Tonight In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 4:23 AM | Permanent Link
John Vanderslice brings some melodic pop to the 40 Watt. Still touring behind the last album, I think. Anyway, his first run in Athens with the new material if I remember correctly.
This Weekend In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 12:00 AM | Permanent Link
Let's get delirious...
FRI:Nutria kicks your Twilight weekend off right tonight, performing a special happy hour show at the Caledonia. Doors at 6, and I imagine they'll start playing shortly after that. Should be a blast.
Later in the night, the Drive-By Truckers play their first of two "Dirt Underneath Tour" shows in Athens at the Georgia Theatre. These are special acoustic shows meant to highlight very old and very new material. You already know if you're going, though, cause it's sold out. More here.
SAT: After (or during part of?) the races, let the Delirium begin! The something-th annual Twilight Delirium takes place at the Caledonia featuring (who else?) Je Suis France triumphantly rocking their new full-length Afrikan Majik. Can you say hammin' & jammin'? Throw in Excalibrah and Flip Scoldjah into the mix (and doubtless scores of other fantasy football league-ers) and you've got the most rockin' inside joke ever. It's like it's its own afterparty. If you've never been, come dig! More here.
Also up for the night, the Truckers play the second Dirt Underneath show at the Georgia Theatre and again you'll know if you're going by the fact that you would have already bought tickets. Meanwhile, down at the 40 Watt, Cinemechanica and Summerbirds In The Cellar perform. And over at Go Bar, you can catch Titans of Filth. Twilight rules. I just hope they bring back the funnel cakes this year.
Serious Politics - posted by Mail Clerk @ 2:03 AM | Permanent Link
I really couldn't help but laugh when I saw the MySpace homepage yesterday. Try to ignore the trisected (through the magic of screen capturing) Hillary Duff and check out the "Cool New People". (I've since realized that they're putting all the candidates who have pages up there now, but this particular juxtaposition - as opposed to say a business casual Obama with a Jamie Kennedy ad - really works well...) And yes, it's a real page. Why didn't he put "swinger"? It's funny.
Tonight In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 1:49 AM | Permanent Link
Before I start, I just wanted to wish everyone well who's participating in this big cancer-fighting weekend (including my fellow bloggers here). Relay folks, folks doing other things with ACS, etc. Go kick cancer's ass! Now, onto the festivities...
Tonight, 40 Watt's hosts "Covers To Fight Cancer" a unique benefit organized by our friend Steve LaBate (normally a writer for Paste but tonight an organizer and musician) in which a buncha bands'll be playing 3 cover songs each. Those bands are: Southern Bitch, Venice is Sinking, Hope For Agoldensummer, Zachary Gresham (of Summer Hymns), Attractive Eighties Women (featuring some of the very funny folks behind SeaLab 2021 and whose songs "Mama, Get A Mammogram" and "F--- This Carcinoma" would of course be a perfect fit), and Steve LaBate & the Fears of Commitment, among others, all to benefit the American Cancer Society. It's a great way to help donate to the cause. Much more here. Oh, and here's the schedule if you're just wanting to see a few acts:
7:30 - Steve LaBate/Fears of Commitment 8:00 - Ken Will Morton 8:30 - Gutshot and Thirsty 9:00 - Andrew Nelson 9:30 - Attractive Eighties Women 10:00 - Vinyl Strangers 10:30 - Zachary Gresham (of Summer Hymns) 11:00 - Venice Is Sinking 11:30 - Warm in the Wake 12:00 - Hope For A Golden Summer 12:30 - Bearfoot Hookers 1:00 - Southern Bitch 1:30 - All musicians still in the house will be onstage for a special encore led by Bearfoot Hookers
Another great way to donate to the cause on a much more personal level would be to attend the dance party at Tasty World hosted and DJ'ed by Kurt Wood, Sue Hoagland, and the B-52's Fred Schneider. It's called "Dance This Mess Around", and it benefits a friend diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Let's say you've already donated to cancer-fighting and you wanna see something else, then you can check out Peter Alvanos (of Fabulous Bird) and Paul McHugh (of Mother Jackson) playing solo shows over at Flicker. Or another more full Hope For Agoldensummer show at UGA's Legion Field (around 6 PM), or the Dictatortots at Repent, or legendary musician Bonnie Raitt at the Classic Center. Sure not to lose on those shows.
