we're proud to be nominated for a Flagpole Music Award again this year. we are up for best rock band and are humbled to be in a category beside The Whigs, Twin Tigers, Bambara, and Pride Parade. pretty rad. please go vote!
thanks
Showing posts with label the whigs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the whigs. Show all posts
thanks/award
thanks to everybody who was so good to us on tour. thanks for coming to see us play and letting us sleep at your house. thanks for the books, fly fishing movies and dim sum. thanks to Father Bill of the St. Francis Mission in Philly for the delicious coffee cake. thanks to Michael for the live camel at University of Maryland. thanks to Twin Tigers for everything. thanks to Blaze for killing it on the drums for both Gift Horse and Twin Tigers back to back most nights. thanks to Bambara for letting us borrow him. our friends in Athens and everyone we meet on the road collectively make it possible for us to do what we do. so thank you thank you.
January 12-18
Monday, January 12:
Ghost To Falco, Sing iDog, Drivers Songs.
Caledonia. 10 p.m. $5. www.caledonialounge.com.
I don't know much about these bands but the description sounds psychedelic and creepy...
and Ghost To Falco is from Portland (where the smack flows like wine).
Tuesday, January 13:
Kevin Blechdom, Irene Moon, The World Provider.
Flicker. 8:30 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/flickerbar.
Don't know much here either but this sounds really weird. And that's good. For example, Kevin Blechdom is not a man, Irene Moon is an entomologist/performance artist who talks about her slides while music plays, and The World Provider is from Montreal (where they eat their young). Drugs, anyone?
Wednesday, January 14:
Marriage, P.O.B., The Warm Fuzzies, Freakaboo.
Caledonia. 10 p.m. $5. www.caledonialounge.com.
Thursday, January 15:
Drive-By Truckers, The Whigs, South San Gabriel.
40 Watt. 9 p.m. $20. www.40watt.com.
Friday, January 16:
Drive-By Truckers, Centro-matic.
40 Watt. 9 p.m. $20. www.40watt.com.
Saturday, January 17:
Drive-By Truckers, Centro-matic.
40 Watt. 9 p.m. $20. www.40watt.com.
Los Campesinos!, Titus Andronicus.
The EARL (ATL) 9 p.m. $15. www.badearl.com.
This week, Mercer West and PartyPartyPartners.com are having a festival over at Tasty World. The club recently hired Mercer to handle the booking and his first act of business is to offer some free food and music starting at 10 p.m. every night. Apparently this is the Tasty World revival. Or maybe the entrance into the post-Tasty era. Either way, sounds like a townie townie town good time, and we won't mention the fact that Murphy hired my uh, lets say "roommate" for this booking job first and then hired Mercer without even so much as a phone call to the H-bomb to let him know that he wouldn't be getting the position after all. Eh, maybe we will mention that. Thanks Murphy!
Anyhow, here's the lineup. If you need any more info, get this weeks Flagpole where there are no less than 9 separate stories on the subject.
Monday, January 12:
Gay Africa, Hume, Muchos Gracias, Sweet Teeth, Tunabunny.
Tuesday, January 13:
Daffodil, The Matt Kurz One, Pegasuses-XL, Skeletonbreath.
Wednesday, January 14:
Bambara, Horse Party, Memory Gospel Dancers, Yukon.
Thursday, January 15:
Bubbly Mommy Gun, Explorers Club, Puddin' Tang, Timmy Tumble.
Flagpole Writer's 2008 Picks and Reader's Survey
Hey everybody, check out the Flagpole's year-end lists for best local albums of 2008 as chosen by the writers, best musical moments of the year and best local albums according to the readers, and a few other lists here, here and here.
In the "Best Local Albums" category, it's no surprise that Dead Confederate sits atop the list with Wrecking Ball. Also making the list are The Whigs with Mission Control at six and Twin Tigers' Curious Faces/Violet Future at number seven. Some other pals got honorable mention, but take the time read the whole page because it also has a comprehensive list of pretty much every local release of the year, give or take a few. That should help you round out your collection...
Check out the year-end reader's survey to read some comments about what the citizens thought were the "Best Musical Moments of 2008". Comments from the Athens townfolk mentioned great shows from Bambara, Dead Confederate, Gift Horse, Pegasuses-XL, Kuroma and a lot of other bands from the list over there <---.
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:
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.
My Favorite Girlfriends of 2008
And when I say girlfriends, I mean albums.
Sometimes I take a break from my steady diet of the Gap Band, Zapp, and Kool and the Gang to give some new music a listen. Here's some of the lovely ladies that caught my eye this year. I'm sure that I am leaving a bunch out of the list, and I attribute that to a lack of fruit in my diet.
Dead Confederate Wrecking Ball
Dark, kinda redneck-y, Southern Gothic, wailing, yearning rock and roll brimming with trouble just beneath the surface. I see a new rock sub-genre. Dark-neck, anyone? This would still be one of my favorites of the year even if I wasn't long-time friends with these nice fellows. A perfect album for sitting down and bonding with your great-grandfather over some snuff or chaw.
Fleet Foxes Fleet Foxes
I'm a sucker for great harmonies mixed with beards, Bonnaroo-styled knit caps, and a lot of candles. Earnest and intimate.
Harvey Milk Life...The Best Game In Town
Big drums, big cymbals, big amps, loud de-tuned fucking riffs, and Creston Spiers' distinctive vocal stylings make me happy. Very, very good.
Kings of Leon Only by the Night
These guys continue to explore and diversify their sound with each album. Not content with sticking to the same old two-step southern-Strokes-ish boot kickin' dust-ups and screwing hot model chicks in Europe all of the time, Kings of Leon continue to mature into memorable songwriters with a knack for catchy hooks.
