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FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6

A.C. NEWMAN • ADELE • JOE BONAMASSA JOSHUA RADIN • MADELINE • GIFT HORSE CASPER & THE COOKIES • THE RATTLERS DUBCONSCIOUS • KUROMA & MANY MORE!

The Vinyl Revival adele’s big night Fan Funded confessions of a groupie HorsEplay WITH Ben Kweller PLUS! FALLING IN LOVE WITH PAUL RUDD gets naked!! 5)3&&:&"34 "/%8&"3&45*--3*-%*/(

HELP THE PEOP/LE& C8OM0E 3HO-M&E"/4

WWW.PNOLA.ORG cover story (14) HorsEplay Not that he needed a new direction, but five albums into a celebrated WITH cult-status career, Ben Kweller found one by looking back to where it all began - his Austin, TX roots. Ben Kweller — Jon Ross (42) Underneath the layers of Nashville’s ‘60s country Willie sound, one man found a gold- Gets mine of Willie Nelson gems. Naked — Alec Wooden (22) 20 year-old British (((44)) pop-singer, Adele, wins As major labels two Grammys this year become less relevant, and produced a criti- Fan bands look to their cally acclaimed debut fans for the big $$$$. .

Funded — Natalie B. David — Nicole Black Confessions of a Groupie (49) A self-proclaimed ‘group- ie’ discloses an abridged version of her adventures with musicians, ball play- ers, & comedians.

— Vixen*

(53) (60) Is America falling back in Finally admitting your bro- love with Vinyl? Depending mance for Paul Rudd? You’re We Love on who you ask, it never not the only one. really fell out. You, — Alec Wooden — DeMarco Williams Man

ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 3 12

music COLUMNS THE FIRST WORD: 9 A Merger Of Epic Proportions WHAT’S YOUR MUSICSCOPE? 80 Astrology for Musicians 17 spotlights A.C Newman 11 13 Kuroma 12 Joe Bonamassa 13 Ben Kweller 14 Joshua Radin 17 Madeline 18 Gift Horse 20 Dubconscious 21 Adele 22 Casper & The Cookies 25 Zion I 26 20 The Rattlers 27 40 EAR CANDY: Album Reviews 28 UPCOMING RELEASES 31 THIS DAY IN MUSIC HISTORY 34 26 25 THE BUZZ: News & Noise 37 ALSO: TEN QUESTIONS FOR: 40 Irish folk legend Liam Clancy ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT MOVIE PREVIEWS: Worth your $9.50? 57 We Love You, Man: 60 America Keeps Falling For Paul Rudd What You See Is What You Get: 62 57 60 Paula Poundstone Returns to Athens

FOOD 65 MEALS FOR YOUR BROKE ASS: 65 The Joy of Ramen Noodles ALSO INSIDE: ATHENS LIVE: The Month in Photos 69 FOOD BY OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE CALENDAR OF EVEnts 74

62 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 5 FROM THE EDITORS B LU R FROM THE

Who We Are editor’s playlist FROM THE EDITOR old or new, 10 songs we can’t get enough of this month The Athens Editor-in-Chief Dear Readers, Blur Magazine Nicole Black Nicole Black [email protected] Editor-in-Chief ExecutiveAlec Wooden Editor I have a confession to make. When I first moved to Athens over two years P.O. Box 7117 ago, I was oblivious to how incredible and diverse the music scene here really Executive Editor “Bad Habit” The Rattlers “Sentimental Heart” She & Him is. I assumed this was just another college town (I previously lived in Tempe, Athens, Ga

WHO WEB LU R WHO ARE Ariz.) crammed with too many bands all hoping to “make it big” someday. The Alec Wooden “Opiate” Tool “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here” more involved I became in the local music scene, (much in part because of our 30604 [email protected] She & Him Executive Editor, Alec Wooden) the more I realized Athens was more than just “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” “This Is Not A Test” She & Him another small-town southern music scene. I discovered that many of you aren’t Director of Sales necessarily looking to “make it big,” you’re just looking to share your craft of Main Office Stephen Simmons “Change Is Hard” She & Him making music with others. (706) 353-7799 “Chasing Pavements” Adele [email protected] “I Thought I Saw Your Face Today” “Thunder Kiss ‘65” White Zombie She & Him Not only do we have the most talented and diverse bands right here in Athens; Sales Representatives we also have an amazing tight-knit community in support of local music — “Pink” “Take It Back” She & Him from fans to local businesses and venues, to places like Nuci’s Space — all of Sales Brian Leigh which bring Athens’ music scene full circle. I continue to be impressed and [email protected] “The Waiting” “I Was Made For You” She & Him amazed by the quality of music being produced here. This isn’t just a college (706) 207-9091 “You Really Got A Hold On Me” town. This is the musical and cultural capital of the Southeast and beyond. Adrienne Klein “Falling Slowly” The Swell Season She & Him [email protected] On the cover this month is indie-rocker-turned-country-rocker Ben Kweller. For general comments “Take It Easy” The Eagles and inquiries: “Black Hole” She & Him Raised on dirt roads and honky tonks in small-town Texas, Kweller jumped editorial@ Jim McGahee ship to at the age of 19, where he started cranking out albums with athensblur.com [email protected] “Finnegan’s Wake” Dropkick Murphys “Got Me” She & Him inspiring regularity. 2002’s Sha Sha was his first taste of mainstream success, continued with 2004’s On My Way and an eponymous LP in 2006. Kweller’s For advertising Art Director gone back home — literally and ideologically — with his latest Austin, Texas opportunities: produced record, Changing Horses. [email protected] Terry Wilson looking for blur? try here: [email protected] Be sure to pick up our next issue of Blur Magazine, where we look at the The Athens Blur 13 Roses Tattoo Farm 255 Pita Pit Magazine issue 6, Flora Hydroponics Recycle Scooters evolution of Athens’ music scene. We will also be including a guide to summer Layout Design music festivals not to miss, and so much more! And, as always, send us your copyright©2009 42 Degrees Athens Follet’s Textbook Red Eye Coffee By The Athens Blur Colin Dunlop 5 Points Bottle Shop Exchange School Kids Records comments and suggestions as we approach our one year mark and continue to Magazine, INC. All rights Lily Feinberg ABC Package Bar Sons of Italy grow into the product we strive to be. reserved. No part of Alibi Saloon Gosford Wine Tasty World this publication may be Editorial Interns Amici’s Italian Café Inoko Express Taqueria La Parrilla Keep reading and rocking, reproduced in whole American Tavern Jittery Joe’s Coffee The Burger & or part in any way Will Hackett Jot ‘em Down BBQ Cheesesteak Factory by any means unless Lindsey Lee Barnes & Noble J’s Bottle Shop The Georgia Theater written permission Kristen Lee Beat the Bookstore Kingpin Bowl & Brew The Globe Tavern is received from the Julie McCollum Blind Pig Tavern Lansdowne Road The Grill publisher. Published Erica Schwartz Borders Bookstore Irish Pub The Mercury Lounge monthly except for Broad St. Bar and Grill Lay-Z Shopper The Rye Bar Nicole D. Black each summer issue in Contributing Writers Caledonia Lounge Little Italy The Taco Stand Editor-in-Chief the of America and distributed Cheers Package Locos Deli & Pub Transmetropolitan free of charge (limit Jacquie Brasher, Natalie B. Chick Music Mama’s Boy Restaurant Trappeze Pub David, Matt Joiner, Ed Morales, one copy per reader, Ciné Arthaus Theater Mellow Mushroom Village Wine & Spirits each subsequent Jon Ross, Kelly Skinner, PT Copper Creek Melting Point Vision Video Umphress, DeMarco Williams copy is distributed Café Modern Age Tobacco Walker’s Pub at a charge of $4.95). Daily Co-Op Moe’s Weaver D’s Postmaster send Depalma’s Musician’s Warehouse Wild Wing Café address changes to The Doc Chey’s Restaurant Nuci’s Space Willy’s Athens Blur Magazine, ON THE COVER: Ben Dos Palmas Oglethorpe Package P.O. Box 7117 Kweller, photo courtesy EarthFare Pain & Wonder Tattoo Your Pie Athens, Ga. 30604 of ATO Records FOR MORE LOCATIONS, VISIT ATHENSBLUR.COM

6 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 7 THE FIRST WORD FIRST B LU R THE The First Word: one sided debates about all things music an evil on the horizon why the ticketmaster/livenation merger can’t be allowed

hile gearing up for the stretch case, despite winning decisively in the and promotion powers combined with run of his presidential campaign court of public opinion, and proceeded to Ticketmaster’s death grip on the throats in WMay 2008, then-Illinois Senator cancel the 1994 tour in protest. of music venues would allow the new Barack Obama made the following The kicker of the Justice Department’s super-company to essentially set the promise to the American voters: “I will decision? It didn’t dispute Ticketmaster’s ticket market exactly as they please. assure that we will have an Antitrust monopoly on the situation, but claimed If you want to see live music, you’ll Division that is serious about pursuing pay their price. But let’s say you’re not cases.” Ready. Set. Defend your promise, willing (or, in these times, not able). Mr. President. What happens? Show revenue, the most As if he could use anything else on formidable revenue stream for the bands his plate right now (not sure if you’ve of today, has the potential to plummet. heard, but we’re in a recession), Obama Could bands go under? Would whole is suddenly faced with a very disturbing tours be cancelled? Might a venue or two threat to that promise. As first reported shut down? by The Wall Street Journal, mega-media The other side of the coin is the conglomerate Ticketmaster has agreed in minority sentiment that Live Nation principle to a merger with semi-mega- Entertainment (that’d be the new name) media conglomerate LiveNation, creating (Above)With symbols like this may actually have a notion to streamline the possibility of one of the largest and popping up all over the internet, there’s ticket sales into a cheaper, more efficient certainly enough public outrage to most monopolistic threats to the music interest the government. process. industry in quite some time. (Below) U.S. Representative Bill Wrong. The new company would Let’s do a quick review on Pascrell (D-N.J.), is one government have too much interest in the artist to Ticketmaster alone – this isn’t the first official who quickly called for invesit- worry about making the consumer’s time the good folks at the Antitrust gations and hearings into the proposed life easier. It’s not just about ticket sales merger. Division have heard that name. In 1994, anymore – this monopolistic train would rising rock stars appeared control ticketing, promotion and even before them to formally lodge complaints management of many major artists. The against the perceived monopolistic bottom line would be protected at any practices of Ticketmaster who, at the and all costs to the consumer. time (and more so today), was the world’s Live music is one of the final frontiers leading authority on event ticket sales. of creativity. Any band in any place in all The fuel that sparked the fire was the world can buy the basic equipment simple: Ticketmaster overcharged music and cut records in their basement. As fans, slamming them with excessive fees the recorded music market continues to for ordering tickets online, sometimes flood, men and boys will be separated on requiring event-goers to pay as much the live field of battle. Threatening the as 10 percent on top of the face value livelihood of such is reckless. of a ticket. But this alone wasn’t really Pearl Jam, String Cheese, the issue. Ticketmaster could charge Springsteen…they have given it their whatever they damn well pleased, as long the individual bands weren’t the proper best shots but were ultimately powerless as the patrons of these events had other plaintiffs for the lawsuit. That rested in their respective quests. Now the power options to go about getting tickets if they instead with the individual promoters of the oval office is potentially behind saw the fees excessive. They didn’t. And and venues (who, not surprisingly, were the fight – or, at least, they’re standing on still don’t. spineless in the long run). the side of the ring, gloves on and ready Ticketmaster did, and still does, have Other challengers have since risen, to go. exclusive deals with the vast majority of including String Cheese Incident Will they jump in? Let’s hope so. major music venues across the country, in 2003 and, most recently, Bruce effectively eliminating a band’s ability to Springsteen only a matter of weeks ago. —Alec Wooden sell tickets at a desired price to fans (at These uprisings were for Ticketmaster the time, Pearl Jam wanted to charge no alone. Can you imagine the effects Got an opinion on this topic? Would more than $20/ticket, with fees of no (and the outrage) if this merger you like to suggest a future topic? Join the more then $1.80). Pearl Jam lost their continues? LiveNation’s management discussion at [email protected].

ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 9 MUSIC ALTERNATIVE 11 - — Natalie B. David B. — Natalie ’S WHO ’S ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS E WEB THE TEST RELEASE Although Newman is “It’s kind of an intimidating So not quite as maybe it’s WHO (vo Newman “A.C.” Carl ) — featuring cals, by:guest appearances (drums), Wurster Jon Charles Burst (drums), Nicole Atkins and Mates (vocals) of State FORMED City York 2004 in New LABEL Matador LA Get Guilty (2009) ON www.acnewman.net A.C. NEWMAN I’ll get it next time.’ So that’s I’ll it next time.’ get what keeps me going.” arguably of the premier one of the leaders the humble past decade, is still hesitant in a musical about his place landscape major labels where lost influence and indie have making a significantbands are stand. mainstream time to be making music, good so many There’s actually. can how I just think, bands. in this world?” compete you by citing releases he says, Andrew Collective, Animal The and and Antony Bird, Get who shared Johnsons, “That’s date. release Guilty’s and pretty heavy competition hogging the most of them are even I don’t too. section, ‘A’ to myself.” section ‘A’ the have easy as it seems — even for Carl Newman. o... Photo courtesy Photo Big Hassle Media As a result, Newman Newman As a result, be an idiot to sit on your ass your be an idiot to sit on not making a for four years can, just because you record enough have because you money to support yourself. keep going.” gotta You’ve to work allow his doesn’t remain nor his time to suffer, constantly aiming to not idle, but pursue only his job, keep to reach intangible: that great “I craft. the pinnacle of one’s the ever made think I’ve don’t that I really want to record made think I’ve I don’t make. he explains. my best record,” “I’ll and say, make a record but ‘That’s a valiant attempt, t trip t “It’s a pretty job and good job material. In opposite job material. as his fellow circumstances (Newman’s Pornographers the under released solo work, is moniker, Newman” “A.C. while Pornos his side project, for activities hobby are albums fellow focal Case Neko points ), and Destroyer’s in Newman sees his position worldthe music as a job and nervous about he saysone he’s losing. I should be pretty thankful to all I do is this job where have for so that reason make music, myselfI force to be prolific,” “I think you’d says Newman. il gu C MUSI a Carl “A.C.” Newman “A.C.” Carl that I “It’s something Newman But they don’t. he does. hard work And on on it sol goes at new pornographer the head NewThe easy. makes it look frontman Pornographer’s and occasional solo artist has as album, an released every 18 months recognized, since his indie super-group with Mass Romantic emerged for a But don’t in 2000. all a breeze think it’s second for pop mastermind. the come It doesn’t at. hard work comments that naturally,” fromNewman via telephone “It’s kind his Brooklyn home. always I’ve of maddening. as a fan, music approached listen to a and when you it always seems like it record If you just magically appeared. don’t you really like a record, that the band see the work it just plopped in put into it; listen to it lap and you your As ‘This and go is amazing!’ think records a listener you magically appear.” from lyricexplains that, writing to meticulous of the process arrangement, making albums — even for as seemingly someone prolific as Newman — is pretty labor “So of it is much intensive: at spark a I think there’s work. that I the beginning of songs like the germ quite place, can’t I at the center of most songs. they come where know don’t They just show from exactly. just a it’s But after that, up. he amount of work,” massive hard “I think I just work says. at it.” Newman’s Get Guilty, For following solo album second the Wonder , The Slow 2004’s pop mastermind again brings his A-game to the indie crafting 12 tunes pop field, equally with his day on-par M USIC he did it his way the best from the worst Hank Sullivant Finds contentment with kuroma joe bonamassa takes life with a grain of salt KUROMA Following the release of his JOE latest album, “The Ballad of BONAMASSA WHO’S WHO John Henry,” bluesman Joe Hank Sullivant (bass) Bonamassa sits down for a quick chat about his writing and life WHO’S WHO FORMED on the road. Joe Bonamassa 2008 in Athens, GA M USIC ALTERNATIVE (guitar, vocals) Athens Blur Magazine: Talk LABEL about what’s behind the new FORMED independent album. 2000 in Los Angeles, CA Joe Bonamassa: Well, you LATEST RELEASE know, I mean the album is LABEL Paris (2009) the album. The album came J & R Adventure ON THE WEB out February 24 and I think it’s the best work, you know, LATEST RELEASE www.kuromamusic.com The Ballad of John Henry I think it’s the best work I’ve (2009) ever done. I was generally very Courtesy Big Hassle Media shy about writing beforehand. ON THE WEB the way Andrew and Ben Open the book of Joe and, www.jbonamassa.com You’re a founding member attention,” Sullivant said. instruments,” Sullivant notes. (Goldwasser) think about you know, maybe share with of The Whigs, this catchy-ass “That turns me off to a lot Upon graduation, the music. Moving to New people what’s going on. band from Athens, and on of bands nowadays. A lot of two diverged. While York and playing with them Unfortunately, sometimes up to some gigs early on and the cusp of signing to a major them don’t have any nerve.” VanWyngarden started was eye-opening. And Ben your best stuff comes from when we had 10 times as record deal, you leave. With a whole lot of pluck playing “subversive Cyndi shared music that has messed your worst moments. many speakers on stage as Weird, but OK. and a little bit of patience, Lauper kind of stuff ” while everything up in my head. I they had PAs and the drum Then your high school Sullivant now finds plenty of singing to recorded tracks, don’t know what’s good or ABM: Is it easier to write riser was bigger than the buddy Andrew calls, and says people seeking him out. In Sullivant came to Athens to bad anymore.” when things are going bad? whole stage, and we were like, “Hey, tour with my band.” January the band supported attend UGA and share in the Seeing where Sullivant’s JB: Sometimes when you’re “How are we gonna do this?” You do, and during that time Cold War Kids at New York’s town’s musical wealth. been makes it easy to too happy personally...you and we made it work. That the band, MGMT, becomes Mercury Lounge (“Awesome. At first, he was under understand where Kuroma’s lack the passion, you know? Photo: Rob Shanahan kind of thing. an international hit. You’re I told myself I’d never use that whelmed. going; he did his own thing So when I listen to this atop the mountain. word again unless describing “I was unimpressed mainly by piecing everything he album, I hear a passion that day. And that was “Story show, to try to get them in. ABM: What’s something a lot And . . . you leave. Again. mountains,” Sullivant said). because of the musicianship,” loves with everything he goes all the way through it. of a Quarry Man,” that was I do appreciate my fans very, of people wouldn’t know about Hank Sullivant: Are. You. In March, the band has a he said. “I saw a couple of learns. Paris’ tracks prove For a long time, I wouldn’t “Happier Times,” that was very much and I don’t take you? Crazy. Are you afraid of half-dozen dates opening for bands, and my first reaction this, revealing chunks of even talk about why the “Last Kiss, ” that was a bunch them for granted. And I know JB: A lot of people didn’t success? Primal Scream, while April was it was pathetic and (“Paris”), pop (“Searching album was being done, how it [of songs]. It was like all this times are tough for everybody, believe I lived in Athens, but “No, that’s stupid,” has Kuroma embarking on an wimpy. I knew there could be For A Sheep”), playfulness was being done, who I wrote stuff that was happening in so it’s really critical that you I did, for 2 and a half fuckin’ Sullivant said with a laugh. extensive tour with Starfucker music that could stomp on it.” (“Alexander Martin”), and it for. You know, whatever. real life. make an effort to show some weeks (laughs). “I wouldn’t mind being the (“It was fun telling my mom With Parker Gispert and grunge (“May Be I’m Lazy And it’s like, as time went appreciation in return. biggest thing in the world. I that,” he said). Julian Dorio, stomp he did. “– “ is amazing,” by, I realized that everything ABM: How are you doing ABM: I didn’t realize that would love that. I just wanted Hank Sullivant, meet The Whigs were a revelation, Sullivant adds), while not happens for a reason. tour-wise these days? Is the ABM: Can you share with until very recently. to do my own thing and be mountain. Again. pounding pop gems to SRO making any effort to conceal economy a big issue in the music us your most outrageous stories JB: Yeah, that’s how it is. extremely careful to do it the “After the careful starting crowds. It was here Sullivant its origins. ABM: But you’re in a good industry, as far as you can tell? from the road? I lived there for 2 and a half right way.” out approach, things are grasped the power of pop “People are copying each spot now? JB: You know what? For JB: Well, there’s a bunch, weeks. By and large, I enjoyed If The Whigs was college, rolling,” Sullivant said. “The structure. other but trying to hide it,” JB: I wouldn’t have traded some. We’re selling, this year, but generally nothing too my time there, and I was and MGMT was graduate plan is to become the best “And the bass,” Sullivant Sullivant said. “With Kuroma anything to get where I’m more tickets than we’ve ever outrageous for me. If you put grateful for the welcome that school, then Kuroma is band in the world.” said. “I never played bass we’re copying people blatantly, at at this point. Would I sold in our entire life. We are yourself in that position, then the local people showed me. I Sullivant’s job, and he’s quite Sullivant’s path to before. I would have left absolutely stealing and doing have hoped it would have selling an average of 1,000 weird stuff will happen, but was just happy to be there, for happy thankyouverymuch. Kuroma is an amalgamation Georgia if I hadn’t met Parker nothing to cover it up. It’s worked out differently? or more domestically. Two generally if you keep going, a second. An outfit with a rotating of elements starting in and Julian. Back then, the trying to introduce elements Would I have hoped it had to three thousand in Europe. if you use the kind of control. crew to go with its sundry Memphis with a guy named songs I wrote were all over you’ve heard a zillion times been done differently? Sure. We haven’t seen it, you know? I mean, you’ll see some ABM: So you’re not planning of sounds, Kuroma boasts an Andrew VanWyngarden. the place, and Julian and and repackaging it in a But this album is really just But, we’re still a cheap date. weirdness at the hotels, like a move back to Athens anytime album (Paris) and strategy (no Now one-half of MGMT, Parker have a keen sense of different context. It’s making a documentation of where The top tickets we only sell chillin’ at the fuckin’ Marriott soon? MySpace) seeking to engage, VanWyngarden and Sullivant pop structure. The big thing things hyper-real, truer than I was between the months for like $50, $55, for front in Dayton, Ohio and there’s JB: I’ll stick to for not pander. then flexed their musical with The Whigs was we were they were.” of May and September of row seats, you know? So, to a transvestite convention, now. I’m not ready to come “The goal is to have some muscles in a funk band, a young and wanted to stomp Sounds like this time he’s 2008. I was touring my ass me it’s like, I’m not really like totally a transvestite back yet. Maybe one of these aspect of you other people genre that doesn’t reward poor other Athens bands. That was staying. off. I was taking very few days seeing it, the economy. I convention, you know? And, days. have to find out about and playing. “It was important part of the energy.” off. I was writing songs and know the economy is weak, it’s like, you show up at this not you desperately seeking to be incredible at our “With MGMT, I admired — Ed Morales then recording them the next so I like to give people more other place, — we’ve showed — Matt Joiner 12 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 13 MUSIC COUNTRY 15 — Jon Ross ’S WHO ’S ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS E WEB THE “In New York, it’s ev it’s - York, “In New change is a part“Genre TEST RELEASE After nearly a decade in WHO Ben Kweller FORMED City York 2000 in New LABEL Records ATO LA Changing Horses (2009) ON www.kweller.net WELLER BEN K sitting in a cramped apart- thought about home. ment, and peo- ery for man himself, cold and pissed off — ple are and looking too hard working straight when they ahead “I missed na- he said. walk,” — that was a big thing. ture and rivers and I missed trees swimming and freedom.” - re Kweller the Northeast, cently packed and headed up - search TX., to Austin, down ing for- wide-open spac his newThough sound es. twang than more have may Kweller his previous efforts, simply following his said he’s Af- musical progression. own is Changing Horses ter all, just a snapshot of a partic- his For ular point in time. - re may Kweller next album, turn to piano-driven rock, a toward or he could move entirely. sound different I’m is. of what Ben Kweller per- a Gemini with multiple ADD, I have And sonalities. really easily,” bored so I get “My favorite artists he said. always things; did different just partit’s of being an art- want to lim- don’t You ist. sound.” to one it yourself s Records TO k to to k ac b oot Photo courtesyPhoto A r

