The Dark Stuff

Two Days of Rock in the Twin Cities! LIVE MUSIC: Weird Nightmare/Snowmen/Glom/Agnes Uncaged (VIDEO)

2026-06-01T12:36:14.917-05:00

I just got back from a long planned trip to the twin cities: Minneapolis & St. Paul. It was two days of rock shows, record shopping, and general mayhem in Minnesota. I hit the Turf Club both nights, and loved all the bands I saw.

Caught Weird Nightmare the first night. Fantastic band, fantastic show. The opener was also great. It was a new-er band from the cities called Agnes Uncaged. I bought their record, and have been listening to it a lot. Find out more: https://www.agnesuncaged.com/

The second night I was finally able to see SNOWMEN. Been waiting for this one for a long time. This was the NYC band's first national tour, and St. Paul was only the second night! The band was fantastic, the crowd seemed to love it, and the guys were nice as hell when we finally met up. Snowmen were on tour with another NYC band called GLOM (https://glom.world/).

The debut album from Snowmen, A Kick to the Face, is now available on vinyl. More information here: https://www.snowmenband.com/

In between the shows, I was able to hit the legendary CC Club in Minneapolis, and a few record shops, as well.

WEIRD NIGHTMARE at Turf Club in St. Paul, MN 5/27/26

2026-05-28T15:22:20.552-05:00

Alex Edkins of Weird Nightmare

Weird Nightmare at Turf Club, St. Paul, MN 5/27/26

AGNES UNCAGED Live at Turf Club, St. Paul, MN 5/27/26 (PHOTOS/VIDEO)

2026-05-28T09:41:24.293-05:00

Caught a brand new (to me) band last night at Turf Club in St. Paul. Agnes Uncaged opened for Weird Nightmare, and was absolutely amazing. I bought a copy of their newest LP, Cyanotype, and can't wait to throw it on the turntable. It was produced by John Agnello (Sonic Youth), so it will sound great, I'm sure. Trying to get the band to Omaha.

Agnes Uncaged at Turf Club, St. Paul, MN 5/27/26

Julia Eubanks of Agnes Uncaged

I love it when a band you have never heard of is so impressive that I have to run (not walk) to the merch table to buy an album.

Viewer Picks: Lost 80s Hard Rock & Metal Albums: These Albums Should’ve Been Huge! Rock of Aging

2026-05-25T11:01:40.453-05:00

In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika revisit our most popular video - The Lost 80s Hard Rock and Metal Albums episode. Everyone seems to love to talk about that great album that no one else knows about; or that one album by your favorite band that everyone ignored, but you loved it. All music fans can relate.

At the end of that video, Erika asked the audience for their recommendations on other "lost" 80s hard rock albums that we should check out. We received hundreds of suggestions, and decided to do a video where we review YOUR top three picks. Which ones did you really think we needed to know about?

The three most suggested were: Shotgun Messiah "Shotgun Messiah" The Four Horsemen "Nobody Said It Was Easy" and Mindfunk "Mindfunk." We dove in!

For Dave's (Not So) Deep Dive, he offers a quick review of the brand new theatrical film about Iron Maiden, Burning Ambition. In Erika's Atmosphere Check, she returns to her record store days where the clerks had all the inside information about new music. Before the internet, before streaming, where else did you discover new music that wasn't on the radio or MTV? At the record store. In this instance, you get to be the cool person behind the counter making the suggestions about what to play or what to buy.

90s Soundtracks BETTER Than The Actual Movie! // Against The 90s Episode 4

2026-05-20T13:42:29.146-05:00

Welcome to the fourth episode of the newest podcast from The Dark Stuff, Against The 90's. This is a show about 90s music from people who lived the decade—bought the records, watched the videos, went to the shows, and fell hard for the music. Each episode reexamines the music of the 90s by spotlighting the artists, albums, and movements that actually mattered—across alternative, rock, indie, and beyond.

For this episode, MarQ and Dave have each selected three 90s soundtracks that are better than the film they accompany. Action thrillers, comic book adaptations, superheroes...whatever. In these cases, the movie sucked, but the soundtrack is still on repeat.

Before we talk soundtracks, we have a quick concert review. MarQ and Dave caught 90s legend, Mark Robinson (Unrest, Air Miami), doing a solo show at Pageturners in Omaha. It was an unusual set in that he played 50 songs in 60 minutes. It was a whirlwind of all the best parts of his songs. Very unique.

