First/Last-First Aid Kit

 Photo courtesy Neil Krug

First Aid Kit

Altar Bar

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Strip District

"Bittersweet is the word the Söderberg sisters prefer. “We like bittersweet songs, songs that affect you differently depending on how you interpret them,” says Klara, the younger of the Swedish siblings that make up First Aid Kit. “Making the melodies and lyrics head in different directions is very deliberate,” adds big sister Johanna, “A song like ‘Emmylou’ sounds cheerful, but the lyrics are the saddest thing you ever heard.”

First Aid Kit’s first American-recorded album, The Lion’s Roar due out in January 2012, juxtaposes sadness and beauty in the best traditions of folk and country music. They even cite the Louvin Brothers cheerfully brutal version of the old murder ballad ‘Knoxville Girl’ as the perfect example of the sweet and sour they adore. And this carefully constructed collection deftly succeeds in setting references to their home town of Stockholm and long dark Scandinavian winters against an unforced backdrop of country-rock swing."

The siblings Pittsburgh debut is tonight at Altar Bar with locals The Red Western opening. My thanks to Klara and Johanna Söderberg for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
The first album Johanna ever bought was “Abba Generation” by the Swedish pop group A-Teens. The first album Klara ever bought was P!NK's album “Missundaztood”. We obviously had very good taste back then. ;)

Your last album bought?
The last album we bought was Father John Misty's "Fear Fun". Father John Misty is the project of J. Tillman who used to be the drummer in Fleet Foxes. We've played with him several times and he's always been amazing, but this record took it to another level. The songs are prefect and his voice is beautiful.

Favorite album of all time?
This is an impossible question to answer! We have lots of favorites. Among them are "Greatest Hits" by Leonard Cohen from 1975, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel and "Blue" by Joni Mitchell. Those are classics that we return to again and again.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
We can't think of one.

First concert attended?
The first concert we ever attended must've been one by the band our father played in during the 1980's, called Lolita Pop. They had a "re-union/revival" show in Gothenburg, Sweden when we were kids in 1997. We thought our dad was a rock star and we were very proud.

Last concert?
We haven't been to a concert in ages, actually. We saw a bunch of great shows at the Coachella festival in April though. Bon Iver, Laura Marling, Feist, St. Vincent among others. All fantastic stuff, especially Bon Iver. We were surprised by how good he was live. He and the band sounded even better than the records, and they're sublime.

Favorite concert ever?
Klara: We saw Jenny Lewis in 2008, at a small club in Stockholm. We had played live a couple of times before then, but we were just starting out. Seeing this fantastic, confident woman completely bewitching every member of the crowd was so inspirational. She has this way of making every word meaningful when she sings, and live it's even more noticeable through her expression. She had a constant smile on her face.

Least favorite concert?
Klara: My second concert ever attended was at the Globe Arena in Stockholm when I saw the singer Anastacia. I was probably 8. She has the most dreadful voice I've ever heard, but I really wanted to go because it was such a big deal going to a big arena concert and I got the tickets for free.
Johanna: I went along with my friends to a death metal show in Stockholm. The band was called Dissection. I try to have an open mind when it comes to music but I realized five minutes into the set that death metal just isn't my jam. The entire show was a bit like torture to my ears but I sat there anyway trying to endure it, ha-ha. I was a teenager who really wanted to be all goth and alternative at the time.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Honestly, we don't know much about Pittsburgh. All we've heard has been good stuff though. Like, it's the best city in America to live in. When we hear the word "Pittsburgh" we immediately think of the line from Simon & Garfunkel's song "America" where they say "Kathy I said as we boarded a Greyhound in Pittsburgh"! That song has some of the best lyrics we've ever heard.

Thanks, gals. I totally agree with the Jenny Lewis love. She was just so great when I saw her too.

