Best of 2011-Album of the Year # 5 - Tristen

Tristen

Charlatans at the Golden Gate

American Myth Recordings

February

Favorite song: Eager For Your Love

Tristen Gasparadek is in her late twenties but sounds years more mature on this, her full length debut. She released a raw, self recorded CD a few years ago but with this album, her music is full of a new confidence and unmistakably beautiful vocal harmonies not found on the first collection of songs.

My recollection of seeing her play in the Spring was the fact that I thought was privy to something undiscovered and special, until unknown to me, two other local music bloggers were crazy too see her as well, and she wasn't even headlining the night!

She is celebrating the season (and a new haircut) with offering up her new yuletide EP here in exchange for your email addy. She was cool enough to take some time recently to participate in this year end edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?

Dolly Parton's Greatest Hits. My mom hooked me the first time I heard ‘Jolene’.

Your last album bought?

The Eurythmics Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).

Favorite album of all time?

Really hard to narrow down the list but The Beatles Revolver was probably the most influential.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

I don't have the attention span to hear music that doesn't catch me. I tune it out, turn it off or walk away.

First concert attended?
Steely Dan with my parents when I was 8. It was also the first time I smelled the sweet fragrance of marijuana.

Last concert?
Well I just saw Justin Townes Earle play about ten minutes ago & he's just about the baddest country songwriting outlaw I've seen!

Favorite concert ever?
Stevie Wonder at Bonnaroo 2010- I'm not a religious woman but praise Jesus!

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I've only played Pittsburgh a couple of times but I do remember how you all love your Penguins!

Thanks so much Tristen. Really cannot wait to see you play Pittsburgh again.

Artist of the Month May 2011

 Tristen-Charlatans at the Garden Gate

As with previous months, I am attempting to focus on bands that might be under your radar. Attempted is the key word this month as a couple of these bands are somwewhat megastars in the indie music world. 

This month's top spot is not a 'new' release, it came out in February. It's been chosen due to the fact that I didn't listen anything as nearly as much as I did this. After seeing her at Stage AE really made me go back and revisit her stuff. This is infectious music. Can't wait to see here again soon.

Other artists of note:

Death Cab for Cutie-Codes and Keys

I was never a fan of this band, not because they aren't good, it's just never happened due to ...whatever. This album is being released today and as NPR had it streaming last week, I listened to and enjoyed it ALOT,  surpisingly so. The show here in August has become a must-see.

Damon and Naomi-False Beats and True Hearts

This is a gentle reminder of what they could accomplished in Galaxie 500.

Sam Roberts Band-Collider

I have been a fan of Sam's since Chemical City. Straight up, solid Rock and Roll.

The Elected-Bury Me in My Rings

I was surprised  how much I like this band? I really dig Blake's fellow Rilo Kiley bandmate Jenny Lewis' stuff, why should this be so radically different?

Sarah Fimm-Near Infinite Possibility

She reminds me of Sarah McLachlan without all the preciousness crap.

Seapony-Go With Me

Beutifully lush lo-fi goodness from Seattle.

Okkervil River-I Am Very Far

Will Sheff is probably the best lyricists in America today. This isn't easy music to appreciate. It rewards with numerous listens.

The Donkeys-Born With Stripes

Rock-pop from San Diego.

Miles Kane-Colour of the Trap

I love this guy. He hails from England. What a sleeper of a release.

Fleet Foxes-Helplessness Blues

As with Death Cab, I am not an uberfan of these guys but this is some solid music.

Image of the Day-"Doomsday"

Tristen

The Club at Stage AE
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Northshore

Tristen and her guitarist were the opener but you could have fooled me. There were several people there specifically to see her play based on her recently released great album Charlatans at the Garden Gate. My only complaint was the fact that she was minus a full band for the show, which wasn't a bad thing, just lacking a certain...oomph. Read a proper review of the show here (and admire the awesome picture to boot!). More photos here.