- Tex leftWhen Kweller

into their clique,” Kweller Kweller into their clique,” “The whole country said. scene from‘70s came the late — people just Texas out of want to conform to the didn’t al- Nashville’s ways. Nashville ways been very pop driven.” City the on York as for New he kept heels of rock success, his country child- music of Many hood tucked away. - Changing Hors on the songs writtenes were during the en- while Kweller, suing years es go cker o “Obviously, they know “Obviously, r

d hoo child , songs like “Fight” bring “Fight” like songs Sha, rollicking vocal harmonies “Things I front and center. “On Her and Do” To Like in shuffle rooted are Own” a rambling reflecting beats, spirit and a laid-back of way embody the songs These life. which country sound, Texas odds with put him at may contemporary country radio. country and not Texas I’m so I don’t country, Nashville if they’llknow fully let me

die in “That’s come a dream is Texas “Small-town ndie rocker Ben Kweller’s Ben Kweller’s ndie rocker Chang- fifthalbum, I as Kweller know Fans - On Changing Hors , has been reviewed , ing Horses in all the right media out- Music publications from lets. have Stone to Rolling Paste also but it’s praised the work, in a few mentions snagged maga- unexpected places: zines filled with tidbits about country sin- pop stars have with pos- gled out the album CountryMusic reviews. itive even recently be- Television gan airing the video for the “Fight.” first single, record’s CMT? Holy on Get true. over said Kweller shit,” fromthe phone his cous- house in Connecticut, in’s was taking Kweller where time off some touring. from a no-frills vocalist who al- pia- ternately plays guitar, he be- Before no and drums. came object of hipster the he was just a coun- worship, try up in north- growing boy - mu by surrounded Texas, east filledhouse His dad the sic. fromwith songs ‘60s rock lazy but on mid- masters, dle school nights at the roller was king. Garth Brooks rink, Country fit perfectly music shoot- world: with Kweller’s Cam- smoking ing BB guns, Widesel and chasing girls. probably similar to small- a lot of Georgia in town “It’s just said. Kweller ways,” normal other like so many lit- tle southern in Ameri towns - ca the football where team is really in high school, popular and people cruise in around their pickup trucks to go and cherrySonic get and limeade.” a reedy singing, Kweller’s es, sound that always seems about to crack but almost by a is buffeted never does, While back- lazy pedal steel. been part vocals have ground Sha since 2002’s of his music

ork, ork, and rivers and looking I missed trees it’s every man every it’s straight ahead and freedom.” and swimming and swimming Y New “In for himself, and for himself, I missed nature. I missed nature. and pissed off — and pissed people are cold people when they walk. when they working too hard too hard working

Ben Kweller

WITH

HorsEplay ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS 14 FOLK M USIC

YOUR USED COMPUTER HEADQUARTERS iTunes killed the radio star And sitcoms kind of did, too...the joshua radin story n When Joshua Radin wrote KP s Music his first song, he was almost JOSHUA RADIN Instrument Rentals & Sales 30. Though, at the time, he 2009 MAC & PC Sales, was penning screenplays WHO’S WHO (he calls what he writes, Joshua Radin A SUMMER MUSIC DAY-CAMP Upgrades & Repair “whimsical comedy”) he (vocals, guitar) Our Techs have over 10 years experience had basically tried his hand serving the Athens area. at everything: parking cars, FORMED catering, real estate, teaching, 2004 in Shaker Heights, coaching, serving and working OH as a camp counselor. It LABEL WE seemed that rock star fame Mom & Pop was a far stretch for a man OPEN TO MIDDLE AND HIGH SERVICE Laptops SCHOOL STUDENTS AGES 11+ Computers starting at whose roots dig deep into LATEST RELEASE starting at ON SITE $249.99 middle class Ohio. But with Simple Times (2008) $99.99 the advent of iTunes and JUNE 8-20• JULY 6-18 television music licensing, ON THE WEB SESSION CHOICE IS BASED ON FIRST COME it seems that anything and www.joshuaradin.com everything is possible. FIRST SERVE BASIS AND AVAILABILITY OF 706-353-0802 OPEN SPOTS PER INSTRUMENT. APPLICATION Radin’s music can’t be 8849 Macon Hwy Weekdays 11 - 6 found on the radio, though at nuci.org Athens/Oconee Saturdays 11 - 5 any given moment his songs Jessica Simpson or to have 706.227.1515 can be heard on primetime that kind of life,” says Radin, television sitcoms such as admitting he always strives “Scrubs,” “House” and “Grey’s to keep some semblance Anatomy.” He had both his of normalcy in his life. He albums for sale on iTunes doesn’t want to be recognized before they were released in at the grocery store, though stores and has sold his songs with his roguishly handsome to 100 different television features, he is hard not to look programs. Radin believes at. Your Vision. Amplified. that the combination of the Radin’s European tour two technologies makes it to promote Simple Times, is CAREER TRAINING FOR THE AUDIO AND FILM INDUSTRIES unnecessary to rely on radio currently underway (in fact, play to guarantee success. Courtesy Big Hassle Media he kicked off the tour in He is well known in Europe, Athens on January 30). Radin www.sae.edu and though not necessarily longing songs from sounding about his current success said that he “loved walking CREATE YOURSELF WITH SAE recognizable in the U.S., either too cheesy or too sad. in music, made possible by the streets of Athens,” and people have heard of his They just seem…well, real. good luck, iTunes, television, really enjoyed his first visit name and several of his songs “Just take a journal and a few famous fans such there. (whether they realize it or entry, set a melody to it, as college buddy To the aspiring musicians not). and you’ve got a song,” said (who has put Radin’s music of Athens, Radin had the Radin’s mellow echo of Radin, who has found he can on his show “Scrubs” and following piece of advice: a voice evokes memories of channel more emotion into his movie “The Last Kiss”) “play every day, write every Nick Drake and Elliot Smith songwriting than through and talk show host, Ellen day. There’s strength in on uppers and is a natural screenwriting. DeGeneres. numbers. Form a community SAE ATLANTA kin to current artists such “I want to keep working Radin was brought to and surround yourself with www.sae-atl.com as The Shins and Iron & on this (songwriting) for national attention last year creative people.” As far as the 404-526-9366 Wine. His songs are the sort now,” said Radin though his with the release of his second steps one needs to take in of melancholy that inspire ultimate goal is to write a album, Simple Times, an order to get television play he cooking, driving, painting film in which his own songs appearance on “The Ellen says, “Go to L.A. You don’t or laying in the sunshine. comprise the soundtrack. DeGeneres Show” and his have to move there, just get With themes like jealousy, Radin has sold two of his performance for DeGeneres’s yourself booked at the Hotel break-ups, loneliness, love screenplays, one of which wedding to longtime Café. There’s always music and forgiveness, Radin is revolves around a philosophy girlfriend, . supervisors for television a big believer that true life student with the gift of seeing Though the event brought shows hanging out there. It’s makes for the best story…or other people’s auras. Despite Radin more exposure, he has how I first got discovered.” song. And somehow, Radin both screenplays being no desire to serve as tabloid has kept his love songs and shelved, Radin sounds upbeat material. “I don’t want to date — Kelly Skinner ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 17 18 MUSIC FOLK ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE her latesteffort,. White Flag into afull-blownroar with al buzzthathassincegrown a local, regional andnation - Bangbegan 2007s TheSlow 2002’s Kissing&Dancingand much more thanparticipate. age of15,ripe she’s done I justwantedtoparticipate.” Hotel andofMontreal, and Elf Power andNeutral Milk bandslike alotoflocal for says. had agreat“I admiration was thecoolthingtodo,” she of musicians andyaknow, it or at Wuxtry andImetalot ortheX-rayCafé Blue Sky town andhangoutateither aroundhouse rat Athens. asyoungher days coffee made herstandoutsince thing thathasalways good atsinging—some- with talkingatall.” stress. “I’m good notreally song on-the-rise - the local make menervous,” laughs Adams isgreat atinterviews. but noplansforasurrender ngraisi the Recorded between the atthe And sinceherstart day I’d“Every come down- her, for Lucky she’s quite pretty all much “They For therecord, Madeline that you wanttodobetterthe self withthelive performance lenge thatyou give your- es. chal- “There’s this always ofthedifferencshe says - that it’s justsopermanent,” aboutrecording is scary ly thelivefer environment. to pre- is mostdecidedly lenge someone for who etc…),- seems likeachal of quality, instrumentation, her mostpolished(interms and alettinggo.”apology about beingsad andafinal were tired aboutbeingreally ally, Iguessalotofthesongs said outloud(laughs). 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white the soaring, biker-brawl- stopswith the musicalbuck ofeachlive show,dynamic helpsthe ing bandcertainly talk),- andwhiletheback member, shedoesn’t liketo (re charming - undeniably and banter isuncomfortably of whiskey, herbetween-song tion on stage. Between pulls problem commanding atten- thing shedoesn’t have isa aboutMadeline,will butone true.partially whatyou Say out abeatgoing on.” er topay attention with- It’s alottoaskoflisten- much more Iwould say. And crowds enjoy theband withyourplaying friends. rush. Butit’s notasfun you bequitea andthatcan teresting it’s on because all band),” shesays. isin- “Solo (soloandfull ing bothways band.time backing the employment ofafull- that adrenaline with rush the adrenaline ishuge.” rush last. racking. It’s nerve And next timethanyou didthe Which is,Which inreality, only “Well,- Idolikeperform And lately, she’s shared fla Courtesy T he Weepies g ing tofigure thatout.” vous chuckle. - I’m“So try thing,” withaner - shesays or work orany permits - intheU.K.do abouta Visa stand whatI’m supposed to stop Madeline’s trajectory. thatcould on thehorizon doesn’t seemtobemuch the coming months, there France) tourslatedfor and aEuropean (U.K. and yond her young age of23. ofyears stories well be- tells stopping voice she withwhich MADELINE www.madelinesongs.com ON FlagWhite (2009) LA Orange Twin/Plan-It-X BEL LA 2000 inAthens, GA FORMED Jason Trahan (guitar) Jim Wilson (drums) Theo (keys) Hilton (bass) Jacob Morris (guitar, vocals) AdamsMadeline WHO “I don’t“I quiteunder- Well, okay. Maybe one thing. U.S. Southeastern With

TES RELEASE THE WEB ’S WHO Courtesy PR DeusExMachina — Alec — Alec Wooden M USIC MELTING POT generation reverberation sweet mother nature gift horse gives fans what they need: a true and pure sound reggae band uses the stage to green the south Think 1994. Specifically, been helping to produce the based, full album that we’ve recall the music scene that album, already has a proven done since 2005’s Ameri- the mid-90’s witnessed, with track record through his can Dream. It’s much more releases such as Pearl Jam’s associations with artists such evolved song writing wise. Vitalogy and Nine Inch as The Whigs and MGMT; It has horns and female vo- Nails’ The Downward Spiral; and who is currently with cals and guests that give it a more full feel. You know, MELTING POT MELTING M USIC and bands like Nirvana, Kuroma). Clearly, the respect that Gift Horse gives to we worked hard on it and and Jane’s Addiction were Nelson and Sullivant and vice we basically put it togeth- cohesively and habitually versa, plus the cohesiveness er through a producer that taking your parents attempted and determination with which said, “Hey that song’s too censorship and wiping they all work, a true piece of long. That song’s too short. their asses with it. Now fast magic is in the making. That song doesn’t sound quite forward to 2009 and take a Despite the laud that the right.” So, it’s more filtered second to realize the sick, sad guys may get for their early than our past experiences. It’s world we live in. The economy work on the album, they are also more purposed. NonVi- has gone to hell, MTV is in no rush to get it out on the DUBCONSCIOUS olent, the name, we came up about as cool as MTV, and market. “We are just taking with that. And so we kind of “pop” music incorporates as everything in baby steps,” went with the theme that this WHO’S WHO much talent as a computer remarks bassist Vaughan album should be about that. Courtesy Gift Horse Adrian Zelski (vocals, It should be about learning interface deems necessary, Lamb, “you work your ass off ), James rather than pure talent that without really knowing the to communicate nonviolent- GIFT HORSE Keane (vocals, guitar), ly in our interpersonal rela- Vedder, Cobain and Corgan end result, sometimes finding Courtesy Dubconscious Scott Pridgen (percus- gave us merely 15 years ago. yourself only a little bit sion), Solomon Wright tionships with ourselves and with our environment as well. Now, enter Gift Horse. WHO’S WHO LABEL better off than before — it’s The members of Dubcon- Athens has a million in- (vocals, bass, trumpet), As raw as uncooked meat, Brandon Scarboro independent a game of perseverance.” In scious are more than a band. die rock bands, pop bands, Matt Woolley (vocals, AB: I know many of the and as pure as the earth, the (drums), Vaughan Lamb talking of what may be their They are crusaders for the en- cover bands, country bands drums), Jerry Hendel- berg (vocals, keyboards, members of Dubconscious start- Athens-based group relishes (bass), Hunter Morris (vo- LATEST RELEASE first single, “Missionaries,” vironment, using music as — everything but reggae. melodica) ed out in Athens at the Univer- in the fact that it incorporates cals, rhodes, organ), Mike Gift Horse (2008) Stokes remarks, “it’s tuned a powerful platform to fur- sity of Georgia, but why stay? the stigma of our recent rock Stokes (guitar, vocals) to an open-D, and I was just ther the green movement in AB: Do you think that helped ON THE WEB FORMED Why make Athens homebase? legends. It’s a combination messing around one day and the Southeast and beyond. as far as being different, gain- FORMED www.rebelforcesofgeor- 2002 in Athens, GA AZ: On a good day, it’s be- of detailed concentration, Hunter came down and wrote Their latest album, NonVi- ing success by standing out? 2005 in Athens, GA gia.blogspot.com cause of the music commu- cheerful respect and the song, just picked it up and olent, was released on Jan- AZ: Definitely. Well I LABEL nity and because of the abil- constructive criticism that wrote it in a really unfamiliar uary 20. Adrian Zelski, the mean, it hurt us too. The Tree Sound ity to live affordably and be surrounds Gift Horse’s music. tune.” And Morris adds, “... group’s guitarist and vocal- Southeast is the worst reg- of the songs have space in goes into every song. part of a great communi- In a conversation between and it’s cool because the ist met up with me for an af- gae market in the country, no- LATEST RELEASE them, and we have the idea Not surprisingly, their ty. I mean, I love Athens, the lead vocalist Hunter Morris theme of the song is about ternoon chat at The Globe. toriously. Most reggae bands Nonviolent (2009) to record all the drum tracks hard work on the album has people here are awesome… and back-up vocalist Mike mortality… It’s not gloomy at just pass up the Southeast. So and come out to an empty contracted from their time to ON THE WEB we realize that Athens has Stokes — both natives of all; it’s just like give it to me Athens Blur: Everyone in it really helped to be unique, hallway and re-record them play live shows. Despite the www.dubconscious.com the potential that it had in Augusta, GA: “you know, who straight.” That can be said for the band has really diverse mu- but it was also an “against backwards, then use that trade-off, the guys have the the ‘80s with R.E.M. and the knows, it may mess things up the band itself: rugged, yet sic backgrounds, from jazz to all odds” kind of thing. to place reverb back into mindset of planning for the B-52’s and Pylon and all the not having your [Hunter’s] refined and grungy, yet pure. electronica, so why reggae? the tracks, to fill any empty future by limiting the quantity than just going to play a show great bands that were here. vocal tracks laid down first, Audiences have grown soft in Adrian Zelski: It was real- AB: Dubconscious is pret- space.” It isn’t so much that of shows they play in order and up from the stage saying, And also, I would say this and I [Mike] may be way off lieu of, for whatever reason, ly timing more than anything. ty outspoken about environmen- the members of Gift Horse to maximize the quality of “Hey, we’ve got CD’s at the too, it’s a really weird place. at first, but we can always the repetition of jam band Three members of Dubcon- tal issues. How does the music go are nit picky, they are simply audiences for whom they play. merch table.” I think that’s You could try to pigeonhole go back and make it sound after jam band after jam band. scious were playing Bob Mar- in with the band’s environmen- using the resources at hand, “We don’t wanna go down to very lame. It’s much better to it, but you’d be wrong, and right.” There is hope yet, however, ley covers and just learning tal standpoint and getting fans as evidenced by the album’s SXSW (Austin) and try and say, “Hey, go to the table and that’s what’s cool about it. Working on the album, as the album incorporates how to play it, and the oth- to practice what y’all preach? engineer, Nate Nelson: “the play six shows for 30 people… sign up for this organization Morris remarks, “You know, clarinet, organ, chimes and er three members, includ- AZ: [The Southeast] is one thing that I realized is that we’d rather play two or three that’s gonna help the envi- AB: When y’all get back there was a stint a couple of space-filling reverb that ing myself, were doing more of the most habitable plac- Pro Tools mutes tracks, when shows for a couple of hundred ronment and help your com- to Athens after being on the weeks ago where we were in will be sure to take listeners of the acoustic, world mu- es on Earth with more re- say, we reach 32, and if we people,” Stokes added, “right munity.” So it became obvi- road, what’s the one place the studio every night until back to the day of rock lore sic thing and we just started sources than anywhere, and so need two more vocal tracks, now, we’re all about building ous, actually. I don’t see why you can’t wait to visit? 5 or 6 in the morning, just and re-establish the sound playing Bob Marley songs. So it’s very important for South- it just mutes the two oldest trust and relationships.” For more bands don’t do it, really. AZ: The Grit. I go to The trying to get every pitch we all frantically, whether we came together and just got east people to protect their ones. But once we get over the work on their current Grit immediately almost ev- right.” The guys in the band consciously or unconsciously, into it, and we were just im- environment, so that became to the other studio, with Pro album, the band has already AB: How is “NonViolent” ery time. That place makes have an ear for what sounds seek. mediately taken. There wasn’t our mantra that we ran with. Tools HD, we can hear up to formed strong relationships different from past albums? me feel normal pretty fast. right. The band’s manager, anything like it. So that was So it becomes a communi- 96 channel outputs.” Don’t be with Nelson and Hank Why should someone buy it? Matt DeCamp added: “some — Will Hackett a big impetus, too. You know, ty based thing, and it’s more -Lindsey Lee surprised if that much work Sullivant; (Sullivant, who has AZ: It’s our first song- 20 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 21 POPM USIC