Dillinger Escape Plan Ire Works
Released in late 2007, I had to include this one. This is one of my favorite bands of all time ever since I saw them open for Mr. Bungle at the old Cotton Club in Atlanta. Live, it's like watching a car crash inside of a fireball inside of a tornado filled with cottonmouth rattlers for an hour. You can't take your eyes away. Bodies flying everywhere. Their former drummer, Chris Pennie, is one of my favorites. Their new drummer Gil Sharone stepped in without missing a beat and just killed it. This album furthers their genre-bending, sharp, precise, powerful attack to places yet to be traveled.
My Morning Jacket Evil Urges
I'm an admitted late-comer to My Morning Jacket. My bad, dude! I thought Z was catchy as hell and then I delved into their back catalog. I eagerly anticipated this release and was pleased with the results. Their songs have a way of connecting with me down to the core, mining up emotions, whether they be bittersweet, reflective, down, or celebratory. I know in 30 years when I hear "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream," "Thank You Too!," "Sec Walkin," and "Librarian," they will bring me right back to this time in my life. Plus, we've all got those evil urges, baby.
Of Montreal Skeletal Lamping
Inventive harmonies, melodies, and arrangements. Psychedelic, schizophrenic, shy and cocky all at the same time. Instrumentally fantastic. Oh, and it's funky as hell and you can dance to it. Kevin Barnes just don't give a fuck. I don't know if all men share some of the same worries, fears, and insecurities that Barnes bravely sings of. But know I do.
T.V. On The Radio Dear Science
Another terrific live band whose albums continue to impress me. I'm a drummer at heart and I'm thrilled with their creative and tasteful mixture of live drumming, programmed beats, loops, bleeps, bloops, leeps?? and ambient hand claps. Kyp and Tunde sing soulfully and confidently, and the gang vocals are reminiscent of some long-ago congregation singing a familiar hymnal. Drone-y and syncopated all at once, TVOTR melds many distinct styles and elements into a one successful mixture.
Deerhoof Offend Maggie
Man, oh man!! Daddy likey. Greg Saunier is a drumming powerhouse. He flows freely between Elvin Jones and Tony Williams-like blazing free-jazz chops, funk and drum & bass backbeat, and pushing and pulling the beat to the band's liking. Awesome guitar lines and inventive chording. Mix in a lot of whimsy and musical playfulness, and you get maybe a small idea of Deerhoof. I cannot do them justice. Buy all of their albums!
Dodos Visiter
Johnny 5 from Dead Confederate turned me on to these guys. Mostly finger-picked or heavily strummed acoustic guitar and African Ewe-style drumming. The drummer plays on a non-traditional kit standing up without a kick drum. My arms hurt just listening to some of his beats. Pretty melodies and harmonies.
Gift Horse Demo EP
Man, these guys are the biggest assholes in Modern Rock today. Rapes, bullying, theft, drug abuse, degradation, blasphemy, and rape. But I'll be damned if they don't make some great music. Hypnotic and throbbing, with melodies and lyrics floating in and out of a lush thick smoky fog of reverb. If you're looking for Vai or Satriani or any overly-note-filled fusion jam-offs, this is not the band for you. If you're not an asshole, then you'll probably like it.
Gnarls Barkley The Odd Couple
Cee-Lo is the shit. He is one of my favorite artists. Danger Mouse is incredible as well, and when they combine forces they make great music. They bring old-school sounds and aesthetic but still break new musical ground at the same time. Shit, you could pair up Cee-Lo with anyone (Reznor, W. A. Yankovic, my roommate Joey's cat, Wendell) and I would like it. At their last Athens show at the 40 Watt when Elf Power opened, Gnarls played a show-stopping rendition of Reckoner by Radiohead. I am in no way insinuating that Thom Yorke has a lack of soul, but Mr. -Lo put some Comeback Sauce all over that song.
The Mars Volta Bedlam in Goliath
What it would sound like Dennis Chambers or Fish Fisher (2 more of my fave drummers) played drums for the Mars Volta, a band I respect for their complexity and style? With their new drummer Thomas Pridgen, now I know, and then some. Shit, dude. Serious chops. Chops McGhee. John Theodore kept Mars Volta in some seriously deep nasty grooves while he held the drum throne. I was bummed when he stopped playing with them. Now with Pridgen, it's all goooood. Track 4, Wax Simulacra, had me going over to my drums to learn some shit.
Whigs Mission Control
Cheers to three local guys who have made good. 2008 was nice for the Whigs. Mission Control finds the group sounding terrific, partly due to the fact that they recorded the album at the legendary Sunset Sound Studios in L.A.. The songs are tight, simple (not in a negative way,) and catchy as hell. Good old-fashioned rock and roll. Always great to see live. And guess what? They're nice!!
Torche Meanderthal
Loud, lumbering, concussive, ass-kicking metal/rock and roll. Oh yeah, and dude sings, too! Steve Brooks expertly lays on the poppy melodies over the loud sludge, for the perfect combination of shampoo and conditioner.
Popo Go
Popo is three very tall brothers: Zeb, Shoaib, and Hassan Malik from Philadelphia. They toured with Dark Meat and spent an extended amount of time in Athens this year.
My co-worker at Taco Stand, Tim Schreiber, recorded this album in his kitchen, super econo. At first I didn't know what to think of it. But thanks to Tim playing the album and rocking out to it EVERY DAY AT WORK FOR A MONTH, it has really grown on me. I hear something new in it every time I listen. Zeb has a cool-ass voice.
I can't wait to see what's in store for us all in 2009!
Hopefully plenty of this:
Sometimes I take a break from my steady diet of the Gap Band, Zapp, and Kool and the Gang to give some new music a listen. Here's some of the lovely ladies that caught my eye this year. I'm sure that I am leaving a bunch out of the list, and I attribute that to a lack of fruit in my diet.
Dead Confederate Wrecking Ball
Dark, kinda redneck-y, Southern Gothic, wailing, yearning rock and roll brimming with trouble just beneath the surface. I see a new rock sub-genre. Dark-neck, anyone? This would still be one of my favorites of the year even if I wasn't long-time friends with these nice fellows. A perfect album for sitting down and bonding with your great-grandfather over some snuff or chaw.