First/Last 'The Essentials'-Liquor Giants

  

"Ward Dotson once said that he left the band the Gun Club because he got tired of playing for people in black leather who never smiled and he responded by forming the considerably lighter hearted hard rock outfit the Pontiac Brothers. Given this logic, it probably made sense that after the Pontiac Brothers called it a day in 1989, Dotson found himself moving away from the good-natured crunch of the Pontiacs and started indulging his fondness for '60s-style pop and the result was a witty and tuneful new project called the Liquor Giants. The group released their first album in 1992, You're Always Welcome (which was released in some overseas markets as America's #1 Recording Artists), but from the start it was obvious that this was a "group" in only the broadest sense. Dotson, who handled guitar and lead vocals and wrote the lion's share of the material, was the only musician who played on every cut of the album, with a round-robin crew of various L.A. cronies pitching in on bass, drum, and keys (among them former Pontiacs drummer Dave Valdez on bass; drummers Dan Earhart and Bill McGarvey, and keyboard man Dan McGough dominated the supporting cast). The material played down the hard rock stomp of Dotson's work with the Pontiac Brothers in favor of hooky but enjoyably unpolished pop/rock tunes that made no secret of their roots in the sounds of '60s AM radio."

There are a few bands that will forever hold a special spot in my heart. I was turned on to the Liquor Giants by way of an interview I had with Timothy Bracy of The Mendoza Line years ago where he casually dropped the band's debut as one of his favorite underrated albums. At the time (and frankly, I still do) hailing Mr. Bracy's musical opinion as 'Gospel', I dug around to discover the few albums that were as incredible as they were obscure. I heard the band, and Ward Dotson in particular, described as the Big Star of the '90's. I'll go with that. I love the band's entire output but a favorite has to be it's fourth record, "Every Other Day At A Time", released in 1998 while I was coming out of my 'psychedelic' phase and unfortunately ignoring the music I would cherish later. My loss. Do yourself a favor and track this stuff down, you will love it, I promise. My sincere thanks to Ward Dotson for honoring a fanboy's request to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
‘Snoopy vs. the Red Baron’ by The Royal Guardsman.

Your last album bought?
“Message for the Mess Age” by NRBQ.

Favorite album of all time?
I love greatest hits and comp’s, but they probably don’t count. I guess The Beach Boys’ “Today” is a good one or “With The Beatles”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
“Don’t Tell A Soul” by The Replacements.

First concert attended?
Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods, they played on ‘Junior Angel’ night prior to an Angels game.

Last concert?
Those Darlins.

Favorite concert ever?
The Rezillos.

Least favorite concert?
The Pixies.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Ed Masley is a good guy.

Thanks so much, Ward. Needless to say, it means a lot to me that you were able to do this. If only I had a time machine to see your old band live.

First/Last-YAWN

  "The four members of YAWN come from the underbelly of Chicago, with roots in neighborhoods like Little Lebanon, Baghdad Row, and Polski Park. Having grown up together both figuratively and literally, their hearts remain embedded in trash but their dreams of success run deeper than the cold waters of Lake Michigan.

'Happy Tears' is a transitional piece: part B-Side, part Single. After a series of tours in support of 'Open Season', we were anxious to get back to recording. Returning to Chicago, and finding a lovely new home in a recording studio, we got to work shaping songs that have clung to us since summer.  The collection of jams - some moody and dark, some bright and upbeat, represents our perspective on the violent ups and downs of touring life. Languid, aimless day-dreaming, uncontrolled outbursts of zaniness, and all the fluctuating moods of life on the road inspired much of this collection. We only see fit that it's released for free to our fans who make these experiences possible."

The band's latest EP "Happy Tears" is out now on FeelTrip Records. My thanks to Bif Suprem (AKA Daniel) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
When I was 11 I tagged along with my uncle to a Tower Records (remember those?!). I picked up a fresh copy of Nirvana’s “Nevermind”, as I was paying for the CD there was a bargain bin at the counter that had Incubus' “S.C.I.E.N.C.E”. I bought that as well for like a buck. I thought I was really cool when they got big the following year, and I was already listening to them.

Your last album bought?
Caribou, “Swim”.

Favorite album of all time?
That is a loaded question, and there is no one answer so instead here’s a few....The Avalanches, “Since I Left You”, Brian Eno, “Here Come The Warm Jets”, The Beatles, “Revolver”, Vijaya Anand, “Dance Raja Dance”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Guns N' Roses, “Appetite for Destruction”....or for that matter anything that Guns N' Roses makes. Fuck Guns N' Roses.

First concert attended?
My uncle was a metal head of sorts. He took me to a Metallica show when I was 12.

Last concert?
Not really a concert, but Onra was in town and played a great set at Beauty Bar.

