Our Favorite "Lost" 80's Hard Rock and Metal Albums (That Deserved Better) (VIDEO)

In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika discuss their favorite "lost" 80s hard rock/heavy metal albums. Our definition of a lost album is either one by an unknown band that seemed to have major potential, but was ultimately ignored, OR an album from a more established band that failed to live up to the commercial standards of past releases. We have some of both.

We'll be discussing lost albums from Lillian Axe, Bang Tango, Sea Hags, Blue Öyster Cult, Bad Company, and Richie Sambora.

REVIEW: Slim Dunlap (The Replacements) 'Every Little Word' NEW 2CD Collection (VIDEO)

 On this episode, I am reviewing the brand new, 2 disc collection from former Replacements' guitarist, Bob "Slim" Dunlap, called 'Every Little Word.'

The set includes remastered versions of Slim's two solo album, The Old New Me and Times Like This, as well as 22 bonus tracks. The bonus material consist of studio outtakes from his solo album sessions, live recordings, and some of Slim's earliest known recordings ranging from 1978-1986.

This is as definitive a collection as one can get from Slim Dunlap.

Back When Videos Meant Everything: The Rise (and Fall) of MTV: Rock of Aging (VIDEO)

 In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika rewind to the glory days of MTV, when music videos weren’t optional, they were everything. Before streaming, before algorithms, before phones in our pockets, MTV told us what mattered — what to wear, how bands looked, and which artists became legends.

We dig into how music videos transformed songs into visual events, turned musicians into larger-than-life icons, and reshaped rock culture forever. From late-night video marathons to world premieres that stopped time, MTV didn’t just play music — it created mythology.

This is a love letter to the era when image, attitude, fashion, and sound collided… and rock was never the same.

Juliana Hatfield – Lightning Might Strike | Album Review (VIDEO)

 

On this episode, I'm diving deep into Lightning Might Strike, the newest album from Juliana Hatfield — an artist whose voice, songwriting, and emotional directness have been a constant thread through alternative rock (and my record collection) for decades.

From moments of sharp power-pop punch to quieter, more vulnerable reflections, Lightning Might Strike feels both deeply personal and unmistakably current.

Juliana Hatfield has never chased trends—and that’s exactly why her music continues to matter. Lightning Might Strike proves that honesty, hooks, and emotional clarity don’t age out.

Joey's Song Festival Review: Garbage, Go-Go's, Bangles, Goo Goo Dolls + More Unite to Fight Epilepsy (VIDEO)

On this episode, I am reviewing my recent road trip to Madison, WI to see the Joey's Song Freezing Man Festival 2026. Joey's Song is a charity that raises money for juvenile epilepsy research and holds an annual music festival to raise money. Find out more: Joeyssong.org .

This was my second year in attendance. For 2026, the festival focused more on the "all-star jam" concept as opposed to having artists come up and play a dedicated set. Members of Garbage, The Bangles, Goo Goo Dolls, The Go-Go's, Belly, Big Star, Letters To Cleo, Soul Asylum, Silversun Pickups, Eve 6, Guns N Roses, Tears For Fears, and more were in attendance.

Matt Pinfield (former MTV VJ) was the emcee for the festival. Matt was on my return flight, and I was able to confirm with him that he plans to be at next year's festival, too.

SNOWMEN: The Band You Need to Hear Right Now | Interview + Stories (VIDEO)

Today's video is my interview with the excellent New York City rock band SNOWMEN.

After forming at the beginning of 2024, the band gained a fair amount of notoriety from a handful of viral clips of their debut single, "You Can't Relate." The clips increased the band's profile from that of a local band to one with a national audience. New singles were released throughout 2025.

The band's sound is potent mix of punk, post-punk, 80s new wave, prog rock, and 2000s indie rock. SNOWMEN has just released its debut album, A Kick to the Face, and has its debut US tour booked for Spring 2026. 

2025 Concert Recap: 60 Artists, 3 States, 1 Unforgettable Year (VIDEO)

This week, I am recapping my year in live music. I took photos and/or video of (almost) every show I saw this year. Over 60 different artists!

Top 10 Albums of 1995 with ‪The Vinyl Potato‬ !! Numbers 10 - 6 #vinylcommunity (VIDEO)

Thanks for stopping by for the latest episode of The Dark Stuff. As always, I very much appreciate it. This week,  I'm collaborating with Will from the channel ‪VinylPotato‬, and we're talking 1995. Yeah, most people are posting their best of 2025 lists, we took it 30 years back for our video. This one includes numbers 10 - 6, and the rest is on Will's channel.

The link to Part 2 is in the comments.

80's Metal Meets FESTIVUS: Airing Grievances with the Rock of Aging Crew // A Festivus Miracle! (VIDEO)

Help celebrate an 80's metal Festivus with Dave and Erika! Today's video is the 12th episode of Rock of Aging, and it's our first ever holiday show.

For this special episode, we decided to celebrate the "alternative" holiday of FESTIVUS, as celebrated on the TV show, Seinfeld. With an 80s metal vibe, we'll be airing our grievances, offering up Festivus miracles, and maybe even our feats of strength!

We hope you'll love this episode. Please leave your grievances in the comments!

REVIEW: The Replacements "Let It Be Deluxe" Box Set / Paul Westerberg Tommy & Bob Stinson Chris Mars (VIDEO)

This week, I am reviewing the brand new 'Let it Be Deluxe' box set from The Replacements. 

