Image of the Day-"The Entire Scene"

Dean Cercone
Garfield Artworks
Sunday October 17, 2010
Garfield

Dean is a local musician who also happens to be an artist. I cannot stress enough how much I admire his DIY ways of producing his art. I caught up with him at a cool event at AIR on the Northside. He just happened to be there printing his own merch. The occasion was a silkscreen demo by one of the city's most unique visual artists, Budai. He specializes in graphic arts and produces some of the most incredible concert posters I have ever seen. His unconditional willingness to share his knowledge has always amazed me. This city is full of unique treasures in the forms of our artists and I for one would like to explore the scene more in the future.

Budai Silkscreen Workshop
AIR
Tuesday November 9, 2010
Northside

Kickstarter-Lohio

Lohio
Thunderbird Cafe
Saturday November 13, 2010
Larryville

My friends in Lohio are doing the seemingly more popular Kickstarter route to raise funds for the production of a professional music video for the song Adelai off their awesome new EP. There are all kinds of unique rewards to entice you to donate to the cause and with 8 days to go, they still need to raise around $1300. For what it's worth, they are way cool and talented people so you can feel real good about helping them out. Get the all the info here. I have set up an easy to view widget of their remaining progress to the left of this page. Some way cool video here.

Image of the Day-"Hometown Fantasy"

The Wooden Birds
Byham Theater
Wednesday September 9, 2010
Downtown

Chalk this show up to another one where the opening band is more enjoyable than the headliner, in this case, Broken Social Scene. The Wooden Birds weren't Earth shattering or anything, just solid indie pop that was a total surprise to me. It was cool recognizing Matt Pond as he came onstage and approaching him afterward he was really nice, as was the rest of the band. I really loved this set. More PGH fanboy love here.

Image of the Day-"You Were Alone"

Casiotone For The Painfully Alone
Garfield Artworks
Sunday October 17, 2010
Garfield

When this show was announced months ago, it was touted as being his last show ever under the CFTPA moniker. He would eventually announce more dates in Europe and a few across the country. Then this show was officially the last show of his last formal tour under the CFTPA moniker. Got it? Regardless, he isn't retiring from music just the band name.

First/Last-Josh Fiedler

Image courtesy the band

Vesta
Club Cafe
Saturday November 27, 2010
Southside

After the popular local band The Juliana Theory disbanded, multi-instrumentalist Josh Fiedler formed Vesta along with former TJT members Joshua Kosker and Chad Monticue. They play Club Cafe Saturday on an exciting bill with ATLAS and Big Hurry. I hear they might clear the area in front of the stage for dancing (or, as I like to think of it, as improved sightlines for better photos). Josh was cool enough to participate in this week's Black Friday edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?

First record I bought with my own money was Lou Gramm of Foreigner’s solo record "Midnight Blue". I don't exactly know why though .. haha I think I was about 6 or 7 years old when it came out and I loved that song.

Your last album bought?

The new Amusement Parks On Fire "Road Eyes". They are an amazing Indie/shoegazer band from the U.K.

Favorite album of all time?

That’s a bit tough...probably a handful at any given time but ones that always stick to me are: The Beatles - Rubber Soul and Revolver; Sonic youth – Dirty; The Cure – Disintegration; My Bloody Valentine – Loveless; Radiohead - The Bends; Led Zep II & III; Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream. It’s too hard to name just one.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

The new Jimmy Eat World. They are a band that I have loved every record since “Static Prevails” and with this new record seems like it just lacks passion and is stripped of all energy. It’s like the band was castrated.

First concert attended?

The Ramones.

Favorite concert ever?
Probably Sonic Youth at Mr. Smalls about 4-5 years ago. I had wanted to see them for so long and after years of waiting I was still blown away.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

Too many favorite thoughts of Pittsburgh even from my youth when my grandparents would take me to the Carnegie to see the dinosaurs, to various Pens and Steeler games and even recently with The Juliana Theory's last show ever.