“Just because you love doing something doesn’t mean that other people will love what you do,” she explained. “Everyone wants to be a pop star, the fact adele’s big night that I’ve actually kind of managed to do that-I never ever expected it. I never sensational songstress wins big at grammys expected it on this level anyway.” - Adele M USIC POP U.K. in January of 2008 and I’ve actually kind of managed the things I wanted from my I’m not into girls. If I was I’d rocketed to #1 on the U.K.’s to do that —I never ever boyfriend, he was never going be Queen!” Album Sales Chart. She expected it. I never expected to be. I get really jealous Now that she has received a five star review in it on this level, anyway.” She anyway, so I couldn’t fight conquered the music industry The Observer Music Monthly, added between chewing gum, with girls and boys.” with her debut, Adele is which proclaimed, “Of all “I thought I might be big The boy, whose name already writing for her next 2008’s female vocalists, none in London or a U.K. based remains anonymous to the album. “I haven’t started is as great as this one.” She thing, never thought it would press, has since tried getting recording it yet,” she said. went on to win a Critics Choice Award at the 2008 Brit awards. The British press ADELE weren’t the only fans of 19. WHO’S WHO As soon as the album debuted Adele (vocals) here, People Magazine gave her album a four star review FORMED and raved, “Adele is Britain’s 2006 in the UK best new singer.” LABEL Soon after its U.S. release, Columbia Records, XL Adele began performing live Recordings on shows such as her debut on The Today Show, followed LATEST RELEASE 19 (2008) by appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, ON THE WEB The View, CBS Early Show, www.adele.tv Photo courtesy Sony BMG CBS News Sunday Morning, Late Night with Conan or the second year in extremely talented young for her win. Her reaction to a think it’s kind of lazy a little O’Brien and the Late Late a row, a British female singer, she is also very humble. Grammy win was much like bit sometimes and they just Show with Craig Ferguson. But “I’ve got a good body of work popF star has won both a When asked about being the shocked expression on compare us because we’re her greatest launching pad for that I’m happy with, [and] my Grammy for Best New Artist nominated for four Grammy fellow British pop singer Amy women as well and we both recognition in the states was producer’s happy with.” This and Best Female Pop Vocal awards, the meek but Winehouse’s face last year went to the same school her incredible performance on time she plans on taking her Performance. 20-year-old energetic Adele responded in for winning the same award [Selhurst College]. But apart Saturday Night Live, which time. “I’m going to rehearse “Chasing Pavements” singer, her thick British accent, “I’m (plus five others). Winning from that I don’t really mind aired Oct. 18. The recognition be Europe and America and back together with Adele. them for like four months Adele, took home the honors very confused and baffled by an American Grammy for a but I’m happy, as always the sent her album to #11 on The other places as well. It’s weird She laughed, “Like three before we go anywhere near at this year’s 2009 Grammys. it but I’m over the moon.” She British musician like Adele case, because I think she’s Billboard Top 200. that so far away from home times!” He’s not the only guy a studio. I sing my songs Her critically acclaimed debut added, “I never thought I’d be is “the biggest thing ever,” amazing.” Perhaps the most intriguing people are interested [in my trying to vie for Adele’s love. everyday and sometimes album, 19, a corresponding included in the world of the she said. “It’s the same as Raised by a single mom, part of Adele’s climb to music].” “I have a stalker as well in I wish that I put a lyric in title for her age at the time, Grammys and I’m chummed an American getting Best Adele and her mother have success is that she didn’t take Adele’s writing style ,” she revealed. “He certain places so I want to was released stateside in June to peaches…It’s very surreal Album in Britain. It means as a very close relationship. Her music seriously until she exemplifies her talent. Her sent me a letter to my record make sure I live with my of 2008 and has elevated actually.” much to me as an American mother has been her biggest was 14. When she picked mature of heartache company…he kept walking songs on this next record and Adele to crowning musical In fact, Adele hadn’t even winning a Brit award. It’s supporter. “My mom gets up the microphone to sing and the complexity of around the area trying to find don’t have anything I wish I achievements. With her prepared a speech in case just surreal enough being more excited by things than a cover of “Heart of Glass” relationships appeals to me and then he found me changed…” mature, passionate lyrics of winning. She laughed, nominated.” I do…when we found out for a family friend, she women (and men) of any and stayed out by my house The young songstress combined with an incredibly “I don’t like speeches. If I Adele is frequently about the Grammys she was realized her calling. Yet she age who have had their heart sometimes watching me come may not have found poignant voice, winning the won a Grammy I would compared to Winehouse by running around my house at 4 never envisioned in just six broken. The songs on the in and out of my house. It was what she was looking for coveted honor of Best New be speechless anyway so the media. She doesn’t mind a.m. screaming, knocking on years how much she would album consist of melancholy really scary.” There are some “chasing pavements” in her Artist was well merited. there’s no point in preparing the compliment, though. my neighbors doors, saying, accomplish. songs about “being cheated harmless pursuers as well. She relationship but doing so A few weeks prior to the a speech.” And speechless “I think she’s amazing. I ‘My daughter’s just been “Just because you love on and not getting what explained, “There was a guy in her music career has led Grammy ceremony, Adele she nearly was. Adele, who think she’s a genius, so it’s nominated for a Grammy!’” doing something doesn’t you want.” The source of her at a show yesterday shouting her to astonishing musical phoned in from California looked visibly and genuinely a compliment. I never get Winning two Grammys mean that other people break-up album resulted from things out at me.” But mostly accomplishments with no end to discuss her Grammy shocked by her win for Best like annoyed of hearing it.” added to Adele’s collection will love what you do,” she a tumultuous relationship her fans consist of “middle- of the road in sight. nominations and the success New Artist, only took 23 However, she adds, “It gets of awards back home. Her explained. “Everyone wants with a bisexual boy. Adele aged women and teenagers”. of 19. Not only is she an seconds to thank everyone a little boring sometimes. I album was first released in the to be a pop star, the fact that explained in a PR letter, “All Adele joked, “Unfortunately, — Nicole Black

22 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 23 MUSIC POP 25 THE Kristen Lee — Kristen o p p

OOKIES casperfandango. ’S WHO ’S ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS C E WEB THE TEST RELEASE Why out and go should you says “Economic stimulus,” set to drop The album, member from one Not Both Stanton and NeSmith WHO (guitar) Fandango Casper (bass) Kay Stanton (drums) Joe Rowe Jim Hix (guitar) FORMED GA 1998 in Athens, LABEL (US), PIAPTK (US), HHBTM Wiakiki (Japan) LA (2009) Modern Silence ON www. com CASPER & spend your hard earned cash hard spend your Modernon Silence? a lot of get “You Stanton. a There’s buck. bang for your That’s it. on 21-minute song why!” is 69-minutes long in May, with 15 relatively complete short and a final pop songs track NeSmith that jokingly self- 21-minute long “a calls, of shit.” piece indulgent is Casper & the Cookies just the last track, on heard 35 of their closest friends to form fusing together an experimentally beautiful says “It’s high concept,” track. laughing. NeSmith, high hopes for their have “I don’t record. upcoming as conceited, off want to come and great but damn it we’re that! I people need to know to get going if it’s know don’t but it deserves, the exposure this could be our moment.” he Cookies T Courtesy Casper & Casper Courtesy Casper & the Cookies Casper & the Cookies After success of the modest thought did what we “We Stanton adds, laughing. laughing. Stanton adds, mostly known forare their wildly entertaining that shows seem to appeal to all kinds this played “We of crowds. neighborhood called tavern says Tavern,” WhiteWater “It was in Little NeSmith. kind of You Arkansas. Rock, to walk in, expected a Clinton start buying know, and you were They people beers. obviously and all regulars us.” know didn’t a Club , The Optimist’s 2006’s ridiculous amount of touring it was and a thriving fan base, back to the studio to begin “our what NeSmith calls result The major statement.” full album length is a third Birthday to Happy off Happy Modern Silence. Me Records, felt and sounded good right going just weren’t and we to be afraid of things,” “I think says Stanton. probably the biggest that’s difference we’ve what from in the past.” done utt-c ie ook er c

Though Casper & the band is not The power-pop pop songs,” “Convoluted lines utside the ors o one on the list was Casper & on one when and that’s the Cookies, and together band got the live everyone keep it,” me made to “I’ve come says NeSmith. to just going that it’s accept be what it is.” has been making Cookies they since 1998, music becamean official touring with NeSmith band in 2005, and wife Kay Stanton being originalthe only remaining complete now members, with drummer and Joe Rowe guitarist Jim Hix. but only in its name, unique just “We in its style as well. experimentalhave tendencies, end up making things but we that sound like be played to that is made says loud most of the time,” know “I don’t NeSmith. We call would that. what you you always fight against it, fight think we I don’t know? against it to make the end but what convoluted, product is pop songs.” out of us comes When hearing the band’s When asked about the It all started in the late l band co ocal r you not l Casper & offbeat name, the first thing the Cookies, mind is most to enter your likely Christina Ricci and her friendly ghost companion or the from the 1995 flick, mom’s thought of your chocolate-chip homemade images are (Neither cookies. too you which should distress this bornand But give much). band a listen, Athens bred and the friendly little ghost will be the furthest thing from mind. your peculiarity of the band name, NeSmithJason (aka Casper “It’s my admits, Fandango) fault.” ‘90s when NeSmith started he would where a project a string release of homemade each having a cassettes, even backingdifferent name, though it was just NeSmith First behind the whole thing. it was Casper Fandango then it was and the Knees, and His Casper Fandango “The next Tears. Tiny Sick ROCK ‘N’ ROLL ROCK M USIC golden state warriors bringing sexy back a not-so-hostile take over if only had these blues Oakland, California is a In just under a year, Athens’ newest fascinating place. If you look ZION I rock band, The Rattlers, has generated at one end of town, you’ll see more than just rattles in the music the same questionable guys WHO’S WHO world, growing an impressive following on the corner and dilapidated AmpLive (producer, DJ), and packing out venues across town. houses you do everywhere else. Zumbi (MC) Perhaps the buzz around The Rattlers But down the street, you’ll find comes from people witnessing the Jack London Square, a popular FORMED talented lead guitarist, Matt Joiner, 1997 in Oakland, CA shopping and entertainment who mimics the playing style of Stevie Ray Vaughan or from fans seeing lead destination for locals and LABEL tourists. Only a few miles from singer Tracy Carroll, exude a rock star Live Up Records persona during his live performance. there is Pixar, the animation But the collaboration of the band’s other studio where box-office hits LATEST RELEASE members, bassist Kevin Christian and like “Wall-E” and “Cars” The TakeOver (2009)

M USIC RHYME, RHYTHM & SOUL drummer Woody Hughes, is what gives are created. There’s almost a ON THE WEB The Rattlers a blues-infused, southern different feel at every turn. www.zionicrew.com . “Man, Oakland is an Carroll and Joiner sat with me interesting place,” begins outside on a chilly, winter’s night. Joiner Zumbi, a member of one of shivered in front of me, sporting only the city’s most consistent rap “I feel like we’ve a black t-shirt. Carroll acts, Zion I. “California is always been world was dressed to impress - oh, and for the a big state, but it’s not that bridgers. We connect weather - wearing a tan suede jacket many concentrations of black adorned with a brown and blue striped folks in this whole state. It’s things that seemingly scarf. Carroll asks Joiner if he would like small but it’s real tough and don’t connect and put to borrow his scarf but Joiner refuses, it’s real prideful. It’s kinda like them together. People bear hugging himself and embracing the a blue-collar city compared to say, ‘Oh, okay. That cold. Photo: Nicole Black San Francisco. It’s definitely does work together.’ different from L.A. It’s way We’re trying to look Athens Blur Magazine: How did you you know, Matt can play anything more laid back and mellow, guys find each other? Did you come from THE RATTLERS from Hendrix and Clapton, Stevie Ray back at all the legacies other bands, like split up from other bands but it’s grimy, too.” that we brought with Vaughan and, you know, Joe Bonamassa, And if you’ve listened to and collaborate? or Clarence Gatemouth [Brown]. He can us and mesh it up Tracy Carroll: We were just talkin’ WHO’S WHO hip hop over the past 15 Matt Joiner (), Tracy Carroll do all the blues stuff and everything [but] years, you know Oaktown and fused it into one about music one day…and we were like he can play hard rock and country, the “let’s get together and jam some.” When (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Kevin also has a varied musical album.” Christian (bass, backup vocals), gospel…[whereas] I grew up listening pulse. For every progressive- I heard Matt play, inside, I was going, Woody Hughes (drums) to 80s music with like Duran Duran, uh, minded group like Zion I, “Okay, play it really cool. Don’t let him and Icicle Works, and , and then, of -Zumbi, Zion I- see how desperately you want him to be Hieroglyphics or Cali Agents, Courtesy Zion I FORMED course, … in a band with you.” I knew if I could there’s a better-known, potty- 2008 in Athens, Ga talk him into doin’ a band, somethin’ mouthed rapper like Too Basically in the late ‘90s, it Lucas-inspired sounds. Deep to really spread love on some ABM: One last question. How would you would happen. LABEL describe your music to a deaf person? Short. was just a boom. After that, Water Slang V2.0, True & black community, black folks, independent MJ: Um, that’s a good one. I don’t AmpLive, Zion I’s when the dot com slowed Livin’ and the just-released Asian folks, Latino folks, ABM: Matt, you never studied music producing half, explains, “In down, a lot of things slowed The TakeOver offer more white folks. The TakeOver ON THE WEB know if I could even answer that. theory and you don’t know how to physically TC: I’m going to get technical here. the late ‘90s, you had the big down, but you still had a lot of the same. What Del tha is just going through black write music, so how do you remember your www.therattlersband.com boom of independent labels of those groups out here. The Funkee Homosapien and music and reclaiming all the This deaf person is going to understand songs? somehow what I’m saying to them… out here. The Bay Area has hustle’s always been there.” Souls of Mischief started in vast creativity we’ve embodied Matt Joiner: I have forgotten a lot of basically always been known For nearly a decade, Zion The Town underground, Zion since leaving the continent MJ: We put our own twist on it, and songs that I’ve wrote, but sometimes I’ll ABM: They know sign language… for its independent scene, I’s pushed hopeful and honest I’s admirably continued. and coming to this one. So, we don’t want it to sound like you’re record a scratch track. And, a lot of the TC: I would say our music is…it’s so during that time, it was blues, jazz, reggae, hip hop, hearing a CD of another band, saying, hip hop while MTV played “For us, man,” adds Zumbi, way we write is I’ll come up with a guitar high energy, uh…sexy, I think, I think it really poppin’. You had a lot house music, rock ‘n’ roll, we’re “Oh, they sound like this band.” We want footage of Bay Area rappers “I feel like we’ve always part or something, and I’ll tell Tracy, is [sexy]. of groups come out of here smacking hoes and getting been world bridgers. We taking it. We’re trying to look “Hey, I got this guitar part,” and he’ll just somebody to hear us play and say, “Man, they really put their own twist and have a that are now large. Back in hyphy. 2000’s Mind Over connect things that seemingly back at all the legacies that start spouting out words to it and there whole different sound to that song.” ABM: How can music be sexy? the day, with Too Short, E-40 Matter was Zion I’s first don’t connect and put them we brought with us and mesh you go, we’ll go with that. TC: I think it’s the influences that TC: Ask Prince. and Mac Dre, they’ve been release to generate big buzz. together. People say, ‘Oh, okay. it up and fused it into one each of us bring to the table. We’re not on the independent grind. album.” ABM: Okay, what sets your band apart It was like George Bernard That does work together.’ The all just influenced by blues and southern — Nicole Black When their industries grew, a from all the other blues-infused, southern Shaw over futuristic, George intent on [The TakeOver] was rock, so that’s what comes out. I mean, lot of people followed them. — DeMarco Williams rock bands here in Athens? 26 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 27 ® Thursday Not Without a Fight “Where it’s always springtime” Common Existence BAIL BONDS

Thursday has a new album out and, if As I listen through New Found Glory’s lat- cerebral post-hardcore is your jam, it’s… est album, Not Without a Fight, I can’t help but well, a new Thursday album. Geoff Rick- recall the famous scene from “Dazed and Con- “Where ly still couldn’t hold a note if it was Su- fused” where Matthew McConaughey’s char- per Glued to his hand but Common Exis- acter, Wooderson, famously professes, “That’s tence manages to rip, rumble, scream and what I love about these high school girls, it’s always EAR CANDY soar on par with Thursday’s best up to man. I get older — they stay the same age.” ® this point – “on par” being the key qualifi- Surely the members of New Found Glo- er. Like sprinting on a treadmill, the guys ry must feel like Wooderson in relation to springtime.” in Thursday are going full speed ahead, their fans, but what I could not have pre- LOGO AND NAME ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS but they’re not really going anywhere. dicted was feeling like Wooderson my- Now, now! Calm down kids! Giv- self in relation to New Found Glory. en how high 2006’s A City by the Light Di- Yes — I just essentially called vided set the bar, that’s not to say Com-

