The Dark Stuff is an online music magazine and podcast that focuses primarily (though not exclusively) on independent artists that perform in Omaha, Nebraska and the Midwest.
This week, I am reviewing the return of the MAHA FESTIVAL. Maha is an indie music festival that takes place every year in Omaha. Except for 2024, when it took the year off to re-organize.
This year, the festival was moved to downtown Omaha, and took place at the Heartland of America Park. The park is situated next to the Missouri River. There was a great crowd, the weather cooperated (for the most part), and every band was spectacular.
This year's line-up:
PIXIES
WAXAHATCHEE
BAND OF HORSES
MAGDALENA BAY
SILVERSUN PICKUPS
LITTLE BRAZIL
I have photos and video of all the bands that played.
Today, the Numero Group dropped five more live tracks from Hüsker Dü in 1985. However, these recordings are not from the same show as last time. These songs are from November 3, 1985 in Salt Lake City. This soundboard recording has never been heard before.
There is still very little information as to what will ultimately be the actual, physical release (and whether or not there will be one). So, we'll be getting information piecemeal. Numero is selling another limited edition, 1985 tour t-shirt on their website. As with the previous one, they are only taking orders for a week, and that is all.
This week, I am reviewing my 23rd Built To Spill concert. Obviously, they are among my all-time favorites. This time around, Built to Spill was performing at Waiting Room on a Sunday night. Weezer was playing 20 minutes away at the casino, but it was a no-brainer as to which show I'd be attending!
The first opening band, that unfortunately missed, was called YAE.
The second opener, Playdead, was amazing. The band features Scott Schmaljohn, former guitarist/vocalist for Treepeople. Doug Martsch was also in Treepeople prior to forming Built To Spill back in 1993. I had no idea that he was still making music, and am glad I found out.
This week, I am reviewing the new album from UK indie stars, Wet Leg.
The band's second album, moisturizer, has just been released and the band is everywhere! I decided to do a little track by track of the album, as well as discuss some of the history behind the band.
What do you think? Is "moisturizer" better than the band's 2022 debut? What are your favorite songs on the album?
Here, I am talking about how I first discovered Scorpions and why I believe "Love at First Sting" is essential to anyone starting an 80s metal collection.
Today's video is the seventh episode of "Rock of Aging." In this series, my co-host Erika and I are exploring the depths of our "hair metal" past as well as trying to discover what it is about the music of that era that has kept us captivated for decades. Rock of Aging is your go-to spot for 80s metal and conversation!
This month, we are offering up our picks for "Five Essential Hair Metal Albums to Start Your Collection." We each pick five (and two runners up) and offer up our reasons for why they must be included!
These picks are a place to start, that's all.
HUGE news this morning, folks. Legendary punk band Hüsker Dü has new music in 2025. Let me explain...
Today, the Numero Group (https://numerogroup.com/) announced that they are releasing a recently unearthed live recording of Hüsker Dü from January 1985 at First Avenue in Minneapolis. This is NOT an audience recording, it is a full 24-track recording intended for a live album from the band back in '85. The album was shelved, the band moved on, and most assumed the tapes were lost.
The only real information Numero is divulging at this time is where and when the tracks were recorded. They have released a digital EP to the streamers with five songs. As for when the rest is coming or if this is just one of many unearthed live shows, we don't really know. There's no pre-order or anything at this time. They are selling a limited edition, 1985 tour t-shirt on their website. It's only being sold until July 8.
Of course, I listened to the five tracks. They're incredible. Can't wait for more.
This week, I am reviewing a recent concert from the greatest Led Zeppelin tribute band I've ever seen, Zepparella. This San Francisco based band has been performing the songs of Zeppelin for 20 years and has earned a reputation as an amazing live band.
Of course, one thing that distinguishes Zepparella from any other Led Zep tribute is that they are all women. This was my second time seeing Zepparella, and I would have reviewed them last time, but I accidentally deleted all my footage before I could make the video. It took about two years, but I was finally able to rectify the situation.
Thanks for stopping by for the latest episode of The Dark Stuff. As always, I very much appreciate it. It's pretty much the exact middle of the year, so it seemed appropriate to offer up some of my favorite new releases to discuss. So far, 2025 has been a great year for new music, and it wasn't easy to narrow down this list to just six.
Today's video is the sixth episode of "Rock of Aging." In this series, my co-host Erika and I will be exploring the depths of our "hair metal" past as well as trying to discover what it is about the music of that era that has kept us captivated for decades. It's your new, go-to spot for 80s metal news and conversation!
This month, Erika and I devote the entire episode to the legendary sleaze rockers, L.A. Guns. The band is a favorite for both of us, and we actually met each other at an L.A. Guns show a few years ago! In this episode, we talk about the entire history of the band, the newest record, and seeing the band live in 2025!
After telling our L.A. Guns "origin stories" - we both somehow wound up on the band's tour bus in the early 90s - we review the band's newest album, Leopard Skin. Then we jump over to Barnato (a club in West Omaha) to review the concert. We have lots of great videos and photos from the "intimate" show.
If you're fan of L.A. Guns, you have chosen the right video to click on! Stay until the end for a special announcement regarding L.A. Guns' return to Omaha
This week, I am reviewing a recent show from the "Savage Imperial Death March Part II Tour" featuring Napalm Death and Melvins. Also on the bill was Australian punkers, Hard-Ons. Singing for the band was Jerry A from Poison Idea.
NOTE: In the video, I kept saying Jeff McDonald when I meant to say Steve McDonald. I did it many times, and I'm embarrassed about each one -- especially because I talked with Steve for a few minutes before the show, and he was the greatest guy.