Favorite concert ever?
The Flaming Lips at Pitchfork Fest '09. They do not hold anything back when it comes to a live performance.

Least favorite concert?
Lollapalooza in '03 or '04 or something, Audioslave. What a shitty band name too.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Yeah, I really like the city. We stopped in for the first time a year ago, and since have been back several times. We met some really, really cool people that run the Decade store on the South Side on Carson St., I think. Anyway, they let us crash at their place, showed us around the city a bit and took us to some cool bars, where we met really nice folks. All around one of my favorite places to stop on tour.

Thanks, Daniel. Guns N' Roses, eh? I'm with you, screw 'em.

First/Last-Eternal Summers

"What do you do when the guitar you wrote all your songs on gets stolen mid-tour and you’re too practical to run out and jack up your credit?  This might not seem like a major problem for most bands, but when you're the sparse duo of Eternal Summers and you are relying on that Parker Nitefly to compensate for high and low end, you can’t help feeling a bit exposed. After a futile appeal for sponsorship, Nicole Yun experiments with the Fender Telecaster she has on hand. She recognizes that while it cuts like a knife and has a gorgeous high range, it is missing that low edge. Suddenly glad that she and Daniel Cundiff never made a pact to remain solely a two-piece, they decide it is time to add a bassist. Daniel says, “Nicole and I had been bouncing the idea of adding a bassist around for a year or so because we were writing more complex songs and it seemed a disservice to the songs not to have the low tonal quality that a bass would provide.” Given the recent circumstances, they move into action."

The now trio Eternal Summers released it's sophomore record, Correct Behavior, this week on Kanine Records. I am really loving the lush 'poppiness' of this album. Serious contender for my year-end list for sure. My thanks to Nicole Yun (Guitars/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
I inherited a lot of albums from my sisters but my first personal purchase was Green Day's “Dookie”.

Your last album bought?
Quilt, “Quilt”.

Favorite album of all time?
Smashing Pumpkins, “Siamese Dream”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
One I recorded right before Eternal Summers started that never got finished.

First concert attended?
The Skatalites at Wolf Trap. It was my first ska show and started a really hilarious phase of my teenage life.

Last concert?
Bleeding Rainbow, Crocodiles and Sisu in Austin during SXSW 2012.

Favorite concert ever?
Smashing Pumpkins at US Air Arena (R.I.P.) in D.C., 1996. I caught a sunflower that Billy Corgan threw out to the crowd and scared a lot of people around me with my air guitaring. I had a great time!

Least favorite concert?
I don't stay if I don't like it.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
The Andy Warhol Museum was really refreshing while Daniel and I were on tour for our last album. I felt refueled psychologically and emotionally.

Thanks, Nicole. Beleive me, the Warhol always seems to have that effect on people, whether you are from here or not.

First/Last-In One Wind

In One Wind

Thunderbird Cafe

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Larryville

"Comprised of vocalist/guitarist Angelo Spagnolo, vocalist/keyboardist Mallory Glaser, bassist Robert Lundberg, multi-reedist Steven Lugerner, and drummer Max Jaffe – Brooklyn-based In One Wind has been called “one of the most inventive and satisfying new bands” by David Hadju of  The New Republic. The sudden rhythmic & dynamic shifts of their music juxtaposed against simple folk forms creates contrasting musical spaces – a sound that is defined by the instrumentation of all five members."

The band stops in Pittsburgh tonight at the Thunderbird celebrating the recent release of their new EP, "Lean" on Primary Records. Supporting will be special guests Leverage Models and Sleep Experiments. My thanks to Pittsburgh native! Angelo Spagnolo (Guitars/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Blind Melon's self-titled record. I got it randomly on one of those mail-in CD companies. I believe this was in '97, and I've pretty much listened to this record every month since then.

Your last album bought?
Normal Love's new album “Survival Tricks”. If you don't know about them you should! It's actually another Brooklyn-based band led by a native Pittsburgher and CAPA grad, Amnon Freidlin.

Favorite album of all time?
Ah, this is hard to say. I will say one of my favorite records is Mark Hollis' solo record. A few Bonnie "Prince" Billy records have really hit me recently. Also, ZS' “New Slaves” has been unstoppable.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Metallica's “St. Anger”. I was so excited for them to come out with a new record and it was just the worst.

