Welcome to podcast #24. This show is dedicated to the band Madder Rose. Madder Rose formed in NYC in the early 90s, and was heralded by the UK press as the second coming of Velvet Underground. The band balanced the noisy, driving guitar playing of Billy Coté with the angelic voice of lead singer Mary Lorson, and made some of the best indie music of the decade.

After a poor reception to the band's final two albums, Madder Rose called it quits in 1999. I interviewed drummer Rick Kubic (aka Johnny Kick) for the show, and he tells the story of the band from its inception to its unceremonious ending.

Songs from each of the band's albums are presented, as are a few rarities you might not have heard. If you were already a fan, this show should be a great nostalgia trip. If you weren't, you are about to have a new musical obsession. Good luck.

One update: I incorrectly stated in the podcast that Piano Creeps (www.myspace.com/thepianocreeps) is an instrumental band. I meant experimental. There are vocals. Oops.

The music:

Swim (from 'Bring It Down')
Beautiful John (from 'Bring It Down)
20 Foot Red (Peel Session - original version on 'Bring It Down')
Sleep, Forever (from 'Panic On')
Car Song (from 'Panic On')
Happy New Year (from 'Panic On')
My Star (from 'Tragic Magic')
See Her Every Night (from 'My Star' single)
Goodbye June Fool (from 'Hello June Fool')
Feels Like Summer (from 'Hello June Fool')

This episode is dedicated to the under-appreciated 90s band, The Mommyheads.

The band existed from 1987 - 1997, released four full-length albums, one EP, and numerous singles. They began as something of an eclectic, arty, XTC-inspired pop band (think of 'English Settlement' for a reference) and gradually became a streamlined, polished, professional, rootsy rock band with enormous commercial potential (think of The Band). It didn't happen for them, however.

Despite grabbing the attention of veteran record producer Don Was, and securing a contract with Geffen Records, the band was met with indifference by the late 90s music industry and had its career cut short after only one major label album.

The music:

Henry Miller Is Dead (from 'Flying Suit')
I Started Breathing (live) (studio version from 'Coming Into Beauty')
Spiders (from 'Flying Suit')
Pig in a Blanket (from 'Bingham's Hole')
Bingham's Hole (from 'Bingham's Hole)
Jaded (from 'The Mommyheads')
Screwed (from 'The Mommyheads')

This is part two of my "Best CDs of 2007" podcast. Here we have the Top 10.

The music:

Bright Eyes - "Coat Check Dream Song (live)" (www.myspace.com/brighteyes)
Mannequin Men - "Private School" (www.myspace.com/mannequinmen)
Elvis Perkins - "All The Night Without Love" (www.elvisperkins.net)
St. Vincent - "Your Lips Are Red" (www.myspace.com/stvincent)
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "666 Conducer"
Band of Horses - "Ode To LRC" (www.myspace.com/bandofhorses)
Adam Franklin - "Morning Rain" (www.toshackhighway.com)
Dinosaur Jr. - "Been There All The Time (live)"
Burning Brides - "Hang Love" (www.myspace.com/burningbrides)
Wilco - "Either Way (live)"
Wilco - "Impossible Germany"

This episode is part one of my two-part "Best CDs of 2007" podcast. For Podcast #21, I give you the numbers 20-11, along with my usual, insightful commentary and personal anecdotes.

The music:
Dr. Dog - "My Old Ways" (www.myspace.com/drdog)
M.I.A. - "Paper Planes" (www.myspace.com/mia)
Okkervil River - "You Can't Hold the Hand of a Rock n Roll Man" (www.myspace.com/okkervilriver)
Spoon - "Black Like Me"
Spoon - "The Underdog (live)"
Little Brazil - "Harlots For Hope" (www.myspace.com/littlebrazil)
Radiohead - "Bodysnatchers"
Thurston Moore - "Fri/End" (sonicyouth.com)
The Go - "Mercurial Girl" (www.myspace.com/thegodetroit)
Frank Smith - "Put Some Curtains Up" (www.myspace.com/franksmith)
Sloan - "Who Taught You To Live Like That?" (www.sloanmusic.com)

After another brief hiatus, I return with Podcast #20. I'm mixing it up a bit with this one, friends. We have a new version of a Dylan classic, a forgotten gem from Those Bastard Souls, and a brand new one from Omaha's probable "next big thing" - Capgun Coup. Enjoy.

