Ticket Giveaway/First Last-Jacob Mullis

Image by Emma Freeman courtesy of the band

Fort Wilson Riot
Cloud Cult
Mr. Smalls Funhouse
Tuesday November 2, 2010
Millvale

Fort Wilson Riot are currently supporting their buds in Cloud Cult on a few remaining dates that bring them to Smalls this Tuesday. They return to Pittsburgh headlining a show at Garfield Artworks on Saturday December 4.
Courtesy of the band, I have a pair of tickets to giveaway to a lucky reader of this blog for this week's show. To enter, just email me at hughshows@comcast.net with the subject line 'Fort Wilson Riot' along your full name in the message. I will contact the winner Monday afternoon. Vocalist Jacob Mullis plays guitar and keys in the band and was kind enough to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?

The Beatles - Rubber Soul.

Your last album bought?

My Bloody Valentine - Loveless. Finally bought it on vinyl!

Favorite album of all time?

The only way I can answer this is to say which album blew my mind for the first time when I was a kid, and to this day remains one of my favorites. Otherwise this is a pretty impossible question to answer, so The Beatles - The Beatles (White Album).

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

This is a super hard question to answer because in general I'm very positive and forgiving about poor albums. I'd have to say one of the most disappointing albums for was The Flaming Lips - At War With The Mystics. It's not a terrible album I just found it rather boring and disappointing after four consecutively incredible albums.

First concert attended?

Smashing Pumpkins.

Last concert?

Also hard just cause we've been on the road for so long. So I'll go with the last show I bought tickets for-Liars.

Favorite concert ever?

The Pitchfork Festival. We went three years in a row, and each time it was incredible.

Least favorite concert?

Smashing Pumpkins.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

We really love Pittsburgh. It's a very beautiful city that we always love coming to. We've only played with a couple bands there, but we've always enjoyed them. We're stoked to get to know the city better.

Thanks Jacob. It's funny how many times The Beatles appear in musician's answers...for good reason!

Ticket Giveaway-First/Last-Lily Chapin

Jessie Mann photo courtesy of the band

The Chapin Sisters
Thunderbird Cafe
Monday November 1, 2010
Larryville

The Chapin Sisters are a sibling duo that have just spent the last few months touring with She & Him as openers and part of their backing band. They are out on a fall headlining tour that brings them to Pittsburgh on Monday. Courtesy of the band, I have a pair of tickets to giveaway to a lucky reader of this blog. To enter, just email me at hughshows@comcast.net with the subject line 'The Chapin Sisters' along your full name in the message. I will contact the winner Monday afternoon. Lily Chapin was kind enough to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?

Madonna - "The Immaculate Collection" and The Beach Boys "Golden Harmonies".

Favorite album of all time?
Too many to pick one. Up there are Nico "Chelsea Girl"; Bruce Springsteen "Nebraska"; The Replacements "Tim"; Bob Dylan "Desire."

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

I would feel bad to say... here's one that's not disappointing at all - Fabio "After Dark" (of "I Can't Believe it's not Butter" and romance novel fame) - is hilarious. A friend found it in a discount bin at a record store a while back (paid a dollar for it). It was (I believe) conceived of in sincerity. A gem of soft rock cheese and spoken word interspersed with a few jams where Fabio sings to the ladies in his thick accent over a recurring beat. Please check out the hit "Love Attack”.

First concert attended?

First major rock concert was The Smashing Pumpkins at Madison Square Garden (the "Melancholy and the Infinite Sadness" tour - my friend had an extra ticket).

Last concert?

Ours! Last night.

Favorite concert ever?
The Last Waltz. But I wasn't there! Second place, the concert for Bangladesh (wasn't there either).