Thanks Josh. Dinosaurs! Right on, I am so surprised that they aren't mentioned in everyone's answers. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Image of the Day-"Smart Flesh"

The Low Anthem
Byham Theater
Tuesday November 9, 2010
Downtown

As support for Emmylou Harris, the band got a rare standing ovation for an opener. It was totally well deserved as they played a bunch of stuff from their upcoming release which sounded amazing. I was blown away of how good they were. Can't wait till they come back in February as they announced from the stage. It was also cool to see Emmylou enjoying the set from the wings. More photos here.

Image of the Day-"Ohio"

Damien Jurado
Thunderbird Cafe
Saturday November 13, 2010
Larryville

My first time seeing Damien play and I have to say that I really enjoyed his set. He has a very low-key stage presence but remarkably engaged the audience with his delicate songs. He begrudgingly granted a few requests from the crowd because he said that we were nice people. I met him and his wife after the show and they were nice as well.

Between The Lines-The Beatles

Walk into any bookstore and you will easily find more volumes devoted to The Beatles than any other musical group. Some range from the pathetic to the encyclopedic. I have recently read a trio of diverse biographies that couldn't be any more different in tone and purpose.

The Lives of John Lennon by Albert Goldman (1988)
I am not sure why I waited so long to finally read this book. It caused such a firestorm upon it's release that maybe I couldn't take it seriously. He portrays Lennon as a total scumbag degenerate who wasn't past lying, adultery, abuse, rape and even murder! You think that's bad, Goldman portrays Yoko in an even worse light. After awhile it gets a tad redundant and somewhat disingenuous. At what point is Goldman even attempting to tell the truth?



Case in point, as minor as an example as it may be, is how he simply states that for the famous Two Virgins cover shot, there was actually another person in the nude standing next to the new lovers. In actuality, a fan made a poster as a joke that had him manipulated into the photo and sent it to John and Yoko. They thought it funny enough to actually frame it to eventually hang in their living room. To base a 'theory' simply on a photograph is irresponsible and kind of destroys any little credibility Goldman had and makes it hard to believe most about what he writes.


Here, There, and Everywhere by Geoff Emerick (2007)
Figuratively stumbling into one of the most important roles in rock history as The Beatles influential engineer at age 15, Emerick does bring a unique perspective to everything Fab. Unfortunately, he is nauseatingly biased in his idolatry of Paul and in utter contempt of the rest of the group. In his eyes, John was a junkie, George was an untalented hack, and Ringo was the luckiest S.O.B. who contributed virtually nothing the the success of the group. Even if his lopsided praise is warranted, after awhile it gets old.

The Beatles: The Biography by Bob Spitz (2006)
This was a great read. Exhaustive in scope, it doesn't hold punches but unlike the first two, has an objective air about it that exposes some warts but doesn't veer towards slander. Not only the best book about the band but one of the most well written biographies I have read period.

Image of the Day-"A Working Day"

Ben Folds
Club Zoo
Thursday November 11, 2010
Strip District

To be honest, I couldn't tell you one song from Ben Folds. I am so unfamiliar with the guy's music, I couldn't even hum a melody from him or his previous band Ben Folds Five. That's not to say there aren't others who could. I couldn't believe how many people were at this show. What also amazed me is the reception he got when he took the stage. I am not exaggerating when I say it sounded like a Learjet taking off. Amazing. Setlist here. More photos here.

First/Last-Donnie Iris

Donnie Iris & The Cruisers
Light Up Night 2010
Roberto Clemente Bridge
Friday November 19, 2010
Downtown

Donnie Iris is a Pittsburgh institution. He's been actively producing music for over 40 years and has a brand new Christmas album coming out tomorrow, November 18. Called appropriately enough 'Ah! Leluiah!', Donnie will be at North Park Lounge in Cranberry to celebrate it's release.
The following day, catch the band celebrate Light Up Night with a free show on the bridge! Seriously, what's more yinzer than that? I am thrilled that 'King Cool' himself took some time to participate in this rather 'tongue in cheek' version of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Burl Ives "Ballads with Guitar".