First concert attended?
It was a triple threat in Pittsburgh: Lynyard Skynyrd / Ted Nugent / Deep Purple.

Last concert?
Extra Life's album release show with Dreebs. Charlie Looker's writing is so great. Very progressive writing but also coming from an tradition of mid-‘90’s rock and baroque.

Favorite concert ever?
I had a pretty amazing time a few months ago seeing The Beach Boys (including Brian Wilson) at the Beacon Theatre. They played a lot of “Pet Sounds” which was great. The cherry on top was Uncle Jessie from Full House came out and sang "Forever". My sister and I were giddy like school girls.

Least favorite concert?
This is hard to say. With all the rough shows I've been to there always seems to be some redeeming quality. Even if the music isn't great, at least we could dance, you know?

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I feel really fortunate to have my roots in Pittsburgh. I've had some amazing and supportive teachers over the years. I went to CAPA where I met some really great minds including Ben Opie. He's the best. I really hope the music scene continues to build there.

Thanks, Angelo. Pittsburgh boy making good! Love it, man.

First/Last-Blitzen Trapper

Photo courtesy of Tyler Kohlhoff

Blitzen Trapper

Mr. Smalls Funhouse

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Millvale

"When I was twenty-three I had a waking vision of a creature trying to get inside my apartment. At the time I couldn’t tell if it was malevolent and bent on my destruction since it would not speak but only scrabbled at the windows and beat on the walls. Whatever it was, it had wings and was terrifying. All night I piled furniture in front of the door to keep it from getting in, which seemed to work. I should mention that I also had a fever and was taking exotic narcotics to deal with it. The upshot of this episode was that I dropped out of school and began to write songs, to play music. This was not music that ever traveled, at least not for many years (my lower-class, small town upbringing ensured I had absolutely no ambition), but it was music that permeated everything. My friends and I lived together, made recordings, played occasional shows and mostly just worked out our demons through narcotic substances and song."

The band returns to Pittsburgh tomorrow at Mr. Smalls with special guest Sarah Jaffe. My thanks to Marty Marquis (Guitar/Keyboards/Vocals/Melodica) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Men at Work, "Cargo".

Your last album bought?
Isao Tomita, "Firebird".

Favorite album of all time?
The Beatles, "White Album".

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Chris Cornell, "Euphoria Morning".

First concert attended?
Sting at The Gorge in George, WA.

Last concert?
Bright Archer and Barna Howard at Piano Fort, Portland, OR.

Favorite concert ever?
The Roots at Mohawk, Austin, Texas. They are the best band in history, as far as I can tell.

Least favorite concert?
Tortoise at Roseland, Portland.  Roseland is bad but I had a blister on my eardrum that would resonate with certain bass frequencies and felt like an icepick in my brain.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Only been there once before. I remember lots of folks with golf clubs wandering the streets and us playing in what looked to be a '90's disco.

Thanks Marty. The venue was Diesel which has since stopped putting on rock shows, thankfully.

First/Last-Sons of an Illustrious Father

Photo courtesy Stef Mitchell

Sons of an Illustrious Father

Lili Coffee*Shop

Monday, July 23, 2012

Polish Hill

"Sons of an Illustrious Father is a four-piece folk/blues/americana/country -inspired rock band from New York that may at a given moment consist of any combination of quadrophonic vocals, banjo, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, upright bass, violin, organ, accordion, and drums.

Sweet enough to make Tom Waits cry, mean enough to beat up CSNY."

The 'heavy meadow' band hits Pittsburgh tonight at the Lile Coffee*Shop in Polish Hill. My thanks to Lilah Larson (Vocals/Guitars/Banjo) for participating in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
The first two albums I ever bought I bought together, both on cassette, were Springsteen’s  “Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ” and R.E.M.’s “Green”. I think my taste really degenerated from that point.

Your last album bought?
The deluxe edition of Patti Smith’s new album, “Banga”.

Favorite album of all time?
There are many, many albums contending for the number one spot, but for starters, the Band’s brown album, Nirvana’s “In Utero”, Lou Reed’s “Transformer”, Jeff Buckley “Live at Sin-e”, and still those first two that I bought.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I’ve never really thought about that. In the interest of not being too mean to anyone else, I’ll just say our first album. It’s like your good friend who you hate because you know them too well and they know too much about you.

First concert attended?
Blink 182 and Green Day. As I said, my taste degenerated.