M USIC ALBUM REVIEWS New Found Glory “jailbait.” mon Existence is not an enjoyable album – it I first heard New Found Glory in 2000, when just means for a new album, there’s ironi- they were called “A New Found Glory” and more cally not much “new” to be found. Where- famous for an amazing album of pop-punk as ACBTLD marked a massive jump in pro- covers than their own songs. I was an over- duction quality and a noticeable increase ly self-conscious sophomore in high school, liv- in energy and tempo, Common Existence comes off sounding like a compilation of ing in a boring suburban wasteland, and the muffled B-sides from the former album. Coral Springs quintet’s sugary sweet nug- And please understand, it’s tough to gets of radio-ready pseudo-punk were like son- give a band that’s been around for 11 years ic crack rocks for wannabe rebels like me. It Kuroma Joshua Redman and practically spearheaded a genre the was okay to like them back then, but I’m 24 Paris Compass “what have you done for me lately” treat- now. If New Found Glory was a musical vehi- ment, but hey, Thursday chose to record cle, it would be a sketchy DeLorean whose des- Bloodkin And In 2007, tenor saxophon- a new album, and damn it, if fans want- tination date is permanently locked to “High AARON The newest project of former Baby, They Told Us The 400U nit ed to tread familiar ground, they’d save School,” the age of sugary angst and pent up re- Whigs member Hank Sullivant, ist Joshua Redman took a cue We Would Rise Again Jason Isbell And their money and listen to the old albums. bellion. An age I have no goddamn business go- Paris is a fun romp through sever- from his saxophone forebears. The 400 Unit The gray area reality of Common Exis- ing back to. And yet, I’m already halfway through As 2008 witnessed the start of al of your favorite music genres; Instead of going into the stu- BONDING tence is that either all its tracks are equal- the album, and haven’t skipped a track yet. Oh, a downturn in America, found- spanning a spectrum that moves The second solo effort from dio with a standard rhythm sec- ly great, equally unimpressive, or they all god. We are far past foreplay. I’m going to hell. ing members of Bloodkin, Dan- from classic rock to psychedel- Jason Isbell, (former guitarist of tion, he removed the piano, mold- sound too damn much alike. Whatever It’s as if I’m 24 years old, standing outside the iel Hutchens and Eric Carter, ic pop, sometimes in one song. Athens’ Drive-By Truckers), is a ing Back East with just horns, the case, there are no standout hits or ob- local bowling alley of my crap ass hometown, and COMPANY emphasized the realities of start- While marked with variety, there perfect combination of southern bass and drums. On the 50th an- vious duds – just 11 totally solid Thurs- along walked this naive, sexy little high school ing something new. In their lat- is a cohesiveness to the album rock and classic soul, complete niversary of Sonny Rollins’ Way day songs that sound just as good as hottie called Not Without a Fight. And dam- est release, Baby, They Told Us We that comes from Sullivant’s voice with a live band kind of feeling, Out West, a saxophone trio al- you’d expect, but not an ounce better. nit, I can’t help but feel dirty for flirting with Would Rise Again, Bloodkin em- and a certain grit that spans the which I don’t mind one bit. The bum, Redman was modeling him- something I know I’m way too fucking old for. phasizes strong friendships and record and brings it all together. album’s opening track, “Seven- self after the saxophone great. — PT Umphress 706.353.3190 I’m sure New Found Glory can relate, but a positive outlook on the days While there’s not a track that Mile Island,” tells the story of Fast forward two years to Com- hey, when your unwillingness to grow up is as ahead. The closing track, “Sum- jumps out as a “can’t get it out a failed father and a young girl pass, which once again presents much a cash cow as theirs is, you can’t necessar- mer in Georgia” harps on the of your head” single, the record about to give birth, along with a Redman sans piano but with a Franz Ferdinand ily blame them for continuing to crank out rock fact that, “let’s take a road trip/ ages like a fine wine, getting bet- mention of concrete towers and very unusual band. For the group, BAIL BONDS Tonight solid, cute, but barely legal albums like this. it’s been a while,” and in a world ter with each listen. The songs an airstream trailer 300 yards up he chose the bassists Larry Gren- have a decidedly southern rock adier and Ruben Rogers, drum- 20% UGA Discount of defaults, weakening mort- a lake. It could be a disaster, but “I’m bored, c’mon let’s get high,” in- — PT Umphress gage backed securities and un- feel instilled with a psychedelic somehow it works. My personal mers Brian Blade and Gregory tones on “Ulysses,” the ethical Wall Street execs, a road edge. Sullivant’s voice is dreamy favorite, “The Blue,”shows Isbell’s Hutchinson … and nobody else. opening track of Tonight: Franz Ferdi- trip (to get the hell out of here) and soft but assertive. High- talent for creating deep and The concept alone — two bass nand, the third offering and first album in QUICK RELEASE doesn’t sound all bad. The album of the album include “Alex- meaningful lyrics, and with the players? two drummers? — is three years from the Glasgow quartet. shifts between slow-paced, blue- ander Martin,” a song with an al- help of a front row electric guitar, enough to create that giddy an- “Alright Alex, I’m game. just the cocaine talking. Hey, it makes a whole lot sy croons and twangy, country most country feel to it. In “Paris” pushes the envelope of southern ticipation that fuels CD sales. But What’s your poison?” of sense on ‘Live Alone,’ dirges to popular, uplifting bal- you’ll hear a more pop sound that rock. “No Choice in the Matter” on the first track Redman and co. “To start, how about some Ecstasy to make our Studio 54 homage to lads. The opening track, “The Vi- is reminiscent of MGMT (whom is the album’s statement of pure leave the novelty behind, creat- you all happy and nostalgic?” While “Ulysses” churns through its singsong giddiness, “Turn disco balls and Blondie.” per” laments on the band’s fall- Sullivant supported on tour classic soul, complete with horns, ing a boundary-breaking perfor- It On” quickly follows with dance-floor groov- “Yes, I see what ing apart and hints at their last year). The piano in “Search- an intervening keyboard and an mance that feels like a live show. iness. “” (hey, is this “Take Me you mean. Wait, is ing For A Sheep” is a nice touch. The music functions much the promising reunion. While there achingly beautiful electric guitar Out”?) pushes the party in full-rave mode. that Andy Warhol?” In some places the guitar solos same way as on Back East — the are plenty of individual sounds solo. Brace yourself though, it’s “Awesome, Alex, I’m roll- “No, no, that’s just a lack of a harmonic piano anchor on the album, the catchy tune of drag out a little long for my taste, bound to get stuck in your head ing now, what’s next?” hallucination brought allows Redman more improvi- “Little Margarita” will swoon lis- but only because I really dig Sul- for days. Though his first solo “Let’s come down a lit- on by ‘Lucid Dreams.’” teners into Bloodkin’s position livant’s voice and clever lyrics. record, Sirens of the Ditch, wasn’t satory latitude — but the added tle there, partner.” A shot of “Twi- “It’s only eight minutes (only?), but feels of all-encompassing blues, coun- If you like the Whigs and poorly received, this album will kick of two percussionists helps light Omens” helps the transition. like an eternity.” Damn mushrooms. propel the music. On Compass, try and Americana rock. The al- MGMT, Paris is a must listen, be his best yet. Isbell embodies “Yes, so right.” Hear the synths, “Sorry. How about a farewell toke of ® bum fortifies that the revitalized but don’t expect too many ref- southern rock with his own Redman flies far outside tempo melodic, wondrous. Perfect. ‘Dream Again’ and ‘Katherine Kiss Me’?” “Where it’s always springtime” sound of Bloodkin rises from the erences to past projects. Sulli- soulful twang and, with the help and harmony with bass and per- “Question for you,” Alex pipes up. “Where Ahh, solemn berceuses from a quiet ballad- ashes of old and promulgates vant has created a sound and of The 400 Unit has proven he cussion egging him on, creating do you see yourself in five minutes time?” eer – a fitting way to end a riotous affair. 24-7 that old friendships will nev- a style independent of his for- can successfully stand on his own an album packed with thought- “Don’t know, right now I’m feeling pret- Thanks guys for the weird, wild trip. er burn and, instead, rise again. mer bandmates, and it works. two feet. ful and impressive musicality. ty . . . HOLY CRAP WHAT IS THAT?” Don’t stay gone so long, OK? “What, the punk/metal breakdown at — Will Hackett — Lindsey Lee — Kristen Lee — Jon Ross the end of ‘’? That’s — Ed Morales

28 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 29 2008/09 COMEDY SERIES For All I Care THE CLASSIC CENTER THEATRE PRESENTS The Bad Plus — bassist , pianist and drummer — has a rich history of mining the pop vernacular for improvisatory material. The band has toyed with everything from the theme from “” to Queen’s “We PAULA POUNDSTONE Are the Champions” in a piano trio format. Many jazz covers of Thursday, March 26, 2009 pop tunes are cute, instrumental versions of the melody; the new 9:00 p.m. | Tickets $10 - $40 versions might include a blurring of the tempo, rhythm or harmony of the original, but the core usually remains intact. The Bad Plus have always produced heady, intellectual feats, not something easily digestible for the casual listener. With the addition of singer Wendy Lewis, the songs on For All I Care immediately become more accessible. Lewis’ vocals help ground tunes like Nirvana’s “Lithium,” ’ “Feeling Yourself Disintegrate” and Heart’s “Barracuda” and present the listener with something easy to follow. Improvisatory sparks are still present on this new disc, but lyrics drive the tunes. Sprinkled in among the pop covers are the trio’s versions of compositions by the 20th century classical Gyorgy Ligeti, Milton Babbitt and Igor Stravinsky. These readings pulse with the same energy the band affords “How Deep Is Your Love” by the , providing instrumental respites in an album of instantly listenable jazz pop standards. — Jon Ross

Railroad Earth Amen Corner

The Railroad – a train, in partic- Appearing on stage with a stool, a ular - is a perfect metaphor (and namesake) for Railroad Earth. microphone and a can of diet soda, Constant, driving and power- Paula Poundstone is a keen observer ful, the bluegrass/roots sensa- of politics and society. Known for her tions chug through their fourth razor-sharp wit and spontaneity, she’s studio album with the same lack of pretension and foot-stomp- famous for delivering smart comedy ing fun we’ve come to expect. Re- that leaves her audience in hysterics. corded on principal songwriter Chris McKay & The Todd Sheaffer’s 300-year-old ru- Aidan Moffat Critical Darlings ral New Jersey farm, Amen Cor- And The Best-Ofs Satisfactionista How To Get To T HIS PRODUCTION IS MADE POSSIBLE ner is earthy but not lo-fi, hap- BY THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF: py but not cheesy and down-home Heaven From Scotland On the surface, Satisfactionis- without being redneck – put sim- ta is simply the follow up to the ply, a religious experience for all. A 12 track work of art; How sterling rock-debut C’mon, Ac- To Get To Heaven From Scot- cept Your Joy. To the band, how- — Alec Wooden land is mellow, poetic, and ever, it’s much, much more. The downright creative (there’s press release for Satisfactionis- even some beat boxing on the ta details all this: “Three drum- Hotpants Romance first track). One of Scotland’s mers came and went, pneumonia It’s a Heatwave most well-received musicians, knocked frontman Chris McKay Aidan Moffat (formerly of out of commission for 2 months, The first offering from Hotpants Scottish band, Arab personal relationships faltered Romance, an all-girl punk trio from Strap), had me by the first and most unfortunately, sever- legendary Manchester, is nothing track, “Lover’s Song,” and held al close friends and family mem- if it’s not dripping with a sticky- my attention until the very BUY YOUR bers died.” These words aren’t sweet dose of sass. But here, this end with no song too drawn- comes off as kitschy, not catchy. meant for sympathy, and the Dar- out or too fleeting. The back- The vocals are a shrieking mess, TICKETS NOW! lings don’t seem to want yours. ing band on the record, “The and the driving drums just aren’t What they want is your atten- enough to reign it all in. When the Best-Ofs,” is the perfect com- tion, and they have no problem girls aren’t screaming discordantly, pliment to Moffat’s passion- getting and keeping that. The re- the vocals and lyrics have a Moldy ate voice, keeping the album Call, click or stop by: sult of this long recording process Peaches charm that works real- honest and romantic, yet up- is a record full of battle-tested ly well. If these girls concentrated a beat with a wealth of instru- 706.357.4444 | 800.864.4160 lyrics on top of charismatic riff- bit more on the music and less on ments. This album is down to www.ClassicCenter.com rock with a mound of confidence their cheeky persona, there could earth, packed full of non-cli- 300 N. Thomas St. and absolutely zero pretentions. be potential for punk prowess. ché, universal love songs. Downtown Athens, GA 30601 — Alec Wooden — Lindsey Lee — Kristen Lee RELEASE CALENDAR RELEASE M USIC toppers uupp comingcoming CDCD    rerelleaeassee calendarcalendar march 17 Pet Shop Boys Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks Yes Tangled Tales Dan Deacon Royksoop Kelly Clarkson All I Ever Wanted Bromst Junior The Decemberists These Green Eyes MSTRKRFT Hazards of Love Relapse to Recovery Fist of God Papa Roach Lionel Richie Papa Roach march 24 Just Go Flo Rida Sara Watkins march 31 R.O.O.T.S. (Routes Of Over- Sara Watkins coming the Struggle) So Many Dynamos Peter Bjorn & John The Blue Van The Loud Wars Living Thing Man Up Diana Krall april 7 Quiet Nights Unstoppable

april 14 april 21 Release dates are subject to change. Check artist or store Dave Matthews Band Depeche Mode websites as these We are here! Big Whiskey & The Sounds of the dates approach. Washington St. Groogux King Universe Hey local bands!

Clayton St. Metric Booker T. Jones Got a relese date Fantasies Potato Hole coming up? Let us know at editorial@ Broad St. Papercuts Tortoise athensblur.com Wall St. Wall

Jackson St. You Can Have What (Title TBA) College Ave. College Lumpkin St. You Want ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 33 MUSIC THIS DAY IN MUSIC MUSIC THIS DAY IN MUSIC

1976 - Bruce Springsteen jumps a fence at Graceland in an attempt to see 1968 - James Brown Elvis Presley. makes a national TV appeal for calm 1998 - Shania Twain launches her following the 1971 - first headlining tour in her Canadian 1958 - Chuck Berry releases his single assassination of the becomes the first homeland in Sudbury, Ontario. “Johnny B. Goode”. Rev. Martin Luther rock group to sell out King, Jr. a week of shows at 1995 - Latin pop-star Selena is shot Carnegie Hall in New 1973 - A crazed fan bites Lou Reed on and killed by the president of her fan 1990 - Gloria Estefan York City. his rear end during a in Buffalo, club, Yolanda Saldivar, who had recently leaves the hospital NY. been fired for embezzlement. after being injured 1979 - Van Halen 1985 - “The Grand Ole Opry” debuts in a bus crash on begins their first on television. 1992 - A Chicago judge rules in the lip- March 20. world tour. syncing scandal of the Milli-Vanilli class- 1994 - Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley action suit that $3 cash rebates would announce they are separating. march be given to anyone that could prove they bought the group’s music. APRIL 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

1957 - Elvis Presley 1945 -Billboard Magazine 1961 - Elvis Presley 1969 - Jim buys a mansion in 1981 - AC/DC 1985 - Wham! becomes the first introduces a top albums 1970 - The Jackson Five performs his last Morrison is , which he releases Dirty Western act to play in China. chart naming The Nat King release “ABC”. live show for the arrested by 1991 - Ringo Starr is a guest names Graceland. Deeds Done 1966 - A 14 Cole Trio as its first #1. next eight years the FBI for on Fox TV’s “The Simpsons.” Dirt Cheap in riot breaks 1998 - George Michael is 1987 - Dean Martin Jr. in Pearl Harbor, interstate flight, 1985 - Spin Magazine the U.S., five out after arrested in a public restroom in 2004 -Axl Rose is refused a dies in a plane crash Hawaii. Presley which stems 2002 - Kid Rock and Pamela begins its first years after a Rolling Beverly Hills for lewd conduct. request to block the release while in the Air National performed the from obscenity Anderson get engaged. publication. its Stones He is sentenced to community of a Guns N’ Roses greatest Guard. show which raised charges after a release. concert in service for the incident. hits collection by Universal $62,000 for the Miami concert. Paris. 85 1963 - The Music Group after a federal U.S.S. 2002 - Lyle people are Beatles meet judge hears his case. memorial fund. 1996 - MC the Rolling 1968 - Eric Clapton 1963 - Lovett is arrested. Hammer files for 1968 - Syd Barrett leaves trampled by a 1985 - An estimated Stones after is arrested on drug release their first 1995 - Eddie bankruptcy. due to his 1979 - Metal hair band bull, breaking 5,000 radio stations a Stones charges in Los album, Please Please Me, Vedder of Pearl Jam suffering from psychiatric Twisted Sister becomes the his lower right around the world concert in Angeles, along with in the U.K. is rescued after a disorders compounded by first band to sell out New leg in several simultaneously play the Richmond, England. , Richie riptide carries him 1976 - Jimmy Buffett’s drug use. York City’s Palladium without Furay and Jim places. song “We Are the World.” 1997 - Marilyn 250 feet offshore in “Margaritaville” is released. 1983 - Pete Farndon of ever releasing a record. Messina. Manson ends a show 1983 - U.S. Interior Secretary New Zealand. 1994 - Kurt Cobain dies of a in Honolulu, soon 1991 - Rod Stewart is James Watt bans the drug overdose at the age 1991 - Eric (Nirvana) kills himself 1991 - A deadly plane crash after falling from the surprised onstage by Elton Beach Boys from the 4th of 29. He had been fired Clapton’s four year- 1970 - Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul with a shotgun. He is near the California/Mexico stage and severing an John, who was wearing a of July celebration on the from the band the year old son, Conor, & Mary pleads guilty to charges of found three days later. border kills seven members artery in his hand. dress. Washington Mall. He says before due to his drug dies after falling 53 “taking immoral liberties” with a 14- of Reba McEntire’s band and rock ‘n’ roll bands attract the problem. stories from a New year-old girl while in Washington, DC. “wrong element.” her road manager. McEntire 1997 - Joni Mitchell is reunited was on a separate plane. York City apartment 1961 - Elvis Presley window. records “Can’t Help 1995 - Rapper Eazy-E dies from with Kilauren Gibb. Gibb is the Falling in Love.” complications of AIDS daughter that Mitchell had 1972 - Isaac Hayes wins given up for adoption 32 years 2002- Eminem agrees an Oscar for Best Music, 1962 – Ray Charles starts his to pay $100,000 minus 1963 - performs his first 1965 - Members of The 1982 - David Crosby is arrested in Los before. Original Song for the own , Tangerine. 1987 - The Soul Train attorney’s fees to a man major solo concert at Town Hall in Rolling Stones — Mick Angeles for possession of Quaaludes song “Shaft”. Music Awards debuts. who had filed a civil lawsuit . 1997 - For the first time, Jagger, Keith Richards, and It is the first televised and drug paraphernalia, driving under 1999 - The Black Crowes Bill Wyman — are arrested against him for allegedly 2000 - Sony Music Michael Jackson’s Thriller ties awards ceremony to the influence of cocaine and carrying a perform in Knoxville, Tenn. One 2000 - Bo Diddley files suit against for “insulting behavior” in hitting him in the head Entertainment with the Eagles Greatest Hits pay exclusive homage concealed .45-caliber pistol. of the concertgoers later sued Nike for using his name and London after the three were and face with an unloaded announces plans to make as the all-time best-selling to black producers, the band for $385,000 in a claim image without permission. Nike is caught urinating on the wall handgun. The man, its first commercial digital album in the U.S., announced and 1996 - Phil Collins announces his that he had suffered significant accused of continuing to use his of the Francis Garage. John Guerra, had kissed downloads available to by the RIAA. recording artists in the departure from Genesis to focus on his hearing loss at the show. image after a contract expired in Eminem’s wife Kim. U.S. consumers. music industry. solo career. 1991.

34 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 35 THE BUZZ THE M USIC

THE news & noise from the classic BUZZ city and beyond RIAA resumes college lawsuits? TUESDAYS...... $2 The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced in December All Bottled Beers its intention to discontinue lawsuits filed against college students in favor of al- locating funds towards proactively preventing downloading, rather than retroac- tively punishing the behavior. Well…they may have lied. One George Washing- WEDNESDAYS $2 ton student (and one alumnus) were recently slapped with fresh lawsuits, most Domestics and Well Drinks of which have cost roughly $4,000 in out of court settlements. A word to the THURSDAYS • "POP LIFE" $2 WELLS & DOMESTICS wise: most of the lawsuits have targeted file uploaders, not downloaders. A word to the wiser: maybe lay low on the Limewire downloading for a little while. THURSDAYS...$2 FRIDAYS • "DRAG NIGHT" WITH DJ JASON -Alec Wooden High Life and Natty Light SATURDAYS • "HOME" WITH DJ ISAAC MCCALLA Pitchers and Well Drinks HAPPY HOURS THURSDAYS ALL NIGHT FOR SALE: 120 E. WASHINGTON ST. • DOWNTOWN ATHENS 120 E. WASHINGTON ST. • DOWNTOWN ATHENS FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS 9PM-11PM BOB MARLEY (Between(Between CopperCopper Creek andand the the Basil Basil Press) Press) 21 and up with proper I.D. $2 WELLS & DOMESTICS Imagine a future where everything you eat, drink, read, and wear cap- WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BLURATHENS tures the essence and face of reg- 227 W. DOUGHERTY ST. • DOWNTOWN ATHENS gae legend, Bob Marley. Well, that just might be possible. The late singer’s chil- dren recently agreed to a merchan- dising deal with private equity firm Hilco Consumer Capital, and togeth- er they will be launching a joint (no, Hope Animal Medical Center not that kind) venture called House of Marley. Fans will be able to pur- EXCEPTIONAL CARE FOR EXCEPTIONAL PETS chase Bob Marley instruments, shoes, Voted Athens’ Best Vet Clinic / Hospital in 2007 & 2008 clothing, snowboards and luggage, while Marley Lager and Marley Cof- new puppy & kitten care * Comprehensive exams * laser surgery fee are expected to hit the streets digital radiography * ultrasound * geriatric pet care STAY TOGETHER soon. Also in the works are One Love coffee shops and a line of children’s story books grooming * pet insurance * boarding iPhoto. iMovie. FOR THE KIDS featuring Marley’s influential lyrics. In a recent interview the singer’s daughter, Ce- 1150 Mitchell Bridge Rd. * Athens, GA GarageBand. iWeb. della, said, “We’re open to licensing just about anything,” adding, “If it’s not right, we won’t do it.” One of the reasons for the partnership is to tackle counterfeit Mar- 706.546.7879 After an agonizing four-year hiatus, blink-182 All part of every new Mac. ley products, estimated to be worth $600 million a year black market. Looks like the is back and here to stay. At the 2009 Gram- Marley clan has big, bold ideas...a gene they definitely inherited from their father. mys, the pop punk trio hopped on stage for the first time since December 2004, an- Everything just keeps getting better for the Mac. -Kristen Lee And it’s all at right around the corner at PeachMac nouncing the reformation of their band. Lat- where we have a huge selection, educational er, they released a statement commenting pricing and in-house support and repair. on the matter, “To put it simply, we’re back. EASY, BREEZY, BEAUTIFUL...50 CENT We mean really back. Picking up where we left off and then some.” This includes a long- Come see why we’re Georgia’s Apple Specialists. We all know 50 cent is easy on the eyes, but what’s awaited sixth studio album and a summer his secret to flawless, young- looking skin? Well, it 2009 tour. Let’s hope the patched up band turns out, he wants to share his beauty secrets with can continue its legacy of rocking child- the whole world by launching his own line of cosmet- hoods all across the globe. Also announc- ics for men. Now, don’t get too excited Pete Wentz. You ing their reunion this month? Everyone’s fa- won’t find your guyliner here because Fiddy is keep- vorite TRL memory. Limp Bizkit. Announcing ing it “manly” with boy moisturizers, macho night that they were “disgusted and bored with the creams and health supplements. Wow. Not only is macs • ipods • software • service state of heavy popular music,” the band has 50 cent one of America’s prized rap stars, a million- plans for a new album and worldwide tour. aire, and bulletproof — he is well-moisturized, too. Epps Bridge Pkwy (across from Lowe’s) • 706-208-9990 • peachmac.com • Athens & Augusta — Kristen Lee — Kristen Lee

ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 37 Sprockets/ PopFest 2009 cancelled

Weeks after the cancel- lation of The Langera- do Festival in Miami, the economy has claimed a local victim. As an- M USIC THE BUZZ nounced last month, The Sprockets Music Vid- eo Competition and Ath- ens PopFest have can- celled their 2009 events because of the sag- ging fiscal situation. Says main festival orga- nizer Gordon Lamb, “As both consumers and businesses tighten belts HAPPY HOUR this year, we deemed it unfeasible to press on with this year’s festi- val in the current economic climate.” Sad news, indeed, but festival or- freshly prepared coffee by the cup MON.-SUN. 3p.m. - 6 p.m. ganizers stress the point of this being a one-year decision, and not re- BONNAROO ‘09 INITIAL flective of the festival’s future as a whole. Here’s hoping that’s right on. looseLIN leafEU Ptea a •nnoun local gelatoced • free wi-fi www.redeyeathens.com $2 MARGARITAS! -Alec Wooden One of the most celebrated music festi- vals inlocated the South in the(in theBottleworks U.S. for that on mat Prince- $1.50 DOMESTIC DRAFTS! ter) has announcedFree Parking its line-up on Meigs for JuneStreet 11- behind the Bottleworks. 14 in Manchester, Tenn. Headlining will be  3+ -3 '68q Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (NEXT TO ACADEMY SPORTS) MENTION(even after THIS the AD Super FOR Bowl 20% folly), off the ANY Beast SINGLE- ITEM until February 28, 2009 from the owners of La Fiesta (Eastside), re-opening soon! ie Boys, Nine Inch Nails and a double dip by the recently reunited jam-band, Phish. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, there is a pletho- indigo/Rialto taking shape ra of other acts that will for sure make the trip worth your $224.50 (or more). Addition- Things are moving along at 500 College Avenue for what is now a al artists include: Band of Horses, MGMT, solid shell of the Hotel Indigo and Rialto Club, fresh off a “topping moe., Snoop Dogg, and the Zac out” party on March 6 to celebrate the completeion of the struc- Brown Band — just to name a few. If we’re ture’s roof. The Indigo is a boutique hotel and the Rialto is a pri- lucky, there will be someone to step up and vate club that, in addition to offering exclusive perks to its mem- blow everyone’s mind, much like My Morn- bers, will be available for rental space and house live music acts. The ing Jacket did last year with a 35-song, 3 building(s) are slated for a grand opening sometime later this year. hour set in the pouring rain. Happy tripping. -Alec Wooden — Will Hackett is the bomb! DEADLINE APPROACHING KIDS EAT FREE AthFest doesn’t get cranking until June 25-28 — but if you’re looking to be TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 5-8pm on stage, your deadline to be considered is quickly approaching. If you want to submit online, SonicBids is the exclusive way to do so — visit www.sonic- SUNDAYS 12-3pm bids.com/athfest. If you’re not into the whole digital thing, the submission com- *12 and under, 1 per adult meal purchase mittee does accept physical mailings at P.O. Box 327, Athens, 30603. Submis- sions must include the following: A copy of your latest CD, a band bio/relevant $5 SPECIAL press clippings, a current band photo and pertinent contact information. What am I forgetting….right! A deadline. Materials must be submitted by April 1. 2 Bean Tacos, Chips, & Drink — Alec Wooden for $5 anytime

GOT LOCAL OR NATIONAL NEWS FOR THE BUZZ? Submit to [email protected] with “Buzz”Athens’ in the subject Original line. “Do What You Like” Burrito Shop • Lumpkin St., Athens, GA • 706.549.4868 38 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE Movement because we came out of Paddy, and Tommy Makem. What be in concert halls half the time, then the background of similar injustices.” was it like hearing that recording just singing in taverns, ya know. It was ABM: Describe the artistic community again? a whirlwind. It was like being thrown questions into a raft at the head of the Colorado of Greenwich Village in the 1960s. LC: “I hadn’t heard (those songs) in rapids and riding the rapids for the Liam 45 years. (The record label) sent me next ten years. You didn’t have time to LC: “The one thing you have to the proposed release discs , and it was with remember — the way we are going think about anything else or put it in quite startling to hear after 45 years…I through this (economic) down turn perspective.” probably would have heard some of the now – is that the ‘60s were the upswing Clancyby Alec Wooden from the terrible, terrible depression decades earlier. Small town Ireland was very much medieval. And when I It wasn’t as if you got off stage and then it was over. iding the memory of came to America, the first time I came Every night was a concert and a party because friends past and six over was by ship. I didn’t know what we’d always be singing. R was happening to me, but I knew it months shy of his 74th was extraordinary. So many kindred spirits were coming into the Village — birthday, it seems Irish songs in the meantime on radio and ABM: Tom and Paddy died in 1990 people so much like ourselves, coming folk legend Liam Clancy things like that — but never the entire and 1998, respectively, and Tommy from small towns and oppressed concert, which is a whole different Makem passed in 2007. What do finally has time to put backgrounds and finding spiritual and thing, because very often it’s not the artistic freedom. The euphoria of that you miss most about your former four decades of sustained songs but the dialogue in between that — it was incredible, it was all spanking bandmates? creativity into perspective sets the period, ya know?” new, that was the amazing thing about LC: I find myself sometimes going with the re-release of his it. Spanking new. It would have been ABM: The reception for the sound ‘what the hell was the name of that famous 1963 St. Patty’s Day great to be in the Village at that time of the Clancy Brothers was pretty guy…’ and I go to pick up the phone anyway — but to suddenly be on the concert at Carnegie Hall. immediate. What do you think caught and call Paddy, but Paddy is dead. Ed Sullivan Show and have a measure people’s attention from the get-go? Or something from Shakespeare will of celebrity was beyond your wildest Athens Blur Magazine: What’s your come up and I’ll go ‘I’ll call Tom,’ and dreams. It was a very exciting time.” LC: “We picked songs that were so earliest musical memory as a boy in I can’t. Ya know, the last man standing moving to us that we had to sing ABM: When you saw the American is very tough. There’s no triumph in Ireland? them. And ironically, those were the skyline from the boat for the first the last man standing.” LC: “As a young boy I remember ones dropped by the imitators. People time, do you remember your first started picking up on the up tempo ABM: You turn 74 this year, but you’re walking up the bank of a river shore impression? and realizing that I knew a whole ones and singing them in pubs and certainly not slowing down, with a singing them to death — to the point song, ‘The Croppy Boy.’ And then I LC: “I thought it wasn’t a bit like new record due out shortly. What where they became nauseating. But said, ‘well, if this one feels so good, Hollywood (laughs). It was run continues to drive you into a fourth (the serious songs) were a great relief maybe I’ll learn another song.’ And down West side by the docks, the decade of sustained creativity? from the perceived notion of Irish it kind of took off from there. I was piers. Advertisements peeling off the songs — the songs written for the a terrible romantic and dreamer. If walls. It wasn’t at all the sparkling LC: “As far as the album goes, Irish-American schmaltzy market. I hadn’t made it in this business, The Clancy Brother and Tommy Makem blended music, theatre and cultural wit Hollywood picture of America that it’s a much more reflective album. And that wasn’t what we were about I’d have ended up in the gutter to become sensations of 1960’s Greenwich Village. I expected. And then I settled in Very, very different from some of at all. So something new was created.” somewhere — because I had no Greenwich Village at my brother the older stuff. It’s definitely a sign a country in 1948 when I was 13 was perfect. Did you get to see any aptitude for anything else (laughs).” Paddy’s apartment — and God ABM: Did you have any idea of the of the times. In general, ya know, years of age. There was still a great of the Civil Rights movement first almighty, that summer was…rough. I magic The Clancy’s and Tommy I’ve learned a lot at this stage. The ABM: Of course, you’re a man who’s deal of anger and a lot of people hand? still remember sleeping on a mattress sun will rise tomorrow, and no one proud of your heritage. But you who had witnessed the atrocities Makem were creating in the on the floor and having cockroaches knows what the next day will bring. I weren’t exactly leaving paradise of the occupations. So those things LC: “Before these recordings moment? scampering on my body.” think that’s the important thing is to were very much alive — and then, were made, I had traveled to the when you sailed from Ireland, LC: “It’s hard to say. Having the be receptive to what might happen. of course, coming to America and (American) South — it was quite ABM: St. Patrick’s Day 1963 was a correct? was only part of the party, Because in my experience, life has seeing similar things.” startling to see the level of injustice special night, and a night cataloged ya know what I mean? It wasn’t as if been full of surprises, and no one LC: “In the early ‘60s, the British and discriminations, just like we ABM: And you certainly weren’t on this re-issue of your now-famous you got off stage and then it was over. knows what the next tide is going occupation of Ireland wasn’t that had suffered in Ireland. It brought coming to a place where everything concert with your brothers Tom, Every night was a concert and a party to bring. And that’s the lovely thing far removed. Ireland only became it all back to me. So we were about it, isn’t it?” B very involved in the Civil Rights because we’d always be singing. We’d 40 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 41 21, and I was lucky to be making a what we could find underneath It was called living playing the harmonica. Willie’s always stressed all that — and I found some great the “Nashville that less is more. Which was playing. One of the songs, one of Sound.” Endless So what is it that you’ve learned always kind of drummed into me. the first recordings Willie ever did, the most from your four decades one for I uncovered stuff that you couldn’t layers of thick playing alongside him? He’s always been “the here on the original recordings harmonies and MR:If I could sum it all up, it’s really simpler, the better.” because they were covered up. plush strings kept that “it’s not what you play, it’s what you don’t play.” It’s the space Are you gonna head down to the between the notes. When you’re local patent office with that relevant in the young and just starting out, you’re way too loud and way too phrase (“un-producing”)? rising times of busy, and you’re really not listening to anybody but yourself and MR: (Laughs) I don’t think anybody wants it! It’s not too glamorous. you just wanna get your licks in there. Now that I’ve mellowed out, ‘60s and ‘70s I hope, you choose what you play a little more sparingly. For me, What did you learn the most from revisiting these songs, many of pop. It helped to it’s all about tone, and not necessarily how much or how fast I play. which are four decades old? Willie’s always stressed that less is more. Which was always kind MR: It just confirmed the fact that less is more — when you’ve got make Willie Nel- of drummed into me. He’s always been one for “the simpler, the a great song, you don’t need a lot else. All we needed was Willie son a household better.” and the guitar, and we could have gotten by with that. To (Chet name at RCA — Atkins’) credit, that’s what was selling at the time — that’s what Speaking of simpler and better, you are the mastermind of the new people wanted to hear. But it didn’t work as well with Willie. Of 12 but, despite their “Naked Willie” records, I think only mastery, some- collection due two songs charted. thing about those out soon. What And every record sparked the idea? that came out sessions never MR: This record at that time was felt right. Four was produced done in that decades later, by musical greats style. Chet knew Chet Atkins and that Willie was longtime Nelson Chuck Jarvis. Chet really special and Willie harmonica player was running RCA that maybe (the and producing a Nashville Sound) Mickey Raphael lot of their hits. The wasn’t gonna fly, finally got his style of the day but it’s what they hands on the was “the Nashville did at the time. It’s Gets sound” where they the way records tapes and found would take an were made. I out what was artist and a song don’t wanna take underneath. and — they called anything away it “sweetening” (Above Left) The younger versions of Nelson and Raphael lay down tracks in the RCA studios. (Above Right) Raphael on stage from him — I just Naked during a recent tour. By Alec Wooden — and put wanted to look at heavy strings it through another illie was really your exposure to Just sitting on the floor, just listening to his songs and his talking, he and background lens. country music, correct? so impressed me — and I thought, “this guy is really amazing.” And singers on it to “sweeten” the performance. Country music was W he said, ‘If you’re ever around, come sit in with us.’ So I went and competing with pop at the time — Perry Como, Andy Williams — so Did it feel like more work at times to “un-produce” rather than Mickey Raphael: Ya, I was really in the folk scene in the ‘70s — sat in with his band one night at a high school gymnasium outside of they wanted to break away and get it away from the fiddles and “produce?” didn’t know anything about country music. I was working with B.W. Dallas at a benefit for a volunteer fire department (laughs). I really banjos and be more of a cosmopolitan sound. They made great It was real time intensive. We went in and listened to everything and Stephenson and was in the scene with Jerry Jeff Walker, Michael struggled — didn’t know the songs, didn’t even know the classic records, but they were heavily produced. Lots of embellishments, there was so much leakage — some of the songs were recorded Murphy — that was kind of the music world I was involved in. But country songs he was doing. But it was really intriguing, and I knew lots of strings and the background vocals. Listening to those, I love with everyone in the studio at one time — even the orchestra was I was a big fan of The Band, , The Flying Burrito it was something I had to check out. the songs – and I always thought that these songs were so strong in there. So you’ve got strings leaking into all the mics. But I didn’t Brothers, The Byrds, Gram Parsons... lyrically, they didn’t need all that. And I wondered what Willie would wanna start re-recording pieces because it would lose the integrity have sounded like if he had a hand in the production back them. In of the original product. So I kept everything original, but it was real So how were you able to score that gig as a 21- the back of my mind, I knew these songs were great – and I know time consuming to find ways to clear the strings out without losing year-old kid? Did you know, or was there any way to know, what a how he records now, which is pretty basic, and I wondered what anything. they would sound like. If you were to record them last week, or MR: Let’s see…I went to work with Willie in 1973. On a fluke, I got long and special career Willie was going to have? MR: No, not at all. In fact, I wanted to play with Waylon Jennings record them the way he does now, what would they sound like? And what are the fans going to take away from it? a call from Darrell Royal — at the time, the football coach at the (laughs). He had a harmonica player coming up that really influenced Well, the fans that aren’t familiar with the originals, they’re just University of Texas. He was a real big fan and a real close friend Now, is this a typo on the credits, or are you really listed as the “un- me, named Don Brooks, who was from Dallas, where I grew up. gonna think it’s a good project with good songs. Some of the of Willie’s and invited me over to his hotel suite after a ballgame producer” of this record? So I was watching Donnie’s career and that really interested me. younger fans may not even know of these songs. And then it might and said, “I’ve seen you play before, bring your harmonicas, I’ve MR: (Laughs) I couldn’t say I produced the record, because Chet Donnie quit about the time I was with Willie, he just didn’t want to spur them to and find the original and see how they were making got some of my friends who are singer and songwriters, they’ll be Atkins produced the tracks. But coming in there and stripping all this go on the road anymore. Willie was gonna take the summer off, so I records in the ‘60s. And all those things are still available. Even if passing the guitar around.” And Willie was one of the guys. I had stuff off the tracks, I figured my credit would be “un-producing.” I asked him if he could call Waylon for cause I wanted to go out and they didn’t go back and look at the originals, it still makes for a one record of Willie’s called “Willie Nelson & Family”, so I was kind was able to get a hold of the tapes, and I pitched it to RCA. I went play with him, and he did. So I went out for a couple of months with great and unique Willie project. It’s the stuff that got me interested in of aware of Willie, because he was really weird and eccentric and in, got the multitrack, and took the strings and the voices off to see B Waylon. I just wanted to try something different — I had just turned Willie in the first place. different — but he wasn’t on my radar at all before this.

42 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 43 ans supporting bands on the brink of disaster is with Sobule on the record. Fnot a new exercise. For decades, fans have been “It was a joke when I did the $10,000 and you’d get helping to support the music they love by dropping a to sing with me on the record,” says Sobule, who came few extra bucks in a jar for gas money at merch tables, or up with the fundraising levels over a glass of wine one offering road-weary bands a sofa or floor for crashing. evening. “I never thought somebody would do that. And They’ve donated money to help recover and replace somebody did!” stolen equipment or repair broken down vans. At the end of fundraising, Sobule had tallied a Now, musical acts are looking to their fans to help whopping $89,229 to finance not just the recording start and sustain their careers in a whole new way. As of what would become her seventh album, entitled the “Big Five” take fewer gambles on new artists and California Years, but also to establish Pinko records, consistently drop “underperformers” from their rosters, Sobule’s own label. in addition to the myriad acts looking for ways out of But the process can be even simpler. Arizona joke/ their contracts due to neglect, bands have begun seeking metal band Psychostick — most well known for their the support of their fans to not just help them play viral video for “Beer is Good…and Stuff”, a song which music, but get their albums made. topped the countdown on XM Radio’s Liquid Metal Pop singer/songwriter Jill Sobule should know the program for seven consecutive weeks in 2007—raised ins, outs and failings of money by offering fans the the music industry better chance to hear their names than almost anyone. immortalized in song After finding moderate on an album they would success in the 1990s, inevitably be funding. most notably with her The song, which would song “Supermodel”, which become the over 14- landed on the soundtrack minute long opus entitled to the 1995 quirky teen “373 Thank Yous”, was the flick Clueless, Sobule’s path brainchild of Psychostick’s has taken her through manager Anthony Caroto. contracts with two major Inspired by other bands labels and the bankruptcy who had offered fans of not one, but two simply a chance to see indie labels as well. Still their names printed in the optimistic, Sobule broke liner notes, Psychostick from tradition. Well-armed wanted to make the idea with a significant-yet-small more appealing to their fan base and buckets of fanbase. industry know-how, she “We wanted to give struck out solo. But there them a little bit more bang was still one major obstacle (Above) Jill Sobule turned to her fands after two indie labels folded with her on the roster. for their buck,” says Rawrb, to overcome: a big, fat They responded by donating over $80,000 to finance her new album. real name Rob Kersey, dollar sign. the band’s jester-hat clad “I wanted to do it on my frontman. “Hopefully one own, but on my own, I had no money. There’s no trust of their favorite bands saying their name in a song on fund,” Sobule’s raspy voice laughs over a mid-morning the CD would be pretty ideal.” phone call from her home in L.A. “But I thought, I have Masters of social networking and no strangers to a small but really mighty fan base. I originally wanted YouTube fame, the group posted a video on the site the idea of everybody being stockholders, but the way humorously explaining the band’s plight and what they Fan by Natalie B. David that the laws are in the U.S. it would’ve been a difficult, hoped to achieve. For $50, fans names were included in big mess, and impossible. So, I thought the second best the song and they also received a free autographed CD thing is donations, but in return I would give some sort and poster from the band. Two businesses also donated of gift at whatever the level would be.” to the cause for slots at $250 each. So to the fans Sobule went, offering donation levels “We wanted to see what happened with that,” that ranged from as little as $10, which supplied a free explains Rawrb, noting that the business option didn’t digital download of the album, to much larger figures, quite turn out as well as he would have liked. “Because I As major labels become less relevant, bands look to like $1,000 for your own Sobule-penned theme song don’t know if they would want their business name in an Funded (which has turned into three per person: a spy theme, album that has a bunch of goofy guys talking about food their fans for the big $$$$. Mary Tyler Moore theme and a dance theme) or $5,000 and cussing every now and then, so I can understand for Sobule to play a show in your living room. At the that.” precipice, fans could donate $10,000 for a chance to sing Ultimately, Psychostick raised $18,000 to put

ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 45 towards Sandwich, their follow up to 2006’s We something the next day and put it online and, Couldn’t Think of a Title, surpassing their original goal eventually, over the course of a year or so, have a of $16,000 but still falling short on their dream goal of pretty decent fan base if you know how to promote Need to get $23,000. “We overshot the goal just because, yourself,” says Rawrb, echoing somewhat his own band’s your business it’s kind of a psychological thing so that even if you accomplishments. “The power of the Internet has given don’t reach your goal you’re still happy,” he says. “When even the smallest band a lot more power” rolling? we reached 18, we were like, well, we have enough to do With that power comes a great accessibility to fans. Let us help. what we want. So we’re happy.” Even greater than simply the ability to follow an act Beyond bands and artists taking their needs to the on or comment them on MySpace, including fans themselves, several UK companies have begun to the fans in the album creation process makes them a tackle this task for artists. One such web site, entitled part of the music. Where Psychostick fans could hear Bandstocks, operates at the crossroads of supply and their names on record, donors to Sobule’s project had demand, offering individuals the added option of giving the chance to become music the singer feedback on her world stockholders in albums tunes and even playing a waiting to be created. deciding role in what songs Slightly more complicated made it on the record. the athens than either Sobule’s or “I recorded more songs Psychostick’s tactics, than I put on the record, Bandstocks works on a three- so I said ‘Everyone pick BLUR MAGAZine tier system. After signing up your six favorite songs,’ so with the site as an investor, it was really interesting,” Contact fans vote on potential says Sobule, who hopes to [email protected] projects in stage one, continue corresponding or call (706) 207-9091 purchase stocks for projects to her diligent supporters. to ask about that earn enough votes to “And, I have to say, pretty our affordable move to phase two and, once much everyone’s point of advertising rates and enough money has been view was really valid.” design options! raised, or once time runs out, “Of course you get the the projects move to phase one person who’s like ‘The three: the production and EQ on the chorus of the one marketing of the album. song…’” she laughs, “but All investors, who even that was great. People currently must be UK take the time to think about residents, have their names it.” credited in the first run of For bands at a crossroads albums produced and also where one turn could mean get a free download of the backing out of the industry, completed record, as well asking help from fans is as any other perks the band (Above) Joke/Metal band Psychostick raised $16,000 to fund a new record by offering incredibly logical. Including fans a mention on an album track. or artist wishes to offer. the people who would love However, Bandstocks differs to see a band continue most from solo D.I.Y.ers in one significant way: investors within the process will, in addition to giving them what can earn back funds if the album becomes a serious they’ve been waiting for, make fans more loyal. After all, commercial success. However, the Web site warns: every band is, at its core, fan funded. “The people who buy Bandstocks should only do so “I think that’s important for any band to understand, because they like the artist and want to be part of is to realize that your fans are what keeps you moving as that collaboration, not because they are worried about a band,” he says. “If you want to be on any sort of level overall financial results.” where it becomes your living, your fans will be the ones But the end result of these new methods is, whether that put the money in your pocket, one way or another.” bands go the fan-funded route on their own or with Although both Sobule and Psychostick hope they the help of sites like Bandstocks, more than just money won’t have to repeat these experiments, at the end of and services changing hands. With the emergence of the day, their fans’ contributions certainly won’t be social networking Web Sites and the ever-increasing forgotten. importance of the Internet within the music industry, “Maybe next time, the next album I’ll pay for. I the long-standing gap between artist and fan is won’t need the donation system, but I’ll do something shrinking ever smaller. different,” says Sobule. “But I’ll always do something to “You could easily start a band tomorrow, record include the people that have supported me.” B

