Image of the Day-"In This Life"

Mike Stud

Carson Street

Friday, February 24, 2012

Southside

I thought this was fascinating. As I was leaving the Charles Bradley/Little Barrie gig, there was a crowd of extremely enthusiastic teens(?) gathered around on the street. I asked one of them what was up and he told me they just left the Mike Stud show at Diesel and were forced by the club to have their meet-n-greet outside (across the street from the club, no less). What really threw me off was the sheer joy these kids were having meeting this guy and taking pictures with him. These kids were seriously geeked to hang with him (or maybe they were all just Red-Bulled up, who knows?). Even though I had absolutely no clue who he was, it was cool to see the power of music has regardless of genre as well as the awesome way he treated his fans.


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Image of the Day-"Heartaches and Pain"

Charles Bradley

Little Barrie

Rex Theater

Friday, February 24, 2012

Southside

 Talk about a fantastic show. I had my skepticism concerning an old R&B guy suddenly becoming popular with the indie hipsters and all (kind of still do) but man did he deliver the goods. The show precariously bordered on shtick at times which is O.K., the set was still fun as hell. For an extra added bonus, Little Barrie absolutely tore it up as openers with their fiery guitar blues/rock that didn't let up from note one. Such a surprisingly great night of music.

Image of the Day-"Reach"

Broken Fences

Treelady Studios

Tuesday, February 21. 2012

Turtle Creek

Morgan Erina and Guy Russo comprise Broken Fences, a duo from Pittsburgh that perform sparse, melodic, acoustic folk. They were nice enough to have me over at Treelady to shoot them playing and rehearsing as they prep their debut release this June 1st at Club Cafe. In anticipation, they have been uploading videos in a series they call 'Broken Apt.' which you can view here. From what I have heard this album should be beautiful.

Saturday Vault

I haven't been producing any band portraits for awhile now. With the upcoming concert with The Belle Brigade making their Pittsburgh debut, I got the itch. Whether it's a one off or not has yet to be seen. I will say I am extremely psyched to finally see the band play live! Seriously crossing my fingers that 'Shirt' will be on the setlist.

First/Last-Bree Tranter

Image courtesy Facebook

Last year I went 'ga-ga' over the ultimately final release from the Australian band, The Middle East. Since disbanding, the various members are slowly reemerging with other projects and in an ongoing attempt to bring these endeavors to you, I am beginning today with the sole female of collective, Bree Tranter. She put out a single entitled 'Winter' late last year and just this month dropped the video for it. If you like your folk delicate and spare as I do, you will be down for Bree's music. She was nice enough to take a few minutes to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Was probably this band called Skillet, a Christian rock band.

Your last album bought?
Gillian Welch - 'The Harrow and the Harvest'

Favorite album of all time?
Sun Kil Moon - 'Tiny Cities'

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I guess I wouldn't really listen to an album enough to get disappointed in it. If I didn't like it from the start, I would just stop listening. So I can't remember when I did that last.

First concert attended?
I was in grade 7 so in North Queensland you are around 12 years old. And the band was 'All Star United', a really old Christian rock band.

Last concert?
Mount Mocha Kilimanjaro  - a band from Japan. I saw them play at 'Peats Ridge Festival' and loved them so much, bought a ticket to see their show at the Sydney Festival at Keystone, on the 8th of January.

Favorite concert ever?
It would be a toss-up between seeing Ratatat and My Morning Jacket which I saw at Sasquatch festival, in the US.

Least favorite concert?
Probably one I’ve played. At the moment I can't think of a concert I went too, where I got bored and walked away. But I remember my least favorite concert was on tour overseas in the US and we had just been on the road too long and were sick of each other way too much and missing home, family and partners. It was just the worst show, I think I cried while I was singing 'darkest side' (The Middle East)

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I was touring at the time, so I didn't really get to experience much of Pittsburgh. Just played a show and then left, but I remember it being a great show and lovely crowd. So that’s always a great thing.

Thank you Bree. Looking forward to more music soon and maybe if you don't get too homesick, another Pittsburgh visit.

Image of the Day-"Ceilings"

 Good Night, States

Artist Image Resource

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Northside

 

As I previously mentioned, I really had too much fun at this show. The venue is a screen printing studio that I will hopefully be taking classes at soon. The 'artsy-farsty' crowd was mingling upstairs while the -rock-n-rollers' were enjoying the music downstairs. Best of both artistic worlds. Hopefully there will be more cool gigs there soon.

