First/Last-Lone Wolf Club

"Based in Pittsburgh, PA, LWC is a band made up of six main members, however, they often bring in other musicians for shows and recordings. They are currently in the preproduction and recording stages of their first EP, scheduled to be released within the next year, and are performing at smaller venues in and around Pittsburgh."

Lone Wolf Club is an up and coming Pittsburgh band that is currently working on new music to follow up their debut "Many Moons" EP. As they do they take a break from the studio to perform this Wednesday (9/23) on the South Side. I want to thank Zack Morgan (Guitar/Vocals), Jaime Grant (Cello/Vocals), Justin Stag (Guitar/Vocals) and Keith Quinn (Bass/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Zack Morgan: ‘Armageddon’ Soundtrack.
Jaime Grant: ‘Space Jam’ Soundtrack.
Justin Stag: “Smash” by The Offspring.
Keith Quinn: Smash Mouth “Astro Lounge”.

Your last album bought?
Zack: Lowercase Noises “This is for Our Sins”.
Jaime: Janis Joplin “Janis”.
Justin: “Tomorrow's Modern Boxes” by Thom Yorke.
Keith: Charles Bradley “No Time For Dreamin’”.

Favorite album of all time?
Zack: Difficult question. I will just name a few in no specific order: “The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me” (Brand New), “White Pony” (Deftones), “Maybe They Will Sing for Us Tomorrow” (Hammock), “Moving Mountains” (Moving Mountains), “Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust” (Sigur Ros) and “White Lighter” (Typhoon).
Jaime: My favorite album of all time changes on an almost monthly basis.
Justin: Impossible question. Maybe “OK Computer” or “Kid A” (Radiohead), “De-Loused in the Comatorium” (The Mars Volta), “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” (Neutral Milk Hotel) or “The Shepherd's Dog” (Iron & Wine) but I honestly don't think I could ever settle on a single album.
Keith: Typhoon “White Lighter”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Zack: I agree with Keith with saying that I only try to think of the ones I like.
Jaime: Pointer Sisters “Breakout”. The cover looked so cool, and I hated their sound.
Justin: Probably the ‘Batman Forever’ Soundtrack. A few big name bands but mediocre songs. And if I remember correctly they have the fade out version of ‘Kiss from A Rose’ on there. That song should never be faded. It's too amazing. It should always go through to completion. That sin is unforgivable.
Keith: I try to only think of the ones I like

First concert attended?
Zack: The first one I can remember is Jimmy Buffet.
Jaime: Something that my mother sang at.
Justin: I believe it was the '98 Tibetan Freedom Concert. Whichever one had The Beastie Boys, Wyclef Jean, Radiohead and surprise appearance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. And one or two people got struck by lightning.
Keith: The Monkees.

Last concert?
Zack: Man Man.
Jaime: Grand Piano/Wreck Loose.
Justin: [that was a national acts] It was either the last time Cloud Cult or Neutral Milk Hotel came through Pittsburgh. Both shows were beautiful.
Keith: Son Little.

Favorite concert ever?
Zack: Roger Waters when he performed “The Wall” in its entirety a few years back.
Jaime: HFestival in Maryland.
Justin: The first time I ever saw Cloud Cult. My friend and I had tried to see them two times before and something always came up: we'd get to the venue and the show time had changed by a few hours or our other friend had gotten kicked out of the venue before the show even started. We actually drove, extremely hungover from just outside of Baltimore to Pittsburgh. We barely made it through the opener. But when Cloud Cult came on something supernatural happened. That group repairs souls with their art and energy. I've cried during each of the four times I've seen them, I believe. I remember being in the passenger seat on the drive home and going through a blizzard and my friend and I both agreed that the snow was the most beautiful we had ever seen. It was nine hours of driving that day. It was well worth. I am not joking about them repairing souls. If you know them thank them. If you don't, go out and see them.
Keith: Passafire in Columbus, OH

Least favorite concert?
Zack: Jimmy Buffet.
Jaime: A choir concert that rubbed me the wrong way.
Justin: More disappointing than bad but The Low Anthem played at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC. They had just changed their sound in a way that my friend and I didn't enjoy. We wanted more attitude from them I guess. Another Fave Concert: Brand New at Rams Head Live in 2007. They played for 2+ hours and brought everyone up from all the openers to help play ‘Limousine’. It was super powerful. it was also the last concert I went to with a close friend of mine who died less than ten days later.
Keith: George Clinton & P. Funk (2012).

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Zack: The sense of family and everyone helping each other find gigs.
Jaime: All the parks are so beautiful.
Justin: The friends I've made. It can be quite lonely without them. Eeyore out.
Keith: The people. They're down to earth, hard-working, creative, kind, talented, funny and loyal people and they are the life blood that makes this little big city and awesome place to live.

Thanks, all. I love doing this blog for many reasons but first and foremost discovering new music to these ears. Thanks, Keith and Zack for the heads up on Typhoon. Great stuff!

