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for fans of music & those who make it Issue 10 • FREE • athensblur.com THESE • MAD WHISKEY GRIN • • THE DELFIELDS • MEIKO • JANELLE MONAE • TRANCES ARC • DODD FERRELLE • CRACKER & MORE!!!

zero 7 Acclaimed electronic duo gets haunted on number four tortoise Inspiration be damned — Tortoise soldiers on When You’re Hot Bradley Cooper’s sizzling Hollywood ride HEART Life at the speed in hand of tweet The latest social media After an eight-year absence, an outlet is changing the music industry, for energized Circulatory System better or for worse returns with a new album venue ventures Four clubs lead the way into a changing face of Athens music spots you wanted columns? you got ‘em>> SIGN UP AT www.game y.com/print ENTER CODE: NEWS65

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After an eight-year absence, an energized Circulatory System returns with a new Heart album. by Ed Morales IN Hand photos by Jason Thrasher

(40) (48) Acclaimed electronic duo Zero 7 gets “haunted” The latest social making album number media outlet is four. changing the music by Natalie B. David industry, for at better or for worse. by Natalie B. David Seeing Ghosts life the speed of tweet (42) Inspiration be damned — Tortoise soldiers on. by Matt Fink

Four clubs lead the Ignoring the Hare venue way into a changing face of music spots in Athens. ventures by Alec Wooden (73) Bradley Cooper tries to explain his sizzling ride (48) through Hollywood. by DeMarco Williams When You’reHOT...

ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 3 music 13 COLUMNS EDITOR’S PLAYLIST: 7 Ten Tunes Worth Noting THE FIRST WORD: 9 A Hard Thing to Know PARTING THOUGHTS: 78 Ten people you meet in Athens,Ga. WORTH A THOUSAND: 80 Who says you need words? 11 27 17 spotlights These United States 11 Tyrone Jackson 12 14 Mad Whiskey Grin 13 Blake Shelton 14 Blitzen Trapper 17 Dodd Ferrelle 18 Meiko 20 The Delfields 23 Trances Arc 24 Janelle Monae 27 ALSO: EAR CANDY: 28 Album Reviews THIS DAY IN MUSIC HISTORY 32 UPCOMING CD RELEASES 35 TOUR DIARY: 37 23 20 On the road with Cracker musician’s corner 63 MUSICIAN’S GEAR GUIDE 63 18 Gear up for fall tours GUEST COLUMN: 67 “Music Means Business” by Bruce Burch 28 Regional Report: 68 Birmingham, Ala.

37 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT MOVIE PREVIEWS: Worth your money? 71 UPCOMING DVD RELEASES 75 shots 76 The Month in Photos

71 76 75 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 5 FROM THE EDITOR B LUR FROM THE

DEAR READERS , The Athens Blur Magazine

I’ve got a new favorite writer these days, and it’s funny — he’s not a feature P.O. Box 7117 writer for Spin, an acclaimed critic for or a hipster blogging ma- chine at Media. He’s the genius behind nuggets of wisdom like: Athens, Ga 30604 “I HEARD ROY CLARK SING WHEN I WAS YOUNG IT REMINDED ME THAT Main Office(706) 353-7799 I HAD ANY MORE YESTERDAYS THAN TOMORROW’S” or this: Sales(706) 207-9091 “EVERY BODY DESERVES A VACATION BUT IT SHOULD FROM SOME THING I HAVE NOTHING TO VACATION FROM BUT I AM TAKING A VACATION ANY Executive Editor HOW.” Alec Wooden or my personal favorite: [email protected]

“AMERICA WOULD BE BETTER OF TODAY IF THEY HAD RETAINED THE Director of Sales ITALIAN WORK ETHIC GEE I’M PREACHING NOW I BETTER QUIT” Stephen Simmons [email protected] My favorite new writer is my 98-year-old great uncle, Lawrence Marro, writing to an adoring fan base via his favorite new social medium — e-mail Account Executives (heard of it?). Jen Allen It strikes me how appropriate the timing of these letters, as in this issue we [email protected] present an in-depth look at Twitter, the latest social networking craze, and its Zach Greco effect on the music industry. [email protected] Adrienne Klein Obviously, Uncle Lawrence’s emails aren’t related to Twitter — or music, for [email protected] that matter — but I’m still in awe of the full circle blanket of the digital age. Cole Taylor Here is a man who has lived about 1/6th of his life in the company of the in- [email protected] ternet, relaying stories (many 80 years old or more) to his kin, many of whom have lived at least half (and in most cases, more) of their lives in the splendid Advertising Interns company of instant communication. Elaine Emma Kelch I may never have heard these stories without this phenomenon of which Twitter is now the major player. Technological advancements that once seemed Design so far out of reach — so futuristic — are now commonplace and, in the coolest Colin Dunlop, Lauren Mullins, twist of all, can actually be a link to our past when used properly. Carlye Norton, Alec Wooden But gee...I’m preaching now. I better quit. Editorial Interns Marie Baginski, Kristen Callihan, Jessica Enjoy, Cole, Lauren Moot, Sarah Saltzman

Contributing Editors Matt Conner, Jon Ross

Alec Wooden Contributing Writers Executive Editor Nicole Black, Melissa Coker, Matt Conner, Amanda Cuda, Natalie David, Matt Fink, Ed Morales, Phil Pyle, Jon Ross, Ingrid Sibley, DeMarco Williams

editor’s playlist Contributing Photographers old or new, the songs I can’t get enough of this month Alyssa De Hayes, Stefen Eberhard, Wes Elkin, Justin Evans, Sandra Gallardo, Alex Gibbs, Will “Awake” “These Are My Twisted Words” Gravlee, Daniel Peiken, Jason Thrasher The Color Turning For general comments and inquiries: “I and Love and You” “Getting By” [email protected] The Avett Brothers Tim Fite For advertising opportunities: “Pyramids” “Even The Good Wood Gone” [email protected] The Inner Banks Why? The Athens Blur Magazine issue 10, copyright©2009 By The Athens Blur Magazine, INC. The Athens Blur Magazine is an eight issue/year music and variety publication, proud to be “Mirrors Don’t Lie But People Do” “Yer So Bad” based in the “Classic City” of Athens, Ga. All rights reserved. No The Goodfight The Flying Change part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part in any way by any means unless written permission is received from the publisher. Published monthly except for each summer issue in the United States of America and distributed free of charge (limit one copy per reader, each subsequent copy is distributed at a charge of $4.95). Postmaster send address changes to The ON THE COVER: Circulatory System, photo by Jason Thrasher of Thrasher Photography. Athens Blur Magazine, P.O. Box 7117 Athens, Ga. 30604

ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 7 BLUR THE FIRST WORD 9 e’re all ears at ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS name and hometown! column? W [email protected]. Got something to say about this Here’s what Here’s is bad: in the new box set of But people change. And technology photography” “trick say who those are There And then you look at Les life Paul’s and Ned Rauch P. lives in New York City and Send your thoughts, along with your performances from Woodstock, several of the cuts have been re-recorded and spruced up. In 1969, with all the rain Carlos guitar Santana’s was and out of Sotune. drugs, the producers of the anniversary had package him re-record some what of deal, his Woodstock parts. Give whole The break. a me keeps people churning out books, movies and articles about it, is the innocence of it all. It may have been a mess, but it was an approve 1969 Carlosof Would mess. honest of Carlos of 2009 fudging the record? Not likely. allows them to change what they Two did. sides to that coin: one of the makes things music that so poignant an how art malleable, form how is whimsical fleeting and itis. “Our how love is like music,” our Mick Jagger sang. “It’s here and then gone.” it’s Why not monkey with recordings of the past? At the same time, performing music with instruments and voices requires don’t art of forms other that candor of level a A demand. painter can work on a piece for Musicians years in before frontunveiling it. of an audience have off one a tune. chance After-the-fact doctoring to of the pull of sense inherent that undermines recording of risk. boldness, is redundant. Maybe we should or listen look to, recordings at, similarly, knowing that even the purest fieldtechnological distortions of what recordings was sung, are what was played. see a guy who found his voice Until as chords. and much scales in in did he as circuitry he was this living August, proof that maybe the technical side of making an artmuch form as strumming a guitar. music is as writes for www.tendollarradioshow.com and Frankenpine. in the guitar plays

w are .” life of tapes , , having spent standing talk to cool CDs to eight tracks , are are , Ned Rauch with a lukewarm drink and to kno to no one funny Records and around “ weird the party are the last 20 years as the get get in the way of what its playing core, is: a music, chance at to do something new. Something that no one’s ever heard before. Even performances the to loyalty by note-for-note with symphonies the world’s best score are full of That’s unique why nuances. people still go to the right? symphony, For however the chance to hear something new, subtle. and Guitar Hero don’t nothing wrong there’s Of course, allow new. with that per se. They’re just games, after But with all. more and more people playing them, one wonders what the effect will be on the number of people making their own Will music. learning songs by playing them part-by-part in a game lead people to pick up real guitars? Who knows? They say the by games, requiring players to interact with give music, people more thorough a deeper, understanding of the and songs, a that ain’t use of technology. bad music? ke with our d we ta ogy shoul g thin MUSIC hard At a certain point, maybe At it a was certainjust afterpoint, And then came Les Before he Paul. died It’s a hard thing to know, how much CD. a saw I time first the well remember I Now, of course, CDs are an inch away The Beatles, or what’s left of are them, The funny thing about Band, Rock h technol how muc a the first of our knuckle-dragging ancestors began tagging the inside of the family cave, music. make to objects using started humans figureYou we’d been singing and clapping since the start of it though, all. Eventually, than louder clap to wanted hairybrute some so he started banging the brute to him, next Voila—instruments stickstogether. of pair a and the introduction of music. technology into and his sonic of 94, 13 at the age August on curiosities electronic us brought multi-track all recording, sorts of effects like delay and of and, echo, the course, solid-body . He played like a hummingbird — softlylight, quick, But beautiful. aggressive, it was his behind-the-scenes tinkering for which he’ll be best In remembered. thoroughly no one so music and technology were else — entwined.— and productively technology to I take know with your music. I think it’s weird to see a guy with a laptop stage. on I was in fourth or fifth grade when my dad came home from with what work I thought the way The magic. evidenceof physical was disc caught the light and spun those it colors; into the fact all that it had words on it, music in it (opera, in this case) and still worked as a mirror amazed Thatme. there were lasers involved Dadfloored wasn’t me. He as had impressed. an enduring affection recordings. for reel-to-reel funny, are tapes cool, are Records passé. from spent having CDs, and weird are tracks eight the last 20 years as the life of are the party, and drinklukewarm a with around standing to talk to. no one re-packaging their music for Rock the Band, . In a recent George’s Olivia Harrison, articleTimes, York New in the like feel “You game, the playing in said wife, really, not, But you’re music.” creating you’re you’re when buttons pushing You’re you? are told, causing the game to play music that’s I guess. Close, been created. already which is a hoot to is play, that it seems to ALTERNATIVEMUSIC these states band together don’t look now, but jesse elliott’s got a steady band For a long time, Washington, D.C.-based outfit These United States couldn’t really be described as a band. Well, at least not a proper, organized band — not according to singer/guitarist Jesse Elliott. For a while, he said, he saw the group more as a “musical project,” a sort of informal experiment that he was at the center of, with “members” rotating in and out. But that changed as Elliott began teaming with fellow musicians Robby Cosenza, J. Tom Hnatow, Justin Craig and Colin Kellogg on a fairly regular basis. Eventually, their collaboration went from “project” to something a bit more formal, and Elliott could no longer escape using the “B” word to describe it. THESE UNITED “As other people have begun to have a more constant impact on STATES both what I write and what the people we’re playing for hear, it’s WHO’S WHO COURTESY force field PR become more of a proper band,” Jesse Elliott (vocals, Elliott says of These United , songs), “A band is a hard thing to describe. It’s four fingers Robby Cosenza (drums, States’ evolution. “A band is a and a thumb, opposed, which doesn’t make any very specific thing. It’s a very harmonica, vocals), strange beast. It’s five headed J. Tom Hnatow (pedal sense, but has got us this far through history against in our case, or however-many- steel, electric guitars), adversity.” Justin Craig (electric gui- headed in other cases. A band is tars, vocals) Colin Kellogg a hard thing to describe. It’s four (bass, vocals) — Jesse Elliott, These United States — fingers and a thumb, opposed, which doesn’t make any sense, FORMED but has got us this far through Washington D.C. Elliott is passionate about — explains it’s worthwhile. “I just history against adversity, hasn’t though, early in his career, Elliott let it latch on, take over, head it?” LABEL hated performing. Eventually, along for the ride, hope I don’t That somewhat labyrinthine United Interests he overcame that displeasure lose my breath often enough description aside, Elliott’s because of his intense love for that anyone notices,” he says. project is quickly making itself LATEST RELEASE creating music, pointing out Letting his love for music Everything Touches Every- “there’s not a lot of ways to latch onto him has worked out known as a musical force to thing (2009) be reckoned with. This month, make a living making music for Elliott, as has adopting a These United States will release without performing. Well, there more conventional band format. ON THE WEB probably are, but I’m not smart He says that, though he and his Everything Touches Everything, www.unitedinterests.com its third album in only 18 enough with music to know band mates have artists they months. The group’s previous what they are.” admire, their biggest inspiration two , A Picture of the Three Facebook page) “Really Really Elliott calls the drive to create comes from each other, and from of Us at the Gate to the Garden of Beautiful Inspirational Music music “a bug that bites you at their mutual love of their art. Eden and Crimes, were critically That Is Awesome to You.” some point. It’s something that “We talk about other musical well-received, and Everything Indeed, Elliott himself seems you can’t ignore. It’s something acts, all of us, just because that’s has already garnered a positive hard-pressed to pin down the inside all of us — you know, the language we have in common, buzz in the months before its band’s sound. When asked if the humming in the shower. I don’t that translates across place and release. music fits into a particular genre, know what makes it latch on to time,” Elliott says. “But it’s the The band’s musical style is he replies, “yes: songs.” some people’s brains just a little people we’re with every day who hard to define, and has been Whatever name you apply to bit harder than others.” bend our brains the furthest.” described as psych-folk, rock, the music, his work with These Though giving into the bug punk and (on the band’s own United States is something “isn’t always pleasant,” Elliott — Amanda Cuda ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 11 BLUES & JAZZ BLUES MUSIC Fostering a jazz community Grinning through madness Pianist assembles local cast of musicians for sophomore effort An Unlikely Pair proves they’re anything but one dimensional

For amateur musicians, Frank Williams and Nancy jazz jam sessions give the best Byron are a series of anomalies. chance to perform standards The duo’s dark and tormented alongside seasoned players. songs, which are filled with Pianist Tyrone Jackson, a New nearly every tortured emotion Orleans native who has lived possible, are the brainchildren of and gigged professionally in two perfectly cheery and friendly MUSIC BLUES & JAZZ since 1997, sees these people. Williams and Byron have weekly gatherings as networking been playing together for less parties. Alongside the members than a year, but they finish each of the Joe Gransden Quartet, other’s sentences and tease each he performs in the jam session other like they are brother and house band at Twain’s Billiards sister. When one writes a song, & Tap in Decatur every Tuesday. the other often looks at the lyrics Through this event, the pianist and decides to make something routinely mixes with a few new completely different out of it. people and sees a lot of old “I would hear her sing [a friends. song], and it would come across The artists on Jackson’s as very jazzy and soulful,” sophomore album, Another Williams says. “But when I hit it, Voyage, were culled from these it would become something else relationships. Gransden was entirely, which is kind of how already on hand to play trumpet, that works.” and Kennesaw State University Williams has been playing music professor Sam Skelton guitar for nearly 25 years; Byron had previously performed with has barely been singing in public Jackson. In total, six of the seven COURTESY tyrone jackson for one. On stage, Williams PHoto:laurie moot musicians on Another Voyage call “When I lived in , the attraction often forgets there is anyone “I would often have trouble singing a song about Atlanta their home. “To have out in front of him, while Byron MAD WHISKEY those kind of guys on a project TYRONE was that you could find great music there. I couldn’t love interacting with a situation when my answer would be to pick up GRIN was really important,” Jackson JACKSON don’t know if people really think they can hear the audience more. Just when something heavy and hit the guy with it until he says adding that recording with great jazz in Atlanta.” you think you know something stops twitching.” WHO’S WHO artists he has known for years WHO’S WHO about one of them, the other one Frank Williams (guitar) means he can arrange tunes with Tyrone Jackson (piano) — Tyrone Jackson — proves you wrong, and perhaps Nancy Byron (vocals) specific players in mind. it’s because of this dynamic that — Frank Williams, Mad Whiskey Grin— Jackson illustrates his FORMED Mad Whiskey Grin is what it is FORMED versatility on the album by 1989 in New Orleans, La. surrounded by a rich mixture of performing at clubs and today. the same time, and said, ‘What Williams’ endless curiosity of 2008 in Athens, Ga. configuring the local musicians do you think?’” everything the guitar is capable LABEL jazz and soul food from birth, restaurants throughout Atlanta A combination of Williams’ into three distinct ensembles. but only started studying the and as a church pianist. Of sarcasm and Byron’s bluntness “It sounded like a rude question of (he often uses an old slide LABEL HotShoe Records Unsigned Sensitive ballads are presented music seriously when he met course, the ever-shrinking club brought the two together. to me,” Byron says, laughing. cut from the barrel of a shotgun in an intimate trio format, while LATEST RELEASE the pianist Ellis Marsalis, a scene means that jazz isn’t as Williams was looking for a After their initial meeting, that belonged to a prison guard LATEST RELEASE trumpet and saxophone are added Another Voyage (2009) professor at the University of present as it was when he moved vocalist to team up with and the two kept running into each in south ), combined Oiled Smoke Sessions (2009) for more lively . New Orleans. After he enrolled here a decade ago. But the Byron had just started singing other. One night, Byron decided with Byron’s dark, soulful vocals, Jackson’s accompaniment of ON THE WEB as a student and started private pianist is convinced that, with a in public. The two met through to invite Williams to one of her which manage to linger long ON THE WEB singers Laura Coyle and Kemba www.tyronejackson.com lessons, Jackson found playing little help, Atlanta can be known mutual friends, and when upcoming shows. after the song is over. In the same www.madwhiskeygrin.com Cofield is soft but forceful in its opportunities around town and as a jazz town. they were first introduced, “I was like, ‘Are you coming fashion with which they finish support. “Being a piano player, to my show?’” Byron says. “And each other’s sentences, they is growing as a musician on his began branching out musically. “When I lived in New Williams wasted no time with you find yourself in a lot of Frank said, ‘Well, are you coming complete what the other one is records, which, he says, is not “There are a lot of musicians who Orleans, the attraction was that pleasantries. different scenarios,” Jackson says. to mine at The Melting Point?’ trying to accomplish on stage. would be to pick up something necessarily a bad thing. “We’re are specialists in Atlanta, where you could find great music there. “Part of my idiom is “I could have done just a trio and I was like, ‘Sure, what do you “When we were partnered, it heavy and hit the guy with it supposed to get better anyway, they only play jazz. Within that I don’t know if people really interrupting the patterns of CD, but I love playing with a want me to sing?’” just floored me how quickly she until he stops twitching. But I’m so why not document that with a framework, they only play a think they can hear great jazz people’s lives,” says Williams. quintet; I love playing with horn The two ened up on stage caught on to the nuances of what a good writer of prose and I can CD?” he says. “There’s definitely specific type of jazz,” Jackson in Atlanta,” he says. “The rap “So when Nancy was introduced players and writing for them.” together, and, to their surprise, I was trying to say,” Williams create characters well, so Nancy evolution in my playing. My says. “There’s some people in scene and the hip-hop scene is to me as a singer I was like, ‘Yeah, Another Voyage captures it worked. In fact, it worked so says. “I’ve got a certain way of let me say things that I could not playing on Dedicated is good, New Orleans that if they tried thriving here. If people knew we well, can you sing the blues while Jackson at a specific point in his well that Williams says he now approaching the world, and it say for myself that I could let her but in the four years it took me to be a specialist, they wouldn’t had a thriving jazz community looking good in a red dress?’ career, playing a specific style has a hard time playing some of doesn’t always make for good say, and in fact she’s got stories of to do this one, my playing has survive.” of musicians, I think they would And she put her hand on her of music. Like his first release, his songs without Byron singing story telling, so I would often her own to tell.” definitely gotten a lot better.” This on-the-job experience come check it out.” hip, cocked that hip in a way I’ve Dedicated, the new CD is simply next to him. have trouble singing a song about Jackson came to jazz piano proved invaluable for Jackson, never seen before, managed to part of a progression. Jackson The duo’s sound is a result of a situation when my answer —Laurie Moot in college. He had been who now makes his living — Jon Ross look up at me and down at me at 12 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 13 red hot bs a fire that can’t be stomped out

