First/Last-Bo and the Locomotive

"Momentum is on Bo and the Locomotive’s side. In just over a year, they have successfully created a following out of nothing. Originally a solo project, Bo and the Locomotive has re-emerged as a full band from the city of St. Louis with a fire in its belly. They combine familiar feeling tunes with off-kilter melodies, balancing on the edge of traditional and experimental. They specialize in making you feel happy, sad, apart, and together all at once – making their live show captivating, if not addictive. With several tours in 2012 to support their self-recorded debut full-length On My Way released in July of 2011, garnering love from Paste, Daytrotter, and European radio. On the cusp of the release of their second album, Bo and the Locomotive is poised to take on the challenges of notoriety that they have been working so hard to achieve."

Check out the band at their official Website, Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud and BandCamp. Continuing my coverage of the Paste 50 States Project, I head to Missouri with Bo and the Locomotive. My thanks to Bo Jackson (Guitar/Vocals) for taking a few to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
The Beach Boys' “Greatest Hits” on cassette.

Your last album bought?
“Best of Lou Reed” on vinyl.

Favorite album of all time?
Nightmare question... but currently, I'll narrow it down to “Alopecia” by Why? and “On the Death of Science as a Major World Religion” by a band that doesn't exist anymore from Jacksonville, Florida called The Cadets. Or maybe Timber Timbre's self-titled album. Or “Pet Sounds”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
The last couple Strokes albums.

First concert attended?
First concert of my choosing was Presidents of the United States of America at Liberty Hall in Lawrence, Kansas in like 1994, I was probably 9. Man I loved that ‘Peaches’ song.

Last concert?
I could say two nights ago at the show I played, but that's stupid. I think the last concert of my choosing that I wasn't a part of that I was super excited about was Charles Bradley here in St. Louis.

Favorite concert ever?
Built to Spill up close at a smaller venue in town when I was 19 probably had to biggest impact on me musically. I'll never forget the way Doug Martsch played guitar that night. The first time I saw Delta Spirit play to an empty room also hit me in the gut.

Least favorite concert?
Man I've gotta go with Bright Eyes a couple years ago. I was pretty excited having never seen them before and I just didn't like it.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

It's hard to be a big baseball fan from St. Louis right now and have anything nice to say about Pittsburgh, so I'll just leave it at that.

Thanks, Bo. I feel ya on the 'Pirates' sting. We've been feeling that way for 20 years.

First/Last-Black City Lights

"Black City Lights are Calum Robb and Julia Catherine Parr—a producer and vocalist duo from Wellington, New Zealand, who are quickly emerging as one of New Zealand's most talented young bands.  Since releasing their debut EP Parallels on Stars & Letters Records in March '12, they've already been awarded two highly sought-after government grants from NZ on Air, produced a stunning video for their song "Parallels" with The Masses production team (i.e Beach House, Passion Pit, and Bon Iver), and have opened for international touring bands like Grimes, Baths and Van She."

Check out the band at Facebook, BandCamp, SoundCloud ,YouTube and Twitter. The New Zealand band release their debut album, "Another Life" via Stars and Letters Records today and will be touring the US this upcoming October. If you are a fan Zola Jesus, Beach House, The xx or Cocteau Twins then check this duo out. I want to thank Calum Robb (Production) and Julia Catherine Parr (Vocals) for taking a few minutes to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Calum Robb: Mike Oldfield “Tubular Bells”.
Julia Catherine Parr: Oh gaaahd... “Aqua”? Something tragic.

Your last album bought?
Calum: Jai Paul “Demos/Leak”.
Julia: Baths “Obsidian”.

Favorite album of all time?
Calum: Doves “The Last Broadcast”.
Julia: This is always a hard question for me, I have so many and it can depend on my state of mind but right now I’ll say Mogwai “Mr. Beast”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Calum: Daft Punk ”RAM”.
Julia: Lots of people told me to listen to The XX so I listened to “Coexist” and there's only one or two songs I like. Overall, I found it quite disappointing.

First concert attended?
Calum: Layo and Bushwacka.
Julia: Big Day Out, 2007.

Last concert?
Calum: Grimes.
Julia: Kirin J Callinan.

Favorite concert ever?
Calum: So So Modern (Szo Szo Modern).
Julia: Every Camp A Low Hum (Festival - but always the best music/time. Always.)

Least favorite concert?
Calum: None.
Julia: I probably can't remember it because it was that bad I erased it from my memory. I generally go to concerts I know I will enjoy.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Calum: I know it's in Pennsylvania, and one of the new Batman films was shot there.
Julia: I like the word 'Pittsburgh'. I like the way it looks and sounds - not knowing anything about Pittsburgh, it makes me want to visit.

Thanks, guys. I love your limited knowledge of Pittsburgh. I have to say, it's more than what I know of NZ, that's for sure.