First/Last-Egomyth

"Egomyth walks the tightrope between modern and classic rock, creating songs that defy easy categorization. Their sound combines rock, new wave, and alternative music. Their influences include Muse, U2, Faith No More, The Cure, Killing Joke, The Fixx, Simple Minds, Roxy Music, and The Mission UK. The Egomyth sound is powerful, evocative, mysterious, innovative, and challenging."

Egomyth is an 'alternawave' band from Pittsburgh who are currently hunkering down in the studio to release their debut EP. You can get a taste of what they are about by checking out some of their demo and rehearsal tapes and live vids. As you listen, join me in thanking Joshua Weinel (Guitars) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
I bought “Thriller” by Michael Jackson on cassette as a kid. ‘Beat It’ is probably the first song I can remember ever hearing (besides TV theme songs for kid's shows).

Your last album bought?
“Catch 33” by Meshuggah, unless I bought some used CD's since then, I'm not sure. I'm not big on buying/collecting things.

Favorite album of all time?
The one album I've probably listened to the most is “Downward Spiral” by Nine Inch Nails, but it's been many years since I gave that a listen. If I had to point to a favorite now, I'd probably say “Best of Dio” or “Best of Parliament Funkadelic”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
In terms of expectations vs reality, “Load” by Metallica. High school was one long Metallica spree and to suddenly find my heroes so changed was very disheartening.

First concert attended?
Honestly I can't remember. I think it might have been Warped Tour. Something like '01.

Last concert?
Blue Oyster Cult played a few miles from my house for the summer free concert series.

Favorite concert ever?
Beethoven's 9th, PSO at Heinz Hall.

Least favorite concert?
Anything where I don't perform up to my expectations.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Home for 9 years, what can I say? It doesn't have everything, but it has everything important.

Thanks, Joshua. Going highbrow with that fave show, huh? Nice!

First/Last-Ben Bedford

"Ben Bedford delivers intriguing sketches of America, its individuals, their victories and their struggles. Poignant, but never sentimental, Bedford’s portrait-like songs capture the vitality of his characters and draw the listener deep into the narratives. With three albums to his credit, Bedford’s songs tackle scenarios including homelessness, the plight of a Confederate soldier’s wife during the American Civil War, the aerial triumphs of Amelia Earhart, the life of Jack London, the murder of Emmett Till in 1955, John the Baptist, the poet Vachel Lindsay and even the 1973 standoff between members of The American Indian Movement and federal agents on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Often drawing upon history, Bedford’s songs have a strong sense of time and place. The songs are rich in sensory detail which allows the listener to hear, see and feel each narrative."

Ben Bedford is an Americana singer-songwriter from Springfield, IL who returns to Pittsburgh to not make an offer on a house again, but to perform the inaugural edition of brand new songwriter concert series entitled BurghSong. Pairing a national artist with a local, Ben performs with Tom Breiding on Saturday (9/19) at Sunburst School of Music in Squirrel Hill. I want to thank Ben for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
The first album I ever bought with my own money was “Magical Mystery Tour” by The Beatles.

Your last album bought?
I think the last album I bought was “The Unique Thelonious Monk” by Thelonious Monk or it might have been “All Your Favorite Bands” by Dawes.

Favorite album of all time?
I don't think I could pick an all-time favorite album but “Vuelta” by Richard Shindell, “1000 Kisses” by Patty Griffin, “The Late Great Townes Van Zandt” by Townes Van Zandt, “The Dark” by Guy Clark, “Solo Monk” by Thelonious Monk, “Pour Down Like Silver” by Richard and Linda Thompson, “The Point” by Harry Nilsson, “The Kick Inside” by Kate Bush, “B.B. King in London” by B.B. King, the recording of Leonard Bernstein narrating “Peter and the Wolf”, and “Abbey Road” by The Beatles would all be up there. I could probably name another twenty albums given the space and time.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I don't have a least favorite album. I guess if something doesn't resonate with me, I just forget about it.

First concert attended?
I can't remember for sure, but I think my first "real" concert was Don Williams.

Last concert?
Dawes.

Favorite concert ever?
Wow, this would also be really hard to pick! I don't know if I can say what my all-time favorite concert was but Leonard Cohen in 2009, Richard Shindell in 2005, Patty Griffin in 2007 or 2008, Guy Clark with Verlon Thompson in 2006, Punch Brothers in 2008, Tony Rice with Allison Krauss in 2007, Doc Watson in 2003, Josh Ritter in 2014, and Gordon Lightfoot in 2000 or 2001 all come to mind. So many other great concerts come to mind too but I'll have to stop myself.

Least favorite concert?
I can't really think of a concert that I specifically went to that was disappointing.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

In 2010, my wife and I made an offer on the house we now live in from Pittsburgh. It is a long story, but I guess you could say we "called in" the offer. My parents stood in for us until we could get back home from our tour. Thus, I have pretty fond associations with Pittsburgh. Plus, the few times that I have been here, it seems like a really cool city.

