Friday, December 30, 2005
Thanks to Darren for pointing out that there's a new Clinton Portis press conference. These press conferences are always strange because he shows up in costume and acts silly... then after a few minutes, he starts getting asked serious questions.
So here's this guy... dressed up as a fairy... saying things from the generic athlete answer book like, "Those guys are a good team. So we're gonna have to focus and blah blah blah".
The video is up at redskins.com, but won't be there long.
Friday, December 23, 2005
So we've reached the end of the year, at least for TDJer's (I think - never can tell). Here's a bit of what's going on in Athens over the holidays. If y'all think of anything else, drop it in the comments here over the break. If I can think of anything else, I'll update it...
Thurs (12/29): Garbage Island descends on the 40 Watt with enough noise to wake folks from a holiday funk. If you like it loud (and experimental), this is the place to be.
FRI (12/30): CEILING FAN'S LAST SHOW FOR A VERY LONG TIME!!! They're playing the Caledonia and no doubt going out with a bang. They're also supposed to have copies of their new album available, though that's not yet confirmed. What is confirmed is that they're an amazing rock band who will be sorely missed. I don't even know why we're discussing it. Be there.
SAT (12/31): Happy New Years! The traditional New Year's 40 Watt Krush Girls show'll be taking place (get tix early, they always sell that show out). Or, for a louder possibly more bombastic New Year's experience, there's the AC/DC cover band Powerload at the Caledonia.
See y'all back here after the 1st. Merry Christmas, Go Dawgs, and have a great holiday! And thanks for wasting your time with us!
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Salon.com explores the purposes that T.V. serves in our lives. The highlight:
"TV distracts us from the drudgery of our jobs. If we came home every night after working all day, and we didn't have something flashy and stupid on TV to distract us, we might sit and think about our dumb jobs all night, and then we wouldn't sleep well, and then the next morning we'd go to work all grumpy and tired, and within a few weeks, we'd probably quit our jobs. Eventually, we might look for more meaningful work in another field, work that might actually matter to us, that might be a little less tedious and unbearable. But in order to look for more meaningful work, first we'd have to update our résumés. Think about it. Do you really want to update your résumé? Of course you don't."
"TV distracts us from the drudgery of our jobs. If we came home every night after working all day, and we didn't have something flashy and stupid on TV to distract us, we might sit and think about our dumb jobs all night, and then we wouldn't sleep well, and then the next morning we'd go to work all grumpy and tired, and within a few weeks, we'd probably quit our jobs. Eventually, we might look for more meaningful work in another field, work that might actually matter to us, that might be a little less tedious and unbearable. But in order to look for more meaningful work, first we'd have to update our résumés. Think about it. Do you really want to update your résumé? Of course you don't."
-Forgot a list yesterday, which Hillary quickly remedied: Stylus.
-Hillary also sent this perfect last-minute gift idea for the religious/sports fanatic.
-Also, Robo's moving to Canada apparently.
Claire Campbell of Hope For Agoldensummer plays Flicker tonight as a solo artist. To tell you the truth, I've never seen her play a solo set, so I have no idea what to tell you about it, but her band is good so I expect this show'll be as well. Show's around 8:30-ish. More here.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Best of stuff's out: Pitchfork & Popmatters (once again proving that I'm not that hip), Rolling Stone (once again proving that I'm hipper than them), The Onion gives their pics on music here and on film here (which usually makes me feel like I have some idea what's going on).
And since we hadn't mentioned it before, as a tribute to Richard Pryor, the Onion gives their Six Key Richard Pryor Performances.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Here's some article from California about the new book about In The Aeroplane... Basically, it's another rumor generator (in the last two or three paragraphs mainly). If anyone sees Jeff, can they just ask him if he's gonna be putting something out anytime soon so we can end this whole debate? Thanks.
(Thanks to Dan for the link!)
(Thanks to Dan for the link!)
With the possible exception of the above photo, I put it to you that there are few things funnier than a group of Asian zookeepers making fat penguins exercise. Seriously.
