The Bumps, Local Honey and The Killerinas - 31st Street Pub - Saturday March 31st
We
are about eight hours away from a pretty cool show at the 31st Street Pub featuring
two locals, The
Bumps and Local Honey, with special guest from Erie, PA The
Killerinas. You may have heard The
Killerinas mentioned if you listened to Dave Bernabo's interview with Alan
Lewandowski for PNR. They are four girls and one boy on drums and they play
really fun rock n roll with influences ranging from The Go Go's, old Kiss and
The Pixies.
Local
Honey is a project that front woman Becky Corrigan has kept together despite
being the last remaining member of the original lineup. The contributions of
lead guitarist Trevor Thomas and bassist Rob Levkulich combined with Becky's
already wide list of influences added more depth to the band's sound. They are
the type of band who seriously sound better live each time you see them. The
blend of rootsy rock n roll, genuine country western with a touch of 90's alternative
is more than enough to make them stand out.
The
Bumps are just a fun band to watch while drowning your sorrow and stress
away in shots of whiskey and Iron City beer. That fits the 31st Street Pub quite
nicely actually. They describe themselves on their My Space page as countrified,
glorified, crucified, certified rock n' roll played by folks living all over
the great state of Pennsylvania. 'Come In Clear' was a big hit on Pittsburgh
Net Radio. There is nothing polished or overly produced with their sound and
that's 90% of the charm. It's real.
Pittsburgh Net Radio Mix: 20/20 Proof's 'Diamonds In The Rough Mix' w/ Peter Divito
DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH MIX
This is a mix of hip hop that I feel is overlooked and underrated. The most
recent issue of 20/20Proof deals with underrated hip hop albums and features
various artists from the 90s who are continuing to put out dope albums in an
industry that tends to forget anyone over the age of 25.
Episode #1
1. Yaggfu Front-Hold
'Em Back (What's The Meaning?)
Should be played for anyone who has misconceptions about hip hop.
2. 3 Steps From Nowhere- Pass It On
A really dope song from an otherwise medicore record. The remix featured Trugoy
from De La, but lacked the strength of the original mix.
3. Dred
Scott-Liar
How Dred Scott didn't get the recognition he deserved is beyond me.
4. Saafir-Can-U-Feel-Me?
One of the most original flows in hip hop.
5. Guru-Respect The Architect (Buckwild Remix)
Buckwild is easily one of the most underrated producers in hip hop history and
does a great job with an already dope track.
6. Down South-Southern Comfort
The use of the Charlie Parker sample blew my mind as a kid and still does.
7. Diamond D-This One
Everyone knows about Diamond D's classic debut Stunts, Blunts and Hip Hop, but
overlooked his record Hatred, Passions and Infidelity. This is a nice little
joint featuring Busta Rhymes.
8. Keith
Murray-What A Feelin'
Keith Murray was a highly talented MC whose career went downhill after he beat
some guy with a barstool.
9. Leaders Of The New School-Daily Reminder
Before Busta Rhymes was a cocaine trafficker.
10. Freddie Foxxx-So Tough
Best known for making show stealin guest appearances.
11. NO I.D.- State to State
Common's producer showed that he was capable of holding his own on the mic with
a nice vocal sample as the hook, which nobody seems to use in hip hop anymore.
12. Heather
B- All Glocks Down
You may know her from season 1 of The Real World, but she could hold her own
on the mic. The production by Kenny Parker, KRS One's brother is extra nice.
13. YZ-The Return Of The Holy One
Dropped some nice styles on this energetic gem.
14. Kwest The Madd Ladd- Herman's Head
A dope battle rapper with a great sense of humor. This track displays his storytelling
abilities and differed from other tracks on his lone release.
15. Witchdoctor-The Ancient Sahore
Part of The Dungeon Family and can be heard all over Outkast and Goodie Mob's
albums. A very eerie track.
About Peter Divito
I
am a 27 year old publisher/editor in chief/therapist. I work full time for Mercy
Behavioral Health as a milieu therapist and also put out a music zine, 20/20Proof.