Least favorite concert?
Ugh. Sometimes live shows can get rough. Rain, cold, ice, too hot, stinky, expensive, usually it’s not the show but my own expectations that get in the way... I was really sad once when I thought I was going to see the LA Philharmonic play a concert of Bach and it turned out to be P. D. Q. Bach (a show that satires classical music - everyone in the audience was loving it and I was so confused). It was aimed at a different (older) crowd - I thought I had fallen into the twilight zone.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

Not enough, I'd like to have more! Abigail and I were in Pittsburgh when the Penguins won the Stanley Cup and the whole city started honking. We also used to watch the Pirates play the Mets a lot on TV.

Thanks Lily. I HAVE to track down that Fabio album. It's sounds wretchedly awesome.

First/Last-Action Camp

Action Camp are a local duo who bring together a variety of influences and styles to produce what they themselves call 'melodramatic popular song'. They headline tonight's late show at Club Cafe with Chupacabra and Una De Luna. As for for the image above, they are participating in a cool and unique project that I will profile soon and you can read about here. In the meantime, Maura and Bengt were cool enough to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?

Bengt: Probably Michael Jackson's Dangerous on cassette, but my sister and I used to run around the living room blasting our parents' LPs of Thriller and Black Sabbath's Paranoid so I had a pretty polarized taste in music from a very young age.
Maura: I honestly probably didn't buy music until high school; I recorded onto tape a ton of my dad's collection and listened to my mom's records. The first tapes I ever commandeered, though, were probably B-52's Cosmic Thing and U2's Achtung Baby.

Your last album bought?

Bengt: Elsinore - Yes Yes Yes. We did a mini-tour with them earlier this year and they are fantastic in so many ways.
Maura: Ditto, with a close second being Arcade Fire's Neon Bible.

Favorite album of all time?

Bengt: Jellyfish - Spilt Milk. It's one of the best pop records of the last 25 years.
Maura: I always have a hard time with this one. If you were to base it off of our roadtrips, though, no time in the car is complete without The Killer's Sam's Town. I also never tire of listening to Neko Case's Fox Confessor Brings the Flood.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Bengt: Daft Punk - Human After All seemed pretty phoned in. I remember Vitalic put out OK Cowboy two weeks later though and it was everything Daft Punk should have done.
Maura: I don't think I understand MGMT.

First concert attended?

Bengt: I think Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Eastern States Exhibition when I was 6 or 7.
Maura: I actually think it was Joan Osborne. I remember going with my dad and being uncomfortable when she was flirty with her guitar player.

Last concert?
Bengt: Honestly - Action Camp with our friends Mad Anthony, Aloud, and Electric Situation. It was one of our shows but it was a couple of my favorite bands from around the country all playing on one night.
Maura: Ditto.

Favorite concert ever?
Bengt: Junior Senior opening for Electric Six at the Middle East in Boston. It was the first time Junior Senior ever played the city and they totally destroyed Electric Six. The single greatest set I've ever seen.
Maura: I saw MIA at the Paradise right after Arular came out, it was just her in a skeleton costume, like the one kids wear, with the bones on a black sweater, a Dj, and a back-up singer/dancer in day-glo. I spent half of it behind a pole, but it was awesome.

Least favorite concert?

Bengt: Unknown Hinson at Diesel. He just wanked on guitar and didn't even put his fake sideburns on. I left after 7 songs.
Maura: I'd like to take this opportunity to thank soundmen/women everywhere who sit through their new 'least favorite concert' probably at least once a week.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

Bengt: There are a lot of great bands here. I want to see them touring more so the city will get recognized as a national scene the way it should. I think it's still seen by some bands as a filler gig between DC and Ohio but if more of the locals act as ambassadors by hitting other cities it can draw some much deserved national attention to the Pittsburgh music community.
Maura: Having grown up here, leaving, and coming back, I have to say that there is something inherently different about the personality of Pittsburgh that just ruins you for other places--and I mean that in a good way. I feel like I'm only beginning to scratch the surface of all the exciting things that are happening here, and I think that what makes Pittsburgh different is that no matter how big or small the scene, it always feels approachable, like there is always someone you could just grab a drink with and find yourself involved in their project. And that's pretty unique.