46 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE Confessions of a Groupie by Vixen *

The addiction started with a small dose. My favorite and get backstage somehow. This time proved more indie-rock band was coming through town to a small challenging as they had a security guard blocking the local club that held maybe 300 people at best. I had a side entrance to get backstage. Luckily, a rowdy drunk few drinks before the show, as I was underage at the audience member distracted the guard long enough time, to give me a little “liquid courage.” Before the for me and one of my guy friends to sneak past him. band came to stage I planted myself on the steps stage There we were, standing on-stage with members of left. Security didn’t mind, as they were more focused on Staind only a few feet away. We acted like we belonged watching the crowd in front of the stage, who had just there, avoiding making eye contact with security. When finished a massive mosh pit during the opening band’s the show ended, we followed everyone else that was performance. backstage and the band that exited the back doors, After what felt like hours the band came out and the heading to another building where the green rooms crowd went wild. The rush of excitement I felt being were. Just as we were about to walk into the building, a so close to my favorite band was like that giddy feeling man at the front entrance asked where our passes were. you get when you are in a new relationship. I was in awe My friend and I looked dumbfounded. I responded, “We during the entire performance. After the show ended, I didn’t know we needed to wear them.” The guy smirked noticed the bass player, Kevin* hanging around greeting and replied, “Sorry, no passes, no entry.” Disappointed, fans and I felt the sudden urge to approach him. He was we turned around and headed to the front of the venue dripping with sweat and his white shirt was soaked, to reunite with our fallen comrade who wasn’t so lucky baring his skin underneath. I was nervous and when I sneaking backstage with us. reached him; all I could manage to ask was, “Can I have From then on every concert I went to turned into a your shirt?” He laughed. “This sweaty, smelly thing?” mission: find a way backstage to party with the band. I I shook my head yes. “Come with me, I’ll get you a wasn’t interested in sleeping with any, as most would different shirt.” assume ‘groupies’ do. I was more about partying and The next thing I knew he was leading me to the “green being friends with the members, although I am sure they room” (a room designated for performers only). The didn’t feel the same about wanting to just be friends whole time I was trembling inside with nervousness. with me. For some reason there was a thrill in sneaking A few other girls were escorted into the room shortly backstage without getting caught but mostly it was for after. I couldn’t believe this was actually happening — I bragging rights that I partied with “so and so.” wanted to call every friend I knew who would be up so One weekend my best friend, Karen* and I decided late in the night but, alas, this was pre-cell phone days. to make a trip up to Hollywood, California. We stayed After a quick shower, Kevin led the group of us out at the Hyatt on Sunset Boulevard, next door to The of the venue to the parking lot where a tour bus was Comedy Store. I had never seen stand-up comedy parked. This was the first time I had ever seen a tour bus before and had no desire to. Instead, we went to the and naturally, asked for a grand tour. On the bus, there hot clubs around town — but as we walked back to were a few drunken girls baring their breasts to the our hotel room, Karen had to use the restroom badly. other musicians in the band. She asked a door guy at The Comedy Store to use the From that night on I was officially addicted and facilities. Long moments went by and Karen had not wanted to see what other and bigger bands I could hang returned from the restroom so I asked to go investigate. out with. The next concert was for a more recognized I walked up the stairs to the “original room’” and there band, Staind, who were on tour promoting Break The sat Karen, laughing as she watched the performance of Cycle. I went with two of my male friends. Together, the a local comedian. I joined her at the table and from that three of us pushed our way to the front of the stage. moment became addicted to stand-up comedy. We spent Again, with liquid courage, I felt compelled to get closer our next two nights in Hollywood at The Comedy Store, running into comedians such as Pauly Shore, Eddie

ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 49 Griffin, Andrew “Dice” Clay, Joe usually a tell-tale sign to a ball player Rogan, Jon Reep, and so many more. that the girl is a groupie looking for We partied with some and were some action. But there was still that invited back to a few of their homes rush of hanging with someone of for after-parties. We declined some level of fame. Thus, baseball personal invitations, however, games became a new favorite past- wanting to be just friends. We time and challenge to see who else we continued to make trips back to could say we hung out with. Hollywood as often as our wallets One time a girlfriend and I were would allow, spending most of our walking back to a bar from a spring time at our favorite comedy club. It training game that had just let out wasn’t until I heard an employee refer and a few players driving by us to us as “groupies” that I realized stopped and asked if we wanted to go what these guys really thought about back to their hotel room with them. us. We weren’t “cool chicks” they We said no because we wanted to enjoyed hanging with; they wanted to just party and say we hung out with get in our pants and were starting to them rather than go sleeping with view us as teases. Needless to say, we any of them. There were a few players stopped going to Hollywood as much. we took up on offers of a night on The addiction didn’t stop just the town. When you walk into a with band members or comedians. I club with a major league player, you innocently became what most would get the royal treatment: reserved term a ‘baseball groupie’ after going seating, drinks on the house, or the to my first spring-training game player you are with is buying you with some friends. Kim* and I were and his entourage drinks all night. checking out a pitcher practicing in Meanwhile, girls not in the group the outfield near the wall where we shoot glaring looks of envy your way, were sitting. He was cute, but I wasn’t all the while you feel like a queen. thinking anything past admiring Over the years, I began weaning his physique. After a few moments myself from the need to hang with the player noticed us checking him celebrities. I realized most of these out and started making eye contact men just want to get in your pants with me. The next thing I knew he and nothing more. You’re one of the mouthed the words, “Give me your many notches they are hoping to number.” I was so shocked that I gain on their belt and most won’t looked behind me to see if he was remember your name after they leave talking to someone sitting nearby. town. A majority of the musicians, My now-jealous girlfriend started comedians, and ball players were freaking out and elbowed me. “You married men looking to score on lucky bitch! Give him your number!” the road with no strings attached. She ripped off a piece of her cigarette “Celebrities” are people just like us box and managed to find a pen in her only they have cool jobs and get paid over-stuffed bag. a lot of money to do what they love. I walked down a few rows to lean The addiction wore off and became over the wall and he came up to me, the least important factor in my life. shook my hand and took the piece Ladies, if you’re looking to nail a rock of paper. I remember thinking after star as a boyfriend, keep dreaming. that he wouldn’t call. A few hours But if you are one of the lucky few to after the game my phone rang. Of do so, be prepared when they go on course, I was so naive at the time that the road without you; groupies are I thought he wanted to take me on a everywhere and they want your date but when he had me meet him man. B at his apartment, I quickly realized otherwise and left. I didn’t know how *Names easy getting a chance to hang with have been changed to protect the a baseball player was. I later learned innocence of groupies everywhere. that our actions of checking the player out and making eye contact is We’re Moving!

Of all things, it had to become a tanning salon. When Record Express in Middletown, Conn. shut its doors, Brendan Toller was angry enough for being forced into finding a new avenue to feed his vinyl addiction. But a tanning salon? Ouch. EXPANDED RETAIL & DISTRIBUTION The synthetic sun parlor was a salt-in-the-wound symbol for every “fake” FACILITY OPENING IN APRIL! pillar of the music industry Toller thought had brought down his go-to vinyl spot. CALL FOR DETAILS “I really was sad and angry about it,” says Toller. “They would attribute [store closings] to digital sales and downloading, which I knew full well wasn’t true. It was corporate greed — major record labels pushing artists with little to no talent hoping to get quick sales and nothing in the long term.” So Toller set out to prove his point. “I had been studying documentary film and it seemed like a good thing to just take my camera to and The purpose of the program is to do a documentary about,” he said. develop business leaders for the The genesis of his sensational film “I Need That Record: EARN YOUR INTERDISCIPLINARY CERTIFICATE IN music industry. By integrating content from a variety of disci- The Death (or Possible Survival) of the Independent plines, the program will create Record Store” was really that simple. Toller grabbed his HURRY! an intellectual synergy beyond what camera, hopped in his car and headed anywhere that had a TAK ING APPLICATIONS students can achieve in either the story to tell. current business or music programs “[Record stores] sort of started closing down and separately. Success in the music shifting towards digital — the extreme version of the CD,” business requires a broad array says the filmmaker. “I don’t wanna seem too caveman, NOW of knowledge from a variety of diverse fields. The purpose of the ya know? But vinyl’s the complete reverse of that. It’s Interdisciplinary Certificate then got huge artwork, sound waves, the sound is much is to draw together these diverse warmer. Everything has gone so far forward and yet and distinct areas of content into a so far reverse, people seem to want both sides of the coherent curriculum, providing stu- equation. Vinyl offers everything that digital doesn’t.” ALL IT TAKES IS: dents an opportunity that they otherwise would not have. Despite Toller’s fear of seeming too old fashioned, no one would actually see him as a caveman > 21 hour commitment because he is just 22 years old. This point, of course, lends no relevance to this story other > 2.8 GPA than to elicit a chuckle when considering most of the vinyl he loves is actually his elder. FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT But Toller is a poster-child — honestly, no pun intended — of sorts for a growing > Completed Application Bruce Burch phenomenon in American music culture. The consumer is falling back in love > And your transcript TERRY COLLEGE OF BUSINESS with vinyl, as 2008 sales blew the roof off their projections, rising 89 [email protected] percent in the calendar year, following a 15 percent spike in 2007. Is America falling back in love with vinyl? Depending on who you ask, it never fell out. ———— Applications are available online: www.terry.uga.edu/musicbusiness “The most interesting side of vinyl ll bands want vinyl now. to me is that it’s wrapped up into Everybody wants vinyl. the whole moving from vertical to They all do,” says Dylan horizontal nature of what’s going on Magierek, working his in the music business at this time,” Away through a sleet/snow mix on says Steve Dixon, president of Red the roads of Portland, Ore., where Eye Distribution corporation, whose he heads up the Badman Recording catalog of over 3,000 titles makes Group. “Bands would always mention them one of the largest independent it, and a lot of times it didn’t make distributors of physical and digital sense, but now it’s very important music in the country. “Which is that each of my bands do vinyl. to say ten years ago, there was And I’m sure I could probably find sort of like one thing [CDs]. The a bunch who would want to choose horizontaling of the music business vinyl over CD.” is that you can buy [music] however Badman is well-suited for the you want it and that’s what I like. I artistic community of Portland. like having these different formats Founded in 1997, the independent available, and I like the fact that you label and production company’s can buy it on an online store or buy flagship releases are from Innocence it at a physical store or buy it direct sales (digital or CD) got hit with a “You don’t have vinyl at Wal-Mart, — but others, like the new Animal Mission, My Morning Jacket and from the artists’ website. It’s a little 14 percent decrease from the year Target and such,” says Mike Turner, Collective, of Montreal, Deerhoof, Mark Kozelek — but its full roster bit more decentralized but it offers before, pointing to digital single sales the brains behind Athens, Ga., Deerhunter, etc., we will order a box boasts nearly 30 clients, each of a lot more variety to match the being the biggest work horse of the label Happy Happy Birthday To Me lot [about 25 – 30 copies]. We deal whom find a unique niche in various product, vinyl included, to whatever industry — leading many artists and Records. “Well, Best Buy is jumping with [nearly 30] distributors in order sectors of the industry. While the the fans want.” labels to encourage a hand-in-hand into vinyl, but if they aren’t careful to carry a wider selection of vinyl.” majority of the clients on that roster The last decade has proven growth of vinyl while still appealing (and they won’t be) it could put Turner is tuned in. Owning the don’t sell more than 3,000 copies “whatever the fans want” is the to Generation Y with free downloads them in the same spot it put Tower label helps, sure, but you can tell of a recording, Magierek has an central pillar to music sales of the included in such a purchase. (Records) where they had loads from his words he takes pride in understanding of their values in future. When vinyl sales declined “If you get a vinyl album with of vinyl and no one to sell it (to).” carefully crafting a viable collection today’s market. during the rise of the CD, it was a download card on it when you Turner’s credentials surpass being a at Wuxtry. “The last three releases we’ve done what the fans wanted. When CDs purchase that format, you own the label head — he’s also one of the two “Lots of things will determine what have all been on vinyl,” he says. “But faltered in the face of downloading whole record,” says Dixon. “You can vinyl purchasers for downtown’s own we order,” he says. “Blog coverage, we don’t do it on bands who we and digital sales, it was what the fans burn a whole CD of it, you can put Wuxtry Records. Pitchfork [Media] reviews, regional expect to sell less than 500 because wanted. Now, fans seem to demand it on your computer, you can put it Wuxtry (with two locations, or local press push, bands touring it’s so cost prohibiting. If we can any and every format. in your iPod, you can play it on your the other being down the road in through town, customer requests, move 500 LPs at around cost, I’ll do “I think we’ll see more of that, vinyl player, you know. It allows you Decatur, Ga.) has been a snapshot our own personal tastes, and deep it.” like record companies and artists not to have to buy something twice of the American vinyl culture since back catalog.” Five hundred LPs. That’s crazy especially trying to cater their in order to have it on the format that opening in 1976. The melting pot of talk for anyone with a major-label offering to their fan base,” says you might want, whereas if you buy Athens’ artistic community has long mentality (which, by the way, does Dixon. “If the fans want a box set a CD, you’re stuck with not having fed a musical addiction for students, not seem to make Magierek envious of 45s they’ll do that, if they want the vinyl option. If you want the musicians and tourists under ere’s a fun exercise: Run — he’s been down that road before a vinyl with a download card they’ll vinyl option you have to go and buy the watchful eye of nondescript outside and find as many as a one-time Universal music rep). make a band happy. Even if it loses a do that, if they want it on CD they’ll it again.” clerks with quiet demeanors and 13 to 24-year olds as Selling only 500 units of just about little bit of money, it’s important to do that. There will be these cool Whatever the reason, consumers encyclopedic knowledge about pretty possible. It’s a safe bet most any band merchandise would make keep your bands happy.” offerings and I think that the fan are buying records – but the question much every record, CD or cassette on willH have a cell phone plastered to most big time executives vomit in choice aspect of it is good and I remains: From where? The internet the racks. the side of their face. And it’s a near their diamond encrusted Cheerios think that vinyl has added to that seems a likely source, since so many “Any store can just blindly order certainty that if they don’t, there and send said “failing” band packing. equation.” purchases now can be made with a one copy of each release, but if you are two little earbuds coming out of But bands aren’t just flocking to id consumers suddenly It’s becoming a fairly normal to simple point and click. Not so much do that you’ll go out of business. their head leading to an iPod or their homes like Badman because they have a collective moment see music industry profit statements on the Internet, but rather in your If a store thinks it can just place other preferred form of digital media can’t sell 500,000 copies of a record of clarity and convince colored in red. It’s a loser. A local “mom & pop” record stores. records on a shelf and they will sell player. In today’s music world the — they’re doing so because of themselves it was time to worsening flop. But is really as bad While this is a delightful thought themselves then they will be stuck thought process is convenience sells. Magierek’s reason behind supporting Dstart buying vinyl in mass quantities as it seems? Yes and no. Total music to the Brendan Tollers of the world, with a lot of records,” says Turner. Instant gratification sells. Portability the small peanuts of the industry. again? Not exactly. By most sales in 2008 – Vinyl, CD, digital it’s really about the least surprising “We take the time to listen and learn sells. Kids today don’t want anything “I love having LPs around,” he says accounts, the digital industry has albums and digital singles – actually detail of 2008 vinyl sales to learn about what we bring into the store. to do with those big ol’ black discs simply. “And bands love them. A actually set itself up for revisiting the rose a substantial 10% from similar that 2 of every 3 records sold were We place orders daily, and some label doing an LP for a band is way to analog medium. figures in 2007. However, full album done so in an independent store. titles we might only buy one copy

54 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 55 A &E MOVIE PREVIEWS

-issue on the list, it certainly isn’t the only one. Also putting a serious mom and dad used to listen to when dent in ‘08’s vinyl sales were titles ARTS &ENTERTAINMENT they were in college, right? Oddly like Pink Floyd’s 1973 release Dark enough, wrong. The most surprising Side of the Moon, ’s 1997 facet of 2008’s vinyl sales is not record OK Computer and (prepare upcoming on the screen necessarily that records are being to scratch your head) Neutral Milk bought in mass — it’s how many are Hotel’s In The Aeroplane Over the Sea making sure it’s worth your $9.50 being bought by American teenagers from 1998. and young adults. While Mike Turner admits he’s “It’s so interesting for that age “old enough to have a 13 year-old Duplicity group (to be buying vinyl) who tends kid,” he’s got a bird’s-eye-view of to get their music for free, and get vinyl sales from his seat behind the (MARCH 20) (Tony Gilroy) Julia Roberts in online with quick access,” says Wuxtry counter, and he’s quick to and Clive Owen play a pair of romanti- Badman’s big man Magierek. “They’re offer a more-than-educated guess. cally linked corporate spies working for rival companies. They team up to rip off gonna pay $15 or $20 for an LP? I “I think part of it might be a bit of a disconnect with digital,” he says. both of their bosses and score $40 mil- mean, it’s gonna be really difficult lion, but first, they have to learn to trust to copy and share that as easily. It “The zine, cassette and vinyl are each other. reminds me of before I got into LP’s all making a comeback right now. as a kid. I loved collecting stamps and There is a point where it really is too PREDICTION: A “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” meets coins. It could be somewhat related easy to find things these days — “Ocean’s Eleven”, this story’s already to that, but way more entertaining and to search out an LP, cassette or been done too many times to count, but — there’s pop culture in it, there’s zine, which is by far run in smaller with an all-star cast, the film will proba- so much more depth in it. And it’s numbers than say it is to blog or put bly score pretty big at the box office. music and it could be timeless. So I MP3’s up on a MySpace, it might can see it being a new adventure for be the sort of thing to where they kids.” can own this culture. It’s something To vinyl junkie Toller, speaking of special that they found. Now, with I Love You, Man buying old records, it might just be his own age group, the exploration (MARCH 20) (John Hamburg) Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) pro- that it’s usually cheaper to buy an old of something new (in something old) poses to his girlfriend, but he doesn’t have any guy friends. makes perfect sense. Eagles, Billy Joel, Joe Jackson, Elvis He sets out to find a best man, and after a series of “man “I certainly think it helps to have Costello, or insert-name-here on dates” he finally clicks with Sydney Fife (Jason Segel). Fife parents that have records and they vinyl than it might be to find a new teaches Klaven how to be a man at some expense to his probably don’t want them anymore or used CD.” relationship. so [kids] can go through them. But a lot of it, too, is that there’s just not PREDICTION: With a cast full of the all-stars of modern com- that many great acts [today], so a lot he exact reason for the vinyl edy, this flick promises to be chock full of dirty jokes, cheap of people are able to sort of go back shopping spree is probably laughs and fun. in time. People who are in their 20s an amalgamation of all now are just getting into The Beatles these factors. When digital or Zeppelin. And where is the best isT the childhood norm, you’ll need place to get that music for cheap? At something new to push the envelope. a record store.” And since the envelope is currently Knowing Toller’s “looking back to look being pushed to its technological limit — though that will probably (MARCH 20) (Alex Proyas) A gripping action thriller about a forward” theory carries some weight professor (Nicolas Cage) who stumbles on terrifying predic- when just glancing the top selling change any day now — kids are tions about the future in the form of a piece of paper filled vinyl list from last year. Second on looking backwards for their new fix. with random numbers, created five decades ago by an ele- the list to Radiohead’s In Rainbows Is it the warmer sound quality? Is it mentary school student. As the numbers start matching up (26,500 sold) is a re-issue of The the look? The feel? The interaction? to dates and death tolls from disaster’s past, the professor Beatles 1969 masterpiece Abbey Road One vinyl vet offers a big clue sets out to prevent future disasters from coming true. (16,500 sold). That is not a misprint. without even trying. The two best sellers of vinyl in 2008 people are exposed to today, and “Right now my favorite record in PREDICTION: Looks like it could be worth your while, if were Radiohead’s album they gave that’s why kids are looking back to my collection is a test pressing of The you’re into the whole “end of the world” thing. away digitally and a re-issue of that stuff,” says Toller. “Ya know, Mummies Play Their Own Records,” an album that everyone’s parents I don’t think that (Abbey Road) says Turner. “Which I made a cool already own. number represents 40-year-olds mummy wrapped cloth sleeve and “That’s why I say that I don’t think buying Abbey Road again on vinyl.” hand drawn insert for.” there’s that many great acts that While Abbey Road is the oldest re Try doing that with an MP3.