Also, from Vet Pharmacist: "If these people could analyze my face right now, it'd be 100% envious of the amount of spare time they seem to have on their hands... Seriously people, get a life."
Now, about that photo... Continuing Bono's trend of being friends with anybody (and bad eyewear), Time Magazine thinks he's all that. Too bad for the rest of U2.
Todd McBride & The Cooler Heads and The Dictatortots perform as part of The Roadhouse's annual Toys For Tots benefit. It's always a good time, you usually get a free shirt out of it, the music's good, and you feel good afterwards (some combination of Christmas cheer, generosity, loud music and alcohol). Anyway, well worth it. It's free if you bring a toy. If not, I don't know how much it is (not much), but the price goes to the benefit as well. Good times.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Thanks to Hillary for the link to the news about JHPII's new products and impending site update. If you haven't gotten your free shirt/opener/mug/coozie yet, what are you waiting for?
For those who don't read the comments, make sure to check out RoboDave's recent tale of his visit to the mall restroom (as if I have to say it, it's not work-safe). And while you're at it, you can check out his smash-hit holiday single from last year: "Mexican Christmastime". Yup, nothing says holiday cheer more than a robot with Tourette's.
Hey y'all, it's gonna be a long week of shopping, working, and waiting on the weekend, so let everyone know what you did/heard/saw/ate that was worthwhile. We really, really, really need something to do.
Friday, December 16, 2005
For those like me who missed him (or her) lately, the subservient chicken is back! In other news, the iPod has hoodies now (there is a game there too for all you game junkies) and here is a pretty cool Guiness commercial.
If you are looking for some tunes at a very low price, you can purchase 4 new Liz Durrett tunes for $3.96 from iTunes. It features Cup on the Counter from her upcoming Jan 2006 record, The Mezzanine, two studio recordings that were in the running to be on the record, and one live recording from Germany from this summer. $3.96 is what I'm talkin' 'bout!
Who knew electronic paper-throwing was so addictive? Vet Pharmacist throws the gauntlet down to Ian R....
(Oh, and if I fail my final today it's Desktop Publisher's fault for posting that.)
(Oh, and if I fail my final today it's Desktop Publisher's fault for posting that.)
Christmas Party time, y'all...
FRI: The 40 Watt Christmas Party is packed with great music tonight. Headlining is the "Cracker Acoustic Duo" (David Lowery & Johnny Hickman of Cracker). Vic Chesnutt opens for them, Kitty Snyder (who hasn't played in like 2 years or so), The Chasers, and somewhere in there (according to the Flagpole), Patterson Hood & Brad Morgan (of the Drive-By Truckers) will play as well. Man, that's a lot. More here.
But before all that, you can catch Phosphorescent at Flicker (8:30-ish) or Athens 441 at the Morton - this time featuring I Am The World Trade Center and a pre-show show from Vic Chesnutt.
Of course, given the softer nature of all the above, if you're jonesing for something heavier there's the sweet sounds of the "face-melting" grindcore of Ceramic Duck at the Caledonia.
SAT: Murder Beach & Ham 1 rock the Caledonia. Both of 'em are playing new stuff off their fresh (or soon to be fresh) albums. Who's the freshest? You decide. In any case, it's some damn good pop. Opening the show is Flagpole's own Gordon Lamb performing solo under the moniker "Vitamin G", though he's said there will not be rap.
Earlier, Redneck GReece Deluxe'll be playing the annual Loco's Christmas Party - but this time at the Barnett Shoals location (as opposed to the Baxter Street one where it usually is). It's a benefit show and it's a good time for sure.
Also of interest is Still Small Voice & The Joyful Noise at Little Kings.
FRI: The 40 Watt Christmas Party is packed with great music tonight. Headlining is the "Cracker Acoustic Duo" (David Lowery & Johnny Hickman of Cracker). Vic Chesnutt opens for them, Kitty Snyder (who hasn't played in like 2 years or so), The Chasers, and somewhere in there (according to the Flagpole), Patterson Hood & Brad Morgan (of the Drive-By Truckers) will play as well. Man, that's a lot. More here.
