The Get Up Kids "Red Letter Day EP" - I was eleven years old and bought it with allowance money.
Your last album bought?
I bought the Vampire Weekend album for my dad.
Favorite album of all time?
"Harvest" by Neil Young may be my most listened to album of all time.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I just don't pay attention to the bad albums. Focusing on the good stuff is more fun.
First concert attended?
Weezer at the United Center in Chicago.
Last concert?
Julian Casablancas at The Vic in Chicago.
Favorite concert ever?
This Is Me Smiling at Lincoln Hall on February 12th, 2010. They are my favorite Chicago band and good friends and they made the whole audience sing Happy Birthday to me.
Least favorite concert?
Yo La Tengo at The Vic. I wanted to hear their album "And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out" but they only played one song.
Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I love playing Mr. Smalls in Pittsburgh because it's a reconstructed church and the venue allows bands to stay in the old rectory. It's super creepy, creaky, and seems haunted. Always makes for a good slumber party.
Thanks Greta. Should be a dreamy night on Friday. I should definitely investigate This Is Me Smiling further.
Jacob is a country/folk singer from Nashville who will be playing an in-store set at Decade boutique in the Southside. He was cool enough to participate in this latest edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
I would like to say something like "Born to Run:" or "Blonde on Blonde", but in actuality it was MC Hammer "Hammer Don't Hurt 'em".
Your last album bought?
Merle Travis "In Boston 1959".
Favorite album of all time?
As far as whole albums go, "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" Bruce Springsteen.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
All hip hop AFTER "The Chronic" came out. All pop country AFTER Garth Brooks came out.
First concert attended?
John Cougar Mellancamp, I was 8.
Last concert?
I caught some shows at SXSW, mainly Joe Pug. The last "real" concert I saw that I wasn’t a part of was Justin Townes Earle in Nashville.
Favorite concert ever?
Bruce Springsteen live in Atlanta, 2003.
Least favorite concert?
Any festivals like Bonnaroo and Coachella are usually terrible experiences.
Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Yes, I really like East Carson street. My friend Steve Ford owns a clothing store there called Decade. Also, Permanti Brothers might have the best drunk sandwich of all time.
Thanks Jacob. And do me a favor, please hammer, don't hurt them! Nice!
TUS are a self-described "psychedelic/gospel/grime" band hailing from both Kentucky and D.C. Before playing a mess of high profile festivals this summer, they are stopping in Pittsburgh. Drummer Robby Cosenza was cool enough to participate in this latest edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
With my own hard earned snow shoveling dough? Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, I Love Rock n Roll. This was 1982 in Long Island, NY, and it made a lot of sense. Only to find out later that it features members of The Sex Pistols and Ramones camp. Turned me onto 70’s punk and early college underground. A monster album. Still.
Your last album bought?
Hmmm. Probably something used, and from a lost back catalogue. Zeppelin, I think? But the newest album that I have access to and am excited about is Lykke Li. The one with Dance, Dance, Dance on it. Very minimal and very smart. And I love her. I think.
Favorite album of all time?
This changes, of course. Used to be Twisted Sister’s, You Can’t Stop Rock N Roll, if that gives you an indication on just how MUCH things change. Now it would maybe be Bob Dylan’s Street Legal from 1978. After the mayhem of Rolling Thunder, during the divorce, sailing like a bat outta heaven into the born-again period. Best period, on album.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Family album. Way to many junior high era pics for my taste.
First concert attended?
I know this sounds not cool, but it is cool. UB40 and Midnight Oil. NOW – this was pre- Red Red Wine mainstream success and WAY before Midnight Oil were known outside of Australia. A shirtless Peter Garrett in black/yellow tights running around like a feaky Aussie Iggy. 1984 at The Greek Theatre. San Francisco, CA. Fact: We left early because the drums were too loud for me. Go figure.
Last concert?
This is tough to answer because we tour constantly, and…I mean, we played with Weezer last night in Florida (!!?). Would THAT be my last concert? Nah. I think the last ticket I got for a SHOW show was GWAR in Providence, RI. The whole band got to go. It was amazing. And filthy. Like all good things in life.
Favorite concert ever?
