For months, since Calliope announced it was bringing Corey Harris in as part of its concert series this year, I've been racking my brain trying to remember how I first heard Harris. I've been a fan since hearing some track from Greens from the Garden and buying it almost immediately. I know it was the summer of 2000. But was it the driving beat of "Basehead"? His delta take on Woody Guthrie's "Teabag Blues"? On college radio? In a record store? What's the difference; I'm psyched for the show either way.
I've seen Harris twice now with his electric band--great stuff, but I've always been drawn most to his acoustic work, so this will be a welcome first for me. With harmonica master Phil Wiggins at his side, I expect tomorrow's show to be a highlight of my year.
Blue Notes wrote a little about what to expect, which you can read here.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
(Current) Obsession, by Henry
Roberto's current obsession didn't do it for me. But rather than just be a naysayer, I'll be a Touche'er.
It's no secret that I like mashup artists. Some may argue that they are hardly artists at all - instead, just talentless bums ripping off the hard work of others. Bums, perhaps. But talentless...(?)
Enter: The White Panda. This dj duo (Griffi and Procrast) sent us their latest track "Tipsy in the Sun" - j.Kwon // weezer - like all their stuff, it can be streamed/downloaded at their site. It's nice, but not a game changer.
I did a bit more research into the duo and have since fallen hard for their debut mixtape "Versus" (click for stream/download), that came out in late December. I've been bumping it for a week now - riding my bike, in the car, in the house, wherev. Some highlights include "Golden Encore" Jay-Z // One Republic // The Whitest Boy Alive; "Forgot About September" Dr. Dre // Earth Wind and Fire; and "Army of Yeah" Wiz Khalifa // Usher // Umek & Beltek.
At a seamless hour in length, you're bound to hear something you like, over something else you like. You'll think - "huh, how'd they ever think to combine those?" That's what I like about mashup dj's - good ones can take two things you already like and add them together to make something you like even better.
Got a favorite mashup you think we should hear? Post it to Comments or send it to us.
It's no secret that I like mashup artists. Some may argue that they are hardly artists at all - instead, just talentless bums ripping off the hard work of others. Bums, perhaps. But talentless...(?)
Enter: The White Panda. This dj duo (Griffi and Procrast) sent us their latest track "Tipsy in the Sun" - j.Kwon // weezer - like all their stuff, it can be streamed/downloaded at their site. It's nice, but not a game changer.I did a bit more research into the duo and have since fallen hard for their debut mixtape "Versus" (click for stream/download), that came out in late December. I've been bumping it for a week now - riding my bike, in the car, in the house, wherev. Some highlights include "Golden Encore" Jay-Z // One Republic // The Whitest Boy Alive; "Forgot About September" Dr. Dre // Earth Wind and Fire; and "Army of Yeah" Wiz Khalifa // Usher // Umek & Beltek.
At a seamless hour in length, you're bound to hear something you like, over something else you like. You'll think - "huh, how'd they ever think to combine those?" That's what I like about mashup dj's - good ones can take two things you already like and add them together to make something you like even better.
Got a favorite mashup you think we should hear? Post it to Comments or send it to us.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
My current obsession: Julieta Venegas
When I was younger, my dad had generally good taste in music. Certainly better than today anyway. But he had a bad habit of picking a favorite track and replaying it ad nauseum. CSN's "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" recalls in my mind a particularly long drive to the beach one year. "Snowman" from Genesis' Then There Were Three never fails to deliver my memories to the backseat of his Wagoneer, wishing he would just let the cassette play through. Peter Gabriel's "Don't Give Up" was probably his worst ever, while on Pink Floyd's The Division Bell he found several favorites, and soon thereafter he moved beyond that phase, thankfully.
Anyway, point being, I seem to have fallen into the same pattern myself during this last week. I cannot get enough of Julieta Venegas' "Bien o Mal" (that's "Good or Bad" in gringo speak). I listened to it on repeat for about 45 minutes today while running, and I'm still not tired of it.
Her new album, Otra Cosa, is excellent all the way through. I really do like every song on it. But I find that I almost have to force myself to let it play past Track 2 without seeking back, and most times I lose that battle of will power. So I've given up. I have no idea how many times I listened to this song last week, but I have a pretty good feeling I may match that number this week. (On a side note, I also have no idea what the hell's going on in this video.)
