Tuesday, January 31, 2006
For those who don't read the comments, a recent note from Casper Fandango:
"Hey dayjobbers.
Sorry for the promo-like post, but this is fun. We're wrapping up work on the new Casper & the Cookies album, The Optimist's Club. It'll come out in April on Happy Happy Birthday To Me Records. So we were compiling the track listing, and we realized that we didn't have a name for one of the songs...
Visit our myspace site to hear the song and click on "Help us name this song" (you can even read the lyrics) then post your idea for the title. The winner gets a thank you in the liner notes and free schwag."
1) Vet Pharmacist noted that there is currently nothing up at www.porn.gov, but how awesome would it be if there were?
2) If my searching through iTunes celebrity playlists proves anything, it's that celebrities have particularly awful taste in music. That is, except for Frank Black's list, which is hilarious and worth hunting down (sorry, no way to direct link it). Oh, and Sharon Stone talking about Biggie Smalls is funny too, but probably not on purpose.
3) Beer-pouring is the highest achievement in robotics (thanks, Hillary!).
4) The Bible is sometimes best represented through Legos (thanks, Mike!).
Sleepy Horses bring that quiet, lumbering country-ish sounds to Tasty World tonight. They're working on a new CD too. Hopefully it'll hold up to live recordings.
Monday, January 30, 2006
One of my favorite repeating double-bills in Athens happens tonight. Brown Frown and Music Hates You will both be playing at Tasty World. That's 2 times the loud, 2 times the jackassery, and two times the awesome. Well worth the lack of sleep. Might wanna bring earplugs if you like your hearing, though.
As a sidenote, the Brown Frown guys are in the studio again with Kyle Spence (The Tom Collins, former Harvey Milk), who mastered their Romans EP. They've finished about half an album's worth of material now and are supposedly gonna work towards an LP for later this year. If it's half as good as the EP, it's gonna be amazing.
Hey y'all. What's going on? Anyone do anything worthwhile this weekend. Really, truly, please tell us cool stuff to do. Especially if you've never commented before. We're running out of fresh ideas.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Check out this parody of the State of the Union. It's one of the better Dubya impersonations I've seen.
Wow... quiet.
FRI: The Chasers bring some great country music to the Caledonia tonight. I'd almost forgotten how good they were till I saw them over Christmas again. Truly talented and "country to the bone" as they'll tell ya. Well worth an evening out. You can even dance to it.
But before that, you should once again tune your work radios to 91.7 (WUGA) to hear "It's Friday" on which Bob Hay & The Jolly Beggars will once again be performing... this time winding down Robert Burns' birthday week (no doubt their busiest week of the year). If you've missed all the shows you should at least tune into this (listen online here). It's at 4PM and though I can't find it listed anywhere other than Flagpole, I'm assuming it is correct that they're playing the show two weeks in a row now.
SAT: Although I've never heard them, the experimental sounds of Babies Who Hurt People have bent a few trustworthy ears lately, so in light of their new CD release, it's probably worth checking out. More here.
SUN: The big band Dark Meat (not to be confused with Big Meat) perform at Transmetropolitan. Honestly, it's Sunday night - what else is going on? Anyway I hear they're great too. More here.
FRI: The Chasers bring some great country music to the Caledonia tonight. I'd almost forgotten how good they were till I saw them over Christmas again. Truly talented and "country to the bone" as they'll tell ya. Well worth an evening out. You can even dance to it.
But before that, you should once again tune your work radios to 91.7 (WUGA) to hear "It's Friday" on which Bob Hay & The Jolly Beggars will once again be performing... this time winding down Robert Burns' birthday week (no doubt their busiest week of the year). If you've missed all the shows you should at least tune into this (listen online here). It's at 4PM and though I can't find it listed anywhere other than Flagpole, I'm assuming it is correct that they're playing the show two weeks in a row now.
SAT: Although I've never heard them, the experimental sounds of Babies Who Hurt People have bent a few trustworthy ears lately, so in light of their new CD release, it's probably worth checking out. More here.
SUN: The big band Dark Meat (not to be confused with Big Meat) perform at Transmetropolitan. Honestly, it's Sunday night - what else is going on? Anyway I hear they're great too. More here.