Less Than Zero: The Soundtrack That Defined the Dark Side of the ‘80s // Neon, Drugs & Great Music (Rock of Aging)

2026-05-10T14:28:00.001-05:00

In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika take a trip to the darker side of Hollywood in the late 1980s. The 1987 film, Less Than Zero, told a tale of extreme wealth and extreme behavior among a circle of friends navigating young adulthood. The movie starred some of the biggest actors of the era: Andrew McCarthy, Robert Downey Jr, Jami Gertz, and James Spader.

Neither of us was old enough to see this R-rated movie in the theater when it was released in 1987. The soundtrack, on the other hand, was an instant classic. Less Than Zero produced one of the best soundtracks of the entire decade!

Aerosmith, Slayer, Poison, LL Cool J, The Bangles, are just a few of the artists on this album. We go through the entire thing: the good, the bad, and the...meh. We get to the bottom of why this soundtrack is celebrated more than the actual movie.

For Dave's (Not So) Deep Dive, he is talking about the new heavy metal band from Brooklyn, Castle Rat (https://castlerat.com/). This doom metal band has been winning over crowds for years, and has just released a new album called, The Bestiary.

For Erika's Atmosphere Check, she explains the difference between 8pm - 10pm Hollywood in 1987, and 2am - 4am Hollywood in 1987. It could get pretty dark on those streets the later you're out there.

WEIRD NIGHTMARE: Interview with Alex Edkins // New Album 'Hoopla' and Tour! // METZ (Video)

2026-05-06T16:07:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone, and welcome to the new video. For today's video, I am joined by a very special guest, Alex Edkins of Weird Nightmare. Weird Nightmare has just released its second album, Hoopla. From Subpop.com, "...from the psychedelic 1960s to the DIY 1990s and beyond. Hoopla, the catchy, melodic second LP from Edkins’s solo project Weird Nightmare, mixes and matches these influences in fun and exhilarating combinations, displaying his sophisticated musical mind."

Critics have made comparisons to similar psychedelic, fuzzed out, power-pop classics from Cheap Trick, The Byrds, Elvis Costello, The Kinks. The Flaming Lips, Spoon, The Replacements, and more. The album is a whirlwind of guitar pop styles and sounds. A true masterpiece.

Many of you will know Alex from his former (?) band, METZ (https://www.subpop.com/artists/metz). That band made some of the most intense, heavy, and noisy punk rock of the 2000s, and recorded five albums for Sub Pop. According to Alex, METZ are on an "indefinite hiatus."

TWO SHOWS - ONE NIGHT: Ratboys & VIAL // Live Music // Punk Rock / Indie Rock

2026-04-29T12:32:00.006-05:00

Hey everyone, and welcome to the new video. This week, I was faced with a real dilemma. There were two excellent concerts that I wanted to see; but seeing as they were both happening at the same time, I was not optimistic that I could see both. But, as the saying goes, where there's a will, there's a way...

Ratboys, the indie rock band from Chicago, was playing at Waiting Room along with Villagerrr from Ohio.

Around the corner, at Reverb, Minneapolis punk rockers, VIAL, were playing along with Alex Vile and Social Cinema.

I had been wanting to see VIAL for about a year because I missed their last appearance in town. I last caught Ratboys in 2023, and really loved the show. Plus, the new record is great.

I managed to see "most" of both shows thanks to some beneficial timing. Every band I saw was excellent, and worth seeing again. It was a fantastic night!

Our 10 Favorite 80's Metal Music Videos // Rock of Aging // Headbangers Ball

2026-04-25T14:09:00.001-05:00

In this episode of Rock of Aging, we crank the volume and fire up the TV for a celebration of our favorite 1980s metal music videos. Back when MTV ruled the culture, videos weren’t just promotion—they were events. Bigger hair, louder guitars, cinematic concepts, wild performances, and enough smoke machines to fill an arena.

Dave and Erika each count down the videos that defined the era for them—from arena-ready anthems and sleaze-soaked party clips to dark, dramatic epics and pure headbanging chaos. We talk about which bands understood the power of image, which videos still hold up today, and how visual style helped turn hard rock and metal bands into larger-than-life icons.

We each picked our five favorites -- and we had only one overlap! Can you guess which video?

