The Dark Stuff Wednesdays: What I’m Listening To This Week

Hey everyone, and welcome to the new video. Today is Wednesday, and this is the inaugural "What Am I Listening To, Wednesday?" I have four, fantastic new releases to discuss.

Suitor: https://suitor.bandcamp.com/album/saw-you-out-with-the-weeds-2

Cootie Catcher: https://cootiecatcher69.bandcamp.com/

Softcult: https://softcult.band/

Hair Person: https://hairperson.bandcamp.com/album/dorsia

Album Review: DIE SPITZ "SOMETHING TO CONSUME" (VIDEO)

In today's video, I am reviewing the highly anticipated, debut album from DIE SPITZ. The Texas punk/metal hybrid just released "Something To Consume" on Jack White's Third Man Records. 

Produced by Will Yip (Mannequin Pussy, Scowl), the new album finds the young band exploring new sounds while maintaining its core intensity.

It's Happening!! Hüsker Dü LP "Live 1985: The Miracle Year" Release Date November 2025 (VIDEO)

Today, the Numero Group answered all of my questions about their forthcoming Hüsker Dü project.

First off, it will be a 4LP box (CD version as well), plus a 36 page booklet with lots of photos. There is a t-shirt sold separately.  The box will be called "1985: The Miracle Year" and is scheduled to be released in November. Numero is taking pre-orders as of NOW on their website. I learned shortly after completing my video, that Bob Mehr is the one writing the 36 page book that accompanies the set. He confirmed this with postings on his social media.

I go over the track listing, the vinyl variants and much more in the video. This is amazing news!!

These 6 Albums Are Getting Me Through 2025 // New Music (VIDEO)

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.

Best Album of 2024? Four More Contenders! NEW MUSIC (VIDEO)

This week, I offer up four more possibilities for Best Album of 2024. This is sort of a follow-up to a video from a few months ago, where I picked four very early contenders for album of the year. Those records are still contenders, but there have been quite a few top notch releases since then.

First up, is the new LP from LL Cool J. This hip-hop legend has just released his 14th album, and his first since "retiring" from music back in 2016. This album has no right being this good.

Next...Scottish indie rockers, Camera Obscura, return with their first new music since 2013, 'Look to the East, Look to the West.' Another incredible set of tunes from this sophisticated pop band.

If you're a subscriber to this channel, you've probably heard me going on and on about the newest album from King Hannah, 'Big Swimmer.' I will go on and on some more here.

Last of my four selections is the new self-titled album from Redd Kross. The McDonald brothers deliver their most consistent batch of songs in their entire, 40+ year career.

You got four better?! Name them.

New Vinyl Update + 15 UPCOMING Releases for March, April, May '24 (VIDEO)

Hello, friends and welcome back. Today's video is a lot to take in. But I'm confident you can handle it. The first part of the video features a bunch of new vinyl I have gotten recently - most are new releases, btw. I also take you on an excursion to suburbia -- West Omaha - to find a copy of Jason Isbell's newest at Target. Was I successful in my quest? You'll have to watch to find out.

Next up, I am previewing 15 important new releases coming out in March, April, and May. Stylistically, they run the gamut: indie, rock, alt-country, metal, and more!

Kim Gordon, Rosali, Waxahatchee, The Dandy Warhols, Gossip, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Ride, Kate Clover, Old 97s, METZ, Melvins, St. Vincent, The Lemon Twigs, Kerry King, Buffalo Tom

Mama Zu "Quilt Floor" Album Review / Jessi Zazu / Those Darlins (VIDEO)

Hello, friends and welcome to my latest video. This week, I am reviewing the new album from Mama Zu called "Quilt Floor." This was one of my most anticipated new releases of the year because it features the final recordings from Jessi Zazu from the band Those Darlins.

Those Darlins was a band from Nashville whose mix of country, garage punk, and rock 'n roll made them one of the best new bands of the 2000s. After the band broke up in 2015, it was revealed that Jessi Darlin (aka Jessi Zazu) had cancer. She died at age 28. In between the break up of Those Darlins and her death, she and Linwood Regenburg (also of Those Darlins) recorded some music together. After Jessi passed, Linwood finished the album in her honor.

The project is named Mama Zu and the album Jessi and Linwood made is out now. As I said in an earlier video, I planned to buy this record no matter what. As a fan of TD and of Jessi, it was a no-brainer. As you will see in my review, Quilt Floor turned out incredibly well, and reminds me of why I became a fan of Jessi in the first place.