Dear Reader,
I apologize for being such a slack ass w/ my poor posting habits for the past few weeks. MC has done a fine job of single-handedly keeping this blog going the past year, but I promise to start contributing again.
Ooga Chakka,
Computer Support
I apologize for being such a slack ass w/ my poor posting habits for the past few weeks. MC has done a fine job of single-handedly keeping this blog going the past year, but I promise to start contributing again.
Ooga Chakka,
Computer Support
Thursday, January 26, 2006
The other night, during the whole Turner South taping at the 40 Watt, Vet Pharmacist and I noticed a disturbing trend: some of sort of fashionably-acceptable form of mullet making a strong presence amongst performers and fans alike. I'm sad to even have to mention this (how's that for an assistant-principal-during-an-assembly sorta phrase?), but mullets are just not cool. They weren't ironic-cool five years ago and they're not hipster-cool now.
Now, I'm not going to name full names, but Jason, Donnie, Heather, Neff... let's get it together y'all. There were plenty of others out there (you know who you are) to whom I just want to say that just because it's winter doesn't mean you don't need a haircut. Lord knows I do.
That is all.
Who's the old guy?
Lots going on tonight. GBV fans probably already know that Robert Pollard is kicking off his tour at the 40 Watt tonight. Will there still be karate kicks and beer in the post-GBV world? Hopefully. More here.
Also, Tenement Halls and Special Teams play the Caledonia. If you haven't gotten a chance to see Tenement Halls play yet, they're really great. Perhaps you remember the Rock-A-Teens, perhaps not, but regardless it's well worth your time. I just hope they keep making these trips up to Athens.
If none of the above is loud enough for you, Music Hates You will be playing the Lunch Paper. It's brutally loud and amazingly awesome. Get drunk and break something for me.
Finally, there's Hurricane Katrina Benefit at Tasty World tonight. The line-up is: Matt Hebbard, Cam Helleger, Maggie Smith, Justin Caudill and Adam Hebbard. Frankly, I don't know any of those folks, but I do know that there's been very little recovery so far in New Orleans (everyone I knew who went home at Christmas came back with horror stories), so I thought I'd give it a mention.
In any case, you should try and get out tonight because honestly there's not a lot happening in the clubs this weekend... fair warning.
UPDATE: My bad, Tenement Halls actually opens for Robert Pollard (the old guy) at the 40 Watt. Special Teams is still at the Caledonia as far as I know. That makes the Watt one helluva bill, though.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
For those of you trying to decide if you should attend grad school in the fall (most of those deadlines are coming up), a friend just sent me this handy list which should help you decide...
Hey y'all, just a heads up that Scene Missing has started their photoblog back up. This is the same person who used to run our photoblog way back when, so if you've been missing pictures of all your favorite townies and hotspots, this is the place to go.
Bob Hay & The Jolly Beggars celebrate poet Robert Burns' birthday at Little Kings. The show's at 9PM and should be fun for all. This is that sorta once-a-year fun ... don't know how different it is from a regular show of theirs, but they're always good and it's a wonderful excuse to go see some music mid-week (used to not need an excuse for that... getting older).
Of course, for those of you who have missed not seeing Patterson Hood in a day or so, he's gonna be back, this time solo (or solo-ish) at Flicker. That show's scheduled for 8:30, but let's face it, it's not gonna start then.
Finally, I haven't yet heard them but everyone's raving about Dark Meat. They're playing at Caledonia tonight as well. They keep getting labeled "experimental", but from what I've heard, it's just good rock.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
The Bastardly has the first shots of Mr. Spears' first album cover. It's a winner.
And in the same spirit (and cause that link's a little silly), here's a great site called Celebrities Eating.
And here's his letter, word for word.
(Thanks to Hillary for the link! And to The Wife for reporting it earlier... we just missed it; apparently, we don't read this site very much.)
Has anyone tried Free 411 yet? I got an e-mail about it the other day and while it seems to good to be true, it does seem plausible to have a free, advertising-supported 411 service.
