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.
Showing posts with label The Replacements. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Replacements. Show all posts
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.
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.
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.
Thanks for stopping by to watch my latest video. Today is a sad one, my friends. Bob "Slim" Dunlap has died today at the age of 73. Bob is best known for his time as the lead guitarist of The Replacements (1986-1991), but he was a Twin Cities music legend many years prior to that.
In the 1990s, after The Replacements broke up, Dunlap recorded two solo albums, "Times Like These" and "The Old New Me." He suffered a serious stroke in 2012 and has been unable to perform since then.
Dunlap's time in The Replacements has been recently featured on the double live album, "The Complete Inconcerated Live," and on the box set, "Dead Man's Pop."
Rest In Peace, Bob.
Today is the 40th birthday of The Replacements legendary album "Let It Be." I've probably listened to this record a thousand times since I first picked it up as a sophomore in high school.
Initially, I picked it up solely for the cover of "Black Diamond" from Kiss. I was a metal head at the time, and Kiss was my absolute favorite. Any band that covered Kiss was going to be all right by me! But "Let it Be" is nothing like a Kiss record, and it took me some time to appreciate it. But once I did, I never looked back! The Replacements became my new obsession.
To be honest, they are still an obsession of mine. I can't believe this album is 40 years old!? Damn.
Hello, friends. In this installment of "This Year's Week" (I'm still working on that title), I begin with The Baseball Project. You haven't stumbled onto the wrong channel, folks. The Baseball Project is a band featuring some very famous members: Peter Buck and Mike Mills of R.E.M. In addition Buck & Mills, the band also features Steve Wynn (The Dream Syndicate), Scott McCaughey (Young Fresh Fellows, Minus Five) and Linda Pitmon (Zuzu's Petals, Filthy Friends). The indie rock "supergroup" performed at The Waiting Room in Omaha.
It was such a trip seeing two members of R.E.M. playing inside this little club. I associate that band with massive stadium and arena shows. It was cool to see them just having fun with some friends.
There was a little bit of sad news in the world of The Replacements, as Paul Westerberg's mother, Mary, passed away. Additionally, Laurie Lindeen, former wife of Paul and mother of his son, John, died at roughly the same time. Lindeen is probably best known for being a member of the band Zuzu's Petals.
It's not all sad news in Replacements world. Chris Mars announced he is doing a limited vinyl run of his most recent record, The Average Album. Prior to this, it has only been available digitally. Get more info at Chris's website: https://www.chrismarspublishing.com/
After a quick update on "the girls" -- Neko and Blackie -- I have a sneak peek of a video I've been working on from a new series I mentioned a few videos back.
All this and more in just under 13 minutes. Hard to beat.
For episode 9, your co-hosts Dave, Jen, and Shelley drink up and spit out “Trouble Boys: The True Story of the Replacements,” written by Bob Mehr. Why use a crass metaphor for discussing a book? Because that’s the way The Replacements would want it.
If you’re not familiar with the band, you must know this: They love to drink, they don’t give a sh!t about rules or respect, and they’re one of the best bands to come out of Minneapolis…and maybe the 1980s as a whole. Talented enough to be famous but too punk to make it happen, they were indie rock before indie rock existed. If you haven’t heard them, click that playlist link below.
Here’s what to expect in the episode:
* Dave catches us up on the history of The Replacements, rivals of Kiss to win the title of “Dave’s Favorite Band.”
* Rivalries: Did R.E.M. even know they had one?
* Fun and games ensue:
-- “Dead, Jail, or Janitor?”, the Replacements version of “F, Marry, Kill.”
-- Rank the Replacements
-- One word to describe each member
-- The Lion and the Lamb
-- Who’s the Survivor?
* The gang attempts to answer difficult (and not-so-difficult) questions:
-- Alcohol: Part of the band or part of the problem?
-- Commercial success: Could The Replacements even deal?!
-- Everyone gets canned: Whose firing was the harshest?
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.
Here's a photo from the last time I saw The Replacements -- September 27, 2014 -- exactly nine years ago today. Originally, the band was supposed to headline the Summer Ends Festival in Tempe, AZ. However, due to unexpected torrential rain, the festival grounds flooded, and the show had to be moved.
Things were moved to the Marquee Theater. It was a good sized room, but could not accommodate the entire festival crowd. Not everyone would get in. Fortunately, we were able to get in. This was likely the smallest venue The Replacements played in during their reunion tour.
I made a video about my trip. This was one of my first YouTube videos, so have mercy on me with regards to the poor quality.
In this week's video I am joined by Maria Buszek. In addition to being an old friend of mine, Maria is also a professor, an author, a record collector, and music fan. We discuss some of the bands we met back in the late 80s/early 90s and the (sometimes) extreme lengths we went to meet them. You'll love this video.
This week's Dark Stuff video is my review of this week's show from Tommy Stinson (Replacements, Soul Asylum, Guns 'N Roses) and Cowboys in the Campfire. It was a great show, and Tommy was in fine form. Check out the video for live clips and more details.
Here are a few photos from tonight's Tommy Stinson show at Zipline Brewery in Lincoln, Nebraska on Sunday, July 9, 2023. I'll have a full review with video in a few days.
Tommy Stinson (Replacements, Guns N' Roses, Soul Asylum) is performing with his Cowboys In The Campfire tonight (July 9) at Zipline in Lincoln, NE. Tickets are available here.
Obviously, I will be attending. Photos and a review coming soon.
Chris Mars (founding member of The Replacements, drummer 1979-1990) has just released his sixth solo album, The Average Album. This is Mars' first new music since 2017's Note To Self.
The Average Album is available exclusively through Chris Mars' website, ChrisMarsPublishing.com. A vinyl version is promised for a future date, but for now, it is digital only. The album is only $5 for mp3 or $10 for wav files (the wav version features two extra songs).
Have you watched my video, After The Replacements Vol. 1: https://youtu.be/1aJSG_M7pkU. It details all of the music from the former members of The Replacements. Volume One covers 1992-1999, which was a musically prolific period for Chris Mars.
Just posted my newest Dark Stuff video. It's a review and unboxing of the new record from Replacements co-founder, Tommy Stinson. His new project, Tommy Stinson's Cowboys In The Campfire, has just released the album, Wronger. Watch the video for the rest.
Just got my package with the Tommy Stinson "bundle" of his new album, Wronger. The record is the first under the Tommy Stinson's Cowboys In the Campfire moniker.
Been listening to the record for a few weeks on Apple Music, but now I have my own copy!
This week's video will be an opening and review of the new album. Make sure to subscribe to The Dark Stuff and you'll never miss a video.
I also just found out that Tommy (and the Cowboys) will be playing in Lincoln on Sunday, July 9 at Zipline Brewery.
Here's a picture from the last Tommy Stinson show I saw in 2019. He was opening for The Lemonheads that night.
Tommy Stinson at Waiting Room, 5/12/19
For video of Tommy Stinson and The Lemonheads from that show (plus L7, Sebadoh, Priests and more) check out this video: https://youtu.be/FyXbCaWKRu4