The Ramones, at Rhinestones, in the winter of 1989. Lexington, KY. Rhinestones was a 200 capacity country-western bar on the outskirts of Lexington. How that got booked I will never know. Saw a small add for the show in the local Herald and bought a $5 ticket, only to find out the night of the show that it was 21 and over. They agreed to give my mother a ticket and allow her to “parent” me and my pals throughout the show. I got Johnny AND Dee Dee’s pics, and a crew laminate. Favorite concert. Hands down.
Least favorite concert?
Yikes. Weezer last night? Am I a jerk?
Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Ah, yes! Always been a tenacious town. I love it. Our last bout with Pittsburgh was this past February. The weather was outrageous. I think the national guard were in town. Our bassist, Colin, and I were stuck at the Greyhound station on route to KY after tracking our newest album due east in rural PA. We ended up at an old professor of Jesse’s (our singer / chief songwriter) drinking scotch from a plastic bottle, and blaring odd Beatles tunes in rapid dj-battle succession until the wee small hours of the morning. Got some killer hockey stories to boot. Thank you, Pittsburgh!
Thanks Robby! You definitely have a cool vibe going.
Martin Bisi has a storied career as a producer and performer. Some of his noteworthy collaborations are with Brian Eno, Sonic Youth, and Herbie Hancock to name a few. He's coming to town and was cool enough to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
The first 2 albums I owned were bought for me by my mom, around 1969. They were Grateful Dead - Anthem Of The Sun; and John McLaughlin - Extrapolation. The Dead one I actually hung on to and listened to repeatedly for a few years. It struck me as totally weird and epic. McLaughlin was way too proggy for me at that age.
As far as me buying my own? It was likely when I was around 12, and was probably in a shopping spree of Hendrix, Zappa, and Rolling Stones. The proto-punk of the late 60's didn't reach my ears till I was exposed to actual punk and New Wave in the late 70's. I thought things could start in a void and then someone suggested I check out The Stooges, like after I'd heard Branca.
Your last album bought ? Aaaah, painful to answer. I'm one of what I'd estimate is 20% of people in music -musicians, engineers, producers- who end up not actively listening to music anymore in their private time. I work on or play music nearly every day of my life, even if it's just noodling on my guitar, so I just don't listen to albums. I like knowing what's new out there, but I don't listen a great deal of any one individual artist. I hear stuff at people's houses, in hipster cafes, and I ask people to play me new stuff they're excited about for reference, usually while we're working in the recording studio. So the last album I bought was Bob Dylan's Time Out Of Mind. I picked it up in '02 ..yikes.
Favorite album of all time?
A contender would be Wee Tam by The Incredible String Band. Runner up is Low by David Bowie.
Least favorite/most disappointing album ?
The Jesus Lizard - Goat. I've really enjoyed the band live, and I don't really hear it on that record. First concert attended ?
The first concert I went to under my own steam was Bob Dylan at MadisonSquareGarden in 1974 - benefit for Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a boxer wrongly convicted of murder. The first concert I actually attended was probably a classical concert my parents dragged me to as a toddler. They were really into that. I just sat there in my little suit and tie fuming.
Last concert ?
Tania Stavreva playing solo classical piano at Roulette in Manhattan last week - Debussy and Prokofiev. A total coincidence that my first and last concerts are both classical.
Favorite concert ever ?
It really might be Sonic Youth doing the last concert ever at McCarren Park Pool in Williamsburg Brooklyn in 2008. It might not count so much cause it's one of "my" bands, but honestly I've seen them and hated them. When they seem comfortable, like too Pavement-y, I feel they've really lost the original mission of indie/post-punk.
Least favorite concert ?
God, that's easy. Rasputina easily held up as my worst musical experience of '08, and still holds the prize. Three women just sawing away on distorted cellos, without anything very compelling on vocals, and a guy doing metal "riffs" on drums. Just stupid crap.
Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh ?
So far it's been the "touring curse" ..quantity but little quality. You go lots of places, but you're in and out. I came, did not see, and will have to conquer next time.
