First/Last-Happy Economy

Happy Economy

Thunderbird Cafe

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Larryville

"Finding himself without a band for the first time in a number of years, Jason Reis began recording tracks on his own in late 2011. After recording over an albums worth of songs, he needed to find a singer to finish them. He enlisted his good friend Ryan Kramzer, and they began referring to the "band" as Happy Economy. Over the next few months the two completed the album. Entirely self-produced and self-recorded, they released Lonely People online in April of 2012. In order to play the songs live, Ryan Grisnik and Rob Nace were added into the fold. You can expect to see them playing all around Pittsburgh in the coming months, and a 2nd album is already in the works."

Check out the band's self-released debut "Lonely People" and check them out live tonight at the T'Bird on a bill with fellow locals Berlin Way. My thanks to instrumentalist Jason Reis for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
I got into music at a very young age, so I’m really not sure. I’ve just always had a record collection as long as I can remember. One of the earliest ones that I can remember would be “Crazy Nights” by KISS. I would have been 3 or 4 at the time.

Your last album bought?
I bought two at the same time. “Nocturne” by Wild Nothing and “A Different Ship” by Here We Go Magic. I’d recommend both.

Favorite album of all time?
Tough question, but I’d probably have to go with “Pet Sounds”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I was a huge Rush fan when I was in high school, and even though I hardly listen to any progressive or hard rock anymore, I’ve continued to follow them. But I gotta say, I think their new album is pretty terrible. My 17 year old self would be devastated.

First concert attended?
I saw Todd Rundgren at the Byham when I was 6. To this day I still believe that he’s one of the most criminally underrated artists and producers in the history of popular music.

Last concert?
I just saw Laura Marling at Club Café.

Favorite concert ever?
Three way tie. Wilco at St. Vincent College, Josh Ritter at Diesel, and Paul McCartney at Consol.

Least favorite concert?
I was dragged to a Metallica concert by a girl once. There was nothing good about it.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
A great city with an ever-improving music scene. I'd love to see it move away from the blue collar type of bands that have dominated and head in a more interesting direction.

Thanks, Jason. I'm always impressed with a musician's DIY ethic and will gladly feature them any day!

First/Last-Quiet Company

Quiet Company

The Smiling Moose

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Soutside

"In 2011 Quiet Company spent the majority of their time writing & recording their most ambitious & thought provoking album to date, "We Are All Where We Belong." In late summer they were approached by Grooveshark & signed to their new Artist Development program. Since July 1st, Quiet Company has garnered  a global audience, thanks to their partnership with Grooveshark. Quiet Company's Facebook fans jumped from 2,800 in July to over 50,000 by February & their video for "Fear & Fallacy, Sitting in a Tree" reached over 100,000 plays in under 3 months. Quiet Company is averaging well over 50,000 song plays a day on Grooveshark alone all across the globe.
In October, Quiet Company released their new album, "We Are All Where We Belong" which received the best reviews & response the band has earned to date. They were invited to play Deluna Fest in Florida as well as CMJ in New York."

So here's the deal, I am constantly exposed to music...constantly. Most of it I like, some of it I don't. But there are a few times that I discover an album that absolutely floors me. Case in point, "We Are All Where We Belong" by Quiet Company. Everything about it, most notably, the amazing lyrics, have struck a chord with me and I am so geeked that the band will be playing Pittsburgh tomorrow night at the Moose on a bill with Brick + Mortar for the EARLY show. My sincere thanks to songwriter Taylor Muse (Vocals/Guitar/Piano) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Probably something obscure and Christian. I want to say "Scarecrow Messiah" by Bride, but it might have been "Snakes in the Playground" by Bride. I'm pretty sure it was something by Bride.

Your last album bought?
"Moms" by Menomena. It's very good, as is everything that Menomena has done.

Favorite album of all time?
For my money, "OK Computer" by Radiohead is the closest thing to perfection anyone has achieved in the history of recorded music.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Zwan, and then everything Billy Corgan has done afterward.

First concert attended?
Newsboys, probably. They were/are a contemporary Christian band that was always coming through east Texas and playing churches or whatever the biggest venue in the area was. I saw them at Longview High School's coliseum, and they had a ton of lasers and a lift for the drummer that hung him upside down over the crowd while he played a solo. Looking back, their music was pretty cheesy and preachy but the live show was undeniably insane.

Last concert?
Saw Menomena at the Parish in Austin last Wednesday. A week or so before, my wife and I saw Ben Folds Five at Stubb's.

Favorite concert ever?
Radiohead in Houston, TX. ‘Amnesiac’ tour. Their song selection was damn near perfect and covered all of their albums not just the most recent. On the four hour drive home, my friends and I talked ceaselessly about all the things that would be cool about naming your child "Skeletor".