As for the band, they are back being a smoking quintet with the addition of Matt on keys and guitar and if you don't believe the hype, you haven't heard the awesome break in 'Only Thing', have you?

 

Image of the Day-"Whithersoever"

Good Night, States

Hot Metal Church

Saturday, February 18. 2012

Southside

The band's album release gig was officially announced today but last week the band played TEN shows in five days. I was able to catch the last two, this one being the penultimate show of the 'tour'. They sounded unsurprisingly tight and I was fortunate enough to snag an early copy of the excellent new disc. Thanks Megan!

Image of the Day-"Fake Pitchfork Song"

Meeting of Important People

Artist Image Resource

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Northside

Another fun Josh solo set. I had a blast at this gig. Hanging with friends, sluggin' beers and listening to awesome music. Can't think of a better time.

Image of the Day-"Paying These Dues"

12th Annual WYEP Alternative Souper Bowl

Bill Toms

Joy Ike 

Mark Dignam

Carnegie Library

 Oakland

This was my fifth 'Souper Bowl'. The venue change from the now closed Eastside Borders had the crowd spilling out into the stacks. Free music before the big game is always a good time. Check out more photos here.

 

Saturday Vault

Setlist from my favorite show and album of 2006.

First/Last-Elephant Micah

In 2010, my favorite album was an EP from the lo-fi folk band Dark Dark Dark that really rocked my world hard. One of the highlights from the release was actually a cover tune called 'Wild Goose Chase' from a kindred spirit in everything spare, Elephant Micah. Elephant Micah is a rotating band of musicians from Indiana headed up by songwriter Joseph O'Connell. They have a new limited edition vinyl album called Louder Than Thou out that has been in heavy rotation in my house recently. Some fantastic stuff. Joe was cool enough to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
I bought some R&B cassette singles in the early '90s.  I also remember borrowing tapes that
included MC Hammer and Metallica, and listening to them on a dictaphone type recorder.

Your last album bought?
Marmoset's ‘Tea Tornado’?  Actually, maybe a tape of Bruce Hornsby and the Range.

Favorite album of all time?
Richard and Linda Thompson's ‘I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight’ or Joni Mitchell's ‘Blue’.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I can't remember any cases of having a strong negative reaction to a record off hand. 

First concert attended?
Not sure what counts.  I went to Farm Aid when it was in Louisville.

Last concert?
I saw Vollmar the other night.

Favorite concert ever?
Possibly hearing Filthy Bird for the first time at a Greensboro apartment show.

Least favorite concert?
Possibly performing in a tiny, dirty basement in France that masqueraded as "wine cellar" while enduring strep throat.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Gigging with Gregg from Girl Talk when were probably about 21 years old.
Aside from that I mostly think of the joke in the Marx Brothers movie.  A woman blows smoke in Groucho's face, and he says, "this is like living in Pittsburgh, if you can call that living."

Thanks Joe. I love the 'home-made' sensibilities of the the physical product as well as the music. Please drop a line if you ever make it to Pittsburgh.

Image of the Day-"Somebody's Heart"

 The Wreckids

Club Cafe

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Southside

 

I love these two. They are like a indie folk Burns and Allen. Scott's jokes are SO damned corny you just gotta laugh.

Image of the Day-"You're The Runner"

Mitten

Thunderbird Cafe

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Larryville

This was going to be one hell of an epic night of concerts shoots. I had six bands lined up at three different venues and all that ever came out of the entire evening was a couple of shots of Mitten soundchecking. Details are too sad (or lame) to convey here. If you ever see me out and have a burning desire to know what went down introduce yourself and ask. Until then, here's my man Brendan's account of what went down at the T-Bird.

Image of the Day-"What's My Name?"

Kristy Lee

Mr. Small's Funhouse

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Millvale

If you follow me on Twitter (and if you don't, why the hell not?) you might remember my encounter with Ms. Lee. She was hanging by the merch table before opening for G. Love when I went up and introduced myself. Inadvertently calling her 'dude' (I seriously thought she was a teenage boy), we shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. Turns out she comments from the stage that her guitar player is really sick from a nasty bug that she herself was still getting over and she just found out she had pink eye! I spend the rest of the night worrying if that little itch in my eye will get worse. Needless to say she wasn't 100% that night.

