NEW Peter Criss Album? (KISS) / Nada Surf LIVE / One More RSD Score! (VIDEO)

Welcome to the newest edition of "This Year's Week -- my wrap-up video of everything happening in the world of The Dark Stuff. 

This episode begins with a review of a recent concert from Nada Surf. I've seen this legendary indie band many times over the years, and I have loved it every time! Their set was a mix of songs from the newest album, Moon Mirror, along with a healthy dose of Nada Surf's many classics like "Killian's Red" "Blonde On Blonde" and the 90s hit, "Popular." The show was opened by The Cle Elum.

Originally, I was going to include a review of the Julien Baker & TORRES show at The Admiral. But the entire tour was canceled at the last minute due to health concerns with Julien. Therefore, no review. Sad emoji.

Happy to have a little bit of KISS news to share. Original drummer, Peter Criss, has just announced that he will be releasing a new "rock" record this year - in 2025. This will be his first new album in nearly 20 years. Is The Catman really back?? We'll find out soon enough.

I was able to get a copy of the only Record Store Day 2025 title that had eluded me, and I snagged some cheap CDs, as well.

 

RSD 2025 / Bob Dylan LIVE / NEW The Replacements & KISS / Rant About "No Phone" Shows + more (VIDEO)

Welcome to the newest edition of "This Year's Week" -- my wrap-up video of everything happening in the world of The Dark Stuff.

There's new music from KISS, The Replacements, and members of The Bangles to discuss, as well as some recent concerts from Bob Dylan and The Spirit of 1989 "hair metal" tour featuring Trixter, Enuff Z'Nuff, and Pretty Boy Floyd. This week gave us Record Store Day, and naturally, I had to partake.

I also have a rant about "no phone" shows and this month's playlist.

Record Store Day 2025 / Bangles Book / Real Estate LIVE / NEW Music Releases (VIDEO)

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.

Dark Stuff: RSD Black Friday / New Vinyl Pickups / Speed! Nebraska / New Playlist (VIDEO)

In this edition of "This Year's Week," we hit the record release show for Speed! Lightning 500: new compilation of Nebraska bands from Speed! Nebraska Records. I caught "most" of the show, but had to take a burrito break, and missed a band I wanted to see.

Make sure to check out the latest Dark Stuff Playlist for December 2024!

  

I finally received my copy of the new Susanna Hoffs LP, The Lost Record. Just in time for best of the year consideration!

This Fall's Record Store Day (black Friday) was a total bust for me. I bought nothing. But I did hit a used store and grabbed some unexpectedly great stuff.

The newest episode of ‪Rock N Roll Book Club‬ has just dropped. This month, we read Sly Stone's memoir, "Thank You (Falletinme Be Mice Elf Agin)." Next month is "The Witch's Daughter" from Orenda Fink.

Last up, I offer up a quick preview of some of the stuff I'm currently working on. There's some stuff I'm very excited about that will be premiering next month.

REVIEW: Replacements @ Cabaret Metro '86 RSD Release + 'Mats Tribute Band (VIDEO)

As you've no doubt come to understand, this is the channel for your favorite Replacements related content. Naturally, I was all over the newest Replacements Live record, "Not Ready for Prime Time: LIVE at the Cabaret Metro, 1986."

Eagle-eyed fans will likely notice that this is the same concert featured - only on CD - in last year's Tim: Let It Bleed Edition box set. You are correct. However, this Record Store Day exclusive is the only way you can get the show on vinyl. The two LP set has a gatefold cover and features liner notes from Bob Mehr, author of 'Trouble Boys.'

In addition to my review of the new album, I have some clips and photos I took of a new Replacements tribute band called Left of the Dial. They played their first show the night before record store day.

My Record Store Day 2024 Haul! #recordstoreday #vinylcommunity (VIDEO)

Though I have begun to sour on Record Store Day in general, I must admit that this year's "holiday" was pretty effin' exceptional! I tend to hit the stores after lunch. I'm not one to wait overnight or stand in long lines -- I'm too impatient. However, as I rolled up to both Homer's and Vinyl Cup, there were still lines extending far outside the confines of the store. It would seem that I was going to have to deal with a little inconvenience.

It was worth it! I got the two main items on my agenda, then picked up a bunch more. I definitely blew the budget. Maybe I'll cut back on food this month...