Best of 2008-Concert Moments (Pittsburgh!!!)

'I Know Every Street'

Meeting Of Important People

Donora CD Release Party

Friday December 18, 2008

Rex Theater

Southside

I haven't seen a group in a long time that had me floored as these guys did the other night. I had seen Josh play in Lohio for a couple years now, and knew he fronted his own band, but they really knocked me out. I don't have many pictures of them because I was too busy enjoying the music. In 45 minutes they changed my entire outlook as far as Pittsburgh music goes. Our city is soon going to emerge as a powerhouse of indie rock! I cannot wait to see them play again many, many more times. 'Street' is by far my favorite song of the year.

'Weekend Tongue'

Donora

Rock The Vote Drive

Sunday September 21, 2008

Bigelow Lawn William Pitt Student Union

Oakland
Even though I saw them play in the summer, and not counting their fun as hell release party, I loved this set for the fact that I was able to finally meet the band. Super cool and talented people. I love this album and I am so proud to say that I was THE very first person to buy a copy!

'Fainting Goats'

Lohio

Key Party Compilation Release Show

Friday August 8, 2008

Brewhouse Gallery

Southside

I am not 100% sure they actually played 'Ghosts' that night but seeing them several times during the year, I kinda lose count. My favorite Pittsburgh band puts on a party for a killer comp of local music. I saw Greg a few times handing out the comp for people to hear. My man!

'Sleigh Ride'

Silver & Gold
WYEP Holiday Hootenanny
Thursday December 18, 2008
WYEP-FM Studios
Southside
What a way to end my concert year! Discovering that Pittsburgh has some incredibly talented musicians who are just starting out and are the nicest people you will ever meet. I can probably be content with just seeing local bands during the next year and I am seriously considering it. I personally would like to thank all the bands in town, all the supporters of local music, and all the fans of music who support this wonderful scene. Oh yeah, Jeff, you rule bro'!

Happy New Year everyone!

Best of 2008-Concert Moments (Part 5)

'Valentine'

Bobby Bare Jr.

Thursday February 21, 2008

Buckhead Saloon

Southside

Very odd show. Knowing that Bobby hates the 'burgh because he can't draw a doodle let alone a crowd here, I was stunned when Bloodshot Records (THE only place to confirm the show on the entire Internet!) listed a show at the Buckhead Saloon? What/where the hell is the Buckhead? Turns out it's a meat market bar that booked him through Camel cigarettes to play (read: free band t-shirts/hats/smokes if you scan your drivers licence). He still couldn't draw more than six people to hear him. And in a moment of utter regret, I lost the setlist to one of the other five people there to see him. If you are reading this, and you know who you are, my offer still stands for that damn setlist! E-mail me gal!

'Cemetery Lawn'

The Rosebuds

Sunday May 18, 2008

Mr. Small's Funhouse

Millvale
I thought I was drunk at The Waco Brothers show? I actually got booted from Smalls during British Sea Power's set. The Rosebuds were good though.

'I'll Keep It With Mine'

Dean & Britta

Wednesday October 22, 2008

WYEP Studios

Southside

The one that got away. My wife and I were soooo looking forward to seeing 13 Most Beautiful...until she gets hammered with pneumonia the night before the show. Bummer. I least I saw this three song set mid-week at WYEP. I can guarantee that I am the only person in the world with an autographed unused ticket to this show. I take that back, I heard that there were plenty of empty seats both nights.

'To All My Scientist Colleagues I Bid You Farewell'

Hallelujah The Hills

Sunday March 2, 2008

Garfield Artworks

Lawrenceville

As a Beastie Boys fan would say, "I F&%*$-in' shot that!"

Best of 2008-Concert Moments (Part 4)

'Heaven'
The Swimmers
Thursday March 6, 2008
Garfield Artworks
Lawrenceville
One of my all-time favorite bands is still the now defunct One Star Hotel. Steve and his crew soldier on and promise to play a OSH tune for me next time they roll through town.

'The Bleeding Heart Show'
The New Pornographers
Saturday April 12, 2008
Carnegie Music Hall
Homestead
I just got into this band last year and they swing through town on the last leg of their tour. Neko bailed out on the tour a few days after this show. Despite taking place in the worst venue in town, this show had the bonus of having Okkervil River opening.