Download/Stream:
Julieta Venegas - "Bien o Mal"
Anyway, point being, I seem to have fallen into the same pattern myself during this last week. I cannot get enough of Julieta Venegas' "Bien o Mal" (that's "Good or Bad" in gringo speak). I listened to it on repeat for about 45 minutes today while running, and I'm still not tired of it.
Her new album, Otra Cosa, is excellent all the way through. I really do like every song on it. But I find that I almost have to force myself to let it play past Track 2 without seeking back, and most times I lose that battle of will power. So I've given up. I have no idea how many times I listened to this song last week, but I have a pretty good feeling I may match that number this week. (On a side note, I also have no idea what the hell's going on in this video.)
Download/Stream:
Julieta Venegas - "Bien o Mal"
Friday, March 19, 2010
Oh, you've got options this weekend
Once again a bunch of quality options for all the live music fans out there. As always, check the calendar on the lower right of this screen for a full, linked rundown.
I'm obliged to call out The Ceiling Stares cassette release party at Gooski's on Saturday night for a few reasons:
1) We don't give Gooski's enough play on this blog. Often that's because we can't find what's going on there. Has a venue ever done less to promote itself? It's a PGH rock institution nestled in Polish Hill - great beer selection and one of the better bar-music atmospheres around.
2) The Ceiling Stares are a PGH rockshow on the rise. Bonus: they have a Czar in their ranks.
3) When was the last time you went to a CASSETTE release party? Finally! Something to put in the tape player of my mid-nineties sedan.
You can stream and download the EP at their site... here.
I'm obliged to call out The Ceiling Stares cassette release party at Gooski's on Saturday night for a few reasons:
1) We don't give Gooski's enough play on this blog. Often that's because we can't find what's going on there. Has a venue ever done less to promote itself? It's a PGH rock institution nestled in Polish Hill - great beer selection and one of the better bar-music atmospheres around.
2) The Ceiling Stares are a PGH rockshow on the rise. Bonus: they have a Czar in their ranks.
3) When was the last time you went to a CASSETTE release party? Finally! Something to put in the tape player of my mid-nineties sedan.
You can stream and download the EP at their site... here.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Music, music everywhere
Man, what a weekend to be out of town. As I wait for my flight, I just want to highlight all the goodness I'll be missing over then next few days.
For some of the best that our city has to offer, Lohio and Emily Rodgers will be at Calliope Center Stage in the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts tonight. The tunes should run the gamut from mellow to upbeat, and should provide a good intro to the local scene for those unfamiliar.
There will also be some quality Celtic-rock happening over at the Hard Rock Cafe if you're looking to warm up for the weekend.
Friday, some quality roots rock on two spectrums (spectra?), with Rusted Root playing on a boat, and John Hiatt taking over the Munhall library. Tough to go wrong either way.
Saturday is a smorgasbord: If it's classic, quality, down-home rock you crave, find it at Altar Bar for 28 North's CD release party. If you've got the kids for the night, everyone can enjoy They Might Be Giants at the New Hazlett in the North Side. Brilloboxians the city wide should be thrilled to welcome Baltimore's indie-folk stalwarts Wye Oak. But if you're looking for a mellower evening, find a seat at Synod Hall (behind St. Paul's Cathedral in Oakland) for some eight-string artistry with Carlo Aonzo and the Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra. Or, if you're feeling the spirit and a bit of the sauce, perhaps, Harp & Fiddle will keep you going all day. The lineup includes a stellar local cast of Mark Guiser, Hooley, Whiskey Limerick, Guaranteed Irish, and Red Hand Paddy.
So you've got options. Information about all can be found in the concert calendar in the sidebar.
Me? I have some salsa and calypso in my near future, with hopes for a bit of flamenco and a lot of sangria. Irish? No. But all things considered I guess I'm not too upset.
For some of the best that our city has to offer, Lohio and Emily Rodgers will be at Calliope Center Stage in the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts tonight. The tunes should run the gamut from mellow to upbeat, and should provide a good intro to the local scene for those unfamiliar.
There will also be some quality Celtic-rock happening over at the Hard Rock Cafe if you're looking to warm up for the weekend.
Friday, some quality roots rock on two spectrums (spectra?), with Rusted Root playing on a boat, and John Hiatt taking over the Munhall library. Tough to go wrong either way.
