we are a "Band to Watch" in 2010/party time

indierockcafe.com names Gift Horse one of 5 "Bands to Watch" for in 2010.

when you come back to school this fall, put the futon in the dorm and then come on down to the 40 Watt on Friday, August 27th. we're throwing you a little "back to school" party in your honor. entertainment and hunch punch in a cooler provided by Gift Horse and Modern Skirts. it'll be just like that party at the end of PCU except George Clinton won't be there and nobody will charge you to take a shit.

The 5 Most Anticipated Local Albums of 2009

The following is from a piece I wrote for Rough Draft:

THE 5 MOST ANTICIPATED LOCAL ALBUMS OF 2009
-By M

1. Modern Skirts – All Of Us In Our Night
I suppose it’s cheating to include this album considering it’s been floating around locally since late in 2008, but the national release is slated for January 20, 2009. I love their distinct palate of chords and semi-Brit pop chord progressions. Add infectious melodies and you have a damn fine pop album. Having already listened to it extensively, I say Modern Skirts are on the way up and I expect this album to kill in 09.
Why I’m excited: Their previous material proves the band’s songwriting worth, and with production help from David Lowery (Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven) and Mike Mills (uh, R.E.M. dumbass) you know it’s good.
Next Athens show: January 31 at the 40 Watt with Constellations and Oblio.
http://www.myspace.com/modernskirts

2. Cinemechanica – As of yet untitled full-length
I don’t know much yet, but Cinemechanica has a new one in the works. If you are a virgin to the bliss that is Cinemechanica, please do yourself a favor and go see them at their next Athens show. The formula of some unbelievable guitar work and the sickest drum fills you’ve ever heard promises to create epic albums.
Why I’m excited: It’s been 4 years since the last Cinemechanica full-length,
and I’ve listened to the three songs on 2008’s Rivals EP on continuous repeat
for months. Stiff Slack is onboard to release the album in Japan, but look for
its U.S. release in the fall on HelloSir Records.
http://www.myspace.com/cinemechanica

3. A.Armada – As of yet untitled full-length
Speaking of epic albums, the debut full-length from A.Armada is one to look forward to. If you’re one of those people who think that it’s difficult to get into instrumental bands, check out A.Armada. From bombastic and soaring to beautiful and ethereal, this band will make believers out of skeptics.
Why I’m excited: Even with only six songs it’s still very easy to get lost in the swirling delay and reverb of A.Armada’s exceptional last release, Anam Cara. I can’t wait to see what their debut full-length is capable of. Golden Antenna will release the album in Europe, but once again look for its fall local release on HelloSir.
http://www.myspace.com/aarmada

4. Pegasuses-XL – As of yet untitled full-length
I love the glitchy, abrasive, distorted keyboard madness that is Pegasuses-XL. This new record is being produced by Andy Baker and promises to be somewhat of a departure from previous sounds, but I’m confident it will still retain the controlled chaotic element that makes Pegasuses-XL such a great live band.
Why I’m excited: Even though some critics tore Pegasuses-XL’s 2008 release The Antiphon the proverbial new asshole, I thought it was excellent. It’s thematic from track to track, and a few moments really excel and leave you wanting more. What the fuck do the critics know, anyway? Look for this new one on the Ernest Jenning Record Co. in late spring/early fall.
Next Athens show: January 30 at Little Kings with the outstanding local hip-hop kids Deaf Judges.
http://www.myspace.com/pegasuses

5. Gift Horse – Debut full-length very tentatively titled Die Leaves, Fall
Birds
So…this is my band, and I’ll be damned if I’m not including our own stuff. As you read this, we’re in the studio with Hank Sullivant (Kuroma) and Nate Nelson (Nate Nelson & Cortright) making our debut full-length, which should be out as soon as possible. Shameless self promotion, you say? Damn right.
Why I’m excited: I love myself.
Next Athens show: January 23 at Caledonia with Baak
Gwai, Kebert Xela, & Sound and Shape http://www.myspace.com/gifthorsetheband

Since 2009 is well underway, I figured it was time to throw this up there. Obviously you may disregard the dates and stuff, as most of them have already passed.

December 29, 2008-January 4, 2009

Monday, December 29:

The Dumps, Pride Parade, Garbage Island, Rock Star Canyon.

