Image of the Day-'Only Time"

I have previously featured Pittsburgh pop-rockers Lofi Delphi on the blog but this was actually the first time seeing them play. You can listen to the set here. If you have never seen them please do yourself a favor and GO SUPPORT PITTSBURGH MUSIC! This set was at the always awesome WYEP Third Thursday series which has been hosting a local band every month for many years now. Such a great, free, early opportunity to catch a regional artist perform. In fact, scheduled this week at WYEP (3/19) is singer-songwriter David Wilson who will also just so happen to be on the blog in a few days.

First/Last-Joey Spehar WYEP

"I co-host the Morning Mix with Cindy Howes.  We wake up really early.  That means we go to bed really early.  Honestly, I haven't seen 10:00pm in a really long time.  I'm in no way complaining, though.  I love my job for many reasons. I have the coolest job in the world.  I get to listen to music, talk about music, meet people who share a similar passion for music, occasionally meet some of my favorite musicians, and keep a guitar at my desk.  Pretty fun, huh?? That's only half of my job here at WYEP... I'm also the Coordinator of Digital Services here.  What does that mean?  Well, if you interact with WYEP on Facebook or Twitter, you have probably interacted with me.  I like to sneak in pictures of my adorable Rottweiler, Mumford, whenever I can."

I recently ran into Joey at a show and he not so subtlety confessed, "I really love to do the First/Last on your blog." Say no more, buddy. Thanks for playing along.

The first album you ever bought?
A very young Joey saved up for quite some time to be able to afford the ‘Batman’ soundtrack. I scraped my quarters and dimes together and picked up a copy on cassette from Camelot Music in Ross Park Mall. Now that tape sits on my windowsill at WYEP.

Your last album bought?
It’s hard for me to bring home just one when I go record shopping. My last trip to Dave’s Music Mine saw the additions of Frightened Rabbit’s “Sing The Greys”, “…And Justice For All” by Metallica, and the ‘All In The Family’ soundtrack. All on vinyl. It’s all I listen to at home.

Favorite album of all time?
Without a doubt, with no questions or flip-flopping… Harvey Danger “Where Have All The Merrymakers Gone?”. I love that album for so many reasons. Infectious melodies, biting guitars, and some of the finest lyrics ever written. I’ve owned at least 5 copies of this album since it came out in 1997. I just keep wearing them out.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Ben Folds Five, “The Sound Of The Life Of The Mind”. I've adored Ben Folds Five since the first time I heard ‘Brick’. I’ve enjoyed every album they’ve made. I really dug the Ben Folds solo albums. I was thrilled when I heard BFF had reunited for an album last year. Then I heard it.  Crushed.

First concert attended?
I like to claim sometimes that it was Superdrag and Nada Surf at Metropol back in 1995. I also like to claim that it was Poe and Eels at the same venue a few months later. I would be lying on both accounts. My brother, Bob, went to those shows. Our mom wouldn’t let me tag along. My first actual concert was the ‘Skoal R.O.A.R. Tour’ outside of Three Rivers Stadium in 1997. I went to see the Bloodhound Gang (still one of my favorite bands to see live) and in the process fell in love with Iggy Pop.

Last concert?
The Mountain Goats at Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead on June 11. Misery can be really joyous. I’m a fan.

Favorite concert ever?
Too many to list! I loved going to see Goldfinger and Reel Big Fish every time they came through town. Getting brutalized at Laga and Metropol defined my early adolescence. Seeing The Dead with all of the surviving members plus Warren Haynes at Bonnaroo in 2004 was incredibly spiritual. I’d say, if I had to choose one, it would be CAKE at The Palace in Greensburg a couple years ago. They’ve been one of my favorites since I was in grade school and they put on an amazing performance. They also gave away a tree!

Least favorite concert?
Superdrag at Bonnaroo in 2008. I waited almost 15 years to see this band. Maybe it was their fault, maybe it was mine, but I fell asleep in the sun during their set. From what I hear, I didn’t miss much.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is a great city. It’s home! There’s always something to do here and for a music lover, you couldn’t ask for a whole lot more. Our local bands are incredible. Touring bands love to stop here. We’ve got bridges and mountains and rivers and streams. This is the place to be!

Thanks, Joey. Have to say, I am loving the chemistry you and Cindy have quickly developed in the mornings. I'll probably be seeing you at a show real soon.

First/Last-Brian Siewiorek WYEP

I have been 'unofficially' shooting shows for WYEP-FM for two years now and I am celebrating this week by bringing you a special series of First/Lasts with the station's on-air personalities.

We conclude today with Brian who is the Production Director for WYEP as well as frequent on-air fill host. My thanks to him for participating in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
I came into discovering music late in life. I never bought a “record” as a kid. I skipped cassettes, and bought a CD player right away. My first CD was Faith No More’s “The Real Thing”, I blame MTV for that decision.

Your last album bought?
I got the “Flaming Lips with Heady Fwends” album a few weeks ago. Mostly out of curiosity to hear what they would do with people like Jim James, Yoko Ono, Nick Cave and Ke$ha!