Saturday Vault

When meeting one of your absolute teenage musical idols and you are only permitted to have ONE item for him to sign, what's a fanboy to choose? I decide on my favorite Pink Floyd picture of the rare 5 piece version of the band. Love it!

First/Last-Pet Clinic

 Pet Clinic

The Shop

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Bloomfield

The band is dropping their debut EP on vinyl tomorrow. They have been getting some major buzz around town for this release. David Bubenheim (guitar, vox) and John Henderson (keys) were cool enough to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
David Bubenheim: Black Eyed Peas-‘Bridging The Gap’.
John Henderson: They Might Be Giants-‘Flood’.

Your last album bought?
David: Neil Young-‘Crazy Horse’ and Burt Bacharach-‘Reach Out’ (These were gifts to my brother for Christmas).
John: Tom Waits-‘ Bad As Me’.

Favorite album of all time?
David: ‘Houses Of The Holy’.
John: Arvo Part-‘Tabula Rasa’.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
David: ‘American Idiot’.
John: Not sure?

First concert attended?
David: Dashboard Confessional.
John: They Might Be Giants.

Last concert?
David: Stone Temple Pilots.
John: Donora.

Favorite concert ever?
David: The Dirtbombs.
John: Hum-‘You'd Prefer an Astronaut’ Tour.

Least favorite concert?
David: N/A.
John: Not sure?

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
David: The real deal.
John: It grows on you (like a fungus).

Thanks guys. As I mentioned before, I really love the album! Have fun tomorrow.

Image of the Day-"Sequel"

Teammate

Treelady Studios

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Turtle Creek

Last night I had the pleasure to hang with Scott and Dani as they rehearsed for their very first shows as a band. Tonight they play in Scott's hometown of Morgantown, and tomorrow they make their Pittsburgh debut at Brillobox with favs of mine and labelmates Donora. If you are in either area, these shows are not to be missed. I got a small taste of what to expect and what struck me was the honest and almost brutal lyrics that reflect their unique, and thankfully for us, resolved relationship which brings them together to make music. I can't wait for the full set!

Image of the Day-"Country Ghetto"

JJ Grey & Mofro

Mr. Smalls Funhouse

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Millvale

Sometimes I feel musically uneducated it's not funny. I literally did not know the difference between JJ Grey and G. Love as was proven when both bands played Smalls and I didn't know who I was there for. Shooting for WYEP affords me to get introduced to so much music but I could not believe this show was sold out. People were loving these guys and for good reason, they were really fun. too bad I wasn't all boozed up and heading to another show, I actually might have boogied down a bit. More photos here.

Image of the Day-"Goodnight, California"

Kathleen Edwards

Rex Theater

 Saturday, February 4, 2012

Southside

Ms. Edwards will always hold a special spot on this here blog. Her last album was my favorite of the year back in 2008. She also holds the distinction of being the very first (and second) live review when I started this thing nearly four years ago. Of course I was going to hit her show when she eventually swung through town again promoting her latest release. Thing is, she was good but could never reach the high mark from the last album. Still I am glad I went for sure. It's been a long time I was on the Southside after 10 p.m. and I have to tell you it's gross. Here's another review (with an incredible photo, I might add). More photos here.

Opener Hannah Georgas, who also sang back up in Kathleen's band, was the long lost twin of Pittsburgh very own Brooke Annibale, even down to the way she held her guitar. Freaky.

Saturday Vault

This was my very first photo pass. I never had to push my way to the front row again.

First/Last-Ivory Weeds

 Photo courtesy Ayssa Kazew

I have been really digging Ivory Weed's latest lo-fi offering since being contacted to promote a couple special shows coming up in the next few weeks. The 'band' is John Chriest, a local Pittsburgh musician who is participating in NXMW next Friday, February 10th. Sponsored by The Original Magazine, this 'two venue' festival features several bands favored by this here blog, including Legs Like Tree Trunks and Dean Cercone. The next gig is a You=Love benefit at the Thunderbird on Friday, February 17th again with Mr. Cercone and The Beagle Brothers. John was nice enough to take some time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
My Chemical Romance, which also happened to be my first concert ever. I used to love Emo music, as do all middle class white teens. Life was so "hard" for us angsty teens.

Your last album bought?
Peter Bjorn and John's "Falling Out", their oldest CD. In the past year, they have become my favorite band. I had to see how their music began.