The music:

Riddle of Steel - "Detroit Flu" (www.myspace.com/riddleofsteelband)
Bob Dylan - "Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I'll Go Mine) (Mark Ronson Re-version)"
Those Bastard Souls - "Subterranean Death Ride Blues, Pt. 2"
Pete Townshend - "Gonna Get Ya"
Spain - "Spiritual"
Capgun Coup - "oh, my mod" (www.myspace.com/capguncoup)
Bob Mould - "Underneath Days"
Silkworm - Couldn't You Wait?"

www.thedarkstuff.com

Thanks for checking in again for the Dark Stuff Podcast #19. This is a special one! This episode is dedicated exclusively to the music of Swervedriver and Adam Franklin. Swervedriver (www.swervedriver.com) was one of the most important British bands of the last 15 years or so, and its former singer/guitarist, Adam Franklin (www.toshackhighway.com), has just released a stellar new solo album called Bolts of Melody. In between cuts from all of the Swervedriver albums, and the new CD, is an interview I conducted with Mr. Franklin where he discusses the legacy of his former band, what he has been working on since they broke up, and his plans for the future. He is currently in the midst of a US tour. Enjoy.

The music:

Swervedriver - "99th Dream"
Adam Franklin - "Seize The Day"
Swervedriver - "The Other Jesus"
Swervedriver - "Rave Down"
Adam Franklin - "Shining Somewhere"
Swervedriver - "She's Beside Herself"
Swervedriver - "Wrong Treats"
Toshack Highway - "The Hitcher"
Swervedriver - "Duel"

Thanks for checking back in with me for #18 of The Dark Stuff podcast. I return from a brief hiatus with some new music from St. Vincent, a live performance from Okkervil River, a song from one of the "best bands you've never heard of", Crackerbash, and a drunken classic from the legendary Alex Chilton. Enjoy.

The music:

Crackerbash - "Orion"
St. Vincent - "Jesus Saves, I Spend" (www.myspace.com/stvincent)
St. Vincent - "Dig a Pony" (from Black Cab Sessions)
Marine Research - "Sick & Wrong"
Okkervil River - "Our Life Is Not a Movie Or Maybe" (live on Conan O'Brien) (www.okkervilriver.com)
Mark Eitzel - "No Easy Way Down" (www.myspace.com/markeitzel)
Swervedriver - "Girl on a Motorbike" (www.swervedriver.com)
Alex Chilton - "Like Flies on Sherbert"

Welcome back my friends to Volume 17 of The Dark Stuff Podcast. Back to regular programming for this episode, which means more of those dark songs you've come to know and love. This episode features new music from Minus the Bear and Turbonegro, plus classics from Paul Weller and Joy Division, and some brief commentary on the passing of Factory Records' founder Tony Wilson. Enjoy.

The music:

Turbonegro - "Everybody Loves a Chubby Dude" (www.turbonegro.com)
Minus The Bear - "Knights" (www.minusthebear.com)
Grand National - "By The Time I Get Home There Won't Be Much of a Place For Me" (www.grand-national.net)
Pulsars - "Suffocation (remix)"
Elvis Costello - "I Know (from Decades Rock Live)"
Paul Weller - "You Do Something to Me"
The National - "Karen" (www.americanmary.com)
Joy Division - "Transmission"

Podcast #16 is dedicated to the recently re-formed band The Rentals (www.therentals.com). In addition to hearing songs from all three Rentals CDs, I interview band leader Matt Sharp. He discusses the reforming of the band, the differences (and similarities) between the first Rentals CD and the newest, his former band mates in Weezer, and his meeting with Madonna. Enjoy.

The music:

The Rentals - "Hello, Hello"
The Rentals - "Last Romantic Day"
The Rentals - "Friends of P"
The Rentals - "Little Bit Of You In Everything"
Weezer - "Undone (The Sweater Song) (live on 120 Minutes)"
The Rentals - "My Summer Girl"

Thanks for checking in once again with The Dark Stuff. This week's show features a great variety of both old and new music. I give you some classics from Björk and Cheap Trick, a live recording from Silversun Pickups, as well as my insightful commentary on all the music. There is a special announcement at the end of the show, so listen until the end, ok? Send feedback to thedarkstuff@cox.net.