Any man who affectionately refers to himself as “BS” should be required to be full of it. BLAKE SHELTON And Blake Shelton definitely MUSIC COUNTRY is – full of what, no one’s WHO’S WHO sure. But he does have plenty Blake Shelton (guitar, of good (not always nice) vocals) humor, powerful vocal delivery, sometimes sporadic TV spots, FORMED an insanely updated Twitter 2001 in Nashville, Tenn. account, questionably double- entendred meat marinating LABEL advice and even more suspect Warner Brothers Nashville party tips. LATEST RELEASE “If you’re ugly, buy everybody Startin’ Fires (2008) a drink. If you’re good lookin’… take your clothes off,” he kindly ON THE WEB suggests. www.blakeshelton.com That naked truth comes from one of many videos done for Great American Country near to Kelley’s heart, he said to at GACTV.com. He’s blazing her “you’re my cause.” different territory with the most There. Shelton’s “fire” side recent video foray — to get into courtesy blake shelton manner can melt hearts, too. the grills of contest-entrants “Almost every night someone everywhere. for the Cory Batten co-written comment (fan’s comment first/ will come to me and say ‘Man July/August’s “Summer BBQ “She Wouldn’t Be Gone.” Blake’s response): “If the yellow — that actually happened to me Sweepstakes with Blake Shelton” “Gone” is also the song he got turtle grabs the blue baloon will [the story of song ‘The Baby’]. flamed up no doubt thanks to to perform on this year’s ACM the sun turn green at midnight? It’s shocked me…to know how the meaty music on his current awards show. Shelton says: (via @ReverendMichael) And much that song means to people CD, Startin’ Fires. It also helped “Man, I was a nervous wreck will you smoke some more is pretty amazing. I by far get him get in the hot seat as their performing on that thing…I crack?” more sentimental stories. ‘Cause “Artist of the Month” for July. had my fingers crossed we Now how’s about that for sexy there’s not a lot of people who He found himself in a hotter would get to do it. My favorite talk? Some “People” must enjoy can actually relate to ‘Ol Red.’ seat with the George Strait part of being an artist is being it. Shelton made the magazine’s It’s always relationship stories, ACM All Star Concert, a CBS on stage. And I’m glad I got to “Sexiest…” list in 2008, clawed etc., I hear out there.” special featuring select artists do the ACM’s that way. One of down from the top by Hugh Continuing, he clarifies that covering George Strait classics. my favorite ways to perform is Jackman. he’s referring to those with a Shelton, along with Miranda acoustically.” “I mean, can you believe that? significant non-canine other, Lambert, sang the sweet “It Ain’t But hold the phone! Despite What a rip-off,” he laments.” not the “damndest dog” one’s Cool.” Funny, given Shelton’s what acoustic, or his second Who is that guy?” ever seen. current album title — plus, single “I’ll Just Hold On,” “No, really — that whole “I was shocked to have the #1 both were probably sweating might lead some to believe, this thing is pretty funny to me. Love Song,” the self-professed buckets (figuratively speaking). smooth operator shows no sign When I look at myself in the “Lord of Love” says of the GAC He also told of the first time of slowing down. mirror, the last thing I think of Love Songs special he hosted. he met Strait, complete with In fact, Shelton has a need is sexy guy — somewhere along “That came out of nowhere! But voice inflections; “Damn,” he to Tweet something fierce. the way someone must have my fan base is really active; they [Strait] said of the 6’5” Shelton. Showing he’s too much twit to taken a really, really, really good make a war out of voting.” “I thought you were standing on quit, he uses his 140 characters to picture of me.” With all this plus more going a step.” display such wit as the following Speaking of good sides, for him and armed with insults Even more impressive, to his “followers:” another video features Shelton via Tweets that are so low you Shelton successfully opened blakeshelton “Ok, I’m off to and GAC host Nan Kelley could sit on a matchstick and several shows for Strait over the apply for a loan so I can fill this singing “Islands in the Stream” swing your lovely feet, who summer. MF’n bus with feul!!!!!” at his 2009 Fan Club party — knows what territory Shelton “One of the good things that blakeshelton “Then I’m his fans surprised her to the will set ablaze next. Fire-starter goes along with this type of going to swing by the third grade point of tears with their birthday or not, that’s nothing to shake a momentum is things like offers and learn how to spell “fuel”...... gift to Blake — an $11,400 stick at. to go out with George Strait,” SON OF A BITCH!!!!!!! donation to the Leukemia and he told the crowd at his #1 party Then there’s this off-color Lymphoma Society. Something — Melissa Coker

14 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE FOLK MUSIC the earley signs are good behind blitzen trapper’s front man’s relentless writing BLITZEN TRAPPER

WHO’S WHO Eric Earley (vocals, guitar) Eric Menteer (guitar, keyboard) Marty Marquis (vocals, guitar, keyboard) Drew Laughery (keyboard) Michael Van Pelt (bass) Brian Adrian Koch (drums) FORMED 2003 in Portland, Ore. LABEL Sub Pop LATEST RELEASE Black River Killer EP (2009) ON THE WEB www.blitzentrapper.net

photo: jade harris The release of the Here’s the romantic version to deflect the question,” he says, bits of Neil Young (“Neil Young B-Side collection is meant — the romanticized version, laughing. “It’s like anything — that’s kind of the ultimate. … to feed the public’s apparent maybe — of the American American. It’s completely People have said we sound like addiction to Blitzen Trapper : a scraggly, bearded enigmatic and confusing, and Neil Young,” Earley says), bits tunes while awaiting the dude sitting under a 60-watt there’s something to it that’s of Pavement and a touch of arrival of the band’s next full light bulb at 3 a.m., ankle deep just uniquely this continent. Elliot Smith collide? If Blitzen length, something that’s much in crumpled lyric sheets, chain The country is so big and there’s Trapper’s sound is any clue, the closer to a reality than most may smoking Camel Lights and so many people and so much answer is apparently yes. think. taking pulls off a lukewarm gin culture — it’s very vast like that. “I don’t know. I just write “It’s pretty close to and tonic while penning the But you can draw from all kinds songs that end up on records,” he done,” Earley says. “We’ve got a next big thing. of areas and have it be American says. “I just keep writing and couple more to add that should It’s perfect, poetic, striking music.” sort of figure out what makes be done before too long.” ... but it’s not Eric Earley. The specific culture in which sense together.” In the wake of critical success, “No,” laughs the songwriting Blitzen Trapper is immersed is The above statement it’s not hard (or uncommon) brains of Portland, Ore.’s sextet the proven breeding ground of is somewhat of a for pressure and expectations to sensation, Blitzen Trapper. the Northwestern United States, contradiction; Blitzen’s newest spike to creative-juice-crushing “That’s not me.” a place rife with legends, labels effort, Black River Killer EP, is levels. But if that’s the case with Make no mistake about it, and underground talent that actually a collection of songs Earley and his band, it’s not easy though, romanticized or not, have commanded the spotlight that didn’t end up on a record. to tell. Earley is not only an American for the better part of the last few “It’s a lot of songs that were “I think our success has been songwriter, but he’s quickly decades. recorded between Wild Mountain so gradual that I don’t feel like become one of the most “I do hear people talk about Nation and , and they were we have anything to prove,” he acclaimed of his generation. the Northwest a lot,” Earley just songs that didn’t go onto says. “Success for me is just Blitzen Trapper’s 2007 says. “I think that’s just because Furr for whatever reason. We’ve the slow progression of playing effort, Wild Mountain Nation, of the amount of bands that played them all live, but [they] bigger shows for people and became that year’s critical live there and the amount of were never released,” Earley says, having people buy the record. darling, and the follow-up, successful bands that are from though he doesn’t cast the EP’s That’s pretty simplistic, I guess. Furr, was named ’s the area, and yeah, there are tracks as unworthy of inclusion That’s everyone’s goal, isn’t it?” #13 album of 2008. These two certain sounds that go with on Furr. “The EP is very closely Everyone’s goal, yes, but it’s records define a sound Earley certain environments.” connected to Furr, and I think becoming Blitzen Trapper’s simply labels “American music.” Is the Pacific Northwest the songs are good — as good as reality. “I just said [American music] where bits of , any of the songs on Furr.” —Alec Wooden ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 17 mayberry 2.0 The Friends of the Georgia Museum of Art Present From Winterville to the Paradox of a Lonely Parade

Welcome to Winterville, Ga. MUSIC FOLK Population: 1,100. This leafy THE little hamlet is nestled about six miles from Athens in what could be labeled as Georgia’s answer to Mayberry — one main road, one library, one police station and one Americana rock star? Okay, so maybe this isn’t your art typical Andy Griffith town, but that same sense of southern hospitality rings true for Dodd Ferrelle and his family of artists. The Savannah-born musician has two children — a violin-playing 3-year-old boy and a 2-year-old F:music drummer chick — and a wife with a knack for painting and the arts. That leaves us with the man Tuesday, October 20, 2009 of the house, Dodd Ferrelle, who just released his seventh studio 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. album, paradoxically titled Lonely photo: alyssa de hayes Parades. At Stan Mullins Studio, 650 Pulaski Street, Athens, GA 30601 “I just felt like they [the words Mills bandmate Jon Mills, who put some neat studio stuff on it ‘Lonely’ and ‘Parades’] were plays bass on Lonely Parades. The DODD FERRELLE and it sounded huge and really pretty neat because even though last time the two collaborated on pretty to me and I just loved it.” Grammy Award-winning musician and artist Art Rosenbaum will perform you can be in this crowd of five or an album was back in 2003 on WHO’S WHO Ferrelle’s experimentation selections of traditional American music with a few of his friends. 10 thousand people on any given Sweet Lowland (songs inspired Dodd Ferrelle (vocals/ with new instruments and his day, or in a parade, or any march by Tybee Island and Savannah). acoustic/electric guitar/ ability to constantly evolve his to work, I still thought that there “When this opportunity came glockenspiel) sound is what makes his musical Refreshments will be served. was a little sense of loneliness.” along to make a solo record he career so successful. This type This theme of loneliness that was the first person I called,” FORMED of commitment to his career resonates throughout the album Ferrelle says of Mills. The two 2001 in Athens, Ga. carries over into his commitment parted ways shortly after they to his family. In the backyard doesn’t seem like something LABEL Ferrelle really has to worry about moved to Athens. Jon went to Two Sheds Music of Ferrelle’s quaint Winterville — Winterville just radiates with play with several different bands, home, construction is underway safety and love. But Ferrelle did while Ferrelle started work with LATEST RELEASE on a brand new recording space $15 Friends of the Museum, $20 non-members find inspiration for his songs from his band, The Tinfoil Stars. He Lonely Parades (2009) that will also provide an art personal experience and through also explains how working with COURTESY vanguard records studio for his wife. the experiences of others. Mills is, in a way, like coming ON THE WEB “It’s hard to get away to paint. For reservations, please call 706.542.0830 by October 15, 2009 “Personally, from seeing back home. “People that play www.doddferrelle.com I think she’s about to get to a someone else go through it with you long enough, especially point where she can. That’s the when you’re first starting and reason we did this now. And all and then once I grab onto that sections. For example, take you’re learning your way of of this natural light, we left me in emotion and start to let it out the steps it took to incorporate songwriting and what kind of my cave over here so that she can it kind of transforms and goes different instruments into the songwriter you’re gonna be, they paint in the light out there.” through this catharsis in terms of walking-drum ballad, “What’s This event is generously sponsored by Stan Mullins and can kind of guess your next move. So, in a way, Dodd Ferrelle just bigger character and I don’t Another Broken Heart?” THE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE. So when you’re on stage or in the is a lot like Mayberry’s Andy know if that makes any sense, but “We were on the way to studio it’s just really easy. It’s just Griffith — loyal, caring and just I guess there is a darkness to a lot Jacksonville and I had the rough great.” an altogether family man. Except of the songs I write,” he explains. mixes in the car when the band • Ferrelle’s songwriting process this Winterville resident has “There are a lot of up beat songs was sleeping and I just had that is not something that could be something Griffith never had: with a lot of dark content, but in my head [hums melody] classified as “easy.” A better word a hauntingly beautiful Robert there was probably a sense of and knew it was a trumpet,” he would be sporadic — ideas for Plant-esque wail and a soothing loneliness and a sense of some of explains. “We got back and we songs aren’t necessarily mapped sound. It seems the people around me feeling the put the trumpet on there. And out, but they come to him in this long running parade is far same way.” with the glockenspiel it was the For more information on GMOA on the Move and “The Art of” series, visit: either the form of lyrics, a melody from being lonely. On the record, Ferrelle same way, I heard the bells and or just in single instrument — Jessica Cole www..edu/gamuseum reunites with his old Me’an we doubled it with guitars and 18 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE POPMUSIC

o NB: Speaking of songs, what’s the story behind the ‘Boys With Girlfriends’ song? once a georgia girl k mei M: I was really good friends with this guy and he was like my always a georgia girl best friend. He had this girlfriend that really didn’t like me and got jealous about how close we were and really got in the way. I COURTESY COURTESY

MUSIC POP guess she gave him the ultimatum of staying friends with me or Since making the big move to the West Coast, M: I got fired from there because I asked for staying with her. He ended up just not returning my phone calls she may have lost her accent — but 27-year- a month off because I wanted to go to Spain. or not being my friend anymore. I felt pretty crossed by that old singer/songwriter Meiko from Macon, And I had saved up my money for a like a year situation. Ga., hasn’t lost her love for the South. to go to Spain and I asked for the time off and they said no. It was a combination of quitting NB: Have you heard from him today? Nicole Black: Why did you decide to move to and getting fired. M: I think they’re married and have a baby now. I’m from California? Georgia; I’m used to like hanging out with the boys, drinking Meiko: Well, I have an older sister and she NB: What made you decide to visit Spain? beers and talking shit. I took that to L.A. And I love that I’m was living in Miami at the time I graduated M: Well, I guess growing up in a small town in like that and I do have a lot of guy friends. Sometimes you get a high school. I went through one semester Georgia; I really never got out of town. I never cool guy friend with a stupid girlfriend and you just have to deal of college and I didn’t really want to be there travelled a lot as a kid. I had all these dreams with it, I guess. (Georgia) so I went to Miami to be with her. of traveling and going to all these different Then I kind of moved to L.A. to kind of take exotic places. When I became an adult and NB: What is the concept behind the video, “Under My Bed”? a break and figure out what I really wanted to once that was possible, I took advantage of it. M: The whole point of the song “Under My Bed” is the fact that do in life. I thought I was going to go back And I went to Spain because I was in love I would be in these relationships, we would break up and I would to college but that never really quite worked with a boy that was from there so I went to be done with it, and I would have all these souvenirs and things out. see him. It was the greatest thing ever. I was that reminded me of them and I would put them literally in a there for a month and travelled around and box under my bed. And that’s how I wrote the song. I realized NB: A lot of people move to LA to get noticed. that I had all these boxes under my bed, different people I had M: No, that wasn’t it at all. It was super been with. I actually wanted to call up some ex-boyfriends and random. My sister’s boyfriend wanted to MEIKO ask them to be in the video but I didn’t have the balls to do that go there for a bartending job, and she was (laughs). following him, and I was like, ‘You can’t leave me, I just moved to Miami with you.’ WHO’S WHO NB: Do you notice any guy groupies, yet? Meiko (vocals, guitar) M: (laughs) I do, it’s really cute. I think it’s adorable that I have NB: What was your first job there? guy fans that come to a bunch of shows. I usually just have a M: I started working at Gold’s Gym, making FORMED bunch of chicks in the front row but it’s cute for me to see boys protein shakes at a juice bar, which was the 2007 in , Calif. there, too. Some of my fans are really cool. Like, I have this older suckiest job I’ve ever had. I did that for a motorcycle guy in L.A. that always comes to my shows, with a couple years. Then I started waiting tables at LABEL Lucky Ear/MySpace/DCG leather jacket with patches on it and I’m like, ‘You’re so cool.’ a few random places. But the coolest place I worked at was a music venue called The Hotel LATEST RELEASE NB: Would you ever go on a date with any of them? Café. That’s when things started to click. That’s Meiko (2008) M: No, I try to keep that separate. That’s scary to me. I try not when I really started to focus on playing out to get personal. The last thing I want is to be cut up in someone’s more and performing and making a record. ON THE WEB freezer (laughs). www.meikomusic.com NB: Is the staff at The Hotel Café all musicians NB: Would you still consider yourself a down-home country girl? who get to play there? M: I do. I appreciate fried chicken, and cornbread, and collard M: I played there once before I ever got a greens more than anyone else I know. And I will always have a job there. I got friendly with the owners and love for Bud Light. I’ve been to a few mud bogs in my life. started hanging out there a lot. I actually got ate all kinds of crazy food. It was more than fired from this Indian restaurant I was waiting one blessing because I got to see Spain for the NB: What do you miss most about Georgia? tables at so when I got fired I called up the first time, and then, you know, I got fired from M: I miss the comfort of knowing that everyone around you guy at The Hotel Café and said, ‘You have to that Indian restaurant and ended up getting actually cares about you. That’s probably the coolest thing about hire me,’ and he said, ‘Well, it just so happens the cool job at The Hotel Café and my life going home; hanging out with all my friends and family and we’re starting to hire waitresses for the first kind of changed drastically after that. just knowing that they knew you when you were little and they time.’ They didn’t have cocktail waitresses genuinely love you and care about you and what’s going on with before me, I was the first one. I was the only NB: What happened to the guy in Spain? “I’m from Georgia, I’m used to like your life. They’re so sincere there. In the city, and definitely the singer/songwriter that worked there. It was M: We dated for four years and we actually hanging out with the boys, drinking music industry, you don’t get a lot of sincerity. a matter of if someone didn’t show up for a just broke up not too long ago. But it was a beers and talking shit. I took that to gig or someone cancelled or someone really good four years (laughs). It was a nice run. L.A. And I love that I’m like that NB: Do you ever wonder where you would be now if you had stayed big was playing, they would always think and I do have a lot of guy friends. in Georgia? of me, like, ‘Oh, do you want to play in this NB: So was the breakup a lot of the inspiration M: You just gave me the willies (laughs). I don’t think it would slot?’ I got to open up for Patti Griffin one for the album? Sometimes you get a cool guy friend with a stupid girlfriend and you just be good. If I were still in Macon now, I’d probably have a bunch time, which was probably the coolest person I M: Yeah, breakups are inspirational. I write of kids and could possibly be miserable. I’d work in an office have to deal with it, I guess.” opened up for there. a lot about feelings that come from stuff like somewhere; I don’t think it’d be a good thing. that. But the record is also about kind of —Meiko— NB: Why did you get fired from the Indian missing somebody. — Nicole Black restaurant? 20 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 21 An unlikely trio and a ride of unexpected sounds