Favorite album of all time?
It’s going to have to go to Peter Bjorn and John. Their album "Writer's Block" is amazing, and also pertinent to my current state of being.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Portugal. The Man's newest album "In the Mountain, in the Cloud" was very disappointing to me. I have been a huge fan of them for a long time, and this album is way too processed to me.

First concert attended?
As explained before, was My Chemical Romance. I actually got to meet Gerard, Franky, and Mikey. I was as excited as a school girl. I crowd surfed and moshed. I have never crowd surfed since, but man was it a blast.

Last concert?
Avey Tare at Club Cafe, and he was GREAT!! Very small show but it was VERY entertaining.

Favorite concert ever?
I don't really have a favorite concert. The same as I don't have a "favorite" band, because it is all pertinent to what I am feeling at the moment. As well as each musician plays a different style that isn't better or worse than any other but just there form of self-expression. Therefore, each show isn't weighed on a single scale but examined for its own beauty.

Least favorite concert?
I work at Mr. Smalls as a roadie at times, so I see some shows that I would not go to on my own accord. One such show had to be Kottonmouth Kings. I only saw about 5 minutes of their set between naps in a faraway room, but that was enough KMK to last a lifetime for me. Oh, and one of the "rappers" in the band tried to make fun of Pittsburgh then me in a passive way. "-Experimental- Ambient- Drone- Folk-[Each word used to answer his questioning of what type of music I play, was met with a gasp/giggle of disapproval]". "Well who listens to that?!" He spurts in disbelief that anything other than shitty hip-hop dedicated to smoking weed could be tolerated by people’s ears. "Not many people”.  “I do it because I like it", I say calmly. He simply turned away and started talking to the guy next to him, who had driven three hours to see a "band" that had decals of bongs wearing penny loafers, joints smoking joints, and lollypop women with giant lollypop boobs. All of these ridiculous cartoon drawings made with huge blood shot eyes so as to show "they were high". Needless to say this man had the beginnings of a huge KottonMouth Kings tattoo on his chest. Whew!

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I love how friendly most of Pittsburgh is. Being such a small city, it is easy to run into someone you know. There are a ton of great things happening here, that most outsiders (or Oakland dwellers) overlook. If we could consolidate the coverage of such things, there would be much progress. It has been tried by many people, but I feel most have been missing key factors (which I don't want to go into for various reasons).

Thanks John, especially for contacting me. Unfortunately, I probably wouldn't have had the opportunity to discover your music otherwise. For that alone, I appreciate the email.

Image of the Day-"Color Confused"

Jaymay

Club Cafe

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Southside

It seems that I didn't have as much as a fawning giddy fanboy crush my fellow blogger had for this show but I am positive he didn't have to wake up at 5 a.m. the next morning. The handful of tunes I did stick around for were pleasant enough...I really should have familiarized myself more with her stuff before the gig.

First/Last-Kickstarter-Gypsy & His Band of Ghosts

I have mentioned many times that one of main purposes of producing a music blog in Pittsburgh for me is to help expose and spread the word of bands who are coming through town or live here. With the ever popularity of Kickstarter, there seems to be endless supply of content to 'pimp'. One such effort is now being undertaken by Pittsburgh based musician Guiseppe Capolupo, who is trying to finish his debut album with his band Gypsy & His Band of Ghosts. The goal is fairly realistic and you can easily help by donating here.

Guiseppe was cool enough to take a few minutes in return to participate in this 'pledge' edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
‘Tubthumper’ by Chumbawumba (I was young, OK?!)

Your last album bought?
‘Like A Fire That Consumes All Before It…’ by Adam Arcuragi (I pre-ordered it. I cannot wait to receive it!)

Favorite album of all time?
Little Feat-‘Waiting for Columbus’. Thanks mom for letting me steal your vinyls.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I don't own an album I do not like.

First concert attended?
American Nightmare.

Last concert?
Good Old War.

Favorite concert ever?
Anathallo at Garfield Artworks.

Least favorite concert?
I don't attend concerts I don't enjoy, but I wasn't pleased with Bright Eyes last performance at Stage AE.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has a very hard-working family of bands that people don't see at first glance...Bear Cub, Caleb Pogyor and the Talkers, The Williams Band, and many more...The city has a way of captivating the travelling soul of weary wanderers like myself, and it's amazing how easy it is to discover great things in the city when you purposefully lose yourself in its narrow roads!

Thanks Guiseppe, I really hope the funding comes through man.