Saturday is a smorgasbord: If it's classic, quality, down-home rock you crave, find it at Altar Bar for 28 North's CD release party. If you've got the kids for the night, everyone can enjoy They Might Be Giants at the New Hazlett in the North Side. Brilloboxians the city wide should be thrilled to welcome Baltimore's indie-folk stalwarts Wye Oak. But if you're looking for a mellower evening, find a seat at Synod Hall (behind St. Paul's Cathedral in Oakland) for some eight-string artistry with Carlo Aonzo and the Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra. Or, if you're feeling the spirit and a bit of the sauce, perhaps, Harp & Fiddle will keep you going all day. The lineup includes a stellar local cast of Mark Guiser, Hooley, Whiskey Limerick, Guaranteed Irish, and Red Hand Paddy.
So you've got options. Information about all can be found in the concert calendar in the sidebar.
Me? I have some salsa and calypso in my near future, with hopes for a bit of flamenco and a lot of sangria. Irish? No. But all things considered I guess I'm not too upset.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
It don't get much more local than Radio
fContrary to some reports, I am still alive and well - both on the InterWebs and in real life. I've been focusing on some other projects for the past few months. While working on those projects, I've been tuning in to a lot of local, terrestrial radio. Here's a quick local radio roundup of what I hear:
WYEP - 91.3 - "Where the Music Matters" - Likely the local favorite of all Sitkot readers for good reason. Skews the most in our musical direction, hosts great events, fre
e in-studio concerts. Cindy Howes is great on the morning mix. Perfect morning voice and good playlist and I love the the 'my 15 minutes' feature and the traffic jam after the 8am news. Midday Mix selections can get a little schlockey but on the whole are a better bet than most anything else you'll find on your radio dial. The Drive Home with Rosemary Welch is where I tune out. Her voice reminds me too much of nagging church ladies I used to know and her playlist is too... well, one Indigo Girls' song a year is enough for me. The Saturday Soul Show and Sunday Morning Roots and Rhythm Mix are both highlights of the weekend. All told, sure YEP could be better, more innovative, more underground - but it's the best we've got for now.
WDUQ 90.5 - The Jazz and NPR institution. Despite a recent, unpreced
ented fund drive haul to try and keep the popular Jazz and NPR News station afloat, it is uncertain what will become of it amidst speculation that Duquesne University, the owner of the license wants to sell it. What is certain is that Bob Studebaker and Tony Mowod are pillars of the local jazz community and two of the Burgh's best radio voices. Tony has been criticized for focusing too much on 'old jazz' his nightly show, but I don't mind the standards. I do mind his proclivity for warbly vocalists. But I've learned a lot from him since I started tuning in 5 years ago. DUQ keeps Pittsburgh's proud jazz tradition alive and is the ideal outlet for NPR news and programming. Let's hope it stays.
WDVE 102.5 - (Classic) Rocks. It's been said that this is Pittsburgh's quintessential station; likely true. Its classic rock, comedy cuts and morning show scream Yinzburgh culture. Being the Steelers' flagship doesn't hurt either. Great to have Randy back on the morning show after what was rumored to be a contractual impasse. Jimmy
Krenn and Randy Baumann have an undeniable rapport and without Randy it seemed like the show was adrift, relying on Prisuta for comedy bits was untenable. Love the GunSlingers, Merrill Hoge and all the other comedians in the mix (except, of course for Mike Wysocki). Michelle Michaels, host of the lunch request show is likely the runner up for best radio voice in the Burgh behind DUQ's Tony Mowod. And Sean McDowell's stoned-out vibe on drive time show is always enjoyable. DVE offers what you want in a classic rock station - 50/50 odds that you'll hear a Skynyrd or Hendrix song any time you tune in.
WXDX 105.9 - Buttrock, the Pens Flagship and the SuperGenius. Can't get enough Linkin Park, Slipknot or 90's power rock? The X is your home. Don't get me wrong, they'll occasionally throw in some Beasties or Sublime that we can all get down to, but rest assured that'll be followed up
with the newest power-chord-screamer on the airwaves. Their morning show will always play second fiddle to DVE; Tim Benz just isn't that entertaining or insightful. Of course, the X can't be mentioned without a glance toward the enormous shadow of Mark Madden. The ex-ESPN1250er hosts the drive time show there. He brashly pontificates on the days' sports stories, boasts wildly of his talent and dominance, belittles callers, interviews headlining strippers as they make tourstops at our local establishments, and breathes very heavily into the mic. Thing is, I can't stop listening to him. He's wildly entertaining. I enjoy his show the way Mrs. Kleber enjoys Gossip Girl. We both recognize the trash-factor, are kind of repulsed by the content, but for those reasons are drawn in.