The Delfields threw the punk scene in New Brunswick, N.J., for a loop when it formed in 2006 with a distinctive indie- pop sound: a genre hard to pin down and, in the Delfields’ case, one that mixes interesting chord progressions with melodic twists. But whatever indie-pop really is, Joseph Fekete, the band’s lead singer and songwriter, is happy to talk about The Delfields’ music and its eclectic followers. “Depending on where we play, we will see everyone from bearded intellectuals, to guys who look like they came right out of the most glitzy night club in town, to folks who seem like they would be quite at home dining with my parents, all really enjoying what we are doing on stage,” he says. Music has always been the primary focus of Fekete’s life ever since he refused to go to COURTESY team clermont bed unless someone sang him a lullaby. He later attended college at Rutgers as a full-time student, THE “The inspiration behind Ogres was essentially to taught guitar at Lou Rose Music DELFIELDS turn a lot of really bad things that were happening Center part-time and played with into something good that people could enjoy.” another band in his spare time. He met his fellow band members WHO’S WHO while teaching guitar, and The Joseph Fekete (vocals, — Joseph Fekete, The Delfields— Delfields were born. guitar), Ryan Shook (bass/ Fekete didn’t immediately vocals), Kyle Shook (drums) variety of music that might seem performing or something of the know twins Ryan and Kyle Shook eclectic; he spent time studying like, and I find them to be boring were perfect for the band. FORMED , The Beatles, Erik and trite. This video really only “The truth is when we began 2006 in New Brunswick, Satie, Tchaikovsky, The Ventures, had one character in it (whose playing it was a very informal N.J. Beethoven, Debussy and a lot of face is visible). I approached my folk music — all of which you friend Alexander Rioh to be the thing,” he says. “We went into LABEL it with no preconceived notions independent can catch a glimpse of on Ogres. main character in the video, and I about what would come out of As a complement to these diverse think he really did a fantastic job the experience.” LATEST RELEASE sounds, The Delfields even have a with it.” Eight months after being Ogres (2009) to go with the single The band hopes to release the introduced to the twins, The “Ogres” consisting completely of EP Sooner Than You Think by late Delfields began making music for ON THE WEB stop-motion animation. fall/early winter, and next summer, its recently released album, Ogres. http://www.myspace.com/ “I wanted the video to stand the band will do a few small tours. A majority of the lyrics on the thedelfields by itself as an idea independent As for now, Fekete and the Shook album are about relationships of the song that would be further twins will continue composing gone awry because at the time the enhanced by the song’s presence. songs and sharing their music. band was recording, the boys were The song goes between a cheerful, “You don’t have the time struggling to maintain personal and instead of letting it win, we bright verse to a darker and more to engage any preconceived relationships of their own. made lemonade.” ominous chorus, and I wanted notions,” says Fekete, explaining “The inspiration behind Ogres The Delfields combine sounds those moods conveyed in the The Delfields’ mantra. “Things was essentially to turn a lot from all genres, but upon hearing video,” Fekete says. “Despite just pop up in my brain, and I of really bad things that were the band’s music, a listener might the fact that I was told by many am happy to let them out and happening into something good be reminded of or people that we should appear in it, introduce them to the world.” that people could enjoy,” Fekete Death Cab For Cutie. Growing I decided against it. All too often says. “It was a rough time for us, up, Fekete listened to a wide I see videos with footage of a band —Sarah Saltzman ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 23 FIGHTING FOR THE HOOK ATLANTA QUARTET DOESN’T MISS A BEAT ON SOPHOMORE EFFORT MUSIC ROCK

Believe it or not, there are we want to make for other people. explains Toledo. “I can appreciate those among us in the music TRANCES ARC I’m glad that other people are the no chorus, or the ‘anti- industry still fighting for the hearing that when they listen to chorus.’ I loved and grew hook. In these days of post- the music, because that’s what up on Mozart and Bach. But the everything where genres break WHO’S WHO we’re aiming for.” chorus is where the connection down left and right into further Danny Silvestri (bass), On TA, the band’s second happens for me. I won't call it subcategories, the enduring pop Brad Hagen (drums), proper full-length, those hooks a hook, cause, well, that's just elements of a strong melody and Eric Toledo (guitar, keys, still stand front and center selling out isn't it?” vocals), Michael Dorio memorable chorus wane from (guitar) even as the band matures. The In the end, the members of the mainstream consciousness of instrumentation feels full, Trances Arc hope the songs music lovers. But try telling that FORMED the chemistry more mature, resonate with their intended to the members of Trances Arc – 2001 in Atlanta, GA but the love of the melodic audience and enable them to keep crafters of some of the prettiest – construction remains. And that moving forward. It’s a humbling yes, prettiest – hooks you’ll hear LABEL will undoubtedly remain the case, balance of creating melodies today. independent no matter how far they get into for the world to hear and then That’s not to emasculate the their career. wondering if you’ll even get that Atlanta quartet in any way. On LATEST RELEASE “I hear so many bands chance. For Toledo, it’s worth the the contrary, it requires powerful Trances Arc (2009) interviewed who say, ‘We made effort simply for the chance to descriptors like beautiful to ON THE WEB the record we wanted to make make a new record. describe the strong pop/rock www.trancesarc.com and I don’t really give a shit who “As far as expectations go, sensibilities present with Michael likes it or not,’” says Dorio. “I’m I'm more the realist than my Dorio, Brad Hagen, Daniel thinking, ‘That’s cool, I guess.’ For optimistic band mates,” says Silvestri and Eric Toledo. And that little nugget will sit in a me, it’s never been about that. I Toledo. “I'm of the mindset that though it might run counter- closet until it evokes a melody don’t have any strange behavioral I'm thankful for the opportunity cultural to today’s musical trends, worth hammering on. We like to issues or insecurities that I need to have captured this collection that’s just the way the four-piece think that if a song can't translate to work out through my music. of songs. This band has been likes it. with an acoustic guitar and the We’re all happy people with great through a lot and setting high “Melody has always been the melody itself, then it’s crap.” families. So when we go into the expectations is just asking for backbone of our songs mainly “At the end of the day, if it’s studio, we want to make music a disappointment, so I'm just because of our writing process,” not melodically infectious or at to inspire people, to get them to grateful that Trances Arc had the says Toledo, the band’s vocalist least something that someone love music.” opportunity to crank out another and keyboardist. “Everyone would want to hear more than “We all grew up on songs – song record and hope that people contributes chord progressions, once, we generally shove it to the being the magic word that used enjoy it as much as we enjoyed rhythmic ideas, tales and starry- side,” agrees Dorio, TA’s rhythm to be made up of a melody and creating it.” eyed stories, but if it doesn't guitarist. “We all grew up on this thing that nobody likes to inspire a melody, then it’s likely music like that and it’s something write any more called a ‘chorus.’,” — Matt Conner 24 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE RHYME, RHYTHM & SOUL RHYTHM RHYME, MUSIC Artist in Wonderland Janelle Monae’s world of wonder, excitement and a lil’ hip hop

Diddy probably summed 5)3&&:&"34 Janelle Monae up best: “She is a true visionary, with an original sound and a mesmerizing presence. I can’t wait to watch "/%8&"3&45*--3*-%*/( the future unfold for Janelle.” Contestants on the music impresario’s MTV reality show “Make His Band” can only hope the boss man one day offers similar thoughts about them. Mr. Combs shouldn’t feel any lesser for falling under Monae’s spell. Numerous other rap acts, from Outkast’s Big Boi to Gnarls Barkley’s Cee-lo, have been equally enamored. And really, that’s the bizarre part in all of this: On the surface, Janelle’s colorful homogeny of funk, pop and soul seems light years away from rap’s dank corners. But leave it to the lively Monae to make sense of it all. “I’m just a lover of timeless and exceptional music,” begins the Kansas City native who moved to Georgia partially to follow in idol James Brown’s footsteps. “I’ll say it’s about the character. I don’t just gravitate towards anyone. I think that my maker put these “I have a responsibility to creating art and coming individuals in my life, I think, to up with new concepts and ideas. And I have a JANELLE MONAE help take me to the next point. responsibility to my community, especially young girls. I also have a relationship with I really hate talking a lot, so I try to lead by example.” Prince. I have a relationship with WHO’S WHO a few other artists who I admire Janelle Monae (vocals) and respect in the music industry, — Janelle Monae— whether it be in hip hop to rock FORMED 2007 in Atlanta, Ga. ‘n’ roll to whatever you wanna been a supporter of me as a young Stump and Panic at the Disco’s classify it as.” businesswoman and as an artist. Brandon Urie were hand-picked LABEL Monae’s Wondaland Arts He’s helped guide me through. for the job. Subsequent promo Atlantic Society imprint connected But at the same time, he’s left us tours and TV appearances have with Diddy’s Bad Boy early last alone as a production company given the plucky performer LATEST RELEASE year in an effort to get her re- and an artist to just continue to even more chances to spread her Metropolis Suites II & III packaged project Metropolis: soar and soar with our art.” unique sound. The Chase Suite out to as many Janelle’s musical artistry — “All I have to do is continue to ON THE WEB eager ears as humanly possible. oh, the vibrant musician is stay true to my values,” Monae www.janellemonae.com Diddy respected her ingenuity also pretty darn handy with adds. “I have a responsibility to and eccentricities. Monae had a the paintbrush and easel, too creating art and coming up with similar admiration for Combs’ — is beginning to get noticed new concepts and ideas. And professionalism. by others outside of hip hop, I have a responsibility to my myself that people are very open- “He’s been in the business for too. Coca-Cola began work on community, especially young girls. minded to new concepts and a while now,” details Monae. “I an ad campaign called “Open I really hate talking a lot, so I try ideas, but they don’t know what don’t care if you’re in hip hop or Happiness” earlier this year and to lead by example. I don’t like to they wanna hear until they hear HELP THE PEOP/LE& C8OM0E 3HO-M&E"/4 not, if you don’t respect me as it needed a spunky, fresh sound marginalize networks like BET it. I feel like I’ll be heard and I a young woman or respect my for the commercial. Monae, Cee- or MTV, for that matter, or us feel like I’ll be seen.” art [we don’t have anything to lo, Gym Class Heroes’ Travis as an African-American culture WWW.PNOLA.ORG discuss]. From the get-go, he’s McCoy, Fall Out Boy’s Patrick or a Chinese culture. I always tell — DeMarco Williams ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 27 28 MUSIC ALBUM REVIEWS ear piece amere than album. ortheatrical anepic portrait unfolding more like ananimist fans and newcomers alike, addition for brilliant seasoned towards theThisisa sublime. and and beyondthe mundane listeners to reachdaring above proficiencies, inits that delights create they aptitude, apiece to downplay theirmusical Projectors refuse the Dirty As turn. his bandmates at every are musicality with insync and heady riffs infused Indian Dave Longstreth’s hallmarked a chilling otherworldliness. swells andwhose quivers craft Doves,” “Two lullaby majestic and the The Is Move” “Stillness ballad pop 80s-style juxtaposed respectively on the solo oddly allowed space to shine they as and Deradoorian,are Angel band’s Coffman Amber ladies, accent The sonnet-like lyrics. into lustrous legatos that throaty wails before settling which deliver fiercelypunctuated for bed vocals awarm down lays bass landscapes; African beforeclamors invoking West and clangs guitar voice: electric unique its within morphs piece, eachsong instrument the nine-all levels. Throughout while welcoming music lovers of prowess musical unabashed to date at maintainingtheir may the mostsuccessful be repertoire, , Projectors’ Bitte Orca The latest addition to the Dirty latestThe addition Dirty to the D ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE Projectors irty (Ingrid Sibley) Sibley) (Ingrid andy candy what they alreadywhat they well. do so four-piece continuing to exhibit inventive, as classify it’s a largely moments some niche.pop While intoClientele folk/their beautiful on the Heath cements The further that inhalf. the album divides “Sketch,” rock romp anup-tempo of saidhalf. be samecan The change-up on Bonfire YourSee Face” offer a welcome KnowI’ll on “I and flair Spanish here. horns The Sufjanesque that arevariations present “Bonfires on the Heath”). approachsomber (“Tonight,” amore or choosing the Night”) Wonder We Who Are,” “Share (“I up ratcheting the energy remains intact whether largely Clientele’s dreamy folk/pop still in the background.The Thus, buoyant percussion unfolds still same The vocal arrangements. MacLean’senvelops Alasdair release. same still misty The fog have on each recent Clientele propel each track forward they as convinced, that’s great news. for And on thislatest. the already hardly theirapproach changed quartet since the London globe employed by reviewers ‘round the be doubtlessly will or “subdued” “Warm,” “inviting,” “melancholic” referencing Bonfires on the Heath. won’talbums diversify when Clientele’semerge around The All thingsconsidered,All Bonfires That’s not to dismissthe guitars still jangling same The thatThe generallydescriptors Bonfires on the Heath The C lientele (Matt Conner) ’s second songs speak for speak songs him. his lets always, McCaughey As You’re Bub”). Me aDrink, Buying (“Tonight weepers honky-tonk Moon”) and Up homicidal Beat folk (“Big Dylan-esque strummy Would Sacrifice Rather You”) to faux-gospel sing-alongs (“I from veering twisted songs slice-of-life whimsy, 14 with Davies’atmosphere Ray with Gram Parsons’ world weary result that isanalbum mixes groupThe vocals. backing girl and guitars, electric steel, jangly rock pedal band with country sympathetic into aperfectly guests coordinating hisassorted air-traffic controller,an expert provesband), McCaughey to be cover Gees Bee (anallgirl Gees Bee and the She Decemberists the of cast the contributing of most by Peter R.E.M., of Buck Joined storytelling. observational askew ishisslightly it as friends for hisassorted the talentsof much 5isas Minus ashowcase latest release at The the helm of McCaughey’s as to that list, Killingsworth Add hisprojects. of inany acceptfully the spotlight for unwilling workto seems but he never lacks R.E.M., of member Fellows to atouring workingas rock faves the Young Fresh restless. From leading '80scollege too weird, he’s because but too he’s status because —not artist above cult neverhas quite risen McCaughey Scott eccentrics, One of the great American the great of One American Killingsworth The Minus5 (Matt Fink ) (Matt Fink from thisoffering. take can something asoul with condition untouched. Anyone no human left has Radney by suchtragedy). families struck proceeds the album's goof to will fallen soldiers home (aportion National Guard makes to bring Force thefor Air the journey proud “Angel Flight,” named onbut helps out the solemn life Darius ain’t gonnait. cut reminder that half-assing in it It’s“Until Gone,” anupbeat chimes inon Dierks help out. Rucker and Darius to Bentley thrown infor measure. good gospel up-in-the-aisle-and-sing astand-wrenching with ballads, from foot-tappingrock to heart- the tempo ebbs and flows salt, any with as its revival worth and self-assurance.trust And redemption, death, forgiveness, histakes on faith, love,gives Radney the same, of reprise Revival,” anacoustic and the last, “Athe upbeatand hopeful Little to thespirit. human preachy —rather like an“Amen!” tracks. It’s thirteen its end of not like you’ve gone by the through that’sAnd what you feel exactly The Confessions to record wonder he enlisted hisroad band 50—it’syears and turning no after hisson reuniting 12 with Foster’s had—losing hisfather, By the end, you’ll find that the end, you’ll By pals Dierks recruited Radney track, the opening Between Honestly, after the year Radney Revival R adney F

oster (Phil Pyle) Revival . progresses — Sunsets as true evidence cooperation of proves While collaborative little thought. what of The anexample as Pastelsbest do yet serving revealing bit, It slumbers early on, dragging through afive-minute through on, dragging slumbersearly It astunningpiece work not it's of either.minds, disasterpop of astupefying isnot Two Sunsets While not. it's But match. perfect record like a sounds alliances for pop forging It of albums. elegant considered the godfathers whileTenniscoats twee, of aproven has forces, there was room for excitement.all,The After Pastels are The Glasgow's Pastels When and Tokyo's Tenniscoats joined anyone? and MickJagger Bowie anyone with Soul the results –and are sometimes –David tragic Teenage with Soul hell, De –Defusions La La Fanclub, Gorillaz, create they Sometimes enthralling isthe point. which Iguess There's no what'stelling to come from musical collaborations, Two Sunsets P even theirsong. identity. asole with stamping Sunsets The only defined tracknot is one did (thetake another album three years to make) instead of background. Maybetoo much the to bandsspent catering time bands—too oftenbecome the songs both of the best highlight and Tenniscoats' guitar lilting Sodone's Saya singing Ueno's playful good. good. well, nice. the And result Not isjust, not bad, then again but muted and tame. come they across together but as music, and dynamic purposeful The theirown On Pastels and Tenniscoats produce both like —sounding alate addition. decent take feels but sorts of out Friend (Matt Fink) (Matt Fink) continues the conversation last. its until thatalbum announces presence its first inits moments and achesincerity, melodies and whose with mystery of a mood an words one whose landscape, create aunique internal surveys Air on “This the closing Day.” strums and autoharp All inall,Upper torumbling the atmospheric Clouds” “Silver of twists melodic the awakening slowly percussion the gorgeous underneath listen, from every and countermelodies texturalwith new shifts Theprovide arrangements remarkable replay value, revealing help steer Moore back from freak-folk of the edge platitudes. Tacular’sbut bittersweet touches and accordion piano violin, of now tends and again, toward tropes Newevery Age imagery Toto himself, othersand the earth. that end, the expansive weave amulti-layered together exploration man’s of relationship coyotes, mindsto and wandering nervous houses, diamond croon mellifluous to lifesoftly to bring of stately cast a pines, accordions. Moore remains acaptivating presence, his using and mewing acoustic guitars their template strummed of folk-pop musty of that songs refinebut from rarely depart honing theircraft metaphors, into aseries and earthbound Tacular Beth edges soft of out instrumentalist songs construct Phil MooreDark and multi- Horse off, vocalist/guitarist left love,of and nature. self where up Picking 2007’s for Hymns a Carolina’s Bowerbirds,avisceral exploration and often vivid North , the secondfrom album Raleigh, Air Upper opens So my, Oh and and gagged. bound bed what apredicament.” (Ed Morales)(Ed astels/T “One morning you“One wake morning to find areyou shackled to your Air Upper Bowerbirds ” that feels like forever. enniscoats “ About You,About ” a Jesus and Mary Chain cover, Chain aJesusis and Mary “ “ Boats Vivid YouthVivid ” is a charming piece, while isacharming ” awakens a the album “ Song ForSong a [email protected] accessories .planners t-shirts .beach&golf http://pptpromo.geigermall.com calendars .executive screenprint .stickers magnets .umbrellas gifts .embroidery & pens .mugs .bags etcetera etcetera Rachel Williams Lovers & Liars

24-year-old Nashville Star alumna Rachel Williams (no relation to Hank) is a simply sensational live performer who's good at getting her hooks into the listener early on, and that's proven with the album's opener, a hooky rockin' country number which shows she isn't afraid to get her hands dirty and plow on through for a chance new love might grow in “Unbroken Ground.” “You Let Me” sees things settle (a bit more sadly) down to reality with lyrics like “I never would have guessed|That you could be so heartless|How could I have known that you'd let me let you go?” Things seem to take a turn for the worst again on the next track; however, once one hears the “but” in “What If We Do,” there soon follows several signs of a possible more positive end in sight. Another thing to love about Lovers & Liars (her third release, by the way) is an outspoken statement which comes courtesy of “I'm A Woman,” another uptempo whose hook is “I'm a woman (to love).” The song wraps up with Rachel proclaiming “I'm a woman, I'm a woman, I'm a woman...” as if there could be any doubt! Unfortunately she may be loved a little too much — on “In Between” an old flame continues to call her up, though they both know it's not a wise move. The affecting soulful plea begins with “please don't call me, as harmless as it seems.” Also, Rachel actually deserves the designation of “performing songwriter” — having co-written everything on this collection (she even co-produced). Several other writers of note contributed, including Bruce Wallace (“Unbroken Ground”) and Angela Kaset (“Where My Line Is”) pen behind 's smash single “Something in Red,” among others. No lie — in this case, perhaps some pop-country isn't as bad as some folks think it's cracked up to be. (Melissa Coker)

A Sunny Day in Glasgow Guy Clark Hank Williams Ashes Grammar Somedays the Song Writes You 127 Rose Avenue

