Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Image of the Day-"Impress You"

Thursday June 12, 2008
The Andy Warhol Museum
There was a band called Forever Flowers that was scheduled to open for Lightspeed Champion. They bailed without notice and local songwriter Sonji filled in at the last minute. I am very glad she did. I've been hearing about her for some time now, and her set was was a pleasant surprise. Her and her drummer Daru were super nice as well. Needless to say, this room is soooo dark to try to photograph in.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Image of the Day-"Go-Go-GODZILLA!!"

Allegheny Summer Concert Series
Friday July 18, 2008
South Park Amphitheater
Since Dr. Dog cancelled their show for tonight, why not hit BOC for a free show in the park? I guess that's what SEVERAL thousand other people were thinking as well. I never saw the place this crowded before. It was pretty crazy. Every other show there before, Mr. Policeman would shoo away anyone trying to hug the stage until way into the set. When we arrived about ten minutes before the band came on, there were several rows deep of fist pumping headbangers that Joe Fuzz didn't dare bother with. As for the show, I did enjoy it. Believe it or not the weakest songs in the set were the ones I actually recognized ('Godzilla', '...Reaper'). I also thought they would play a bit longer as other acts have in the past but that was a blessing since it took forever to get outta Dodge.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Image of the Day-"Listen"

Friday July 18, 2008
WYEP Studios
Southside
Listen/Street Corner Preacher/Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight/Better Days

This mini in-studio set from Amos was pretty cool. He seemed like a really gentle and humble dude. It was interesting to find out he had some heavy hitters in Doyle Bramhall, Spooner Oldham and Don Was, among others, playing on his latest album.

Image of the Day-"Sea And The Sun"

Sunday July 12, 2008
Rootz: The Green City Music Festival
Mellon Park
Any chance I get to see these guys I try to take it. They have a new album coming out later in the summer called "History, The Destroyer". If their last song in the set is any indication, Lohio is gonna rock out!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Image of the Day-"The Women of Arsenal"

Emily Rodgers & Erik Cirelli
The Pittsburgh Songwriters Project
Rootz: The Green City Music Festival
Mellon Park
Highly enjoyable day in the park. We brought out the kids and listened to some 'wooden' music. This set featured a bunch of local musicians taking turns on new songs written about Pittsburgh. Emily and Erik's song was a standout for me.


Saturday, July 12, 2008

Image of the Day-"Avalanche"

WYEP Alternative Souper Bowl
Sunday February 3, 2008
Border's Eastside

Local musician Ben Hardt has a unique band going. He often performs with a string section that adds a very cool element to his music. Check him out if you can.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Image of the Day-"I Dig A Pony"

St. Vincent
Thursday February 21, 2008
Andy Warhol Museum
Another purty pic of Annie. Did I mention how difficult it is to take a decent shot at the Warhol? It's like taking a photo in a cave. I gotta say this one rocks!

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Image of the Day-"Teenage Kicks"

Friday June 6, 2008
Andy Warhol Museum
As my brother reminded this would be the second time seeing The Waco Brothers. We saw them several years ago and considering the literally hundreds of concerts I've been to over the years I just don't remember the show. Unfortunately, I was so blitzed at this one I hardly remember it as well. I do remember jumping onstage and dancing at one point... don't mix liquor and beer kids, take it from me. No harm done though.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Image of the Day-"Midnight Surprise"

Thursday June 12, 2008
Andy Warhol Museum
This show was kick-ass. Devonte Hynes used to be in a hardcore thrash band called Test Icicles. He goes solo and releases a lush folky album called "Falling Off The Lavendar Bridge". It's a good album but the live show added a harder edge to the music which was sorta expected coming from his previous band and all. I went to this show stone sober and loved every minute of it. He was very funny and engaging with his in between song banter. He was super cool and down to Earth post show as well. All around nice night.



Thursday, July 3, 2008

Image of the Day-"The New Kid"


Rhett & Murray from Old 97's
Friday June 27
WYEP Summer Music Festival
Schenley Plaza
This was my favorite concert of the year so far. I took a ton of pictures and will trickle them out in the coming weeks. They have soooooo many great songs to choose from for a show. What a band. Murray mentioned it was THE one and only time he wasn't wearing his glasses for a show because he was wearing his sunglasses all day and forgot his regular specs back at the hotel. Reminds me of a couple Dead shows back in the day where I did the same thing...twice!


Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Image of the Day-"Just Like Heaven"


Friday June 27th, 2008
WYEP Summer Music Festival
Schenley Plaza
I absolutely LOVED Jenny Lewis' 2006 release Rabbit Fur Coat. Getting a co-billing on that album as well as significantly contributing to the overall sound of it were then unknown sisters Chandra and Leigh Watson on background vocals. Their new debut solo album Fire Songs is just O.K. It is a tad mellow and lacks a certain something that I was hoping for (maybe Ms. Lewis?). Their live show however is nothing liked I was suspecting/dreading. Sure they aren't AC/DC, but they were way more upbeat in concert. As my boy Brian, noted their in between song banter was a bit painful but the beautiful music more than made up for it. My brother even compared them to Lucinda Williams, which isn't a bad thing at all. They mentioned that they took a red-eye from L.A. to play the gig mainly because their Mom and Dad are living in the area and they had a sorta mini-family reunion. They were very, very sweet and nice when asked for autographs.