Interspersed with my review are some photos and video I shot of Those Darlins from 2011-2012.

Ace Frehley (KISS) 10,000 Volts REVIEW

Today, I am reviewing the brand new album from former KISS lead guitarist, Ace Frehley. Longtime viewers of the channel know that KISS is my favorite band of all time. But don't confuse being a "fan" with being a "fanboy." There's a huge difference. I consider myself to be objective when it comes to Kiss and its former members. So, to those who are easily triggered by a different opinion than their own...don't say you weren't warned.

On Today's NEW DAY RISING (Sunday January 7, 2024)

Today, on my terrestrial radio show, New Day Rising, I'll have music from En Attendant Ana, Sonic Youth, Mitski, Big Star, Matthew Sweet, Porno For Pyros, Blondshell, Hugh, Sunny Day Real Estate, Ty Segall, The Cure, Jenny Lewis, Spoon, Paul Westerberg, Hello Mary, The Mountain Goats, and more!

 

New Music Preview: 12 Albums to Look Forward To in Jan/Feb '24 (VIDEO)

Welcome back, friends. It's only January, but it's already shaping up to be an amazing year for new music. In this week's video, I am previewing 12 forthcoming releases from January and February. There's a pretty wide variety of stuff -- something for everyone! Almost. Let me know if I missed anything or what new releases you're most looking forward to.

Top 20 Albums of 2023 (VIDEO)

 

The Last New Releases of 2023? What's Good for 2024? (VIDEO)

"Welcome back, friends. I'm down here in the bunker preparing my Best of 2023 video. Before I completed it, I wanted to make sure to talk about some of the final new releases of the year. Don't want to miss anything, right? Just as I was getting ready to make this video, I got a bunch of new music scheduled to come out in early '24. These are no ordinary releases, either. Some really big stuff. So, sit back and enjoy..."

Bands/Artists in this video: Superchunk, The Kills, Mitski, Cat Power, The Lemonheads, J. Mascis, Sleater-Kinney, Mama Zu.

Fine...I'll Review the New Rolling Stones Album (VIDEO)

Despite initially trying to ignore its existence, I decided to delve into the new album from The Rolling Stones, Hackney Diamonds. I'm glad I did. Full review in the video.

My Interview with Juniper! NEW Music // Indie Music // Artist Interview (VIDEO)

Welcome to my latest video. This week, I interview Juniper! Juniper's newest album, She Steals Candy, is a serious contender for my album of the year for 2023. I was blown away when I first heard the album at the beginning the year, and made a special video all about it.

Juniper's "bubble gum garage pop" sound has not only received raves from me, but also from The Boston Herald, "One of the coolest things to come along this year," The Big Takeover, "A Pure delight" and Goldmine's Indie Spotlight, "There's a giddy exuberance in each of these songs." 

Juniper is releasing a new single, "I was Thinking About You," this month. I took the opportunity to interview Juniper, along with her dad (and "musical director") Michael Shelley. The two talk about the new single, their musical histories, and the making of Juniper's two full-length albums. It's a fun interview! 

Juniper's website: http://junipersongs.com/ 

Bandcamp: https://juniperssongs.bandcamp.com/ 

MUST HEAR New Music for October 2023 // New Releases // (VIDEO)

This week's video features reviews of four brand new albums. I cover the new releases from veteran NY indie rockers, The Mommyheads, Nashville singer/songwriter Esme Patterson, Parquet Courts' singer A. Savage, and Omaha hard rockers, Bad Bad Men. 

Must Hear NEW Music: September 2023 (VIDEO)

This month's edition of "Must Hear New Music," I review four new albums I am (kinda) wild about.

Artists covered: Chris Mars, Bethany Cosentino, Water From Your Eyes, and Sonic Youth.

New Mommyheads Video "Why Aren't You Smiling"

"Why Aren't You Smiling" by The Mommyheads

The Mommyheads have just released the first video/single from their forthcoming 15th LP, Coney Island Kid. The album will be available formally in September, however, the band is selling it digitally - right now - on their bandcamp page: https://mommyheads.bandcamp.com/.

Expect a full review on Youtube shortly.

Tommy Stinson's Cowboys In The Campfire REVIEW and Unboxing (VIDEO)

 

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.

Got My Copy of the New Tommy Stinson Record (Video To Follow)

 

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

NEW Mommyheads Record 'Age of Isolation' is Out NOW // Get It! // Vinyl Community // New Music //