I'm not one to pigeonhole bands by where As a whole, artists Every rose has its thorn. And they come from, after all not every band have longevity unmatched by those Hank’s not afraid to show his thorny from is grungy, nor is every band in any other music category. Rappers side on 127 Rose Avenue, with pow- from Nashville stuck on country. have a career span in the single erful takes on justice, near-pover- But after a first listen of Ashes Grammar by digits—how quickly would Dana ty, family trees, bluegrass, women A Sunny Day in Glasgow, I was rather sure Dane get laughed offstage today? with over-the-top tastes, and more. I had the band pegged as European, maybe And I doubt we are in danger of Avenue finds him walking new streets not Scottish (too obvious), but certainly anyone covering W.A.S.P. songs in the on his first album of all-new mate- from the UK. Those electronic foreseeable future. rial since 2003’s I’m One of You. interludes, the dreamy Cocteau Twins (easy But Texas-born Guy Clark is another The cleverly-titled first single “Red, reach, I know) lyrics, that overt Sigur Ros story. For those new to the troubadour, White, and Pink Slip Blues,” almost imme- resonance — no doubt they were from singer/songwriter genre, it’s definitely diately slows things down and takes a long across the pond. an acquired taste. As with , hard look at financial life, or lack thereof. So it makes perfect sense they're from — , and even Johnny Its message is hard to sum up but it’s im- Philadelphia. Philadelphia? Rocky Balboa, Cash, their vocals are/were not their possible to not be affected in some way. obnoxious sports fans, cheesesteaks? strong suit. Mr. Clark is no exception. Apparently it pays to listen up. Seconds Amazingly — yes. But lyrically, you find yourself later, Hank loses the cut-to-the-heart con- From the City of Brotherly Love, directed waiting on the next word. It’s not too viction found on “Blues” and jumps right by Ben Daniels and his sisters Robin and far off from listening to an audio book. into the incredibly catchy “High Mainte- Lauren, comes an impossible dream of an On Somedays…, a perfect example is nance Woman.” Oh, and thank God - this album, laid out like a delicate meal. The 22- “The Guitar,” an eerie story of a guy is NOT the same-named Toby Keith song. song disc moves with purpose, whetting finding a guitar that empowers him Williams Jr. wrote it himself, and it’s not your appetite with a gentle opening to play like hell. The last line is the hard to believe he’s lived it too (back- (“Slaughter Killing Courage and Failure”), a haunting clincher, told in the same ground singers and all). Single-worthy, determined middle (“Close Chorus,” “Shy,” vein as ’s “The Ride” it sings “she’s a high maintenance wom- “Nitetime Rainbows”), and a satisfying (sorry, no spoilers here). an and I’m a low budget man.” Keep your ending (“Staring at a Disadvantage,” He also reveals his knack for ears open for the phone ring; don’t let it “Headphone Space”). In between are turning a phrase, as with “Everyone’s lead you to reach for your own (phone). seamless pauses of sound, some full songs got some baggage/But she knows “It’s like I’m on the Opry, stand- others instrumental experiments, which how to travel light” and “When she ing there with Bill Monroe,” says Hank bend and fold like conversations between don’t say nothin’/Man I hang on of “All the Roads,” done with blue- courses. every word.” Granted, not every song grass maestros The Grascals (c’mon, Despite its hour-long run time, Ashes is a masterpiece—some would be it’s in their name). Rose definite- never lingers nor overstays its welcome — better sung by someone else—but ly proves the perfect home to grow well when it ends it comes as a surprise, which as an artist, Guy can still crank out a into the grass on “Roads.” The two acts is fitting. For a Philadelphia band to create good album after all these years. He sound nature-made for each other. such music is a revelation, evidence the probably won’t win over a truckload On “Blues,” he asks “Is anybody listen- unexpected comes from the oddest of places. of new fans with this one, but given ing?” and if they’re smart they will. Let’s So give it up for ambient pop and the following that Texas singer/ just hope it’s not another six years before cheesesteaks. have, he’ll have plenty of there’s more…his music brings significant- Only in America. takers. ly more than most radio gives it credit for. ( Ed Morales) (Phil Pyle) (Melissa Coker) ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 31 MUSIC THIS DAY IN MUSIC HISTORY MUSIC THIS DAY IN MUSIC HISTORY 1930 - Hoagy Carmichael records 1998 - An American Airlines flight makes an “Georgia on My Mind,” which had emergency stop when a passenger becomes already been the state song of Georgia violent after meeting Hootie & The Blowfish since 1922. on the plane. 1989 - The Bangles call it quits. 1998 – Rapper Coolio is booked and 2003 - David Lee Roth injures himself (to released for marijuana possession and a the tune of 21 stitches) while doing a very 1996 - Hank Williams III makes his concealed weapons charge. fast, complicated 15th-century samurai Grand Ole Opry debut at age 23. move onstage. This eventually causes the cancellation of the remaining tour dates. 1992 - Howard Stern appears as 1953 - Liberace makes his Carnegie Hall “Fartman” on MTV’s Video Music debut before a sellout crowd. Awards. 1979 - “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugar Hill 1993 - David Crosby and George Gang is released. 1995 - Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy” Harrison appear on the fifth season 1971 - “The Jackson Five” TV series becomes the second single to debut at premiere of “The Simpsons.” debuts on ABC. 1992 - Barbara Streisand appears at a No. 1 on the , a feat fundraiser for the U.S. Democratic Party – her first accomplished by Michael Jackson 1994 – R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe signs a 1987 - Peter Tosh is shot and killed by first such appearance in six years. with “You Are Not Alone.” movie deal with New Line Cinema. robbers at his home in Jamaica. September 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

1977 - Blondie signs its first 1971 - Peter 1994 - Eric Clapton major deal with Chrysalis. 1976 - Paul 1970 – James Taylor releases his first Frampton leaves 1972 - David Bowie sells 1987 – Dick Clark’s performs on “Saturday McCartney single, “Fire and Rain.” Humble Pie in pursuit out Carnegie Hall – his first “American Bandstand” Night Live.” 1995 – The Rock & Roll Hall commemorates of a solo career. stateside sell out. of Fame & Museum opens in is cancelled after 30 Buddy Holly’s 40th 1998 - makes his 100th Cleveland. years on television. birthday with the appearance at Nashville’s Grand Ole 1995 - Natalie 1998 – Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler throws 1991 – Garth Brooks Ropin’ first “Buddy Holly Opry. Merchant begins her the Wind becomes the first 1993 - Dave Navarro out the first pitch at a Week.” first solo tour after country album to debut at No. joins The Red Hot Chili Expos-Cardinal baseball 1963 - The Angels become quitting the 10,000 1 on the Billboard pop chart. the first white all-female Peppers. 1996 - Tupac 1988 - sells costumes and Maniacs. game in St. Louis. group to have a No.1 record. Shakur is shot in memorabilia at a London auction for Las Vegas after a $6.2 million. 1970 – 27 year-old James 1964 - “Fiddler on the 1971 - The ’s 1961 - Mike Tyson fight. Roof” opens on Broadway, ex-manager is arrested for makes his debut in New He dies six days 2006 - Whitney Houston files for Marshall “Jimi” Hendrix dies in London from a sleeping beginning a remarkable run embezzling $70,000. York City at Gaslight later. divorce from Bobby Brown, whom of 3,242 performances. Café. she married in 1992. pill overdose.

1983 - The members of KISS 1980 - Geffen Records is 2000 – A U.S. District formed. Judge awards Universal 1974 - Stevie Wonder begins his first appear without makeup on Music $118-250 million tour since a near-fatal car wreck. MTV. 1974 - Robbie McIntosh (Average White Band) dies in damages after ruling 1964 - The Beach Boys 1979 - Abba begins its first North of a heroin overdose at the MP3.com had violated appear on the Ed Sullivan American tour in Canada. age of 24. numerous copyright Show for the first time with 1942 - Frank Sinatra begins laws. a performance of “I Get 1986 - Headlined by James his solo career. Around.” 1814 - Francis Scott Brown, Freddie Jackson and Key pens the “Star- Melba Moore, New York’s 1955 - Bill Haley & the Comets 2004 - Phil Spector is Spangled Banner.” On Plaza Hotel hosts an “Anti- refuse the band’s first offer to charged with murder in the 1965 - The Who’s 1966 - John Lennon and Yoko March 3, 1931, the Crack Rally.” tour outside the U.S. because equipment van is stolen Ono meet in an art gallery. song becomes the 2003 death of actress Lana of a fear of flying. while purchasing a guard official United States Clarkson. 1998 - Pistol Johnny Anthem. dog at Battersea Dog’s 1973 - Gram Parsons (The Byrds) Rotten appears as the 1969 – The Beatles release Home in . dies of a drug overdose. defendant on “Judge Judy” in 1979 - Kenny Rogers “Abbey Road,” the group’s 1977 - James Brown’s band walks out on him in Hallandale, a case involving a drummer is awarded a star on final album together. Fla., claiming to be underpaid and overworked. 2002 - Kelly Clarkson 1974 - Max Weinberg makes his who sued Rotten for head- the Hollywood Walk becomes the first “American debut as the drummer for Bruce butting him during a dispute. of Fame. 1998 - MTV Russia makes its 1996 - Alanis Morissette finishes her first U.S. tour with a Idol.” Springsteen & The E Street Band. debut at midnight. show in Houston, Texas. 32 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 33 MUSIC RELEASE CALENDAR

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[email protected]

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Release dates are subject to change. Check artists or store websites as these dates approach.

Hey local bands! Got a release date coming up? Let us know at

sept

Alice In Chains: Black Gives Way To Blue Beat Circus: Boy From Black Mountain Cherry Poppin’ Daddies: Susquehanna Nelly Furtado: Mi Plan : Closer to the Bone La Roux: La Roux MadLove: White With Foam The : Chicken Switch [remix oct album] Paramore: Brand New Eyes Phonograph: OKNO Princeton: Cocoon Of Love Air: Love 2 Lynyrd Skynyrd: God & Guns Lou Barlow: Goodnight Unknown Barbara Streisand: Love Is The Answer The Clientele: Bonfires On The Heath Swell Season: Strict Joy The Gossip: Music For Men Mayer Hawthorne: A Strange Ar rangement Headlights: Wildlife oct Lake: Let’s Build A Roof Lotus: Feather On Wood [EP] Lotus: Oil On Glass [EP] : The Life of the World to Come Music Go Music: Expressions No Age: Losing Feeling [EP] A Place To Bury Strangers: Exploding Head :

Neon Indian: Psychic Charms Pink Martini: Splendor In The Grass Those Who Lie Beneath: An Awak ening

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Amerie: In Love & War Boys Like Girls: Love Drunk upcoming CD releases sept The Clean: Mister Pop Danko Jones: Never Too Loud Marie Digby: Breathing Underwater Os Mutantes: Haih Or Barauna Polvo: Prism Vivian Girls: Everything Goes Wrong Yo La Tengo: Popular Songs Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson: Break Up sept

The 69 Eyes: Back In Blood Aluminum Babe: 17 Beastie Boys: Hot Sauce Committee Part 1 Big Star: Keep An Eye On The Sky [Box Set] Butterfly Boucher: Scary Fragile Mariah Carey: Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel DD/MM/YYYY: Black Square The Dynamites: Burn It Down Fink: Sort Of Revolution The Fresh & Onlys: Grey-Eyed Girls KyleHollingsworth [String Cheese Incident]: Then There’s Now : Ricky Skaggs Solo (Songs My Dad Loved) Ryan Starr: 11:59 Uncle Cracker: Happy Hour NEW STORE NOW OPEN!

tour diary:

cracker photo: jason thrasher 8/5 — Neptune Park / Virginia Beach, VA 8/8 — Mountain State Brewing Company, Thomas, WV David and I started Cracker in Richmond in '91, so Virginia shows are like home games. We've had several great gigs here at Neptune Park but This show was really very cool. It was in one of those indoor yet out- come check out our expanded still the locale always feels a little surreal to me. The stage is near the beach door kind of places, you know, the whole rear wall of the club open to retail & distribution facility under what looks like a huge, overturned serving dish or spaceship. Across the elements. The elements were kind to us, a perfect August night in 195 Paradise Blvd. * Athens, Ga. * 30607 the grassy quad is a gigantic statue of the park's namesake, trident raised West Virginia. On the way to the club I was trippin' on how beauti- fervently, threatening tourists and the oddly mixed cross section of human- ful the scenery was... A perfect vacation spot, beautiful, wooded areas, ity that is a Cracker audience. I'm wondering if our song "Brides Of Nep- cabins on the lakes and such. After the show I was having a conversa- tune" would be too obvious but what the hell, we always play it when we tion with a local woman who turned out to be a realtor, and she told me are near an ocean. After sound check I remind the guys that there is splen- that in all of West Virginia, there was only one natural lake, and all the did seafood (my favorite) in the restaurant beneath the swank hotel there rest were man-made. She also told me that she could get me a vacation that we can't afford to stay in. The head waiter comes over, shakes my hand cabin rental cheap. I'm seriously thinking about taking her up on that and says "I'm a huge fan Dave! Have a great show." Frank, Sal and I have offer, after the "endless tour" dies down, that is. a hearty chuckle about his blatantly insincere overtures. I cringe whenev- It's been a very busy summer, and thank God for it, but whew! Thurs- Your Vision. Amplified. er someone refers to my long time song writing partner as "Dave" instead day we were in Richmond, Friday we drove five hours up north to Bor- of David. He is so not a "Dave." The show begins well enough in spite dentown and Saturday we drove six hours back down south to Thomas, CAREER TRAINING FOR THE AUDIO AND FILM INDUSTRIES of warnings of an approaching storm. Great crowd, some very pretty girls WV. I used to get pretty freaked out by crazy routing like this, hopping who would soon be drenched when the approaching lightning and thun- up and down like a yo-yo instead of doing shows by proximity, but over der eventually drown out the band and the torrential downpour commenc- the years I have come to realize that you have to take the gigs when you www.sae.edu es around song number nine. The promoters stop the show. There were ac- get the availability... clubs won't just wipe their calendar for Cracker. tually a few people who seemed angry at us for being told to stop in spite of So, after a very winding road we arrive at our destination, the Moun- CREATE YOURSELF WITH SAE being in real danger. Beer a factor? The crew helped us drag our damp gear tain State Brewing Company. We set up and soundcheck in front of into the dressing room as we waved goodbye to the fans. Great gig while it the locals, and the hired soundcrew was on their game — the PA and lasted — Neptune has his way. monitors perfect for the room. Sounded pretty great onstage, and that's ( ) not always the case. They fed us at the club — a local catering company prepared the meal, and it was actually fantastic. The show was really, really good. The band is firing on all cylinders, 8/7 — The Record Collector/ Bordentown, NJ having been out pounding the stages since our new record (yes, I still call them records) came out in the beginning of May. There was a pret- SAE ATLANTA After fleeing the stage at Neptune Park in Virginia Beach due to ty serious film crew there with a camera on a crane and a couple of oth- hurricane-like conditions, we drove to Richmond (our home base) for www.sae-atl.com er handheld camera folks running around. No Martin Scorcese though. a day off. Today, we head to Bordentown, NJ, for an “in-store” at an I wonder what it was for. Local TV? A major motion picture about 404-526-9366 awesome record store called “The Record Collector”. Cracker? As we’re loading in, I start cherry-picking some 45’s from their vast Anyway, after the show I tried the local brew, and it was delicious. selection. I swoop up some Ronettes, Otis Redding, Bobby Vee and B. Then I strolled across the parking lot to our hotel, past the biker bar J. Thomas. Being an avid record collector myself, I’m in hog heaven. that was just getting started. As a matter of fact, as I walked past, the We play a sold out show to about 100 diehard Cracker fans in the song “Start Me Up” came blasting out of the joint. Back in the day, that store. Afterward, we meet and greet with the fans, and I get back to woulda been an invitation like a lightbulb is to a moth, but these days the serious business of shopping for L.P.s Yes, that’s right, vinyl. I I’m taking better care of myself. Three local pints and I’m down for the score “I Fought the Law” by Bobby Fuller 4 and Van Morrison’s “His count. The show must go on. Band & St. Choir.” () (Sal Maida)

ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 37 During this time, I was talking to the drummer, who was on percussion 8/9 - Mountain Stage, Charleston, WV duty that day, since the percussionist’s parents were there to see their kid play — so he was out front on the drumset, up on a big riser with a plexi- This is a gig I was really looking forward to, the prestigious Mt. glass cage around him. The guy I was talking to, turns out, there’s a percus- Stage Theatre! Cracker has performed there several times prior to me sion setup behind the stage, out of view of the audience, and that’s where joining up in 2006, but it’s a first for me and the whole experience is he was banging on congas and whatnot. I was watching him play from extremely enjoyable. The stage amps are already set for each instru- backstage. ment so you just plug in and it’s “ready steady go.” Anyway, this kid was telling me everyone in the troupe is in high school We play with acts that have a heavy-duty musical pedigree. Cody or college, and they spend their summer vacation touring state fairs and Dickinson’s band is like the Allman’s meet early Fleetwood Mac. I tell high school auditoriums. 60 shows a summer, he said. Turns out, these kids Cody what a fan I am of his dad, Jim, who sadly passed away just last were appearing at the fair for a couple of weeks, and the previous week, week. Also on the bill is Austin singing legend Marcia Ball, and Don the band that was in our slot was Night Ranger. Night Ranger set up a Dixon is the house band’s bass player. Don Dixon, of course, co-pro- shitload of gear and refused to move it, so this kid was trying to push the duced the landmark “Murmur” LP by REM. We play four songs from drum riser a little off center so they could set up. He got yelled at, appar- our new CD Sunrise in the Land of Milk & Honey, but have to replay ently. Boo, hiss, Night Ranger. one song due to technical difficulties. After listening to Johnny take After the kids, there were Chinese acrobats, and THAT was a trip. They part in the all star jam, we re-cut “ I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be were defying gravity in some weird way, kinda lookin’ all “Crouching Ti- Right.” Looking forward to climbing the Mountain Stage again! ger, Hidden Dragon” and shit jumping through hoops and over each oth- (Sal Maida) er. Wicked choreography. And there was a girl who balanced champagne glasses on her body while contorted in ways you can only imagine. Oh yeah, we played good, even without a proper soundcheck. 8/14 – Wisconsin State Fair, West Allis, WI (Frank Funaro)

Ah, the State Fair. The rides, the livestock, the food. Everything is avail- 8/15 - First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN able on a stick here. I was just told of (no shit) deep-fried, chocolate-cov- ered bacon on a stick. Served cold. Yum. The weather is scorching, and This place is an institution and always a great gig for us. The main we spend much of the day hanging out in an air-conditioned trailer, one man Conrad has been doing a great job there for so long that I imag- of about five different trailers in the backstage area. Thank God our show ine him living in a dimly lit yet splendid belfry apartment above this isn’t ‘til 8 p.m. — the 95 degree heat should be gone by then. I spend a lit- legendary venue. This is the stage where much of Prince's "Purple tle while watching the afternoon entertainment, a song and dance troupe Rain" was filmed, and The Replacements and Soul Asylum forged named Kids From Wisconsin, or some such. Quite a show they put on. their careers here. Dead Man Winter featuring our good friend Da- There’s like 14 musicians and 20 dancers onstage doing everything from vid Simonett from Trampled By Turtles opened the show and lent us Abba to ZZ Top (Ok, they weren’t doing ZZ Top, but I needed to get that their amps and drums since we had flown in. A strong performance “Z” in there). by them which pleased the crowd considerably. I'd put Cracker's per- After every couple of songs the dancers would bolt back to the trailers formance at a solid eight out of 10. I was in the mood to go mingle for a complete costume change while the band vamped on instrumental and enjoyed a few "Caucasians" handed to me by some fellow Big versions of hits from the day. After about an hour of this exhausting-look- Lebowski fans. All in all a great day. 8/14 – Wisconsin State ing activity, they took a well deserved break. ( Johnny Hickman) Fair, West Allis, WI