The e-mail I got pitched it for cell-phone use ("only charged for airtime"), but if there's ads, that might counteract it. The only down I can see for home use if it attracts telemarketers (which, if you've registered on the Do Not Call Registry, shouldn't happen). Snopes seems down with it. Is there a catch?
(Note: Since composing this post, Vet Pharmacist gave it a try and it does work great - at least for the personal phone number she got - maybe different for a business number.)
The e-mail I got pitched it for cell-phone use ("only charged for airtime"), but if there's ads, that might counteract it. The only down I can see for home use if it attracts telemarketers (which, if you've registered on the Do Not Call Registry, shouldn't happen). Snopes seems down with it. Is there a catch?
(Note: Since composing this post, Vet Pharmacist gave it a try and it does work great - at least for the personal phone number she got - maybe different for a business number.)
Monday, January 23, 2006
We're really late on this one, but here's the new Of Montreal single from their forthcoming tour EP, Deflated Chime, Foals Slightly Flower Sibylline Responses (totally pulling a Fiona Apple here).
What'd y'all do this past week? Got any suggestions on how to beat the boredom? Got any suggestions on how to relieve TMJ-related pain (cause I'd like to know)? Drop us a line in the comments!
There are two very strange stories on CNN today. One is about a possible mutiny on a cruise ship and the other is about a big return of bedbugs across the country. If nothing else, they are certainly random stories. (And MySpace users might want to take note of this article.)
Friday, January 20, 2006
Hate to end the week on a down-note, but just wanted to give a shout out to the great beyond for soul legend Wilson Pickett who I'm sure you've all heard has kicked off recently. The man had a helluva voice and if you don't own any of his stuff, I highly recommend picking up either A Man And A Half or Wilson Pickett's Greatest Hits. Also, I'd like to add that if my obituary included the following paragraph, I would be happy in the afterlife:
"In 1991, he was arrested for allegedly yelling death threats while driving a car over the mayor's front lawn in Englewood, New Jersey..."
Rock on, Wilson.
(Would also like to give props to Lou Rawls, but since I don't know much about him, you're on your on for that one.)
The NYT's most awesome headline, courtesy of Iglooist. Very worth a trip to bugmenot in order to view it. I'd just ruin it, reprinting here.
Keep On Truckin'...
FRI: The Drive-By Truckers play the 2nd of several nights at the Watt. Still previewing the new album. If you saw it last night, let us know how it was. Producto opens the show tonight.
Also of interested you can see Drivin' N' Cryin' at the Georgia Theatre or the double-bill at the Caledonia featuring Murder Beach and Pushbutton.
Before all that though, you should turn on your radios this afternoon to catch Bob Hay & The Jolly Beggars on WUGA's (91.7's) "It's Friday". Starts at 4PM. Well worth your time.
SAT: As if we need to say it, the Truckers play again. The Dexateens (who I know nothing about) open the show this time. Also, you can see Annie & Her Guns at the Caledonia.
SUN: Bob Hay & The Jolly Beggars perform a celebration of poet Robert Burns' at Athens Montessori School of all places. Show starts at 4PM. It's Sunday - what else you gonna' do? Sounds like a fun afternoon.
FRI: The Drive-By Truckers play the 2nd of several nights at the Watt. Still previewing the new album. If you saw it last night, let us know how it was. Producto opens the show tonight.
Also of interested you can see Drivin' N' Cryin' at the Georgia Theatre or the double-bill at the Caledonia featuring Murder Beach and Pushbutton.
Before all that though, you should turn on your radios this afternoon to catch Bob Hay & The Jolly Beggars on WUGA's (91.7's) "It's Friday". Starts at 4PM. Well worth your time.
SAT: As if we need to say it, the Truckers play again. The Dexateens (who I know nothing about) open the show this time. Also, you can see Annie & Her Guns at the Caledonia.
SUN: Bob Hay & The Jolly Beggars perform a celebration of poet Robert Burns' at Athens Montessori School of all places. Show starts at 4PM. It's Sunday - what else you gonna' do? Sounds like a fun afternoon.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
The Drive-By Truckers play the first of three nights (actually four, so I hear) at the 40 Watt tonight. They're supposed to be debuting a lot of new material at these shows from their upcoming album A Blessing And A Curse. I have no idea how it sounds, so I can't really say anything, but by now I'm sure you know if you like the Truckers or not.