Happy Secretary's Day, Administrative Professionals! - posted by Mail Clerk @ 12:48 AM | Permanent Link
Feel like we'd be remiss in our duties if we didn't wish all y'all administrative folks a happy Secretary's Day. As we mention every year, there's only one song we know of written for the holiday. It's here.
Tonight In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 12:38 AM | Permanent Link
A few things happening around... Patrick Carey (of The Ginger Envelope) will be playing a solo show at Flicker. Also, for loud you can catch Atlanta Southern rockers Dead Confederate at the Caledonia.
For the Panic crowd, the band'll be playing their last of three nights at the Classic Center tonight, of course. Afterwards (I believe afterwards - I can never get my facts straight - why didn't Desktop Publisher cover these three nights?!?), Jerry Joseph and I'm sure some friends'll be playing the Melting Point.
Happy Birthday, Legal Bitch! - posted by Mail Clerk @ 8:04 AM | Permanent Link
Today is the first of a reign of Taurus birthdays 'round these parts. Tauruses, as many know, are often a frustrating breed of person. But there are a few good ones. Like Legal Bitch, for example. She used to post here way back when with amusing tales of her childhood. I think work swallowed her after that.
Anyway, she's awesome and hilarious and as anyone who's met her in real life knows - she doesn't take crap from anyone and will tell you to your face exactly what she thinks. Admirable qualities, actually. (She can be really nice and sweet too, but don't tell anyone.) Big ups, LB! Happy Birthday!
Tonight In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 7:53 AM | Permanent Link
Bloodkin & Friends perform at the Melting Point tonight. Expect a variety of guests. in fact, some of their friends'll be performing later just a few feet away at the Classic Center, as Widespread Panic (who doesn't post their recent band pics on their site and who is basically forcing me to steal that photo from Flagpole to ensure I have the most recent lineup) plays the second of three shows there tonight as well.
Local Bands Get Love - posted by Desktop Publisher @ 10:42 AM | Permanent Link
In other Widespread Panic news, bassist Dave Schools is intervewed by the Athens Banner Herald and gives love to local bands Maserati, Cinemachanica & Psychic Hearts. Way to plug the locals, Dave!
Tonight In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 12:01 AM | Permanent Link
Just in time for EarfDay, those dirty hippies in Widespread Panic start the first of their 3 night stand at the Classic Center tonight. It's the first time they've played Athens since... well, a long time. I don't have time to dig up that stat. But mostly stuff like that just takes up space in music journal articles. Oh well. You already know if you're going to this show or not anyway.
This Weekend In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 1:07 AM | Permanent Link
FRI: What many consider the original lineup of Five Eight (I don't know the whole story... I know they've gone through a few lineup changes) performs tonight at the Melting Point. As Patrick explained yesterday, it was s'posed to be an acoustic-ish show, but it's gone electric. Prepare for rock.
And I don't know how it's gonna happen, but apparently Patrick's also gonna be drumming for Music Hates You down at the Caledonia as well. I guess that's happening. Gonna be a tiresome night. The Dumps open that show.
SAT: The gun-toting Texas badass Billy Joe Shaver returns to Athens to play the Melting Point. He's written some great ones throughout the years and I saw the show last time he played here (when it was cheaper and in a smaller venue) and it rocked. Dunno if he's got a band with him this time or not (last time it was solo). In any case, worth seeing. That being said, seriously, anyone who's got a line on some free/cheap tix, I'd love to know.
Another country group who I'd heard/assumed were no longer playing, the Chasers, appear at the Georgia Theatre as well. They actually opened for Billy Joe Shaver last time he played here. I have no idea why the sudden reunion (maybe cause Neff's around a bit?), but they were always great. What, no reunion show at Mell's, y'all?
Also, for a very different sound, the Caledonia's got the excellent lineup of Druid City, The Good Ship, and Nana Grizol.
Another Great News Quote - posted by Mail Clerk @ 9:28 AM | Permanent Link
Not to make light of what's happened, but I have to be honest and admit that I did smile a bit when I read that a world-renowned poet delivered the following quote:
"I know we're talking about a troubled youngster and crap like that, but troubled youngsters get drunk and jump off buildings; troubled youngsters drink and drive," Giovanni said. "I've taught troubled youngsters. I've taught crazy people. It was the meanness that bothered me. It was a really mean streak."