“Over the years, I have come to realize that you have to take the gigs when you get the availability... clubs won’t just wipe their calendar for Cracker.” —Frank Funaro, Cracker

38 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE green

sammy : : Seeing Ghosts photo Acclaimed electronic duo Zero 7 gets “haunted” by Natalie David making album number four. culmination. Following the brighter disposition shown on The Garden, There are only about 10 countries in to be London-based soul/jazz vocalist Eska it comes to compiling things together, there Yeah Ghost simply sashays out with a swankier soul. Mtungwazi makes the world that play cricket well, and Sam Mtungwazi. Although a somewhat obvious was this moment where I slightly crossed my her presence known, especially on the riotous “Medicine Man,” alongside Hardaker, who along with Henry Binns makes choice (members of the revolving Zero 7 band fingers and I thought, ‘I hope all of this shit other collaborations with English folkie Martha Tilston and electronic up the core of Zero 7, is spending a Thursday had played with Mtungwazi in the past), she does actually form something kind of cohesive,’ hip-hopper Rowdy Superstar. As with the making of Yeah Ghost, the use afternoon watching two of those teams duke it hid right under their noses until the duo was because the way that this album came together of differing collaborators also poses complications for faithfully touring out. “If you can imagine a sporting event that lost, knee deep in the creative swamps. was quite desperate, a little bit,” Hardaker in support of the record. The group hopes to reach the United States by goes on for five days, that’s what’s happening “It was just one of those things where it says. “But to me it just shows that you can’t the end of the year, however, Hardaker knows, considering Mtungwazi’s now,” he says. “Pretty much anyone who can is was right there but we didn’t really think really predict because the minute you think, upcoming solo album and the typical scheduling conflicts of touring, it sitting around all day watching it.” about it until later on in the process of making ‘Oh! We’ve just gotten the hang of this record could be a logistical nightmare waiting to happen. After a brief lesson about cricket — “It’s an the record,” Hardaker says, relating that the making thing,’ you get thrown something that “Sometimes it can just be a real pain in the ass. There’s just so much to acquired taste,” he says — Hardaker speaks just experience with Mtungwazi was an incredibly knocks you. I’m no more hip to this process organize, and logistically things became so difficult that … that was part as candidly about his band’s new album, Yeah positive one. “Just with the vocals and the than I was on the first record.” of the difficulties of making the record,” Hardaker says. “Oftentimes we Ghost. Described as a “haunting process,” the amazing backing vocal parts … to watch That first record was 2001’s now-classic would be struggling and say, ‘Why can’t we just do this ourselves? Why creation of the electronic duo’s latest release somebody else’s imagination take off on it, Simple Things, an album that has, among don’t we just get somebody and decide that we’re a band and just hang was far from smooth sailing. Whereas 2006’s that’s what we hope for all the time, and it other accolades, sprouted songs heard on out and make records?’ But that’s not where we’re at.” Grammy-nominated The Garden fell together doesn’t always happen.” “C.S.I.,” “House,” “Sex and the City” and Ultimately, Hardaker and Binns refuse to allow personnel issues to with ease, Yeah Ghost was an uphill battle from Finding Mtungwazi set the group back on the soundtrack to 2004’s Zach Braff-directed inhibit their ability to create. The collaborator-fueled challenges actually the start, in part due to the absence of longtime track and gave the album a masthead. Without soul-searcher, “Garden State.” Like Yeah offered the duo clarity: a chance to pursue musical endeavors outside collaborator and vocalist Furler, who is now their missing piece, the creation of Yeah Ghost Ghost, Simple Things was an anticipated release. of the Zero 7 moniker. Songs that otherwise would be set aside were a solo artist. Without their muse, the pair was found Hardaker and Binns charting various Hardaker and Binns had made their names suddenly given lives of their own. left to seek a new voice to fill a growing void. musical tributaries, leading Hardaker to in London as engineers during the tail end of “It made us realize that actually it was really important for us to start “Going into things with an unknown remark that at different points in the process it the last decade working on albums for names creating different outlets to finish our work, and not for it all to just be quantity is such a gamble,” Hardaker says, could have turned out as “a number of different as notable as the and Robert about finding the person who is going to help us make the next Zero 7 “because if you start and you don’t have that, records.” He laughs uneasily about the number Plant. When the duo decided they wanted record,” Hardaker says. “So we’ve gone back to doing numerous projects, you can suddenly find yourself a year into it of changes in direction the path to Yeah Ghost to pursue a music career out from behind the small things, to give us a chance to breathe out and let things go.” and people will be going, ‘How’s the record?’ took, and he even admits that everything came boards, their friend, producer , When things get too intense, Hardaker at least knows how to spend and I’ll go, ‘Yeah, we’ve got loads of good stuff,’ together at the last second when the band gave them the task of remixing Radiohead’s a slow Thursday. but in the back of my mind I’m thinking, ‘Well, chose to omit songs that once were intended “Climbing Up the Walls.” “If you find an afternoon and you’re not feeling particularly energetic,” nowhere because we don’t have that person.’” to be integral pieces to the puzzle. But just as Simple Things showed no growing he says, “just put your feet up and enjoy a bit of cricket.” For Yeah Ghost, that person turned out “Even at the very end of the process, when pains, Yeah Ghost hardly betrays its difficult And keep your eye out for that googly. B

40 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE and some . You feel relief that you made this music, but it’s like, ‘Oh my God, we have so many more decisions.'” Those decisions included just how one sequences an album that ranges from electronic prog (“High Class Slim Came Floatin’ In”) to Spaghetti Western guitar instruments (“The Fall of Seven Diamonds”) and furious blasts of punk rock (“Yinxianghechengqi”). How do you tie together minimalist blips and bloops (“Gigantes”) with polyrhythmic time changes and schizophrenic textural twists (“Monument Six One Thousand”)? But despite the constant stylistic shifts and hard left turns, it’s a remarkably focused release, one that expands on the borders of their definitive style while pushing them away from the improvisational scenes that were previously eager to claim them. “I remember finishing this record and being like, ‘This one is going to close the jazz festival door,’” Bitney laughs. “John McEntire would be like, ‘No way, man! They’re going to love it! We’re still going to get offers.’ But we have this baggage of the jam band, and I think people want to not go too far into that, because that’s scary or something,” Bitney admits. “But when I hear someone say ‘jamming,’ I say, ‘Well, we don’t jam. We can improvise here and there.’ Somehow, to me, those are super different things. There’s not a lot of that on the record. I think that’s something that we could do that could be interesting, ow but you have to learn how to do it. You have to create a situation and then plug away at it. It’s kinda all improvising unless you have a piece like “Prepare Your Coffin,” where it’s like ‘Here are the chords.’ But k iswarien even then I could go in and be like, ‘Well, I’m going to try saxophone on this,” he laughs. “And everyone would say, ‘Yes!’ or ‘Well, that was a urt

: k : dumb idea!’ But you have to go for it and try.” Yet despite their willingness to exhaust every possible creative

photo option, the members of Tortoise live daily with the knowledge that Ignoring The Hare they work in an artistic medium where today’s blog sensation will be by Matt Fink Inspiration be damned, Tortoise soldiers on wiped off headlines and hipster tongues within six months, one where nterpol. . . TV on the Radio. but we weren’t really creating anything. It wasn’t inspiring us to work intricately arranged instrumental music doesn’t translate for short Every year brings a new album that temporarily rewrites the on songs. So then we set up instruments and just played together, and attention spans and iPods. In the age of the shuffle mix, Tortoise is a job description for an artist, with a new army of it was kind of the same thing, just a lot of interesting ideas. But we decidedly awkward fit. bands clamoring to remake themselves and release albums that will weren’t being very productive, and we weren’t coming up with anything “It’s a great feeling that we’re making music that I think is kind I of strange and it kind of works,” Bitney admits. “But it feels fragile, inevitably sound dated by the time the next year’s pace-changer arrives. to work on. We were in a rut, because the previous two records, we just Though they were so cerebral and an unlikely candidate, thirteen years went into the studio and winged it, and we tried it again,” he says with too. It only takes your promoter and your agent to have a ticket price ago Tortoise was that band, their Millions Now Living Will Never Die a pause. “But it wasn’t working.” that’s a little too high, and you’re like, 'Why did we let that happen?' representing the indisputable cutting edge of underground music, So, for the first time in years, Tortoise decided to work outside of the We were just in New York a couple of weeks ago, and there are people introducing a jazz sophistication to indie rock and creating a new confines of drummer John McEntire’s Chicago studio and went back that come up to the merch booth and just give you money, like, ‘I’m genre of ambitiously eclectic instrumental music that was becoming to their rehearsal space, cleaned it out, and started over. After nearly really sorry, man, but I downloaded your record. Here’s 20 bucks.’ I known as “post-rock.” For that moment, the horizons of rock music 20 years as a band, they had some baggage and bad habits to unpack, shouldn’t really say all this, because of the label…”he says, trailing off. belonged to the Chicago quintet, and for that moment it was hard to and a few times a week they did just that, with each member bringing “It’s a weird problem.” imagine any proverbial hares catching up with them. in long percolating ideas that were pulled from half-remembered ideas Whatever the case, aside from a slightly larger following and slightly But the penalty of being a trendsetter is that your influence is soon and computer hard drives. Still nothing. Then, McEntire brought in shorter song times, Tortoise in 2009 isn’t really that much different diluted by the sea of imitators that get swept up in your creative surge, “Prepare Your Coffin,” a decidedly unsophisticated blast of no-frills than Tortoise circa 1994, still holding a place comfortably outside of and in 2009 it’s easy to forget how revolutionary and challenging fuzz synths and swirling guitar riffs that was fun to play, even if it broke the movements that have tried to copy them, tried to claim them, and those records were, how much Tortoise served to sever the relationship no new ground. Soon, the group mind was pulsating in unison, and finally just tried to keep up with them. Even if the albums come more between indie rock’s punk roots and the wide-ranging embrace of they were debuting their new material at festival gigs. A new album slowly and the creative gears grind with more deliberation, Tortoise electronic, jazz, dub and avant-garde minimalism that today bubbles was born, one that moved away from the slow-building electronic is still making albums that challenge themselves and their audience, up through the genre’s most vibrant bands. The ideas came fast and atmospheres of recent albums and onto the sprawling margins of remaining relevant long after most of their successors have faded into frantically, so fast, in fact, that they had assembled a catalog thick with everything they’d flirted with but never quite consummated. irrelevancy. so many assorted inspired moments that they had to release a 179- “Definitely, we felt pressure that, with this one, it had to be a bigger “I feel like, as a band, we’ve taken a huge step forward in the past minute box set just to tie together their years of miscellaneous loose step from the last two records, because those two are almost a little year or so,” Parker says. “We’ve figured out that there’s another way ends. But when Tortoise sat down to make, Beacons of Ancestorship, connected in that we started to get a little more aggressive and started to work and come up with stuff. In the world of rock, we’re in such a their sixth full-length record, they found it hard to say anything, using more distortion,” says multi-instrumentalist Dan Bitney of youth-oriented culture. I guess we are veterans, because most of us have inspired or otherwise. Beacons. “The minimalism thing that we had going on [with earlier been playing in bands since we were adolescents, 12, 13, 14, 15 years “I’m not really sure why,” says guitarist Jeff Parker, sounding as records] really disappeared. I don’t think we were reacting as much old. But all of us are really thankful that we’ve had the opportunity to baffled now by the band’s creative inertia as he was then. “It was a to what was happening around us, and we steered ourselves toward be in a band that is as creatively fulfilling as Tortoise, because a lot of very strange feeling. We just felt like we were running in place. It was a more conventional rock band. A song would be drums, keyboards, people, man, they don’t get to do that. So just to be an elder statesman stuff that was really conceptual, like making sounds and doing stuff , and maybe vibes, which isn’t even that weird anymore. is a feat unto itself, especially in indie rock, with fickle audiences and like everyone playing a drum track and we’d edit it together. But none With this one, it was like, ‘God, it has to be a bigger step!’ There are record labels that come and go,” he says with a thoughtful pause. B of the stuff was really going anywhere. It was a lot of interesting ideas, abstract references to genres, and there is some slight hip-hop stuff “We’re extremely thankful.” 42 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE After an eight-year absence, an energized Circulatory System returns with a new album Suddenly, Will Cullen Hart is talking about stray cats. And no, not the 1980s rockabilly band. ∫ “There’s so many of them in Athens,they’re all over the place,” he said, sitting Indian style in the corner of his couch, wearing a beat-up straw hat with an orange tabby kitten asleep in his lap. “In this town there are thousands, thousands of them. I heard a guy on the radio talking about it and he said it would be better if we eradicated them. But I understand both sides.” ∫ Hart counts five cats in his household, not including the strays perusing the backyard. As he talks, two cats roam the living room, while two more linger on the outside patio. ∫ “Anything outside are just strays, but I feed them,” Hart said, laughing. “I tell you, I love cats.” ∫ Before the conversation darted to stray cats, it centered on Signal Morning, the sophomore album from one of Hart’s other loves, Circulatory System. But just as the discussion heads back to details HEART about the new release, Hart is off talking about four-tracks. ∫ Then tube amps. ∫ Then the power of Twitter. ∫ And then | photos by Jason Thrasher it starts to make sense — this is why it took eight years. by Edha Morales nd p 44 ATHENS BLUR inMAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 45 Athens is an odd place when it comes to bands – they appear to break up and disappear, but they’re never too far away. Bands form, disband, reunite then dissolve, only to return at some later date, playing a 40 Watt gig on a sleepy Thursday night. It’s like they have nine lives or something. So when news came a second Circulatory System album was actually on its way, nearly eight years after the first, the musical collective didn’t think, “Hey, that’s weird.” They just thought “Hey, that’s Athens.” Signal Morning is a 17-track psychedelic gem gleaned from tapes and tapes of one group saying I hope it’s this, or I hope over many years, we’ve been playing some travelled from several states away to be layered guitars, radio fuzz, electronic parts it’s that.” of the songs on the new record since the there. It proved a watershed moment for and a collaboration of musicians who’ve Set for release on (the tours right after our first record since the band. been working with one another for more label founded by Fernandes and Hart), a 2001,” Fernandes said. “During the tour “The energy in the live show feels like than a decade. Joining Hart on the latest CD and digital download version, as well opening for Sea and Cake the songs were we got a really good dynamic,” Fernandes ensemble effort are the usual suspects as 1,500 vinyl pressings (featuring cover sounding really good. We thought ‘OK, said. “When we played the Farm, there’s — , Derek Almstead, artwork from Hart) await an avid crowd. when we get home we’re going to finish an amazing part where Will’s sitting and Suzanne Allison, Peter Erchick, Nesey Fernandes was quick to point out the recording these songs and it’s going to playing but he’s getting so into it and Gallons, Charlie Johnston and Heather leaked version was nowhere near the final be out.’ But then we kept doing different excited he starts to stand up, like he’s McIntosh — with assists from one, as changes were made to the master versions and going to a bunch of different saying ‘I’m ready to stand up and rock,’ but (Hart’s songwriting partner from The before it was done. studios.” then forgets he doesn’t have his strap on, so Olivia Tremor Control) and “I think a lot of people are really weird “It had become disjointed and more he kinda rocks for a second, then sits back and of . about quality these days, they still want it extreme and stupid in my mind and shit down.” The end result — a sweeping collection to sound like it’s supposed to sound,” Hart that didn’t make any sense,” Hart said. “I’ve decided to stand up and play rather stirring intense discussion and excitement said. “They’re really into that.” The rest of the band members, as Athens than just sit around,” Hart said. “I want — would have never happened if not for musicians are apt to do, spread out to their to be able to project well because it’s more the editing ears of two bandmates. many side projects. Fernandes recorded engaging.” “There were so many different versions and played with New Sound of Numbers With 35 solid tracks culled from the and it was so hard to decide which to To understand where Hart and his and ; Erchick toured and recorded various sessions for Signal Morning, Hart use,” said Fernandes, one of the band’s Elephant Six Collective bandmates stand with Pipes You See, Pipes You Don’t and and Fernandes can see a quick turnaround founders with Hart. “We had some friends now is to understand where they were a ; Almstead and Allison for a third Circulatory System album. But step in. Charlie (Johnston) who plays in decade ago. joined in The 63 Crayons (with Johnston), let’s not get too far ahead — first a fall tour 63 Crayons and Nesey Gallons, who plays And quite the decade it’s been. but also recorded with awaits, followed by the slow release of a with Music Tapes, and both play with us Circulatory System was an offshoot and Casper and the Cookies, respectively; track here and there for those who do buy now, were the third party that entered the formed in 2000 following the breakup of and McIntosh played with a host of bands, the album. After all, all things come in due picture to give us fresh ears and say ‘Let’s The Olivia Tremor Control, a seminal band including Elf Power, The Instruments, New time, even if that time lasts the length of use this one, this one and this one’ and of grand experimentation and one of the Sound of Numbers and Japancakes, and two presidential terms (or 48 cat years, as started piecing it together.” original E6 projects. While Hart and most more recently toured with Lil Wayne. it were). “We were scattered over seven different of OTC went one way, Doss and Eric Harris As Hart struggled to make sense of “I was worried that for people who studios using different production went on to Sunshine Fix. the many tracks floating in his mind, have been waiting a long time, whether techniques and we couldn’t get satisfied,” Hart’s new band grabbed on lightning he was struggling with his body as well. the album was going to live up to their Hart said. “I literally had CD cases full quick, as its self-titled release in 2001 Slowly unable to see out of his right eye, expectations,” Fernandes said. “But of different mixes and parts and I just found an assembly of admirers and left he went to the doctor and after several everything I’ve read so far was what we handed them over to Nesey. It was just Fran Drescher?), “Overjoyed” reveals a that see others downloading us and critics in crushes. Pitchfork, the lauded tests discovered he had multiple sclerosis. were hoping people would say. Will is not too much. There’s one song called ‘Blasting group of musicians braced to burst with maybe listening to us who might not have (and sometimes loathed) web site, named After years of wondering what was going only an amazing songwriter but an amazing Through’ and it could be half a side or a anticipation. Of course, as is the way in listened to us before. It’s kind of exciting Circulatory System the fifth-best album on, Hart had a diagnosis and a daily shot sound sculpter and the placement of sounds whole side the way I was doing it. So I told our digital world, the Internet beat them people are so interested.” of 2001, remarking the work by Hart and routine that helped him not feel worse. is essential.” Nesey, ‘Try to do a pop song, make it a pop to it. An early version of the album leaked, “I hope it helps us in the long run,” Hart crew resulted “in an album every bit as And with that, Circulatory System’s “I’m ready to sing and not get all prancy song’ — and he did! He went all in. The bringing with it platitudes, wonderment said. “It’s crazy watching the Internet sincere as it is profound.” return found fewer pit stops and much- and say ‘I can’t hear myself in the monitors’ songs became more concise.” and dueling discussions over lyrics and grow. There was a mistake on the Internet The band followed with a good bit of needed momentum. and all that dumb shit I did over the years,” “Overjoyed,” the album’s initial single, song titles. for the name of one of the songs, but the touring and added Inside Views, a cut and Hart said. “I’ve gotten to the point where is evidence of this — coming in at a “The fact that it leaked is a shame,” new name was kind of mysterious too, paste remix of the debut album. While I’m excited to play, and I don’t want to be compact two and a half minutes, it bulges Fernandes said. “But maybe it helps. I so we went along with it. One group of touring with Sea and Cake in 2003, the like that. I mean, who cares.” with sound like an overstuffed suitcase. remember seeing it was the most popular people thought it was “News From The murmurs of putting out the sophomore In June, Circulatory System took to “It’s something that comes with age, I From its layered cello start to its grinding download from this one BitTorrent Heavenly Loom” and another thought it effort surfaced, only to be stymied by busy the small outdoor stage at Athens’ Farm guess,” Hart continued. “I had a birthday the drum center and electronic dirge of an site — it was Eminem, then Circulatory was “New From The Heavenly Loom” (it’s schedules and indecision. 255 and played a handful of new tunes to other day, and I can’t remember if it was 37 ending (is that an airplane? A backhoe? System — so there’s going to be people news), and people were debating online, “We had been amassing a lot of tapes an appreciative audience, some of whom or 38. But really, does it matter (laughs)?”