Thanks guys. I am really excited about the upcoming Vanka project. Those murals are just so powerful. Can't wait to hear what you come up with.

Image of the Day-"Action!"

Meeting Of Important People
Colonizing The Cosmos
Halloween Costume Ball Double Feature
Pittsburgh Center For The Arts
Friday October 29, 2010
Point Breeze

Two of my favorite bands decided to make a pair of short horror films and they will screen them tonight along with full sets by both. Dress up in your full Halloween regalia and have a blast. I love the fact that both these bands think of cool ways to put on shows. Here's a couple shots from behind the scenes. As an aside, you may not know, I was an aspiring filmmaker once. Evidence here.

First/Last-Kurt Garrison, Scott Silsbe, Bob Pajich

Thee Shopkeepers
WRCT: A Live Show
Thursday October 28, 2010
Oakland

Thee Shopkeepers are a local 'indie rock' band that will be playing on CMU's fantastic campus radio station tonight at 9 p.m. Listen online here. They also have a gig next Thursday November 4 at the 31st Street Pub. The guys were nice enough to participate in this special trio version of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?

Kurt Garrison: Born in the USA - Bruce Springsteen. I can still jam to "I'm on Fire", "Glory Days" and "I'm Going Down". But the title track? Eh, not so much.

Scott Silsbe: While I have great memories of listening to records and cassettes when I was a youngster—like the first couple Monkees records and Michael Jackson’s Thriller—I don’t remember if I actually bought any of them for myself or if they were just hand-me-downs. I have a clear memory of buying my first CD with my own money though, and that was Pearl Jam’s Ten.

Bob Pajich: Thriller--Michael Jackson.

Your last album bought?

Kurt: I bought three: Lisbon - The Walkmen; Expo 86 - Wolf Parade; Worried Now, Won't Be Worried Long - Field Recordings from Alan Lomax's "Southern Journey".

Scott: The first XTC album, White Music. Though I’ve also got a nice reissue of The Wedding Present’s George Best on hold for me at Desolation Row—I should be picking that up any day now.

Bob: Handful of crap vinyl from Good Samaritan in North Versailles.

Favorite album of all time?

Kurt : The first one that always comes to mind is Slanted and Enchanted - Pavement. Anyone who says that it's a blatant rip-off of the Fall is lazy (including Mark E. Smith)...Apologies to the Queen Mary - Wolf Parade is a close second...and A Love Supreme - John Coltrane is something that I'm still trying to wrap my mind around twenty years after first listening to it.

Scott: This is hard to say of course, but I’m going to go with My Bloody Valentine, Loveless. I like everything about that record.

Bob: American Water--Silver Jews.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

Kurt: Exile on Main Street. Easily. I love the Rolling Stones -- the Brian Jones-era Rolling Stones, that is -- a band that perfected the art of poorly interpreting blues standards and creating something completely new and exciting in the process...but then Brian decided to go swimming one night without his floaties and Mick and Keef took over, actually believing that they had Southern Soul, which eventually led them to hire a bunch of hilljack mercenaries looking to pay off an overextended bartab. (At least this is the story that I've concocted.) If you're a fan of session musicians pulling the weight for a bunch of coked-up limeys one music fad away from doling out blow-jobs in a Studio 54 bathroom, then this is your jam. Regardless, I'm still waiting for that Bill Plummer solo album.

Scott: Hmm, another hard one. I’ll go with my most disappointing album being Weezer’s green self-titled album. Maybe I just liked Pinkerton too much. Or maybe I didn’t realize how essential Matt Sharp was to that band. In a similar vein, Wilco’s Ghost is Born was pretty disappointing to me.

Bob: Jeff Tweedy spoken word.

First concert attended?

Kurt: Paul Simon at Hershey Park (Back off, a pretty girl asked me.)

Scott: My parents took me to see Neil Diamond at a big outdoor venue outside of Detroit called Pine Knob. I think this around 1984. I mostly just remember my sister hoping he’d play “Turn on Your Heartlight,” which she called “The E.T. Song.”

