Monday, June 25, 2007
First a big thank you to the AthFest folks for another great year. It was without a doubt the most crowded I've seen it in the clubs in many years, so that's a testament to some hard work, I'm sure. And thanks for the passes.
That's right, passes. We were legitimate as all get-out this weekend. That of course brings the deeper shame when you find by the end of Saturday night that clear judgment of musical talent is out the window. Clearly, unprofessional.
Fun, though. And I'm still not used to my new camera so my pictures mostly sucked. Click on any photo for a bigger, more entertaining, still sucky photo (unless it's LB's - hers were good).
FRI: Night started out on a great note. After a delicious pasta dinner courtesy of Transmet, me and LB ran down to catch Murder Beach at Caledonia. They were really on. I know we kiss a lot of butt around this time of year (we as in most of Athens) because there's a solidarity that's unparalleled for most of the rest of the year, but this is one of the best Murder Beach shows I've ever seen. Harmonies were very tight - which makes a big difference in a band like this or Nutria or the Sunshine Fix, which rely heavily on harmony. Great show. Plus, of course... Griggs.
Moving on, Nutria was also especially "on". They really played an up-tempo show with excellent harmonies as well. I did not perpetually groove but for about three seconds (Travis as a jam band?), but I feel like I let the groove ride throughout Nutria's set (coincidentally, "Let The Groove Ride" was the official slogan of this year's AthFest). Nutria is about as close to a harmony-driven rock n'roll as you get in this town since the demise of Ceiling Fan (who are always sorely missed) and it had that spirit of fun about the whole show - even during Robo-Dave's impromptu riffing.
Afterwards, we went and checked out Venice Is Sinking whose set at Little Kings immediately preceded the Modern Skirts. So, guess what - you couldn't get in. And the sidewalk was choked with all kindsa folks. Even this lady whose patchouli scent made standing at the gate too much longer not so much a possibility for me. So, LB and I packed it up and headed to the 'donia again for Ninja (Gaiden) Band - where there was a big line of folks waiting because of some fire code issues, I think. Long story short, we got in (see LB's post... yeah, it's not just a blogger name). The band was awesome - Noah (is that his name?) totally won the thing in record time and everyone loved it. He deservingly crowd surfed to celebrate the victory. Well done, sir.
At this point, my legs hurt and LB agreed, so we called it a night. Big mistake. I heard nothing but great things about Dark Meat's set at the Squirrel.
SAT: Slept in, took care of schoolwork all day. Missed my second of 3 Dark Meat performances. Lame, I know. Anyway, started out the night once again at 8 PM at the Caledonia to see Pride Parade's first Athens show. They played loud and precise for 45 minutes. The place was absolutely packed. It seemed to genuinely impress the band as Andrew didn't make any obscene or belligerent comments for the entire set. Pretty sure that's a first. Musically, I'd like to compare it to Clutch with Cobain singing, but they'd hate that comparison. Maybe Southern grunge? I don't know. But it held the crowd. And in any case it was cathartic and a great start to Saturday's shows.
Next I saw the Whigs perform at the outdoor stage. Gotta say, I was impressed as I expected to be. At the beginning, there were indeed worries about the sound. But they kept mostly with the rockers and eventually it all evened out. Pretty much every show this whole night made me wonder how singers who scream a lot maintain their voice. Anyway, Sam's holding his own up there too. Brings a different presence and they are certainly more energetic than last time I saw them play. Alan Jackson was great too. Though it was at this point that an old friend of mine showed up and we both decided it would be a good idea to start buying beer. Bad idea.
Jump forward a few bands and drinks and an impromptu "people I lived with sophomore year of college" reunion later and we're at Music Hates You at the Caledonia. I've pretty much stopped trying to take photos at this point and this was no place for it (thanks for taking awesome photos, LB!). The place was insane. Mosh pit like you haven't seen since '94 (you know the one) and an atmosphere of excitement. I think most people knew what to expect, but in the back (where my risk-adverse attitude keeps me at metal shows) you could see the faces of the bewildered. Helluva show. Or at least great spectacle.
Back to the Watt for We Versus The Shark's set, which had already started (early?) when we got there. This is the point where good journalistic ethics (after all, we're legit) dictate that I should qualify everything I say. So, keep that in mind. The Sharks played a heavier, looser set than I've seen them do. As always, the joy is in the tightly controlled chaotic spurts and the interplay between instruments. And the loudness and awesomeness. I need a new adjective. In any case, fun as expected and packed. Very packed. They finished up their set, and one of the aforementioned roommates got to the wobbly point. You know the point. Worry sets in. I skipped the merch booth (grab the CD next time, Sharks) and tried to move the circus to Caledonia.
Southern Bitch started the set with possibly their greatest 4-5 songs. The crowd loved it. It's the perfect thing at 1 AM at the end of AthFest Saturday. Loud, upbeat, energetic, and completely in the moment. It was music to get lost in. Unfortunately, another band fitting that bill was also hitting the stage soon after, but they were a hike away at Tasty World.
We tried, we really did, to see Dark Meat. But the hike was just too much for the man with the wobbly legs who, at some point in trying to jaywalk our way to speedier travel, managed to face-plant onto Broad Street. Theorizing that he'd fit right in at a Dark Meat show, I pressed to keep going, but the long line and the fact that he was propping himself up on a trashcan made me think twice. Strike 3. That was a wrap for Saturday AthFest.
SUN: Again, schoolwork and sleeping in (and recovery) dominated the day, but I managed to catch the end of Kimberly Morgan's set outdoors. She's got a fantastic voice and it seemed like the crowd was into it as well. The band is of course top-notch as well. This is fun country stuff and perfect for a Sunday afternoon. Didn't get any pics, though.
Took a while for the full DBT setup to transition onto stage. A well-deserved big congrats to the AthFest crew preceded more waiting. Finally, they took the stage at about 7:15. By about 7:25 LB and I had had enough of the tightly-packed crowd and the heat. Did manage to hear a new Cooley song that was great before I left, though.
I headed over to Cine to catch Dangerous Highway in what was very nearly a private showing. Wonderful subject, great personalities in the interviews, and of course a great soundtrack. That being said, the production value and editing did leave a lot to be desired at times. If someone were to really take the reins in post-production and polish this thing, it could be a great film. Worth seeing, though, as is. Eddie Hinton was simply a phenomenal musician. And any effort to bring his story to more folks is commendable.
Finally, I went and saw the last few DBT songs including an impressive cover of Springsteen's "State Trooper". At this point, AthFest was very much done. Another great year and thanks again for all those who make it possible. It's really one of those events that reminds you why so many musicians come here and makes you appreciate all you get to see and do and hear in this town. Thanks, Athens!
Labels: AthFest, TDJ Originals
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