The music:

Cheap Trick - "High Priest of Rhythmic Noise"
Broadcast - "America's Boy"
Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins - "It Wasn't Me"
Frank Smith - "Home Is Where You Leave It"
VietNam - "Priest, Poet, & the Pig"
Smog - "Chosen One"
Björk - "Play Dead"
Silversun Pickups - "Kissing Families (live on Carson Daly)"
Weezer - "Death and Destruction (demo)"
The Rentals - "Waiting"

I'm giving you the goods mid-week this time. In this episode, we get to hear the new reggae-inspired Built To Spill, a live cut from Elvis Perkins, and a classic from The Who. Make sure you have your dancing shoes on for the new one from WEEN, as well. Enjoy.

The music:

VCR - "Back in Business" (www.purevolume.com/vcr)
The Go! Team - "Grip Like a Vice" (www.thegoteam.co.uk)
Built To Spill - "They Got Away"
Elvis Perkins - "While You Were Sleeping (live on Letterman)" (www.myspace.com/elvisperkins)
WEEN - "Friends" (www.ween.com)
1990s - "Cult Status" (www.myspace.com/1990sband)
The Who - "Eminence Front"

We are here at Lucky #13! As promised, I have new music from the recently re-formed Buffalo Tom, and solo music from Swervedriver's Adam Franklin. Plus, some thoughts on the possible reunion of the original Van Halen, and my vote for song of the year from Rufus Wainwright. Enjoy.

The music:

Van Halen - "Mean Street"
Hot One - "Do The Coup D'etat" (www.hot-one.org)
Ice - T - "My Word Is Bond"
Buck Bowen - "I'm a Mess" (www.buckbowen.com)
Rufus Wainwright - "Going To A Town"
Bright Eyes - "Hot Knives (live on Letterman)" (www.thisisbrighteyes.com)
Adam Franklin - "Ramonesland" (www.myspace.com/toshackhighway)
Buffalo Tom - "Bottom of the Rain"

Man, sorry it has been so long between podcasts. I know, I suck. But I am back, this time for real! I've got a great one for you here. A little something old and a little something new. Answer me this...on how many podcasts will you find both Fiona Apple and Iron Maiden? I'd say besides this, none.

The music:

Black Francis - "Threshold Apprehension"
PJ Harvey - "Kamikaze"
Scissors For Lefty - "Got Your Moments"
Menomena - "The Pelican"
Little Brazil - "Harlots For Hope"
Fiona Apple - "Parting Gift"
M.I.A. - "Bird Flu"
Iron Maiden - "Wasted Years"

This is part two of my podcast on Mafia Money Records. This one focuses on the years 1997-1999. If you want more information on any of these artists, email me at: thedarkstuff@cox.net.

The music:

Transformer Lootbag - "Usable Square Footage"
Hugh - "Glowboy"
Ex-Action Figures - "Global Kid"
Ex-Action Figures - "Metronome"
Hugh - "Jupiter's Gone"
Hugh - "Albuquerque"
Soma - "Wonderful" (snippet)
System and Station - "So Long"

This is part one of a podcast dedicated to Mafia Money Records. Mafia Money was an indie label I owned in the 90s when I lived in Madison, Wisconsin. The label was sort of ecclectic, but was focused primarily on guitar-based indie rock. If you are a fan of bands like The Replacements, XTC, Buffalo Tom, Dinosaur Jr, or Swervedriver, then you will find something you like here. Unfortunately, none of this music is currently available for purchase. If you have tons of money and would like to re-issue this stuff, please contact me.

The music:

Hugh - "Church of Jose"
Hugh - "Henry's Daughter"
Ex-Action Figures - "Lightbulb"
Hugh - "Chutes & Ladders"
Larry Cash Jr - "Pleasurecraft"
Ex-Action Figures - "Sic Teen"
Ex-Action Figures - "Partially Because [live]"

Here is the rest of my Top 20 Albums of 2006 -- numbers 10 to 1. There is also one "honorary" entry into the countdown. Happy New Year!

The music:

The Replacements - "Message To The Boys"
Bettie Serveert - "Hell = Other People (alternate version)"
The Black Keys - "The Flame"
TV On The Radio - "Let The Devil In"
Neko Case - "John Saw That Number"
We Are Scientists - "The Great Escape"
Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins - "The Charging Sky"
The Fags - "Light 'Em Up"
The Lemonheads - "Become The Enemy"
Sonic Youth - "Do You Believe in Rapture?"
Silversun Pickups - "Lazy Eye"
Silversun Pickups - "Well Thought Out Twinkles"

Part one of a two-part podcast featuring songs from the Top 20 albums of 2006. I have written a little more about each artist on my website: http://thedarkstuff.blogspot.com. This here is 20-11. Enjoy.

