First/Last-Small Houses

"Small Houses is a Philadelphia, PA based alt-country project featuring the songs and poems of Flint, MI native Jeremy Quentin. Artfully crafted finger-style guitar playing, and softly sung melodies describing the people, love, and homes of Quentin’s life."

Small Houses is the moniker of songwriter Jeremy Quentin. He heads to Pittsburgh Thursday (10/1) for an intimate house show at The Acorn Alliance in Lawrenceville with our good buddy Chet Vincent lending support. I want to thank Jeremy for taking a few to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
With my own money? I bought a small handful from a Salvation Army, solely based on the appeal of the cover art. I remember one of the albums being Neil Young's, “Harvest”.

Your last album bought?
U2 “No Line on the Horizon”.

Favorite album of all time?
Wilco “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I have no idea how to answer this question. Such a weird idea to decide what record is my least favorite of all time. I assume the ‘Kindergarden Cop’ soundtrack isn't the best.

First concert attended?
Hall and Oates at the Kresge in Interlochen, MI.

Last concert?
The one I played last night. Connor Dodson and Small Houses at Small's Bar in Detroit, MI.

Favorite concert ever?
Warped Tour 1999.

Least favorite concert?
Probably one the shows I played and had something thrown at me.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Love the town. I've driven pretty far out of the way to pick up a Spak Bros sandwich. That can make a whole town. Also, I love remember my first thoughts of Pittsburgh came from Richard Brautigan's "Trout Fishing in America". Made me have a romantic attitude towards the town.

Thanks, Jeremy. Nice Spak Brothers shout out. And see, that least fave album question wasn't that hard, was it?

First/Last-The Bellfuries

"From their adopted, boom-town home of Austin, TX, The Bellfuries are constantly within earshot of the latest catchphrase. New brands are always within their peripheral view. Well and good, vocalist and chief songwriter Joey Simeone says. “But we’re a rock and roll band. People are obsessed with categories, sub-genres. We check into a hotel, and the guy or girl behind the desk asks what kind of music we play. ‘Rock and roll.’ Then they ask what I mean by that. Well… “…Let’s see. There’s elements of country music, rhythm and blues. There’s some improvisation on stage that I guess you could say is jazz-inspired. Throw in some gospel…plenty of melodies coming out of older pop tunes. That adds up to rock and roll, last time I checked. If we’re not re-inventing the wheel, I’d rather get to work than worry about renaming it.” Simeone takes a no-nonsense, workingman’s line, and “Workingman’s Bellfuries,” (Hi-Style, Aug. 18) holds that line firm. No doubt, the armchair taxonomist will find plenty of variety. Lead track and single “Loving Arms,” is foot-stomping rockabilly-pop, a la Hamburg-era John Lennon. “Bad Seed Sown” brings finger-popping jive from the Dion school. “Make the Mystery No More” is Phil Spector 2.0, with some Everly Brothers harmony sitting at the top. And “Why Do You Haunt Me” is a shimmering track that suggests nothing so much as Elvis Presley’s operatic pop approach of the 1960s."

The Bellfuries is a rock and roll band from Austin, TX who's latest album, "Workingman's Bellfuries" will certainly be on display as the band hits Pittsburgh Monday (9/28) at Pittsburgh Winery on a bill with Jessica Lee Wilkes. I want to thank frontman Joey Simeone (Guitar/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
“Shaved Fish” by John Lennon. I was about 5 yrs old. Around that same time, my brother gave me his Beatles albums, all the ones that I had been abusing over the past few years! He went and bought new ones. I felt like the king of the world. My earliest memories of life are Beatles-related. My brother Anthony, my Uncle Louie, and I would go to Beatles conventions in Cleveland (where I grew up) and for me it was like going to Willy Wonka Land. Screw the candy, give me The Beatles!

