Saturday, March 31, 2012

First/Last 'The Essentials'-Dios Malos


There was nothing like 'Pittsburgh Indie Music Love' circa 2005. I was introduced to many amazing bands around then that has made me the musical fanatic I am now. I am what you call an 'Old Head' for a reason. I was at and reporting about shows while many of today's fans were listening to Shins CDs in their dorm rooms. Case in point, Dios Malos. Putting out a couple essential albums, they have unfortunately fallen off my radar until late last year. I repeat. Putting out a couple ESSENTIAL ALBUMS. If you haven't heard Dios, you are doing yourself an injustice. Thankfully, Dios' Joel Jerome has recently recorded a bunch of Beck covers and released a collection called 'When Beck Was Cool, Vol.1' that has me reminiscing for times gone by. Joel was cool enough to take some time to participate in this edition of First/Last.



The first album you ever bought?
"Batteram 12" by Toddy Tee.

Your last album bought?
"Last Summer" by Eleanor Friedberger.

Favorite album of all time?
Don’t have one.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Don’t have one but recently heard Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" and was most disappointed.

First concert attended?
Billy Joel at the Forum for the "Glass Houses" tour.

Last concert?
Tashaki Miyaki at a house party near my house.

Favorite concert ever?
Os Mutantes at the El Rey.

Least favorite concert?
Anything at the Hollywood Bowl.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Fat Heads in Pittsburgh after a show was pretty damn good.

Thanks Joel. Wassup brutha? Pittsburgh's waiting!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Image of the Day-"The Beer"

 Thursday, March 22, 2012
Northshore

Shooting for WYEP introduces me to many artists I would have never gone to on my own. This show was sold out and I was kind of taken back at the number of kids, little kids, mainly girls who were at or a little older than my daughter's age. Kind of strange in that both Kimya's and opener YHB's songs had very adult themes and language and not considering myself a prude at all, it totally turned me off. Maybe I could appreciate the music on it's own merit, but frankly, I didn't even get that aspect of it as she 'strummed' a guitar and squeaked her way through her tunes. Lo-fi? How 'bout 'no-fi'. Here's a taste of what I mean. O.K., I really hated this show. Whatever, different strokes.


Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Image of the Day-"Run From The City"

Thursday, March 1, 2012
Millvale
 
Opening for Dr. Dog, two very different bands. Any reader of this blog knows my long time endearment to the Harlan's laid back blues rock vibe. Purling Hiss on the other hand came out wailing and screeching, not bad at all mind you,  just a little out of sorts with the other bands on the bill.


Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Image of the Day-"Gates of Heaven"

Monday, March 12, 2012
Oakland 
Two local bands setting up and soundchecking as they open for No Age. Triggers is a fav of mine but The Lopez I never heard of before and loved what I did hear. Hopefully, I will be catching them again soon.


Monday, March 26, 2012

Image of the Day-"Downward Facing Dog"

Thursday, March 8, 2012
Northshore

Having been out of the jamband scene for awhile now, I was experiencing a tad bit of Deja vu as I waited at will call for a confirmation for my photo pass. Heads walking up to the window in a party mood, all tie-dyed and excited for the show wondering what kind of unique setlist will the band pull out? Good times. I am not familiar with the band's music but was surprised to find that I was enjoying the set, even the jamming, until I knocked over a guy's drink in the balcony trying to get a shot. O.k., I'll buy you another one but why would you leave your rum and coke in the aisle anyway? Check out some more photos here.


Sunday, March 25, 2012

Saturday Vault

The band Fanfarlo returns to Pittsburgh this weekend. Here's a portrait I did of them when they first played the city in 2009. As fantastic as that gig was, I am expecting the latest to be just as memorable, if not more so. The comment on the art I remember was from Simon, who was happy but perplexed that I was so generous with the seemingly unattainable facial hair. I tried to explain I was more representing a shadow, five o'clock or not.

Friday, March 23, 2012

First/Last-Karl Hendricks


Karl Hendricks has been performing music in Pittsburgh since, well I am not the one to guess. Let's just say for a long ass while now. He is undertaking a new endeavor that has me, as well as many countless grateful music fans in town happy as hell that he is. Word came late last year that Paul's CDs in Bloomfield was closing shop. Almost instantaneously as that bummer news came, it was announced that the store would become Sound Cat Records, run by Karl. As many hours as I have spent browsing and buying there, I can easily recall Karl being there behind the counter for most of them. Recent trips have found that, as they turn over inventory, you can score some sweet deals in the process, probably up until late next week when he officially takes over the reins. Seriously, there are steals to be had right now. Karl was cool enough to participate in this edition of First/Last.



The first album you ever bought?
The ‘Grease’ soundtrack is probably the first album I remember choosing at the record store, when I was about eight years old, I think.
But I kind of think of The Rolling Stones’ ‘Tattoo You’ as another “first” record. I got that as a present for my twelfth birthday, and that was sort of the beginning of thinking of myself as a record collector.
Another milestone record for me, a few years after that, was Husker Du’s ‘New Day Rising’. I remember reading about them in Rolling Stone, and thinking “this is a band I’m going to like.” And that record sent me on a search for lots more obscure (at least to a teenager in McKeesport) music.