56 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 57 DVD RELEASE CALENDAR A &E DVD RELEASE

OBSERVE & REPORT upcoming (APRIL 10) (Jody Hill) Seth Rogen upcomingDVDDVD stars in this comedy as Ronnie Barnhardt, a deceiving, self im- portant head of mall security who hopes to one day trade his flash- calendar light in for a badge and a gun. reRELlEAeaSsEe calendar PREDICTION: Nothing special. It *Twilight *Punisher: War Zone *Rachel *Walled In MOVIE PREVIEWS A &E MOVIE seems like this is just an R rated Getting Married version of Mall Cop. *Elegy

17 Again 17 (APRIL 17) (Burr Steers) Mike O’Donnell (Matthew Perry) finds himself 37 and mis- erable with his wife and two teenage kids. But Mike is given a second chance when he

State of Play march is magically transformed back to the age of (APRIL 17) (Kevin MacDonald) A star-filled cast including Ben Affleck (“Smokin’ Aces”, “He’s Just 17 (Zac Efron), where he is thrown into high Not That Into You”), Rachel McAdams (“Wedding Crashers”, “The Family Stone”) and Russell school with his two kids. Crowe (“Body of Lies”, “American Gangster”) is sure to take viewers through this crime thrill- er, based on a BBC series by the same title. In the film, a team of investigative reporters work PREDICTION: Looks like this film could be a alongside a police detective to try to solve the murder of a congressman’s wife. real winner with all the tweenies out there.

PREDICTION: With a solid cast and a solid plot, expect this to be a solid movie. march 24 march 31

*Bolt *The Cake Eaters *Marley & Me *Timecrimes *Big Stan *The Grudge 3 *Seven Pounds *Yes Man *Columbus Day * *Passengers *The Butterfly Effect *Quantum of Solace

*Bedtime Stories *The Day The Earth *The Tale of *Not Easily Broken Stood Still Despereaux april 7 The Soloist *Doubt (APRIL 24) (Joe Wright) Starring Robert Downey Crank 2: High Voltage Release dates Jr. and Jamie Foxx, The Soloist portrays the un- likely meeting and friendship of a Los Ange- (APRIL 17) (Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor) Chev Chelios (Jason Statham) faces a group are subject to les journalist (Downey Jr.) and a homeless Juil- of Chinese mobsters who have replaced Chelios’ almost indestructible heart and re- liard-trained musician (Foxx), who suffers from placed it with a battery-powered ticker that needs regular jolts of electricity to keep change. Check schizophrenia. working. movie websites as

PREDICTION: Without a doubt, this one will be a PREDICTION: Don’t expect this film to bring home any Academy Awards, but do expect a dates approach. must see. lot of fast-paced and heart-pounding (haha, get it) action.

58 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 59 PAUL RUDD

BORN: Forgetting Sarah 1969 in Passaic, NJ Marshall (2008) Role Models (2008) Finally You’re YOU KNOW HIM FROM: Clueless (1995) UPCOMING RELEASES: admitting not Cider House Rules (1999) Monsters vs. Aliens (2009) Anchorman (2004) I Love You, Man (2009) your the 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005) http://visionvideo.formovies.com bromance only Knocked Up (2007) going to be a clunker. The movies that I’ve worked for Paul Rudd? one. on that I really, really liked, and seemed genuinely funny to me, in my opinion, have turned out pretty funny.” Just one week after “I Love You, Man” starts cracking up audiences on March 20, Rudd returns to the big screen – well, at least his voice does – in “Monsters vs. Aliens”, Dreamworks’ latest We Love animated feature. “It’s strange because I feel really distant from it,” says Rudd about the kiddie flick. “You go to work one day for a few hours in a sound stage and, six months later, you go do You, another thing. It’s really isolated. I don’t really work with any of the other people in the movie AVAILABLE 3/31 ‘cuz it’s all just vocal. I will see that movie and Man it will be very strange. I’m a character in it but I don’t know what to expect. I’m really looking by DeMarco Williams forward to seeing it.” Knowing Rudd’s recent box-office track record (five of six of his last major releases earned $60 he premise behind Paul about it. I’m going to need a best recent example. Rudd’s memorable million-plus), the general public probably feels the Rudd’s latest cinematic foray, man for my wedding, so I go out and supporting turns in “40-Year-Old T same way. There’s just something about the guy “I Love You, Man”, has him on the try to find a friend. Then this movie Virgin”, “Anchorman: The Legend that we all love. Maybe it’s the effortless cynicism. verge of walking down the aisle of Ron Burgundy” and “Reno 911!: Might be his spot-on comedic timing. It could just with the striking Rashida Jones. Miami” also left audiences feeling be that the man is just like us. “I’m one of those Unfortunately, there’s one snag to bad for the chap one scene and guys,” Rudd tells, “no matter how old I get, if you all the matrimonial bliss: he doesn’t “I’m one of those guys,” fighting back gut-busting chuckles fart, I’m going to laugh for about ten minutes.” have a single male friend to appoint the next. “It’s hard to make a living Rudd tells, “no matter how Duuude, us too! B as his best man. in any business, whatever that is,” If you’ve followed Rudd’s career old I get, if you fart, I’m says the New Jersey native. “To at any point over the past decade, try to do it on one’s own terms is going to laugh for about you know that plot line has a very even harder. I thought, ‘I only want serious hole in it. (No, wise ass, the ten minutes.” to do things I really like.’ For the hole has nothing to do with anyone -Paul Rudd- most part, I have been able to kinda wanting to marry the “Clueless” stick to that. I mean, I have done costar; Rudd’s actually had that some real clunkers in there, too. part covered in real life since 2003, They don’t always turn out the way thanks.) It’s the no-male-friends sorta follows these conventions of a you hope. I’m still always amazed thing that’s so hard to believe. Rudd romantic comedy, but it’s between that people would hire me to do is like that one co-worker you have two guys. I go on man dates, blind something in a movie. It’s a job that who rarely cracks a smile but always dates. It doesn’t quite work.” many people want. I just feel under- has a timely joke. What’s not to What have worked in Rudd’s qualified in almost every category.” love? career are roles where he’s this If you’re holding your breath for “I’ve been kind of a girlfriend guy,” Adam Sandler-like loveable loser Rudd to run off a list of duds he’s explains Rudd, 39, of his character who can never seem to get all of his been a part of, don’t; instead, the in the March release. “So, it starts ducks in a row. “Role Models”, the new leading man offers, “If you have 749 W. BROAD ST. 706.543.7701 freaking my fiancé out and freaking ’08 potty-mouthed laugher coming this feeling that, ‘Oh, this is going Screen shots from “Monsters vs. Aliens” (top, bottom left) 2301 COLLEGE STATION RD. 706.549.6900 me out ‘cuz I never really thought to DVD this month, is the most to be a clunker,’ more than likely it’s and “I Love You, Man” (above right) 2405 JEFFERSON RD. 706.227.2299

60 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE “I have an intelligent audience that the waitresses and the food in a club, her “stage life” from her “personal life,” responds to things of certain humanity,” but I do still have a soft spot for the Poundstone simply cites that she can’t said Poundstone, who brings her atmosphere.” turn it off. show to The Classic Center Theater in Given her stint on the “Tonight “What you see is what you get,” she downtown Athens on Thursday, March Show” with Jay Leno providing political said. “I’m annoying. I can’t do a parent- 26. “I’ve had a nice, sustained career commentary for the presidential teacher conference — I dominate the that I am truly grateful for with a steady election in 1992 and again in 1996 conversation.” stream of younger fans. I love the on the “Rosie O’Donnell Show”, This single mother of three adopted what you audience; they are very special.” Poundstone was chosen as the first children was recently named the A CableACE and Emmy Award winner, woman to ever perform at the White national spokesperson for Friends of Poundstone has built a career that’s House Correspondents’ dinner. Libraries U.S.A. (FOLUSA) — a citizen anything but ordinary, with HBO support group that helps raise money specials, a show on ABC, numerous for local libraries, children’s summer appearances on primetime programs “I have an interest in reading programs, author events and see (including “Hollywood Squares” and “To politics, but I am equipment needs. Tell The Truth”), a comedy feature on not an expert on Along with her high school math BRAVO, voiceover work for shows on politics,” teacher, Faye Ruopp, Poundstone has Cartoon Network and ABC and a panel said Poundstone. also authored a series of math textbooks position on a highly acclaimed news quiz for children entitled The Sticky Problem show on National Public Radio (NPR). “In my early years of Parallelogram Pancakes, Venn Can We “‘Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!’ on NPR I didn’t think that Be Friends? and You Can’t Keep A Good is so much fun to do. The audiences are Slope Down. great and people often listen from home it touched me. Poundstone — who says her first and respond,” said Poundstone. “One Now it’s of book, There’s Nothing In This Book That I lady told me that I just helped her do daily importance. Meant To Say, took nine years to write – her laundry. The idea that I could lighten has contracted for another book due to I’m not a is what anyone’s ‘load’ is pretty flattering.” her publisher in a year. She doubts she’ll Jumping on a Greyhound bus at 19 huge activist; maybe make her deadline; she remarks her to pursue an opportunity as a dancing I should be.” publisher shouldn’t find this surprising. bear in the Disney parade in Orlando, “Writing books is a grueling act for Poundstone found herself instead me,” said Poundstone. “You have to “busing” at the local IHOP and never “I have an interest in politics, continually come up with characters you get staying in the same place for more than but I am not an expert on and situations and say stuff about two or three months at a time. politics,” said Poundstone. “I don’t insist yourself…I talk to my fans on Facebook. Paula “A year in any one place seemed like that I’m right, but I am open to the I’m tagged on all the social networking too long of a time at that age,” said possibility that I’m wrong. In my early sites.” Poundstone Poundstone. “I didn’t quit school to years I didn’t think that it touched me. Excited about her upcoming returns pursue comedy, I just quit.” Now it’s of daily importance. I’m not a appearance at The Classic Center Growing up in huge activist — maybe I should be.” Theatre, Poundstone last appeared to Athens Sudbury, Massachusetts, Poundstone Though her comedy material always in Athens in October 1997 at the moved to Boston in 1979 to develop touches on the political climate of the as a part of their her stand-up routine on the open mic time, Poundstone surmises that her act pre-homecoming festivities. circuit. Later relocating to California, is a total autobiography, featuring the “I once performed at an AIDs elebrating 30 years as a she began to flourish on stage in San topics that peak her daily interest. While fundraiser in San Francisco where I comedian, Paula Poundstone Francisco and was eventually cast public transportation and busing tables shared a big stage with Linda Ronstadt C in the movie “Hyperspace” in 1984 seemed to dominate her early comedic and Shirley McClain,” said Poundstone. continues to hone her craft, to share the stage with her for in Los Angeles. Billed as the film’s career, these days she’s more focused on “At the time I felt like a little ‘club star, Poundstone instead referred to anti-aging treatments and weight loss person’…Now, there’s really no with her razor-sharp wit, candid one brief moment at the mic in herself as the “squeaky wheel” of the tactics — citing that vomiting should difference to me between the crowd at take on circumstance and front of her following. There’s no production. be an honorable event, not a side effect the theater or the club — there’s just a Though the roots of her success are from the latest augmentation. difference in the way I can communicate unassuming improvisation. This competition between the older in local comedy clubs, Poundstone’s A suit with a tie have long served with them.” veteran road warrior, TV star and generation and the newbies; preference these days bends toward the as an image piece for her persona, celebrated author doesn’t fear local community theater. but Poundstone claims the wardrobe — Luanne Byrd there’s just pure, unadulterated “It’s a great welcoming card when your actually functions as camouflage for Paula Poundstone is the last performance of the season audience is in their seats and they’re wearing the same shirt for an extended in The Classic Center’s Comedy Series. Tickets for the the newcomers to comedy. The comedy, and Poundstone remains March 26 show at 9 p.m. are priced from $10 to $40. For there, ready to laugh,” said Poundstone. length of time. tickets or information please call 706.357.4444, visit www. younger guys jump at the chance ever quirky and relevant. “I don’t care for the interruption of When asked if it’s easy to separate classiccenter.com or stop by The Classic Center Box Office at 300 N. Thomas St. in downtown Athens.

62 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 63 MEALS FOR YOUR more ways to pinch pennies with your grocery list By Jacquie Brasher JERK CHICKEN • JERK PORK • BBQ CHICKEN • SPICY CABBAGE The Joys of Ramen Noodles • SPICY SQUASH • MACARONI I consider myself the Ramen Noodle Queen. There haven’t been many ramen AND CHEESE • CORNBREAD & noodle packets that I have spurned. I’ve TEA INCLUDED WITH MEAL !!! eaten these yellow squiggly squares of deliciousness ever since I was old and tall enough to work a stove. And, by the way, it’s pronounced RAH-mun, not Raymond. 1583 S. LUMPKIN ST. These noodles can sustain you ATHENS during some pretty brutal days when (706) 208-0000 you feel no one loves you. Well, the ramen noodle loves you, and here are some innovative ways to eat it. This brings me to a very simple and wonderful ramen dish I call: The Buffalo Double “O” Bonding is your Georgia Bail Bond Specialist. Chicken Noodle. You can count the ingredients on one hand. This was discovered quite by accident, and, by the way, is a great hangover cure. free bailbond  Buffalo Chicken Noodle for One 1 packet ramen noodles, chicken flavor Serving Athens, surrounding counties 1 slice Kraft American cheese and Georgia, for over 20 years 1 teaspoon Texas Pete hot sauce “Where it’s always springtime”® Directions: Put the required amount of water in a saucepan. Bring water to boil. Add noodles and stir. Reduce heat so nothing E“O”BON BL D boils over. Add flavor packet. Stir. Add the slice of American U IN cheese. Stir until dissolved. Add the hot sauce. Stir some O G more. Remove from saucepot into bowl. Serve piping hot. D

S Slurp and enjoy. Note: You can add more or less hot sauce

E www.doubleobonding.com 706.353.6467 S

R R depending on your wimp factor. Also, please do not try to V A I N E substitute with real cheese. The effect won’t be the same, and Y AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY SEVEN DAYS A WEEK G the cheese will clump up on you. No, this recipe calls for the 0 G 2 blissfully less-than-pristine processed kind that dissolves. We pride ourselves on our fast & friendly service EO R R VE -FYJOHUPO3PBEt"UIFOT (FPSHJB GIA FOR O

ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 65 Eat your Greens Drop it Like its Hot If you like broccoli and cheese, this next recipe will be similar, just with noodles: If you like Egg Drop Soup, you’ll like this one. I taught it to a college friend of mine who, from that day on, always told anyone who was cooking ramen noodles to Broccoli and Cheese “drop an egg in it!” Chicken & Mushroom Noodles Drop-An-Egg-In-It Noodles TUESDAYS...... $2 1 packet ramen noodles, chicken- All Bottled Beers mushroom flavor 1 packet ramen noodle, chicken, pork or Oriental flavor 1 slice Kraft American cheese 1 egg ½ cup chopped raw or cooked broccoli florets 1 stalk green onion, chopped WEDNESDAYS $2 A dash of sesame oil (optional) Domestics and Well Drinks THURSDAYS • "POP LIFE" $2 WELLS & DOMESTICS Directions: Directions: Prepare the noodles. After noodles are soft, RE-FRIDAYS O• "DRAGPE NIGHT"N WITHING DJ JASON Prepare ramen noodles as directed. While that cooks, THURSDAYS...$2 add the broccoli and American cheese. Stir for crack an egg in a bowl and whisk slightly. After noodles High Life and Natty Light SATURDAYS • "HOME" WITH DJ ISAAC MCCALLA about 2-3 minutes. Serve hot. Note: I use raw are gently boiling, add the egg and stir until “clouds” of Pitchers and Well Drinks SOON! broccoli, because I have an aversion to mushy egg form. Pour into a bowl. Garnish with the chopped HAPPY HOURS THURSDAYS ALL NIGHT veggies. If you like broccoli raw, use it raw. If 120120 E. WASHINGTONE. WASHINGTON ST.ST. • DOWNTOWNDOWNTOWN ATHENS ATHENS green onion and dash of sesame oil. Serve very hot. FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS 9PM-11PM not, boil your broccoli in the water for about (Between(Between CopperCopper Creek andand the the Basil Basil Press) Press) 21 and up with proper I.D. 1395$2 W ELLSCO &LLE DOMGESTIE SCSTATION RD 2 minutes before you add the noodles. ATHENS, GA 30605 WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BLURATHENS 227 W. DOUGHERTY ST. • DOWNTO706.549.5933WN ATHENS Cravin’ Asian? Ramen noodles can also be used as a base for just about any kind of Asian noodle recipe.Here’s one that’s pretty easy to make. Hope Animal Medical Center EXCEPTIONAL CARE FOR EXCEPTIONAL PETS Spicy Beefy Noodles Voted Athens’ Best Vet Clinic / Hospital in 2007 & 2008 with Vegetables new puppy & kitten care * Comprehensive exams * laser surgery digital radiography * ultrasound * geriatric pet care Culinary Missionaries Exemplar WIne Selection 2 packets ramen noodle, Oriental flavor grooming * pet insurance * boarding ½ cup of thinly sliced roast beef 1150 Mitchell Bridge Rd. * Athens, GA ½ cup shredded cabbage or Romaine lettuce It is Mirko Pasta’s706.546.7879 mission to bring ½ jalapeno pepper, chopped finely delicious food to your table the Dash of sesame oil (optional) real Italian way—homemade, simple, healthy and affordable. Directions: ATHENS Add the jalapeno pepper to the water with 1040 Gaines School Rd. the noodles and spice packets. When noodles Athens, GA come to a boil, add the cabbage or Romaine. Think of ramen noodles as a canvas, and you’re the 706.850.5641 Stir into the noodles until vegetables are tender, hungry artist. You can add just about any kind of leftovers to but not limp. Add the roast beef and stir into a bowl of ramen noodles. The trick is to match the flavor packet WATKINSVILLE the noodles and vegetables. Pour into bowls, with the leftovers that you’re adding to it. For example, if you have 2 S. Main St. sprinkle with sesame oil, and serve immediately. leftover scrambled eggs, you can add that to any ramen noodle 706.310.1233 Serves two people, or one person with a big flavor. However, if you’ve got leftover pork, chicken or beef, mix ATERING appetite. If you don’t want to use roast beef, you C can substitute with cooked chicken or pork. them with the corresponding flavor packets. Like any respectable (404) 668-8510 Vulcan would say, it’s just logical. Have ramen and prosper! www.mirkopasta.com chef: Mirko Di Giacomantonio pasta made fresh daily 66 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE athens live on the town

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ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 69 PHOTOS BY SANDRA GALLARDO, GEOFF POSS of VIII EAST GRAPHICS, LIZ BOESLER, ALEC WOODEN, NICOLE BLACK

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PHOTOS BY SANDRA GALLARDO, GEOFF POSS of VIII EAST GRAPHICS, LIZ BOESLER, ALEC WOODEN, NICOLE BLACK ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE 71 concert shots on the stage 1 2 3