Anyhoo...while walking to the club, I noticed Steve McDonald (Melvins, Redd Kross) sitting on a bench about a half a block from the venue. I did a quick doubletake while walking past to confirm it was him. It was. Honestly, friends, I am huge Melvins fan. But I am a MUCH bigger fan of Redd Kross, if I'm being totally honest. That's probably why I got all tongue tied when we were talking. I was legit nervous.
Our conversation ended as Hard-Ons took the stage. I missed a little of the set while standing in line, but caught most of it.
Melvins' set was amazing, though a bit too short for my taste. I wanted more! The band featured two drummers this time around. It was so intense.
Legendary grindcore/death metal band, Napalm Death, closed the show. This band was definitely something of a curiosity for me. I had an "extreme metal" phase in the early 90s; but even then, Napalm Death seemed a little too much for me. Having said that, I actually enjoyed their set.
Today's video is the fifth episode of "Rock of Aging." In this series, my co-host Erika and I will be exploring the depths of our "hair metal" past as well as trying to discover what it is about the music of that era that has kept us captivated for decades. It's your new, go-to spot for 80s metal news and conversation!
This month, Erika and I hit road to see some classic 80s metal bands. First up, we hit the "Spirit of 1989" tour which featured Trixter, Enuff Z'nuff, Pretty Boy Floyd, and Christian Shields. Less than a week later, we caught the "Let The Good Times Rock" tour featuring Warrant and Bulletboys. A good time was had by all.
In this video we attempt to discover:
Can BulletBoys lead singer, Marq Torien, still fit into the same pants he wore in 1988?
Which lead guitarist hit on Erika at the Spirit of 1989 tour?
What were you doing the first time you heard "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Warrant?
Are those Tommy John elbow socks being worn by Steve Summers of Pretty Boy Floyd?
This week's video is my review of the recent Bright Eyes and Cursive show at The Astro Theater. I've seen both of these bands, individually, many times over the years -- but never on the same bill. The two bands were wrapping up their tour together with a show in their joint hometown of Omaha.
The history of these two bands dates back to the mid 90s; that history was on display as each band joined the other onstage for some very special performances.
Friends, this video was a joy to make. I was able to see two of my musical idols in one week! I saw Bob Mould (Hüsker Dü, Sugar) and Mike Watt (Minutemen, fIREHOSE, The Stooges, Prono For Pyros).
I've been into the music of these two since I first heard them in the late 80s. I missed out on Hüsker Dü and Minutemen, but was absolutely there for Bob's solo career and for Sugar. With Watt, I saw fIREHOSE at least a dozen times, caught his first solo band with Dave Grohl and Eddie Vedder back in 1995, saw him in Banyan, and probably ten other bands, as well. I've had the good fortune to chat with both of them a couple of times over the years.
With this video, I wanted to discuss the shared history of Mould and Watt. Their friendship dates back to 1981. I also wanted to discuss the newest albums featuring both men - Bob's 'Here We Go Crazy' and MSSV's 'On and On.'
I then review both shows: Bob Mould Band on April 14 and MSSV on April 21. Two legends, one week. I hope you dig this big crux!
Today's video is the fourth episode of the "Rock of Aging" series. In this series, my co-host Erika and I will be exploring the depths of our "hair metal" past as well as trying to discover what it is about the music of that era that has kept us captivated for decades. It's your new, go-to spot for 80s metal news and conversation!
This month, we do a "deep dive" into Bon Jovi's second album, 7800° Fahrenheit. The album came out 40 years ago this month, and is a divisive record in the band's celebrated catalog. Jon Bon Jovi himself doesn't care for it, but the album remains a fan favorite.
Erika and I offer up our "origin story" as to how we initially heard the record and became fans. Then, we go track by track through the album and give our thoughts on each one! How does the album hold up after 40 years? Why is this album generally ignored by the band during its live shows? Is it bad? Is it underrated? Overrated? What do you think?
This month's video is the third episode of the "Rock of Aging" series. In this series, my co-host Erika and I will be exploring the depths of our "hair metal" past as well as trying to discover what it is about the music of that era that has kept us captivated for decades. It's your new, go-to spot for 80s metal news and conversation!
In this month's episode, we begin with a little bit of news on the solo band tour from Gene Simmons of KISS. Is this something you are planning to attend? Why? Why not?
After the news, we immediately jump - head first - into our selections for best, underappreciated or unknown 80s metal bands. These are hardly the only ones we could have chosen. I'm guessing we'll be revisiting this subject again...
In this episode, we talk about Electric Boys, Lillian Axe, Kix, Bonham, Rock City Angels, and Black 'N Blue.
Do you have any recommendations for "lost" or "unsung" 80s metal bands you'd like us to check out? Leave them in the comments!
This week, I am reviewing a recent concert from 80s hard rockers, Night Ranger. I loved these guys as a kid, and bought many of their albums back then.
I initially learned of the band due to Brad Gillis being a former guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne. In fact, the first time I ever saw Ozzy in concert (on TV anyway), Brad was the guitarist!
But it has been a long time since I listened to a Night Ranger record, if I'm being totally honest. I got the opportunity to see the band at The Astro Theater in La Vista (basically Omaha), Nebraska, and I jumped at the chance. I brought along my seven year old nephew who was witnessing his first ever concert.
I had a surprisingly fun and nostalgic evening. I guess you can still rock in America.
It's been a more brutal than usual winter here in Omaha, so I've been a bit of a hermit lately. If it can't be done indoors, it ain't getting done!
In this edition of my all-purpose, wrap-up series, I talk a little about the choices for this Spring's Record Store Day, and how The Replacements fit into it all. I review a recent show from New Jersey indie rockers, Real Estate. The new Bangles book is out! I offer up some details on the book as well as some relevant updates from Rock N Roll Book Club.
Lastly, I have a few excellent new releases to discuss.