First/Last-Elephant Gun

"Americana-baked, ballroom swagger with a penchant for screaming describes Elephant Gun. Metal-influenced folk pop works too. Country-punk seems a bit of a generalization, but fuck it. World/Inferno Friendship Society meets Against Me! for Chicagoland’s hippie punks. They’re an eight-piece rock band with too many influences to name. If Jared invites one more dude or lady into the mix we’ll kick his dick. No. Nevermind. It’s fine. Because as all-over-the-map as they may be, they know how to craft full-on records just as well as they do orchestral basement-rock. For that we are proud of them. Jared may keep his goods safe."

Check out the band on Facebook, MySpace, Blogger and BandCamp. I had so much fun discovering music through the Paste 50 States Project, I have decided to continue coverage this week beginning with Illinois and Elephant Gun. I want to thank Jared Olson (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
“Rubber Soul” by The Beatles (thanks dad!).

Your last album bought?
Surfer Blood “Pythons”.

Favorite album of all time?
Super tough question… I've always favored “Mutations” by Beck and “Wowie Zowie” by Pavement as my go-to jams. I also love “Déjà Vu” by CSNY a whole bunch.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I've been disappointed by Beck's output recently. It seems he has lost a bit of his lyrical charm.

First concert attended?
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band.

Last concert?
I saw The Walkmen at The Metro for their 10th anniversary. It was such a great show.

Favorite concert ever?
CSNY at Red Rocks a few years back. I went with my Dad and brother; it was a great show in a beautiful amphitheater. Neil Young and David Crosby killed it.

Least favorite concert?
I always find myself having an uncomfortable time at the huge outdoor festivals I've attended. Unless its Bluegrass, Folk, or traditional Country in a barn, music sounds its warmest in a room.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
We toured through there once. I was completely floored by how pretty it was. We played a punk house, everyone was really nice, then we had to bail for another town right away. I remember sitting on a beautiful hill over-looking the river valley and really enjoying a beer.

Thanks, Jared. Second on your Beck opinion. There is actually a covers album by one of my favorite musicians Joel Morales from Dios Malos called, "When Beck Was Cool". I guess he feels the same way.

First/Last-Tumbleweed Wanderers

"Oakland, California’s Tumbleweed Wanderers combine soul, folk, and rock and roll to create a hugely dynamic musical experience. They weave through their shows with smooth transitions, bringing the listener from dark chaotic banjo-rock, through intimate acoustic harmonies, to energetic explosions of soul. Since forming in April of 2011, TW have been bringing their electric shows to an increasingly wider audience, from their early performances at small bars and cafes, to becoming a major local headliner, selling out shows at the Bay Area’s best venues such as Great American Music Hall and Bottom of the Hill. Since recording their debut full-length album, they have entered a period of near constant touring, starting on the West Coast, but now including all of North America, most recently opening for Angus Stone at renowned venues in the US and Canada."

Check out the band at their official Website, Facebook, Twitter, BandCamp and Instagram. The latest release is an EP, "Worn Down Welcome" and the band have just announced a Pittsburgh date for September 7th at The Smiling Moose. I want to thank Rob Fidel (Banjo/Guitar/Harmonica/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Blink 182 / "Enema of the State".

Your last album bought?
Jim James / "Region of Light and Sound of God".

Favorite album of all time?
That’s a tough one. Its constantly changing.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
The Avett Brothers' most recent release "The Carpenter". Way too much autotune and production for how beautiful and intimate their sound is.

First concert attended?
Journey/Peter Frampton. I was in 5th grade and I tagged along with my parents. Had never heard of them before that, ha-ha.

Last concert?
Charles Bradley at Great American Music Hall, SF.

Favorite concert ever?
Went to a private White Stripes concert on their last tour. Hands down best!

Least favorite concert?
Definitely my first concert (Journey/Peter Frampton).  Probably because I was so young and hadn't heard of the bands.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Last February was our first time in Pittsburgh! It has such an awesome college vibe but still has the big city atmosphere. Everyone we have met there was super kind and helpful.

Thanks, Rob. Sorry I missed you guys last time through Pittsburgh. Not gonna happen again this September..

Summer Sunday Ticket Giveaway-Paradise Fears/Blackberry Smoke/Megan & Liz/The Dangerous Summer

Thanks to everyone who entered last week and we continue today with the giveaways courtesy of the always awesome folks at Drusky Entertainment.

All you have to do is email me at hughshows@comcast.net with the name of the performer you are interested in seeing in the subject line and the name of the person who will bring I.D. to will call the night of the show, good for two tickets. This contest runs until Friday (8/9) afternoon when the winners will be randomly drawn and contacted. As always, thanks for participating and good luck!

Enter for any or all of these shows this week:

Paradise Fears/Tuesday, August 13/The Smiling Moose/All Ages

Blackberry Smoke/Thursday, August 15/Altar Bar/All Ages

Megan & Liz/Friday, August 16/Altar Bar/All Ages

The Dangerous Summer/Friday, August 16/The Smiling Moose/All Ages