This deluxe edition of The Replacements' classic 1984 album, Let it Be, comes just a little bit after the 40th anniversary of its initial release. Let it Be is considered by many fans to be the band's best. It was certainly a turning point in the their career.

The brand new set from Rhino Records is either a 4 LP or 3 CD collection. Both have an option to bundle in a t-shirt, but there is also an additional 10" EP that can only be bundled with the vinyl option.

I won't spoil the review by giving away too much here. However, I will say that long time viewers may be surprised this video.

Mini Kiss Live Plus New Albums from Cheap Trick, Neko Case, The Beths, Guided By Voices & SNOWMEN (VIDEO)

This week, I am reviewing a concert from the hottest, littlest band in the world, Mini Kiss! in addition to seeing this unique tribute band, I also run through some of the best new release pick ups from the last month or so.

I am discussing the new albums from: SNOWMEN, the NYC band has just released it debut full-length, A Kick to the Face. It can be found on the streamers, or at the band's bandcamp page.

GUIDED BY VOICES has just released its 43rd album, Thick, Rich and Delicious. Another solid batch of indie pop from Robert Pollard and band.

I touch briefly on the new album from NEKO CASE, Neon Grey Midnight Green.

New Zealand indie rockers, THE BETHS, are back with a stellar new record called, Straight Line Was A Lie.

Finally, I cover the newest record from CHEAP TRICK, All Washed Up.

Hüsker Dü '1985 The Miracle Year' Box Set Review / Bob Mould / Grant Hart / Greg Norton (VIDEO)

This week, I am reviewing the brand new box set from Hüsker Dü called "1985: The Miracle Year." This has been one of my most anticipated releases of the year ever since the folks at Numero Group began teasing its release a few months ago.

The box is a 4 LP/2 CD set that features live recordings from Hüsker Dü from throughout 1985. The first album is a full concert, professionally recorded, from January 30, 1985. Initially, the band intended to release a live album that year, but it never happened...until now.

The second album features live recordings from throughout 1985 from venues around the world. The biggest highlight, for me, is the previously unreleased song, "Misty Modern Days." This track has circulated among tape traders for years, but it was an instrumental. This live version is not. It's a full song, with lyrics and everything!

The booklet is amazing. Tons of great photos and memorabilia. The detailed liner notes were written by Bob Mehr, who you may know from his Replacements biography, "Trouble Boys."

Rock of Aging Ep. 11 -- When the ’70s Turned Hair Metal: The Best and Worst Reinventions (VIDEO)

Today's video is the 11th episode of Rock of Aging, and this month, we are looking back to the 1970s. Heavy metal was invented in the 1970s, and it was a massive decade for this music: Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Aerosmith, and KISS helped to define the decade's music. But what about when those artists hit the 1980s?

Success in the 70s did not automatically guarantee similar success in the 80s. What did it take to "make it" in this decade? Which bands did the 80s the best? Who thrived, and who merely survived? This is the question that Erika and Dave attempt to answer in this video. 

Who understood the assignment of the 1980s and who did not?

NEW Dark Stuff Playlist for September/October 2025

Apologies to those who care, but I missed the September playlist. So, that's why this playlist is merging two months together. Yes, it's October. But Halloween is lame, so this playlist will not be including "spooky" music. Look elsewhere. (click to listen on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/dark-stuff-september-october-2025/pl.u-76oNG7eCd7BV0)

This month, I begin with a song from Ace Frehley's first post KISS album, 1987's 'Frehley's Comet.' Ace was a musical hero to me, and his recent passing has been a tough one. R.I.P. Ace. I've been dealing with insomnia related issues for a few years, and the Go-Go-'s track " You Can't Walk In Your Sleep (If You Can't Sleep)" really rings true.

I follow those up with incredible songs from SASAMI and Radiohead. The next song, from Lana Del Ray, is the first song of hers that has ever connected with me. Will I become a Lana fan? To early to tell, but "How To Disappear" is incredible. Gringo Star, Buffalo Tom, Paul Weller, and Superdrag come next. Really love that BT tune...

The live recording of Hüsker Dü's "Green Eyes" (from the forthcoming Live box set) is powerful, and I followed it with Sugar's "Hoover Dam," since Bob Mould's OTHER band, Sugar, has just returned after 30 years.

A rare, early track from Deep Sea Diver comes up next. Don't skip the KISS track that follows. "Journey of 1000 Years" is unlike any other song in the KISS catalog. It's a soaring, epic song that is not about Gene Simmons' unit. 

Further on down in the playlist, I threw in a cover of Billy Idol's "Eyes Without a Face" by Stef Chura. After some funk from Teddy Pendergrass, I thew in some NWOBHM from Avenger (This band was formerly known as Blitzkrieg) and then some US metal from Anvil.

The playlist closes with songs from Fishbone, a live recording from The Replacements, an obscure Chicago band called The New Duncan Imperials, Elvis Costello, Styx, and some late 70s Journey.

A pretty amazing two hours.

R.I.P. ACE FREHLEY (1951-2025) / KISS / Frehley's Comet / The Spaceman (VIDEO)

R.I.P. Ace Frehley (April 27, 1951 - October 16, 2025), lead guitarist in my favorite band of all time, KISS. Enjoy Jendell...