Your last album bought?
Well, I’m acquiring new music almost every day. Something I liked a lot from this last week, though, was a compilation of lesser known bands on the Flying Nun label called ‘Time To Go:  The Southern Psychedelic Moment 1981-1986’. It, like a lot of great compilations, really is a neat snapshot of a particular time and place (the place being the southern part of New Zealand)—and speaking of searching for obscure music, it reminds me of the excitement I felt searching out stuff as a teenager in the mid-‘80s.

Favorite album of all time?
It is very difficult to narrow it down to one, but if pressed, I’d have to say Silkworm’s album ‘Firewater’. I think Silkworm, and particularly that album, do a great job encapsulating pretty much all the different elements that make rock music (probably) my favorite art form.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I’d rather focus on the positive.

First concert attended?
My mom was a big influence in my interest in music, and she took me to see the Iron City Houserockers, who were probably her favorite band at the time, when I was around twelve. Shortly after that, I went to my first big rock show, which was Styx at the Civic Arena. I reviewed the show on the front page of my grade school’s newspaper (of which I was also the editor).

Last concert?
I saw Carousel at the Thunderbird. Jake Leger, who plays drums in my band, is also in Carousel. They rocked, and Dave Wheeler played some excellent guitar solos.

Favorite concert ever?
I don’t think I can narrow it down to one—but a seminal one for me was Firehose, Slovenly and DC3 at the Electric Banana probably around 1986 (or ’87?). It was one of those moments that felt monumental in figuring out why music was important to me personally. Some of my best memories of shows are also usually bands that my band has toured with, and so who I get to see multiple nights in a row.  Something about that makes me appreciate a band even more, and I have some particularly fond memories of Silkworm (and the band that followed, Bottomless Pit), Small 23, Smog, Kind of Like Spitting, and the Kyle Sowashes.

Least favorite concert?
This is by no means my least favorite, but worth mentioning, since I’ve mentioned them so much already, is that the first time I saw Silkworm in 1995 (my band was playing a show with them in Princeton), I really didn’t like them. It wasn’t until I heard one of their albums (Libertine, the one before Firewater) a few months later, that I “got” it. And I think that’s sort of a model I’ve followed as a music listener pretty much my entire life. I don’t always trust my gut—music has a lot more to give you if you go to it rather than always force it to come to you.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
From my travels and from the comments I’ve heard from visitors over the years, I’ve come to realize that Pittsburgh has a lot more culture—more opportunities to experience music, art, and literary events—than most other cities of comparable size. And I do appreciate that, though for the past dozen years or so, I’ve been so busy working that I haven’t really taken complete advantage of that.  But it’s nice to know it’s there.


Thanks Karl. Not only for the interview, but keeping my favorite store in Pittsburgh afloat! I, for one, would love to see some much needed in-store performances happening, ahem.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

First/Last-Jennifer O'Connor


I have been lucky enough to have seen Jennifer a few times over the years. She is stopping in Pittsburgh this Thursday at the Thunderbird to wrap up her current tour in celebration of her latest release 'I Want What You Want'. She was nice enough to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Olivia Newton-John ‘Physical’.

Your last album bought?
Preordered the new Lower Dens album on gold sparkle vinyl.

Favorite album of all time?Joni Mitchell ‘Blue’.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I don't know.

First concert attended?
Van Halen’s ‘5150’ tour.

Last concert?
Nada Surf last night at SXSW.

Favorite concert ever?
Jay-Z at Roseland NYC.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I love Pittsburgh, the bridges, the food, the hills, just the general vibe. I always look forward to coming. WYEP has always been very supportive of my music and the people are super nice. This will be our last show of our tour and I couldn't be happier to be coming back.

Thanks Jennifer. Hopefully, I'll be able to swing by the show to say hi.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Saturday Vault


It's real quick in the beginning of the song. That's me and my brother Jeff Collins in 1995.

Friday, March 16, 2012

First/Last-Birdhand

  
"BIRDHAND is a rock n' roll band from Santa Cruz, CA that formed in late 2010. Within a year, the group caught the attention of Bad Brains' bassist, Darryl Jenifer. BIRDHAND went on to record a debut EP, which was produced by Jenifer and since, has shared stages with bands such as Bad Brains, Baths, Memoryhouse, Soft Pack, Judgment Day, and Bear Hands."
They are playing The Smiling Moose in Pittsburgh this Monday, March 19. You can snag tickets here. Bassist Mason 'Spaceman' Rothschild was cool enough to participate in this edition of First/Last.


The first album you ever bought?
Nirvana ‘Unplugged’.

Your last album bought?
Patsy Cline ‘Greatest Hits’.