46 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 47 at life the speed of by tweet natalie david The latest social media outlet is “When I was a teenager I would have loved if I changing the music industry, for could just write Kurt Cobain a message, says Sune better or for worse Rose Wagner of Danish Duo The Raveonettes. photo: camilla stephen

witter. Love it or hate it, the newly and backstage passes,” says social media its research phase (read: it makes no money), careers with a greater degree of independence with the fans.” loved if I could just write Kurt Cobain a emerged social networking site has expert Chris Brogan. Brogan, a friendly, very public use of the service by celebrity through connecting with their fan bases in Palmer has even used the site to virtually message, or if he would post pictures of a stranglehold on current popular funny social media rockstar and president moguls like Ashton Kutcher goaded millions real time. The appeal to fans is obvious. Less hang out with her fans, most famously them being in the studio, or post cool demo culture.T From celebrities and musicians to of New Marketing Labs, has made a name to sign up for the service in an effort to apparent is the benefit for the artist. With in sessions dubbed “LOFNOTC” (That’s versions of his songs,” says Wagner. “I would news stations and politicians, the entire world, for himself over the past decade as a social become connected with the celebrity elite. the ability to connect to any number of fans “Losers of Friday Night on Their Computers” have absolutely died if he had done that. It for better or worse, seems to be atwitter. media veteran and blogger, in addition to “Twitter helps cut through the clutter,” at any given time, artists can often look to for the uninitiated), a series of spur-of-the- would have been so amazing!” For , it’s almost a way co-penning Trust Agents, a guide for creating says Brogan, appropriately via email, on why their fans for a lifeline. moment, Friday night conversations that have “So that’s why I do it, just to get people of life. Palmer, solo artist and half of punk a solid Internet rep via social media. He Twitter has become so successful, in particular “It’s not just this constant emotional Q&A built a greater sense of camaraderie between to feel that they’re a part of something,” says cabaret duo The Dresden Dolls, draws few continues, “I believe bands are finding success with the music and entertainment industry. with my fans and an information feed for Palmer and her fan base, with Gaiman and Wagner. “I wish that my favorite bands would lines between herself and her art, her life and by showing who they are behind the music.” “MySpace is great in that it has a built-in my fans, but they’re helping me out. They’re cellist and collaborator Zoë Keating even have done the same. I would have been so her public persona, blogging and Twittering Unlike other social networking sites, like player and all kinds of other features, but helping me the fuck out, all the time, and in joining in the Twitter fest. happy, you know?” everything from love notes to her boyfriend MySpace and Facebook, which can be mostly Twitter is just a message out, and responses very practical ways,” explains Palmer, who’s Beyond granting fans unprecedented Another lesser seen use for Twitter is (fantasy writer Neil Gaiman), to chronicles static profiles maintained with minimal back. It’s simple. That means you can connect fans have come to the rescue with rides from virtual access to bands, and vice versa, that artists are now able to more easily of her hectic life and free passes to her shows, effort, Twitter is constant, a never-ending more intimately and with a better response the airport, keyboard loans for shows, even Twitter can also be used to include fans in connect with each other, without having to all with an unprecedented level of intimacy stream of information, random thoughts, rate. There are too many distractions on other keeping an eye on her luggage. Last-minute the creative process. This past June, Danish jump through the hoops, firewalls, bells and and immediacy. asinine ideas, inspirational quotes, informed social sites.” impromptu shows and fan get-togethers, duo The Raveonettes used the service to post whistles that have always been in place to keep “There’s something incredibly special commentary and personal insights, all in With its streamlined approach, Twitter is often dubbed “Tweet Ups,” have also become links to full-length demos of tunes from their them protected. It opens up opportunities about the fact that Twitter is so immediate,” short, 140-character packages. Messages, or simultaneously an information, marketing a part of Palmer’s repertoire, an activity that upcoming fourth LP, In and Out of Control, for artists to reach out to others that they says Palmer, who interacts with over 42,000 “tweets,” are then shared with the person’s and public relations vessel and the site is previously would have taken months of and encouraged fans to respond and voice would like to work with, or just drop a line followers on the site. “People know that I am followers and compiled in the overall timeline putting bands in the public eye more than planning and a small army to get the word their opinions of the tracks. of admiration. listening to them right now and responding of Twitter users. In conjunction with services ever before. Band members once too busy to out. , the shaggy-headed, “It’s just easier to meet up with people. It’s to them right now, in the moment.” like Twitpic and Yfrog, users can even share scribe hundred-plus-word weekly blog posts “This is, literally, like I can run my life savant spearhead of the surf-y rock duo, easier to collaborate, it’s easier to just kind of For fans, Twitter functions as more than a photos with the world just moments after the or tour diaries are now checking in daily, independently from a phone,” says Palmer, says it wasn’t a cry for help as some had give the cosmic high five to people that you connection to their favorite artists, it’s also a images were captured. Essentially, Twitter is straight from their cell phones with short on the line from the storied Harvard Square misconstrued the exercise, but just a way love,” says Palmer. “And it’s a great feeling.” peek behind the curtain at the Wizard of Oz. an endless live blog and, in the words of the messages to fans, even responding to and in Cambridge, Mass., “and I definitely still to get fans talking about the group’s music But not all artists share Palmer’s enthusiasm It has the capacity to show artists, musicians, service, it is “what you make of it.” “retweeting” their messages, and then can have managers and agents and lawyers and and give them a sneak peak of what was to for Twitter. The emergence of fake celebrity filmmakers and celebrities at their most Publicly launched in August of 2006, quickly be back on their way. they definitely still do work, but now they’re come. Twitter accounts (real celebs now have candid, yet in an unobtrusive way. Twitter didn’t catch on like wildfire until More importantly, though, Twitter has available to do a different kind of work while “When I was a teenager and I was a huge accounts designated as “Verified”) scared “Twitter is like never-ending liner notes earlier this year. Although technically still in allowed artists like Palmer to run their I fly at the speed of light directly connecting fan of Nirvana, for instance, I would have away acts like Kanye West, and a famous 48 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 49 , choose to use Twitter more for band related missives than the free spirited Palmer, he says they are still available to fans, Follow Flurry even hooking them up with mp3s of hard-to- Blur-approved artists get their Tweet on: find demos when asked. But for both Wagner

and Palmer, connecting with fans is less of Amanda Palmer: @amandapalmer a job requirement and more of an enjoyable experience. Twitter just makes it easier. “I got into making art because I love Notable Tweet: “I know its 522 in the morning here in london but does anyone know interacting with people, so for me this is where at heathrow I can buy big fire-roasting marshmallows? Important....”

like a kid in a candy store,” Palmer laughs. The Raveonettes - @theraveonettes “For others who are less outgoing or less exhibitionistic, it’s a tool, and it’s a great tool to simply spread information in a day and age Notable Tweet: “sune in hawaii celebrating his birthday. hopefully no bad wipeouts. where the spread of information is basically we're also working on single cover. hush hush (last dance) hushhhhh.” synonymous with how you’re making your living.” EELS - @THE_EELS And Twitter has certainly helped to keep Palmer’s punk cabaret force going. During Notable Tweet: “This shit is retarded.” the initial LOFNOTC meeting, Palmer designed a commemorative t-shirt for the Ingrid Michaelson - @ingridmusic virtual flash mob, using paper and a sharpie. Almost instantly, her go-to web guy had Notable Tweet: “when i was young, every male singer wanted to sound like eddie put up a website where the shirt could be vedder. now they want to sound like they are pushing a car up a hill.” purchased. The result? In two hours Palmer made $11,000 profit, more than she had These United States - @theseunited earned from her 2008 Ben Folds-produced solo debut. A webcast auction conducted Notable Tweet: “can't remember where I heard this... “War is weak - it cannot destroy through Twitter several days later also netted everything.” ????? Remind me - or, you know, just Respond...” Palmer an additional $6,000. there’s something incredibly special about Although these sales could be written off Blitzen Trapper - @BlitzenTrapper the fact that Twitter is so immediate, says as some creepy grasp at buying a connection Amanda Palmer, solo artist and one half of with a celebrity, Palmer insists that her Notable Tweet: “OK, guess it's more “hugs & high fives & arm waving” than actual punk-cabaret duo Dresden Dolls. efforts are genuine. She’s been developing a photo: martyn foster collaboration but hey, that counts in our book.” relationship with her fans, sleeping on their floors, meeting them at shows and conversing The Delfields - @TheDelfields Twitter battle with Chris Cornell alongside deference to his band’s official website. “Do putting it all out there, emotionally, and with them on message boards since she began comments from angry fans led Nine Inch we really need to know what the singer had I wanted to emulate them,” says Palmer, touring with The Dresden Dolls in 2000. Notable Tweet: “Just because you think you're attractive doesn't mean you can steal my Nails frontman to publicly for breakfast and what happened when he citing '80s superstars , Cyndi “We trusted everybody because if they seat.” delete his account. Other bands have Twitter went to the bathroom this morning? I think Lauper, Prince and The Cure as “people who liked our music, they were good people,” says accounts set up as mere publicity feeds, run it’s undignified.” were certainly not afraid to be completely Palmer. “And I’ve kept with that philosophy Ben Kweller - @benkweller by publicists or their record labels, in order to But there is some argument to how themselves. Total freaks.” the entire time.” spread information about upcoming successful retaining the so-called mystique “They were creating their own worlds, and “It’s not like all of a sudden, because there’s and album releases. And, of course, there of rock 'n' roll even is in an age where those had nothing to do with the myth of Twitter, out of the blue I trust my fan base Notable Tweet: “Tryin to be healthy ya know? I've had 2 airport salads today and they are bands who abstain from the service all information abounds about anyone, whether rock 'n' roll and how exposed you were and and they trust me. It’s been building for years both had long black hairs in them. Why does that happen?”

together. they want it out there or not. And withholding how much you talked about and how much and years,” says Palmer, who cautions newer fun. - @ournameisfun Still more see it as a negative influence information, in some instances, can even be a you didn’t,” continues Palmer. “And the whole bands that it takes more than just using on the institution of rock 'n' roll. There’s detriment to a band when keeping fans happy fucking beauty of rock 'n'- roll is that you get Twitter to create a loyal fan base. Although it no arguing that the mystique that spread often correlates to constantly giving them to make up all this shit as you’re going along! can help, the word of mouth it fosters is only Notable Tweet: “Question... What movie would you NEVER see but you know your intrigue and interest in the music, its makers something new to hold their attention. Nobody can tell you how to do it. That’s the as reliable as the product behind it. significant other is gonna drag you to? Me= time travelers wife. Dreading it.”

and its mythos throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s “I think people crave it, actually. And I idea. That’s why it’s awesome.” “Some might look at the model and say, Mindy Smith - @mindysmithmusic is fast becoming a thing of the past, but think they demand it a lot of times,” says Breaking the rules and discovering new ‘Oh! My God! If I start a Twitter account, Twitter, to some, is little more than a blue Wagner on the fans’ appetite for social media paths has also never been easier. As the old my fans will just start showing up in every feathered, yellow-beaked Grim Reaper. interaction. “There are so many bands out ways (major labels, physical sales) continually city and people will offer us a place to stay!’ It Notable Tweet: “i can't believe Al Franken is a senator elec...wow! interstinng. maybe Although he admits that social networking there and it’s very easy to access any band in capitulate into new ways (indies, downloads) probably won’t work,” explains Palmer. “You Ellen DeGeneres can be one too, she is way funnier!!” can be an asset for bands, the EELS’s Mark the world by clicking a few times, so I think bands are benefiting from innovation more need to actually build the fan base first.” Everett (aka E) dismisses Twitter as merely it’s something that you have to do. It’s very, and more often, especially by connecting As for the naysayers, those wishing to keep Sister Hazel @SisterHazelBand “empty calories” in comparison to penning very necessary.” directly with fans. a sense of mystique in rock 'n' roll, there’s an autobiographical tome, and even goes For Palmer, putting herself out there “If you’re a band and you’re not visiting one simple solution: step away from the Notable Tweet: “Just finished writing an awesome song. I think I'll eat a sandwich.” so far as to claim that the service ruins the as much as possible on an emotional and your fans’ pages to talk with them and not computer. alluring appeal of music. personal level was part of her reasoning for just spam about your band, you’re blowing “If you want to read personal stuff, read it,” Asher Roth @asherroth “It’s this kind of thing that’s killing going into music in the first place. the opportunity,” adds Brogan. “There’s some says Wagner. “If you don’t like people being music,” says E, who tried the service for a “I wanted to expose myself in the most real opportunity here, but it requires that you brutally honest and being personal, don’t read Notable Tweet: “Remember in elementary school when the nurse use to do the head lice few weeks at the request of his label, Vagrant human and positive of ways, and I felt like act human.” it.” check and it felt all good... what's good with a head massage?” B Records, before abandoning it all together in I looked at certain artists who were literally Even though Wagner and his band mate, That is, if you can escape the stranglehold. 50 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 51 One of the constant charms of this music town — of any good music town — is the notion that nothing is, well...constant. Venues of two decades ago are long gone, foreshadowing the fate of those that stand today. As many have done before, and others will do in the future, four clubs lead the way into another changing face of music spots in Athens... venue ventures by Alec Wooden Photos by Justin Evans

52 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 53 Adrian Zelski went to bed happy that night. And why not? It was Thursday, June 18, and he’d just completed an unofficial gentleman’s agreement with Blur Club owner Mark Bell to convert the Dougherty Street space into a full scale music venue. It was just what he’d long wanted — already boasting his own production company and successful band, Dubconscious, Zelski now had the structure of a good partnership to further his vision of the future in Athens music. Yep, life was pretty good. 12 hours later, tragedy struck the town he has called home for almost two decades.