I took a two year hiatus, which involved me trashing an entire magazine and starting
from scratch. The fourth issue of my magazine will finally be released Nov 10th
at Brillobox. After speaking with Don King (actually it was Jeremy Bolen) I decided
to start promoting indie shows in Pittsburgh and have booked bands like Chin Up
Chin Up, Man Man, Elf Power, Mommy and Daddy, Part Chimp, Oxford Collapse, Tight
Phantomz, Appleseed Cast, Rahim, and more. I also released a compilation of Pittsburgh
music entitled Steel City Scene Dead End World on my label 20/20Proof Records,
to positive reviews in the Pittsburgh CP and Post Gazettte. I have also written
for Deek Magazine and Venus Magazine. An excerpt from an employee of the month
write up on yours truly: 'He is best known for his witty sense of humor, analytical
responses and critical views on movies and music.' I live alone with my kitten
Basquiat, who has his own mental health issues. I love Morrissey, Tom Atkins,
and my ma. I also have a fondess for pints of Guinness and cats.
Pittsburgh Net Radio Mix: Dave Trenga from Behind Enemy Lines and Aus-Rotten presents Punk Comp #1
DAVE
TRENGA PUNK COMP #1
A Music Mix From The Vocalist for Behind Enemy Lines and Aus-Rotten
Episode #1
note: comments are from Wikipedia, not Dave himself.
1.
Antisect - Tortured
and Abused
Antisect were an anarcho-punk (and eventually crust punk) band formed in 1982
in Daventry, Northamptonshire, UK. Their debut album, In Darkness... There Is
No Choice was released in 1983 on Flux Of Pink Indians' Spiderleg Records label
and reached number 4 in the indie album charts. This was followed in 1985 by
the release of the 7" single Out From The Void, which, along with Amebix's
1985 Arise! album, is considered the starting point of the crust punk genre.
The band were going to release a follow up second full-length album entitled
New Dark Ages, but it was never finished or released by the band. However, some
tracks that were going to be on this album appear on the live bootleg Peace
Is Better Than A Place In History as live recordings.
2. Lost World - Trapped
German punk.
3. Substandard - Kick It
Substandard were one of the most active anarcho-punk bands from the UK during
the mid-90's, yet remain criminally obscure and under-appreciated to this date.
Substandard play ragingly pissed off hardcore punk that has classic UK punk/hardcore
influences of the likes of Anti-System, Icons of Filth, Conflict, etc.
4. The Dead Kennedys - Chicken-Shit Conformist
The Dead Kennedys (often known by their initials DK, as in "decay")
are a hardcore punk band from San Francisco, California. During the 1980s, the
band gained a large underground following in the international punk and hardcore
music scenes. Their music mixed the more experimental elements of English 1970s
punk with the raw energy of the 1980s American hardcore punk scene. The Kennedys'
songs mix the deliberately shocking lyrics of punk with a humorous, acerbic,
satirical, and sarcastic left-wing commentary on current social and political
issues. At the same time, some of their songs also mocked the hypocritical stances
of some liberal elites. Many of the band's songs criticize the right-wing ideologies
of the religious right and the Ronald Reagan administration.
5. Homomilitia - Multinationals
Polish queercore crust band
6. The Restarts - Terror Breed
The Restarts are a hardcore punk band from London, England.
7. Killing Joke -
The Wait
Killing Joke are an influential English post-punk rock band formed in 1979.
Founding members Jeremy "Jaz" Coleman (vocal, keyboards, synthesizers,
and arrangements) and Geordie Walker (guitars) have been the only constant members.
Regarded
as one of the most significant bands to have emerged from the post-punk/New
Wave era of the late-1970s/early-1980s, Killing Joke strongly influenced bands
such as Nirvana, Metallica, Ministry, Prong, Jane's Addiction, Soundgarden,
Nine Inch Nails, Foo Fighters, Econoline Crush, Faith No More and Korn, all
of whom have at some point cited a substantial debt of gratitude to 'The Joke'.
14. Anti-Product -
It Festers In Their Hearts
Anti-Product was a New York State-based crust punk band, formed in 1995, and
disbanded in 2002.[1] Their music featured anarchic and other political themes.
15. Post Regiment
- Wielki Las
Post Regiment had a fairly unique sound in hardcore punk, with some unusual
elements like melodic singing, Eastern European modes, instrumentals and the
occasional synthesizer. The band broke up in 2001, although they still practice
from time to time.
