Image of the Day-"White Noise"

Mogwai
Mr. Smalls Funhouse
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Millvale

I really do honestly believe I am the luckiest music fan in Pittsburgh. I get to do what I love in taking photos and I get exposed to an incredible amount of amazing music while doing it. I had never even heard of Mogwai before and was flabbergasted at the number of people who obviously had. Smalls was silly packed and it was even kind of tricky getting out of the PIT. I really liked what I heard from the band and look forward to discovering more. A more 'informed' review here. Setlist here.

Image of the Day-"Where Have All The Rude Boys Gone?"

Ted Leo
Andy Warhol Museum
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Northside

I feel like I am at the Warhol so much, I should be getting my mail there! The concert line-up has been really sweet this year and it's certainly not over yet. This sold out show was a rescheduled date from back in January. Ted certainly brought it solo, almost making me not miss the Pharmacists. Very low key set that, as per usual, had the audience in the theater sitting on their hands making it a somewhat unnerving performance.

First/Last-Secret Tombs

Photo courtesy the band

Secret Tombs are from right here in Pittsburgh. Here is a taste of what they they have to offer, which I really dig. David Rosenstraus (Blood Red) and Ben Klahr were generous enough to take time to participate in this edition of First/Last Friday and I really can't thank them enough for doing so.

The first album you ever bought?
David Rosenstraus: Probably a Kris Kross cassette tape.
Ben Klahr: I remember that my first stereo came with the Lou Bega CD, but I don’t think that was the first one.
 

Your last album bought?
David: The new Lemuria full length.
Ben: Spectres by BOC.

Favorite album of all time?
David: Aminosity- COC.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
David: There are many. Once I got some solo album from Paul Simon for my mom for her birthday thinking it would be decent 60's style folk. I played it before I gave it to her and realized it was some terrible overproduced 80's sounding adult contemporary shit. I didn't give it to her; it would have been a curse, not a gift.

First concert attended?
David: Beach Boys.
Ben: Ladysmith Black Mambazo at CMU.

Last concert?
David: I played a show with Delay and New Creases. As far as just attending, Weekend Nachos show at Square One in Braddock.

Favorite concert ever?
David: That I played probably the last RAMBO show. That I attended, probably Death By Stereo and Good Riddance at the Rotunda in Philly or Latterman set at Planet X fest.
Ben: Some noise show at Joe Hammer that was over before I got there.

 Ben: Rob Zombie at X-Fest, no one was there, Rob Zombie is like 5 feet tall. Lord Bird Golden Cobra at Garfield Artworks featuring AJ and Ken's vomit. The Pist/Municipal Waste/et al at Braddock Elks lodge.

Least favorite concert?
David: Many of these. There were so many hardcore shows I played or went to with idiots who ruined shows. No entire show was bad, but whenever I hear bands talk about being pro-life, calling the audience faggots or pussies, or any kind of banter that's supposed to be "shocking", it really bums me out.
Ben: I think I might’ve dined and ditched at the Igloo club during "American Idol” live.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
David: One of the most endearing aspects of the Pittsburgh scene is the city lends itself to weird cool show spots. The two places I'm thinking of is the woods behind Beland St. and the Button down in the water in Lawrenceville. The fact that you can see a band play on concrete pad in the water while people are hanging out in trees and not be bothered by police is awesome.
Ben: I think it's one heck of a city.

Again, I cannot thank you guys enough. Musicians like yourselves truly make this blog. You show me music I might not have heard before and that to me is what it's all about! But I have to say...Kriss Kross? Ouch!!! I love it!

Image of the Day-"Unforgivable"

Chet Vincent & The Big Bend
WYEP Studios
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Southside

My man Chet and his band have just announced their CD Release show for Friday, June 24th at the Brillobox. Mark your calendars now. Can't wait that long? They are the Lava Lounge tonight at 10 p.m. Listen to the YEP set here. More photos here.

Image of the Day-"He Lays in the Reins"

Iron & Wine
WYEP Studios
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Southside

Wasn't able to hit the show proper, so this set was the next best thing. As was mentioned by Brian, Sam is a really sweet guy. Listen to the set here. More photos here.

Image of the Day-"Monkey"

Low
The Andy Warhol Museum
Saturday April, 23, 2011
Northside

Of the dozens of bands I have seen at the Warhol theater, I cannot think of a more suitable group to play that room (selling out two shows no less). The band's 'chill' vibe is perfect for the "respectful, stay in your seat and pay attention to the music" audiences that usually attend. Imagine seeing them play Gooski's? Ha!

Image of the Day-"Booth of Glass"

Patty Larkin
Carnegie Lecture Hall
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Oakland

Presented by Calliope, what amazed me is that Patty is celebrating her 25th year as a performer. I hadn't realized she had been around that long. Along with opener Merrie Armstrong, the crowd ate up her solid acoustic folk.