Lemonheads frontman keeps his enthusiasm

There's a song called "Pittsburgh" on the Lemonheads' self-titled album that has nary a reference to the city.

So, Evan Dando, what's the story?

"The line was going to be 'With a little bit of common sense, you can lose a lot of innocence in Pittsburgh,'" Dando says in advance of his Tuesday appearance with the Lemonheads at Mr. Small's Theatre, in Millvale. "But it was changed to 'this world,' (subbing for Pittsburgh) and I kept the town in it anyway. I like Pittsburgh, for a variety of reasons. ... There's the Warhol (Museum), which I like a lot, and I've always had a good time playing there. It's a good-time place, it's a fun place to play."

And Dando knows fun, or variants thereof. He's had hit singles -- "It's a Shame About Ray," "Into Your Arms" -- and lived the good life that comes with success. Some of his behavior has been self-destructive, and he's succumbed to the plagues of alcohol and drugs that imperil the rock lifestyle.

All of that is behind him, he says, and "The Lemonheads," released last year, is arguably his finest release since 1993's "Come On Feel the Lemonheads." Dando has a distinct sound that positions his matter-of-fact vocals in counterpoint to some of the brightest, most distinct melodies in rock.

"I have a certain way of writing chords that feels different than some people," Dando says. "You can also tell my solo stuff from the Lemonheads stuff, too. This new one is more extroverted and fun and loud; that's Lemonheads. If it's more introspective and quiet and a bummer, I call it a solo record."

"The Lemonheads" also benefits from the presence of drummer Bill Stevenson and bassist Karl Alvarez, both of the Descendents, and, by far, Dando's most muscular rhythm section. There are songs deeply personal ("Become the Enemy," "No Backbone") and a scathing political rant disguised as a pop song, "Let's Laugh."

But, will Dando be taken seriously• He's always been subject to snide remarks because of his looks, especially because People magazine included him in its list of the sexiest people alive in 1993. His tumultuous past also casts a shadow over his music,

If any of this fazes Dando, he's not admitting it.

"You can't be afraid of anything," he says. "You can't be afraid of stuff."

While "The Lemonheads" sounds as if Dando has not lost a lick of his enthusiasm for music, he does turn 40 next month. That's not exactly prime time for a rocker, but Dando isn't worried about his age.

"Look at the Red Hot Chili Peppers, how old are they?" he says. "Look at Primal Scream, they're still doing it. ... I started thinking 36 was old when I was 28: How can they still do this• But now that I'm here, I understand. There's certain people that can, and some people who don't want to or can't. I'm one of those people who totally feels the same who feels he'll be able to do it, because I like doing it."

Additional Information:

The Lemonheads

With: Vietnam

When: 8 p.m. Tuesday

Admission: $16

Where: Mr. Small's Theatre, 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale

Details: 412-821-4447 or www.mrsmalls.com