16. Hellshock - Media
17. Upright Citizens - Ground Zero
18. Buzzcocks - Autonomy
The Buzzcocks are an English punk rock band formed in Leigh, Manchester in 1975[1],
led by singer/songwriter/guitarist Pete Shelley for nearly their entire existence.
They are
commonly regarded as an important influence on the Manchester music scene, the
independent label movement and punk rock/post punk in general.
20. Nausea - Extinction
Nausea were a punk rock band from New York City, influential in the Crust Punk
genre. Like such predecessors as the anarchist band Crass, Nausea featured dueling
male and female vocals. They were heavily involved in the Lower East Side squatting
community, and were anarchists. Now famous punk artist John John Jesse was a
member.
21. Subhumans - Rats
The Subhumans are an anarcho-punk band formed in the Trowbridge area of Wiltshire,
UK in 1980. Dick Lucas joined later in the year, having formerly been in local
band The Mental. Other members had been in the Stupid Humans. The
band released a demo in 1981 which was heard by members of the band Flux of
Pink Indians after being sent to them by Graham Burnett of New Crimes fanzine,
who were so impressed that they offered the Subhumans a chance to put out a
record on their newly formed Spiderleg label. Shortly afterwards the Subhumans
began to release material on their own Bluurg Records label. After the Subhumans
split up Lucas formed the bands Culture Shock and Citizen Fish. The Subhumans
occasionally reform for live performances, including at least two major tours
of North America in the 21st Century, (Live in a Dive is a product of the first)
and they continue to command a strong following. Subhumans are known for their
thought provoking lyrics. In 1998, the Subhumans reformed and embarked on a
US Tour. They returned and toured the US in both 2005 & 2006.
22. Sick On The Bus
- I Don't Believe
The UKs loudest punk band, cross between Motorhead, Damned, GBH, Varukers
25. The Mob - Witch-Hunt
The Mob were an anarcho-punk band originally from Yeovil, Somerset, England
during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Behind Enemy Lines @ The Garage Door Pittsburgh 2/3/07 CD Release Show
BEHIND ENEMY LINES - GUTTER RELIGION
The new record, entitled "One Nation Under The Iron Fist Of God",
is now out on Profane Existence in a limited edition that includes a full booklet
including lyrics and artwork. Listen to tracks at http://www.myspace.com/behindenemylines
About Dave Trenga
I'm very into music and have been playing in bands for awhile now. I'm also very
into politics and music gives me a good opportunity to address the issues that
anger me, it's a great way to blow off steam. I really enjoy writing lyrics and
creating original music. I have such a good time playing shows and playing with
or seeing other angry, political bands. I really respect people that think for
themselves and have something to say and people who get involved and try to create
change. I'm really into art as well and again mostly focus on politics in my art.
I like to tour, travel, see new places and meet new people. I love cooking, and
eating at vegetarian places. I love getting tattooed, I think tattoos are very
theraputic, they are for me anyway. I've been learning sign language which i really
enjoy and want to get into interpreting. I love sharks and hope to some day go
swimming with sharks and see them up close. I really want to see a great white
up close but would prefer to be in a cage for that one. I just love going to the
ocean, I think water is so relaxing and it's great to get out in the ocean or
anywhere else where you can look around and see nothing but nature, no sign of
people, billboards, advertisements, pollution, etc.
Blood Brothers, Chinese Stars and Celebration at Mr. Smalls - Tuesday March 27th
Tonight at Mr.
Smalls is the Blood Brothers show with Celebration
and The Chinese Stars
opening. The last time I saw Celebration was at Garfield Artworks with The Rogers
Sisters. It was a small crowd but that didn't convince either the band or front
woman Katrina Ford to relax their live set one bit. Katrina is sometimes vocally
compared to Siouxsie Sioux or Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs but neither of
those ladies pull you into a show like Katrina does when she literally takes
her performance into the crowd. I've never seen The Chinese Stars live beyond
some videos on YouTube with poor sound quality. In the summer of 2005 I was
addicted to bike riding to their 2005 release 'A Rare Sensation' despite that
release taking a hit from critics claiming that the noisters were relying too
much on a dancepunk formula. And if you like noise... there are The
Blood Brothers... they make a lot of it and if you can get past the screaming
you'll notice some good hooks and even moments of melody.
