Author | Lightnews

Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · 1d

My annual Halloween playlist. This year I leaned slightly into dreams and nightmares. There's also a heavy dose of Ozzy and Sabbath, as well as little tributes to Ace Frehley and Brent Hinds. Take a listen! You can get it on Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, and YouTube Music.

#nowplaying #MusicSky

Rock and Roll Reclaimed @index.rockandrollreclaimed.com.ap.brid.gy · 1d

Dreams turn to nightmares

This year’s Halloween playlist steps into the macabre dreamworld—ghosts, monsters, killers, and the shadowy edges of sleep. Heavy on Black Sabbath, rich with tributes, and featuring eerie newcomers, it’s a seasonal soundtrack of haunting rock, metal, and moody blues. Let the darkness in.

www.rockandrollreclaimed.com

Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · 7d

Last week I went to MAICON - the Marketing AI Conference in Cleveland. On my way home I got the news that Ace Frehley had passed away. What does it mean to be human in a world full of of machines? Ace can show us www.rockandrollreclaimed.com/reflecting-o...

Reflecting on MAICON 2025 and Ace Frehley

A reflection on MAICON 2025, the balance between AI and human creativity, and how the late KISS guitarist Ace Frehley reminds us to keep our wild, imperfect, human spark—the real ace in our deck.

www.rockandrollreclaimed.com

Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · 11d

Watching the ChatGPT Atlas video. Maybe it’s because Sam Altman has been in all the Sora things but all these people look AI generated.

Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · 13d

As a supporter of the younger generations, is it ok to ask what the line is for what things are low key and what things are just in a normal key?

Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · 15d

This one hits hard for me. Ace was a legend and inspired so many guitarists. I am thankful to have gotten to see him many times, both in KISS and as a solo artist. He played loud, he performed with style and attitude, and he loved to have fun. Thanks for everything, Ace.

Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · 18d

Most people think ZZ Top wrote La Grange about a brothel in Texas but it was actually inspired by this very sign on the Indiana Toll Road.

"Howe Howe Howe Howe."

Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · 28d

"And you were never afraid,
You put your life on the line,
And you were always alone out on the sea."

This song is resonating with me in light of current world events. A great rock & roll tribute to a little ship that made a big difference.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2dO...

White Lion - Little Fighter (Official Video)

YouTube video by Atlantic Records

www.youtube.com

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Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · 28d

That was crazy

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Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · 29d

Here's my more complete thoughts: www.rockandrollreclaimed.com/taylor-swift...

Listen up!!! Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” (2025)

Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl delivers hooks, strong songs, and some surprising influences. But the production? Feels like it was recorded underwater. Here are my thoughts.

www.rockandrollreclaimed.com

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Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · 29d

I feel like this album was recorded in an aquarium. Even compared with Taylor’s recent albums and other recent pop albums, it sounds distant and muddy. The acoustic instruments are way too far down in the mix for my liking.

Songs are good. If this had a more vibrant sound I'd really like it.

Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · 29d

Fundamentally, the songs are good, and they’ll be great live.
Elizabeth Taylor is cool. I like Wood (Motown-y). Actually Romantic has a chord progression reminiscent Weezer’s Say It Ain’t So (without the heavy power chords). The closing track with Sabrina was nice.

Next part has my criticism:

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Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · 29d

Here’s the review of Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl that nobody asked for from a late 40s man that mainly listens to rock and metal (but started life as a pop fan).

I like most of the songs. I didn’t listen closely to the lyrics (rarely do), but good hooks and catchy choruses throughout.

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Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · 29d

Happy Taylor Swift Day to all who celebrate

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Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · Oct 2

I've seen Halestorm 16 times over the last dozen years, in 8 cities and 2 countries. Last night's show (Sioux City, Iowa) promoting their latest record Everest is among my favorites. They're definitely one of the great live rock acts of the last 20 years, in my (correct) opinion).

Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · Oct 2

Well and now I’ve seen Lindsey Stirling. She is a very talented performer. A little Riverdance-y for my tastes.

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Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · Oct 2

I bought the Apocalyptica Plays Metallica on 4 Cellos CD nearly 30 years ago when it came out. This is the first time I've been able to see them live. This time opening the Halestorm and Lindsey Stirling and playing all Metallica. Hopefully I'll be able to catch a headline show soon. Very cool.

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Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · Sep 30

Houses of the Holy is a great, unique Led Zeppelin record. What can we can learn from it when making our own stuff? Leaning on fundamentals, embracing influence, and keeping authentic, human connection is more vital than ever in the era of generative AI.
www.rockandrollreclaimed.com/led-zeppelin...

Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · Sep 22

That was challenging to watch, particularly in the first half. But a win is a win! Hopefully they can figure some things out this week.

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Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · Sep 22

Somehow both teams are going to lose this game

Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · Sep 14

October’s too cold for baseball anyway.

Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · Sep 14

Thanks for sharing your Husker updates here, @amiejust.com , @lincolnvb.bsky.social - It's appreciated. I can't handle that other app anymore after this week.

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Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · Aug 14

What can the rich history of hip-hop teach us about human creativity? What lessons can we take and what parallels can we draw as we navigate the era of generative AI? Our latest story explores that, and more. Give it a read (or a listen) at Substack. rockandrollreclaimed.substack.com/p/hip-hop-an...

Hip-hop and human creativity
What can one of the most groundbreaking musical genres tell us about our creative future in the age of AI?

Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · Aug 7

What is it about art made by people that I believe will always be separate and distinct? I get into that in this story.

This is not an anti-AI post. It's a celebration of what it means to make things that matter to people, and a thank you to Ozzy. rockandrollreclaimed.substack.com/p/going-back...

Going back to the beginning

A tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath

rockandrollreclaimed.substack.com

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Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · Aug 7

I took some time to reflect on the experience of being at that concert with people from all over the world, all there to say goodbye to a musical artist that we loved. Then I put it into the context of the growth of AI music. What is it that sets human creativity apart from AI-generated content?

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Mark Dauner @rockandrollreclaimed.com · Aug 7

One month ago, I had the privilege of attending Back to the Beginning, Ozzy Osbourne's final concert appearance both as a solo artist and as a member of Black Sabbath, in Birmingham, England.

A couple of weeks later, Ozzy said goodbye.

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