40 Watt. 8:30 p.m. $5. http://www.40watt.com/.

Tuesday, December 30:

Of Montreal, The Gerbils.

40 Watt. 9 p.m. $15 advance. http://www.40watt.com/.

The Whigs, Band Of Horses.

Variety Playhouse (ATL) 9 p.m. $25. http://www.variety-playhouse.com/.

Black Lips.

Club 529 (ATL) 10 p.m. FREE.

(Is this right? This was listed last week too...)

Wednesday, Demeber 31, 2008:

Of Montreal, Brave New Citizen.

40 Watt. SOLD OUT.

Five Eight, Vigilantes Of Love, Young Antiques.

Tasty World. 10 p.m. http://www.tastyworld.net/.

The Whigs, Band Of Horses.

Variety Playhouse (ATL) 10 p.m. $30. http://www.variety-playhouse.com/.

(Marc Mauldin, lighting director for Dead Confederate, is doing lights for The Whigs tonight so you know that's going to look bad ass...)

Modern Skirts, Cracker.

Hyatt Regency Atlanta (ATL) $8:30 p.m. $129.

($129? Apparently you have to get a room for the night to see this show...)

The N.E.C., Gringo Starr, Abby Go Go, Anna Kramer.

Star Bar (ATL) 9 p.m. http://www.starbar.net/.

Thursday, January 1, 2009:

Dexter Romwebber Duo.

Tasty World. 10 p.m. $5. http://www.tastyworld.net/.

Friday, January 2:

Hope For Agoldensummer.

Flicker. 9 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/flickerbar.

Saturday, January 3:

Divided Like A Saint's, Byron House, Small Pox, Halves and Thirds, Pretzel Logic. Eyedrum Art and Music Gallery (ATL) 9 p.m. $6.

Nor Am I Above Any List Of Any Kind: Mike's Top 20 Albums of 2008

Inspired by Matt, here's my top 20 albums of 2008, in absolutely no particular order. These are albums from bands that make the Rebel Forces list of links and that are actually doing something around here, in my own humble opinion. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of other good local releases that I did not get my hands on, but here's what I got. Some of these were released in 2007, but they were late in '07 so back off.
___________________________________________________________________

Dead Confederate, Wrecking Ball
Released: 9/16/08 on TAO/Razor & Tie
Key Tracks: Wrecking Ball, Start Me Laughing, Yer Circus







___________________________________________________________________
The Whigs, Mission Control
Released: 2/5/08 on ATO
Key Tracks: Like A Vibration, Production City, Sleep Sunshine










___________________________________________________________________
Kuroma, Paris
Released: 6/1/08
Key Tracks: Alexander Martin, I Was The Rat, Searching For A Sheep
Listen to it here.






___________________________________________________________________
Modern Skirts, All Of Us In Our Night
Released: 10/3/08 (Nationwide January 20, 2009)
Key Tracks: Radio Breaks, Soft Pedals, Chanel







___________________________________________________________________
Pegasuses-XL, The Antiphon
Released: 2/26/08 on The Ernest Jenning Record Co.
Key Tracks: Marathon Mansion, Atmospheric Skull, Drugs For Change, Intermurals
Keep an eye out for a new one in early '09.





___________________________________________________________________
Deaf Judges, All Rise

Released: 9/26/08 on Emerald City Ruins
Key Tracks: Space Cadet Setlist, Nuevo, Short Term Memories






___________________________________________________________________

Twin Tigers, Curious Faces Violet Future
Released: 6/10/08
Key Tracks: Golden Days, Watershed, Red Fox Run






___________________________________________________




Blue Flashing Light, The Mayor of Five Points
Released: 8/18/08
Key Tracks: Tangled Up In You, Cinderella, To My Love Who Disappeared

__________________________________________________

Cinemechanica, Rivals
Released: 8/19/08 on Hello Sir
Key Tracks: Hero/Protagonist, Rivals, Kurosawa
Sorry for the crappy picture.

________________________________________________________

A.Armada, Anam Cara
Released: 12/22/07 on Hello Sir
Key Tracks: The Moon Shifts The Sea The Sea Shapes The Shore The Shore Shakes The Sand The Sand Sinks The Ship, Fall Triumph, Into Days & Nights & Years & Months
This counts. Once again, sorry for the pic.