This soul/pop punk band from Chicago is ending a quick East Coast swing in Pittsburgh before heading home to play summer dates. JC was kind enough to participate in this latest installment of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought? Blind Melon's self-titled album in 7th grade
Your last album bought? Janelle Monae - Metropolis: The Chase Suite
Favorite album(s) of all time? Skunk Anansie - Paranoid & Sunburnt Mos Def & TalibKweliare BlackStar Parliament - The Motor Booty Affair Steely Dan – Gaucho and Aja
Least favorite/most disappointing album? I kinda’ just forget about albums I don't like--sorry.
First concert attended? period: Janet Jackson (during the Rhythm Nation tour) @ The Spectrum in Philadelphia, PA alone: The Offspring/Quicksand/No Use For A Name @ The Expo Center, Pennsauken, NJ
Last concert? Janelle Monae @ Schuba’s, Chicago
Favorite concert ever? -Red Hot Chili Peppers/Silverchair/The Rentals in Philly, '96 -Spearhead @ Berkshire Mountain Music Fest (early 2000s)
Least favorite concert? Mos Def/MF Doom @ The Congress Theater, Chicago 2010 (too may openers and headlined by a 'Doomposter').
Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh? Too many to list -I lived there for 6 years during and after college.
In an effort to preview new music and upcoming shows of worth, I am starting a new feature here. Rather than an interview, I will ask few questions pertaining to an artists' musical taste. Today, I ask Jeremy Porter (who has a long and interesting career) to participate.
The first album you ever bought?
"KISS Alive! or Cheap Trick at Budokan.I remember hearing I Want You To Want Me and just being drawn in by that melody.I couldn’t get it out of my head and to this day melody and hooks are my favorite parts of music.Truth is though, it was probably Alive!I knew I wanted a KISS record, I knew it had to have Rock And Roll All Night on it, and Alive! had so many songs.Seemed like a good choice.Funny that they were both live records!"
Your last album bought?
"The Big To-Do by the Drive-By Truckers.Lots of people see them as the best band in the world these days.I have trouble arguing that.They have been unbelievably consistent for many years.This record is a bit shorter and a bit more rockin’ than the last couple, but the perfect follow up to last year’s Brighter Than Creations Dark."
Favorite album of all time?
"Tough question.It rotates around a bit I suppose.Let it Be by The Replacements is up there.Exile on Main Street (Rolling Stones) or Quadrophenia by The Who.Zen Arcade by Hüsker Dü.Springteen’s Nebraska is in the top 10 too."
Least favorite album?
"Not sure I have a least favorite album.Nothing comes to mind.I have a pretty low tolerance for things that are self indulgent, excessively noisy, or lack hooks and strong melody.I just get bored.Nothing against that stuff – some people eat it up so it has its place, just not my cuppa tea."
First concert attended?
"Alice Cooper with The Rockets at the Alpena (MI) Drive In, Special Forces Tour, July 4th 1981."
Last concert?
"Drive-By Truckers at Tipitina’s, New Orleans, LA March 19 & 20 2010."
Favorite concert ever?
"Probably The Ramones at Harpo’s in Detroit in December of 88.An unbelievable onslaught of power and great songs.I’ve seen a lot of great shows, but that one has stuck with me."
Least favorite concert?
"The Grateful Dead, 1994ish, The Palace of Auburn Hills, MI.I paid an (at the time) ungodly $35 to stare at the back of Jerry Garcia’s head for 3 goddamn hours.It was a waste of a buzz, money and time. I couldn’t wait to get out of there."
So do yourself a big favor right now and listen to the new EP by the band Dark Dark Dark called 'Bright Bright Bright' by clicking the title.
For reasons I cannot explain I have been absolutely FLOORED by this release. It's been a long while since music has affected me like this. I am really excited to be seeing them next week at MoGlo. So excited I tracked down Marshall LaCount for an interview.
When/how did you and Nona meet and begin making music together?
We met in Minneapolis, at a pizza collective where Nona was working. She liked crafting and playing songs for her friends, and she liked my weird band back then. We were friends for a while and came to a place where we had nothing else to do but play music together. The story goes that we traveled to New Orleans with our new "band" to make gas money. For some reason we didn't quit after two weeks like we'd planned.