Your last album bought?
Radiohead "The Bends".

Favorite album of all time?
Donnie Iris "King Cool".

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
The Burl Ives album that Rick Rubin produced.

First concert attended?
Burl Ives.

Last concert?
The Spits.

Favorite concert ever?
Gotta be Foreigner.

Least favorite concert?
Any concert where there's a lot of vomit in the men's room.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Lulu's Noodles eggrolls. Seriously underrated, if a bit small.

Thanks dude. No kidding, at this moment I am cracking a King Cool Light in your honor my man!

Image Of The Day-"Hello My Destroyer"

Hallelujah The Hills
Garfield Artworks
Sunday October 17, 2010
Garfield

I have been a serious fan of these guys since the very first time I heard them. I have been lucky enough to have been able to see them each time they have passed through Pittsburgh and consider myself even more lucky in being able to get to know them personally.
They are working on producing their third record and need a little assistance in doing so. There are only five days left in the campaign with a little over a thousand dollars to raise. I am confident you will love the music you are getting. They played some new tunes last month and it is just as killer as their previous stuff. Help the band via Kickstarter here.

Between The Lines-Pink Floyd The Wall

The Making of Pink Floyd The Wall

Gerald Scarfe
Da Capo Press
2010

"It always amazes me to see the end result of what started as a few scribbles on a piece of paper."-Gerald Scarfe

I am an avid reader. I'll read just about anything but I really enjoy non-fiction. In this new feature on the blog, I will give quick capsule reviews of books that focus on rock and roll.

I stumbled upon this lavishly illustrated book and immediately had to have it. As a long time die-hard Floyd fan, I always appreciated the imagery that was so integral to the band and it's music. The man largely responsible for that has finally gathered his work which focuses mainly with various aspects of The Wall productions but also includes insight to all his various associations with Pink Floyd and Roger Waters throughout the years, including the new 2010 touring show of The Wall.

Early drawings of the famous flower sequence that took seven years to complete!

The book is beautifully designed with ideas, sketches, and final results with detailed commentary from the surviving members of the Floyd as well as Alan Parker, the director of the film.
It's incredibly fascinating to see how Waters' and Scarfe's imaginations developed into the crazy visuals that are synonymous with the band.

The initial ideas for the main characters for The Wall.

It's amazing that Scarfe rarely threw anything out and NEVER gave anything away. His archives are exhaustive and many images are presented here for the first time.

One of my favorite sections focuses on his collaboration with Waters on 'The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking' tour.

If you are at all interested in Pink Floyd, I can't emphasize enough that this book is a must.

Image of the Day-"Darkness On The Edge Of Town"

Bruce Springsteen
Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall
Friday November 5, 2010
Oakland

For the last several years I have not been a fan of Bruce's live stuff. Ever since his Seeger Sessions tours, I have felt that he 'screams' all his songs in concert and had no desire to even bother with seeing him again. That thinking was premature as this show was probably my favorite of the year. Could it be he had the Houserockers backing him and was more loose than usual? I don't know but even when he was ripping it up on lead during several of Joe's tunes, they sounded great. Setlist here.

Image of the Day-"Maxo Vanka"

Action Camp
St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church
Sunday November 14, 2010
Millvale

I had the pleasure of photographing Maura and Bengt as they prepare and compose music based on the unbelievable murals of Maxo Vanka at St. Nicholas Church. As part of hopefully an ongoing series called Hi Rez, the idea is to place artists of different media and give them a theme to produce from. As the press release states, it is "a new nomadic, site-specific, hi-impact, artist residency program". Sounds cool to me. The initial performance is this Sunday at 3pm. Well enough time to catch the show AND the Steeler game, so no excuses. More photos here.

