While participating as a full time member in the formidable indie super group The New Pornographers, Kathryn released her first solo album this year. With heavy themes of life and loss, she delivers a light, airy pop gem of an album. This is a collection of songs I loved on the first listen and haven’t at all tired of it with repeated spins. In other words, I totally dig this album. Kathryn was kind enough to participate in this ongoing year end countdown of my favorite ‘potentially’ under the radar albums edition of First/Last.

• The first album you ever bought?
• 2 Unlimited – that techno band from the early nineties… I wish I had bought something more seminal as my first record, but I was 10. What are you gonna do?
• Your last album bought?
• Duffy and the Doubters, a great band from Vancouver. It’s the lead singer/songwriter from Ladyhawk’s solo album.
• Favorite album of all time?
• Of all time??? Man. David Bowie’s Hunky Dory, or Joni Mitchell’s Blue.
• Least favorite/most disappointing album?
• Oh, I have no idea.
• First concert attended?
• Weird Al Yankovic. He had a fever and almost didn’t go on. He did go on though and I recall loving it.
• Last concert?
• Just watched a bunch of bands at the Bowlie 2 weekender (ATP) curated by Belle and Sebastian in Minehead, UK. I saw Best Coast, Teenage Fanclub, The Zombies, Frightened Rabbit, Belle and Sebastian and Franz Ferdinand! It was awesome.
• Favorite concert ever?
• Really loved Paul Simon when I saw him, but I’d have to say Radiohead was the best concert I’ve ever seen. They were totally amazing. I didn’t hurt that I knew every song, as did the rest of the audience.
• Least favorite concert?
• I’ve seen lots of ‘least favourite’ concerts but none of them worthy of being singled out.
• Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
• The last time I was in Pittsburgh, it was with the New Pornographers and we played a college show with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, who I adore. It was all very pleasant from what I can remember!
• Thanks Kathryn. I always wondered if musicians playing festivals really have the time to hang and enjoy other bands on the bill? The Bowlie gig sounded quite amazing.