Favorite album of all time?
‘Blondes Have More Fun’ by Rod Stewart.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
‘Blondes Have More Fun’ by Rod Stewart.

First concert attended?
The Tubes.

Last concert?
Old Wives and Mainland NYC.

Favorite concert ever?
PJ Harvey and John Parish.

Least favorite concert?
Blue Oyster Cult cuz everyone brought a cowbell.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Ya. Where's the chillest hookah bar?


Thanks Space. The Moose is actually becoming a cool-ass place to play. And coincidentally, it's on the same street as Hookah Bookah! You score!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Image of the Day-"Is It Me?"

Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Millvale

Another sellout gig from a band I can't recall ever hearing of before. Either I'm getting old and out of touch, Smalls doesn't hold as many people as I always thought (650?),  a WYEP studio session generates mad interest, or people are craving for things to do on a Tuesday. Or the band is, you know, good? Pick your own answer. Want to see more photos? Of course you do. Click here.


Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Image of the Day-"That Old Black Hole"

Thursday, March 1, 2012
Millvale

I like Dr. Dog and have seen them twice before but I don't LOVE them. Judging by the sellout crowd, I assume many people do. Again, they are good but nothing that has me standing in line an hour before doors to chill by the stage rail as some fans did. I am still waiting for THAT record from them. The one you hear for the first time and know it's a killer release. I believe the band still have it in them. In the meantime, they seem to have grown their audiences the old fashioned way, by touring like a beast year after year. Wanna see more photos from the night? Click here.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Image of the Day-"Fever Dreaming"

Monday, March 12, 2012
Oakland

Pitt's radio station WPTS were kind enough to grant me access (thanks Gabriela, you rule!) to shoot the show last night. Arriving early, Randy and Dean were boss and allowed me to photograph them as they sound checked. Totally cool and down to earth dudes. Thanks fellas. As it was a school night, this here self described wussy photog didn't hang out for the show proper (and missed the mosh pit!) but you can get a taste of what went down from my man Scott here.


Sunday, March 11, 2012

Ticket Giveaway-The Revival Tour

Saturday March 31, 2012
Strip District

Since 2008, folk punker Chuck Ragan has been headlining these tours to promote acoustic music in a rock and roll vein. Collaborating with other musicians to stress 'comraderie', the tour hits Pittsburgh at the end of this month. Courtesy of the cool folks at Drusky Entertainment, I have two tickets to offer for the all ages show. To enter, you must follow me on Twitter @HughShows and retweet  at least one of my giveaway announcements. The winners will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday 3/23. There will be two passes at will call under the name of the winner. You must bring valid I.D. to will call the night of the show. Again, you must be a follower and RT to enter. Thanks and good luck.


Saturday Vault

As I mentioned Friday, Built Like Alaska's Autumnland was my favorite album release of  2005. I ended up contacting the albums cover artist Souther Salazer to find out the availability of prints. He couldn't have been more cool and I ended up purchasing the banging cover art suitable for hanging. Sweet!

Friday, March 9, 2012

First/Last-Built Like Alaska

You probably never heard of Neil Jackson. He's a friend of mine.
How I stumbled upon his music kind of escapes me now. He fronts an unassuming band from of all places Oakdale, California. Maybe it was through Grandaddy. Or Earlimart. Or Dios Malos I heard of his music? Regardless, I discovered the band's second album Autumnland and I was not only instantly hooked, I was contacting Neil to ask him not when but how fast he was going to play Pittsburgh. You see, back in the mid-Aughties, there weren't blogs galore fighting for ticket giveaway rights or publicists spamming your inbox. If your favorite album of that year was important to you, you damn well did something about it. It was a fan to artist interaction and a simple email was all it took to get your that band to play Pittsburgh if you asked the right way. It worked for me several times. How do you think I saw Built Like Alaska. (or The Mendoza Line, or Great Lake Swimmers)? I ended up getting them a gig, a place to stay, and a meal! With many thanks to Manny, my rock and roll dreams came true that night in 2005! With a fantastic new album out, I am really happy Neil took the time out to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Bill Haley and the Comets ‘Greatest Hits’ cassette.

Your last album bought?
Atlas Sound ‘Parallax’.

Favorite album of all time?
Led Zeppelin.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Any Sleigh Bells record.

First concert attended?
Ace Frehley ( Frehley's Comets).

Last concert?
It’s been a while. Pavement reunion tour, I think?

Favorite concert ever?
Bon Iver (For Emma album).

Least favorite concert?
Band of Horses.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
We talk about Pittsburgh often. It was one of our favorite tour stops. I loved the rivers meeting and the architecture, either vibrant and beautiful or abandoned, boarded up and beautiful. The industrial history is everywhere. You hooked us up with people who were kind and  trusted us enough to let us stay in their house while they were away. The diner food was classic and the whole city let their Steelers colors fly on the Sunday as we drove out of town to our next stop.

Thanks buddy. Coming back to play Pittsburgh soon? I'll save a table at Eat N Park!