How do you two write? Do you work out lyrics together and then music? Or do you bring your own ideas for the band to work on?
We either write our own songs and then edit each other, or one person will write the music and not have the words, and ask the other. After that, we go to the whole band for arranging.
Your previous release "The Snow Magic" seems to me to be more 'straightforward' in it's presentation. Most of the instruments and vocals are equally up front. It seems to me that you went for more complex arrangements on "Bright Bright Bright" resulting in a different, more ethereal listening experience. Was that intentional or am I hearing things?
We simply spent 3 years together as a band, learned more about what we are interested in, and gained a lot of experience. The Snow Magic is essentially an unedited sampler of all of our initial writing experiments. We were also recovering from playing acoustic, on the street, in basements, and in loud bars, where quiet arranging isn't heard. If our band name is about contrast, then we're realizing it in our sound with Bright Bright Bright and the LP that will follow this year. We're learning how to perform with a bigger dynamic range and all the textures that make up our arrangements in our minds.
You have great promotional photos accompanying the new release. Seems like a whole bunch of folks are involved in this record. Is that a reflection of you taking on band members as needed for various purposes (touring, recording, etc.)?
Well, on the cover of Bright Bright Bright, only a couple of those people actually make sound on the record. Most of them are friends, advisers, and influences on us in more ways than musically. In terms of our art and photography, we always include friends' work, and think of it as a very careful consideration. I approached that photo shoot not knowing exactly what I wanted, or what would happen. I trusted the photographer (Cameron Wittig) and I knew there was a bunch of great people in the room, and great art on the walls, by friends. Todd and I chose this photo after many mock-ups and different versions, because it has a level of mystery and drama that doesn't allude to just one thing. It doesn't quite make sense. No one on the front is even in the band. The main person on the front is actually in her own successful Twin Cities band, and in our choir. I appreciate that it can be mistaken for a large band photo, but to me it is like a soap opera of friends.
Todd Chandler is a musician in your band and a filmmaker. You provided the score for his movie Flood [Tide] (which also happens to be my favorite song on the EP). When will we be able to see the movie? Also, is the score instrumental or does it feature actual songs?
The score is a mix of instrumentals and songs. It is still being completed by the engineer and producer, our own Jonathan Kaiser. Todd is currently letting the cut sit and working on the live-soundtrack cut, which is due at the San Jose Biennial, and at the Hammer Museum in LA, in the fall. We are thinking of ways to tour with the LP and with the movie at the same time, potentially spending two nights in some cities, so we are considering a fall premier.
Is the new full length complete? Does it feature songs off of "Bright Bright Bright" or all new tunes? Do you have a title yet? How will that sound compared to your previous material?
Bright Bright Bright and Something For Myself are the gateways to the new LP (from Bright Bright Bright), and for that reason may make the cut to being included on it. We'll continue mixing it in the next months. It is not titled yet, and I don't feel like giving you a hint. Its like choosing baby names. It includes the choir, some of the sound from the church where we worked on Bright Bright Bright, and right now feels like a really dynamic and coherent group of songs that we're proud of.
What kind of set list can we anticipate on the upcoming shows?
We'll play most of the EP. Actually Flood is the song that is on hold right now...your favorite! We'll see how it goes. We'll play some of the LP, and we'll play something older, and we'll play something that is a surprise. A gentle surprise.
Image courtesy MoGlo
You have played here before, any interesting memories of Pittsburgh that you have, or were you quickly in and out?
We've spent a good amount of time in Pittsburgh and in Braddock. We have many friends there and love a lot of people. We came through on Why? tour and played at the college, but in the past we've played at the Nerve, at Morning Glory, at the Cemetery on Easter, and in basements. There is a really great community in Pittsburgh, doing interesting and important things. While I'm at it, I'll plug The Transformazium (www.transformazium.org). Its in Braddock, is a very great and ambitious endeavor, and needs lots of help and resources.
I just have to say Marshall, that your music is really affecting me in such a positive way. I haven't felt this moved by someones record in such a long time. I sincerely appreciate it and your time very much.
Thank you, I'm glad you say so. It is really due to all of us and the chemistry we fight to keep among us, and to the special voice each person has in the process. And to Nona.