Of course, feelings on the opening band The Whigs remains mixed and in some camps undecided - but now you can finally hear songs from them on their snazzy new site, so check it out if you haven't already.
(Note: Image courtesy of NineBullets.org - actually, we just stole it from them, but I'm pretty sure they know where to find us if there's an issue with that. In any case, that's your best source of downloads and news on DBT at pretty much all times. I think they know it before the band does in most cases.)
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
After a screening of the local doc gone big Dirty Work, the long-lost band Empire State will perform at the 40 Watt. For those who don't remember, they were a flagship band for the WARM recording label years ago. Well worth catching again. More here.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Just a reminder that the deadline for submitting tracks to the AthFest folks for their annual compilation cd is coming up soon on January 31. So if you're a musician and you want to be a part of this, you better get on it soon! You can find out the information as well as the submission form here. Give us something good to listen to, please!
As usual, we're a day late on holiday stuff, but here's a link to Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter From Birmingham Jail, for your reading pleasure. It's a quick read so you can do like my dad and read it on your lunchbreak (or you know, right now if you wanted to). I think that's probably what MLK had in mind when he wrote them.
Hey y'all, drop us a line and let us know what was fun that you did over the weekend? Anyone still keeping their resolutions? Let us know in the comments...
Friday, January 13, 2006
Apparently, I'm the last person on the Internets to hear about this (since there's already a book out for it and everything), but Post Secret is this awesome blog where people make postcards out of their secrets - some sad, some funny, some scary as hell - and then send them in for anonymous publication. It's addicting as hell to read, so I guess even if you had seen it before, you'll probably want to re-visit.
(PS Has anyone who has a blog noticed that the words "blog", "blogger", etc. aren't recognized by Blogger's spellcheck? I thought they'd correct that... it's been like 2 years and so far, it's still an issue. Weird, huh?)
Happy Friday the 13th, suckas...
FRI: Nuci's Space hosts a night of loud music starring Music Hates You, A Bitter Fight Against Nothing, and Community Chaos. Lots more info here. If that's not enough rock, there's also Five-Eight at Tasty World, The Tom Collins at the Caledonia, and if you just wanna dance (and pick up drunk college kids), then the Krush Girl(s) are DJing the Watt.
SAT: Two times the Leverett (isn't that a scary prospect?) as both Lona and The Chasers will be playing sets at the 40 Watt. More here about that show.
There's also a two-set show earlier in the night by The Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreational Industry at Flicker in celebration of their new album's release (finally!). More here.
Also, the Dromedary Quartet can be seen at Farm 255 and Flash To Bang Time can be seen at the Caledonia as well.
FRI: Nuci's Space hosts a night of loud music starring Music Hates You, A Bitter Fight Against Nothing, and Community Chaos. Lots more info here. If that's not enough rock, there's also Five-Eight at Tasty World, The Tom Collins at the Caledonia, and if you just wanna dance (and pick up drunk college kids), then the Krush Girl(s) are DJing the Watt.
SAT: Two times the Leverett (isn't that a scary prospect?) as both Lona and The Chasers will be playing sets at the 40 Watt. More here about that show.
There's also a two-set show earlier in the night by The Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreational Industry at Flicker in celebration of their new album's release (finally!). More here.
Also, the Dromedary Quartet can be seen at Farm 255 and Flash To Bang Time can be seen at the Caledonia as well.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
A new study determined that 7% of American workers drink during their work day and 9% of American workers said that they have nursed a hangover during their work day. I find this 2nd number to be surprisingly low. I nurse hangovers at work a couple of times a month, at least. There has got to be more than 9% of us that do!
Furthermore, I'd like to know which one of you is in the 7% that boozes it up on the job or during your lunch breaks!
Furthermore, I'd like to know which one of you is in the 7% that boozes it up on the job or during your lunch breaks!
From Robo Dave:
"Robo dave and my band "the titz" recorded this song a long time ago, but recently decided to bring it to life with this bad ass, extremely advanced Flash Video for our number 1 hit, "Mexican Christmas". It's soon to be a classic around the world."