Your last album bought?
I haven't had a turntable for quite a few years, but my fiancé brought home a cheap little Crosley suitcase the other day, so now I wanna go out and buy all this vinyl. Last one I bought was “Beast On My Back” by Crumbsuckers. They re-issued it on yellow vinyl and the re-master sounds fantastic. There are enough great riffs on that record to kill Jason Voorhees. It’s number three on my all-time fave metal records list:

1. Iron Maiden “Number of The Beast”
2. Megadeth “Killing is My Business”
3. Crumbsuckers “BOMB”
4. Metallica “Ride the Lightning”

Favorite album of all time?
Impossible to answer, but in a gun-to-the head-choose-or-die scenario I'd probably say “A Hard Days Night” by The Beatles. To my ears, there is an excitement and energy to that record that rivals any album ever recorded. Chiiingggg... "It's been a Hard Day's Night"... That opening chord is a stick of dynamite, I mean the damn album just started, one f***ing chord, and forget it brother, you are toast! REM's “Murmur” is way up there for me, The Smiths’ “The Queen is Dead”, Ron Sexsmith's “Other Songs”, Dead Kennedys’ “Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables”, The Ramones first record, Misfits’ “Static Age”. Dammit, I can't pick just one!

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Any rockabilly album that has nothing new or interesting to offer. Buy an orange Gretsch, slick your hair back, and put out a crap record. I think everybody has about had it with garbage roots music in general. This is in no way coming from a place of arrogance, because god knows I am VERY critical of my own songs. I am constantly trying to reach the songwriting peaks that my heroes reached, I may never get there, but I will die trying. There's room to be very creative, to be polished, to be raw, to bring your own story to the rockabilly table, but it has to have soul. Going to see a band that puts style before substance is, quite frankly, insulting to me.

First concert attended?
Can’t remember. My mom took me to see Neil Diamond when I was a kid, maybe that’s the first one. I saw a lot of great punk and metal shows when I was a teenager, too. My dad would drop me and my friends off at the shows. I got to see Black Flag, Slayer, GBH, and a ton of other bands in very small clubs. It seemed every week there was a great band coming through Cleveland. It was an amazing time to be a teenager and to be into punk and metal.

Last concert?
Saw The Ugly Beats at a club here in Austin. Always a great show.

Favorite concert ever?
Too many to choose from. Ron Sexsmith at Wilberts in the mid-90's. They Might Be Giants at Peabody's, Paul McCartney at Frank Erwin Center, all The Ramones shows I got to see in Cleveland, Metallica on “Ride The Lightning tour" in '85. Daniel Francis Doyle at any club here in town!

Least favorite concert?
Can't remember, I left.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Well, I've been a Steelers fan my whole life, and that ain't easy being from Cleveland. I also think that you guys have the best baseball park in the country. I don't think The Bellfuries have ever played there. It's such a beautiful city, and we are really looking forward to tearing it up!

Thanks, Joey. A Steelers fan in Cleveland must have been messed up. Sports rivalries are so awkward to me.

First/Last-Abi Reimold

"Abi Reimold of Philadelphia writes dynamic, cathartic songs that are darkly colorful. Rough around the edges in a way that is more honest than careless, Reimold's music has a distinctly human quality about it. Unpredictable yet natural, Reimold's songwriting style builds tension using dissonance both harmonically and lyrically. Her voice rides a range of octaves and emotions, exploring dark and upsetting inner worlds, adeptly contouring melodies to starkly vivid lyrics. Growing up singing in church and school choir gave her an understanding and affinity of harmony and the endless possibilities of vocal expression. Her self-taught guitar style is influenced by acts such as Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine."

Abi Reimold is an lo-fi alternative singer songwriter from Philadelphia who brings her special charm across state to Pittsburgh Saturday (9/26) at Bates Hardcore Gym. I want to thank Abi for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
AFI “decemberunderground”.

Your last album bought?
Amy Winehouse “Back to Black” (well... I downloaded it).

Favorite album of all time?
Radiohead “In Rainbows”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Rather not say?

First concert attended?
They Might Be Giants.

Last concert?
I can't remember the last time I bought tickets to a show and went for fun... probably Speedy Ortiz.

Favorite concert ever?
Herbie Hancock at The Mann.

Least favorite concert?
Kid Cudi.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I went to this art camp near there during high school for the artsyest kids in all of Pennsylvania and we went to a baseball game but we were all weird art kids and did everything but watch the baseball game. I just wandered around the park listening to Kanye on my iPod nano or w/e.