Fleet Foxes Fleet Foxes
I'm a sucker for great harmonies mixed with beards, Bonnaroo-styled knit caps, and a lot of candles. Earnest and intimate.
Harvey Milk Life...The Best Game In Town
Big drums, big cymbals, big amps, loud de-tuned fucking riffs, and Creston Spiers' distinctive vocal stylings make me happy. Very, very good.
Kings of Leon Only by the Night
These guys continue to explore and diversify their sound with each album. Not content with sticking to the same old two-step southern-Strokes-ish boot kickin' dust-ups and screwing hot model chicks in Europe all of the time, Kings of Leon continue to mature into memorable songwriters with a knack for catchy hooks.
Dillinger Escape Plan Ire Works
Released in late 2007, I had to include this one. This is one of my favorite bands of all time ever since I saw them open for Mr. Bungle at the old Cotton Club in Atlanta. Live, it's like watching a car crash inside of a fireball inside of a tornado filled with cottonmouth rattlers for an hour. You can't take your eyes away. Bodies flying everywhere. Their former drummer, Chris Pennie, is one of my favorites. Their new drummer Gil Sharone stepped in without missing a beat and just killed it. This album furthers their genre-bending, sharp, precise, powerful attack to places yet to be traveled.
My Morning Jacket Evil Urges
I'm an admitted late-comer to My Morning Jacket. My bad, dude! I thought Z was catchy as hell and then I delved into their back catalog. I eagerly anticipated this release and was pleased with the results. Their songs have a way of connecting with me down to the core, mining up emotions, whether they be bittersweet, reflective, down, or celebratory. I know in 30 years when I hear "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream," "Thank You Too!," "Sec Walkin," and "Librarian," they will bring me right back to this time in my life. Plus, we've all got those evil urges, baby.
Of Montreal Skeletal Lamping
Inventive harmonies, melodies, and arrangements. Psychedelic, schizophrenic, shy and cocky all at the same time. Instrumentally fantastic. Oh, and it's funky as hell and you can dance to it. Kevin Barnes just don't give a fuck. I don't know if all men share some of the same worries, fears, and insecurities that Barnes bravely sings of. But know I do.
T.V. On The Radio Dear Science
Another terrific live band whose albums continue to impress me. I'm a drummer at heart and I'm thrilled with their creative and tasteful mixture of live drumming, programmed beats, loops, bleeps, bloops, leeps?? and ambient hand claps. Kyp and Tunde sing soulfully and confidently, and the gang vocals are reminiscent of some long-ago congregation singing a familiar hymnal. Drone-y and syncopated all at once, TVOTR melds many distinct styles and elements into a one successful mixture.
Deerhoof Offend Maggie
Man, oh man!! Daddy likey. Greg Saunier is a drumming powerhouse. He flows freely between Elvin Jones and Tony Williams-like blazing free-jazz chops, funk and drum & bass backbeat, and pushing and pulling the beat to the band's liking. Awesome guitar lines and inventive chording. Mix in a lot of whimsy and musical playfulness, and you get maybe a small idea of Deerhoof. I cannot do them justice. Buy all of their albums!
Dodos Visiter
Johnny 5 from Dead Confederate turned me on to these guys. Mostly finger-picked or heavily strummed acoustic guitar and African Ewe-style drumming. The drummer plays on a non-traditional kit standing up without a kick drum. My arms hurt just listening to some of his beats. Pretty melodies and harmonies.
Gift Horse Demo EP
Man, these guys are the biggest assholes in Modern Rock today. Rapes, bullying, theft, drug abuse, degradation, blasphemy, and rape. But I'll be damned if they don't make some great music. Hypnotic and throbbing, with melodies and lyrics floating in and out of a lush thick smoky fog of reverb. If you're looking for Vai or Satriani or any overly-note-filled fusion jam-offs, this is not the band for you. If you're not an asshole, then you'll probably like it.
Gnarls Barkley The Odd Couple
Cee-Lo is the shit. He is one of my favorite artists. Danger Mouse is incredible as well, and when they combine forces they make great music. They bring old-school sounds and aesthetic but still break new musical ground at the same time. Shit, you could pair up Cee-Lo with anyone (Reznor, W. A. Yankovic, my roommate Joey's cat, Wendell) and I would like it. At their last Athens show at the 40 Watt when Elf Power opened, Gnarls played a show-stopping rendition of Reckoner by Radiohead. I am in no way insinuating that Thom Yorke has a lack of soul, but Mr. -Lo put some Comeback Sauce all over that song.
The Mars Volta Bedlam in Goliath
What it would sound like Dennis Chambers or Fish Fisher (2 more of my fave drummers) played drums for the Mars Volta, a band I respect for their complexity and style? With their new drummer Thomas Pridgen, now I know, and then some. Shit, dude. Serious chops. Chops McGhee. John Theodore kept Mars Volta in some seriously deep nasty grooves while he held the drum throne. I was bummed when he stopped playing with them. Now with Pridgen, it's all goooood. Track 4, Wax Simulacra, had me going over to my drums to learn some shit.
Whigs Mission Control
Cheers to three local guys who have made good. 2008 was nice for the Whigs. Mission Control finds the group sounding terrific, partly due to the fact that they recorded the album at the legendary Sunset Sound Studios in L.A.. The songs are tight, simple (not in a negative way,) and catchy as hell. Good old-fashioned rock and roll. Always great to see live. And guess what? They're nice!!
Torche Meanderthal
Loud, lumbering, concussive, ass-kicking metal/rock and roll. Oh yeah, and dude sings, too! Steve Brooks expertly lays on the poppy melodies over the loud sludge, for the perfect combination of shampoo and conditioner.
Popo Go
Popo is three very tall brothers: Zeb, Shoaib, and Hassan Malik from Philadelphia. They toured with Dark Meat and spent an extended amount of time in Athens this year.
My co-worker at Taco Stand, Tim Schreiber, recorded this album in his kitchen, super econo. At first I didn't know what to think of it. But thanks to Tim playing the album and rocking out to it EVERY DAY AT WORK FOR A MONTH, it has really grown on me. I hear something new in it every time I listen. Zeb has a cool-ass voice.
