Review: Vinyl Café Unplugged – by Stuart McLean

Vinyl Café Unplugged – by Stuart McLean
2000 – Penguin-Viking 
Print edition

Winner of the 2001 the Stephen Leacock Award for Humour 

The Vinyl Café series of books is based on the Canadian radio show of the same name. This is the third book. 

Overall Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐


Vinyl Café is a charming collection of stories based on the radio show by the late Stuart McLean. 

The stories all focus on Dave and Morley, as well as family and neighbors, so there is a definite cohesiveness to the collection. 

I had never really listened to the radio shows, but I knew a lot of people who did. Much of the material from the radio broadcast is available to listen to on Spotify. In fact one of my favorite episodes appears in this book; titled “Odd Jobs". If you have ever loved a man who could turn an odd job into a major project, or if you are a man who has either done that, or helped a friend who has done that – listen to that episode! You won't regret it. 

The book opens with a story titled “Arthur" that literally had me chuckling out loud.  Arthur is the family dog, and like any dog, he is quite the character.  

Despite this book being categorized as Humour,  some of the stories Will tug at your heartstrings. I think for me that was part of the real charm of this book. In life, there is always joy and sorrow. Neither exists alone. 

Seriously though read or listen to “Odd Jobs" and “Arthur” if you haven't already, because everyone can benefit from a good laugh once in a while.

Happy Reading
  Teenie K