MANNY THEINER PREVIEW OF CELEBRATION AND CHINESE STARS FROM PITTSBURGH CITY
PAPER
Pittsburgh Net Radio: Dave Bernabo Interviews Alan Lewandowski from Pittsburgh's The Working Poor and Anita Fix
Alan Lewandowski
Interview
Dave Bernabo interviews
Alan Lewandowski from Pittsburgh's Anita
Fix and The Working
Poor. Alan has been part of the local scene since 1997 and a member of the
Rickety collective
from the beginning. Alan balances two projects of what is often described as
a 'surreal 'urban folk'. Anita Fix takes on more of a strange Velvet Underground/Nick
Cave style while The Working Poor allows Lewandowski and his partner on vocals
Lee Smookler the opportunity to make use of their country-folk influences like
Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. All of this is regarding the sound of Anita Fix
and The Working Poor is really up to it's own interpretation by the listener.
Learn more about Alan from this interview with Vale and Year's Dave Bernabo.
Alan discusses the history behind his music projects, his influences, what he's
currently listening to and more. This will hopefully be the first of a reoccurring
series with Dave interviewing random local and possibly national musicians.
I've also mixed in some music from both Anita Fix and The Working Poor.
Courtesy
of Unicorn Mountain - Dave Bernabo is a
graduate of Carnegie Mellon's Tepper Business School, is an active writer, musician,
and artist. His poetry has been published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Falderol,
and Oakland Review, and a collaboration with Greg Cislon yielded Holy Music
and Art, a book of vignettes and experimental writing published by Incredibly
Thin. David's musical output consists of five full-length albums and three EP's
with Vale and Year,
a solo album, and compilation and guest appearances. David is currently working
on a book of writing and drawings called Real Titles.
CASADOS w/ Steve Goldberg & The Arch Nemesis, Paul Labrise & The Trees and Carol Bui - Sat. March 24th @ Garfield Artworks
Casados will
be at the Garfield Artworks tonight @ 8pm with Steve Goldberg & The Arch
Enemies, Paul Labrise & The Trees, and Carol Bui (from Washington, D.C.).
A 5 song EP called Passages has just been pressed. It was home recorded and
released independently. The track streaming below is 'Panama'. It's very different
from the DLR Van Halen version. Likely because it's not the same song. It's
beautiful, quiet and just makes you kind of sway to the music in your seat.
You can hear other tracks from the CD on their myspace page.
Freezepop, Ego Likeness, The Raccoonists and Retar-D2 - Garfield Artworks - Friday March 23rd
FREEZEPOP Boston's
Freezepop are in town tonight at the Garfield Artworks. The synth pop trio have
achieved notoriety from their music appearing in video games such as FreQuency,
Amplitude, Karaoke Revolution, Guitar Hero, Guitar Hero II, and Downhill Domination,
along with the Dance Dance Revolution series. The music has also caught on with
teenage girls who seem to enjoy making homemade videos where they lip synch
Freezepop tracks like 'Boom Boom' and dance sometimes way too suggestively for
their age. So if you are a dirty old man, check YouTube for that. I think it's
just meant to be kids having fun dancing in their bedrooms like they always
did except now they film themselves and post it to YouTube for creepy old
men to view while little boys leave comments calling them ugly and
skanks. Alright enough with showing my age! That kind of fandom and free promotion
can't be beat. Freezepop awareness is all over the net.
Menomena, Field Music and Land of Talk - Lawrenceville Moose - Thursday March 22nd
MENOMENA Portland's
Menomena play tonight at the Lawrenceville Moose, 51st and Butler Sts. in Lawrenceville.
The show is all ages with the UK's Field
Music and female fronted Montreal buzz band Land
of Talk opening.
Menomena - Cough Coughing video
from I Am The Fun Monster!(Buy at amazon.com)
Menomena - Wet and Rusting
The unofficial music video. Directed by Eli Stonberg. Shot on 16mm film.
from Friend and Foe (Buy From Amazon)
Menomena at Buffalo Billards
Menomena: Strongest
Man In The World
from I Am The Fun Monster!(Buy at amazon.com)
MAN
MAN Man
Man are by far one of my favorite bands live. They will be playing Diesel on
the South Side on Tuesday March 20th. Here are some clips that I've pulled from
YouTube. Enjoy.