I can't wait to see what's in store for us all in 2009!
Hopefully plenty of this:
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
________________________________________________________
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
___________________________________________________________________
Dead Confederate, Wrecking BallReleased: 9/16/08 on TAO/Razor & Tie
Key Tracks: Wrecking Ball, Start Me Laughing, Yer Circus
___________________________________________________________________
The Whigs, Mission ControlReleased: 2/5/08 on ATO
Key Tracks: Like A Vibration, Production City, Sleep Sunshine
___________________________________________________________________
Kuroma, ParisReleased: 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 NightReleased: 10/3/08 (Nationwide January 20, 2009)
Key Tracks: Radio Breaks, Soft Pedals, Chanel
___________________________________________________________________
Pegasuses-XL, The AntiphonReleased: 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 RiseReleased: 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.
November 17-23
Monday, November 17:
Bambara, Dynamite Club, Marriage. Go Bar. 10 p.m. FREE. www.myspace.com/gobar.
Arizona, Horse Feathers, Ben Trickey. The Earl. (ATL) 9 p.m. $8. http://www.badearl.com/.
We had a really good time playing with Arizona last night at the farm. They were in fact some very nice dudes and they sounded unbelievable. Thanks to everyone who came out. Go see them at the Earl tonight if you are up in Atlanta, they will not disappoint.
Tuesday, November 18:
Blue Flashing Light, Romaneko, The Heligoats, Leaving Araby. Caledonia. 10 p.m. $6. http://www.caledonialounge.com/.
The Whigs, Kings Of Leon, We Are Scientists. Tabernacle. (ATL) 6 p.m. $37.50. www.myspace.com/tabernacleatlanta.
Lazer/Wulf. On WUOG's 90.5 f.m.'s Live in the Lobby. 8 p.m. http://www.wuog.org/.
Wednesday, November 19:
Lazer/Wulf, Marriage, The Classic Bastards. Caledonia. 10 p.m. $6. http://www.caledonialounge.com/.
Thursday, November 20:
The Judies, Tendaberry, How I Became the Bomb. Star Bar. (ATL) 9 p.m. FREE. http://www.starbar.net/.
Friday, November 21:
Trances Arc, The Empties. Caledonia. 10 p.m. $5. http://www.caledonialoung.com/.
All the Saints, The Coathangers, Noot d'Noot. The Earl. (ATL) 9 p.m. FREE. http://www.badearl.com/.
Saturday, November 22:
Deaf Judges. Cine. 10 p.m. http://www.athenscine.com/.
Abbey Road Live. Georgia Theatre. 9 p.m. $10 (advance), $12 (door).
http://www.georgiatheatre.com/.
Gift Horse, Overhead Ground, Citizen Icon. Vinyl. (ATL) 9 p.m. $8. www.vinylatlanta.com/.
and in the same complex you can check out
Eagles of Death Metal, The Duke Spirit. Center Stage. (ATL) 8 p.m. $18-$20. www.vinylatlanta.com/.
Along with playing right across the way from us at Vinyl, Eagles of Death Metal are also playing an in-store set at Criminal Records at 5 p.m. http://www.criminal.com/.
I'm dragging behind a little bit on the this week's calendar so I'll probably add some more shows tomorrow. Please contain your excitement.
Bambara, Dynamite Club, Marriage. Go Bar. 10 p.m. FREE. www.myspace.com/gobar.
Arizona, Horse Feathers, Ben Trickey. The Earl. (ATL) 9 p.m. $8. http://www.badearl.com/.
We had a really good time playing with Arizona last night at the farm. They were in fact some very nice dudes and they sounded unbelievable. Thanks to everyone who came out. Go see them at the Earl tonight if you are up in Atlanta, they will not disappoint.
Tuesday, November 18:
Blue Flashing Light, Romaneko, The Heligoats, Leaving Araby. Caledonia. 10 p.m. $6. http://www.caledonialounge.com/.
The Whigs, Kings Of Leon, We Are Scientists. Tabernacle. (ATL) 6 p.m. $37.50. www.myspace.com/tabernacleatlanta.
Lazer/Wulf. On WUOG's 90.5 f.m.'s Live in the Lobby. 8 p.m. http://www.wuog.org/.
Wednesday, November 19:
Lazer/Wulf, Marriage, The Classic Bastards. Caledonia. 10 p.m. $6. http://www.caledonialounge.com/.
Thursday, November 20:
The Judies, Tendaberry, How I Became the Bomb. Star Bar. (ATL) 9 p.m. FREE. http://www.starbar.net/.
Friday, November 21:
Trances Arc, The Empties. Caledonia. 10 p.m. $5. http://www.caledonialoung.com/.
All the Saints, The Coathangers, Noot d'Noot. The Earl. (ATL) 9 p.m. FREE. http://www.badearl.com/.
Saturday, November 22:
Deaf Judges. Cine. 10 p.m. http://www.athenscine.com/.
Abbey Road Live. Georgia Theatre. 9 p.m. $10 (advance), $12 (door).
http://www.georgiatheatre.com/.
Gift Horse, Overhead Ground, Citizen Icon. Vinyl. (ATL) 9 p.m. $8. www.vinylatlanta.com/.
and in the same complex you can check out
Eagles of Death Metal, The Duke Spirit. Center Stage. (ATL) 8 p.m. $18-$20. www.vinylatlanta.com/.
Along with playing right across the way from us at Vinyl, Eagles of Death Metal are also playing an in-store set at Criminal Records at 5 p.m. http://www.criminal.com/.
I'm dragging behind a little bit on the this week's calendar so I'll probably add some more shows tomorrow. Please contain your excitement.
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...
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.
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.
September 8-14
Monday, September 8:
Music Hates You, Weedeater, Armazilla. Tasty World. 10 p.m. $5. http://www.tastyworld.net/.
