Image of the Day-HughShows 10.1 with Household Stories

Household Stories at The Wilderness Recording Studio presents HughShows Live @ Eide's on Saturday, January 11, 2014 in Pittsburgh, PA.

Best of 2012

Favorite Albums of 2012

World Party-Arkeology

Probably my favorite band of all-time releases a 5CD monster of a box set that not just retreads old ground with a plethora of scarcely available b-sides and live cuts but also includes plenty of 'new' material from his exhaustive musical vault that had me listening to this thing for months straight without getting the slightest bit stale. Simply put, AMAZING! Look out for a First/Last from Karl Wallinger himself here early next year.

Earlimart-System Preferences

I cannot think of another group who more deserves the title of  'most underrated band in rock and roll'. With this, their eighth official release, duo Aaron Espinoza and Ariana Murray continue to make the best indie pop music I have ever heard. The vibe of this latest album reminds me of Beach House but I detest Beach House, so go figure? These two have been at the very top of bands I must see play before I die. Read my previous First/Last with Aaron Espinoza here.

Quiet Company-We Are All Were We Belong

I guy struggles with his faith and composes a beautiful testament to the power of music and what God means to all of us. Well, at least that what I got out of it. Don't let the description scare you away either. This album is soooo damn good. It happens to contain my absolute favorite song released this year in the incredible, 'At Last! The Celestial Being Speaks'. Read my previous First/Last with main man Taylor Muse here.

Household Stories-Blueprints EP

Local boys making the list! My affinity to these snot nosed kids is indescribable. The music on the two EP's they have put out isn't anything Earth-shattering but I found I just cannot not stop listening to it. They are finding their legs and I predict they are going to blow everyone away soon. Read my previous First/Last with them here.

Ty Segall & White Fence-Hair

I am such a sucker for the so-called 'psychedelic rock'! Music labeled as such has a tendency to wear thin after awhile but in this particular case, the record sounds as fresh and exciting with each listen as it did the first time I heard it. This would have been a killer show to have seen for sure. Read my previous First/Last with Tim Presley here.

Favorite Pittsburgh Albums of 2012


There were way too many Pittsburgh releases that could have made this list. I seriously would have been here all day. Please do yourself a favor and check out the latest albums from Good Night States, Bear Cub, Meeting of Important People, Costello & The Cool Minors, Coronado, Sleep Experiments, Satin Gum, Grand Piano, Several Conclusions, Instead of Sleeping, The Long Time Darlings, Fist Fight in the Parking Lot, Gypsy & His Band of Ghosts, Pet Clinic, Dan Getkin & The Masters of American Music, The Color Fleet, Ivory Weeds, City Dwelling Nature Seekers, Big Snow Big Thaw, The Lopez, Action Camp, Legs Like Tree Trunks, New Victorians and The Committee for Getting Attention. Support our local artists.



The Harlan Twins-Old Familiar
This aptly titled sophomore effort showcases the band's best attributes. Always reliable good ole rock and roll with a tinge of country boogie. The Harlans are best heard live in a boozy club setting but believe me, this is the next best thing.

Broken Fences-Broken Fences
I've really enjoyed listening to this debut from the local duo. It's heartfelt, delicate folk without turning too precious or sappy. Would love to hear these two 'plug in' and rock out. In time.

Triggers-Forcing a Smile
Most of the material on this, their long awaited second full length, I have heard live many times so it's fitting this album sounds like it's been around for years.

Black Moth Super Rainbow-Cobra Juicy
Local weirdos' triumphant return to form after several years to put the melody into the vocoder as instrument. My favorite album of theirs yet.

Madeline & The Metropolis-Madeline & The Metropolis
Surprise of the year for me as these guys came outta nowhere and put on one of the best sets at their CD Release gig I have seen all year. No wonder, these songs are catchy pop that are sure to put this scene on notice.

Favorite Live Moments of 2012

World Party

If the box set wasn't enough, it was announced that Karl was not only making a rare concert appearance in town, he was playing a special studio solo session at WYEP the day before which you can check out here. Now, I normally would have picked the moment at Altar Bar when Karl pointed to me me as he started, 'Sweet Soul Dream' but going into the studio session, I saw Karl's manager and asked if I could shoot sound check? He obliged and I found myself alone in the room as Karl rehearsed his set and was able to chat with him for several minutes before the rest of the crowd entered. Pretty damn cool!