Bob: Genesis at Three Rivers, Circa 1990.

Last concert?

Kurt: Polvo at the Brillobox.

Scott: Well, I’ve seen some good indie shows around town lately, but one of the most memorable big things for me lately was seeing Polvo up at Brillobox. I never saw them in the 90s, and they’re a pretty incredible live band.

Bob: The little Stephen Fosters.

Favorite concert ever?

Kurt: There have been a few...shoegazers Ride at the old 9:30 club way back in '93...Archers of Loaf at Albright College during the Ickey Mettle tour...Run DMC at the Stone Balloon at U. of Maryland in '97...Mogwai at the Troubadour during the CODY tour...hell, Miles Kurosky kicked serious ass at the Brillobox back in March. However, my favorite would probably be Belle & Sebastian in Glasgow at the Botanic Gardens in '04; one of those "Life is Good" moments.

Scott: I guess I’ll go with when CMU brought Fugazi in. It was one of those free outdoor shows and I’d never seen them before. I was so excited that I didn’t believe it was actually happening. And Fugazi really ripped it up too—they sounded great. I guess I still don’t believe I saw them for free here. But there was a great moment when they were setting up their gear and drummer Brendan Canty’s big dinner bell was walked across the stage. All of us music nerds up front started cheering for the bell.

Bob: Violent Femmes mudbath at Ohio Geauga County Fairgrounds.

Least favorite concert?

Kurt: Seeing Mogwai at the World(?) in the Strip District. It was the polar opposite of the Troubadour show...the volume was very low and un-Mogwai-like. I blame the club. And The (C)Rapture opening. A total yawnfest.

Scott: Oh man, another tough question—I think I try to block out bad concert experiences. I remember having a bad time at a Black Keys show down in The Strip once. Maybe it was just my mood or the venue or something, but I recall my friend Kris not digging it either—we just left there thinking, “We paid for this?”

Bob: The Detroit Cobras phoned one in last year at Mr. Smalls when no one showed up.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

Kurt: You can do whatever you want here. People like to bitch about the "scene" -- although I'm not even sure what the hell a scene is...bands that have a similar sound? Bands that go out to dinner together? Shop together? Maybe take in a movie? Just make noise. There are plenty of great places to play and tons of great people to play with. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

Scott: Pittsburgh’s great. It’s such a fun place to both play music and go out to see music. There’s a whole mess of talent here, so whether you’re going down to Howler’s to catch a tribute night or going to the 31st Street Pub to see some local bands and maybe an out-of-towner, you’re probably going to have a good time. One thing I really appreciate is how often bands from different genres play together on the same bill. I mean, it’s all indie music, I guess, since none of us are signed to a major label, right? But I like when I go to see a local show and there’s a band with a country twang, then one with a very 90s Indie Rock feel, then, say, one with a more of a Metal feel. I like that there are many different versions of “The Pittsburgh Sound” right now.

Bob: I look to my right hand, and its love. I look to my left, its hate.

Thanks fellas. Have fun during the radio set tonight, I'll be listening for sure.

Image Of The Day-"The Sound Of Sunshine"

Michael Franti
WYEP Studios
Saturday October 23, 2010
Southside

Again this is a case of "I've heard of Michael Franti but am not familiar with his music one bit." Evidently, I am in the minority because this was probably the most crowded studio session out of the dozens I have seen in this room. Michael seemingly stumbled out of the van with a glazed look in his eye to a warm welcome from the crowd waiting to enter. Scenes of Spicoli entered my mind as we enjoyed stories about the awesome wonderments of oranges, Woody Harrelson, and Jamaican studios. Duuuuuude! It turned out he was a really nice guy and posed for pictures and signed autographs for everyone in the audience afterward. I'll say it again, treat your fanbase nice and they will return the favor tenfold. Listen to the set here. More photos here.