First/Last-Jonathan Meiburg & Damien Jurado

Images courtesy Robert Loerzel

Shearwater
Damien Jurado
Thunderbird Cafe
Saturday November 13, 2010
Larryville

I mentioned in my Radar Brothers post last month that they were among a handful of bands that I was finally able to see live after many years of wanting to. This Saturday, can I can conveniently scratch two more off. Shearwater and Damien Jurado are touring together and bringing the show to Pittsburgh at the T'Bird (with local favs Lohio no less!). This should be an incredible show and and may very well sell out, so be warned. Both Jonathan and Damien were very cool to take some time and participate in the ever growing phenomena that is First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?

Jonathan Meiburg: Dire Straits-Brothers in Arms (if you were alive in 1986 you were required to buy this album. I remember unwrapping the cassette from its shrink-wrap and sniffing the insert.)

Damien Jurado: KISS-Destroyer.

Your last album bought?

Jonathan: Enigmatic by Polish prog-rocker Czeslaw Niemen. What a voice.

Damien: Grateful Dead-American Beauty.

Favorite album of all time?

Jonathan: The Secret Museum of Mankind series, issued by Yazoo records.

Damien: Jimi Hendrix-Electric Ladyland.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

Jonathan: A Momentary Lapse of Reason by "Pink Floyd".

Damien: I don't own those albums.

First concert attended?

Jonathan: Paul Simon at the Dean E Smith Athletic Center, Chapel Hill NC.

Damien: KISS - The Dynasty Tour.

Last concert?

Jonathan: That I paid to go to? Lower Dens at Death By Audio, Brooklyn NY.

Damien: Richard Swift.

Favorite concert ever?

Jonathan: Tie: Neil Young at Primavera Sound fest in Barcelona, 2008 / Nick Cave at ATP, Minehead UK, 2007.

Damien: Jandek.

Least favorite concert?

Jonathan: Van Morrison in Belfast, Northern Ireland, 1998. Barked his way through a short set and stormed off.

Damien: Most likely some festival with a ton of bands that I've never heard of.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

Jonathan: It's been several years since I've played there, but the first time I did I remember arriving the night of a show, on the highway that emerges from a hole in the mountain, and I was amazed to see the city appear all of a sudden. It was beautiful. Another time I visited the national aviary and spent about fifteen minutes ogling a hyacinth macaw. I've always liked Pittsburgh - I'm glad we're finally coming back.

Damien: I really like the bridges...and how beautiful the city looks at night.

Thanks so much, fellas. I am extremely stoked for the show. See you Saturday.

First/Last-James Hart & Carrie Battle

The Harlan Twins/Harlan Duo

Rex Theater
Friday November 12, 2010
Southside

Bands For Bread Benefit
Gooski's
Saturday November 13, 2010
Polish Hill

I recently made a mix made up of all Pittsburgh bands for a friend of mine to 'turn' him on to the incredible music scene we are lucky enough to have here. Out of about 18 tunes, he said to me that he was really digging the disc but that one song by the 'Harlans' was just killer. He loved how it just exploded mid-song. Yep, that's pretty much what hooked me to.
The band is opening for Vetiver this Friday, which I guarantee will turn out to be great night.
The next night, there will be the debut of The Harlan Duo, James and Carrie acoustic, for a benefit show, which IMO sounds just as awesome. They were both cool enough to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?

James Hart: Was probably either Soul Asylum-Grave Dancers Union or Boyz II Men-Cooleyhighharmony.

Carrie Battle: Michael Jackson- Dangerous.

Your last album bought?

James: The Goodnight Loving Supper Club? I also geeked out when I was in Chicago and bought a copy of My Morning Jacket's Chocolate and Ice EP on vinyl, which I've had for years on my hard drive...

Carrie: Silver Jews-American Water.

Favorite album of all time?