'Buffalo'
Kathleen Edwards
Tuesday April 8, 2008
The Rex Theater
Southside
My favorite record of the year. I actually saw her twice that day. I caught her WYEP studio session in the afternoon before the show proper.

'I Dig A Pony'
St. Vincent
Monday February 25. 2008
The Andy Warhol Museum
Northside
This show was a total surprise. I didn't have her record but she was very good live.

Best of 2008-Concert Moments (Part 3)

'Engine'

Neutral Milk Hotel

Saturday October 18, 2008

Brillobox

Lawrenceville

A stunning surprise to end an incredible concert. I feel lucky just to have been there.

'Galaxy Of The Lost'

Lightspeed Champion

Thursday June 12, 2008

The Andy Warhol Museum

Northside

Besides putting on a killer set of music, Dev was endearing, funny and super nice.

'The Rabbit, The Bat, And The Reindeer'

Dr. Dog

Tuesday August 5, 2008

Club Cafe

Southside
When the hell did this band become so popular? This show was a sell-out even without the tables in the room! I guess I shouldn't be too surprised since they were fantastic even without one of their regular vocalists.

'So Come Back, I Am Waiting'

Okkervil River

Thursday October 9, 2008

Mr. Smalls Theater

Millvale

I LOVE this band. Seeing them twice in one year was treat from the concert Gods.

Best of 2008-Concert Moments (Part 2)

'The Fool'

Old 97's

WYEP Summer Music Festival
Friday June 27th, 2008
Schenley Plaza

Oakland

Probably my most enjoyable concert of the year. Besides being free, the boys came out of the gate rockin' and never stopped. I thought I wouldn't like the relocation of the fest to Oakland from the Northside but it was perfect.

'Building A Boat'

Matt Mays & El Torpedo

Thursday October 9, 2008

Club Cafe

Southside

CRIMINALLY underrated band that played a smoking set to six people? Damn, shame.

'Save It For Rainy Day'
Gary Louris
Saturday March 29, 2008
WYEP Studios
Southside
One of my favorite Jayhawks songs. I would have seen his show later that night (with Vetiver opening and backing him up!) but I had prior commitments.



'Killer Of The One'
Good Night, States
Thursday October 16, 2008
WYEP Third Thursdays
Southside
My first time seeing this band. They are from Pittsburgh. They play great, great original music. They are cool as hell people. 'Nuff said, check them out. I am hoping to catch them tonight as a matter of fact, you should too.

Best of 2008-Concert Moments (Part 1)

' Lucky Lemmings'

Gospel Gossip
New American Music Union College Bands Stage
Saturday August 9, 2008
Southside Works

I had no idea what to expect from these college kids on a beautiful Saturday summer morning. They opened the second day of the fest and blew me away. Love, love, LOVE this band.

' Teenage Kicks'
The Waco Brothers
Friday June 6, 2008
Andy Warhol Museum
Northside
As my buddies who were there can attest, I was extremely hammered at this show. Did they even play this song? Who knows? When you end up on stage dancing, the show belongs somewhere in your year end wrap up.

'Northumberland West'
The Sadies
Thursday September 25, 2008
Club Cafe
Southside
I finally saw The Sadies live. They did not disappoint. In fact, they were absolutely stellar!

'Random Rules'

Silver Jews
Saturday August 30, 2008
William Pitt Union Assembly Room
University Of Pittsburgh-Oakland
I really didn't know too much Silver Jews music going into this show. I did know that he recently started touring and maybe would not get another chance to see him play again. The concert turned out to be great. Then he quits the band.

Best of 2008-Albums

1. Kathleen Edwards-Asking For Flowers


2. Donora-Donora


3. Jenny Lewis-Acid Tongue


4. Matt Mays & El Torpedo-Terminal Romance


5. Old 97's-Blame It On Gravity


6. Lohio-History, The Destroyer


7. Okkervil River-The Stand-Ins


8. Radar Bros.-Auditorium


9. The Hold Steady-Stay Positive


10. Shannon McArdle-Summer Of The Whore


11. Centro-Matic/South San Gabriel-Dual Hawks


12. Earlimart-Hymn And Her


13. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds-Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!