Truly astounding stuff Robo! Good work!
"Robo dave and my band "the titz" recorded this song a long time ago, but recently decided to bring it to life with this bad ass, extremely advanced Flash Video for our number 1 hit, "Mexican Christmas". It's soon to be a classic around the world."
Truly astounding stuff Robo! Good work!
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
There is a new music business certificate program available at UGA. It looks as though the students may be able to avoid boring lectures from time to time, as Athens musicians and their cohorts act as guest speakers throughout the semester.
Remember when you could make stupid childhood videos without the threat of having them haunt you years later? Screenhead's got the link to the Internets' newest childhood fad enthusiast turned instant celebrity: The Pokemon Kid. Just try and get it out of your head!
(Thanks to Hillary for the Link!)
Sleepy Horses bring a sonic "alt-country" sound to the Caledonia tonight. Not sure what that means because honestly I haven't heard them yet, but I've heard nothing but good things from trusted folks around town, so I have faith they're great. Worth checking out, anyway.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Although apparently everyone other than me on the Internets has already seen it, Robo dropped a link to a funny SNL sketch last week.
p.s. from Computer Support: I hope MC doesn't mind me adding to his post... Once the Chronic-whut-cles of Narnia get you all riled up, watch this Sol Seppy video for Wonderland. It'll calm ya right back down. (via)
p.s. from Computer Support: I hope MC doesn't mind me adding to his post... Once the Chronic-whut-cles of Narnia get you all riled up, watch this Sol Seppy video for Wonderland. It'll calm ya right back down. (via)
Although not much has been heard from Nutria lately, supposedly they're hard at work on a new album - racing against the clock as it were (the two principle songwriters are both fathers-to-be in the not to distant future). They've now got a couple of new tunes to share up on their MySpace page. Well worth a visit.
Those who like things experimental would do well to stop by Flicker tonight to see Erik Hinds, Tony Evans, and Marshall Marotte do their thang. I never know what to predict with these kinda shows, but when they gel, they tend to be great. More here.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Local band Iron Hero has posted 3 new tracks from their brand new album "Safe As Houses" over at their myspace page. The band will be having a co-cd release party with another Athens band, Cinemechanica, who will also be celebrating the release of their new album, "The Martial Arts," the same night (Feb 17 at the 40 Watt). In the mean time, you might as well check out the free tunes.
We, the privileged public get to join everyone's favorite NFL nutjob as he cruises through Best Buy. It's as fun as it sounds.
And for those who missed last week's Portis-ness, it's here.
(Thanks to Hillary for the links!)
And for those who missed last week's Portis-ness, it's here.
(Thanks to Hillary for the links!)
Claire Campbell (of Hope For Agoldensummer fame) will be performing a solo set at the 40 Watt. I still don't have anything new to say about that crew and I haven't heard her solo stuff (man, I'm so 2004), but I'm sure it'll be good and worth seeing. Solo album on the way, supposedly.
The roads are crowded, lines are long, and someone just damn near ran you over... must mean students are back. Welcome back, students. Drop us a line in the comments to let everyone know what is good that's happening hereabouts...
Good ole' Pat Robertson is back with his latest summary on current events. I've actually heard this argument from a few on the far right in the past week. I know it's not "real news", but their take on karma is quite entertaining to me nonetheless.
Speaking of entertainment, why is that Arnold didn't, at least, learn how to take a motorcycle jump in all those movies he's appeared in? You'd think he'd be able to avoid an accident like this after being the Terminator and all.
Speaking of entertainment, why is that Arnold didn't, at least, learn how to take a motorcycle jump in all those movies he's appeared in? You'd think he'd be able to avoid an accident like this after being the Terminator and all.
Friday, January 06, 2006
As I've mentioned before, I'm originally (way back when) from New Orleans. When you live there, you know that tonight is Twelfth Night (King's Day) - the official start of Carnival season. This is when all the parties begin and last pretty much through Mardi Gras (at which point you have to take a break for a couple of weeks until the St. Patrick's parties).
