Chris Rickert is the owner of Eljay's Books in Dormont (www.eljaysusedbooks.com) and the owner of Perfect Fish Designs (www.perfectfishdesigns.com) where she creates crocheted monsters, strange jewelry and a general feeling of unease. Shes also a freeelance marketer, book editor, and damn good bus conversationalist (we've discussed zombie walks and Neil Gaiman on a PAT bus a handful of times). Chris was nice enough to take a few moments during her busy schedule to answer some questions about music and Pittsburgh.
What kind of music do you remember your parents listening to while you were growing up?
My parents listened to a lot of Stevie Wonder, Gordon Lightfoot, and musicals. There was almost always music playing in the house when I was a kid.
What was your first concert?
Stevie Wonder, the In Square Circle tour. I think I was about ten at the time and I still remember every minute of it.
What do you like to listen to while you are working?
I go through phases where I'm obsessed with listening to one artist, right now that's Amanda Palmer (Dresden Dolls). I'm pretty much marinating in her music right now. If I'm working at Eljay's Books I tend to listen to more mellow, crowd-friendly music. If I'm working on my own art for Perfect Fish Designs, I listen to louder music. But right now it's really just Amanda Palmer all day.
Where is your favorite place to see live music?
Sigh. Nick's Fat City, which is no longer there. I also love the artists that come through Club Cafe, I got to see John Doe there and it was an amazing show.
What (if any) is your favorite place to buy music (records, cd’s, tapes, 8-tracks) in Pittsburgh?
Jerry's Records and Dave's Music Mine are both great stores with nice people behind the counter, I could lose whole days browsing in either store...
Who are some of your favorite local bands/artists?
I just heard Wings for Armor, they were fantastic and I'd like to check them out again soon, I'm also a fan of Venus in Furs and of course the incomparable Phat Man Dee, who is my first call any time I want to book a musician at Eljay's Books.
Do you have any essential jukebox songs/bands on a night out?
I like listening to a lot of different kinds of music, so usually I let other people run the jukebox, but if I'm in charge of picking the music, I'm probably going to blast some Beastie Boys or some Deftones, and then something from the 80s.
Do you do karaoke? If so, do you have any standard songs in your repertoire?
I have been known to karaoke, but my song choices change all the time. If I can find a song with really big, aggressive female vocals, that's the song I'll pick.
What is the next concert you’ll attend?
Venus in Furs and My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult. I'm pretty geeked about this show.
What band/artist have you seen the most times?
Either the Cure or Tool.
Who comes after The Beatles on your Ipod?
Right now Bjork is after the Beatles on my ipod.