First/Last-Sharon Van Etten

 "The shimmering sound of Sharon Van Etten’s Jagjaguwar debut album, Tramp, both defies and illuminates the unsteadiness of a life in flux. Throughout the 14 months of scattered recording sessions, Van Etten was without a home -- crashing with friends and storing her possessions between varied locations. The only constant in Van Etten's life during this time was spent in the garage studio of The National’s Aaron Dessner."

 

As I prep my annual 'year in review posts', I keep going back to Sharon's career defining 2012. Her latest album,"Tramp",  is ending up on seemingly everyone's top ten list and her two stops in Pittsburgh were basically the same set but might as well have been night and day in terms of musical experiences for me. Her first gig at the lecture hall in April was a stunning example of what music can do. I was hypnotized by the set as opposed to her later gig outdoors in June where, believe me, the band was spot on, it's just that whole scene took some intimacy away from her music and it just reinforced the power of the first show. You can find Sharon on her Website, Facebook, Twitter, Bandcamp and SoundCloud. She was way cool enough to take the time right before she left for Europe to open up for Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds on a string of dates to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
“Elastica”.

Your last album bought?
Angel Olsen.

Favorite album of all time?
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, “The Boatman's Call”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Spice Girls.

First concert attended?
The Kinks & Aimee Mann.

Last concert?
Ed Askew.

Favorite concert ever?
Lower Dens at Mercury Lounge.

Least favorite concert?
Roger McGuinn.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Beautiful city. Hard working people.

Thanks, Sharon. Looking forward to seeing you again in 2013. Hopefully, inside again this time.

Image of the Day-"Joke or a Lie"

 Sharon Van Etten

Flock Of Dimes

Carnegie Lecture Hall

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Oakland

Simply put, I loved this show. From the opening set by Flock of Dimes to Sharon and her band's last song, I was amazed how music can enthrall an audience, including me. Read some more love here. My boy posted video (which doesn't do the performance justice) of practically the whole show here. Bummed that you missed it? Relax, she is returning to Pittsburgh on June 22nd at Schenley Plaza as part of WYEP's Summer Music Festival! Check out more photos here.

Image of the Day-Saturday Vault

Saturday Vault

Tonight is another jam packed night for me. With no less than three shoots, timing is everything. I should be front row and center for the Sharon Van Etten gig at the Lecture Hall in Oakland. That will be my second gig of the night and if I don't fall over, I will be heading out to Art All Night afterwards. If I ever come across as ungrateful, believe me, it's just utter exhaustion creeping in. I love being able to do this. 'Dream Job' for sure.