James: I'm a recalcitrant record nerd, so I had to provide a list: Van Morrison's Astral Weeks, Belle & Sebastian If You're Feeling Sinister, Neutral Milk Hotel Airplane Over the Sea, Nina Simone High Priestess of Soul, The Band Music From Big Pink, Tom Rush Blues and Ballads, Allman Bros. Fillmore East, Pharoah Sanders Karma, all of the Mick Taylor era Stones records, any Bob Dylan up to and including Blonde On Blonde, Wilco Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, Fairport Convention What We Did On Our Holidays, the live Neko Case record...All records that I feel like if I had not buried myself in at one point or another I would be a significantly different person.

Carrie: Oh geez, I have to give you a few too, sorry. The Basement Tapes-Bob Dylan and The Band, Brighten the Corners-Pavement, Loaded--The Velvet Underground, Part 1 Lola vs. Powerman-The Kinks, Cosmo's Factory-Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Graceland-Paul Simon.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

James: The reaction I had the first time I heard Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was like Pete Seeger at Newport, but I changed my mind after a couple of dozen pouty listens. Z by My Morning Jacket is still a disappointment to me; I can understand why Jim James made that record, and in some ways it's pretty sweet, but I’ll always be pissed that I never got to listen to "It Still Moves: Part 2".

Carrie: With the exception of Paul Simon, pretty much anything the great musicians from the 1960's and 70's did in the 80's. Blech.

First concert attended?

James: I saw The Eagles on the Hell Freezes Over tour when I was 11(?). We were impossibly close to the stage because my folks know somebody that knows Joe Walsh... (just to either recover - or entirely negate - my "scene cred", this was closely followed by The Grateful Dead on Garcia's last tour).

Carrie: Paul McCartney’s world tour 1990, Civic Arena. I was nine when my parents took me to this. I still have the t shirt.

Last concert?

James: I just saw Tom Rush (the guy that wrote "No Regrets") with my dad. He’s an effortless performer and amazing interpreter of songs - he recorded tunes by James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, and Jackson Browne before anyone else, including them and his melding of the sounds of folk blues and Child Ballads is still the most thoughtful attempt to do so. (And so f-ing sad sometimes).

Carrie: PAVEMENT AT THE MANN IN PHILLY IN SEPTEMBER!

Favorite concert ever?

James: I’m forced by false modesty to exclude any that I was a part of, so: The time I saw Dr. Dog open for My Morning Jacket was pretty amazing, as was the first time I saw The Drive-By Truckers. Almost any Centipede E'est show is incredible... maybe the house party in Squirrel Hill where Jim Lingo faced off with an angry cop in the middle of a Midnight Snake set?

Carrie: PAVEMENT AT THE MANN IN PHILLY IN SEPTEMBER. I was also at that Dr. Dog/ My Morning Jacket show and would rate it up there too. I didn't know James then and probably made fun of the puffy ponytail he had at the time to the friend I was with.

Least favorite concert?

James: I saw a lot of really bad jam band shows in my college years, when I "trafficked in that currency". (Ekoostik Hookah and some bluegrass-carny mash-up bullshit that had a guy painting live both immediately spring to mind...)

Carrie: Dave Matthews- 8th grade with my dad and cousin. But 8th grade is a time for forgivable low points, right?

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

James: I love it whole-y. It's been my home since I was born - first by necessity, then by choice. I love it's topography and the way that the hills and rivers effect the culture and feel of the town; no other place I’ve lived in has the same close-knit neighborhood feel, mixed with the "fluidity of scene" that you can find here...

Carrie: The Pittsburgh music scene is freaking awesome, and I couldn't be more excited to be a part of it. Besides the amazing and unique sounds that come from all the bands involved, everyone is so supportive of each other. Some of the best moments of my life are ones where I have been on a stage with friends from other bands doing sing-alongs to a room packed with other good friends. People want to have memorable fun when they go out, and I’m so happy to be a part of a scene that provides GOOD TIMES. Also besides the music scene Pittsburgh is just an all around amazing city. Most livable? Sure is.