But before all that, you can catch Phosphorescent at Flicker (8:30-ish) or Athens 441 at the Morton - this time featuring I Am The World Trade Center and a pre-show show from Vic Chesnutt.
Of course, given the softer nature of all the above, if you're jonesing for something heavier there's the sweet sounds of the "face-melting" grindcore of Ceramic Duck at the Caledonia.
SAT: Murder Beach & Ham 1 rock the Caledonia. Both of 'em are playing new stuff off their fresh (or soon to be fresh) albums. Who's the freshest? You decide. In any case, it's some damn good pop. Opening the show is Flagpole's own Gordon Lamb performing solo under the moniker "Vitamin G", though he's said there will not be rap.
Earlier, Redneck GReece Deluxe'll be playing the annual Loco's Christmas Party - but this time at the Barnett Shoals location (as opposed to the Baxter Street one where it usually is). It's a benefit show and it's a good time for sure.
Also of interest is Still Small Voice & The Joyful Noise at Little Kings.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Say what you want about the stereotype, but the e-mail forward that's going around called "The Top 6 Female Drivers" has some pretty funny pictures (especially the girl with the helmet).
Those willing to venture out in this great climate can check out several good shows on the softer side of things. Kevn Kinney'll be playing an acoustic show at the Caledonia. The Sleepy Horses will be at Tasty World. And finally, local musician Paul Lombard will be playing a show at Flicker.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Vet Pharmacist says: Old people are always up to no good.
(That or Kentucky has the hippest old folks on the planet.)
(That or Kentucky has the hippest old folks on the planet.)
Well, we all knew it would happen, just didn't think it would be this soon. Thanks to Chris for the heads up about the very quick demise of the house party venue known as The Barn.
(PS Please don't let this scare you out of sending us notifications about other house shows - The Barn was doing just fine when its shows were heavily publicized online. So please keep us informed of the outside-the-clubs going-ons.)
(PS Please don't let this scare you out of sending us notifications about other house shows - The Barn was doing just fine when its shows were heavily publicized online. So please keep us informed of the outside-the-clubs going-ons.)
The Cooler Heads pull double duty tonight at Tasty World, first backing former Dashboard Savior Rob Veal up as he does a set of his originals and a few Saviors tunes, then doing the same for their usual frontman (and also a former Dashboard Savior) Todd McBride. It's just good, honest rock n' roll with some better-than-average lyrical writing ability.
Of course, there's also The Late BP Helium back from tour and ready to rock at the 40 Watt. Madeline is also in town, opening that show. More on the latter here.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
More for the Southern Bitch fans out there: AMdC's got an interview with Adam Musick (including some info on his solo record and the upcoming Southern Bitch record) and the Banner had Wendy and Chuck's picks for stuff they're listening to.
Thanks to Chris for the heads up about the recent Washington Post article on Southern College Rock towns. The ATH of course gets a healthy mention.
Bring your earplugs... Southern Bitch plays the 40 Watt tonight, turning the rock up to 11. Man, they're good. I mean, it's one thing just to be loud, but to be loud and play well and write well... they do it all. If you've got the time, money, and inner-ear cilia to spare, this is the place to be.
And/or you can sit your ass home beforehand and listen to former Athenian Madeline play on WUOG's (90.5's) "Live in the Lobby". Punk rock's folky, soft, sensitive side. More here.
UPDATE: I almost forgot...
Happy Happy Birthday to Me Records XMAS featuring:
Casper & the Cookies
Voxtrot (from Austin, TX)
Russian Spy Camera
Cars Can Be Blue
@Little Kings
10:00 PM $4
Monday, December 12, 2005
Clinton Portis' new personality. Man, this guy's good at marketing himself.
(Thanks to Hillary for the link!)
(Thanks to Hillary for the link!)