14. Mudcrutch-Mudcrutch


15. Elliott Brood-Mountain Meadows


16. The Swimmers-Fighting Trees


17. Lightspeed Champion-Falling Off The Lavendar Bridge


18. The Baseball Project-Volume 1


19. Kaiser Cartel-March Forth


20. Foxboro Hot Tubs-Stop Drop And Roll
    
    
    

Image of the Day-"Blue Christmas"

Silver & Gold

Greg Dutton
WYEP Holiday Hootenanny
Thursday December 18, 2008
WYEP-FM Studios
Southside

My absolute favorite local songwriter!

Image of the Day-"Sleigh Ride"

 

Silver & Gold

WYEP Holiday Hootenanny
Thursday December 18, 2008

WYEP-FM Studios
Southside

This was a fantastic and hopefully first annual performance from some of the most talented musicians in our city. Several local bands were represented by their lead vocalists but a ton of credit goes to the backing house band for the night. Keyboardist Megan Lindsey (Good Night, States), drummer Jake Hanner (Donora), bassist Liz Adams (Lohio), rhythm guitarist Greg Dutton (Lohio) and lead guitarist Jeff Baron (The Essex Green) ran through a holiday canon that even my daughter (who was celebrating her 5th birthday) could love. Speaking of which, it seemed odd to me that there were no other kids there besides mine. This show was tailor made for the littlest of revelers. More tomorrow.

Image of the Day-"Father Christmas"

Image of the Day-"Off In Your Coffin"

Br'er Fox
Donora CD Release Party
Rex Theater
Friday December 19, 2008
Southside

Image of the Day-"Take Me Home"

Br'er Fox
WYEP Holiday Hootenanny
WYEP Studios
Thursday December 18, 2008
Southside

Image of the Day-"Ain't No Good Blues"

Br'er Fox

WYEP Holiday Hootenanny

Donora CD Release Party
Rex Theater
Thursday/Friday December 18/19, 2008
Southside

It's totally unfair to compare the brothers Bubenheim to any other band. They swap instruments and yeah, you think The White Stripes and The Black Keys (drums and guitar only will do that) but these guys tunes are in a slightly different vein (listen to Off In Your Coffin...killer). Granted, I only saw a half hour of their music but considering I really liked the set, it I am totally excited to see them again. Also, I don't want to sound like a broken record when it comes to meeting musicians but when people are as friendly as Aaron and David are, you cannot but help respect them a little more. More from them tomorrow.

Upcoming Shows 2009

Many, many concert announcements popping up for the new year and I expect lots more to come. These are all recommended by me (not that I will be able to hit all of them).

Chuck Prophet
Friday January 16, 2009
Club Cafe

The Rustlanders
Saturday January 24, 2009
Thunderbird Cafe

Elf Power/Vic Chestnutt
Tuesday January 27, 2009
Garfield Artworks

Kathleen Edwards
Saturday January 31, 2009
Rex Theater

Guggenheim Grotto
Wednesday February 4, 2009
Thunderbird Cafe

Benjy Ferree
Sunday February 22, 2009
Thunderbird Cafe

Jason Isbell
Saturday February 28, 2009
Club Cafe

Sam Roberts Band
Friday March 6, 2009
Club Cafe

Cheech & Chong
Friday March 6, 2009
Benedum Center

Hypnotic Clambake
Saturday March 14, 2009
Thunderbird Cafe

A.C. Newman
Saturday March 28, 2009
Andy Warhol Museum

Heartless Bastards

Sunday March 29, 2009

Mr. Smalls

Show Reminder-Donora!!

Donora CD Release Show

with special guests:

Lohio, Meeting Of Important People, Br'er Fox

Friday December 19, 2008

The Rex Theater

Southside

This will be my last show of the year and I am guessing one of the best I will have seen within the last twelve months. I first caught Donora at the Key Party Comp Show in the summer and was able to shoot their short set at The Rock The Vote Drive in the fall. Jake has been kind enough to advance me a copy of the full length and man it is great! This is a killer bill and will definately be a good time. My readers should go, it's only $5 people!