Tonight In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 12:53 AM | Permanent Link
A variety of sounds abound tonight. On the local end of things, two acts continue a two-day performance streak as Bloodkin (or at least Danny and Eric) performs at Flicker around 8:30 PM and also Betsy Franck'll be over at the Caledonia.
Live Bloodkin This Afternoon - posted by Desktop Publisher @ 2:12 PM | Permanent Link
Athens music staple Bloodkin is doing a live radio broadcast today at 4:00 p.m. on WUGA 91.7 & 97.9 FM to showcase unreleased tracks from the new compilation spanning the 20 year life of the band, plus live interviews with the band and info on upcoming Bloodkin shows. Tune in here.
Tonight In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 12:11 AM | Permanent Link
It's a great night for fans of alt-country/Americana/etc. as you can either catch Betsy Franck and Matt Stoessel performing (separately?) at Flicker at around 8:30 and/or you can see Sweet-Tooth Simpleton & The Simpletones just a coupla' doors down at Farm 255 for more of a bluegrass-ish feel. Either way, you got good music.
We All Scream For Ice Cream - posted by Desktop Publisher @ 10:33 AM | Permanent Link
Today is Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at participating stores. The one downtown did so last year, so I'm sure it will again today. Go get you some.
News Quote Of The Week - posted by Mail Clerk @ 7:52 AM | Permanent Link
Apparently, in the wake of the whole Imus thing, critics from both sides are voicing their opinions against rap's portrayal of women. Snoop responds:
(Rappers) are not talking about no collegiate basketball girls who have made it to the next level in education and sports ... We're talking about hos that's in the 'hood that ain't doing ---- that's trying to get a n---- for his money.
The Bible Of Rock - posted by Mail Clerk @ 12:02 AM | Permanent Link
Hey Y'all, so if you haven't heard yet, Henry Owings and the Chunklet crew are putting together this potentially hilarious book called The Bible Of Rock. He explains it better than me, so I'll post his request in a second, but if you got any ideas, please put 'em in the comments. He reads TDJ every once in a while, so it's got potential to be used...
hey guys.
So I can't believe this, but the Bible of Rock book is in the final weeks of completion. I'd feel criminally remiss if I didn't make another attempt to reach out to many of you smug yucksters to see if you have any last minute additions or what have you.
As it stands, the book is divided into seven sections (because like the world, God created rock in seven days) along with the cardinal rules of rock and entire sections of biblical rock hoo-hah. If I must say so, it's pretty darned funny. The seven sections include: Band, Bass/Guitar, Drums, Keyboards, Vocals, Crew and Fans. We're open to any recommendations you might have.
So if you have any last minute suggestions or additions (comments like "Never wear your band's merchandise ever" have already been addressed) please send 'em in and hey, you might actually be in a book!
I've cut and pasted a few entries below. Hopefully it'll kickstart your imagination:
You can have either an active bass or a tube head but never both.
The Gibson SG is the most satanic looking guitar out there. It comes with its own set of devil horns.
You should never “save up” for cymbals. If anything, look for ways to reduce the number you already have around you.
Don’t smoke when you’re actively playing your instrument during a performance. Many have tried before you and failed to make this look natural.
If you mention the specific year/model/make of an automobile in a song, it either has to have three chords or four-part harmonies.
Old school microphones onstage are never legit, and mostly sound like crap.
If there are flames on your jacket, shirt, guitar, drums, amp, sunglasses or merchandise, then you are most certainly in a lousy rockabilly band.
And of course if you want credit for you hilarity make sure he can get in touch somehow. Or if you really have a great one and wanna make sure it doesn't get missed, you could always post 'em over in their comments.
Tonight In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 12:01 AM | Permanent Link
Well... it's really today in Athens, cause down at the Tate Student Center Plaza, Patrick Carey (of The Ginger Envelope), Mother Jackson, and Southern Bitch will be performing from 1:30 to 5 PM as part of Depression and Suicide Awareness week. I have absolutely how those rock bands'll sound outside the confines of a dark rock club, but hell, it's free, right? More here.
Monday Morning Sound-Off - posted by Mail Clerk @ 12:00 AM | Permanent Link
What's the haps folks? Drop a line in the comments. And if anyone knows how to get free/cheap tix to the Billy Joe Shaver show at the Melting Point, feel free to drop that in the comments too... cause them's expensive. Rock.