For Dave's (Not So) Deep Dive, he is talking about a recent box set from the 80s band, Hüsker Dü. The collection, 1985: The Miracle Year, features professionally captured live recordings from this legendary band from throughout 1985. For Erika's Atmosphere Check, she brings us back to 1980s basement culture. If you had a basement in the 80s, you were no doubt camped out down there every Saturday night for Headbanger's Ball

Against The 90's Episode 3: "Lost" Albums from the 90s // Albums That Deserved More Love

2026-04-20T17:48:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the third episode of the newest podcast from The Dark Stuff, Against The 90's. This is a show about 90s music from people who lived the decade—bought the records, watched the videos, went to the shows, and fell hard for the music. Each episode reexamines the music of the 90s by spotlighting the artists, albums, and movements that actually mattered—across alternative, rock, indie, and beyond.

For the new episode, Marq and Dave are discussing some "lost" albums of the 90s. Our definition of a lost album is one from an artist who never got their due. Never got the attention they deserved, nor the accolades for such fine work. There are million of these kinds of albums, we have each chosen three.

We discuss: The Fatima Mansions, Brenda Kahn, MC 900 Ft. Jesus, Pulsars, The Mommyheads, Overwhelming Colorfast

Rock of Aging Talks The Big 4 of Thrash: Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax // metal (VIDEO)

2026-04-10T15:34:00.001-05:00

In this episode of Rock of Aging, we are talking about the harder side of 80's metal! Erika and Dave debate The Big 4 of Thrash: Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax. Let's just say that we don't see eye to eye on this part of the 80s metal scene.

For Dave's (Not So) Deep Dive, he is talking about a new band from Ireland called SPRINTS who has just released an EP called 'Trickle Down.' For Erika's Atmosphere Check, she sums up how she sees the differences between the Hollywood glam scene and the heavier, thrash scene.

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

2026-04-01T13:30:00.005-05:00

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

Ace Frehley vs. Richie Sambora: The Ultimate Rock of Aging Homework Showdown!

2026-03-25T13:04:00.004-05:00

In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika are going back to school! In a sense, anyway. We have both been given our homework assignments!

Erika has assigned Dave Richie Sambora's 'Stranger In This Town.' This 1991 album was the first solo LP from the Bon Jovi guitarist and songwriter.

Dave has assigned Erika Ace Frehley's 'Frehley's Comet.' The 1987 record was the first post-KISS release from the former guitar legend from Kiss.

For Dave's (not so) Deep Dive, he is talking about a new single from Def Leppard that features some decades old guitar tracks. And in Erika's Atmosphere Check, she offers up a contrast between the years of these two albums' release: 1987 and 1991.

Against The 90's Episode 2: 90s Artists Who Became Rock’s New Legacy Acts (VIDEO)

2026-03-20T17:33:00.005-05:00

Welcome to the second episode of the newest podcast from The Dark Stuff, Against The 90's. This is a show about 90s music from people who lived the decade—bought the records, watched the videos, went to the shows, and fell hard for the music. Each episode reexamines the music of the 90s by spotlighting the artists, albums, and movements that actually mattered—across alternative, rock, indie, and beyond.

For the new episode, Marq and Dave wrestle with the idea that much of that cool, cutting edge, underground music we loved in the 90s, is now...classic rock. Yes, that's right. Nineties artists are now legacy artists. Many are among the country's top touting attractions -- selling out festivals coast to coast. For others, their vinyl reissues and box sets are among the best sellers in record stores

We each chose five 90s artists that are still big sellers and/or big concert draws on the festival circuit. These are, by no means, all of them. But many of these will surprise you!

The 80's Hard Rock & Metal Bands We've Seen Live The Most! (VIDEO)

2026-03-10T14:49:00.002-05:00

In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika are talking live shows. Which 80's metal and hard rock bands have we seen the most times in concert? Club shows, theater shows, arena shows, stadium shows, festivals -- they all count!

We both have a lengthy history of seeing concerts, beginning in the early 1980s. But who have we seen the most times over the years? Specifically, which hard rock and metal bands have we seen the most amount of times?

Who have you seen the most? Leave it in the comments!

Also in this episode, we have Dave's (Not So) Deep Dive. This time around, he will be discussing the album "Turn-Ons" by the band, The Hotrats. Erika's Atmosphere Check will take us back to 1980s pre-concert prep -- locking down the right clothes & the right look. What about transportation? Who's driving? Are we even old enough to drive?

Interview with HAIR PERSON: NEW Music From a Band You Need To Hear! (VIDEO)

2026-03-10T14:47:00.000-05:00

On this episode, I am interviewing an excellent, new band called Hair Person. The band has just released its debut album, Dorsia. Hair Person is an electronic duo consisting of Sara Bertuldo (vocals, synths) and Erin Feichtinger (drums). The band's sound is a potent mix of dark, 80s and 90s synth music with pop song sensibilities.