Show Announcement-Get Guilty

A.C. Newman

Saturday March 28, 2009

The Andy Warhol Museum

Northside

New Pornos leader strikes out on his own and without his 'supergroup', books a room with about a thousand seats less than The Carnegie Music Hall when he last played town. I'll still go.

Image of the Day-"Constructive Summer"

Rock And Roll Means Well Tour

Drive By Truckers

The Hold Steady

Wednesday November 12, 2008

Carnegie Library Of Homestead

Munhall, PA


Knowing full well that the venue might enforce a strict stay in your seat policy (which they did), I opted to snag an aisle seat as opposed to one closer inside the row. If there was a plea from the bands to ignore such an idiotic rule and there was a stage rush, I could have quicker access for good shots. As I spent the first few songs in my Row J seat, I realized that the images I was getting were kinda weak. Thankfully I threw all abandon out the window and just confidently marched down the opposite aisle where I enjoyed the rest of the show hugging the stage where not one person bothered me.

Image of the Day-"Zip City"

Rock And Roll Means Well Tour

Drive By Truckers

The Hold Steady

Wednesday November 12, 2008

Carnegie Library Of Homestead

Munhall, PA


It secretly astounds me how popular Drive By Truckers have become. Since I first saw them play to a moderately sized crowd @ Club Cafe at the start of the decade, they have gradually expanded their fanbase year after year. They play good ole boy southern rock that, although I enjoy it (particularly in a live setting), they hardly ever diverge from their bread and butter sound from album to subsequent album. One trick pony? I wouldn't go that far but I still don't ever hear them on the radio, ANY radio (yeah, YEP plays them...at 2a.m....or if they are pimping the show with a studio session). My only explanation is that they are a touring monster. Playing more months out of the year than not which only helps people to discover them. A very key aspect of that tour ethic is embracing (early on) the festival circuit. Dirty smelly faux hippies have a ton of expendable income and since The Grateful Dead (when I mention them I refer to Jerry Dead) and Phish are no longer around, someone has to try to wrestle the mantle from The Dave Matthews Band. Patterson and Mike are trying their damnedest to one up Jim James in that department. I didn't even touch upon the brilliant idea of a rotating double-bill with the most popular indie bar band in the country. Whatever they are doing, I believe they will keep on repeating it for years to come.

Image of the Day-"Neutral Milk Hotel Live"

Elephant 6 Holiday Surprise Tour
Saturday October 18, 2008
Brillobox
Lawrenceville

A bit of a ramble...

This will be the last Elephant 6 post for awhile, I promise (I do have a lot of flash pics from the stage chaos that was 'The Pressure' though, maybe later). It's just that I went on a whim and came away with one of the most joyous, unique, and unexpected concerts experiences I've ever had. To readers of this blog it's no secret that I go to many, many shows throughout the year. The majority of them I choose carefully with my budget and familial responsibilities and all. Some of them I go not knowing much from the bands in the slightest (Margot & The Nuclear So & So's, The Izzy's, Wax Fang anybody?). THE main reason I go to concerts is to walk away a different person, no matter how minute or profound the change in me is. I want to appreciate, explore, remember, cherish, learn, discover..hell, even hate something from the time and effort I put into going to see someone else perform.