________________________________________________________

Bambara, Bambara
Released: 7/6/08 on Emerald Weapon
Key Tracks: Native Tongue, Shake, Snakes In Our Hair

________________________________________________________

All The Saints, Fire On Corridor X
Re-Released: 5/27/08 on Killer Pimp

Key Tracks: Regal Regalia, Sheffield, Farmacia

________________________________________________________


Russian Spy Camera, Mutiny in the Kitchen With Knives
Released: 3/2/08
Key Tracks: Pixels In Your Soup, This Town Has Placed A Curse On Me, Hotels, X's Over Eyes
Download it for free. It's legal, I swear.






___________________________________________________________________


The N.E.C., Million Minks
Released: 9/10/07
Key Tracks: Only One You Know, Witness, Why Don't You Stay?
This counts too. Keep an eye out, they've got a split out and a new one coming in January '09.






___________________________________________________________________


Sleepy Horses, The Golden Light EP
Released: 9/17/08
Key Tracks: Echoes, Sleep, NYC
Download it for free. Also legal, I swear.







___________________________________________________________________

Dark Meat, Universal Indians
Re-Released: 4/8/08 on Vice
Key Tracks: Freedom Ritual, Assholes For Eyeballs, Disintegrating Flowers









___________________________________________________________________


The George W. Bush Cover Band, Hits From The Oval Ranch
Released: 10/22/08
Key Tracks: Make The Pie Higher, Mission Accomplished, My Base

___________________________________________________________________

Olympus Mans, Shelf Life
Released: 12/9/07
Key Tracks: Pictures From The War, I'm In Love With A Comeback, Sucker









___________________________________________________________________

Harvey Milk, Life...The Best Game In Town
Released: 6/3/08 on Hydra Head
Key Tracks: Death Goes To The Winner, Motown, Skull Socks & Rope Shoes









___________________________________________________________________

Lazer/Wulf, The Void That Isn't
Released: 9/22/08
Key Tracks: Sacrilicious, Lagarto

Phew! That is a fine year for Athens bands. If anyone can think of any good stuff that I left off then please help me out. This is in no way meant to encompass all of the material coming from the Forces. Also I would like to apologize for the formatting of this post. Posting something with this many pictures is alot like trying to transcribe a Bach prelude by ear in real time. So I hope it looks okay on your screen.

News Wire

Hi I'm Ron Burgundy and here's what's happening in your world today:

....Dead Confederate has been out in my fair city of San Diego playing on KBZT and chatting with Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips. Currently they are on their way to Vegas (best of luck at the nickel slots)...

...The Whigs were robbed in Wisconsin recently and Delta managed to break Parker's guitar during a flight to Cali. Don't worry they seem to be just fine as nothing incredibly important was taken and they are always making light of any misfortune...

...I heard that Blue Flashing Light played a really good set last night at The EARL to a grand and responsive crowd...

...San Diego's favorite band Gift Horse received a pretty good concert review in the Flagpole's online archives. The show was with Sleepy Horses and Pride Parade at Caledonia and good things were also said about los compadres. Thanks Jordan Stepp...

...Speaking of Sleepy Horses, they've recently gotten a live recording posted on Sloan's Southern Shelter...

...The boys from Bambara continue to make waves by receiving a decent amount of plays on WUOG 90.5's regular rotation, selling their album on iTunes (not sure how to link to that), and also getting a live recording posted on the Southern Shelter page...

...News to me: Joel Hatstat did a really good job with the new Deaf Judges album All Rise over at The Bakery, and I am currently listening to that album nonstop. Actually, I am taking breaks to listen to Modern Skirts' All of Us In Our Night which is also fantastic. David Lowery (Camper Van Beethoven, Cracker) and Mike Mills (uh, R.E.M.) did a real number producing that album as well...

...Speaking of Joel Hatstat, his band Pegasuses-XL has somewhat quietly released a new album called Electro Agitators. I think it is a compilation of material off of their first three EP's, and that seems like a really good idea to me. Check out the live recording of the Electro Agitators cd release party on (guess what site?)...