Folks mighty know Sara from her lengthy experience in the Omaha music scene - including being in the bands See Through Dresses and Millions of Boys. With this new project, Sara has moved to synths, and is the sole lead singer. Erin has been playing for a few years, but this is actually her first band.

Our Favorite "Lost" 80's Hard Rock and Metal Albums (That Deserved Better) (VIDEO)

2026-02-25T19:01:00.002-06:00

In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika discuss their favorite "lost" 80s hard rock/heavy metal albums. Our definition of a lost album is either one by an unknown band that seemed to have major potential, but was ultimately ignored, OR an album from a more established band that failed to live up to the commercial standards of past releases. We have some of both.

We'll be discussing lost albums from Lillian Axe, Bang Tango, Sea Hags, Blue Öyster Cult, Bad Company, and Richie Sambora.

REVIEW: Slim Dunlap (The Replacements) 'Every Little Word' NEW 2CD Collection (VIDEO)

2026-02-15T13:38:00.002-06:00

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.

Back When Videos Meant Everything: The Rise (and Fall) of MTV: Rock of Aging (VIDEO)

2026-02-10T12:58:00.006-06:00

In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika rewind to the glory days of MTV, when music videos weren’t optional, they were everything. Before streaming, before algorithms, before phones in our pockets, MTV told us what mattered — what to wear, how bands looked, and which artists became legends.

We dig into how music videos transformed songs into visual events, turned musicians into larger-than-life icons, and reshaped rock culture forever. From late-night video marathons to world premieres that stopped time, MTV didn’t just play music — it created mythology.

This is a love letter to the era when image, attitude, fashion, and sound collided… and rock was never the same.

Juliana Hatfield – Lightning Might Strike | Album Review (VIDEO)

2026-01-30T20:16:00.004-06:00

On this episode, I'm diving deep into Lightning Might Strike, the newest album from Juliana Hatfield — an artist whose voice, songwriting, and emotional directness have been a constant thread through alternative rock (and my record collection) for decades.

From moments of sharp power-pop punch to quieter, more vulnerable reflections, Lightning Might Strike feels both deeply personal and unmistakably current.

Juliana Hatfield has never chased trends—and that’s exactly why her music continues to matter. Lightning Might Strike proves that honesty, hooks, and emotional clarity don’t age out.

Joey's Song Festival Review: Garbage, Go-Go's, Bangles, Goo Goo Dolls + More Unite to Fight Epilepsy (VIDEO)

2026-01-18T17:14:00.004-06:00

On this episode, I am reviewing my recent road trip to Madison, WI to see the Joey's Song Freezing Man Festival 2026. Joey's Song is a charity that raises money for juvenile epilepsy research and holds an annual music festival to raise money. Find out more: Joeyssong.org .

This was my second year in attendance. For 2026, the festival focused more on the "all-star jam" concept as opposed to having artists come up and play a dedicated set. Members of Garbage, The Bangles, Goo Goo Dolls, The Go-Go's, Belly, Big Star, Letters To Cleo, Soul Asylum, Silversun Pickups, Eve 6, Guns N Roses, Tears For Fears, and more were in attendance.

Matt Pinfield (former MTV VJ) was the emcee for the festival. Matt was on my return flight, and I was able to confirm with him that he plans to be at next year's festival, too.

SNOWMEN: The Band You Need to Hear Right Now | Interview + Stories (VIDEO)

2026-01-03T12:55:00.003-06:00

Today's video is my interview with the excellent New York City rock band SNOWMEN.

After forming at the beginning of 2024, the band gained a fair amount of notoriety from a handful of viral clips of their debut single, "You Can't Relate." The clips increased the band's profile from that of a local band to one with a national audience. New singles were released throughout 2025.

The band's sound is potent mix of punk, post-punk, 80s new wave, prog rock, and 2000s indie rock. SNOWMEN has just released its debut album, A Kick to the Face, and has its debut US tour booked for Spring 2026.

2025 Concert Recap: 60 Artists, 3 States, 1 Unforgettable Year (VIDEO)

2025-12-26T19:37:00.004-06:00

This week, I am recapping my year in live music. I took photos and/or video of (almost) every show I saw this year. Over 60 different artists!

Top 10 Albums of 1995 with ‪The Vinyl Potato‬ !! Numbers 10 - 6 #vinylcommunity (VIDEO)

2025-12-12T13:47:00.006-06:00

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)

2025-12-12T13:40:00.006-06:00

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!