Athens Blur Magazine: I think a lot of people a quality system. I want a really good monitor assume New Earth opening is a direct reaction board, a really good soundboard. It’s crucial. I to the fire. True story? would love every club to have a personality trait Adrian Zelski: That’s a really weird story, very — we want the band to drive away and say, 'Wow, interesting. I have a production company, they did a great job with promotion, hospitality, Harmonic Productions, and we were putting on good job on production, advancing, good hotel shows with DJs from the West coast and there was hook-up, had a person ready to load us in.' I no where to really put them in Athens. So Drew, want all that. It’s not cool if you spend six hours the bar manager [at Blur Bar, now New Earth], to get to a venue and there are grumpy people basically offered this space. I met Mark Bell, the not taking care of you. owner of the place, and we just lightly conversed about it, but nothing serious happened. On the ABM: What’s been the toughest part? night before the Georgia Theatre burned down, AZ: First and foremost its investment capital, Mark called and said 'I would like to talk to you working the details out, seeing who’s going to about the club.' We got the official offer the get what, who’s going to pay for what. Another night before the Theatre burned down. As the thing is trying to make sure that this whole days passed [after the fire], I started to think idea is right — not stepping on anybody's toes, 'this is obviously needed.' I called the guys at the not offending anyone, and figuring out how to Georgia Theatre and let them know, 'hey, I think enter the political game of music without being I am going to buy this club and I don’t want it to bad. That might be an advantage, though — I seem crazy or too opportunistic.' I wanted it to know the politics. I know the demographic of seem like a positive healthy thing that we would most places. be working on together. ABM: What's going to be your goal when you ABM: Why “New Earth?” come to work here everyday? AZ: It has an interesting tie-in to Eckhart Tolle's AZ: If a band plays here, I want them to put on philosophy. He wrote a book called “A New Earth” an event. I want it to be a unique experience, not that basically talks about how in the future the just a date filler. We just want to see everybody new earth music hall world will not be guided by greed and anger really getting along and trying to build Athens and possessive and dominant, male dominance into a one-of-a-kind music scene. The Southeast culture and all these things like that. I thought can really establish a support system for a band. located it was a great idea for a club to expound the It’s a great place to tour and have fun but if 227 W. Dougherty St. ideas of inclusiveness, positivity, nice people you actually look at the demographics of the helping nice people. There’s something about Southeast, we should have much more of an formerly being worldly and having world music, having industry. I think Athens is a nucleus of many Detour, Blur international DJs coming down and quality ideas — there should be more booking agencies, bands that we enjoy. So that’s really cool — and there should be better management companies capacity it has a connotation of change, and I like that. and team players should stand-out. I want 500 the music scene to thrive, all band’s to have a ABM: The past two incarnations of this room home, to be in a place that they are proud of. opened have been largely known for housing GLBT I love Athens. But when I come here I have to August 28 shows. Do you have plans to continue that? do all this myself — promote [Dubconscious], AZ: Absolutely. We want to be unique and very publicize us, and do everything. You play in open-minded.. We are going to continue to have Chicago, San Francisco or New York, you do one age restrictions the gay/lesbian community do their shows here show of over 200 people you will have 20 people show dependent and continue to have counter-culture events. trying to work for you. I would love to have that here. Every town has its flaws, but Athens has its type of shows ABM: How has your perspective as a touring beautiful niche of being a small town. I would any and all, though musician helped you carve out an idea for how love this to be a nucleus for all the stuff I love many nights will focus the club should function? and support fully. That’s an ultimate goal, kinda on DJ’s and world music AZ: I hate a club that doesn’t have good stuff lofty. I am a big dreamer — I am a musician new earth music hall (laughs). If it was me, I would want to play on (laughs). New Earth partners (L to R) Matthew Woolley, Drew Meyer and 54 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE Adrian Zelski take a break from construction. Photo: Justin Evans ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 55 It doesn’t take many trips down the streets of Athens to figure out the unspoken demarcation line of the downtown blocks. As the stigma goes, west of Lumpkin Street is packed with “townie” art and music lovers, while the geographical counterpart is slammed with nothing more than college hooligans looking for cheap thrills and cheap booze. Murphy Wolford doesn’t buy that the two need be separate — together with consultant (and future business partner) Paul DeGeorge, and armed with a boatload of upgrades and changes, his staple music venue tries to bridge the gap. Athens Blur Magazine: Of course, we can't ABM: And from a tech standpoint? Is there an help but notice the addition to the name — actual system upgrade? talk about the importance of “Uptown.” PDG: We have upgraded substantially to the best Murphy Wolford: When we were students the of everything that was in the building when we hipsters would call downtown “Uptown.” With had two stages. This room acoustically, just raw, the way things have transitioned over the years, sounds great and that was the purpose of moving we're kinda alone over here doing live music. So to the live rock 'n' roll. We had a sound travel we want to re-energize the students about music problem and now [by soundproofing between and capture the clientele available to us on this floors] it's cut by 80 percent so you can have a side of town. Uptown is part of that. rock band up here and a jazz band downstairs and never know the difference. Also, the [new, ABM: Speaking of energize…what has kept uninstalled at press time] lighting will play a you motivated in this scene for over a decade? huge role and it looks like a professional concert, MW: Music. Nothing gets me motivated, nothing obviously smaller but it’s a great space. turns me on more than hearing new bands that blow me away. You get in the everyday dull of ABM: Let’s not discount the past 12 years, but the business, then a band gets on the stage and let’s view this as a fresh start. Why is this room reminds you what it's all about. going to be successful, particulary as a brand alongside the new downstairs in Magnolias? ABM: Paul, what is it that attracted you to MW: Athens is all about youth and the Athens? You've had other successful bars wonderment that comes with it — and the (Pauley's, The Loft), but why now are you mystique and the Athens community has been trying your hand in the music scene? created by the engagement by the youth with Paul DeGeorge: I was involved in the film industry music and art. So, the mission with the free [in South Florida] — I own my own studio down flow [of the building] and providing tons of there. Myself and three other artists opened our free shows for the students downstairs [in the] arms to any local artists or musicians, dance beautiful southern setting with jazz and acoustic groups or theatre groups that had a good idea — something that they would enjoy walking tasty world uptown but did not have the space or the money to rent off the street. That will get them interested and a space or do something like that. So we were engaged in music and that will cause success up sort of a driving force in South Florida of that here and more success with independent music. independent scene and that’s part of my heart and located I truly love that. But I was getting burnt out, so ABM: You mentioned a free flow between up 312 E. Broad St. I came to Athens more for a business change. The and downstairs — will Magnolias and Tasty idea was to create a couple businesses that would World brand each other naturally? formerly create a good financial foundation to do more of PDG: With the free flow of the venue providing Tasty World the creative things I wanted to do. Murphy and I a consistent and reliable kind of music that they [sat] down and realized our passions were along want to hear, we have created a solid foundation. capacity the same lines and how much potential is here As far as the direction, I think it will be dictated approx. 171 upstairs, 193 to recapture and rekindle and revitalize Athens by the students and the music and what bands downstairs (magnolias) in our minds. we can get to perform. We are looking forward to that and this will take a direction and be unique (re)opened ABM: In terms of taking in a show upstairs, to this town. Murphy has been fighting with 2009 what was the most necessary change for the this separation of uptown and downtown and room? the townie side and the college side, and it is a age restrictions PDG: Raising the stage and making it larger little difficult in that sense, but I really think it 18+ or 21+, wasn’t really necessary, but it was low and it is something that has amazing potential. It's event-dependent needed a professional appearance — making it our job to find the best music and try to engage high enough so that everyone has a good view. students. You want to introduce students to new type of shows No matter where you are in this room now, music but at the same time you want to cater to wide open booking everyone has a good view. Prior, if you were 10- their desires. This industry is tough but there is a upstairs, jazz and tasty world uptown 15 feet back you would not be able to see much. strong foundation set up here and it will take us acoustic acts downstairs some time but I think something will happen. Murphy Wolford and Paul DeGeorge pose for a shot in the newly 56 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE constructed backstage at Tasty World Uptown. Photo: Justin Evans ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 57 Bruce Burch knows a thing or two about songwriting. Hailing from the mecca of all things songwriter — Nashville, Tenn. — Burch has penned hotel indigo’s rialto room an impressive slate of hit tunes in his career and immersed himself in the ultimate of songwriting environments. Now that Burch once again calls Athens home, it’s no surprise to see his support thrown behind a new club with his favorite past-time in mind and aimed at cultivating the already rich singer-songwriter scene. ABM: What separates The Rialto Room apart real supporting atmosphere for musicians. from other clubs in town? Bruce Burch: It’s a whole different ballgame - a ABM: As a songwriter yourself, I know true listening room experience. A room where you're excited for the musicians. But as a people come to actually hear the music. teacher (UGA's Music Business Program), this is another great teaching tool, right? ABM: Why does Athens need that kind of BB: The students are going to get very involved room? now that they're back, and we can try some BB: I love all of the other rooms in town. things out in there that we wouldn’t have Georgia Theatre had a different vibe, 40 Watt been able to try in any other room. We'll have has a different vibe from Caledonia from professionals operating the lights and sound Melting Point and Tasty World, you know? but our students will be sitting right there All of them have great, different vibes. I just with them and hopefully as time goes on we think there isn't one like this. I think it appeals will be able to move right in there and help to a slightly older audience, but also think its with that part of it. And ya know, promoting a good for young people to come to a room like room — to be able to [get experience like that] that, especially when they may have never is incredible. It’s a room that’s going to be experienced it. used, it's not a total music room: [it will have] weddings and other events, corporate events. ABM: Athens certainly has no lack of singers It's sort of a unique room and I don’t think and songwriters — so why has it taken so it competes with any of the other rooms [in long for a room like this to pop up? town]. We are going to keep students working BB: It's just an idea whose time has come. It’s in all rooms because every one is different. The an evolution and the timing is right. I think more venues the students can work in, the people now are wanting that more intimate better off they will be. No matter what part of experience with music. I think a lot of people the business you get in, you’re going to work are burned out — not that there is anything with different venues, and every one has their wrong with a big show down in Atlanta, but own personality. I think there is a craving for that intimate experience more so now. Not only has it ABM: Coupled with The Hotel Indigo,why rialto room gotten so expensive to go to a show, but all will the 'music tourism' premise work here? the pyrotechnics and everything, it's gotten so BB: [The Rialto] is gonna be a place where the overblown that people long for that intimate people who, when they're in college might go located experience. to Bonnaroo or any festival, as they get older 500 college ave. — when they get to be, say, 35 — I’m not so ABM: A different sort of room makes for sure they’ll want to go to Bonnaroo. Their formerly different booking challenges, I imagine. standards may not be to where they want vacant What are the plans for booking Rialto? to go to a place like that to have a musical Can we expect to see local artists, regional experience. And I sort of envision them not capacity artists and national artist on the same only having an experience [at Rialto], but they 125-250 stage? could go to the 40 Watt if they wanted, for BB: I think we are going to try to do a little example. It becomes like a way to, instead of opened bit of everything there. I’m more excited for just coming here for a football game, thinkof labor day weekend the local aspect of it because it will be a place Athens as a music destination town. Music for songwriters, it will be real songwriter goes the whole year, and people love to come to oriented. I think it's sometimes hard to find a Athens any way. It just seems kind of obvious, age restrictions venue that makes itself available to that. I've but I don’t think any hotel has really thought event-dependent seen how Eddie's Attic (Decatur, Ga.) and The about that. The whole idea of music tourism is BlueBird Cafe (Nashville, Tenn.) have done it something I saw happening in Nashville, but I type of shows and how people get their starts there. Look never thought of it in Athens. I know people showcases and at all the people that have come out of Eddie’s come here, but I don’t think anybody really singer/songwriter shows Attic, all the artists they have started there. said 'we are going to be a music destination.' [Eddie's] has a real friendly atmosphere, and Now we have a chance to become a part of that’s what I hopefully envision this being: a that. Assistant Club Manager Emmy Bateman (seated) and Club Manager 58 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE Amy Hibler (standing) pose in The Rialto Room. Photo: Justin Evans ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 59 The story has popped up as a pretty common one: no one answered the first phone call just after 7 a.m. Or the second minutes later. Or the two texts that followed in succession. Wilmot Greene is no exception. When his groggy hands finally picked up the ringer on the morning of the Georgia Theatre fire, it started a whirlwind emotional train that’s been grueling and, for better or worse, quite public. 77 days later, what’s been sorted out? So much...and so little.

Athens Blur Magazine: Some people don't WG: We have been working on drawings/concepts understand why it's necessary to "raise with the Davis Group (www.dadot.com) for money" for something like this — they about five weeks now. The idea is to make it feel assume it's like a house burning down, where as familiar as possible while incorporating all the the insurance company fills your claim and elements that we have to add. The elevator takes you start over. Why is this such a different up a lot of space and the staircases do also. We situation? are stilll moving stuff around in our heads, but Wilmot Greene: Good question, and the house as of now we plan on putting all the bathrooms analogy fits pretty well. Imagine if you had in the basement and a smoking area/patio on insurance for what your house cost, but when the roof. Those are two exciting changes. you went to build it back you were required by law to add an elevator, triple the number of ABM: Okay, dumb question — money aside, bathrooms, make the whole thing accessible for what's going to be the toughest part? disabled persons, reinforce the exterior with WG: The design itself is really challenging right steel, etc. — but it had to look exactly the same now. I bet every part of this process will be from outside. This gets even more complicated tough until we open. Then I'm sure we will be if you still owed the bank for your house. In this faced with new challenges and obstacles — such situation, you have to use the insurance money is life. to pay the bank and then get a construction loan to build the new house. The new house will still ABM: New Years Eve, 2010. Grand re-opening serve the same purpose, but your new payment of the Theatre. What's your perfect musical will be triple what it used to be. bill? WG: Wow, it would be cool to have the Glands. ABM: On that note, I'm also not sure that a They haven't played in years, but that would lot of people understand why it was necessary be so fitting and great. MGMT or Ghostland for you to achieve non-profit status. Observatory or Phoenix would be a great dance WG: The non-profit we are partnered with will put party vibe to kick things off with. But some good all the funds raised in a special account. Then as old fashioned rock 'n' roll would be nice too, like invoices come in from contractors, the trust will the [Drive-By] Truckers and Bloodkin. I'm still georgia theatre pay those bills. This adds accountability to the really into The New Mastersounds, they have process so there is no doubt that the money is guitars and it's dance music too, so that might going directly to rehabilitating the building. We be a good fit. Geez, who knows? will still have to borrow a great deal of money located 215 n. lumpkin st. to buy everything that goes inside the building. ABM: What's the one thing, one relic, that The trust is for saving the building, not the you'll take out (or have taken out) of the ashes formerly business. and keep as your "never forget" memento? WG: It's funny you ask this question, because I georgia theatre ABM: Is it frustrating to hear all the was just talking about this last night. I never got speculation about the future? my picture taken with any bands, or collected capacity WG: No. I'm used to wild speculation. In the backstage passes or anything like that. I've TBD music business people are always "absolutely never asked for an autograph in my life. What I certain" of the wildest rumors. It's actually want is for that building to come back to life and opening funny to me. I think the music business is a be there and be current and relevant for the next new year’s eve 2010 really un-understood businesses. After the fire 100 years. I'm not trying to sound like a martyr I heard rumors that were absolutely ridiculous. or anything, but I don't care what happens to me age restrictions People get very emotional about their music, or what I get to keep. I fucking love the Georgia 18+ clubs and bands. This is the double-edge sword Theatre and I have got to save it. I'll probably of the business; it's great because people are never have kids or pets or any normal social life passionate about it, but that passion is easily because I am married to that building, and it is type of shows misguided and based on speculation. sick and I will do anything to nurse her back to wide-open booking health. So my keepsake will be the grin on my ABM: Care to share some of your favorite face when we accomplish this rebuilding effort georgia theatre 2.0 and start filling those walls with music again. highlights from the new blueprints?

Wilmot Greene sits inside the still-rubbled Georgia Theatre. Photo: 60 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE Justin Evans ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 61 musician’s CORNER gear guide Aguilar Octamizer

Following the success of last year’s Tone Hammer preamp/DI, Aguilar Amplification is continuing their foray into the world of bass effects with the Octamizer analog octave pedal. The Octamizer is designed to give bass players access to a wide range of octave-based sounds with a simple user interface. Featuring a four-knob layout, the Octamizer has independent volume controls for the clean and octave sounds so you can dial in the desired amount of each. The “Clean Tone” control uses a Full Spectrum Tilt EQ, allowing for the boosting of treble while cutting bass or boosting of bass while cutting treble. This unique circuit allows you to create a clean sound that creates an octave doubling effect or to blend the sounds together for a great thick, snarky synth tone. The Octamizer’s “Octave Filter” control is a multi-pole low-pass Filter that lets you shape the octave sound from smooth and deep to edgy and aggressive.

SWR Black Beauty Bass Amp Eastwood Airline® Town Eastwood SWR’s aptly named Black Beauty combo bass amp has been & Country ’59 Guitars adds revamped with more power and more features to deliver even a new model more tonal muscle and finesse than its popular and acclaimed Custom DLX to their popular original incarnation. Now, in 2009, the Black Beauty has been Airline ’59 Custom Se- given a complete makeover that makes it even more powerful, ries, the Town & Coun- with several convenient new professional features. The classic try ’59 Custom DLX. full-range SWR tube preamp with Aural Enhancer™ and Sub- This retro-beauty will be wave™ effect are still there, as are the three-band active EQ, making heads turn in con- side-chain effects loop with blend control, and solid-state stu- cert halls and bars around dio-quality line out. New features include front-panel line out the world. controls, compressor circuit, tuning mute, single rack space for The Airline Town & Coun- an of choice, and two-feature footswitch (mute and try ’59 Custom guitar fea- Subwave on/off ) that also controls an integrated tuner. Standing tures a unique black rubber alone or as the key component in a combo-based rig, the new- binding surrounding the en- ly redesigned SWR Black Beauty has the power to handle large tire Vintage Cream body, which venues and the tonal sophistication to complement the subtlest replicates the aesthetics of the touch. original Airline Res-O-Glas gui- tars. The cosmetic details in- clude a retro-striped pick- guard and control guard with vintage style chrome hardware and comes with a BIGSBY li- censed tremolo. This 25 ½” scale guitar is a players’ dream with a fast maple neck, rosewood fingerboard and block markers bolted onto a tone chambered mahogany body. These guitars deliver unlimited tone possibilities with high out- put Airline Vintage Voiced Single Coil pickups, a 3-way switch, mas- ter volume, and individual volume and tone for each pickup. The Airline ’59 Custom guitars ship in the new Vin- tage Style Deluxe form-fit AIRLINE hardshell case with steel plate logo.

ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 63 Danny Carey Signature 14”x8” Brass Shell

Danny Carey, best known has the hugely creative drummer for the iconic band Tool has teamed up with Sonor to create his own signature snare drum. The Danny Carey Signature Snare Drum is constructed of a 1 mm Bronze Shell and comes with Artist Series Snare Drum Style lugs. The 2.3 mm Pow- er Hoops allow the snare to breath open. All hardware comes in chrome finish. With a diameter of 14” and a depth of 8”, it pays homage to the “Vintage” Signature Line Snare Drum that Danny has preferred through- out his career. The shell is covered by unique talisman symbols between the lugs. Also engraved around the air hole is Danny’s signature, giving the signature snare drum his final, personal touch. Upon playing the first prototype, Danny remarked, “The Snare Drum has a powerful, but still versatile sound.” The Danny Carey Signature Snare can be tuned high or low without losing the spe- cific, warm sound of Bronze sound in combination with the full- bodied shell sound. When tuned high, a nice crack is added — tune it low and find yourself immersed in Danny’s sound sphere.

Wechter Nashville GuitarGuard Neverkink Cable Clip Special Elite Cutaway

Wechter’s Nashville Special Elite Cutaway acous- tic-electric guitar uses special high-strung, or Nash- ville tuning, which adds a unique tonality to re- cordings or live performances. Double a standard acoustic guitar part with the Nashville Elite, and you’ve got the kind of spacious, airy sound that no 12-string can touch! Play this comfortable parlor- sized guitar in an ensemble, and you’ve got a tone that stands out, while it tastefully complements the other instruments. This beautiful, compact instrument is the first production guitar that’s specifical- ly set up for high-strung, or Nashville tun- ing. The Nashville Special Elite Cutaway’s bottom four strings are tuned an octave Say goodbye to wrapping your cable around your strap and higher than standard pitch, while the top strap nut, which causes kinks and shortens the life of your two strings are tuned to standard. The cable. Neverkink attaches to your guitar strap and ensures result? Breathtaking, spacious sounds that your cables are securely attached with a good connec- that add dimension to recordings and tion to your input. Never loop again with Neverkink! performances!

BOSS GT-10: Guitar Effects Processor

Meet the new flagship of the BOSS multi-effects family. The GT-10, driven by BOSS’ latest custom-made DSP and pro- prietary sound-modeling COSM® en- gine, is a floorboard powerhouse that of- fers natural and musical response as well as a marked improvement in sound quality from previous generations. It’s also loaded with an innovative user interface, including EZ Tone, so guitarists can obtain the exact sound they desire in the most intuitive way imaginable. 64 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE musician’s CONER B LUR MUSICIAN’S CORNER 13 letters in music business and don’t over look the last eight of them

I wish I could claim to have made and Dead Confederate being recent up this line, but it’s one I quote quite Athens bands to make their “declaration often to my music business students of independents.” The DIY method has in the Music been adopted in this decade by country- Business Program: “There are 13 letters in leaning artists like the MUSIC BUSINESS and 8 of them are and Corey Smith, who rose from the BUSINESS”. college scene after getting their start in When I began my career as a songwriter Athens. back in 1977, there was a distinct divide So how does being from a DIY scene between the “creative” and “business” sides support the “music means business” motto of the music industry. Artists, songwriters, which we have adopted as our mantra musicians and producers were the “right- for the UGA Music Business Program? brained creators.” Songpluggers, A&R Because all of our students are getting not (artists and repertoire) folks, only the classroom setting to learn the heads and, of course, the “necessary evil” intricacies of the music business, but they attorneys were the “no brain” business are also “getting their hands dirty.” As people. part of our program each of our students I’m not sure when the lines between the works with a music business — a band, creative side and the business side started Bruce Burch a studio, a PR company, a college radio to blur, but it was probably somewhere station, a music venue or a small indie around the time when multi-platinum “I’m not sure when the lines record company. We firmly believe that albums became as scarce as Milli Vanilli this DIY method of teaching is the most cover bands. As illegal downloading between the creative side valuable part of our program and one became more prevalent and the boom which I highly recommend to anyone years for the music industry declined, and the business side wanting to break into the business. The suddenly bands and artists were not able but it was apprenticeship system is alive and well in to afford as much staff and management started to blur, the music industry. for jobs that had previously been delegated probably somewhere around It’s a great time to be a young person in to the “business gurus.” Many of those the music business. Rick Rubin started duties had to be taken up by the “creative the time when multi- Def Jam from his dorm room at NYU types” themselves. (along with a lot of help from Russell The fact that artists such as Billy Joel, platinum albums became as Simmons), and being in a college town Leonard Cohen, and even the business is a great way to get your start. Your savvy Trent Reznor of the group Nine scarce as Milli Vanilli cover classroom may be the local pub where the Inch Nails had been the victims of theft latest band to hit campus may be playing. by their former managers, with losses bands. Learning the business Who knows, they may be the next totaling millions of dollars, made learning side is almost a necessity in ! the business side almost a necessity in this day and time. this day and time.” A 2003 inductee into the Atlanta Country And why shouldn’t it be that way? Music Hall of Fame, Bruce Burch currently The tools are out there now and there resides in Athens as the Director of the University being “Everything You Need to Know is no excuse for not understanding a of Georgia's Music Business Program. A former About the Music Business” by Donald piece of paper (yep, that’s a contract for creative director at EMI Publishing and owner/ Passman who, by the way, was responsible you remaining “creative types”) you are operator of two publishing companies, Burch for the record-breaking “mega” deals for signing. What tools you ask? found success as a songwriter by penning #1 hits both Janet Jackson and R.E.M., and Herb Alpert (one of the great musicians for Reba McEntire, Top 10 singles for Billy Joe “Music, Money, and Success” by industry of all time who was smart enough Royal & T. Graham Brown, a Top 20 hit for pros and brothers, Todd and Jeff Brabec). back in the day to know that owning Barbara Mandrell and a Top 40 single for John So many bands that came out of Athens and controlling his own record label Anderson, as well as various platinum and gold got their start playing sweat stained, beer and masters made sense and formed recordings by , The Oak Ridge Boys, soaked fraternity parties and overcrowded A&M Records with Jerry Moss) began Collin Raye and Dan Seals. barf bars which line Broad and Clayton a foundation which funds a wonderful Streets. R.E.M. made their debut in an website, www.artistshousemusic.org, that abandoned church and the B52's got Got something to say about this is an excellent resource for those wanting their chops playing house parties later column? We’re all ears at to learn the business of music. There recounted in the hit song “Love Shack.” [email protected]. are numerous other websites (www. Widespread Panic has carried the banner Send your thoughts, along with your musformation.com, www.hypebot.com, for Athens in recent years with the Drive- name and hometown! www.starpolish.com) and many excellent By Truckers, , The Whigs, books on the subject (my two favorites ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 67 THE KING OF THE BLUES Regionalreport Birmingham, AL By Michael Seale established 1871 population 1,079,089 notable bands The Temptations, Sun Ra, Erskine Hawkinds, Brother Kane, Ver- bena, Hotel, Lionel Hampton, Remy Zero, , Taylor Hicks, Ruben Stud- dard, Cleveland Eaton usEless triviA The illuminated dance floor featured in the film “Saturday Night Fever” was inspired by a floor the film’s director, John Badham, had seen at The Club, a private supper club in Birmingham drive from athens 200 miles Something Extra “$5 Cover,” a web and television series featuring real City of Magic, a 16-song compilation featuring Birmingham-area musicians, was released on August 27. The album, a primarily digital release, will be available on iTunes, and a limited number of CD’s will be available through CD Baby and .com. FRIDAY OCTOBER 2 SPECIAL GUEST your new favorite band Rachael Cantu buzz Vulture Whale THE THRILL IS BACK... IN ATHENS Somethe have called them anin “alt-rock birmingham band.” Some have said they are “.” And oth- BBKING.COM ers have even referred to them as “roots ,” whatever that means. But anyone who leaves BBKINGFANCLUB.NET Call, Click or stop by the box PRODUCED BY office in Downtown Athens a Vulture Whale show can all agree that what they saw was just a good, fun, rock ‘n’ roll band. Ed Atamian www.ClassicCenter.com Presents The band’s front man, Wes McDonald (formerly of Athens-based band, The Ohms), is a born 706.357.4444 lyricist, and can tell you a story through song better than anyone, with little anecdotes and clever lines reminiscent of Paul Westerberg. McDonald, guitarist Les Nuby (from Verbena), drummer Jake Waitzman and bassist Keelan Parrish have been playing together as Vulture Whale for a couple of years now, but they have played together, off and on and sans one or the other, for over a decade. Vulture Whale released its second album, Vulture Whale, on Skybucket Records earlier this year, and has received rave reviews on a national and international level. Mainstays in the Bir- mingham music scene, Vulture Whale is one of those bands that, when seen live, leaves the audience thankful that they had a chance to see them up close and personal before they got too big to play small clubs in college towns. on the charts venue profile 10 the top songs100.5 played FM on1. “Why wwmm I Am” - The Bottletree (3719 bottletree 3rd Ave. S) is a relative newcom- Dave Matthews Band er to Birmingham, celebrating its third anniversary in 2. “1901” November. It is hip little café by day, with a nice veg- Phoenix etarian menu to go along with one of the best club sand- 3. “The Great Defector”-Bell X1 wiches in town, among other treats. The artwork and 4. “Maybe” photography on the wall, from local artists, is for sale, Ingrid Michaelson but the retro 70’s and 80’s era relics that also adorn the 5. “Precious Love” - café are not. Guests can also sit in the corner and play James Morrison a variety of old board games (Monopoly, Life, Stratego, 6. “You Never Know” - etc.) or just do some quality people-watching. 7. “Sex and Reruns” But at night, the place really comes alive. One the best Matt Duke places to see original live music in the city, the Bottle- 8. “Pitter-Pat” tree has hosted a plethora of local benefit shows and has Erin McCarley been a strong supporter of local music. They have also 9. “Never Say Never” played host to acts such as , Southern The Fray Culture on the Skids, The High Strung and a bevy of re- 10. “Coming to terms” gional and local artists. Carolina Liar A & E MOVIE PREVIEWS ARTS &ENTERTAINMENT upcoming on the screen making sure it’s worth your $9.50 sorority row (September 11) (Stewert Hendler) They say: When a sorority girl’s boyfriend cheats on her, five of her sorority sisters set their sights on getting even - but their prank to do so goes terribly wrong and ends in an accidental murder. The five make a pact to never tell anyone about what happened and to move on with their lives. Unfortunately, someone doesn’t want to let them do that. A mysterious serial killer begins to stalk the five girls and anyone who knows about what they did.