Metal time! Armazilla (from ATL) is supposedly formed by an ex-ZZ Top roadie, Weedeater is from Wilmington, NC, and Music Hates You hates you. All of the bands at Tasty World now play the upstairs bar in what is potentially a shoe-in for "the worst idea of 2008" Flagpole music awards category. But this show should rock your ass anyway. Go.
Tuesday, September 9:
Chrissakes, Nationale, Worn in Red. Little Kings. 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub.
Wednesday, September 10:
The Whigs, Tokyo Police Club, The Coast. 40 Watt. 9 p.m. $15 (advance). http://www.40watt.com/.
J. Roddy Walston and The Business, Holy Liars, The Dictatortots. Tasty World. 10 p.m. $5. http://www.tastyworld.net/.
Gil Mantera's Party Dream, Death Pill, Math Candy. The Earl (ATL) 9 p.m. $7. http://www.badearl.com/.
The N.E.C., All the Saints, Adventure. Star Bar (ATL) 9 p.m. $3. http://www.starbar.net/.
Thursday, September 11:
The Winter Sounds, Waves on Waves, Wedge. 40 Watt. 9 p.m. $5 (21+), $7 (18+). http://www.40watt.com/.
Enoch (of Twin Tigers), Mr. Gnome, Strezo. Caledonia. 10 p.m. $6 (21+), $7 (18+). http://www.caledonialounge.com/.
Friday, September 12:
Dead Confederate, Turf War. Sky City. (AUGUSTA, GA). Doors 8 p.m. Music 10 p.m. Advance $7. Day of Show $10. http://www.skycityaugusta.com/.
Concert release of Dead Confederate's new album Wrecking Ball. Sky City is where The Mission used to be. It changed hands when Coco Rubio (owner of the Soul Bar) bought the venue and is finally going to run it correctly. This is the night of the "Border Bash" party that is celebrated in Augusta in honor of the UGA vs. USC football game on Saturday. So if you are there for that reason, check out the show. Try not to get stabbed.
Venice is Sinking. Kavarna (ATL) 9 p.m. FREE. Kavarna.
Saturday, September 13:
George W. Bush Cover Band. Georgia Theatre. 10 p.m. $10. http://www.georgiatheatre.com/.
The kids from Olympus Mans and some other dude play in this band that sets words from W.'s speeches to music. So I guess the president is also a member of this band. (He should get writing credits at least). Anyhow, I know this sounds like a dumbass idea but when you read the lyrics to the songs it is fucking scary that our president actually said this shit.
Monotonix, Silver Jews. Variety Playhouse (ATL). 8:30 p.m. $15. http://www.variety-playhouse.com/.
Music Hates You, Weedeater, Armazilla. Tasty World. 10 p.m. $5. http://www.tastyworld.net/.
Metal time! Armazilla (from ATL) is supposedly formed by an ex-ZZ Top roadie, Weedeater is from Wilmington, NC, and Music Hates You hates you. All of the bands at Tasty World now play the upstairs bar in what is potentially a shoe-in for "the worst idea of 2008" Flagpole music awards category. But this show should rock your ass anyway. Go.
Tuesday, September 9:
Chrissakes, Nationale, Worn in Red. Little Kings. 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub.
Wednesday, September 10:
The Whigs, Tokyo Police Club, The Coast. 40 Watt. 9 p.m. $15 (advance). http://www.40watt.com/.
J. Roddy Walston and The Business, Holy Liars, The Dictatortots. Tasty World. 10 p.m. $5. http://www.tastyworld.net/.
Gil Mantera's Party Dream, Death Pill, Math Candy. The Earl (ATL) 9 p.m. $7. http://www.badearl.com/.
The N.E.C., All the Saints, Adventure. Star Bar (ATL) 9 p.m. $3. http://www.starbar.net/.
Thursday, September 11:
The Winter Sounds, Waves on Waves, Wedge. 40 Watt. 9 p.m. $5 (21+), $7 (18+). http://www.40watt.com/.
Enoch (of Twin Tigers), Mr. Gnome, Strezo. Caledonia. 10 p.m. $6 (21+), $7 (18+). http://www.caledonialounge.com/.
Friday, September 12:
Dead Confederate, Turf War. Sky City. (AUGUSTA, GA). Doors 8 p.m. Music 10 p.m. Advance $7. Day of Show $10. http://www.skycityaugusta.com/.
Concert release of Dead Confederate's new album Wrecking Ball. Sky City is where The Mission used to be. It changed hands when Coco Rubio (owner of the Soul Bar) bought the venue and is finally going to run it correctly. This is the night of the "Border Bash" party that is celebrated in Augusta in honor of the UGA vs. USC football game on Saturday. So if you are there for that reason, check out the show. Try not to get stabbed.
Venice is Sinking. Kavarna (ATL) 9 p.m. FREE. Kavarna.
Saturday, September 13:
George W. Bush Cover Band. Georgia Theatre. 10 p.m. $10. http://www.georgiatheatre.com/.
The kids from Olympus Mans and some other dude play in this band that sets words from W.'s speeches to music. So I guess the president is also a member of this band. (He should get writing credits at least). Anyhow, I know this sounds like a dumbass idea but when you read the lyrics to the songs it is fucking scary that our president actually said this shit.
Monotonix, Silver Jews. Variety Playhouse (ATL). 8:30 p.m. $15. http://www.variety-playhouse.com/.
Some stuff that happened this week that I haven't forgotten already - by JJ
This has been one of the funnest, busiest weeks I've had in a damned while.
Tuesday, August 12
Worked day shift at Taco Stand. Had band practice for a couple of hours. Danced on over to the 40 Watt for the musical stylings of Elf Power and Gnarls Barkley. Elf Power is great live. Their melodies have always been catchy to me. I can't stand still when they play. Their bass player shreds hardcore.