From Nuci's Space:
One month ago Nuçi’s Space began collecting instruments and gear for New Orleans musicians displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
We will be selling some of the donated gear to help benefit the New Orleans Musicians Relief Fund. The sale will be on-going at Nuçi’s Space during our regular operating hours – noon until 2 a.m. We have used equipment that ranges from small amps and acoustic guitars to bags full of cables, pedals, horns, wood-wind instruments and an electric guitar. Some of these items are very used but will be priced VERY low.
100% of the proceeds from the sale will go to the NOMRF.
For more info contact:
Will Kiser
Director of Development
Nuçi's Space
will@nuci.org
www.nuci.org
(706) 227-1515
One month ago Nuçi’s Space began collecting instruments and gear for New Orleans musicians displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
We will be selling some of the donated gear to help benefit the New Orleans Musicians Relief Fund. The sale will be on-going at Nuçi’s Space during our regular operating hours – noon until 2 a.m. We have used equipment that ranges from small amps and acoustic guitars to bags full of cables, pedals, horns, wood-wind instruments and an electric guitar. Some of these items are very used but will be priced VERY low.
100% of the proceeds from the sale will go to the NOMRF.
For more info contact:
Will Kiser
Director of Development
Nuçi's Space
will@nuci.org
www.nuci.org
(706) 227-1515
Anyone do anything other than ham-jam it up this past week? Anyone ham-jam especially well? Anyone not ham-jam at all? Drop us a line in the comments and let us know how your last week or so was. Really, just what you enjoyed exceptionally well. We all wanna live well, after all...
Google Reader isn't really a new tool... it's actually about 3 months old. However, I've just started playing with it and have found it to be pretty useful. It provides an easy way to have my RSS feeds follow me to work, home, vacation, etc.
Here's some screenshots:
* First, you create a list of subscriptions (you can start w/ the TDJ story feed and TDJ comments feed)
* Then, you click on a subscription to see its stories... that simple.
* If nothing else, it's a useful way to keep up w/ TDJ comments.
Here's some screenshots:
* First, you create a list of subscriptions (you can start w/ the TDJ story feed and TDJ comments feed)
* Then, you click on a subscription to see its stories... that simple.
* If nothing else, it's a useful way to keep up w/ TDJ comments.
Friday, December 09, 2005
If you haven't noticed yet, Flagpole's got their year-end music survey up. Go vote.
FRI: Believe it or not, Audition with Max Reinhardt will be playing at the Go Bar tonight. Sanni's back in town from Germany for a short while, so why not, right? If anyone's been jonesing for some authentic German cabaret music, this is your ticket. More here.
There's also Hope For Agoldensummer at the 40 Watt and Shiitake Knights opening for Atlanta's Tenement Halls at the Caledonia. Both should be great shows.
SAT: You'd do best to clone yourself by Saturday cause there's a lot going on. Firstly, the 40 Watt is brimming with talent. France Lite (the scaled-down in size but not in ham-jamming ability incarnation of Je Suis France) headlines things. But the openers are all stellar. Lil' Flip Scoldjah, Murder Beach, Fairmount Fair, Excalibrah ... how can you go wrong?
But of course, there's also Bob Hay & The Jolly Beggars at Farm 255, another Audition with Max Reinhardt show this time at Nuci's Space, and Producto at the Caledonia. Man, that's a lot to see. Go see something.
Here's a funny site that is trying to discourage folks from buying cds (from major labels) as Christmas presents. I remember saying some of these things when I was younger, but damn them for putting that Milkshake song in my head again.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
The Red & Black's on a roll. Today's features a story about the "mysterious" party space known as The Barn. I'm too old to get all the house party news anymore (and none of you bastards ever e-mail us about them), but obviously a lotta folks around here have known about this place for a while (I think I've posted a few shows in the past). Only thing is, now all of Athens does too. Keep checkin' those ID's (like the article says), y'all.
If you don't read the comments, Robo-Dave says, "check this out and get ready to have fun. throw back to the 80s when sports people used to make awesome videos about dances like the grabowski and the super bowl shuffle."
