First/Last-Love Letters

The Love Letters an a Pittsburgh indie-pop band that just so happening to be releasing a double 7" on Saturday night (that's four songs for those of you counting at home).  Read all about it with some local media love here and here. My thanks to Mike Shanley (Bass) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Three Dog Night “Cyan” (not their best effort).

Your last album bought?
Max Roach/Clifford Brown “In Concert”.

Favorite album of all time?
Minutemen “Double Nickels on the Dime”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Bon Iver self-titled.

First concert attended?
Ozzy Osbourne, Def Leppard, Stanley Theater, 1981.

Last concert?
If you count club gigs, the Thoth Trio at Thunderbird (12/2/14).

Favorite concert ever?
Patti Smith, Metropol, summer of 2000.

Least favorite concert?
Thurston Moore doing free improv at Rodef Shalom Temple, 1997.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I've lived here all my life. Where do I begin? All those trips to record stores, many of which are no longer around. Numerous shows at the Electric Banana. Taking members of both Camper Van Beethoven and Big Dipper to the O for fries (on 2 separate occasions). Seeing the Bats (post-Michael Chabon) and realizing that you could wear glasses and denim and not need to spike your hair to play an all ages show at the Banana. Hanging out with jazz legend Cecil Taylor in the Hilton downtown.

Thanks, Mike. Damn, you've been around the scene a respectfully long time. Talk about a different era. Have a great show, man.