Courtesy
of Unicorn Mountain - Dave Bernabo is a
graduate of Carnegie Mellon's Tepper Business School, is an active writer, musician, and artist. His poetry
has been published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Falderol, and Oakland Review, and
a collaboration with Greg Cislon yielded Holy Music and Art, a book of vignettes
and experimental writing published by Incredibly Thin. David's musical output consists
of five full-length albums and three EP's with Vale
and Year, a solo album, and compilation and guest appearances. David is currently working on a book of writing and drawings called Real Titles. David Bernabo
on My Space
Episode #10
Lily
Allen- Everything's Wonderful (Alright Still)
I'd like to think I'm above peer pressure, but at a recent visit to Paul's CDs
I gave in and didn't buy this record on the "advice" of my friend.
I'm not proud of it, but the record (from what I've heard) is really great.
I couldn't get the hit "Smile" out of my head for a few weeks. There's
a lot of interesting production techniques on here and the songs really can't
be beat. That is why it is leading off this mix.
The Good, The
Bad, and The Ugly- Behind the Sun (s/t)
It's been a while since the last Blur record, and the Gorillaz records don't
really do it for me much. So, I had mixed expectations when I heard about this
project. I think the individual players are greater than their sum, but I'm
still really down with the record. Dangermouse production keeps it murky. This
is my favorite song on the disc and I really love it. So, I'm gonna put some
more time into this record and try to force myself to like it more.
The
Constantines- The Long Distance Four (The Constantines)
I always thought of The Constantines as the Pearl Jam of indie rock (for lack
of a better term). Very solid rock, good hooks, and will probably mild with
age. Given the Cons last record, which I like a lot, I'd say my comparison is
coming true. That's a bit beside the point, though. This track is from their
first record and has remained my favorite from them. From the first time I saw
them at the Brewhouse through some shows with them in Canada through a more
recent show at Garfield Artworks, the Cons have consistently held it down, making
non-pretentious, thoughtful yet powerful, full-blooded rock music.
Pearl
Jam- No Way (Yield)
Yield was always my least favorite PJ record, but I'm coming around. I think
it came out at a time when I was questioning (perhaps, wrongly) whether some
of the grunge music I grew up on was valid. Yield marked the point where a lot
of my friends questioned why I continued to ask for Pearl Jam records for my
birthday. Anyway, I continued on and, for the most part, I think it was worth
it. Pearl Jam has put out consistently good records. At this point, there's
nothing amazing, possibly nothing even impressive, but a lot of their output
still makes me smile.
The
Roots- Game Theory (Game Theory)
Admittedly, when it comes to hip hop, I don't keep up much and am pretty ignorant
about a lot of the output. But the Roots were a group I caught onto fairly early
and never really left. Game Theory really seemed like a return to form, a good
mix of hard beats, jazzy runs, and unforced experimentation. I'm a big fan of
their production, great drum sounds, and lots of musical layers. Just really
smart production and rhymes.
Miles
Davis- Nothing Like You (Sorcerer)
Perhaps one of the most unlikely tunes to hear on a Miles record, "Nothing
Like You" combines a 1962 Miles-led sextet with the writing and singing
of cult personality Bob Dorough. Oddly enough, it is Wayne Shorter's first recording
with Miles. Sorcerer was the third record with the Miles Davis's mid 60s quintet,
and it's a cavern of dark twists and odd beauty. This sticks out like a sore
thumb on the record, and that's why I decided to put it on a mix.
Steely
Dan- Sign In Stranger (The Royal Scam)
I think this is the 10th mix I've made for PNR, and I have a feeling that I
already included this track on an earlier mix. That said, if I put it on every
mix it still wouldn't be enough. You gotta love a chorus that starts with "You
Zombie." Suffice to say, I love Steely Dan and I love when other people
do, too.
Weezer-
Across the Sea (Pinkerton)
Like many people, I am real into the first two Weezer records. Pinkerton was
my jam for a number of consistent weeks. I like the bells on this track and
wished they would have continued with more orchestration and complexity. Alas,
that, obviously was not the case. They just fuzzed out into boredom. But this
is still a masterpiece of a pop record.