Least favorite concert?
The Smashing Pumpkins in Austin. ‘Zeitgeist’ tour. I'd never seen them in their heyday, so our manager, Paul, got tickets for us. I still worship the band's early catalog but seeing them live was less than life-affirming. Parts of the show made me think, "That's the most rock 'n' roll thing I've ever seen!" but the rest of the show made me think, "That's the most self-indulgent thing I've ever seen."

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
We've played their once before but no one was there and it was several years ago, but we did have one amazing experience in the Primanti Bros. sandwiches.

Thanks, Taylor. Can't tell you how much I love this album. Really looking forward to the gig.

First/Last-Balloon Ride Fantasy

"Balloon Ride Fantasy is an indie pop band consisting of 6 members who combine rich instrumentation, vocal harmonies and ridiculous concepts to create fun and interesting songs.
They released their debut album, Monocle City in Spring 2011. The album continues to enjoy a warm reception on iTunes and Pandora, as well as in local, national and international music communities.
A strong dynamic and sense of humor are evident throughout the songs, whose lyrics indulge a ravenous pack of zombies, a fantastical Japanese dreamland and other outlandish lyrical themes, all sung over catchy melodic hooks."

The Pittsburgh band has taken a break from gigging this fall to concentrate on their sophomore release following last year's debut, "Monacle City". My sincere thanks to Phil Conley (Vocals/Keys), Chris Olsziewski (Lead Vocals/Guitar) and Bethany Berkstresser (Vocals/Percussion) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Phil Conley: Michael Jackson, “Thriller”.
Chris Olsziewski: “Slippery When Wet” by Bon Jovi. Everybody had it, I had no choice. My friend and I used to lift weights while listening to it when we were 8.
Bethany Berkstresser: I think it was Ace of Base.

Your last album bought?
Phil: Nurses, “Apple's Acre”.
Chris: Hmm, I can't remember, I've been illegally downloading shit for so long.
Bethany: Last month, I got Metric’s new album “Synthetica”. But I don’t know if this counts since it came with my concert ticket.

Favorite album of all time?
Phil: There is no way I have one favorite. The Kissaway Trail, “Self-Titled”.
Chris: Probably cheating, but a 4-disc Led Zeppelin “Greatest Hits” I got in the 90's and played out.
Bethany: This is a very frustrating and challenging question to answer. I’m going to go with Fiona Apple, “Tidal” or No Doubt, “Tragic Kingdom”. Both molded my thought processes and music taste significantly when I was an impressionable teenage girl.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Phil: Most recently. Circa Survive's last two albums: “Blue Sky Noise” and “Violent Waves”.
Chris: Every Green Day album.
Bethany: “High Violet” by The National. Everyone kept raving about that band and album and I just wasn’t feeling it.

First concert attended?
Phil: The earliest I can remember was NOFX and High-Standard.
Chris: I think it was Steve Miller Band. I used to go every year.
Bethany: Kris Kross. I was like 7 or 8.

Last concert?
Phil: The Heartless Bastards.
Chris: I saw Hall and Oats a few weeks ago. It was the pinnacle of my adult life.
Bethany: Metric at Stage AE. I was definitely feeling inspired.

Favorite concert ever?
Phil: Cursive and Eastern Youth.
Chris: See previous response.
Bethany: The Toadies at Diesel. Mostly because I randomly got to hang on their tour bus with them afterward and I had listened to their album “Rubberneck” since 6th grade.

Least favorite concert?
Phil: Can't think of any.
Chris: Bob Dylan. He did not live up to his reputation.
Bethany: O.A.R. Not really a fan of their music, but went because I got a free working pass and got to help the lighting guy work the band’s light show.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Phil: I think it's cool. I mean the music scene is not extensive, but it's cool enough for being a smaller city.
Chris: I've lived here my whole life and there are plenty of awesome musicians and bands, but the music scene is shit. I don't think many people, besides musicians, give 2 shits about local music. I just wrote and erased two paragraphs of rantings about yinzers. I think I'll keep my thoughts to myself.  Anyway, thanks to anyone who comes to see us because we definitely care.
Bethany: It was a great place to grow up and then attend college. I love the history here, the landscape and the seasons. The size of the city can be a good thing and a bad thing. I wish there were more options for public transit.

Thanks, guys. Looking forward to hear what you will be cooking up for us. BTW Chris, Rant on brother! I for one would love to hear your full thoughts on Pittsburgh music!