Image Of The Day-"Love In 2 Parts"

Erin McKeown
Rex Theater
Friday October 22, 2010
Southside

Another assignment for a 'WYEP Presents' show. I have very little knowledge of Erin and her music, like none. Not to say she wasn't good though, she was. This tour had her celebrating the 10th Anniversary of her debut album Distillation. She was playing the whole thing, in reverse order which was unique. She had some adoring fans in the audience which is always great to see. More photos here.

Image Of The Day-"Worn Out Tune"

Elizabeth & The Catapult
WYEP Studios
Friday October 16, 2010
Southside

This session was a teaser for the teaser they would perform as openers for Jukebox The Ghost later that night at Brillobox. They sounded great (listen to the set here) and you shouldn't be bummed if you missed them because they are headlining a show at the Thunderbird on Saturday November 6th. More photos here and here.

Image Of The Day-"The Concept"

Teenage Fanclub
Mr. Smalls Funhouse
Sunday October 3, 2010
Millvale

A few years ago when I first discovered Teenage Fanclub, I thought I would never get to see them live. I was so psyched that they announced a Pittsburgh date for this tour. They sounded incredible and as a bonus, Smalls wasn't overly packed which can easily kill the enjoyment factor for a concert there. Setlist here.

Contest for Twitter!

I have been on Twitter for awhile now and I mainly tweet about posts from this blog. Sometimes I throw out random things here and there when I am bored enough. I still haven't figured out exactly how to use this social tool/nuisance to it's fullest abilities as of yet. One thing I would like to do is celebrate the fact that people are actually following what's happening with this awesome thing I call HughShows.

As you may or may not know, I enjoy drawing. Some of my favorite subjects are bands (most of the time). I do it for fun, for me, and don't expect anything from it. I once knew a guy who collected empty Skoal cans. I collect indie band memorabilia. Same thing.

Anyway, here is just a sampling of my work.

As I approach 100 followers on Twitter, I am going to give away an original piece of my work to my 118th follower. That person can either choose a drawing that I have already done (if I still have it, sometimes the bands want it) or pick a band of their choice for me to draw. I work in color pencil and the dimensions are approximately 25'x10'. If you want a drawing of your kids, forget it, you can email me about a price.

I can already sense that this little experiment will be a total bust. I don't care about that. My work has no demand, I know. My feeling is that I want to share the absolute pleasure I get from the combination of music and art with someone who appreciates it as much as I do. Good luck.

The very first sketch I ever did for a musician. I brought it to a show and someone asked me if I drew it during the concert.


The best reaction from any of my drawings was John Doe. He asked why I was showing him a picture of Fred Munster?

These guys were so appreciative that I took the time to do this. They both said separately when each other wasn't around that they couldn't wait to give it to their Mum.

My personal favorite. Do I have another one with seven portraits? No.

By far the most popular drawing I have ever done.

Two years after I gave this to him, Ryan told me he keeps this in his desk among a bunch of songs he's working on as inspiration! What?

I finished this one of Michael Franti today.

First/Last-Peace Ike

The Peace Project
Club Cafe
Saturday October 23, 2010
Southside

Today's artist is celebrating a CD release with a show this Saturday. I have seen Peace play a couple of times backing up her sister Joy and it's cool that she is making a name for herself in town. She was nice enough to take the time and participate in today's edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?

A dc Talk album, "Free at Last". I grew up listening to them.

Your last album bought?

Ryan Leslie’s self-titled album.

Favorite album of all time?

That’s a VERY hard question to answer. But I would have to say Gavin DeGraw, "Chariot".

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

It was by one of my favorite musicians, Marc Broussard. The album was "Momentary Setback" and.... I just wanted...more.

First concert attended?

A News Boys concert at the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan.

Last concert?

Family Force Five Concert at the Purple Door Music Festival.

Favorite concert ever?

That's another difficult question to answer. I've seen so many great live performances. To make it easy, I’ll choose the most recent "best" concert, which was a B. Reith concert. The guy is just crazy talented.

Least favorite concert?