The
Beatles- Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me and My Monkey (The
Beatles)
Sometime in high school, I became obsessed with trying to write a song like
this. Chord-wise it is very simple, but the bulk of the music is a moving bass
line, a lead guitar, and that bell. Lyrics are great. Can't say much that hasn't
already been said.
Loose
Fur- Stupid as the Sun (Born Again In The USA)
If you've been listening to my mixes, you could probably sense how much I'm
into Jim O'Rourke. While we wait (perhaps in vain) for another song oriented
record, Loose Fur gives you a few Jim songs, which are always great to hear.
Funny, deceptively complex, and shaking, this song is a lot of fun. If you have
the time and cash, please check out some of Jim's earlier tape and drone records
that have recently been reissued in the past few years. They are well worth
it.
Centipede
E'est- Blue Streak (Cheeks of Neptune)
Centipede are a Pittsburgh band. If you're listening to PNR and from Pittsburgh,
you probably know them. Kind of an all-star group with Caulen and Jim Lingo
from Boombox, and Sam from Johnsons Big Band, Local Honey and a bunch of other
bands. And Nicholas Fallwell on guitar. I actually don't remember what he was
in before. But anyway, this record is real good. Check it out. Check them out
if you haven't already.
Scorch
Trio- Sunnja Vega (Luggumt)
Easily one of my all-time favorite drummers Paal Nilssen-Love is joined by Raoul
Bjorkenheim on guitar and viola and Ingebrigt Haker Flaten on double and electric
bass and electronics. The sounds they get are amazing veering from Hendrix leads
to beautiful soundscapes of plunking and whines. Amazing record from rune grammofon,
which consistently releases some of the best records around.
Mary
Celeste- Before the Rain and After the Rain (Like Selling Symptoms to the
Sick)
The first day of recording this EP, I helped set up a few mics and then went
to the hospital where I spent the next two weeks bed-ridden with a deadly blood
clot. Luckily, I was not needed, cos my man Greg Cislon helped Mary Celeste
make a great document of their band. Greg also adds some sax to this track,
which trips it out pretty well. Anyway, it's a real cool EP. Check it out.
Sonic
Youth- French Tickler (A Thousand Leaves)
I was late to the Sonic Youth game. I got into NYC Ghosts and Flowers when it
came out. My descent into Sonic madness came with a research paper linking Sonic
Youth with the Beat Generation. Twelve pages later and an A+, I was fully hooked.
Especially when O'Rourke joined fulltime. Knowing that it shouldn't be heard
to see how A Thousand Leaves to present SY comprise my favorite SY records.
Bjork-
Gratitude (Drawing Restraint 9)
I might be repeating myself again, but this track deserves it. I think it's
the most beautiful Will Oldham has ever sounded. Others might disagree - it's
not his words/his voice. But that's fine with me. An amazing soundtrack. Here's
looking forward to her next record.
A
Tribe Called Quest- Excursions (The Low End Theory)
Thought I'd end this mix with a little Tribe. Can't get enough of Q-Tip's smooth
voice.
Pittsburgh Net Radio Mix - Lucia Aguirre's Kaleidoscope Eclectic #3
Lucia M. Aguirre
is a cross between a modern "renaissance woman" and someone who just has way
too much time in her hands. She is an architect, artist, writer, has her own
"The Lucia martini" available at the Lava Lounge in the Pittsburgh's Southside;
and is also a music aficionado who can be spotted at many shows in Pittsburgh
and around the tri-state area.
Kaleidoscope
Eclectic #3
01
"Summer of Protest" by The
Dears from Montreal, Canada. This band's music is rather gloomy and apocalyptic,
even pre-9/11 era. While the "Protest" EP was recorded in the summer
of 2001, its poignancy and timing could not have been better (I picked this
song after watching a "State Of The Union" address. The Dears gained
notoriety and main-stream success with their second full-length album No Cities
Left, and rumor has it that they were hand-picked by Morrisey himself to open
for him in his Montreal show after he found haunting and delightful Murrays's
voice, which is similar to his. Currently The Dears are supporting their new
album Gang Of Losers.