Sunday Pittsburgh Ticket Giveaway-Sloan

Sloan

Shadow Lounge

Thursday, November 8, 2012

East Liberty

"Sloan is four distinct songwriting voices — guitarists Patrick Pentland and Jay Ferguson, bassist Chris Murphy and drummer Andrew Scott — that nonetheless form a cohesive collective. Long-time Toronto scenesters who will always call Halifax home. Muchmusic and rock-radio regulars who — via their own murderecords label — maintain strong ties to their indie roots. Money-city maniacs who have a soft spot for sweet sugar tunes. Music vets who, instead of coasting on their cred, continue to challenge themselves with each record."

Courtesy of my friends at Drusky Entertainment, I have a pair of tickets for this show. The band is said to be playing it's second album, 1994's "Twice Removed" in it's entirety for this tour. Enter by sending an email with the subject line 'Sloan' to hughshows@comcast.net with the person who's name will be on the guest list in the message body. Please bring photo I.D. to this 18 and over show. This contest runs until Friday, November 2nd when the winner will be randomly chosen and contacted. Thanks and good luck.

First/Last-He's My Brother She's My Sister

He's My Brother She's My Sister

Thunderbird Cafe

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Larryville

"He's My Brother She's My Sister seem to invite a broad range of colorful words to describe their music and performances: "flamboyant folk," "psych-acoustic," "estranged and glamorous" and "vaudeville-y." No doubt this is due to their mélange of musical styles, both modern and antique; their eccentric attire and sense of expression, both sincere and theatrical; and, their unique instrumentation, which includes a rhythm section bolstered by a tap dancer.

Brother and sister Robert Kolar and Rachel Kolar split vocal duties, with Robert on guitar and kick drum and Rachel on tambourine. Their voices range from boisterous to introspective, from breezy to emotive. Lauren Brown adds full-body percussion with her fluid tap-dancing and drumming. Oliver Newell adds stand up bass with joyous flair. Aaron Robinson plays lead guitar on a lap slide, veering from nuanced psychedelica to American roots riffs."

The band makes it's Pittsburgh debut tomorrow at the T'Bird with support from local duo Faithful Sinners. They are touring behind their latest fantastically foot-stompin' release, "Nobody Dances in This Town" from Park The Van Records. My thanks to siblings Rachel Kolar (Vocals/Percussion) and Robert Kolar (Vocals/Guitar) for taking some time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Rachel Kolar: Cyndi Lauper, “She's So Unusual” (Used).
Robert Kolar:  With my own money...Blur “Park Life”, Weezer “S/T ‘Blue’ Album”. First cassette was an Ace of Base extended single on a street corner in Paris.

Your last album bought?
Rachel: The Orb Featuring Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, “Golden Clouds”.

Favorite album of all time?
Rachel: “The White Album”, “Sgt. Peppers…”, “Revolver”...The Beatles.
Rob: So many…right now, Bowie, “ Ziggy Stardust”, Arthur Alexander, “Best of”, The Beatles, “The White Album”, T. Rex, “Electric Warrior”, Spoon, “Kill the Moonlight”, Neil Young, “After The Goldrush”, CCR, “Green River”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Rachel: Lana Del Rey.
Rob: Hard to say. Hate to knock anyone that is creating something and putting it out into the world.  I'm not thrilled with the direction Radiohead has gone. I feel like they have been too conscious of not writing a pop song or a song that might tie into a more traditional songwriting structure. I think their music has suffered a bit. Feels like they are a bit self aware and calculated in their approach. They've lost some of their guttural rock and roll looseness that I love about their early records. I think this is indicative of a lot of releases at the moment. I like The Growlers approach and Soft Pack or Ariel Pink, same with Bad Weather California. There is a looseness and freedom in the expression that makes the records more fun to listen to and experience.

First concert attended?
Rachel: Janet Jackson in Hong Kong.
Rob: Rancid at The Palladium. 'And Out Come the Wolves' tour. First mosh pit too.

Last concert?
Rachel: The Flaming Lips.
Rob: Tommy Santee Klaws CD release in LA. Really excellent show! They are part of a bizarre underground folk scene that has emerged in the east side of Los Angeles. We also feel very much a part of that movement.

Favorite concert ever?
Rachel: Radiohead.
Rob: The White Stripes in Prague. Radiohead at Coachella in mid 2000's. Dr. Dog at The El Rey. Beck at The El Rey. Spindrift at Clean Air Clear Stars. Henry Wolfe in a medusa mask at a fundraiser party we threw. Many others. These are off the top of my head.

Least favorite concert?
Rachel: Can't remember...it was that bad.
Rob: My other band Lemon Sun played with Gotye in a small LA club. I found it a bit boring.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Rachel: Great massages!
Rob: I love the Penguins (second fav team after the Kings) and we've never been. One of my best friends is from there and all the folks I've met from there have been really cool so we are really excited. Also read an article that it is one of the most livable cities in America so that makes it all the more enticing.

Thanks, guys. Such a fun record you have there. I am sure it's a hoot to play live!