Thanks, Ben. That is one unique Pittsburgh memory for sure. Now don't go getting the urge to repeat it while you are here this weekend.

First/Last-The Young Novelists

'The Young Novelists play roots-rock barnstormers and heartfelt folk ballads with equal parts craft and care. Hailed as "one of the top 5 folk bands to watch in Toronto" by BlogTO, The Toronto-based folk-roots band layer harmonies and wry lyrics about about love, loss, regret, and redemption over intricate arrangements."

The Young Novelists are an indie folk rock outfit from Toronto who were recently nominated for two Canadian Folk Music Awards for their fantastic "Made Us Strangers" release. To celebrate, the band is embarking on an East Coast U.S. tour that sadly skips Pittsburgh, I want to thank Graydon James (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Bad Company “What You Hear Is What You Get (The Best of Bad Company)”.

Your last album bought?
Jadea Kelly's upcoming album (I believe it's titled “Love and Lust”).

Favorite album of all time?
Flashing Lights “Sweet Release”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Every album that's ever been nominated for the Polaris Prize (a $30,000 prize in Canada).

First concert attended?
The Watchmen (who still play a show or two a year).

Last concert?
I saw my friend Raven Shields at a place called Cameron House in Toronto... I consider it my last show, because it's the last show I paid to get into.

Favorite concert ever?
I went to Montreal to see Pearl Jam with my friend Steve, and we missed the last bus back to Toronto so we wandered the streets of Montreal from midnight to 6:45AM, waiting for the next bus. Crazy, but good times.

Least favorite concert?
I saw a Wilco/Neil Young double-header and Wilco sounded *fantastic* -- crystal clear and beautiful dynamics; especially considering it was a big arena show. Neil Young's band was just washed out and terrible-sounding... the energy was impressive, but I could barely tell what anyone was doing. It was brutal.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
The topography of Pittsburgh is different than any city in Canada, and it's hugely interesting to me. I'm not sure why, but the rivers and the bridges and tons of overpasses are awesome, and I think Pittsburgh has a great, scrappy energy to it. Pittsburgh is a great town!

Thanks, Graydon. Wait, a Canadian disappointed in Neil Young? That's like me saying I don't like Wiz Khalifa... blaspheme...

First/Last-Walk A Mile in Her Shoes

"There is an old saying: "You can't really understand another person's experience until you've walked a mile in their shoes." Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® asks men to literally walk one mile in women's high-heeled shoes. It's not easy walking in these shoes, but it's fun and it gets the community to talk about something that's really difficult to talk about: gender relations and men's sexualized violence against women."

Walk A Mile in Her Shoes is a men's charity march to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence. The idea is to have men 'uncomfortably' walk in hi-heel shoes for a mile. I am proud to participate this year in Pittsburgh on Saturday (9/12) as we march through Bloomfield at 6pm and then take in a bunch of cool bands in several locations. Registration (team or individual) is still open here and you can pay a blanket $10 donation to be admitted to the various venues later in the night. I want to thank event organizer Camille Goleb for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

 

The first album you ever bought?
Smashing Pumpkins “Greatest Hits”. I was twelve, I think. My mom went with me and grilled the checkout guy on the lyrical content, just in case it turned me into a weirdo. Sorry, Mom.

Your last album bought?
Andre Costello and the Cool Minors, “The Rattling Arcade”.

Favorite album of all time?
“El Cielo” by dredg. Both live and recorded, it's so multilayered and brilliant, it really takes me to another level entirely. And Dino the drummer is a fucking ANIMAL.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Recent Pumpkins stuff, honestly. It just doesn't do what it used to do for me, and every time I hear it I can see my high school goth self-punching herself in the ears.

First concert attended?
Big concert? No Doubt, Blink-182, and the Living End. I was the lame kid who wasn't allowed to go to Warped Tour, but Mom's got a thing for Gwen Stefani.

Last concert?
Dean Ween Group. Balcony seats with wonderful company + seeing Dean Ween's nipples before the show = the most fun I've had outside of a GWAR concert.

Favorite concert ever?
dredg, Judgement Day and Telescreen in Baltimore in my college days. Standing there with my eyes closed being surrounded by that gigantic sound is a happy place I don't think I'll ever stop going to.

Least favorite concert?
Bob Dylan, circa 2007. He was so stoned off his ass that I couldn't recognize a single song. I kept wondering if he had died, but then he'd plonk out another chord. He's a genius, but I'll stick to hearing him through earbuds.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I know three languages and I still don't have enough words to describe how much I love this city. Taking in Weather Permitting while lying on the lawn, walking the Sister bridges at lunchtime, finding myself jamming with Randy Baumann in his basement at 4am surrounded by some of the most incredibly talented musicians I've ever had the honor of meeting. Pittsburgh gave me a place to belong when I had none, wonderful friends when I needed them, and a soundtrack to the best years of my life so far. I'm so happy every day because I moved here.

Thanks, Camille. Great cause and great job organizing the event. I'll make sure to buy you a beer later on if I'm still standing.