Favorite album of all time?
This is such a difficult question. But I’m going to say Radiohead’s “OK Computer”, based on the fact that it is probably the album I have listened to the most. I find it’s a pretty good album to drive to, and it has gotten me through some pretty boring drives.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
The Velvet Underground's "Loaded". Without John Cale, the VU just wasn't the same for me.

First concert attended?
The first concert I saw on my own free will was The Dead Milkmen. I was a senior in High School and it was the first show I paid for and went to on my own. I'm sure my parents took me to some shows when I was younger, but I don't recall any of them.

Last concert?
Just saw The Dirty Projectors two days ago at Mr. Smalls.

Favorite concert ever?
I go to a lot of concerts, so this is hard. But, Tom Waits in Akron's Civic Theater a few years ago was pretty stunning. I was mesmerized.

Least favorite concert?
It pains me to say it, but Alex Chilton in Cleveland a few years ago. His songs are so great, and I love Big Star but he was playing all these sappy songs, a few Big Star songs and covers of oldies. I was bored, and I felt bad for being bored.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
This is a great town for music. There are lots of great musicians here, and there are always good bands coming through. I do take the occasional road trip to catch a band in another town, but I am pretty happy with what we have here.

Thanks, Brian. It's funny, I would have considered driving to another town to see a show more often than not maybe a few years ago but we seem have more than enough amazing gigs coming here now that I don't even think about it anymore.

First/Last-Mike Sauter WYEP

I have been 'unofficially' shooting shows for WYEP-FM for two years now and I am celebrating this week by bringing you a special series of First/Lasts with the station's on-air personalities.

We continue today with Mike who is the host of the Midday Mix for WYEP as well as being the station's Music Director (and a certified Beatles nut). My thanks to him for participating in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?

The first album I ever bought with my own was a vinyl copy of Talking Heads' 'Remain in Light.' I had seen the video for "Once in a Lifetime" on a segment of the classic Canadian sketch comedy series SCTV, and I was hypnotized by it. Of course, when I got the record home I discovered to my horror that that song skipped. So I returned it for another copy, and
damned if that second record also skipped during "Once in a Lifetime"! So I gave up and dug into the rest of the album.
As a kid, I bought more pre-recorded tapes than vinyl records, so I guess I should mention that my first tapes purchased were Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon' and '21st Century Man' by Aussie rocker Billy Thorpe.
When I got my first CD player in 1985, my first CDs were Joe Jackson's 'Night & Day' and, in an homage to my first tapes, the 'Dark Side of the Moon' again.

Your last album bought?
I bought a CD from a terrific New York singer/songwriter named Dave Keener. It's called 'The East Way.' He's never been signed to a label, he's self-released everything he's ever done. One of his songs was covered by the band King Missile back in the day, though. His songwriting is awesome.

Favorite album of all time?
I think today I'll answer that with The Beatles' 'Revolver.'

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I've heard a lot of awful albums over the years (sometimes even gloriously so!), but most of them can't really be characterized as disappointing. One of the more disappointing albums that come to mind is Peter Gabriel's 'Up.' It had some worthwhile songs on it, but after a 10 year lapse since his previous regular album 'Us,' I felt like, "It took a decade to make THIS?"

First concert attended?
For years, I answered that question with O.M.D. in Syracuse, NY in 1985 during their 'Crush' tour, but a few years ago I tried to list out all of the concerts I've attended using ticket stubs and memory and I realized all these years I was mistaken. My first concert was actually U2 with Lone Justice at the Hartford Civic Center on April 20, 1985.

Last concert?
I was just at the Great Blue Heron Music Festival at Sherman, NY last weekend. Donna the Buffalo, the Hindu Cowboys, Big Leg Emma, and Ron Yarosz & The Vehicle were the bands I caught. It's a great, low-key music festival in a beautiful farm land setting.

Favorite concert ever?
For small venues, it might just be Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers at The Haunt in Ithaca, NY in the fall of 1986. It was the only time I've ever seen Richman with more than one backing musician and he was so much fun that night. For large venues, it would be either the Rolling Stones ‘Steel Wheels’ tour at Shea Stadium in NYC in 1989 for the sheer spectacle of it or Paul McCartney opening up the Consol Arena August 18, 2010 (which was just a great show).

Least favorite concert?
From one perspective, it might have to be seeing Fiona Apple at the Roseland Ballroom in NYC on March 2, 2000. She kind of had a nervous breakdown onstage. After some technical problems in the first few songs, Apple got  progressively more upset and, seemingly imagining an audience full of vicious rock critics, she began berating and yelling at the audience. Although what little music was performed was marred by sound problems, it was an interesting evening, to be sure. But at least that was an aberration from a talented musician. I've also been seen awful shows from awful bands, like Creed. I like to pretend that those didn't happen, though.
I could also include the Butthole Surfers in July 1996 at Convention Hall in Asbury Park, NJ. The band was apparently trying to clear the room with unpleasant feedback and atonal noise, but although I didn't enjoy the music I understood that that's part of their charm. It was more interesting to observe than to enjoy.

 

Thanks, Mike. Today it's 'Revolver', tomorrow the "White Album', then 'Sgt. Pepper's'...

