Grant Lee Buffalo's 1994 second album "Mighty Joe Moon" is and will always be my favorite album of all time. I call it the album that saved my life. It's impossible to convey the meaning it has for me so instead of trying, I won't. The band put out two more records before it's main songwriter Grant-Lee Phillips embarked on a solo career, releasing six wonderful and varied albums of his own. He is in the midst of finalizing his seventh solo release "Walking in the Green Corn" and according to Grant Lee himself, "...this one is a real grass roots effort being totally fueled by the dedication of my fans." He is taking the PledgeMusic route and although he has met his goal, there is still time to contribute and receive some of the best incentives I have seen on these seemingly ever popular campaigns. Original prints from Grant Lee himself, house concerts, VIP packages, autographed posters and CD's and lots more. Definitely check it out. I am genuinely thrilled that Grant Lee took a few minutes to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
My first real sense of really falling in love with a record was probably “The Chilling Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House”. One side was spooky stories and sound effects and the other side was just raw sound effects, loads of wind and horrifying groans. I played it to death, year round. The liner notes claimed that it was the most terrifying collection of sounds ever recorded. I believe it still holds that title.
My first real sense of really falling in love with a record was probably “The Chilling Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House”. One side was spooky stories and sound effects and the other side was just raw sound effects, loads of wind and horrifying groans. I played it to death, year round. The liner notes claimed that it was the most terrifying collection of sounds ever recorded. I believe it still holds that title.
Your last album bought?
I just downloaded the Beatle’s “Revolver” to listen to on my phone.
I just downloaded the Beatle’s “Revolver” to listen to on my phone.
Favorite album of all time?
There’s no one album. At one point it would have been Bowie’s “Hunky Dory”, Neil Young’s “Harvest”, “Astral Weeks” by Van Morrison, Iggy Pop’s “The Idiot”, R.E.M.’s “Document”, “Daydream Nation” by Sonic Youth or “Doolittle” by Pixies. Why settle on one?
There’s no one album. At one point it would have been Bowie’s “Hunky Dory”, Neil Young’s “Harvest”, “Astral Weeks” by Van Morrison, Iggy Pop’s “The Idiot”, R.E.M.’s “Document”, “Daydream Nation” by Sonic Youth or “Doolittle” by Pixies. Why settle on one?
Least favorite/most disappointing
album?
Can’t even remember it. Must have been horrible.
Can’t even remember it. Must have been horrible.
First concert attended?
I saw Neil Young on the “Trans” tour in San Francisco. That one always stuck with me. Ya know, I’ve been working on a new album. It’s very acoustic, atmospheric, real intimate. A lot of the shows that I do these days are solo acoustic. I've realized that it's a strength. Sometimes it hits me what an impression seeing Neil Young at age 19 was for me. The idea that you could build a show out of something so direct and simple. He’s the master of that.
I saw Neil Young on the “Trans” tour in San Francisco. That one always stuck with me. Ya know, I’ve been working on a new album. It’s very acoustic, atmospheric, real intimate. A lot of the shows that I do these days are solo acoustic. I've realized that it's a strength. Sometimes it hits me what an impression seeing Neil Young at age 19 was for me. The idea that you could build a show out of something so direct and simple. He’s the master of that.
Last concert?
Aimee Mann at The Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. Her Christmas show. It’s a tradition.
Aimee Mann at The Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. Her Christmas show. It’s a tradition.
Favorite concert ever?
James Brown at The Beverly Theatre in LA about ’83. Nobody like James Brown, nobody since.
James Brown at The Beverly Theatre in LA about ’83. Nobody like James Brown, nobody since.
Least favorite concert?
Probably my own the night I tore my Achilles three songs in. That was in 2010. It put a certain damper on things.
Probably my own the night I tore my Achilles three songs in. That was in 2010. It put a certain damper on things.
Any thoughts, experiences about
Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is such a unique place. You’ve got this great old city with all of this history. It’s nestled in one of the most postcard perfect parts of the country, full of mountains, rivers. It has it all. There’s also a very progressive arts community in Pittsburgh and of course it’s the home of The Andy Warhol Museum, which I always hit when I come to town. And finally a stop by DeLucas on Penn for a big stack o’ pancakes.
Pittsburgh is such a unique place. You’ve got this great old city with all of this history. It’s nestled in one of the most postcard perfect parts of the country, full of mountains, rivers. It has it all. There’s also a very progressive arts community in Pittsburgh and of course it’s the home of The Andy Warhol Museum, which I always hit when I come to town. And finally a stop by DeLucas on Penn for a big stack o’ pancakes.
Thanks so much Grant-Lee. Your music is such a huge part of my life. It means the world to me you played along. Hope to soon you soon buddy!