Gnarls Barkley came on to the stage to an already-amped-up sold-out 40 Watt crowd. Their band, which included Athens' Heather McIntosh, was smaller than I imagined it would be. But damn, they sounded incredible. Cee-Lo has always been one of my favorite singers, so I was excited to hear him live..... He makes it look effortless. They covered "Reckoner" by Radiohead and I pooped my pants because it was so good. As I was in the restroom, putting on one of my pairs of fresh, emergency-concert-replacement pants, red-faced with shame, I realized I wasn't alone. Upon exiting the bathroom, I encountered a sea of people waiting in line, embarrassed, drawers full of doo doo. It was that good.
Wednesday, August 13
Worked day shift at Taco Stand. Met the guys in Dead Confederate at Kingpin's Bowl and Brew at 7pm to help my friend and colleague Jason Jacobson get some video footage of the band and their friends bowling and goofing around. I'm not sure if I can say who the footage is for just yet, but it's pretty awesome shit, Tony. We all bowled and drank and then drank some drank. While we were there, we started interviewing everyone, with Jason videotaping while I asked the questions (How do you know Dead Confederate, etc.) We got great answers from Parker from the Whigs and Andy from The Dumps. We then took the party to Little Kings to do more interviews with the band. We got more than we bargained for, being that it was during Popfest, and EVERYBODY was out, having a good time, and feeling loose, footloose. Kick off your Sunday shoes. We got some great stuff from Matt and Aimee from Twin Tigers, Hunter, Mike, and Brandon from Gift Horse, Hank from Kuroma, Shane from Spring Tigers, Vanessa from Pylon, Kay from Casper & the Cookies, Ben and Tim from Dark Meat, Jeff from Dark Meat, Pegasuses XL, We vs. The Shark, and lots of other bands. Dead Confederate was cool because they wanted to share their spotlight feature with their contemporaries in the Athens music scene. Jason did a great job editing it, and I will post it as soon as it's all good.
Thursday, August 14
Went in to work at Barnes and Noble at 8:45 am. Tried to buy a Red Bull and a coffee, but one of my managers said I couldn't have them. I was beat down tired, and running on 3 or 4 hours of sleep. I could have used those drinks. Drifted through the day and then had to go directly to the Georgia Theatre to soundcheck.
We played with my homie Calen Nash and his band Ponderosa. They sounded tight and had some great harmonies. They also have cool boots. It was tough, because we played at the same time that Roky Ericson, Dark Meat, Twin Tigers, and Dead Confederate were playing at other venues. We still had a nice crowd and they were energetic and responsive. It was loud as balls in there and I was pleased about that. We spiritedly enjoyed the cooler full of cold beer that the staff provided us. Thanks, y'all. Stayed up really late having lots of fun!
Friday, August 15
Went in to open and manage the Taco Stand at 9am on 3 hours of sleep (I really need to learn how to schedule my shifts better, but I need 'em.) Worked until 3 and Ann was so nice enough to finish the rest of the day for me. Ran by Jason Jacobson's to look at the video, and had enough time to go home and grab some clothes for our gig that night in Birmingham, Al, at the Nick. I really could have used a shower because, as Staind once said, It's Been a While. Oh well. Had a nice hot stinky van ride to ol-Birmy. Actually had a real good time there. The locals were cool and we played with the Swear from Atlanta, Spencer Ezell from Nashville, and Eyes Around, from Alabama. We played third, so it was mighty late once we busted out of Bama. We drove straight back to Athens. I made it driving to Danielsville before I just coudn't keep my eyes open anymore. Adam drove the rest of the way, and he was a champ, as I fell asleep and woke up every 20 seconds or so in the back seat. We got back to Athens at 7am or so and I got in my car at their apartment in Five Points. I drove back to my place, took off my sweaty stage clothes (still no shower,) and slept from 8am to 8pm on Saturday. Deep, deep sleep. Crazy dreams, adventure, vision quests. Spirit Wolves.
Saturday, August 16
Slept all day and ventured out of the house as it was getting dark.I went to Adam's girlfriend Sandra's birthday feast at Cali and Tito's, and we all then went to Wow Wingery in Five Points to booze, eat, and watch Michael Phelps win his eighth gold medal on one of the restaurant's 48,000 televisions. He won it, and we all felt good for America. Thought I was going home, but got pulled over to the 40 watt for another incredible show. Circulatory System, Elf Power, and Music Tapes. EVERYBODY was there. People came out of the woodwork for this one. I missed Circulatory System. Elf Power did great once again, and then I was treated to Music Tapes. Giant metronomes, bouncing a ball as an instrument, banjos, tape organs, tubas, all kinds of shit. The show ended by kazoos being handed out to the crowd, and the band played on as they led the ENTIRE CROWD out of the 40 watt, across Pulaski St, and down Prince Ave. I didn't follow them, but my roommate Joey, who is from Ruston and involved with all of those E6 dudes, and directed Major Organ and the Adding Machine (coming soon,) said everyone ended up in a big field off of Hancock playing games (bell ringing was involved.) It sounded like townie utopia. Joey overheard a frat boy who was watching the procession as it passed by his house say, "Only in Athens." You know it, Chad.
Stayed up real late again playing Rock Band and watching Rambo and crashing at a friend's house downtown.
Sunday, August 17
Woke up, read Chris Farley's biography, The Chris Farley Show, that his family put together. Read it for hours in bed. Man, his story is so tragic. He lived hard. He was such a genuine man with a big-hearted personality. If you liked his comedy, read the book. If you like stories of hard-core drug addiction and things of that nature, read the book.
We had to be at the Melting Point at 2pm to set up and sound-check for a benefit show commemorating the release of Beli e-v-e - Songs in Memory of Eve Carson. (MySpace)
The show was filled to capacity, as Eve Carson was an amazing young woman who touched a lot of people. The Connelly Crowe Band played, and they were great young musicians, all still in high school. I had fun fooling around with them before the show, playing hangman in the green room, and telling them how much they were pimps for playing such a cool show at their age. Bain Mattox played a solo set as well. And I appreciated being able to spend some time with him. My old bass player from Riff Raff Kings, Mike Lamond, plays in his band. Bain's set was moving. I knew he was getting emotional during his last song and as he said goodnight to the crowd, he turned around and was crying as he was packing his guitar. What a great guy. I was very touched.