First/Last-Rosemary Welsch WYEP

I have been 'unofficially' shooting shows for WYEP-FM for two years now and I am celebrating this week by bringing you a special series of First/Lasts with the station's on-air personalities.

We continue today with Rosemary who is the host of the Afternoon Mix for WYEP as well as being a long time producer for the station. My thanks to her for participating in this edition of First/Last.

 

The first album you ever bought?
My first album that I “bought” was purchased with sweat. I weeded my Aunt’s garden in return for Paul McCartney’s “Ram.”

Your last album bought?
 I get music through the station so when I buy an album it is a big deal. I bought The Low Anthem’s “Oh My God, Charlie Darwin.”

Favorite album of all time?
To quote Bryce Harper, “That’s a clown question, bro.” Totally impossible to answer with one album.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
There are many but a recent one was Tori Amos’ latest, “Nautical Twilight.” Cindy tried to warn me about this one but I had to step on the wasp nest on my own.

First concert attended?
Sad to say but it was The Osmond Brothers on August 14th, 1970. Everyone else was going and I didn’t want to be left out. My favorite moment in the concert was provided by my 9 year old sister, Lorraine. After politely asking the girls seated in front of us to stop standing on their chairs, they were blocking our view, she grabbed both by their long Marsha Brady like hair and pulled both of them into their seats. They didn’t move or make a peep for the rest of the show.

Last concert?
WYEP’s Summer Music Festival, of course.

Favorite concert ever?
So many to choose from. Probably a David Byrne, heck any David Byrne. However, Peggy Lee in New York is way up there, too.

Least favorite concert?
Chaka Khan making an early exit from the Stanley stage after a fight with hecklers got personal and ugly.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I was born here, the Pirates are winning, my grandparents helped build this town, and the beat goes on…

Thanks, Rosemary. Being at the station for over thirty years, I can't imagine the number of shows you have been able to see?

First/Last-Kyle Smith WYEP

I have been 'unofficially' shooting shows for WYEP-FM for two years now and I am celebrating this week by bringing you a special series of First/Lasts with the station's on-air personalities.

We continue today with Kyle who is the Director of Content and Programming  for WYEP as well as occasional on-air fill host. My thanks to him for participating in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
KISS, “Destroyer”.

Your last album bought?
Uncle Tupelo, “No Depression”. Public Enemy, “Fear of a Black Planet’. Frank Black, “Teenager of the Year”.

Favorite album of all time?
Not fair. The Replacements, “Let It Be”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Several.

First concert attended?
Poi Dog Pondering, Robin Hitchcock and the Egyptians, The Balancing Act at 1st Avenue in Minneapolis.

Last concert?
New Amsterdams and The Color Fleet this past Saturday.

Favorite concert ever?
A tie between World Party & Jellyfish “Goodbye Jumbo” Tour in 1992 Minneapolis at 1st Avenue.
My old Radio station put on a free concert in Minneapolis with Dead Hot Workshop, Semisonic, Frank Black, G.Love and Special Sauce, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and Soul Coughing in 1996 at Cedar Festival.

Least favorite concert?
The Lemonheads at Stage AE this past year. Evan Dando is still his own worst enemy.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Musically, way too many to count. Smashing Pumpkins doing their warm up to their reunion tour show at Metropol in 1999, Martin Sexton’s first concert at Rosebud, U2 at Heinz Field, Sinead O’Connor at WYEP Summer Music Festival, this past June’s WYEP Summer Music Festival.

Thanks, Kyle. World Party...nice call! I also have to agree with the latest SMF. So much fun!

First/Last-Cindy Howes WYEP

I have been 'unofficially' shooting shows for WYEP-FM for two years now and I am celebrating this week by bringing you a special series of First/Lasts with the station's on-air personalities.

We begin today with Cindy, a Boston native who hosts the Morning Mix on WYEP. My thanks to her for participating in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Alanis Morissette, “Jagged Little Pill”. I was 14 and soooo cool!

Your last album bought?
Beach House, “Bloom”. THIS BAND…OMG!

Favorite album of all time?
Paul Simon, “Paul Simon”. Yes! Let's listen to it right now!!!

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
My brother's favorite album for a while was Bob Dylan's "Blood On The Tracks", so I listened to it when I was about 17 and absolutely hated it. It's one of my favorites now, but at first listen, I was like, "Yeah, no thanks, I'll stick to The Cure."

First concert attended?
Stone Temple Pilots 1996 at the Fleet Center in Boston. I went with my brother and cousins. We rode the T and got there too late to see the opener, Local H. I was not that sad about it.

Last concert?
The Color Fleet's EP release at Club Cafe. It was a great show!

Favorite concert ever?
Toss up: Radiohead 1997 at Harbor Lights (in Boston) and Bon Iver at the Rex in 2009.

Least favorite concert?
I hated his set, but I love talking about the time I saw Lou Vega at Mixfest in 2000 (a Boston radio station's summer festival). He played three songs and two of them were "Mambo No. 5".

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Seeing Hughshows at every concert I go to!

Thanks, Cindy. My favorite Pittsburgh thing just might be seeing you at every concert...well, your waving hands at least!