Those are the 4 that I listen to in the car or when the iPod is dead. Of course, there are tons of other stations on the dial. What do you like and why? What did I overlook? What should we be listening to? Sound off in the comments.
WYEP - 91.3 - "Where the Music Matters" - Likely the local favorite of all Sitkot readers for good reason. Skews the most in our musical direction, hosts great events, fre
e in-studio concerts. Cindy Howes is great on the morning mix. Perfect morning voice and good playlist and I love the the 'my 15 minutes' feature and the traffic jam after the 8am news. Midday Mix selections can get a little schlockey but on the whole are a better bet than most anything else you'll find on your radio dial. The Drive Home with Rosemary Welch is where I tune out. Her voice reminds me too much of nagging church ladies I used to know and her playlist is too... well, one Indigo Girls' song a year is enough for me. The Saturday Soul Show and Sunday Morning Roots and Rhythm Mix are both highlights of the weekend. All told, sure YEP could be better, more innovative, more underground - but it's the best we've got for now.WDUQ 90.5 - The Jazz and NPR institution. Despite a recent, unpreced
ented fund drive haul to try and keep the popular Jazz and NPR News station afloat, it is uncertain what will become of it amidst speculation that Duquesne University, the owner of the license wants to sell it. What is certain is that Bob Studebaker and Tony Mowod are pillars of the local jazz community and two of the Burgh's best radio voices. Tony has been criticized for focusing too much on 'old jazz' his nightly show, but I don't mind the standards. I do mind his proclivity for warbly vocalists. But I've learned a lot from him since I started tuning in 5 years ago. DUQ keeps Pittsburgh's proud jazz tradition alive and is the ideal outlet for NPR news and programming. Let's hope it stays.WDVE 102.5 - (Classic) Rocks. It's been said that this is Pittsburgh's quintessential station; likely true. Its classic rock, comedy cuts and morning show scream Yinzburgh culture. Being the Steelers' flagship doesn't hurt either. Great to have Randy back on the morning show after what was rumored to be a contractual impasse. Jimmy
Krenn and Randy Baumann have an undeniable rapport and without Randy it seemed like the show was adrift, relying on Prisuta for comedy bits was untenable. Love the GunSlingers, Merrill Hoge and all the other comedians in the mix (except, of course for Mike Wysocki). Michelle Michaels, host of the lunch request show is likely the runner up for best radio voice in the Burgh behind DUQ's Tony Mowod. And Sean McDowell's stoned-out vibe on drive time show is always enjoyable. DVE offers what you want in a classic rock station - 50/50 odds that you'll hear a Skynyrd or Hendrix song any time you tune in.WXDX 105.9 - Buttrock, the Pens Flagship and the SuperGenius. Can't get enough Linkin Park, Slipknot or 90's power rock? The X is your home. Don't get me wrong, they'll occasionally throw in some Beasties or Sublime that we can all get down to, but rest assured that'll be followed up
with the newest power-chord-screamer on the airwaves. Their morning show will always play second fiddle to DVE; Tim Benz just isn't that entertaining or insightful. Of course, the X can't be mentioned without a glance toward the enormous shadow of Mark Madden. The ex-ESPN1250er hosts the drive time show there. He brashly pontificates on the days' sports stories, boasts wildly of his talent and dominance, belittles callers, interviews headlining strippers as they make tourstops at our local establishments, and breathes very heavily into the mic. Thing is, I can't stop listening to him. He's wildly entertaining. I enjoy his show the way Mrs. Kleber enjoys Gossip Girl. We both recognize the trash-factor, are kind of repulsed by the content, but for those reasons are drawn in.Those are the 4 that I listen to in the car or when the iPod is dead. Of course, there are tons of other stations on the dial. What do you like and why? What did I overlook? What should we be listening to? Sound off in the comments.