It sounded so good in there when we played. Wes is a great soundman and the system there is top notch. We played for a lot of people, and there were kids, high schoolers, parents, teachers, you name it. We were honored to be a part of it, and after the show, Eve's father came up to thank us. What a day!
I was supposed to go to an afterparty at Ian and Ryan's, but I fell asleep in my computer chair at 9pm and decided to call it a night...
So that's that! Athens is acton-packed and delicious.
Tuesday, August 12
Worked day shift at Taco Stand. Had band practice for a couple of hours. Danced on over to the 40 Watt for the musical stylings of Elf Power and Gnarls Barkley. Elf Power is great live. Their melodies have always been catchy to me. I can't stand still when they play. Their bass player shreds hardcore.
Gnarls Barkley came on to the stage to an already-amped-up sold-out 40 Watt crowd. Their band, which included Athens' Heather McIntosh, was smaller than I imagined it would be. But damn, they sounded incredible. Cee-Lo has always been one of my favorite singers, so I was excited to hear him live..... He makes it look effortless. They covered "Reckoner" by Radiohead and I pooped my pants because it was so good. As I was in the restroom, putting on one of my pairs of fresh, emergency-concert-replacement pants, red-faced with shame, I realized I wasn't alone. Upon exiting the bathroom, I encountered a sea of people waiting in line, embarrassed, drawers full of doo doo. It was that good.
Wednesday, August 13
Worked day shift at Taco Stand. Met the guys in Dead Confederate at Kingpin's Bowl and Brew at 7pm to help my friend and colleague Jason Jacobson get some video footage of the band and their friends bowling and goofing around. I'm not sure if I can say who the footage is for just yet, but it's pretty awesome shit, Tony. We all bowled and drank and then drank some drank. While we were there, we started interviewing everyone, with Jason videotaping while I asked the questions (How do you know Dead Confederate, etc.) We got great answers from Parker from the Whigs and Andy from The Dumps. We then took the party to Little Kings to do more interviews with the band. We got more than we bargained for, being that it was during Popfest, and EVERYBODY was out, having a good time, and feeling loose, footloose. Kick off your Sunday shoes. We got some great stuff from Matt and Aimee from Twin Tigers, Hunter, Mike, and Brandon from Gift Horse, Hank from Kuroma, Shane from Spring Tigers, Vanessa from Pylon, Kay from Casper & the Cookies, Ben and Tim from Dark Meat, Jeff from Dark Meat, Pegasuses XL, We vs. The Shark, and lots of other bands. Dead Confederate was cool because they wanted to share their spotlight feature with their contemporaries in the Athens music scene. Jason did a great job editing it, and I will post it as soon as it's all good.
Thursday, August 14
Went in to work at Barnes and Noble at 8:45 am. Tried to buy a Red Bull and a coffee, but one of my managers said I couldn't have them. I was beat down tired, and running on 3 or 4 hours of sleep. I could have used those drinks. Drifted through the day and then had to go directly to the Georgia Theatre to soundcheck.
We played with my homie Calen Nash and his band Ponderosa. They sounded tight and had some great harmonies. They also have cool boots. It was tough, because we played at the same time that Roky Ericson, Dark Meat, Twin Tigers, and Dead Confederate were playing at other venues. We still had a nice crowd and they were energetic and responsive. It was loud as balls in there and I was pleased about that. We spiritedly enjoyed the cooler full of cold beer that the staff provided us. Thanks, y'all. Stayed up really late having lots of fun!
Friday, August 15
Went in to open and manage the Taco Stand at 9am on 3 hours of sleep (I really need to learn how to schedule my shifts better, but I need 'em.) Worked until 3 and Ann was so nice enough to finish the rest of the day for me. Ran by Jason Jacobson's to look at the video, and had enough time to go home and grab some clothes for our gig that night in Birmingham, Al, at the Nick. I really could have used a shower because, as Staind once said, It's Been a While. Oh well. Had a nice hot stinky van ride to ol-Birmy. Actually had a real good time there. The locals were cool and we played with the Swear from Atlanta, Spencer Ezell from Nashville, and Eyes Around, from Alabama. We played third, so it was mighty late once we busted out of Bama. We drove straight back to Athens. I made it driving to Danielsville before I just coudn't keep my eyes open anymore. Adam drove the rest of the way, and he was a champ, as I fell asleep and woke up every 20 seconds or so in the back seat. We got back to Athens at 7am or so and I got in my car at their apartment in Five Points. I drove back to my place, took off my sweaty stage clothes (still no shower,) and slept from 8am to 8pm on Saturday. Deep, deep sleep. Crazy dreams, adventure, vision quests. Spirit Wolves.
Saturday, August 16
Slept all day and ventured out of the house as it was getting dark.I went to Adam's girlfriend Sandra's birthday feast at Cali and Tito's, and we all then went to Wow Wingery in Five Points to booze, eat, and watch Michael Phelps win his eighth gold medal on one of the restaurant's 48,000 televisions. He won it, and we all felt good for America. Thought I was going home, but got pulled over to the 40 watt for another incredible show. Circulatory System, Elf Power, and Music Tapes. EVERYBODY was there. People came out of the woodwork for this one. I missed Circulatory System. Elf Power did great once again, and then I was treated to Music Tapes. Giant metronomes, bouncing a ball as an instrument, banjos, tape organs, tubas, all kinds of shit. The show ended by kazoos being handed out to the crowd, and the band played on as they led the ENTIRE CROWD out of the 40 watt, across Pulaski St, and down Prince Ave. I didn't follow them, but my roommate Joey, who is from Ruston and involved with all of those E6 dudes, and directed Major Organ and the Adding Machine (coming soon,) said everyone ended up in a big field off of Hancock playing games (bell ringing was involved.) It sounded like townie utopia. Joey overheard a frat boy who was watching the procession as it passed by his house say, "Only in Athens." You know it, Chad.