When this tour was announced I wasn't expecting to go at all. Jeff Mangum showed up a week earlier in New York to sing a few bars of background vocals. Cool, maybe I should check this show out? Luckily, I snagged a ticket on a Thursday night before they eventually sold out Friday. The night of the show I knew it was going to be a long night and arrived uncharacteristically a half hour past scheduled doors. As I was walking to the club I noticed several people still mingling outside. I then immediately noticed a tall guy turning the adjacent corner towards the door with a red and black plaid jacket. I recognized the same coat from this dude's pics. Mangum was here. As he walked through the Brillobox doors, up the steps and into the soundcheck I was right behind him. Now, as it seems to happen almost all the time, people (read: someone associated with the venue) think I am with the band. Is it the long hair? I don't know but more times than not I have hung around a show not being bothered by anybody with the impression that I just loaded in the equipment. My mistake this night was ordering a beer. "Bars not open sir, and by the way, who the hell are you and how did you get up here?" I was pleasantly escorted downstairs (kudos to the Brillobox staff who couldn't have been more cool, aftershow especially) and so I dutifully waited for doors in the hallway to be the first person in while several groups of people were turned away looking for tickets. I felt bad for them but as I learned later some people just waited awhile and walked right in with no ticket in hand at all. The movie, performance, filmstrip, performance was a marathon, kick-ass, organic, great, great concert. Just cool as hell. Finally, as I was right next to the stage/'green room' door I noticed Mangum holding a guitar going to center stage. Wow!?! I am no rabid NMH worshiping fan but this is quite something! At the the last minute he seems to decide to head into the crowd and asks for a chair. Now, there's been a lot of talk on message boards about how Pittsburgh sucks because you have this legendary recluse, who never performs, playing an acoustic tune with no mic and people are talking and bottles are dumping and all this peripheral noise. The excuses I heard are valid. It's a bar on a Saturday night at 1:30 a.m. Add the fact that this was totally unexpected. Also take note that he practically brushed against me as he was making his way into the crowd and I hardly noticed what he was doing let alone the people in the back of the overly crowded room. I was there and I don't blame the crowd one bit. So he (along with Julian on saw, how phenomenal ?) plays Engine, which I kind of recognize. I do notice that head Elf Andrew was absolutely glued the performance. Three minutes later it was over. Not overstating the obvious but those three minutes were very special. Special to me, special to the majority of the crowd who were there, and special to those countless fans who were wishing, wondering, hoping, and even doubting that Jeff Mangum would play a song he wrote in public ever again.

After the show, I, along with a dozen or so other people including the dozen or so band members who played on stage throughout the night were mingling around when Jeff came down and cautiously signed some stuff I brought. He was totally cool with me approaching him and asking some general questions like, "How did you fell playing in front of an audience?" It felt nice. "Did you guys plan on playing when the tour was being organized?" No, I didn't know I would be here less than a few days ago." "Will you play some more on any of the other dates?" "I don't know, we'll see." My response was a casual, "Cool beans." He seemed to somewhat get a kick out of that and politely shook my hand. Thanks Jeff.

The aftermath of this show has been minor in the overall relevance scheme of things. My kick-ass pictures were featured on Pitchfork, a site I visit daily. I have read and thoroughly enjoyed Kim Coopers account of the recording of 'In The Aeroplane Under The Sea'. NPR had the show from Chicago to download. Most importantly, I have kept the memory of this show with me for several weeks. Yeah, I have changed, not much but still, isn't that what it's all about? It is to me at least.

Above still from this guy.

Show Announcement-Light Up America

Cheech & Chong

Friday March 6, 2009

The Benedum Center

The car scene in Up In Smoke might be the funniest thing in a movie I have ever seen.

Image of the Day-"Devils"

Elephant 6 Holiday Surprise Tour

The 63 Crayons

Saturday October 18, 2008

Brillobox

Lawrenceville

Everyone on stage was having a bg ole' partyof a time, none moreso than the Crayon's leader Charlie Johnston (although Will Hart was giving him a run for his money in the drinking department). By the end of the night he was so wasted that he almost destroyed Peter Erchick's keyboard.

Image of the Day-"Everything You Ever Hoped Or Worked For"

Elephant 6 Holiday Surprise Tour

Nana Grizol

Saturday October 18, 2008
Brillobox
Lawrenceville

These guys were a pleasant addition to the show. I knew absolutely nothing about them before the night and they were definitely a highlight.

Image of the Day-"The Arrow Flies"

Elephant 6 Holiday Surprise Tour

Elf Power
Saturday October 18, 2008

Brillobox

Lawrenceville

I have always wanted to see Elf Power and the several times they have been through town in the last few years I couldn't make it for some reason or another. They were probably the most straightforward pop band of the night. The stuff sounded very good live and I hope to catch them when they come back January 27th.

I know I go on and on about how appreciative I am of meetings bands and how rewarding it is to discover they are just as appreciative of me showing up. Practically all the musicians who played were very nice after the show. I have to say, head Elf Andrew Reiger was especially kind. He didn't give me money or anything but as a human being you can just tell these things.