The music:

Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs - "Different Drum"
Film School - "11:11"
The Rapture - "The Sound"
Yo La Tengo - "The Race Is On Again"
Secret Machines - "Alone Jealous and Stoned"
Cat Power - "Living Proof"
Thom Yorke - "Black Swan"
Slayer - "Cult"
The Mars Volta - "Vermicide"
Eagles of Death Metal - "I Gotta Feelin (Just Nineteen)"

Been under the weather a bit lately, and my voice is shot. So, this week's podcast is mixtape style -- no talking. Not only will you be missing my witty and insightful commentary, you will also be missing my personal musical selections. For this podcast, I let the computer pick! This is a 45 min slice in the life of my media player. Ahh...the wonders of shuffle.

Consider this side A of our mixtape.

The music:

The Stooges - "Ann"
Franz Ferdinand - "This Fire"
Soul Asylum - "Cartoon"
Superdrag - "Shuck & Jive"
Sonic Youth - "Hey Joni"
Bettie Serveert - "Under the Surface"
Neko Case - "Hold On, Hold On"
Gang of Four - "Damaged Goods"
Sleep - "Prey"
Jurassic 5 - "Contribution"
Jesus and Mary Chain - "Almost Gold"
Local H - "Freeze Dried (F)lies"
Blondie - "In the Flesh"

Dark Stuff Vol. 6 is completely dedicated to Detroit rock band The Fags. In between songs from all three of their releases is an interview I conducted with the band. If you don't know these guys -- you should! They fu*&in' rock! For more info on the band: www.myspace.com/thefagsmusic

The music (all songs by The Fags):

Snap
Truly, Truly
Greatest Movie Ending (live)
Rockstar
Tonite (live)
Back of the Line
List
Firecracker
Ms. Take

I'm still feeling the buzz from last Tuesday night!

The music:

The Mars Volta - "Viscera Eyes"
The Starlite Desperation - "Everlasting Crime"
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - "Right Place Wrong Time"
Silversun Pickups - "Lazy Eye"
Biz Markie - "I'm the Biz Markie"
Sebadoh - "Ride the Darker Wave"

As promised, here is the all KISS podcast. I decided not include any of the band's "hits" and instead focused on deeper album cuts. This barely begins to cover all of the great KISS classics, but I suspect I will be doing another KISS one in the future. If you already like KISS, this is just a reminder of their greatness. If you are not a fan, give these songs a try...it might change your mind.Enjoy.

The music (all songs by KISS unless noted):

Do You Remember Rock n Roll Radio?
Charisma
Mainline
Dark Light
Ozone (performed by Ace Frehley)
Sweet Pain
Firehouse (demo)
Almost Human
Getaway
War Machine

Not too much tell you about Vol. 3, other than that it fu%*in' rocks! Heavy on the music, with a little politics tacked on at the end. Vote November 7, and vote Democrat. Peace out.

The music:

The Black Keys - "Have Love Will Travel"
Grandpaboy - "Do Right In Your Eyes"
Dub Narcotic Soundsystem - "Fuck Shit Up"
Kwest The Madd Ladd - "101 Things To Do While I'm With Your Girl"
Monster Magnet - "Medicine"
The Afghan Wigs - "Be Sweet"
Lilys - "Black Carpet Magic"
Fugazi - "Burning Too"

Welcome to The Dark Stuff Podcast Vol. 2. In this episode, we have an exclusive interview with Ira Kaplan of the band Yo La Tengo. In addition to music from Yo La Tengo, I have included some classics from my collection. There is also my commentary on Tipper Gore. Enjoy.

The music:

The Rezillos - "(My Baby Does) Good Sculptures"
Ice-T - "Peel Their Caps Back"
Yo La Tengo - "From a Motel 6"
Yo La Tengo interview (pt.1)
Yo La Tengo - "Black Flowers"
Yo La Tengo interview (pt.2)
David Lee Roth - "I'm Easy"
Chavez - "Hack the Sides Away"

This is the premiere episode of The Dark Stuff. What you get in this podcast is new and underground music mixed in with some classics from all across the great musical spectrum. You get my opinion on the music, and mine alone. There is also a little politcs, and a little humor (at least I like to think there is).

If you don't like this one, check back next week...it will be better. I promise.

The music:

The Fags - "Tonight"
The Show Is the Rainbow - "Barking Up the Wrong Tree"
Roma 79 - "Kill the Sun"
Motorhead - "The Chase Is Better Than The Catch"
Bright Eyes - "True Blue"