Thanks a lot guys. FWIW-my first concert was The Eagles as well and I like to think I still have my cred. And to have Sir Paul as your first is definitively worth bragging about.

Image Of The Day-"I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight"

Richard Thompson Band
Byham Theater
Monday November 1, 2010
Downtown

It's amazes me how many great shows I have seen this year. Among the top of the list is this one. I have seen him before but was floored of how good he and his band sounded. He played his entire new album straight through and then a set of 'hits'. Usually I would be a little weary of such a show but his new stuff sounded just as great as the old. I am so glad I saw this show. As Rosemary stated in her introduction, she was jealous of the first timers in the audience who never saw him before. Well put. More photos here.

Image Of The Day-"Ragged Company"

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
Mr. Smalls Theater
Wednesday October 27, 2010
Millvale

Another show presented by WYEP. Again, I am not all too familiar with their music but they were very good. This band definitely paid their dues by playing live and from the looks of the audience, mainly on the jamband circuit. Nothing wrong with that at all. Setlist here. More photos here.

Image Of The Day-"Hallelujah"

Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses
Rex Theater
Tuesday October 19, 2010
Southside

For the next few days I am focusing on shows that I have been lucky enough to be shooting for WYEP. More than likely, I would not be attending these concerts but have the opportunity to discover and enjoy the artist after my three song shooting limit is over. Case in point, Ryan Bingham. I didn't know much about him except for the fact that he won the Oscar this year for best song. Man was he great. There is nothing better to hear a song for the very first time in a live setting and immediately enjoy it. That was pretty much what happened for every song throughout the night. A very nice surprise. It also struck me that right across the street, The New Pornographers were holding court at Diesel and from what I heard were kind of a letdown due to sound problems and the usual congestion woes that come with the venue. The Rex is my favorite place in the city to see a show. Never too crowded, the sound is always perfect and now they have a killer new lighting setup that makes taking photos a breeze. More pics here.

Thanks to Joy for sending me this photo of yours truly in action.

First/Last-David Manchester

Image courtesy the band's MySpace

KADMAN
Club Cafe
Friday November 5, 2010
Southside

KADMAN are an indie band that has just relocated from Baltimore to Pittsburgh. They have their debut show here tonight at Club Cafe. Among the band's musical influences are Yo La Tengo, Elliott Smith and Nick Drake. Bandleader David Manchester took some time out to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?

I think I'd have to go all the way back to the 80's and say it was the Ghostbuster's II Soundtrack on Vinyl. Though, I may have bought it at the same time as Primus, Sailing the Seas of Cheese. I had an eclectic youth.

Your last album bought?

I just picked up Cotton Jones' new album, Tall Hours in the Glowstream, though I have my eyes on the new Belle and Sebastian and Wye Oaks' most recent, The Knot.

Favorite album of all time?

It's hard to pick one. I may have to go with Low, Secret Name.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

I don't buy disappointing albums. All my music is good. Haha...If I had to pick one, though, it would be April, from Sun Kil Moon. I guess I was hoping there would be more of a progression, musically, between that and Ghosts of the Great Highway, but it just wasn't there for me. I like listening to bands grow and evolve, while still staying true to who they are. But when you're (for all essential purposes) 12th album sounds almost identical to the 6th, and even includes some of the same songs, I think it's time to re-evaluate what you're trying to do.

First concert attended?

Soul Asylum/Screaming Trees/Spin Doctors. Wow. I'm feeling really old now.

Last concert?

If attempted last concert counts, then I tried to make it to the free Yo La Tengo show in the park a few months back. But last official concert attended would be the WYEP Concert in the park with Nicole Atkins over the summer.

Favorite concert ever?

It's so hard to pick one. Um.... Low at the Black Cat in 2005. It was the last concert frontman Alan Sparhawk did before he had a small mental breakdown, and the show was brilliantly frantic. It was sad that it was due to an emotional problem, but it really was a musically religious experience.