Stayed up real late again playing Rock Band and watching Rambo and crashing at a friend's house downtown.
Sunday, August 17
Woke up, read Chris Farley's biography, The Chris Farley Show, that his family put together. Read it for hours in bed. Man, his story is so tragic. He lived hard. He was such a genuine man with a big-hearted personality. If you liked his comedy, read the book. If you like stories of hard-core drug addiction and things of that nature, read the book.
We had to be at the Melting Point at 2pm to set up and sound-check for a benefit show commemorating the release of Beli e-v-e - Songs in Memory of Eve Carson. (MySpace)
The show was filled to capacity, as Eve Carson was an amazing young woman who touched a lot of people. The Connelly Crowe Band played, and they were great young musicians, all still in high school. I had fun fooling around with them before the show, playing hangman in the green room, and telling them how much they were pimps for playing such a cool show at their age. Bain Mattox played a solo set as well. And I appreciated being able to spend some time with him. My old bass player from Riff Raff Kings, Mike Lamond, plays in his band. Bain's set was moving. I knew he was getting emotional during his last song and as he said goodnight to the crowd, he turned around and was crying as he was packing his guitar. What a great guy. I was very touched.
It sounded so good in there when we played. Wes is a great soundman and the system there is top notch. We played for a lot of people, and there were kids, high schoolers, parents, teachers, you name it. We were honored to be a part of it, and after the show, Eve's father came up to thank us. What a day!
I was supposed to go to an afterparty at Ian and Ryan's, but I fell asleep in my computer chair at 9pm and decided to call it a night...
So that's that! Athens is acton-packed and delicious.
Forces Worldwide, Love it or Leave it Alone
Somewhere between Dead Confederate in next months Rolling Stone (look for it in the "10 Bands to Watch for '09" section), Dark Meat's two page spread in Spin, We Versus the Shark and Harvey Milk getting rave reviews on the ol' Pitchfork, and The Whigs on David Letterman, I realized that a handful of bands are about to get a lot of national attention and spark a resurgence of serious magnitude. I personally believe it will not be unlike the wave of bands in the day (uh, you know who I'm talking about here) that are responsible for singlehandedly turning Athens into a musical boomtown. Local "purists" may claim that I am completely wrong, sublimely naive, and that Athens is a pretentious town with a music scene whose popularity constantly ebbs and flows. These people would be correct. That said, I feel proud to coexist alongside artists who are being recognized for their art. It feels good to watch bands carve out their own little footholds on history. I'm glad to witness. So yeah, the best bands may never ever be heard, and while it may leave some people regretfully mourning in their Boulevard home whilst listening to records whose level of obscurity you could never understand or even begin to know about, the abundance of local bands being toasted by national publications makes Athens once again noticed as one of America's musical meccas. And it is. So the only thing left to do is burn that "I love what Athens used to be" shirt that you bought from Schoolkids, lace up your townie boots, and ride your lime green 1964 Schwinn beach cruiser downtown to go see some bands. Or don't. Either way, I'll see you at The Grit.
ATHFEST 2008 WRAP-UP
Athfest was much different for me this year than it was last year. In 2007 I spent most of the festival in a drunken stupor, trying not to go to either the hospital or jail. But coming very close to going to both. Twice. See here for more details if you like. This year was sober (relatively) and I payed more attention. I missed a few of the bands that I wanted to see (Twin Tigers, A.Armada, Cinemechanica) but also saw some really great acts like Ninja Gaiden Band at the Georgia Theatre, Pegasuses-XL at the 40 Watt, and Blue Flashing Light and Dark Meat on the outdoor stage. Don't know if I'm starting to come around on Dark Meat or not, but I think they were remarkably better than they were the last time I saw them. The set we (Gift Horse) played was a very fun one, and we were immediately informed after the show that we would never play the venue again due to our wrecking the stage, being too loud, and committing other sins and acts of debauchery. So, that's a good sign.
I liked this year's festival much better than last year's, and although it would have been nice to have some acts like Dead Confederate and The Whigs playing the festival again, they both missed it because they are touring the globe extensively so one can't be too upset. By the way, heard Dead Confederate played a helluva set at Bonnaroo this year and were called back out to play an encore. Anyhow, there were no injuries, no cops coming to my house, no babies at keg parties, and no looking at B Scar's asscrack (all things that happened last year). So I guess I could say that things are looking up for ol' Miguel.
ATHFEST 2008 BY THE NUMBERS:
miles i walked from my house to downtown: 5
temperature Saturday afternoon: 750
people in the 40 watt for Cinemechanica Saturday night: too damn many
times i puked: 0
times i almost puked: 1
tubas in the horn section for Dark Meat: 1
guys playing guitar solos on the shoulders of another guy: 1 (pegasuses)
minutes it took the kid to beat ninja gaiden: about 25 or so
tv's full of lights kicked over: 2
So that's my take. I encourage anybody else to include their own experiences. As always, check out all of the bands mentioned above over here <--.
I liked this year's festival much better than last year's, and although it would have been nice to have some acts like Dead Confederate and The Whigs playing the festival again, they both missed it because they are touring the globe extensively so one can't be too upset. By the way, heard Dead Confederate played a helluva set at Bonnaroo this year and were called back out to play an encore. Anyhow, there were no injuries, no cops coming to my house, no babies at keg parties, and no looking at B Scar's asscrack (all things that happened last year). So I guess I could say that things are looking up for ol' Miguel.
ATHFEST 2008 BY THE NUMBERS:
miles i walked from my house to downtown: 5
temperature Saturday afternoon: 750
people in the 40 watt for Cinemechanica Saturday night: too damn many
times i puked: 0
times i almost puked: 1
tubas in the horn section for Dark Meat: 1
guys playing guitar solos on the shoulders of another guy: 1 (pegasuses)
minutes it took the kid to beat ninja gaiden: about 25 or so
tv's full of lights kicked over: 2
So that's my take. I encourage anybody else to include their own experiences. As always, check out all of the bands mentioned above over here <--.
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