Thanks, Abi. I was sort of a weird art kid growing up and I have to say I had/have no interest in baseball to this day.

First/Last-A Day Without Love

"A Day Without Love has existed in many forms. Started as a solo act by frontman Brian Walker during his college years, the music took on the shape of a full-band when Walker collaborated with Philadelphia producer Jake Detwiler in 2013. The resulting debut EP, "Island", was a sharp contrast from the mellow acoustic musings that Walker had leaned on in the past - it was aggressive, grungy, and energetic. Since then, A Day Without Love has seen a rotating cast of musicians surround the singer/songwriter for a handful of short releases ("Confessions of the Innocent Mind" single and "A Day Without Oscar" split EP, both in 2014). Currently Brian has recently released his last EP before LP 1 entitled Young Professionals. Young Professionals is a split EP with his old college friend , Sam Christie from Chicago. It is a true contrast between two different forms of underground music, combined on one record. A Day Without Love is currently seeking new members, while playing/touring in the east coast regional area while writing LP1."

A Day Without Love is an alternative punk rock project out of Philadelphia from songwriter Brian Walker. He has several releases and stops in Pittsburgh this Saturday (9/26) at Bates Hardcore Gym.  want to thank Brian for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Usher “My Way” via Cassette.

Your last album bought?
Hawking “Hawking” EP.

Favorite album of all time?
“Hail to the Thief” Radiohead.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Oooh Lord, I would feel bad saying this, but I guess I can say anything by Nickleback? Is that a thing?

First concert attended?
Hellogoodbye, The Hush Sound and Boys Like Girls at a fest called Sun Fest in Bethlehem.

Last concert?
Anthony Green/Cruisr and Mannequin Pussy.

Favorite concert ever?
Sounds of Animals Fighting at the Trocadero.

Least favorite concert?
Rick Ross at Hofstra University.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I have always thought of Pittsburgh to be a golden hill of awesomeness. I have done charity events, shows, and visited friends here and every time I go I enjoy the Primanti sandwiches, make new friends and enjoy how kind everyone is. It's a good time all around.

Thanks, Brian. Our town's new slogan... 'Golden Hills of Awesomeness'! Love it!

First/Last-Derek Woodz Band

"The current six(sometimes seven)-piece band came together in the summer of 2012 and includes an instrumental lineup of acoustic guitar, harmonica, lead electric guitar, mandolin (acoustic and electric), drums, percussion/congas, and bass. The band also often invites keys and horns into the lineup. DWB defines themselves as being reminiscent of an energetic 60’s-70’s Rock n’ Roll vibe while incorporating a new-age jam-style atmosphere. DWB is currently promoting new material for their upcoming album which will boast a developed, mature version of their past originals in a style that thrives on live performances."

Derek Woodz Band is a sometimes singer-songwriter sometime rock and roll jam band that have one album released from 2013 entitled "Dancin'" which many folks will be doing on Friday (9/25) at The Rex as the band opens for Ekoostik Hookah. I want to thank main man Derek Woodz (Acoustic Guitar/Harmonica/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Deep Purple "Shades Of Deep Purple" released in 1968.

Your last album bought?
Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) "Tell 'Em I'm Gone" released in 2014.

Favorite album of all time?
Bob Dylan "Blood On The Tracks" released in 1975.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Phish "Round Room" released in 2002.

First concert attended?
Thursday August 20, 1992, Bob Dylan at Conneaut Lake Park, Meadville, PA.

Last concert?
August 15, 2015, Phish at Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, Maryland.

Favorite concert ever?
April 6, 2013, Eric Clapton/The Wallflowers (Clapton 50th Anniversary Tour) at Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh, PA.

Least favorite concert?
I've been lucky enough to not attend any concerts that I didn't enjoy.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Derek Woodz Band opening support for Lisa Marie Presley, November 13, 2012 / Derek Woodz Band opening support for Rusted Root on New Years Eve 2013 at Rex Theater & opening support for Rusted Root, August 31, 2014 at Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater. Pittsburgh has some of the most passionately hardworking Musicians, Promoters & Organizations that contribute to a thriving music scene.

Thanks, Derek. Your first concert was my umptheenth? Dylan show. And you know your peeps in Rusted Root played after him, right?