Least favorite concert?

Sadly, I'd have to say Day 2 of the Tibetan Freedom Concert in Washington, DC. There were such awesome bands there like, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam and the Beastie Boys, but it was so hot and the sound system was so terrible that you couldn't hear a thing. It was really frustrating.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

I love how, even in the city, things are so clean, and people are ridiculously friendly. Pittsburgh has a pride about it. It knows it has worked really hard to build itself into something great. Everyone's attitudes seem to be a lot more relaxed, too. I also love that there is a really creative and diverse music scene. I'm happy to be a part of that now, and I can't wait to get my feet wet and become a part of the music and arts community.

Thanks David. Welcome to Pittsburgh. I am really liking what I hear from you guys.

First/Last-Joey Troupe

Image courtesy the band's MySpace

The Electric Pear
Lava Lounge
Thursday November 4, 2010
Southside

This local duo describes it's sound as 'minimalistic Amish blues'. Nice. You can catch them tonight playing with Cleveland's Mr. Gnome and School Of Athens. Joey Troupe plays guitar and sings and was cool enough 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 Pearl Jam - Ten on cassette from Ames department store in Punxsutawney, PA around 1992 or 1993. I was only about 8 years old at the time but I loved the Jeremy music video on MTV. I wish I still had that cassette.

Your last album bought?

I came home from my last trip to Paul's in Bloomfield with The Walkmen's new album Lisbon, The Band - Music from the Big Pink, and Big Boi's new solo album Sir Lucious Left Food, all on vinyl.

Favorite album of all time?

Its hard to narrow it down to just one album. If I could only listen to one album for the rest of my life, it would probably be Hendrix - Are You Experienced? But some others that played a major role in defining my musical taste are Highway 61 Revisited, Led Zeppelin II, The White Album, Tres Hombres, Doggystyle, and Elephant. I'm sure I'm forgetting something else of great importance to me too.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?

In hindsight, it seems like I should have seen it coming because its hard to imagine it any other way. But a few years ago when I bought Kings of Leon's newest album, Only by the Night, I had no idea what they were becoming or had become. I played their debut album Youth and Young Manhood hundreds of times over the years, and although I liked each of their subsequent albums slightly less, I was totally let down by the transition they had made on the newest album.

First concert attended?

Van Hagar at Star Lake.

Last concert?

The last show I went to was Broken Social Scene at the Byham.

Favorite concert ever?

I saw Pearl Jam at Mellon Arena in 2006 with my dad, and it was great to relive all of those classic songs with him. They played for 3+ hours and put on a fantastic show. It was only a few weeks before my 21st birthday and the All-Star game at PNC Park, so it was a pretty good time for me and for Pittsburgh. I've also had some great memories at Lollapalooza over the years seeing Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, The Strokes, Arcade Fire and 100s of other bands.

Least favorite concert?

I've actually seen Van Halen twice, which is odd because I'm not a big fan of their music. To think Van Halen is being mentioned twice in a conversation about my musical taste is actually a little disturbing. The first one was my first concert, so I remember it fondly for that reason. The second time I was given free tickets to see them with David Lee Roth back in the mix. It was just kinda’ sad. I also once saw Nas and did not enjoy it at all.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?

I love Pittsburgh and I'm proud to be from Pittsburgh. I think there is a lot to like about this town. When you come back to Pittsburgh from a visit to New York City or Chicago or LA it really feels like such a small town, but despite being small in area there is so much to offer from a cultural perspective. The music scene is small but growing, and its a great time to be a part of it. There are some nice venues and some amazing record stores. I think Pittsburgh is on the rise and with all the bright people and creative minds there is a promising future ahead.

Thanks Joey. So what's the deal with this Van Halen fixation? I kid. I also have to say that several people I know have experienced a letdown from Kings of Leon as they put out more albums but you wouldn't know by how big they have become now would you?