Weezer and Pixies in Concert at KeyBank; Pirates vs. Nationals (Wed., 7/11/18)

1) Weezer‘s self-titled debut (or, The Blue Album) came out over 20 years ago. Yet “Say It Ain’t So,” a single from that LP, is still go-to catharsis for teenagers. Weezer fell to a nadir with 2009’s Raditude and 2010’s Hurley but bounced back in 2014 with Everything Will Be Alright in the End, arguably their most solid songwriting since the ‘90s. The White Album followed in 2016. Songs like “Thank God for Girls” sound perfect for an outdoor concert. They followed up 2017’s Pacific Daydeam, with their Black Album,released on May 25. Lead singer Rivers Cuomo describes the new album as “Beach Boys gone bad.”

Boston alternative band the Pixies formed in 1986 when guitarist Joey Santiago bought an ad looking for a female bass guitar player who liked both Peter, Paul and Mary; and Hüsker Dü. Only one person responded, Kim Deal, who had never played a bass before. She liked Santiago’s concept, got a bass, and joined the band, which also had Black Francis and David Lovering in it. In 1987, they released a mini-LP, Come on Pilgrim, which was followed a year later by their first full-length album, Surfer Rosa. The Pixies broke up in 1993 but reunited in 2004, and Deal exited the band in 2013. They continue to perform at a high level. The Pixies have been cited as an influence on later bands including Nirvana, Radiohead, Bush, and Weezer. Opener is The Wombats.7:30 p.m. KeyBank Pavilion, 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (CM, RH)

2) Our battlin’ Bucs take on the Washington Nationals this afternoon in a 12:35 p.m. game. The Pirates play five games in four days against division rival Milwaukee Brewers beginning tomorrow. Saturday’s game is a make up game doubleheader. PNC Park, 115 Federal St., North Shore.

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