02 "Sodium Light Baby" by The
The (Matt Johnson) from his "Dusk" record. I have to say I love
this album! It is rather dramatic and intense with a mental and physical heat
that is palpable… the word "anguish" comes to mind.
03 "Lullaby" by Priscilla
Ahn. I discovered this girl via myspace, and I just loved her voice, which
has a subtle melodious clarity that I find very soothing. She'll be opening
for Alexi Murdoch at the Hotel Café in LA next month, so catch both of
them live!
04 "Soul Meets Body" by Death
Cab for Cutie. I don't have much to say about this band since they are pretty
well known thanks to certain "O.C" TV show. Regardless of their notoriety,
I love their lyrics. This song in particular I like a lot, puts me in a great
mood.
05 "Focus In" by local band Tangerine,
who is currently working hard on their new album and which should be released
this spring '07. For me this song stands-out because it has a refrained cohesiveness
to it that gives it a different feel to the rest of the album, which brings
to mind the title of the song. After checking out the album notes, this track's
only distinctive quality comes from being performed in its entirety (instruments
and all) by the band mastermind and always talented Mr. Tony Matz (so go figure!)
06 "In My Life" by The
Beatles…. Released in 1965 in the Rubber Soul album. I've loved the
Beatles since I was a little kid thanks to my Dad's influence, but I have to
admit that even now as an adult I keep finding reasons either by myself or through
people I love to continue this "musical affair" haha! According to
John Lennon himself, this was one of the first songs he really felt proud to
having composed because unlike their earliest music, this song had some gravity
and thoughtfulness to it.
07
"I'd Wait A Million Years" by The
Grass Roots, originally released in 1969, a "Dad-influenced" tune
from the late 60's. This band is better know for their hit "Let's Live
For Today" (another excellent song), which compared to this song, is so
much more relaxed and "vanilla" than this one…. But yet, I really
like it!
08
"Flipside" by Everything
But The Girl from their Japanese release "Walking Wounded". This
is one of my favorite albums of all time…. Love every song on it, which
is a nice balance between alluring and heart-felt lyrics with subtle and brilliant
techno-jazz-disco beats… smooth! Some of the best duos to emerge from the
90's, I think.
09 "Destiny" by Zero
7 from their album "The Garden", featuring Sia on lyrics. This
band I think is also brilliant and rather smart. While giving singing duties
to guest performers like Sia, Jose Gonzales, or Sophie Burker; Henry Binns and
Sam Hardaker (the original guys) have the freedom to create different musical
moods on every album (similar to what french duo "Air" does). This
song stands out by Sia's beautiful lyrics, which are complimented artfully by
Zero 7 arrangements.
10 "My Girl You Blush" by Moi
Caprice from Denmark. This band is one of my favorite new finds now! And
while they are hard to find in the U.S.A still, I think they should play more
in here -and soon! Their lyrics are simple yet thoughtful, with nice romantic
melodies and an indie Pop sensibility that reminds me of New Order, but with
happier tones … I don't know. I like them a lot! One thing, though….
What's with the Danes? They are really into falsetto voices, I think (Mew anyone?)…
still, really like them!
11-12 "Waltz for Koop" and "Baby" by Koop,
from their second release "Waltz For Koop". Koop is an electronic/acid
jazz duo from Sweden who create lush / loungy songs that bring to mind images
of old-world smoky bars and leisure strolls on the beach.
13 "Moma I'm a Communist" by The
Raveonettes. This song is a rare track from ther R's early days, when Sune
and Sharing were initially known as "The Girl on Death Row". Plus,
it is not an original Sune song, but a cover from another band named "Thau"
I believe… regardless, this song is excellent early-Raveonettes stuff!
The R's are working right now on a new album which is almost finished, and if
you live in Boston, NY, Brooklyn, or DC; look in March for live Raveonettes
music coming to your town!
14 "The Man who Told Everything" by Doves
from their album "Lost Souls". This band's music is most of the time
pensive, sometimes even depressive (truth-be-told) regarding their lyrics (maybe
except for 'Rise'), but musically, their albums are a refined layered landscape
of notes and sounds that require multiple listenings to really get the beauty
and intricacy of their instrumental designs…. Whew! That was a long-run
sentence, but you get my drift….