We say: Here we have «I Know What You Did Last Summer» gone greek. It doesn’t look like this has much of anything original to offer, but is sure to draw a small crowd who wouldn’t mind watching a few sorority girls get the slasher treatment. Whiteout (September 11) (Dominic Sena) They say: A U.S. Marshal assigned to Antarctica must investigate the continent’s puzzling first murder, and the mystery grows deeper as the winter draws closer. Fighting more than the cold, she must figure it all out before the darkness of winter sets in and she is left all alone with the murderer.

We say: When you combine deadly temperatures, darkness 24/7, total isolation and a crazed murderer, you’re bound to get a nail-biting, edge of your seat thriller. If you’re looking for a suspenseful ride, “Whiteout” looks to have all the makings of a great one. cloudy with a chance of meatballs

(September 18) (Phil Lord/Chris Miller) They say: An animated film inspired by the famous children’s book, “Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs” is about a scientist who has never had any success with his inventions. Just when the whole town is about to give up on him, he creates an invention that makes food rain from the sky. It’s a huge hit and the scientist is back in good graces - until the invention gets a mind of its own and starts wreaking havoc on the whole town in the form of overgrown food items.

We say: Kids will love watching huge pizza slices and fortune cookies fall from the sky, and the film is full of humor that par- ents will be able to appreciate too. The combination of humorous animation with the plot from a beloved children’s book should make this movie a hit. Love Happens pandorum (September 18) (Brandon Camp) They say: This romantic dramedy (September 18) (Christian Alvart) They say: The producers of “Resi- tells the story of a widowed self-help author (Aaron Eckhart) who dent Evil” bring more horrors and bloodshed to the big screen with a comes to the realization that he’s more messed up than the peo- film about two men (Dennis Quaid and Ben Foster) who wake up on ple he is helping. After a chance encounter with a woman who at- a spaceship with no recollection of how they got there. To make mat- tended his self-help seminar (Jennifer Anistion), he is finally able ters worse, murderous creatures have inhabited the ship and are leav- to cope with his past demons. ing nothing alive in their wake.

We say: Jennifer Aniston alone has crowd-drawing abilities, and We say: This sci/fi/horror flick will more than likely gain the top spot the sugary sweet plot-line will attract those looking for a good opening weekend as long as the masses infatuation with violence hasn’t date movie. subsided: Spaceships, monsters and an R-rating? Cinematic gold.

ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 71 fame capitalism: (September 25) (Kevin Tancharoen) A love story When They Say: This remake of the 1980 film of the same name follows students (October 2) (Michael Moore) They Say: Moore cre- attending the New York City High ates a comical documentary about what he says is School of Performing Arts and the “the biggest robbery in the history of this country.” You’re ... trials and tribulations they must go He of course is referring to the massive transfer of through to make it to the top. U.S. taxpayer money to private financial institutions Bradley Cooper tries to explainHOT his sizzling ride through Hollywood - what else? We Say: After the “High School Musi- by DeMarco Williams cal” craze, it was only a matter of time Everybody has a good day. Some people 2009 successes have come overnight, you in common with them. It was guys like me MOVIE PREVIEWS A & E MOVIE We Say: Moore isn’t alone in thinking corporate dom- before this hit ‘80s film was remade. inance in America needs to be weakened. Based on have a great week. There’s an especially clearly have forgotten about the New York in the school. I just fell in love with it. We With the help of some seasoned ac- his past success with “Fahrenheit 9/11” and “Bowling blessed bunch that even has a perfect drama school, roles on Nip/Tuck and were in a little bubble in New York for those tors like Kelsey Grammar and Megan for Columbine,” Moore’s documentary has the poten- month. But there are very few people who and the supporting stints in movies like Yes three years. If I had any idea how brutal the Mullally, Fame will be sure to attract tial to shake up the political scene and bring this is- can honestly say their year has been one for Man and The Comebacks. business was, I probably would have quit the thralls of tweens and teens hungering sue to the forefront. the record books. Bradley Cooper is one of “I remember renting a U-Haul and moving school.” for a dancing, singing relapse. those select few. to New York,” Cooper recalls. “It was the best Looking back over this year, and At the top of the year, the 34-year-old’s thing I ever did, going to that school because considering how 2010 is already shaping up, name started making the rumor rounds it was in New York. I’d never been around Bradley Cooper has got to count his lucky as a candidate for the sought-after role of guys that wanted to act and felt anything stars he didn’t. the invention of comic book hero Green Lantern on the silver screen. Then, in late spring, Cooper was lying a part of The Hangover, one of the biggest (September 25) (Ricky Gervais) They Say: In an alternate reality where adult comedies of the year so far. Less than everyone always tells the truth, one overweight loser (Ricky Gervais) two months after that box-office coup, figures out how to lie, and discovers that dishonesty can result in Cooper’s name was officially attached to the very positive outcomes. (Think Liar, Liar reversed.) long-discussed A-Team movie, which will be coming out next June. We Say: The cast alone is a knockout —Tina Fey, Jennifer Garner, Jo- Though Ryan Reynolds ultimately beat nah Hill, Jason Bateman and Rob Lowe. And with Ricky Gervais serv- Cooper out for Green Lantern, it’s safe to ing as director, writer and actor, fans of The Office and comedy in still consider the Philly native’s year golden. general should be in for a side-splitting treat. “If you would have told me when I was sitting at a bar in Georgetown,” Cooper says of his recent good fortune, “that I’d be doing [The Hangover] with Mike Tyson, doing a more than a game play with Julia Roberts and hosting Saturday (October 2) (Kristopher Belman) They Say: This true-life story deals Night Live, I would be like, ‘Get outta here!’ with the friendship of five young talented basketball players from This is great, man. I certainly have a lot more Akron, Ohio and their athletic success, while also being faced with I wanna do. I feel like I haven’t even started great adversity off the court. As the players continue to improve doing what I wanna do. But, at the same their skills, one member’s new fame threatens to destroy everything time, I’m very grateful. But, yeah, of course I the boys have worked to achieve. have a lot of dreams and I wanna work with certain people.” We Say: The rare footage, home videos and personal family photo- Cooper’s next part will be as the title graphs included in this movie will make this a must-see for sports character in September’s All About Steve. fans. In the quirky comedy, Bradley plays a news cameraman who becomes the apple of Sandra Bullock’s character’s eye. “He learns really quickly, in the back of his shutter island Bronco, that she’s a little crazy,” Cooper says. (October 2) (Martin Scorsese): They Say: A pair of “He pretends that he’s gotta go to Boston U.S. Marshals, played by Mark Ruffalo and Leonardo to capture this storm that’s happening. He Dicaprio, travel to a far-away island off the coast of goes, ‘It would be really great if you could go Massachusetts in search of an escaped mental pa- with me.’ She takes that literally. She quits tient. Along the way the two encounter forces of na- her job and proceeds to stalk him around ture and a prison riot. the country the rest of the movie. So, it’s this weird, rogue, stalking Sandra Bullock We Say: This film has success written all over it be- movie.” cause of the movie’s mysterious plot along with Sounds like fun … and yet another possible Dicaprio’s name on the cast list. hit for Cooper this year. If you still think that Bradley Cooper’s

72 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 73 upcoming dvD releases Release dates are subject to change. Check artists or store websites as these dates ap- sept 08 proach. Crank: High Voltage Dance Flick Local Color PC Sales & Support Sleep Dealer The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Networking Valentino: The Last Empire sept29 Friday Printer Sales & Service Menace II Filth And Wisdom The Office (Season 5) Management Phone & Surveillance Criminal Minds Monsters Vs. Aliens Systems The Girlfriend Experience Website Building Away We Go & Hosting The Brothers Bloom sept 15 How I Met Your Mother (Season Email Hosting 4) Next Day Air Call us today to see how we can streamline your IT. Nightwatching Treeless Mountain X-Men Origins (706)-549-6781 It’s Always Sunny In www.netstreamconsulting.com Philadelphia (Season 4) Grey’s Anatomy (Season 5) oct 06 Easy Virtue CSI Miami (Season 7) Anvil Fame Nip/Tuck (Season 5) Four Dragons Bones (Season 4) Grace Year One Camilie It’s Alive Nerdcore Rising Chops Number 23 Bigfoot

sept 22 Adam Resurrected 13 Battle For Terra oct Book of Blood American Violet Ghosts of Girlfriends Past Craft Lymelife Elephants O’Horten Least of These Wallace & Gromit: A Matter Monsoon Wedding of Loaf or Death Ugly Betty (Season 3)

Rivermill Apartments rivermillathens.com 706.548.1188 newly renovated close to campus & downtown come in today and we’ll waive your deposit fee! ATHENS BLUR MMAGAZINEAGAZINE 7575 concert shots 1 2 3 1 2 3

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10 see your pics 13 here! 12 submit 11 to 14 editorial@ athensblur.com or let us know when you’re playing! you never know when we’ll show up...

The Orkids @ Caledonia Lounge (Sandra Gallardo) Learn Nothing @ The PS Warehouse (Alex Gibbs) Todd McBride @ Flicker (Daniel Peiken) The Arcs @ O Brother @ Caledonia Lounge (Alex Gibbs) O Brother @ Caledonia Lounge (Alex Gibbs) John Bell @ UGA Chapel for UGA Music Biz Class (Daniel Peiken) Caledonia Lounge (Daniel Peiken) Roam Alone @ The PS Warehouse (Alex Gibbs) The Tom Collins @ Caledonia Lounge (Ed Morales) Winston Audio @ Cale- The Interns @ Pianos in NYC (Alyssa De Hayes) Conor Oberst @ 40 Watt (Daniel Peiken) Akron/Family @ The Earl (Alyssa De Hayes) Jared Swilley of Black donia Lounge (Alex Gibbs) Bill Mallonee @ Ok Coffee (Daniel Peiken) Five Eight @ WUGA (Daniel Peiken) Roam Alone @ The PS Warehouse (Alex Gibbs) Lips @ AthFest (Stefan Eberhard) Chris Ezelle of We Are The Gold Machine @ Flicker (Daniel Peiken) Boo Ray @ Tasty World Uptown (Daniel Peiken) Da- Elliot Lipp @ Tasty World (Wes Elkin) Cinemechanica (Will Gravlee) Megafaun @ The Earl (Alyssa De Hayes) Elliot Lipp @ Tasty World (Wes Elkin) vis Causey of Randall Bramblett Band @ AthFest (Stefan Eberhard) Simple Teek @ Stan Mullins Art Compound (Daniel Peiken) 76 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 77 the ten people you meet The 8th Annual right here in the classic city Bruce Burch 1. A homeless person whose name is known by ten bartenders on staff. Add some bar back and Friends almost everyone. door guys in for good measure and it’s clear to & Only in Athens could someone with hardly a see how it’s pretty hard to not know someone — dime to their name be considered a semi-celeb- or at least someone who knows someone — who rity. Surviving on the shoestring welfare provid- works at a bar. In fact, how many bartenders an PARTING THOUGHTSPARTING ed by strangers gullible and good-hearted alike, Athenian knows is a pretty fair measure of their Honor Athens’ beggars have managed to transcend the extraversion. And no, your roommate mixing up common perception of being a nuisance. Now shitty cocktails with bottom shelf in the kitchen they’re an almost staple aspect of the scenery. does not count. And so long as they’re not going anywhere, you B LUR might as well operate on a first name basis. 7. A walking billboard for UGA. John Jarrard We get it. This is a college town. You’re proud 2. Someone in a band you’ll probably never see. to go here. Now for the love of all things holy, Our sweet little indie haven is indeed the land ditch the Georgia branded hoodie, hat, belt, tie, Concert 2009 of 1,000 bands. Throw a rock down Washing- pants, and wallet ensemble. Much like when ton Street and it’s sure to knick a guitarist. And someone goes to a concert wearing a shirt em- that guitarist will surely have a flier. And the flier blazoned with the name of the band playing, it’s will surely be for an opening slot at a show on a PT Umphress just not cool. Either you’re trying too hard to Tuesday, at 8 p.m. And the venue will surely only prove you belong or you’re just that damn un- hold 20 people and have a semi-functional toi- “Would you be interested original. Unless it’s a game day — in which case, Thursday, September 24 let that looks like a CDC inspector’s wet dream. go crazy — keep that shit in the closet or at least And you will surely not be in attendance. But in a handmade wicker to a subtle minimum. Maybe a hat. Just a hat. hey — when they blow up, you can say you met shower basket? Maybe you’d 6:00PM - 10:00PM (Gates open at 5:30pm) the guitarist back before they became sell outs. 8. An uber-hipster. like some wacky folk art This tragic individual, who is likely friends 3. Someone with a wild agenda. with that guitarist you threw a rock at, has mas- The Lawn at Brenau Between Christian fanatics in Tate Pla- made out of rusty coke tered the fine art of looking unique — exactly za spitting fiery damnation on all God’s cre- the same flavor of unique as all his friends — ations — crazy preachers excluded, of course — cans and used shotgun by walking that fine line between dressing like and crunchy snagging 1,000 signatures he only buys clothes from Soviet thrift stores from confused freshmen to save the endangered shells! Or how about a mud and looking totally homeless. What’s complete- John was born and reared in Gainesville, Georgia, and South American albino lesbian panda, Athens painting of Jesus? No? Well, ly ridiculous about this guy is that he most like- moved to Nashville in 1977 to pursue a career as a can sure as hell come across as quite the bizarre ly bought his ironically retro garb at premium country music songwriter. Within one year, he began to political hotbed. With self-righteous nut jobs then this poor artistic sap is price from a company that merely went down to skewing the bell curve so far in both directions, the local Goodwill and snagged up anything that experience sight failure resulting from diabetes, and by most of us — on both sides of the aisle — can going to starve.” looked like it came from a Soviet bargain bin — 1979, was totally blind. When country music superstar safely count ourselves as “moderates.” or a homeless person. Don Williams recorded John's song, "Nobody But You," taking it to the top of the charts, doors began to open. 4. Someone in a costume. 9. A drunk person, at 2 p.m. Over the ensuing years, John's songs were recorded by the Any day in Athens can be Halloween when you get enough affiliat- While seeing a person drunk at 2 a.m.. in Athens is as common and group Alabama, George Strait, Diamond Rio, Tracy ed young people together under the same roof — especially if that day is inevitable as death and taxes, witnessing a person completely tanked at 2 Tuesday or Wednesday and the bar is hurting for business. Both an op- p.m. is an occurrence quite unique to this town. A few Saturdays a year, Lawrence, and others, until he had scored eleven number portunity for folks to express their creativity or lack thereof, themed par- we have game days to thank for this. Game day drinking commences as one hits. ties and socials provide that rare opportunity to watch a sleazy Little Bo soon as people wake up, and by kickoff you’re lucky to see people still ca- Peep skipping drunk down Broad with Superman, a commando, and a pi- pable of walking, much less producing recognizable syllables. Outside of rate chasing after her. It’s like a scene from a little boy’s imagination — game days, you still have the loveable bar regular who likes to head out except all liquored up and horny. of work early on Friday. You really have to give it to this guy, because not only does he play by his own rules, but he also doesn’t seem to give a good 5. The police. god damn if you come in at 9 p.m. to see him drooling on the bar with a This funhouse has rules, and those rules are enforced by 58,000,000 piss stain in his lap. (or more) of Athens’ finest. The boys in blue are ubiquitous yet sneaky. For Tickets and Further Information: Just when you think you’ve found a small corner of privacy and the coast 10. A starving artist. is clear to take a quick piss in the parking deck, the sudden squeal of a Would you be interested in a handmade wicker shower basket? May- http://www.johnjarrardconcert.com/ Schwinn’s handbrakes tells you otherwise. You just got bike-copped, suck- be you’d like some wacky folk art made out of rusty coke cans and used er! Enjoy the paddy wagon ride to jail with Superman, a commando, and shotgun shells! Or how about a mud painting of Jesus? No? Well, then The John Jarrard Foundation is a non-profit organization with proceeds going to a permanent endowment fund in John’s a pirate. this poor artistic sap is going to starve. He’s a part of what gives Athens its name established at the North Georgia Community Foundation. Proceeds benefit local charities, including the Good News eclectic character, and damnit, he’s banking on your tourist ass wanting to Clinics, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hall County, Georgia Mountain Food Bank Fund, and one of John’s favorite causes, 6. A bartender. buy some creative, nifty shit he made with his hands — or maybe he’s just Good News at Noon. Do the math. 60 something bars. Each bar has anywhere from two to another guitarist hoping you’ll come see his band on Tuesday. 78 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE worth a thousand... A look inside the Georgia Theatre in late August. Photo: Justin Evans Job/Order #:594830-199138 Item #:PSE20089386 Ad Name:Full Flavor

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