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Kort McCumber & Diamondback April 20 Georgia Theatre, 9:30 p.m., McCumberland Gap Alibi Saloon, 9 p.m., $3 $12/adv. go ahead : make my date The Melting Point, 7 p.m., $3, Dinosaur Jr. A. Armada, The Bronzed 40 Watt, 9 p.m., $16/adv. Chorus, O’Brother, Rova April 23 upcoming events in athens and atlanta April 1 Zetella North Mississippi DJ Logic and the New Caledonia Lounge, Allstars with Hill County Matt & Kim, Chrissakes 9:30 p.m., $5 Mastersounds with Bloodkin, Backyard Tire Cinemachanica, Val Emmich with Sons of Review Moon Taxi ATHENS 40 Watt, 9 p.m., $10/adv. Georgia Theatre, 9 p.m., Fire Medications, Edie William Pigs on the Wing-Pink Georgia Theatre, 10 p.m., 40 Watt, 9 p.m., $5 Sedgwick The Melting Point, 9 p.m., $ $15/adv. March 17 Slightly Stoopid Floyd Tribute $12 adv. Caledonia Lounge, 10 p.m., 8/adv. ,18+ Georgia Theatre, 9 p.m., Georgia Theatre, 10 p.m., Monthly Jazz Series with $6 $20/adv. $10 April 21 B LU R EVENT CALENDAR Resident Patient, Kinetic SQUAT Chairlift, Yacht, Acrylics April 24 Stereokids, Uncle Owen The Melting Point, 6 p.m., Terrapin Tuesday 40 Watt, 9 p.m., $10/adv. Aunt Beru Dengue Fever, Chica $5, All Ages Bluegrass feat. The April 2 April 10 Dubconscious and the Caledonia Lounge, 9:30 Libre Suggins Brothers Live Well Fuzzy Sprouts p.m., $5 40 Watt, 9 p.m., $10/adv. The Melting Point, 7 p.m., Alibi Saloon, 9 p.m., Free Copeland, This Tracer Bullet Georgia Theatre, 10 p.m., March 20 $3,18+ Providence, Paper Alibi Saloon, 9 p.m., Free $10 The UGA Law School The Arcs, The Jack Route, Brooke Waggoner April 22 Talent Review STS9 Burton, Vincas 40 Watt, 8 p.m., $20/adv. Allison Weiss, Casper 40 Watt, 8 p.m., tickets TBA March 25 The Flyers Georgia Theatre, 9 p.m., Caledonia Lounge, 10 p.m., & the Cookies, Spring Manchester Orchestra, 30th Anniversary SOLD OUT $5/$7>21 The Plague, Solar Tigers Fun, Audrey Sessions Concert A Very Special Terrapin An Evening with the Caledonia Lounge, 10 p.m., 40 Watt, 9 p.m., $5 21+, 40 Watt, 9 p.m., $10/adv. Tuesday St. Patrick’s Day Gene Ween Band The Melting Point, 8 p.m., Albatross $5/$7>21 $7<21 $12, 18+ celebration with Short Alibi Saloon, 9 p.m., Free 40 Watt, 9 p.m., $15/adv. March 28 “Funkman” Tour feat. Del Road Home and Green Abbey Road Live the Funky Homosapien, Flag The Empties, Dropsonic Sound Horses, These Are , Ponderosa April 3 Georgia Theatre, 9 p.m., Mike RElm, Bukue One, The Melting Point, 7:30 Caledonia Lounge, 10 p.m., Powers (ex-Liars), Untied 40 Watt, 9 p.m., $20/adv. $10 and Serendipity Project p.m., $5/adv., 18+ $5 States Hillary Lindsey Caledonia Lounge, 10 p.m., Ghostland Observatory Songwriters in the $7/$9>21 Georgia Theatre, 10 p.m., Round presented by The April 11 March 18 March 21 $20/adv. Tumornators (benefiting John Straw’s Wednesday the Children’s Tumor Southern Soul Takka Takka, Sister Suri, STS9 Blues with ROCKIN JAKE James Hunter Foundation) Alibi Saloon, 9 p.m., $3 Birds & Wire Georgia Theatre, 9 p.m., The Melting Point, 8 p.m., Alibi Saloon, 9 p.m., $3 The Melting Point, 7:30 Caledonia Lounge, 10 p.m., SOLD OUT $5 p.m., $17/adv., 18+ Lazer/Wulf, All That $5 The Gourds CD release March, Kill Lebanon VH1 Save the Music March 26 party Blake Whitworth & 40 Watt, 9 p.m., $7 John Straws Blues Series Benefit Concert The Melting Point, 9 p.m., Friends feat. Blues Crossing Featuring: Behind the $15/adv., 18+ Alibi Saloon, 9p.m., Free The HEAP Deluxe P-Funk Nautilus The Melting Point, 8 p.m., Sun (RHCP Tribute Band) Georgia Theatre, 10 p.m., $5, 18 + cover show with Snarky El Scorcho (Weezer Rehab $5 Tribute Band) Puppy March 29 Georgia Theatre, 9 p.m., March 19 40 Watt, 9:30 p.m., $6 Georgia Theatre, 10 p.m., $15/adv. $10 Ari Hest, Tim Brantley, April 13 The Big Don Band David Koon Night Moves Gold, Bloodkin, Backyard Tire Dead Confederate, Alibi Saloon, 9 p.m., Free The Melting Point, 8 p.m., Excalibrah and Lil Flip The Hoot Fire Summerbirds in the $8/adv., 18+ Scoldjah, Cassavetes, DJ The Melting Point, 7:30 40 Watt, 9 p.m., $5 Cellar, The Interns, Karbomb, So It Goes, MB p.m., Free, All Ages Bastard Suns, APOB Appomattux Caledonia Lounge, 10 p.m., STS9 40 Watt, 9 p.m., $7/adv. March 31 Georgia Theatre, 9 p.m., Caledonia Lounge, 10 p.m., $5/$7>21 SOLD OUT $5 Emmitt-Nershi Band April 15 March 27 with Town Mountain April 4 Pastor of Muppets March 24 Georgia Theatre, 9 p.m., Caledonia Lounge, 10 p.m., Boombox $12/adv. Georgia Theatre, 10 p.m., Georgia Theatre, 10 p.m., The Whigs, Dark Meat, $7 $5/$7>21 Vetiver, Larkin Grimm $10/adv. The Sammies 40 Watt, 9 p.m., $10/adv. Terrapin Tuesday 40 Watt, 9 p.m., $15/adv. Bluegrass feat.

74 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE BLUR EVENT CALENDAR eaver eaver ight ight itchcock & the itchcock he Death, Dancer Vs. Vs. Dancer he Death, T o April 7 April H Robyn 3 Venus 8 p.m., Playhouse, Variety $17.50/adv. Shack Chicken Jimmie’s $12 p.m., 8 Bar, Olde Smith’s ützer CD ützer B Jeffrey A F Show, Release T Politician $5 Unicorn, Drunken The Dumpstaphunk 8 p.m., Olde Bar, Smith’s $15/adv. Release: Michelle Record B Malone, Nathan Rockitt& Ryan Show: Early Attic, Eddie’s Show: 7:00pm, Late $18/adv. 9:30p.m., ood he G ethany Dick, ethany Paul Paul onnie Bishop, he Last Waltz Ensemble Waltz he Last , B ight April 4 April Destruction, Krisiun, RitualMantic 7 p.m., Masquerade-Hell, $15/adv. Stars All Cuban Afro 8 p.m., Playhouse, Variety $25/adv. The Five Spot, 8:30 p.m., Spot, p.m., 8:30 Five The $15/adv. T 8 p.m., Olde Bar, Smith’s $20/adv. Rebuilt Records : T Presents F B Reeves, Harwell Jason 8 p.m., Attic, Eddie’s tables $10 adv./$50 olden reene rotto he Daniel, he Daniel, he G T T uy -Macks, -Macks, and, Chip G Chip and, arrett Moore arrett eko Case, Crooked Crooked Case, eko uest: Lefty Williams uest: Lefty uggenheim G hat 1 G hat he Presets, he Presets, he K ingers ilter April 2 April N F 8 p.m., Playhouse, Variety $25 Mali, Special Papa G 8 p.m., Olde Bar, Smith’s $12/adv. , John McCutcheon Brodsky Chuck $20 8 p.m., Attic, Eddie’s tables adv./$100 3 April T March 30 March T 31 March T 1 April G $12 p.m., 8 Attic, Eddie’s /$60 tables adv. F 8 Masquerade-Heaven, $16/adv. p.m., B Lee $5 7 p.m., Olde Bar, Smith’s Dylan Ellis Sneed, $10 p.m., 8 Attic, Eddie’s $50 tables adv./ $42.50/adv. 8 p.m., Envy Cowboy $5 5 p.m., Attic, Eddie’s / $40 Adults / $8 Children tables G $12 8 p.m., Attic, Eddie’s door $15 at the / $60 adv./ tables o f oley, oley, T olk ive Peace ive

urtle F T rantley, im Brantley, T ranke ranke ell Comes ell Comes ostra featuring featuring ostra iespodziani (of ovember est, est, and ick N ings, La Kings, ottonmouth hick Corea & John hick Corea oroaster “Voice O “Voice oroaster o Remember, Sky Eats Eats Sky o Remember, Subrig Destroyer own, Airplane, Emarosa Airplane, 6 Masquerade-Heaven, $16/adv. p.m., Brothers Punch 8:30 Playhouse, Variety $20 p.m., Z CD Release Saturn” H Show, $7/ Unicorn, Drunken The adv. H Ari Y-O-U) $12 8p.m., Attic, Eddie’s tables adv./$60 F Denice $12 8 p.m., Attic, Eddie’s tables adv./$60 Last N 8 p.m., Masquerade-Hell, $8/adv. 29 March C McLaughlin F B & 5 p.m. Playhouse, Variety March 27 March A Day Prada, Wears Devil T T N 28 March K N Coka Ill Bill Everlast, 7 Masquerade-Heaven, $20/adv. p.m., Raphael Saadiq 8:30 Playhouse, Variety $23.50/adv. p.m., Bloodkin, 8 p.m., Olde Bar, Smith’s $10/adv. Karp & Sue F Peter lde Dog ight riginal Wailers riginal ourds Stimulus Stimulus ourds enoit, O enoit, ang of Musical erring osted by Alyssa Alyssa by osted ang Camaro arnett & Jessicaarnett & Rose he O he G ick ab B March 26 March & Kim, Matt Copy, Cut Knightlife 7 Masquerade-Heaven, $20/adv. p.m., T 8:30 Playhouse, Variety $20/adv. p.m., T March 25 March B 7 p.m., Masquerade-Hell, $12/adv. and Walker Butch his G Melodymakers 8 p.m., Playhouse, Variety $26.50/adv. Deer Phosphorescent, T $8/ Unicorn, Drunken The adv. Emmich, Sons of Val J & Pete William, $8/ 8 p.m., Olde Bar, Smith’s adv. Kaiser Cartel, Clarence , Judd & Maggie Bucaro $10 p.m., 8 Attic, Eddie’s tables adv./$50 8 p.m., Old Bar, Smith’s $17.50/adv. , Caroline Scott Darrell H $20 8 p.m., Attic, Eddie’s tables adv./$100 Comedy N Comedy H B 7:30 p.m., Attic, Eddie’s tables $10/ $50 T Package 8 p.m., OldeBar, Smith’s $15/adv (2 for 1) A, he he f T T he PT T

eaturing eaturing oday oday T error, All Shall Shall All error, his Piano Plays Plays his Piano ang T oshi Reagon ., It’s Elephants ., It’s ox omorrow omorrow T Y T T i, .X.O uest: obby obby oomB ishhawk, ishhawk, Smith’s Olde Bar, 7 p.m., $8/ 7 p.m., Olde Bar, Smith’s adv. Mark Robbins, Jimmy Rose $10 p.m., 2 Attic, Eddie’s tables adv./$50 , Republic Angers Darol , F of Strings Nygaard Scott special guests: With Maple & David Curley Blackmon $15 8 p.m., Attic, Eddie’s tables adv./$75 X.O Abacabb Perish, 6:30 Masquerade-Heaven, $15/adv. p.m., H Say Itself $8/ Unicorn, Drunken The Sun, Weep Weep Sun, $10/ Unicorn, Drunken The adv. B Show: Early 7 Attic, Eddie’s Show: Late ALL AGES, p.m., $12 9:30 pm 21+ ONLY, tables adv./$60 B 22 March Daniels & Dave 24 March O Winds , Plague, March 21 March Special Difranco, Ani G 8:30 Playhouse, Variety $36 p.m., F Moon 8 p.m., Olde Bar, Smith’s $12/adv. amily, amily, allyhoo!

ruce Bruce uest: Col. oot Swagger ox orby Lenker Lenker orby owmans, Julia owmans, olden, Sun Domingo, roovestain, B roovestain, ob oomB he B March 20 March SubCam, Kings, Almost B 7 Masquerade-Heaven, $10/adv. p.m., G Levy Adam $10 8 p.m., Attic, Eddie’s / $13 at the door / $50 adv. tables B 8 p.m., Olde Bar, Smith’s $12/adv. G March 19 March Vida Jeff & Sky, Cadillac $15/ 8 p.m., Attic, Eddie’s $75 tables adv., WILX, 3 F $8 8 p.m., Olde Bar, Smith’s adv. 7 p.m., Masquerade-Hell, $8/adv. March 18 March J.D. & Wooten Victor Blair Playhouse, Variety $22.50/adv. 8:30p.m., F Quench, Royal K Rose, We Won’t Stop, Stone Stone Stop, Won’t We Fox $6 Unicorn, Drunken The T $10/ 8 p.m., Attic, Eddie’s $50 tables adv., Delta MoonsSide Porch, Special G Hampton $8/ 7 p.m., Olde Bar, Smith’s adv. and and he A T

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O $10 Unicorn, Drunken The T Eddie’s Attic, 8 p.m., $10 8 p.m., Attic, Eddie’s O Adele 8p.m., Playhouse, Variety OUT SOLD T 7 Masquerade-Heaven, $15/adv. p.m., March 17 March A April 29 April Robert Randolph and the F Wednesday John Straw’s Blues feat. Reeves Brandon 8 p.m., Melting Point, The $5, 18+ Georgia Theatre, 9 p.m., $ 9 p.m., Theatre, Georgia 20/adv. luegrass feat. Spring feat. Bluegrass Creek 7 p.m., Melting Point, The $3 T imock Crazy Kimock Crazy Steve Engine p.m., 10 Theatre, Georgia $20 T 28 April Alibi Saloon, 9 p.m., Free Alibi Saloon, 9 p.m., F 9 p.m., Point, Melting The $20, 18+ April 25 April

ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE ATHENS R LU B EVENT CALENDAR EVENT 76 NOW OPEN! April 10 April 16 Drew Holcomb April 26 Eddie’s Attic, 7 p.m., $10 Great Lake Swimmers Jimmy Buffett and the adv. Bruce Springsteen The EARL, 8 p.m., $12 Coral Reefers Phillip’s Arena, 7:30 p.m., Lakewood Ampitheatre, 8 Adrianne, Kyler England $69-$99 The Brian Jonestown p.m. Eddie’s Attic 9:30 p.m., NOW OPEN! Massacre, The Flavor $12 adv. Robin & Linda Williams & Crystal Silverstein, , Their Fine Group Variety Playhouse, 8:30 Norma Jean, Before April 19 Eddie’s Attic, 4 p.m., $20 p.m., $15/adv. Their Eyes adv. Masquerade-Heaven, 7 Jeffrey Gaines, Naked Mama’s Love, Free p.m., $18/adv. Blue Tommy Talton, Caroline Lunch, The Hypsys Eddie’s Attic, 8 p.m., $15 Aiken Smith’s Olde Bar, 8 p.m., $8 Hoots & Hellmouth, DiEL adv. Eddie’s Attic, 8 p.m., $12 Eddie’s Attic, 8 p.m., $10/ adv. Record Release and 60th adv. Birthday Celebration: April 21 Everything Adult for A Passionate World Kodac Harrison April 28 Eddie’s Attic, 9:30 p.m. / April 17 Voltaire Fleetwood Mac doors at 9 p.m., $10 adv. Masquerade-Hell, 8 p.m., Stokeswood, Josh $14/adv. Phillip’s Arena, 8 p.m., Robert & the Hinges $49.50-$149.50 April 11 Masquerade-Hell, 7p.m., John Scofield Piety $8/adv. Street Band Tim Reynolds & TR3, Pnuma Trio Variety Playhouse, 8 p.m., Shaun Hopper Masquerade-Hell, 9 p.m., Family Force 5, 3OH!3, $22.50/adv. Smith’s Olde Bar, 9 p.m., $15/adv. The Maine, Hit The $15/adv. (Discount w/ Dave Lights, A Rocket To The Matthews ticket stub) Saffire-The Uppity Blues Moon April 22 Women Masquerade-Heaven, 6 Comedy Night Variety Playhouse, 8:30 p.m., $15/adv. Doria Roberts Eddie’s Attic, 7:30 p.m., $10 p.m., $20/adv. Eddie’s Attic, 8 p.m., $10 Big Head Todd & the adv. April 29 The Hot Rods, The Pretty Monsters Things Peep Show, The Variety Playhouse, 8:30 April 23 Cross Canadian Creeping Cruds, The p.m., $26/adv. Ragweed Downtown Executives Dehlia Low Jennifer Daniels, Naked Variety Playhouse, 8 p.m., Smith’s Olde Bar, 9 p.m., Eddie’s Attic, 8 p.m., $12 Books Ma azines Blue $18/adv. $10/adv. adv. Eddie’s Attic, 8 p.m., $12 The Brilliant Inventions, adv. Luke Brindley, Gilda Sue April 24 Rosenstern April 18 Calendar listings are Eddie’s Attic, 8 p.m., $12 Lord T & Eloise subject to change. List- Smith’s Olde Bar, 8 p.m., adv. , Forever ed prices may be for ad- $10/adv. vance tickets only, and the Sickest Kids, The listed times are door times Cab, April 15 Alice Peacock, John Paul of the given shows. We Masquerade-Heaven, 6 White suggest you call ahead p.m., $17.50/adv. Lily Allen Eddie’s Attic, 8 p.m., $12 before heading out! Variety Playhouse, 8 p.m., adv. $25/adv. The Faint, Ladytron Variety Playhouse, 8:30 Hey bands! Got a cal- Alejandro Escovedo p.m., $25/adv. April 25 endar listing? Send it to editorial@athens- Eddie’s Attic, 8 p.m., $22.50 blur.com and include adv./ $112.50 tables Collective Efforts, Noot , d Noot the following:Name DJ Logic of the Act(s), venue, Gaines School Shoppes • 50 Gaines School Rd. • Athens, GA 30606 Smith’s Olde Bar, 8 p.m., Smith’s Olde Bar, 8 p.m., door time and price. $10/adv. $15/adv. store.sexy-suz.com “Sexy Suz Adult Emporium is formerly known as Experience Adult Fantasy Store.” 78 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE No One Under 18 Admitted Photo ID Required what’s your Astrology for Musicians by MISS TERIOUS B LU R MUSICSCOPES Musicscope? CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES (12/22-01/19) (01/20-02/18) (02/19-03/20) Don’t let a bad show get you Release your stress through A quarrel amongst yourself and feeling down about yourself songwriting this month, even fellow band members could end or your ability to play music. if writing lyrics isn’t your forte. in an inevitable break up. Watch THE HEAP P FUNK GHOSTLAND EMMITT NERSHI Spend some extra time practic- carefully for the signs to happen You may surprise yourself once TRIBUTE SHOW BOOMBOX OBSERVATORY BAND ing and everyone will notice the you pick up a pen and start. this month. difference. MARCH 26 MARCH 27 MARCH 28 MARCH 31 ARIES GEMINI (03/21-04/19) TAURUS (05/21-06/21) (04/20-05/20) Time to wipe the dust of that Hard work does pay off and the Be cautious around the middle bass and get the band back hours of rehearsal you have of the month. You may find PIGS ON THE WING: together this month! You’ll be been putting in lately will help SLIGHTLY yourself distracted by the STOOPID REHAB PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE ABBEY ROAD LIVE! amazed that everyone else in elevate your band to a new level beauty of a fan in the front row the band was thinking the same and expose yourselves to new APRIL 1 APRIL 3 APRIL 4 APRIL 10 and foolishly fall off the stage. thing! fans. But don’t let it go to your head! CANCER LEO (07/23-08/22) VIRGO (06/22-07/22) (08/23-09/22) Practice may seem like it’s turn- No matter how sick you’re feel- Don’t freak out when your ing more into play time to you BENJY DAVIS NORTH MISS. ing before an upcoming show, band dumps you this month. NAUTILUS BRANTLEY GILBERT and you may be feeling frustrat- PROJECT ALL STARS do not cancel on your band A greater opportunity will ed with everyone. Turn things APRIL 11 APRIL 14 APRIL 17 APRIL 18 members — if so, they may be become available a few weeks around by having a quick band the ones cancelling on you. after your breakup. meeting to voice your concerns. LIBRA (09/23-10/23) SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS Your heart will be broken this (10/24-11/21) (11/22-12/21) A person who can help your STEVE KIMOCK month by a significant other. You’re feeling musically stale DJ LOGIC W/ THE NEW ROBERT RANDOLPH Heal yourself by writing the lately. Luckily, a muse will come band along will be in atten- MASTERSOUNDS DUBCONSCIOUS CRAZY ENGINE & THE FAMILY BAND best song to date about your into your life around the 10th of dance at an upcoming show. Be APRIL 23 APRIL 24 APRIL 28 APRIL 29 sorrow. This could end up being the month, helping to inspire prepared to rock your heart out the hit single you’ve you to get back in the groove. during each performance! For complete schedule & pricing, check www.georgiatheatre.com been waiting for. 80 ATHENS BLUR MAGAZINE