Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Midcentury Telephone Table
File / Title: Telephone_Table.jpg
Author: SavvyChristine
Licence: CC BY 2.0
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Audio Clip from NPR’s Ask Me Another
Title: “Dial-A-Giant”
Date: June 11, 2015
Licence: © 2025 NPR, claimed under fair use.
Source: National Public Radio