The Family Force Five concert. Not because I don't love those guys; I'm a HUGE fan! It’s because I was surrounded by thousands of pre-pubescent teens who felt the need to start a mosh-pit in the exact location where I was standing.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has been a great city for me to build my music foundation. The people of Pittsburgh show appreciation for artists who take pride in what they do, and it is much appreciated. I'll always have love for my hometown!

Thanks, Peace. I have to admit, I'm not familiar with any of the musicians you mentioned but that's what I love about these posts. I get to discover new music, which is always welcome.

First/Last-Ben Shannon

Image courtesy Ben's MySpace

Ben Shannon
Club Cafe
Friday October 22, 2010
Southside

Ben is a local 'ameracana' songwriter who describes his sound as..."Children playing cops and robbers on a rusty caboose while leaves whip by on howling winds." Cool. He is releasing an EP this Friday at Club Cafe and was nice enough to participate in this over the hump edition of the week long spectacular that is First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?

AC/DC-Back In Black.

Your last album bought?

Gillian Welch-Time (The Revelator).

Favorite album of all time?

U2-War.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

The second Violent Femmes album because I wanted more of the first.

First concert attended?

At the Electric Banana to see two local bands Half Life and Circus of Death open up for DRI.

Last concert?

The Flaming Lips and I left after 4 songs.

Favorite concert ever?

Billy Bragg and the Indigo Girls at Soldiers and Sailors in Oakland.

Least favorite concert?

By myself as a teenager in my third floor bedroom playing through a Marshall stack (made some enemies).

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh is a fantastic little gem tucked away in the northern Appalachians where it is hard to get into and out of but pretty easy to stay. This can be a brutal place and that sometimes makes it a wonderful place to develop all sorts of psychological muscles that wouldn't be used elsewhere. There are more trees in a hundred mile radius than people--so if you screw up the trees won't hold it against you and that can help your odds of success. It took leaving for a good while to appreciate the influence of geography on the psychology of Pittsburghers. The walls and waves of earth both hide and reveal this city. The twists, turns, and wrinkles keep us entertained and distracted. Overall, I feel that this city inspires and restrains with a unique gravity of visual, emotional, and visceral complexity. Oh, and most of my family lives here so that is my biggest reason for living here.

Thanks, Ben. Sorry you didn't dig that Lips show. I thought it was incredible. I love how you described our area. Rather poetic.

First/Last-Ryan Emmett

Seldon Hunt produced image courtesy of the band's MySpace

Hunted Creatures
The Shop
Friday October 22, 2010
Friendship

We are taking a well deserved left turn here on the blog today. Hunted Creatures are a band that specializes in ambient, experimental music. A cleansing of the palate of sorts from all the humdrum indie pop I tend to focus on. They are playing a gig this Friday with a whole mess of other bands and if you like what you hear from the sampling of the links provided, go out and see them. It appears this is the last local gig for the near future. Continuing this special week long First/Last segment is band member Ryan Emmett, who stresses that his views do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the others in the group. Duly noted.

The first album you ever bought?
I can't exactly remember… I have memories of a 99 cent CD of Mozart's "Jupiter Symphony" but also of the Beastie Boys' "Sounds Of Science". I remember my dad cracking up at the idea of the Beastie Boys having an anthology album in 1999. Actually, it is pretty funny.

Your last album bought?
A Dead 3xLP bootleg titled "Farewell to Winterland". It's the audio recording of what later became one of their most popular DVDs. The set is outstanding and the cover is the best ever with Jerry smiling real big holding out an empty wine glass. Big ups to Mind Cure Records for the hook up.

Favorite album of all time?
That's a very tough call. I sincerely can't pick one because it's so hard to decide what is a culmination of all music styles and perspectives all expressed in one album. Even if that was possible it would probably be really shitty mess honestly. Coltrane's "A Love Supreme" might possibly be one of the most sublime albums of all time though. It hits hard on all fronts.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I can actually answer this. William Brittelle's "Mohair Time Warp" is one of the worst albums I've heard in my life. Total clusterfuck. I wrote a review of this for Foxy Digitalis where I stated, "I haven't hated an album this much in a very long time." This guy is going to track me down and try to beat me up.

