MUSIC N'AT

     If you're from the Pittsburgh area or you're familiar with the Pittsburgh music scene, chances are you know who the Clarks are. They've been rocking out in the Western Pennsylvania area since 1986. But they haven't just entertained yinzers in their 30 year history, they've traveled across the country and back again. Apparently some of today's music fans aren't really fans of good music at all, preferring disposable pablum over tunes that stand the test of time. Today Mrs. Black-N-Gold tells you why she loves the Clarks.


                                           WHY I ❤️ THE CLARKS

     The Clarks first formed in the fall of 1986 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Much like others, they were a cover band that honed their chops playing local bars for a few bucks or a few beers. Singer Scott Blasey, guitarist Rob James and drummer Dave Minarik were part of a group called The Administration, along with a bass player and saxophonist. When those 2 dropped out of the band, they were replaced by bassist/vocalist Greg Joseph. The Clarks were born.

     The rest is history. 16 discs, countless live shows and they're still the rockingest band in the 'Burgh. These are the reasons Mrs. Black-N-Gold loves the Clarks.

1)The Clarks keep it real. They don't sing about popping bottles, riding in SUVs with heated seats and cruising the French Riveria. No, they sing about drinking beer (Iron City, baby!), hanging out at the county fair and life on the Three Rivers.

2)The Clarks are everywhere. Their songs have been on national tv, they've performed for the likes of David Letterman's late night audience and they get around. Mrs. Black-N-Gold remembers one summer drunkenly stumbling around Ocean City, MD. She looks up at the marquee at a bar and lo and behold, who is playing? Why it's the Clarks from Pittsburgh!

3)When Mrs. Black-N-Gold hears the jangly guitar sound of Rob James originating from her car stereo, she just knows it's the Clarks.

4)The Clarks do a better version of Bruce Springsteen's "The River" than The Boss does himself.

5)After almost 30 years, the Clarks are still going strong and still entertaining us, whether it's at "the Fayette County Fair", a local watering hole or with their classic discs. The Clarks always have and always will rock!

      Do you have your favorite Clarks songs? Of course, you do! So does Mrs. Black-N-Gold. Below are some of her faves. See if you agree. There's so many of them so this list will be narrowed down to just 3.

1)Cigarette-To Mrs. Black-N-Gold, this is the quintessential Clarks song. From the opening chords of this early hit, you get a taste of what the Clarks are all about. Just straight-ahead rock-n-roll.

2)All the Things I Wanted-The chorus of this song always sticks with Mrs. Black-N-Gold. "I don't want to fall apart or hide behind love's broken door. I don't want to leave and wonder why. I don't want to walk away looking over my shoulder for all the things I've wanted in life". Heavy stuff.

3)Hey You-Mrs. Black-N-Gold liked this song from Day 1. When she found out Scott Blasey wrote it in response to 9/11, she liked it even more. The lyrics are so moving and poignant. Tears will well in your eyes.

     There you have it. This is why Mrs. Black-N-Gold loves the Clarks. And here's hoping they rock our world for another 30 years. Mrs Black-N-Gold said it before and she'll say it again, The Clarks rock!