...There is a bunch of other stuff happening as we speak, but in the spirit of reporting the news I'm going to omit some important items. I'll leave the comments section as an open thread for anyone to post relevant (or random) news...

...You stay classy San Diego...

October 6-12

Monday, October 6:
Modern Skirts. Ashford Manor. 7–9 p.m. $12 (Adults), $5 (Children under 12), FREE! (Children under 6). http://www.ambedandbreakfast.com/.

The Roots. Tabernacle (ATL) 6:30 p.m. $37.50. www.myspace.com/tabernacleatlanta.

Tuesday, October 7:
Screening of Major Organ & The Adding Machine followed by a performance by The Elephant 6 Orchestra. Cine. Movie showtime @ 9:30 p.m. Music to follow (10:30 p.m. I think). $12 (advance), $15 (day of show). http://www.athenscine.com/.

The long awaited premiere of Major Organ & The Adding Machine, a new film companion to the mysterious Elephant 6 collective album of the same name. Featuring musical and theatrical contributions from Jeff Mangum, Kevin Barnes, William Cullen Hart, Julian Koster, Andrew Reiger, and Dixie Blood Moustache. Followed by a live performance that kicks off the Elephant 6 Orchestra's Holiday Surprise Tour, featuring the musical talent of Julian Koster, Will Hart, Bill Doss, John Fernandes, Nesey Gallons, Laura Carter, Scott Spillane, Robbie Cucchiarro, Theodore Hilton, Andrew Reiger, Eric Harris, Pete Erchick performing the songs of The Music Tapes, The Circulatory System, Scott Spillane, Gerbils, Elf Power, Olivia Tremor Control, Nana Grizol, Pipes You See, Pipes You Don't and more.

Cool. This movie was largely created by Rebel Forces contributor J.J.'s roommate, Joey. (Six degrees of Athens separation). Click the links above to view the movie trailer and get some info on the tour, and check the Orange Twin site to get a heads up on all of the many bands mentioned above.

Wednesday, October 8:
Common, N.E.R.D. Tabernacle. (ATL) 8 p.m. $36.50. www.myspace.com/tabernacleatlanta.

Thursday, October 9:
Casper & The Cookies, Dressy Bessy. 40 Watt. 9 p.m. $7-$9. www.40watt.com/.

The Sammies. Vinyl. (ATL) 8 p.m. $5-$8. www.vinylatlanta.com/.

Friday, October 10:
Dead Confederate. Live on Late Night with Conan O' Brien. His show comes on NBC at 12:35 a.m. just in case you are a complete dumbass. See here for my thoughts. Also be sure to check out the web's hottest manatee site.
Congrats boys. Give 'em hell.

Deerhunter, Twin Tigers, Brent Weinbach, Gentleman Jesse & His Men. 40 Watt. 9 p.m. $8 advance. $10 day of show. www.40watt.com/.
Night 1 of Chunklet's 15th Anniversary Shindig Extravaganza.

The Empties, Noises-10. Tasty World. 10 p.m. http://www.tastyworld.net/.

Dancer Vs. Politician. Kavarna. (ATL) 9 p.m.

Saturday, October 11:
Mastodon, Brian Posehn. 40 Watt. 9 p.m. $20 advance. $22 day of show. www.40watt.com/.
Night 2 of Chunklet's 15th Anniversary Shindig Extravaganza.

Naughty By Nature, Doug E Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick. Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center. (ATL) 8 p.m. $37.50-$75. http://www.atlantaciviccenter.com/.
Freshfest '08! (Crackers, honkys, whitebread suckas need not apply).

Sunday, October 12:
Music Hates You, Armazilla, Bible of the Devil. Drunken Unicorn. (ATL) 8 p.m. $10.
www.thedrunkenunicorn.net/.

September 29-October 5

Monday, September 29:
The George W. Bush Cover Band, Hot Pink Money Shot. The Globe. 9:30 p.m. FREE! Celebrating The Globe's 19th birthday and billed as the farewell concert since dubya's on his way out the door. According to Esquire magazine, The Globe is the best bar in America. According to 90% of Athens, Esquire doesn't know shit.

