Friday, December 21, 2012

First/Last-The Long Time Darlings


"Forming in October of 2008, The Long Time Darlings agreed on a simple mission statement: Make exciting records and play memorable shows. The band wasted no time putting this mission into action playing their first show in December of 2008 to a packed house at 31st Street Pub and completing their debut demo “Skeleton Pirate” at the top of 2009."
 
The band can be found at their official  Website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, MySpace and Iron City Rocks. As Christmas arrives early,  I am really excited to be bringing you the premier of TLTD's brand new EP, "Death-O-Sketch" for a free download. Three tunes of balls to the wall crunchy rock offered up for your listening pleasure. My thanks to Brett Staggs (Vocals/Guitars), Brian Sproul (Lead Guitar) and Doug Kochmanski (Drums) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Brett Staggs: The first album I personally went to the store and purchased was “Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell” by Social Distortion, on cassette tape. Still have it, great album. ‘Cold Feelings’ was my favorite track.
Brian Sproul: The Monkees’ “Greatest Hits”.
Doug Kochmanski: First one I can remember buying by myself, with my own money, was Soul Asylum's "Grave Dancer's Union." Great title.

Your last album bought?
Brett: ZZ Top, “La Futura”, produced by Rick Rubin. Amazing album, thick and sexy.
Brian: “I Love You, It’s Cool”, Bear in Heaven.
Doug: Tift Merrit, "Traveling Alone".

Favorite album of all time?
Brett: “Love & Theft” by Bob Dylan. Learning the words and style of this blues/folk masterpiece is the most fun experience I’ve ever had with an album.  (Even though Dylan says he doesn’t want people to sing along, oh well, sorry Bobby!)
Brian: Van Halen, “1984”.
Doug: Holy crap. Ummmm...This answer changes constantly. First albums that come to mind are Counting Crows' "August and Everything After", Bruce's "Born to Run", Nick Lowe's "Jesus of Cool" or maybe Neil Young's "Rust Never Sleeps".

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Brett: Robbie Robertson made a solo album with Daniel Lanois and I can’t find a single thing about that record that’s any good at all. I keep thinking I’m being too critical, so if someone can explain this to me I’d be all ears.
Brian: The Stones Roses, “Second Coming”.
Doug: Pretty much every Radiohead album after "Kid A". Anything by Animal Collective. What a bunch of nonsense.

First concert attended?
Brett: Art Garfunkel (solo) in Williamsport, PA. I was around 10 or 11. I was really impressed by the drummer during ‘Mrs. Robinson’ but then I fell asleep.
Brian: Def Leppard.
Doug: Veruca Salt and Bush, Civic Arena, 1997.

Last concert?
Brett: Caleb Pogyor & The Keystone Trio.
Brian: Nick Lowe.
Doug: Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Petersen Events Center, 2012.

Favorite concert ever?
Brett: 7-Seconds at the Daily Grind in Kansas City, 1996.
Brian: Sunny Day Real Estate at The  Agora in Cleveland.
Doug: Nick Lowe, Mr. Small's, 2012.

Least favorite concert?
Brett: Bright Eyes when Dawes opened for them at Stage AE. Dawes was great, Bright Eyes had this odd light show going on and the mix was so awkwardly loud that I just left.
Brian: Bob Dylan in Washington, PA.
Doug: Suicide Machines, Club Laga, 2000. Great show, but I got bruised ribs.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Brett: A friend of mine is in an MBA program at Carlow and met a girl in one of his classes who was born and raised in Hollywood. Her parents were both in the movie business and naturally he asked her why she came to Pittsburgh for her Masters, and she very matter-of-factly answered, “Because Pittsburgh is going to be the next Portland.” I thought that was pretty cool to hear an outside perspective of what this great city could/should become for all the great music that is made here.
Brian: Too many to name. I am an unabashed “homer,” I love everything about this city and I share the same overwhelming pride that Pittsburghers have. When you are travelling and run into someone from Pittsburgh there’s an instant bond, a sense of brotherhood that is hard to describe and seems uniquely “Pittsburgh.”
Doug: I love that all the pro sports teams have the same colors. I like the sexy triangular shape of our downtown area. I like sandwiches.


Thanks, fellas. Too cool of you to let me introduce the EP! Happy Holidays, brothers.

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