Anyway, to help kick off the season right, I recommend a visit to one of my favorite music blogs as of late, Home of the Groove. It's run by a DJ who knows his stuff when it comes to New Orleans soul, funk, r&b, etc. I know it sounds like a buncha hippie crap by the title, but it's well worth a visit. And as with nearly all music blogs, the songs only last a few days, so get 'em while they're hot.
Happy Carnival, y'all!
Still a bit slow 'round these parts...
FRI: Music Hates You tops the bill at the 40 Watt. Loud, aggressive, maybe even over the top, but amazing to see live. Even better when you can actually hear the vocals! Of course, there's also Mother Jackson at Tasty World (I dare you to try and understand the lyrics!) and The Visitations at the Caledonia.
SAT: The now rarely-appearing "roots-rock" group Flood City Shootout will be at the 40 Watt tonight appearing with the Dictatortots. Also a rare occurrence: 63 Crayons plays a show at the Caledonia. If you haven't heard 'em, it's kinda a "frantic" style of pop. Worth catching if you've got the time.
SUN: We Versus The Shark at the Secret Squirrel. Catchy, Dancey Math Rock... who'da thunk it?
FRI: Music Hates You tops the bill at the 40 Watt. Loud, aggressive, maybe even over the top, but amazing to see live. Even better when you can actually hear the vocals! Of course, there's also Mother Jackson at Tasty World (I dare you to try and understand the lyrics!) and The Visitations at the Caledonia.
SAT: The now rarely-appearing "roots-rock" group Flood City Shootout will be at the 40 Watt tonight appearing with the Dictatortots. Also a rare occurrence: 63 Crayons plays a show at the Caledonia. If you haven't heard 'em, it's kinda a "frantic" style of pop. Worth catching if you've got the time.
SUN: We Versus The Shark at the Secret Squirrel. Catchy, Dancey Math Rock... who'da thunk it?
Thursday, January 05, 2006
For those who don't read the comments, yesterday Robo offered a hilarious link about all things Chuck Norris.
Hope For Agoldensummer plays the Caledonia tonight. Honestly, really, they play so much I've run out of things to say about 'em. They're good. I wish they'd hurry up and put out album #2. Seriously y'all, get on it. Anyway, go see 'em; it's worth it.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
This just in from Jenn Bryant, webmistress for the Drive-By Truckers:
"Hey guys – due to overwhelming demand we have just added a third and final show at The 40 Watt on Thursday Jan 19th. The Whigs support. $15. Let's spread the word. Thanks."
"Hey guys – due to overwhelming demand we have just added a third and final show at The 40 Watt on Thursday Jan 19th. The Whigs support. $15. Let's spread the word. Thanks."
Yup, slow week and everyone's just getting back into the fog of work, so for those who actually do have time to kill, a few things from the site we all love, LifeHacker:
-If you (like me) have an old PC sitting around that isn't running so great, here's how to revive it with Linux - supposedly it'll run at surprisingly great levels.
-It maybe too late, but here's how to prevent a hangover.
-Here's a cool but relatively useless program to tell you what song is playing.
-Because we encourage piracy, here's audio how to get around new anti-piracy CD software.
-For those with new toys, there's how to use your cameraphone as a scanner and how to convert computer video files for use with your video device.
-Wanna share something online - here's where you can upload/share/store files for free.
-And for those with a ton of time, check out their 2005 Best-Of List.
-If you (like me) have an old PC sitting around that isn't running so great, here's how to revive it with Linux - supposedly it'll run at surprisingly great levels.
-It maybe too late, but here's how to prevent a hangover.
-Here's a cool but relatively useless program to tell you what song is playing.
-Because we encourage piracy, here's audio how to get around new anti-piracy CD software.
-For those with new toys, there's how to use your cameraphone as a scanner and how to convert computer video files for use with your video device.
-Wanna share something online - here's where you can upload/share/store files for free.
-And for those with a ton of time, check out their 2005 Best-Of List.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Welcome back, state employees (for those who have been working this whole time, sorry to hear it). Let us all know how your holiday went. Drop a line in the comments and tell us some good stuff for the new year. In fact, if anyone has their "Best of 2005" lists ready, please post 'em. Let's kick off the new year right.
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