First concert attended?
Smashmouth when I was 14. There was so much weed at that gig.

Last concert?
Like in an arena type deal? I saw Furthur in Buffalo this summer. I was impressed; they did pretty bang up versions of Bird Song and Dark Star. Locally, I was at the VIA Festival… that was outstanding. And before that saw Aaron Dilloway, Spykes, Failing Lights and Dog Lady at an Oakland house gig. Those dudes all slay so much. Wolf Eyes had a huge influence on me when I was 17, as with thousands of other 17 year olds I am sure, have toured the world numerous times, been on the cover of Wire, had features in mainstream music publications and yet they are the most real down to earth guys who just like listening to Brain Handle on a cell phone drinking beers in someone's basement.

Favorite concert ever?
Smashmouth when I was 14. There was so much weed at that gig.

Least favorite concert?
Any where you're touring and nobody shows up, the creepy ass prick promoter doesn't even offer you $5 for gas and you have to smoke shitty weed in a shitty motel outside of Detroit praying that the trucker addicts in the parking lot don't break into your room and that the domestic violence in the room next door will be quiet when it's time to sleep. And the toilet backs up getting shit water all over the bathroom floor. That is my least favorite gig. Hey Dustin, you're an asshole.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Pierogies rule but the weather sucks and Bloomfield is charming but kind of a dump. Also, too much hatin' on Yuengling. Great beer.

Thanks Ryan, I appreciate it. There is something hypnotic about your sound that I really love. Never pegged you as a 'DeadHead'. Come to think of it, that whole 'Space' vibe they practically invented...

First/Last-Matt Kurz

Photo courtesy Matt's MySpace

The Matt Kurz One
The Smiling Moose
Thursday October 21, 2010
Southside

According to his bio, Matt is an Athens, GA based one man band that plays bass guitar (with his left foot!), a full drum set, a guitar, a keyboard, and sings all at the same time. Check him out this Thursday at the Smiling Moose as he shares a bill with Chotto Ghetto from L.A. In between gigs, Matt was cool enough to participate in this Monday edition of a week-long First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
New Traditionalists by Devo.

Your last album bought?
The Nerves EP.

Favorite album of all time?
Blonder Tongue Audio Baton by The Swirlies.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
There are a lot of terrible albums.

First concert attended?
Lollapalooza’ 92.

Last concert?
Man Or Astro-man? Reunion show in Birmingham, AL.

Favorite concert ever?
Man or Astro-man? at Irving Plaza in ‘97.

Least favorite concert?
Ween at Tramps in ‘98.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I think Pittsburgh is very beautiful.

Thanks, Matt. I have to check out that Swirlies album. I like what I hear so far.

First/Last-Darin Palilla

Image courtesy of the band

The Buffalo
Belvedere's
Monday October 18, 2010
Larryville

I know this is a photo blog and all but there are several local gigs this week that I wanted to highlight and give a little exposure to. With that said, I am once again celebrating with a First/Last Week! First up is relatively new band (new to me that is) on the Pittsburgh scene called The Buffalo. They have a show tomorrow and if you like down and dirty garage rock, you will love these guys. They have some raw rehearsal audio up on the Myspace to get a feel of what they are bringing to the table. There is a free EP available from the band here. They also have a blog with lots of stuff going on there. Guitarist & vocalist Darin Pallila was cool enough to participate in this Sunday edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?

Two at the same time: Primus - Pork Soda and Crash Test Dummies - God Shuffled His Feet. Yeah I know.

Your last album bought?

Just picked up Neil Young - Le Noise on 180 gram vinyl. Sounds Amazing.

Favorite album of all time?

I can’t answer that, but I can answer: What 5 albums I would take to a desert island?