This Weekend In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 12:00 AM | Permanent Link
Happy Friday the 13th, suckas...
FRI: Shows tonight couldn't be more spread out. Firstly, Hope For Agoldensummer and Telenovela play at the 40 Watt as part of the Amps For Stamps benefit (Amnesty International's letter-writing campaign). But also, there's Birds & Wire at Farm 255, and Megaphone Man at Nuci's Space - two chances to see Neal Fountain play (the Nuci's show starts early at 7:30 PM.
In addition Push! plays at Go Bar and Russian Spy Camera plays the Caledonia. Or, if you're just in the mood to dance you can see Bitch Switch at Little Kings or the Krush Girls playing UGA's "Tacky Prom" at the Student Center. I think there's free food and games there too. And a midnight showing of Carrie. Weird.
SAT: A multiple sclerosis benefit brings semi-musical-recluses Circulatory System out to play a show - assumed to be a regular set (as opposed to the previous more experimental show). Mouser plays with them all at the 40 Watt.
If that's not your speed, then there's a hip-hop show with lotsa acts - called "Bring Your Booty" - at the Caledonia. Or, for metal, Atlanta's Zoroaster at Repent.
Happy Birthday To Us ::sniffle:: - posted by Mail Clerk @ 7:57 AM | Permanent Link
Man, we do this every year! Tuesday was our blog's birthday. I think we're officially 3 now. That's old for a blog. I think Sullivan only lasted 4, right? He had a lot more readers too. Anyway, you can see that if we forgot our own birthday, then when we forget all the other stuff it's just cause we're always behind and forgetting stuff. And when I say "we" I mean "I and sometimes DP" cause where the heck are Legal Bitch and Computer Support these days?!?
Anyway, I digress. Just checking in with our age. We had plans for something a while back to celebrate, but it's still a ways off. We'll see. In the meantime, just think of us as the elder statesmen/women of Athens culture blogs. That is, out of touch and forgetting everything.
Tonight In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 3:38 AM | Permanent Link
Well, back to back big shows in Athens. The big one tonight of course being TV On The Radio playing at the 40 Watt. More on that here, indie rockers. As for local stuff, not too shabby a lineup at Little Kings tonight either with Madeline, Christopher's Liver, and Nana Grizol all performing. And for something more downbeat (but great), there's Nightingale News and Nic Goodson at Flicker
Journey and The Glands: Does it Get Any Better? - posted by Desktop Publisher @ 10:52 AM | Permanent Link
Cable and Tweed has posted a few select tracks from the other night's Karaoke Fest with Of Montreal. I really love the crowd sing-a-long for Journey. In other mp3 news, Southern Shelter has posted a nice live treat from one of the last shows from The Glands (not too long before the Echo Lounge closed.) He also has last week's Pylon show up, and the most recent Of Montreal show among many other goodies, so put your headphones on and rock away.
Old Mangumnese - posted by Mail Clerk @ 3:25 AM | Permanent Link
Thanks to Andy for forwarding over the link to this transcript of a long-lost Pitchfork interview with Jeffrey Mangum from 2002. Sheds a bit of light on where he was post-Aeroplane and absolutely no light on where he's been lately. Dancing With The Stars next season? We'll see.
Tonight In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 2:18 AM | Permanent Link
The Flaming Lips play Athens for the first time in a while - F'pole says 4 years. That's a long while. Is it sold out? I think it is, but I'm not sure. It's in the Classic Center Theater, right? Not the giant echo chamber that Wilco and Weezer were in, right? Does anyone run a more informative blog that has answers to these questions? Also, the Marshall Tucker Band (in some form or another) is playing the Georgia Theatre. It's a benefit for St. Jude's and the scepter will be wielded.
And if those big shows aren't your speed, our friends in The Help will be playing Tasty World as well.
Make A Pancake - posted by Mail Clerk @ 7:45 AM | Permanent Link
Okay, so this reeks of class project and takes a while to get started, but I still think "Aunt Jemima!! (the pancake song)" might be the spring jam of '07...