15 "Call Me On Your Way Back Home" by Ryan
Adams. I just love this song… it is so simple, beautiful and unpretentious
both in structure and lyricism….. a bit sad, but just enjoy.
THE
HOLD STEADY The
Hold Steady will be playing The Rex Theater Monday March 19th. I'll admit that
until recently I was one of those people who didn't necessarily get this band's
hype and popularity. In fact, I skipped their main stage set this past summer
at a festival at Cuyahoga Falls, OH for Wolfmother on the second stage. I loved
Wolfmother that day but I regret that I hadn't yet discovered what is great
about The Hold Steady. I read all of the press comparing them to this hybrid
of Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello and Randy Newman fronting The Replacements but The Hold Steady possess a vibe, swagger and energy that is their own identity. Putting together this YouTube video package helped me realize that. To my friends who constantly had
to hear me say, "I don't get them" at the mention of The Hold Steady,
I get them now.
The Hold Steady:
Chips Ahoy
from Boys and Girls In America (Buy
at amazon.com)
The Hold Steady:
Stuck Between Stations - from David Letterman
from Boys and Girls In Ameria (Buy
at amazon.com)
The Hold Steady: Most People Are DJ's
from Almost Killed Me (Buy From Amazon)
The Hold Steady: Cattle and the Creeping Things
from Separation Sunday (Buy
at amazon.com)
The Hold Steady: Your Little Hoodrat Friend
from Separation Sunday (Buy
at amazon.com)
We
are about eight hours away from a pretty cool show at the 31st Street Pub featuring
two locals, The
Bumps and Local Honey, with special guest from Erie, PA The
Killerinas. You may have heard The
Killerinas mentioned if you listened to Dave Bernabo's interview with Alan
Lewandowski for PNR. They are four girls and one boy on drums and they play
really fun rock n roll with influences ranging from The Go Go's, old Kiss and
The Pixies.
Local
Honey is a project that front woman Becky Corrigan has kept together despite
being the last remaining member of the original lineup. The contributions of
lead guitarist Trevor Thomas and bassist Rob Levkulich combined with Becky's
already wide list of influences added more depth to the band's sound. They are
the type of band who seriously sound better live each time you see them. The
blend of rootsy rock n roll, genuine country western with a touch of 90's alternative
is more than enough to make them stand out.
The
Bumps are just a fun band to watch while drowning your sorrow and stress
away in shots of whiskey and Iron City beer. That fits the 31st Street Pub quite
nicely actually. They describe themselves on their My Space page as countrified,
glorified, crucified, certified rock n' roll played by folks living all over
the great state of Pennsylvania. 'Come In Clear' was a big hit on Pittsburgh
Net Radio. There is nothing polished or overly produced with their sound and
that's 90% of the charm. It's real.
Dred
Scott-Liar
Keith
Murray-What A Feelin'
Heather
B- All Glocks Down
I
am a 27 year old publisher/editor in chief/therapist. I work full time for Mercy
Behavioral Health as a milieu therapist and also put out a music zine, 20/20Proof.
I took a two year hiatus, which involved me trashing an entire magazine and starting
from scratch. The fourth issue of my magazine will finally be released Nov 10th
at Brillobox. After speaking with Don King (actually it was Jeremy Bolen) I decided
to start promoting indie shows in Pittsburgh and have booked bands like Chin Up
Chin Up, Man Man, Elf Power, Mommy and Daddy, Part Chimp, Oxford Collapse, Tight
Phantomz, Appleseed Cast, Rahim, and more. I also released a compilation of Pittsburgh
music entitled Steel City Scene Dead End World on my label 20/20Proof Records,
to positive reviews in the Pittsburgh CP and Post Gazettte. I have also written
for Deek Magazine and Venus Magazine. An excerpt from an employee of the month
write up on yours truly: 'He is best known for his witty sense of humor, analytical
responses and critical views on movies and music.' I live alone with my kitten
Basquiat, who has his own mental health issues. I love Morrissey, Tom Atkins,
and my ma. I also have a fondess for pints of Guinness and cats. 
1.
01
"Summer of Protest" by 
07
"I'd Wait A Million Years" by 
08
"Flipside" by 