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...

Rock of Aging: The Nightmare Never Ends – Alice Cooper Live! (VIDEO)

In this episode of Rock of Aging, your co-hosts, Dave and Erika, are reviewing a recent show from the legendary Alice Cooper. Alice performed at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Omaha, Nebraska on August 27, 2025.

Despite being a lifelong hard rock and metal fan, Dave had never seen Alice Cooper in concert. For a first Alice show, it was impressive. The king of "shock rock" can still shock, even at age 77. Among the members of Alice's first-rate band is guitarist Nita Strauss. She was also a crowd favorite.

All photos and videos shot by Dave or Erika.

NOTE: We post a new episode of Rock of Aging on the 10th of every month!

This Year's Week: RUSH, KISS, Journey, Replacements Movie, Joey's Song '26, New Bangles, + More (VIDEO)

You have stumbled upon the latest episode of "This Year's Week" where I compile a little bit of everything going on in the world of the Dark Stuff into one video!

We start off with an update on the Joey's Song Freezing Man Concert taking place in January 2026. I hit this festival (a benefit for juvenile epilepsy) last year and had such a good time...I'm going again. 

Next, I briefly address the end of my other channel, Rock N Roll Book Club‬.  We have called it a day after two years. But, ‪something is in the works.

We had a couple of health scares in the Kiss world, RUSH has a new drummer, and Journey is having personnel issues...AGAIN!!

I close out with a review of a new Bangles CD box, and some footage of this year's Farnam Fest.

It's an action packed episode!

Rock of Aging: Tom Keifer & L.A. Guns Bring Back the Glory Days (Eddie Trunk Guest Spot!) (VIDEO)

In this episode of Rock of Aging, your co-hosts, Dave and Erika, are reviewing a recent show from Tom Keifer Band and L.A. Guns. The two 80s metal legends were playing together at Steelhouse in Omaha, Nebraska on September 26, 2025.

Sirius XM's Eddie Trunk appeared at the Keifer/Guns show and acted as emcee for the evening!

All photos and videos shot by Dave or Erika.

NOTE: We post a new episode of Rock of Aging on the 10th of every month

Rock of Aging Episode 10: Hitting Concerts from ALICE COOPER, TOM KEIFER, LA GUNS, ALEX WILLIAMS (VIDEO)

Today's video is the tenth episode of Rock of Aging, and this month, we hit "the road" and saw three excellent, 80s metal themed concerts. We caught shock rock legend, Alice Cooper, on his 'Too Close For Comfort Tour,' Cinderella's Tom Keifer Band with L.A Guns as support, and outlaw country artist turned 80s metal enthusiast, ‪Alex Williams‬.

Even at age 77, Alice Cooper still delivers the theatrical, rock n roll spectacle that he has been known for for decades. Both Tom Keifer (Cinderella) and L.A. Guns played blistering sets that featured songs from throughout their careers. Finally, outlaw country artist, Alex Williams gave the audience a huge taste of his new album, Space Brain, which is comprised entirely of heavy metal covers from artists like Ozzy, Skid Row, Judas Priest, and Mötley Crüe.

Sirius XM's Eddie Trunk appeared at the Keifer/Guns show and acted as emcee for the evening!

Each one was a unique experience, and we're here to talk about all of it. Plus we have photos and video from all three shows!

EXTC: Go 2 Omaha // Live at Reverb Lounge //Terry Chambers (XTC) and Friends (VIDEO)

 This week, I am reviewing a recent show from EXTC, the band featuring original XTC drummer, Terry Chambers. Since XTC stopped performing live in 1982, this is about the only way to hear XTC music performed in a live setting.

Terry Chambers formed this band a few years ago, and obtained permission from XTC's Andy Partridge to use the name. Hearing songs like "Making Plans For Nigel," "Life Begins at the Hop" and "This Is Pop" in a live setting was so fun! I never thought I'd hear these songs in any way other than the studio albums. This is a must-see show for any fan of XTC.

Opening the show was Omaha dream pop/shoegaze band, Minne Lussa.

Tom Keifer Band and L.A. Guns at Steelhouse in Omaha September 26, 2020 (PHOTOS & VIDEO)

Caught Tom Keifer Band (Cinderella) for the second time last night at Steelhouse in Omaha. Opening the show was L.A. Guns. This same double played here two years ago (here's the video I made about it: https://youtu.be/S-5XWBPHvbA?si=bmptxPPgoBiltgPh).

This marked the third time I had seen L.A. Guns in the last two years. We did a special episode on the band on Rock of Aging: https://youtu.be/wY2b1X2gTkE?si=Fui5c-xyE7F-QADV.

Tom Keifer Band at Steelhouse, Omaha, NE 9/26/25

Here's a quick video of Tom Keifer Band.

Sirius XM's Eddie Trunk hosted the show

L.A. Guns at Steelhouse, Omaha, NE 9/26/25 (Phil Lewis may or may not be wearing a pirate hat)

Tom Keifer Band

"Back in the Day" Concert Tales: FAITH NO MORE + CIRCUS OF POWER June 18, 1990 (VIDEO)

This week, I bring you the next installment in my "Back in the Day Concert Tales" series. We are travelling back to June 18, 1990 when FAITH NO MORE and CIRCUS OF POWER performed in a bowling alley in Omaha! 

Faith No More was celebrating the one year anniversary of its breakthrough album, The Real Thing, with a tiny club show in Omaha. The band was in amazing form and blazed through songs from all three of the albums that had been released up to that point. Immediately after this show, the band left for Europe.

New York hard rockers, Circus of Power, opened the show. COP was touring in support of its second full-length LP, Vices.

I was able to talk briefly with members of both bands, and took some pictures, too!