Vacation Again!-While I'm Away...

Hello neighbors. I am taking a few days off and getting out of Dodge for the G-20. There won't be any updates till late next week. In the meantime you can help out by visiting CelebSafari. It's basically a site devoted to people meeting celebrities and posting photos of their encounters. I have had many encounters with celebrities (mainly musicians) but probably my favorite out of all them is my photo with Mister Rogers. I worked as a scenic artist on the show in the late 80's and my memories of the time are certainly cherished ones. The funny thing about the Safari site is that my photo with Fred is continually ranked #2 most popular out of the thousands submitted! I want it to get to #1!
The only thing standing in the way is Tito...Puente, that is. Here's where you can help and to really see how many people visit this blog of mine.
Click here for my picture and scroll down and rate it a ten-AWESOME.
Now, click here and rate Tito's picture a one-AWFUL.
The second vote is actually more important than the first in that just voting for mine won't change my rating all that much statistically but voting for his will.
I appreciate the effort and as always thanks so much for visiting my blog.
See you soon. Hugh.

Image Of The Day-WPTS

Good Night, States
WPTS-FM
Sunday September 13, 2009
Oakland

The band were scheduled to play on the station's Live Show program but due to technical problems never were able to record. They are participating in the stations Day at Pitt tomorrow, Monday September 21. Too bad I have a commitment called a job that I won't be able to swing the show. Looks like a local music lover's dream. Bummer. More pics here.

Image Of The Day-"Brittney Lane"

Meeting Of Important People
Thunderbird Cafe
Friday, September 11, 2009
Larryville

My favorite Pittsburgh power trio brings it to the 'bird supporting their friend's new release. My man Matt was a monster on the drums. So good.

Video-'Brittney Lane'

The guys in MOIP's new video which is way cool.

Image Of The Day-"Red Belt"

Lohio
Saturday September 5, 2009
Recording Session
Gibsonia, PA

Lohio has been one of my favorite bands for awhile now and it was extremely cool for me to hang with them as they record new music for a fall release. A huge thanks to the band and Jake for letting me attend. As a fan, it was such a thrill to be able to be there as they flesh out an as of yet untitled song. The new tunes are really good. Man, I love local music right now.

Show Reminder-Tension

Good Night, States
CD Release Show

Tomorrow night, Friday September 11th, at The Thunderbird! Will be way fun.

The Beatles

So get this, I love The Beatles.
The albums are being remasters and released next week. From what I am hearing, you can actually walk into a WalMart and buy them today !?! Funny thing is, I pre-ordered the mono box not because I'm an audiophile or collector, it's just that I wanted experience the sound the way the band heard/mixed it. Sgt. Pepper here I come! I could care less about the dedicated packaging but unless I keep the thing sealed and sell it later, I am not a collector.
I'm goonin' hard on the web about this music and I stumbled upon a nice set of Lennon outtake portraits for 'The Beatles' album by John Kelly.
.

Review - In The Impossible Tension

The new release from Good Night, States is a slight turn in a different direction for the band. First and foremost, it was mainly recorded by Steve Gretz and Joe Tanner as they live out of state and for convenience sake, put together the CD on their own. What struck me at first was the stripped down feel to music, not quite 'demo-ish' but certainly lacking the subdued bombast of the previous stuff, even though there are traces of it during the closing moments on the set's opener 'Arsonist's Blues'. Yes, it's a gentler GNS but that's no reason to shy away. This is great music that is hook laden throughout. I hear a weariness in Steve's voice and words that fits perfectly with the Elliott Smith style arrangement on a few songs, especially 'River In The Dry'. I was wondering how the full band would play this material and was surprised that they all pull it off by utilizing gizmos and gadgets that stay true to the recorded music. I am thrilled that I will be seeing them twice in as many days in a few weeks and even though I have an advanced copy, I will be picking up an extra one for good measure. My absolute favorite song, 'Neighborhood Roofs', closes the disc and leaves me whistling the outro melody long after the music stops.