8-25-11 - "Work" ~ 1,2,3

Despite the un-googleable name, 1,2,3 are a pretty cool band.  They hail from Pittsburgh, though you'd never guess it from the glamour shots of the city in this video.  The opening shots of the bridges and PNC Park look like models - almost a Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood feel.  Then the guitars kick in, and you're hooked.  The video is a cross-section of the personalities of the various blue-collar neighborhoods of the city and the residents therein.


I haven't actually heard these guys live yet, but it's definitely on the agenda.  If this track is any indication, seeing them play in person would be tons of fun.  Oh yea, and you can totally see this building from my bedroom window AND at 2:43 of the music video:

You can even download a few tracks for just the price of an e-mail, if you're so inclined:

"God knows how I go and take it so hard..."


EDIT 1-9-12:  Found some sweet performance videos.  Check 'em.

(not sure whether to trust the free download from this Baeble site - some questionable comments below the video. don't blame me if you try it and get spammed.)

8-14-11 - "Runaway Train" ~ Soul Asylum

Here's an early 90s radio staple with which you're likely familiar but just as likely haven't heard in a while.  We saw these guys live outside of Heinz Field in Pittsburgh a couple summers ago.  I forget what event it was, exactly, but it wasn't half bad.  We didn't really know much of their catalogue other than this one, but for a free show where you just chill and chat with friends and half listen, it worked pretty well.


The meaning of the song could be interpreted many ways, but the general concept is that life has begun moving faster than the singer can handle in a direction he's not sure he wants to go.  Working in the railroad industry, I love a good train metaphor, so there you go.

"bought a ticket for a runaway train
like a madman laughing at the rain
little out of touch, little insane
it's just easier than dealing with the pain..."

8-13-11 - "A Poem On The Underground Wall" ~ Simon & Garfunkel

This is one of my favorite S&G songs.  Then again, there are many... but we're talking about this one.  The guitar, the vocals, the lyrics... it's all just perfect.  Poetic, too, though you'd never guess it by the song title.  I'll let you formulate your own opinion; give it a listen or three and let me know what you think:

"And the train is gone suddenly
On wheels clicking silently
Like a gently tapping litany,
And he holds his crayon rosary
Tighter in his hand..."