Image of the Day-"A Sunshine Fix"

Elephant 6 Holiday Surprise Tour

Olivia Tremor Control

Saturday October 18, 2008
Brillobox
Lawrenceville

One of the bands on the bill I was very eager to finally see live was Olivia Tremor Control. Their albums have an unsteady flow to them, interspersing weird (read: dumb and unnecessary) noise interludes with some of the freshest psychedelic pop songs I have ever heard. Thankfully most of the 'real' tunes I love from the two albums I have were played. What really struck me that night was seeing front man Will Hart unleash his craziness. The guy seemed nuts sometimes onstage. I didn't notice a moment when he didn't have a drink in his hand (unless he was playing an instrument). After the show he was asking everyone and anyone for weed. He lost his voice half way through the show, I'm sure a little toke of marijuana would have helped.
I first met Bill Doss when he was playing with The Apples In Stereo. He assumed a more prominent role on this night. In fact, along with Julian Koster, he seemed to be running the gig. He is such a nice guy as well.

Image of the Day-"Snorkel"

Elephant 6 Holiday Surprise Tour

The Gerbils

Saturday October 18, 2008
Brillobox
Lawrenceville

Scott Spillane was on hand to represent his group The Gerbils. Like the rest of the E6 crew, his music was strange and appealing. Man, I loved this show.
Scott Spillane was on hand to represent his group The Gerbils. Like the rest of the E6 crew, his music was strange and appealing. Man, I loved this show.

Here's a tune

Image of the Day-"The Fool"

Elephant 6 Holiday Surprise Tour
The Music Tapes

Saturday October 18, 2008

Brillobox

Lawrenceville

Several times throughout the night, among the many instruments Julian was playing, was his signature 'singing saw'. I can't remember ever seeing someone playing one seriously, if at all. He definitely could play it and quite well I might add. The texture he added to the tunes with the saw was both odd and beautiful at the same time, which is an apt description of the entire concept of the show, the bands , and the night itself. Watching him perform with Scott Spillane in the middle of the crowd was a wonderful moment.
This whole shebang was the brainchild of organizer Julian Koster. My only prior knowledge of him was his being a member of Neutral Milk Hotel. My mistake. His energy, enthusiasm, and ultimately performance was so damned endearing, I have quickly become a fan of his 'other' work. More Julian tomorrow.


Below is the version from Boston

Image of the Day-"Major Organ & The Adding Machine"

Elephant 6 Holiday Surprise Tour

Saturday October 18, 2008

Brillobox

Lawrenceville

I am familiar with the E6 Collective and while not a rabid devotee, I dig some of these bands a lot. Since it's announcement, I wasn't exactly sure if I was going or not. Until I heard reclusive Neutral Milk Hotel founder Jeff Mangum surprisingly appeared a week earlier, I was still on the fence but that news swayed me to attend. I snagged a ticket two days before they sold out and man, am I glad I did. This turned out to be a total blast. The stage was decked out like a weird antiquity museum definitely adhering to the E6's vibe. They showed the short film 'Major Organ & The Adding Machine' to start the evening, which stars some of the many musicians who would play onstage this incredible night. It was funny, strange, psychedelic, endearing...a fitting opening to a wonderful, and yes, surprising show.

Image of the Day-"Blue Thunder"

Dean & Britta

Wednesday October 22, 2008

WYEP Studios

Pittsburgh, PA

These two are in town to perform an original score to accompany 13 of Andy Warhol's innovative screen tests. Rosemary's interview was rather informative and we got four very stripped down songs for the session. They were so damned quiet my camera click could be heard, hence the lack of quality photos. I am sort of pissed because I ordered tickets awhile ago and have two in the front row in the top balcony. A week ago they put on sale better seats (I guess this thing isn't a big seller) and now discover a couple of days ago there is a promo with YEP for $10 seats as opposed to the $25 I paid. To add insult to injury, my wife comes down with pneumonia and I am probably gonna have to eat $60.

Image of the Day-"She Wrote A Letter"

Good Night, States

Thursday 16, 2008

WYEP Studios

Pittsburgh, PA