Tonight In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 1:02 AM | Permanent Link
A big night over at the Watt... 'specially for a Monday. Dark Meat opens things up with what's been mentioned to be a "special" set of some sort. Following that, Elf Power kicks off their new U.S. tour with a set of what I s'pose'll be new-ish stuff (anyone go to the Friday night show?), and finally Of Montreal plays a karaoke set in anticipation of doing the same thing in NY soon. They play 'em, you sing 'em. Should be fun.
If that's not your speed, of you just wanna go to a show earlier, the Folk Yous are down at Little Kings as part of the monthly "Hoot" folk series.
AthFest Headliners - posted by Mail Clerk @ 12:01 AM | Permanent Link
In case y'all don't read the comments (or any other Athens music sites), the AthFest headliners were announced. Friday is Perpetual Groove. Openly defying the previous night's headliner's name, the Whigs head up Saturday night, and the Drive-By Truckers perform Sunday in what'll surely be their earliest show in a while. Thanks to DCB for the heads up.
This Weekend In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 12:00 AM | Permanent Link
FRI: The second of the "secret-ish shows" this week happens tonight as Elf Power performs at the Ultra Odd as a warm up show to their tour, which they'll be leaving on shortly. They also play on Monday night if you wanna see 'em somewhere with better sound. However, this is supposedly "for real" going to be the last show there before the place gets torn down. Whether or not that's a true rumor remains to be seen, obviously.
For something more experimental, Craig Lieske'll be over at the Caledonia. And if you wanna dance, it appears Bitch Switch'll be spinning twice - once earlier on at Detour and again around 1:30 AM at Go Bar.
SAT: One helluva lineup takes place at Little Kings tonight as (for the first time ever, I'm pretty sure) M Coast, Nutria, and the 63 Crayons will share the stage (not literally - I mean, they'll be playing at different times). It's all a benefit for Nuci's Space. I know M Coast and 63 Crayons both just released albums - any new songs in the Nutria camp lately? Anyway, it's been a while since they've played (save the spare bowling alley gig), so should be awesome.
Also, although it seems a strange combo, Calliope Fair and Dodd Ferrelle will be playing at the Caledonia, and that should make for a good show as well.
Finally, I just wanna send a bit Congratulations to Shayne & Todd who're getting hitched this weekend!
Tonight In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 3:47 AM | Permanent Link
This week, as opposed to last, the 63 Crayons'll be playing on WUOG's (90.5's) "Live In The Lobby" around 8 PM. They're great live and I hope it translates well to the radio show. Also, the Titans of Filth will be playing Repent and for those with more Americanan tastes, Besty Franck & The Bareknuckle Band will be at Tasty World.
Pylon Strikes Again - posted by Mail Clerk @ 3:36 AM | Permanent Link
The answer to yesterday's question was of course that the last time we were featured in Pitchfork was when we covered Pylon's reunion show at Little Kings. Dunno whether it was the air of "secrecy" or the fact that they hadn't played in a long time (prolly a bit of both) but the hip came out in droves to see Pylon rock Little Kings again last night. Even ol' Sean Lennon dropped by.
Anyway, I still can't hear right. It was a blast. They also re-affirmed that the reissue of Gyrate "Plus" (with Cool/Dub single and possible other extra tracks included) will happen this fall on DFA Records.
Tonight In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 12:00 AM | Permanent Link
Sean Lennon plays the Melting Point tonight. I don't have anything special to say about Sean Lennon, but it seems that my next reason to go to that venue just jacked up some dude for trying to rob him. And he's old. And is missing fingers. Awesome.
Liz Durrett Sings R.E.M. - posted by Mail Clerk @ 12:00 AM | Permanent Link
Thanks to the same person who keeps sending us cool vids at MySpace but whose name is not on their MySpace page for this cool vid of Liz Durrett singing R.E.M.'s "The One I Love". It, along with many other cover tunes, can be found on the Finest Worksongs comp, now available...
Tonight In Athens - posted by Mail Clerk @ 12:01 AM | Permanent Link
A great triple bill of pop over at the Caledonia tonight... Folklore heads the night up with Madeline and Christopher's Liver opening it up. It's a whole night full of catchy. Better yet... It's an early show - 7PM! And it's cheap - $2! And the beer's cheap too - $1 PBR! So all you working stiffs can't complain. Now that's how you entice people out on a Monday.
The Day Jobs is a group blog for those who are productively lazy. Each blogger lives, works, and plays in Athens. Expect commentary on music, arts, office culture, television, and many other forms of tomfoolery.