(PS Whatever you do, don't do a Google image search for "Grabowski". You won't like what you see. And neither will your boss.)
(PS Whatever you do, don't do a Google image search for "Grabowski". You won't like what you see. And neither will your boss.)
Yup, the Grammy nods are out again. No big surprises, but former Athenian Jennifer Nettles' new band Sugarland is nominated for Best New Artist. So, that's something.
Here's a story of an aging woman not yet ready to give up the party lifestyle. This picture says it all!
Top 5 Searches
1. Santa Claus trivia
2. Elizabeth Vargas
3. World's ugliest dog
4. Christmas songs
5. Saddam Hussein
Now try to use all of them together in a sentence.
Todd McBride and Rob Veal, two of the best songwriters around and both former members of the early 90's powerhouse The Dashboard Saviors, will both be performing together at the Flicker. Acoustic versions of their Saviors and solo material. Should be a really great night of music. 8:30 PM-ish.
There's also Five-Eight at the 40 Watt and the Kevn Kinney Band at the Ritz. Lots going on.
UPDATE: Je Suis France on WUOG's (90.5's) "Live in the Lobby" tonight? I hadn't heard for sure, but I'm assuming "The Forever Dudes" must be some alter-ego band cause the only listing I find for them is for that show. Correct me if I'm wrong. 8 PM-ish.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
In honor of the Saddam trial and all his hijinks and antics and whatnot lately, I thought I'd re-post an old favorite for anyone who didn't see it before: Rock, Paper, Saddam!
In case you missed the Red & Black yesterday, there was a good story about the creators of Monitor, the new DVD magazine devoted Athens music.
In other news, from what I've heard the music and artwork for the new Elf Power album is all done and it's ready for an April release (around the same time as the new Drive-By Truckers album, A Blessing and A Curse).
And John Neff? Still working on his album. But there "maybe" some solo shows. One can only hope.
In other news, from what I've heard the music and artwork for the new Elf Power album is all done and it's ready for an April release (around the same time as the new Drive-By Truckers album, A Blessing and A Curse).
And John Neff? Still working on his album. But there "maybe" some solo shows. One can only hope.
Patterson Hood and his usual group of friends'll be playing down at Farm 255 tonight. Expect lotsa songs from his upcoming solo record, Murdering Oscar & Other Love Songs (now pushed back to late summer release at the earliest, I hear). According to the Flagpole: "Tonight's $20 show is a fundraiser for Robert Osborne's Classic Film Festival."
In addition, the 40 Watt will be screening the new DVD release of deceased comedian Bill Hicks' performance film Sane Man. I used to have this on VHS a long time ago and it's really great. It's like his Dangerous album, but more raw and intense. Highly recommended (and it's free!). Two shows, 9PM & 11PM.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Having a slow start to your morning? Why not screw around a little with this site. It will quiz you on your favorite band's album covers. Fun little distraction.
Holy crap, I love Lifehacker. This time, they linked to a good list of sites where you can find free music online. Not sure how "legit" everything is, but most of it seems alright - that or "international", either way is fine by me. Anyway, enjoy the free music, and if you find one that's especially great, drop a line in the comments.
One word of warning: Since both Lifehacker and the site they link to contain the word "hack" in their URL's, you might wanna think about waiting till you're home for this. Some workplaces don't take too kindly to seeing that word in their list of visited sites.
One word of warning: Since both Lifehacker and the site they link to contain the word "hack" in their URL's, you might wanna think about waiting till you're home for this. Some workplaces don't take too kindly to seeing that word in their list of visited sites.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Our next installment of bit torrents, recorded and put up for download by Sloan Simpson, feature William Tonks (Workhorses, Barbara Cue). The first is his great set from the Townie Tailgate at the Caledonia on November 19. The second is from the Cobhham Festival in September. Enjoy!