Last concert?
Bonnie Raitt with my mother. It was awesome.

Favorite concert ever?
Every time I’ve seen Patti Smith.

Least favorite concert?
Blink 182 and Green Day.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I have many a wild memory of Pittsburgh from when our drummer Ezra was shooting ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’, but by far the most notable was breaking into the Mattress Factory after it was closed. I highly recommend doing that.

Thanks, Lilah. Gotta keep an eye on trespassers. Still sounds fun though.

First/Last 'The Essentials'-Mavis Staples

Photo courtesy Shore Fire Media

Mavis Staples

Pittsburgh Blues Festival

Sunday, July 22, 2102

Hartwood Acres

“All of these songs are me, but in a different way, with a different sound,” says Mavis Staples. “The phrasing, the tempos, the arrangements are different, but the messages are the same things I’ve been saying down through the years. They’re about the world today—poverty, jobs, welfare, all of that—and making it feel better through these songs.” With her bold new album, You Are Not Alone, the legendary vocalist adds a remarkable new chapter to an historic career. Staples is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and a National Heritage Fellowship Award recipient. VH1 named her one of the 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll, and Rolling Stone listed her as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time."

One of my earliest and most fond memories of rock and roll was my father taking us kids to see "The Last Waltz" at the King's Court in Oakland when it was released in 1978. Initially, a lot of the movie slipped past my 11 year old conscience but an undeniable highlight was and still is The Staple Singers performing 'The Weight' with The Band. Beautiful, indeed. Ms. Staples headlines the last day of the blues fest tonight at Hartwood. My sincere thanks to her for taking a few minutes to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
First albums were Sister Mahalia Jackson and Etta James.

Your last album bought?
Adele and Melanie Fiona.

Favorite album of all time?
Nina Simone, “To Love Somebody”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Can't say that I've been disappointed in any albums that I've purchased.

First concert attended?
A Gospel Concert: The Soul Stirrers and The Dixie Hummingbirds.

Last concert?
 Wilco.

Favorite concert ever?
Trombone Shorty.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I've always loved Pittsburgh. I remember the last time we were there was an outdoor concert. It began to rain, and much to my surprise the audience stayed put, they wanted a show so we gave them one. Had a great time. Looking forward to seeing all of our Pittsburgh friends again.

Thanks, Mavis. Hopefully, the rain holds out tonight for the show. I have a feeling that if it does rain again, no one is going anywhere.

First/Last-Falling Andes

Photo courtesy Anahita Bradberry

Falling Andes

Brillobox

Saturday. July 21, 2012

Larryville

"Appearing on Indie Rock Café’s list of Best Songs of 2011 and described as a band to watch, Falling Andes is a 5-piece American indie alternative rock band formed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in winter 2011. The group is composed of Dan Peluso (guitar, keyboards, lead vocals), Jordan Wood (keyboards, backing vocals), new addition / chick drummer Toni Crough (percussion), Mike Boyer (lead guitar), and Mike Radage (electric bass). The music of Falling Andes is a comfortable-yet-boundary-pushing fit with the new wave of 80s-inspired throwback but more-meaningful-this-time-around-we-swear synthpop and has been described as “catchy” with “easily digestible hooks … with a flavor all their own.” 

The band plays it's first show of the summer tonight at Brillobox with Balloon Fantasy Ride and Mike Cali on the bill. My thanks to vocalist Dan Peluso (his views, not the band's) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

 

The first album you ever bought?
“Led Zeppelin II”.

Your last album bought?
Florence & the Machine, "Ceremonials".

Favorite album of all time?
Hard to pick one, but I'll go with Pink Floyd's "The Wall" for a classic one. More recently I really love Cults self titled album on vinyl. It's really good from beginning to end.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I've been disappointed in a lot of albums, but can't think of one in particular at the moment that I would call out.

First concert attended?
Pretty sure it was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in concert. Haha, no joke!

Last concert?
Modest Mouse.

Favorite concert ever?
This is a weird list, but it's really hard to choose. I would put Incubus, Allman Brothers, and Wang Chung up there as some of the most enjoyable concerts I've been too.

Least favorite concert?
Fall Out Boy and Innerpartysystem.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh's a great city. We love our fans here!

Thanks, Dan. TNMT? Live? What even was that?