With that being said, I cannot even begin to rank from the other 194 bands I saw this past year (only 196...yeah, I know I'm slipping). But many stand outs were Roger Waters, Hotel Lights, The Beach Boys, WOODS, The Belle Brigade, Sharon Van Etten, Basia Bulat, and Lydia Loveless

Favorite Photo of the Year

Meeting of Important People/Mr. Smalls Funhouse/Friday, August 24, 2012

1/80-f 2.8-16mm-ISO 1600

Out of  the thousands and thousands of shots I took this year, why this one? Easy. When anyone asks me what makes a good concert photo, I respond that there are several obvious factors involved. Being at the exact right place at the exact right moment. Having a photogenic subject. Substantial and interesting lighting. All these are key for sure, but for me the images that capture my attention are the few that convey the photographer's love for the subject matter. In other words, if my heart isn't into the shoot, the photo will reflect that more than any other reason I can think of.

When this gig was announced, I asked Josh (as the norm, I usually contact someone from the band I am shooting whether their manager or publicist) where and when I can shoot? He replied, "I've got a ticket with your name on it bud!  This is OUR FREAKIN SHOW and you are free to go anywhere you damn well feel-- on-stage, behind the bar, backstage, parking lot, anywhere :)". Needless to say, I was jazzed and I truly believe my longtime appreciation for these guys reflects in the photo.

This show was an absolute blast as the band, the crowd, the whole room was ON! Midway through the show they 'stripped' down for their acoustic set and as you can see with some of the other images, I decided that the one above was the keeper. I always realize that my opinion on what makes a photo work may not be what others feel but that's art, man. I stick with what I think I know and run with that!

And finally, amazingly, there was this. Just too cool.

First/Last-Household Stories

Household Stories

Stage AE

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Northshore

Household Stories writes original music that is painstakingly crafted with the utmost care. Their indie/rock songs resonate from a unique three piece arrangement that is bound to challenge big sound and feeling. 

Check out the Greensburg based indie trio on Facebook, Bandcamp, PureVolume and ReverbNation. They have recently arrived on my musical radar with their unassuming '120 Minutes-retro vibe' (whatever that means) and have quickly become one of my favorite local bands. They open the show tonight at Stage AE tonight on a bill with Falling Andes and Mad Rapture. My thanks to Jon Majiros (Guitar, Vocals), Matt Zeoli (Guitar, Vocals) and Frank Hebda (Drums) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

 

The first album you ever bought?
Jon Majiros: I bought Nada Surf’s “High/Low” when I was 9.
Matt Zeoli: The first albums I bought were ordered from BMG Music, they included Weezer’s “Blue Album” and “The Crow” Soundtrack.
Frank Hebda:  As far as I can remember it was Dead Kennedy’s “Fresh Fruit for Rotten Vegetables”.

Your last album bought?
Jon: Goldenboy’s “Sleepwalker”.
 Matt: Now Now’s “Threads”.
Frank: Manchester Orchestra’s “Simple Math”.

Favorite album of all time?
Jon: It is hard to pinpoint an album to say it is “the best” yet for all intents and purposes, The Cure’s “Disintegration”.
Matt: Weezer’s “Pinkerton” or “Seven More Minutes” by the Rentals.
Frank: The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Gish”.

Least favorite/ most disappointing album?
We really can’t say we have a least favorite album. We only try to buy music that relates to our tastes and likes.

First concert attended?
Jon: Dave Matthews Band at Darien Center in upstate New York.

Matt: The Juliana Theory and The Movie Life at Club Laga.
Frank: Tool’s ‘Ten Thousand Days’ tour in Youngstown, OH.

Last concert?
Jon: (that Household Stories did not play in) was Farewell Continental (headed by Justin Pierre of Motion City Soundtrack) and Gold Motel at Club Café in Pittsburgh’s Southside.
Matt: I recently saw Motion City Soundtrack along with Jukebox the Ghost at Mr. Smalls.
Frank: Young the Giant/Apache Relay at Stage AE.

Favorite concert ever?
Jon: Manchester Orchestra at Mr. Smalls in 2010. Along with MO, other bands that have recently broken through opened the show. For instance, O’Brother, Biffy Clyro, and The Features.
Matt: A toss-up between Nada Surf and OZMA at Rosebud in the Strip District and Death Cab for Cutie and Ben Kweller at Club Laga.
Frank: I have played more shows than I have been to. Along those lines, Goldenboy, Household Stories and Cold Weather at the Brillobox.

Least favorite concert?
Jon: Hootie and the Blowfish in Detroit.
Matt:Unable to recount a “bad” concert.
Frank: Anything that would sound flagrantly Emo.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh’s music scene is highly underrated in the midst of other cities. Many of the bands end up on our playlists (For example: The Color Fleet, 1,2,3, Blue of Colors, White Wives – to name a few) and wind up on repeat.  Each venue is unique and adds its own flavor. All the bands we have played with from around North America have always said they love Pittsburgh and plan to come back next time around.

Thanks, guys. Really looking forward to the show tonight.