The Whigs, The Kooks. Variety Playhouse (ATL) 8 p.m. $16-$18.
http://www.variety-playhouse.com/.

Tuesday, September 30:
Bambara, Mouser, Ours to Alibi, They Mean Us. Caledonia. 10 p.m. $6 (21+), $7 (18+). http://www.caledonialounge.com/.

Fleet Foxes, Frank Fairfield. Georgia Theatre. 10 p.m. $10. http://www.georgiatheatre.com/.
These dudes may actually be living up to the hype. Yeah I know, I liked 'em before it was cool too. Let it die.

Wednesday, October 1:
Old 97's, Charlie Louvin. Georgia Theatre. 8 p.m. $16 (advance), $18 (door). http://www.georgiatheatre.com/.

The Raconteurs, The Kills. Tabernacle (ATL) $38.50. www.myspace.com/tabernacleatlanta.

Ted Leo & The Pharmacists. Masquerade (ATL) 7 p.m. $18. www.masq.com/.

Thursday, October 2:
Okkervil River, Crooked Fingers, Black Joe Lewis & The Honey Bears. 40 Watt. 10 p.m. $15 (advance). http://www.40watt.com/.

The Avett Brothers. Georgia Theatre. 9 p.m. $25. http://www.georgiatheatre.com/.
Everybody keeps telling me how good they are. Personally I like two songs they have. $25-a-pop good? Ehhh...

The Black Keys. Tabernacle (ATL) 8 p.m. $25. www.myspace.com/tabernacleatlanta.

Friday, October 3:
Pegasuses-XL, Bambara, Deaf Judges, Creepy. Caledonia. 9 p.m. http://www.caledonialounge.com/.
Last chance to see Pegasuses before they embark on nation domination...

The Avett Brothers. Georgia Theatre. 9 p.m. SOLD OUT! http://www.georgiatheatre.com/.
Well, excuse me Avett Bros. 500 dumbass frat boys can't be wrong!

Modern Skirts, Venice Is Sinking. 40 Watt. 9:30 PM Doors. $8 Advance.
Concert release of Modern Skirts new one, All of Us in Our Night. http://www.40watt.com/.

Saturday, October 4:
We Versus The Shark, Chrissakes, Childbite, Stnnng. Caledonia. 9 p.m. http://www.caledonialounge.com.
We Versus The Shark also embarking upon said domination...

Alan Jackson. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre (ATL) 8 p.m.
You didn't really think I was gonna leave that out did you?

Sunday, October 5:
Janet Jackson. Phillips Arena (ATL).
How many Atlantans will shell out an outrageous sum of money for this ticket for the sole purpose of maybe seeing a nipple or some other J. Jack sweet meat wardrobe malfunction? Just something to ponder as you go about your week. By the way since this was posted I saw where it is "really big news" that Janet had to be rushed to the hospital before her show in Montreal the other day, so Atlantans may have to wait for the ol' nip-slip Timberlake-style. This show may be canceled. Why am I devoting so much time to this? No idea.

August 18-24

Damn, last week turned out to be a strange one. Not gonna bore you with all of the gory details, but on the plus side Wednesday night at Little Kings was pretty fun. Hopefully one of our contributors will soon be posting the result of the night's filming for Dead Confederate's upcoming RollingStone.com video spot. I'm also gonna try to talk a few people into writing about the highs and lows of Popfest since I was unable ($) to attend most of the festivities. Heard it was good though. We'll see who feels like writing, but chances are I'm the only one who feels the need to write about the things other people simply experience (thanks Chuck Klosterman). Stay tuned.
Well, lets all try to make it through the next 7...

Monday, August 18:
Melvins, Big Business. 40 Watt. 9 p.m. $14 (advance). http://www.40watt.com/.

Wednesday, August 20:
Dark Meat, Oneida, Dirty Faces, Jah Division Sound System. The Drunken Unicorn. (ATL) 9 p.m. $8. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net/.

Thursday, August 21:
Modern Skirts, Y-O-U. Star Bar. (ATL) 9 p.m. FREE. http://www.starbar.net/.

Friday, August 22:
Dead Confederate, Gift Horse, Kuroma, Balkans. The Drunken Unicorn. (ATL) 9 p.m. $7. 18+. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net/. (Hell yes).