The Beatles - The Beatles (The White Album)

The Band - The Band

Derek & The Dominos - Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs

Bob Dylan - New Morning

George Harrison - All Things Must Pass

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

I was really disappointed by The Dead Weather in general. They don't have the listening power of Jack Whites other projects. As far as albums, maybe Bob Dylan's Christmas Album.

First concert attended?

Crosby Stills & Nash

Last concert?

Alice Cooper. I finally got to see that man's head get cut off. Great stuff.

Favorite concert ever?

Ryan Adams & the Cardinals is up there. Tom Waits is a real close second, but the #1 is when my wife and I working are way up to the front row at Bonnaroo '06 to see our heroes Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. Mike Campbell is my guitar god.

Least favorite concert?

Eric Burdon and The Animals were dreadful.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

I love this town. It is constantly changing. Every week I find something more to love about it. As far as music goes we, as in The Buffalo, are so new on the scene that it is hard to say. I guess were just looking to make are mark.

Thanks Darin. I like your classic rock influences going on there. 'New Morning' as a desert island disc? Awesome.

Image Of The Day-"Off The Ground"

Citizen Cope
Byham Theater
Wednesday October 13, 2010
Downtown

On assignment for WYEP. I really don't know much about Citizen Cope except that from first impressions, dude seems chill. I was surprised how many people were actually there. Wasn't he always playing Club Cafe when he came to town? In actuality, I am glad his following is growing, he and his band sounded great. He also had some signed framed posters for sale at $100 a pop! Here's a tip, wait after the show by his bus and get it for free. More photos here.

First/Last-Kayla Slicker

Photo courtesy MySpace

The Committee For Getting Attention deserves some notice. She has no shows lined up. She has no record deal. This very morning she offered up her demos for anyone to hear. They are raw. They are honest. I dig them. She is recording for realz this fall. She was awesome enough to continue this, what I like to call First/Last Fridays.

 

The first album you ever bought?

Fastball. All the Pain Money Can Buy. Actually my mom or dad bought it for me because I was in 4th grade.

Your last album bought?

Bought or downloaded? Last album I bought was Power Move by The Screaming Females on vinyl. It's perfect!

Favorite album of all time?

It's impossible to pinpoint just one but the first that come to mind...either Out Come the Wolves by Rancid or Red Eyed Soul by World/Inferno Friendship Society. Probably the former just because it's super nostalgic.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

I was way disappointed with Rancid's Let the Dominos Fall or whatever it was called. Tim's burnt out, I think.

First concert attended?

Suckerpunch Thompsons and the River City Rebels at American Music Cafe in Murrysville. I still have the flyer, which I somehow acquired years later, somewhere. Bopper was the lead singer of the Rebels. He was this sweaty, shirtless, dude with a big 'ol gut who somehow managed to be very glam-rock in the way he carried himself. It was a great first-show experience.

Last concert?

Zombie Dogs at The Marvelous! in West Philly. Last PGH concert was Screaming Females at Helter Shelter!

Favorite concert ever?

World/Inferno Hallowmas 2008. Snuck in through the back entrance of the Brooklyn Masonic Temple and wound up on stage behind the curtains. I believe it had been sold out so we definitely got lucky there. Music For Everyone Fest at Helter Shelter this year is up there too!

Least favorite concert?

Probably something that I played with The Hormones. We always were put on shitty shows.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has been my stomping grounds for a good 6 or so years now. Manny was the first person to book The Hormones, which was my first band. He's booked the CFGA many a time now too. I'm in Philadelphia currently and I can tell you that they don't have a Manny, or a Howler's or a Belvedere's. Not so far anyway. Nothing even comes close out here. Oh and the Flyers suck.

Thanks so much Kayla. Nothing wrong with Fastball. 'The Way' is my seventh favorite song to play on guitar. Right before #8-Air Supply's 'Lost In Love'. I can definitely reiterate that wherever anyone is, they don't have a Manny. Oh yeah, and the Flyers do suck.