From Vet Pharmacist:
"I can't believe Marilyn Manson finally tied the knot. He seems like the settling down type." (Pic of the happy couple in their dating days, here.)
"I can't believe Marilyn Manson finally tied the knot. He seems like the settling down type." (Pic of the happy couple in their dating days, here.)
Most folks have already heard that Ceiling Fan's final show is scheduled for the 30th at the Caledonia. What you might not know is that the band has been hard at work on a new album with producer Kevin Lane (former Possibilities) at the helm. Although previously the band predicted that nothing of the project would be available before next spring, they're now saying copies maybe available at the final show. Here's to hoping...
How was the weekend? The most exciting thing ever? You don't say? Well, drop us a line in the comments and tell us what's so friggin' awesome so we can also enjoy it. And don't worry, relatively no jackasses read this site (shhhhh, jackasses!), so you don't have to worry about them crowding up your new favorite thing.
Friday, December 02, 2005
One person you don't wanna get into a wreck with: Ric Flair. Of course, the best part of this story is the other guy's name. If this match-up isn't primed for the next Wrestlemania, I don't know what is.
Anyone looking for a way to sneak something special into the Dome tomorrow? Look no further.
(Thanks to Hillary for the link!)
(Thanks to Hillary for the link!)
December begins...
FRI: Okay, I'll be honest... it's kinda a scattershot night. Fairmount Fair represents at the Morton Theatre as part of Athens 441. Mother Jackson plays an all-acoustic show at Flicker (just try to mumble those vocals now!). Trunkfire, Dodd Ferrell, and The Normaltown Flyers play at Foxz (Grand Re-opening at the new Homewood Hills locations - heads up Karaokers). Garbage Island experiments with music at the Caledonia. And if you're into post-punk and hardcore, and I'm guessing if you're young, then Nuci's Space has a benefit show with a buncha bands.
SAT: The Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreational Industry play one of their infrequent but quite enjoyable shows at Flicker. Their album might come out sometime, but no one knows when. We'll see. The bit I've heard of it is great.
Also, Iron Hero will be playing at the Caledonia later that night. They are without a doubt one of the tightest bands in town. I swear they don't miss a note. It's really impressive to watch. And the music's great to boot.
FRI: Okay, I'll be honest... it's kinda a scattershot night. Fairmount Fair represents at the Morton Theatre as part of Athens 441. Mother Jackson plays an all-acoustic show at Flicker (just try to mumble those vocals now!). Trunkfire, Dodd Ferrell, and The Normaltown Flyers play at Foxz (Grand Re-opening at the new Homewood Hills locations - heads up Karaokers). Garbage Island experiments with music at the Caledonia. And if you're into post-punk and hardcore, and I'm guessing if you're young, then Nuci's Space has a benefit show with a buncha bands.
SAT: The Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreational Industry play one of their infrequent but quite enjoyable shows at Flicker. Their album might come out sometime, but no one knows when. We'll see. The bit I've heard of it is great.
Also, Iron Hero will be playing at the Caledonia later that night. They are without a doubt one of the tightest bands in town. I swear they don't miss a note. It's really impressive to watch. And the music's great to boot.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Either someone in the ad department didn't think this one out too well, or the secret world of celebrity meth-heads is about to have the lid ripped off of it in a big way.
(Thanks to Hillary for the pic.)
In the race for celebrity-voice in-car navigation systems (as in all other things), Mr. T reigns supreme. It's definitely better than going in the chopper with Murdock.
(Make sure you check out the audio samples on the right. Thanks to Hillary for the link!)
Firstly, tonight is the Christmas Parade! Downtown at 7PM. Floats and whatnot and this year: REM (no, they're not playing - just waving, supposedly). More here.
Then, around 8PM you can hear Hope For Agoldensummer perform on WUOG's (90.5's) "Live in the Lobby". It's the first time they've done that in a while, but they always sound great.
Also, for the math fans out there, Heros Severum will be playing the Caledonia tonight as well. Their newest album Plague Dogs is out now, but I think to get the best out of them you need to see 'em live.
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