Monday, June 23, 2008
What a week. I say week, because mine started with a kickass show on Tuesday in Atlanta at the EARL with Harvey Milk and Pride Parade. I was in town for a class, so it just worked out that I could attend the show. This seemed like it deserved a mention. Another fantastic show worth mentioning that wasn't officially a part of the festival was the triple bill at the Caledonia on Thursday night. This was Supernaut, Powerload*, and Pastor of Muppets. The bands killed it, and the energy in the room was palpable. It seemed like everyone in the place was filled with excitement for the weekend, even if some of us still had to work the next day. (Note to self: rocking out to AC/DC songs on the night before a very busy work day- not a good idea.)
After having an excruciatingly stressful day of work on Friday, I was ready to vent with rock, alcohol, great conversations, and a long-awaited 3 day weekend. My night started out with David Barbe and 1/2 the Quick Hooks (Frank McDonall and Jon Mills) at the side stage for a nice set, with some new songs to boot (they have been recording another album). Too bad the side stage had some sound issues, as this was the first band over there. Next up was Producto at the Caledonia. A good set, as usual, though I did miss having the rest of the band up there. That was my first show with just Ane' and Frank, and I must ask: this was one of Athens' best bands...where did everyone go?
Now, at this point, my long work day started catching up with me, and any intentions I had to visit anywhere else fell by the wayside. I then spent the rest of the night at the Caledonia, which was fine because it included bands I was very excited to see. The Arcs were great, Hayride blew it up - as usual, and I also got to hear some of The Golden Gates and Banana Hammock for the first time. Not to mention, it's always amusing to sit out on the patio and watch the drunken stumblers roll in, in a mad dash for another drink with cold ice and more alcohol. It's worth mentioning, for those unable to make it this year, the weather at this year's AthFest was milder than years past, thank god, and the big rain didn't really set in until last night just as the main stage was being taken down. The crowds weren't nearly as bad as last year when it came to the Club Crawl. (Course, I didn't stray very far this year, I must admit).
I made myself start late on Saturday, for the sake of pacing, and this proved to be another great night of music. I was impressed with Abandon the Earth Mission, in so far as chill, atmospheric music goes. Mother Jackson followed with their solid rock set, and then Centro-Matic*, one of my favorite bands, was next. I hadn't picked up the new cd yet, so I didn't know the new songs at all. They definitely were in more of a pop/rock vein than usual, I'd say, and Scott Danbom played less fiddle and piano for those songs. (He's always my favorite to watch with them. So talented.) That set was fantastic, and then one of my favorite local bands was next, A. Armada. Seemed like the songs played for this set brought about their heavier side, which was a good move for a crowded 40 Watt club. They are always consistently good, if you ask me. Next up was Pride Parade*, my 2nd time seeing them for the week. They blew it up, in the short time they had. Just as A. Armada did, both bands build intensity as the set progresses. And, in their case, killer guitar chops that remind you of another great reason about living in Athens: most of your friends play in bands you love, endearing themselves to you in their own unique ways. Songwriting, guitar playing, drumming, whatever it is they do. There is so much gosh darn talent in this town, it blows my mind. (Does AthFest make you feel an overwhelming love for your town, like it does me?)
At this point, I would have liked to walk up the hill to the Georgia Theatre, especially after I heard about the "Big Ass Fan," and also to see Bloodkin and GOAT, but my legs wouldn't let me do that, so I stayed at the Caledonia for an always-fun Lona set. An Eminence Front (The Who) cover closed out my night with a bang.
Well, I have the day off and loathe sitting at the computer on such days, so I will just sum up Sunday by saying that, despite my best intentions to stay home, I wound up at some more of AthFest to see friends, then later at Kingpin's for bowling and Strikeforce! (or however you write that). Their cover of JJ Cale's "They Call Me the Breeze" was enough to get me back on track for the night, and after one round of kicking my friends' butts at bowling,** it was time to make my way over to the Squirrel for Pride Parade. Before that though, I had to listen to a few bands that didn't do much for me, though the wait proved acceptable once Pride Parade took the stage and absolutely threw it down one last time for the week.
Just when I thought I could have the week off, I made the mistake of checking the Flagpole remembering that some more favorites are playing this week. Good lord, sometimes I think you Athens musicians would just lay off the whole "music" thing every once in awhile so I could have some time off. Get a real job:-) I swear, I need to take up knitting or golf or something instead.*** Hats off to everyone involved with every aspect of the weekend. I will gladly give $15 to make more memories like that.
*My absolute favorite sets of the weekend.
**A total lie.
***No way in hell.
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