Thursday, May 27, 2004
This is a new series, which we plan to do each Thursday, citing specific changes we'd like to see in Flagpole...
What Flagpole did print: We here at The Day Jobs are not bashing Leah Weinberg. So, if she reads this, we hope she takes no offense.... but why is it that her glowing write ups on south Floridian emo-pop-punk, trucker-hat-wearing, ironic-rock-shirt-wearing crap bands are always in the Flagpole? This week, there are two articles about the aforementioned type of bands... One of which is the ABC box pick of the week for a show featuring Sunday Driver, Shatzi, and Big Collapse. Let me just re-type those band names in case you didn't get 'em the first time: SUNDAY DRIVER, SHATZI, and BIG COLLAPSE! What a bunch of crap-ass band names. It's basically a show featuring the little brothers of Something Corporate, New Found Glory, and Dashboard Confessional... bleghh! Should Flagpole really be wasting ink on bands like this? - by: Computer Support
What Flagpole should have printed: First off, one of the longest-lasting bands in Athens, the wonderful group Ceiling Fan, makes one of its increasingly-rare appearances at the 40 Watt and gets nothing more than an ABC listing? Really?
And what's the deal with Todd McBride? Why is it that every time he plays, he gets about 4 words written about him (3 of which are "Dashboard", "Savior", & "Former")? This man helped define the entire No Depression movement and has only improved since then in his solo work - he deserves a major write-up. And while we're on the subject - Rob Veal (another "former Savior") gets even less of a mention whenever he plays. Sad.
And speaking of no mention - what's up with last week's Tom Collins / Southern Bitch line-up at the Watt? As Robo's already pointed out, that's a killer bill and got barely a word printed about it. These bands own the crowd when they play, yet Flagpole doesn't seem to notice much. Southern Bitch, in fact, has had the good sense to turn down a (bad) deal with a HUGE indie label, recovered from the death of a drummer, and recorded a great new record (due out this fall) - why don't they get the coverage those kind of achievements deserve?
Finally, what's up with the record reviews? There's been a TON of great releases from local acts this year (stop by your local record store to find out more). I'm glad you reviewed Patterson's record (it IS a great one - and a good review by Matt Thompson), but there's more to the local scene than DBT. Let's see some more of 'em reviewed there (with enough description to let the average reader know what to expect and what they might like). - by: Mail Clerk
Addendum, 5/28/04: The Artie Ball Swing Band review didn't go unnoticed, by the way, but it doesn't change my general sentiments about needing more (and expanded/better) local reviews.
Our local music is the best in the country, let's show everyone exactly why...
Sincerely,
The Day Jobs
(Colorbearer of Athens Lazy Folks Griping About Music)
A disclaimer to Flagpole folks: we KNOW it's tough to follow the activities of hundreds of bands in a town. We only gripe and knit-pick because we want to see your publication be the best it can be and figure pointing some things out will help. Also, it's kinda funny and we've got time to kill...
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