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Show pick of the day: Classic Bastards @ Caledonia Lounge

With their Myspace assuring you “you will literally love us to death” need I say more?

Sure, Classic Bastards are a little…odd —but that’s what makes them so charming. Their funk-metal is captivating; the kind of way watching Jerry Springer is entertaining. You don’t want to admit you’ve spent an hour watching some guy’s babymamma pull the hair out of the another girl’s head, but still found yourself yelling at the TV when the paternity test was announced. The Bastards will be providing their shameless entertainment tomorrow at Caledonia Lounge to welcome in their latest album Literally.

The Who to play Super Bowl XLIV?

There have been a lot of Who/Super Bowl rumors flying lately.  Sources have said that the British rockers will be this year's featured halftime act, but The Who have so far denied any plans to perform.  But Rolling Stone reported yesterday that an anonymous source has confirmed the performance.

Its expected that the official announcement of halftime performers will come from the NFL on Thanksgiving Day.  A show from The Who would fit in with the classic rock trend of recent years; last year's halftime show came courtesy of Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band.

MTV buys rights to "This Is It"

MTV just scored the rights to air the Michael Jackson movie "This Is It" on any of its affiliated networks starting in 2011. "This Is It" features footage of the King of Pop rehearsing for what would have been his comeback tour.

The deal between MTV and Sony Pictures Entertainment will allow "This Is It" to be shown on all MTV, VHI and BET channels for six years.

Open Mic Series 2: THE FINALS!

After several weeks of duking it out, Athens Blur and Rye Bar's Open Mic Series 2 has its finalists: Chris Nekvinda, Cody Hagler, Woody Garrison, Lily of the Suburbs and Michael Ellers.

We're taking a little break for the holidays, but we'll be back on Monday, November 30 when the five finalists will leave it all out on the stage in the battle to be named winner of Open Mic Series 2 and receive the ultimate prize.

So enjoy your thanks-filled holiday and get plenty of rest during your turkey-induced sleep because you'll need it for the party that is going down on finals night!

Jay-Z Cancels Last Leg of Tour

Jigga What?

The Blue Print 3’s innovator, Jay-Z, has abruptly canceled the remainder of his tour across several U.S. college campuses and arenas which was slated to wrap up on November 22 in Austin, Texas.

Other shows scheduled for Tuesday in Lubbock, Texas, Thursday in Alberquerque, N.M. and  Friday in El Paso, Texas have all been erased from Hova’s “to-do” list and here’s the zinger—No explanation for the cancellations have been given except that there was a scheduling conflict.

What exactly this conflict was has not been specified and Mtv reported that Jay-Z’s rep Jana Fleishman nor a spokesperson from Live Nation would comment on the matter.

Velvet Underground to reunite for "Live from the NYPL"

New York City's '60s darlings The Velvet Underground plan to make a very special and highly anticipated joint appearance on Tuesday, Dec. 8 for the "Live from the New York Public Library" series.

The famed band — whose name appears as a musical influence for just about anyone making good music today — will be interviewed about its five year stint atop the NYC rock movement.  Frontman Lou Reed, Maureen "Mo" Tucker, David Fricke and Doug Yule will represent the band for this special appearance.

New venue lives up to name

Some of Athens greatest charms are the quaint restaurants and bars found in itss beautiful downtown. Pick any day of the week and you can stumble upon an open mic night, live bands or just a good spot to have a beer.

But, Athens has just upped the ante. What is soon becoming one of our most notable venues; The Rialto Room has all the ingredients for a great night out. Its classy and ambient atmosphere is a nice change from a rowdy group of college kids, and its friendly staff will leave you feeling pampered all night.

Lady Gaga's Take On A Love Song: "Bad Romance" Video

The music world is having a little bit of Lady Gaga overload. Gaga's collaboration with Beyonce on "Telephone" quickly followed "Bad Romance," and it may be stealing its spotlight. But, Bad Romance is not to be overlooked.

Truth is, the image of a hanging, bloody Lady Gaga at the VMA awards is hard to get out of mind ... but the Gaga has a heart (a real, feeling one) and it looks like she's ready to show it (kind of). Bad Romance seems about as close as Gaga fans are going to get from their beloved disco-pop diva, and I don't see anyone complaining. Had she slowed it down anymore than she did in "Bad Romance," it wouldn't be Gaga-fied and might even — gasp — be boring.

Seeing as The Lady Gaga is NEVER boring — in fact she usually incorporates some kind of shock factor in everyone song, video and musical performance —"Bad Romance's" music video is, for lack of a better word, completely gaga. Artisically done, "Bad Romance" takes a new twist on Gaga's previous electro-hits.

Artist of the Day: The Shaky Hands

Portland, Ore. is a breeding grounds for indie bands — scruffy-faced, guitar-playing dudes in flannel abound.  So what about The Shaky Hands sets them apart from the rest of the pack? It's a mixture of frontman Nicholas Delffs' rattly vocals and the band's lo-fi, upbeat tunes that makes you want to listen to The Shaky Hand's on repeat.

Formed in Portland in 2003, the group self-released its first album, The Skidmore Days. The album was recorded in a basement and was the first step in making a name for The Shaky Hands in the Portland music scene.

Flash Mob Does Janet Jackson

Okay, in all honesty, this is a less than awesome flash mob. The numbers are small, the element of surprise is lost in the set up, and some of the dancers are down right scary (read: flailing, large men). But besides the failed attempt at being an awesome flash mob, they did grab the attention of the lady of the day, Janet Jackson.

A medley of Janet dance moves put to some of Janet's greatest hits completed the flash mob in The Grove in Los Angeles. The only impressive thing about this particular flash mob is the smile that plastered Janet's face as she watched the entire thing from a balcony on the street.

Watch the Janet Jackson flash mob below:

The Strokes Top NME's Best of Decade List

The UK’s popular music magazine NME or New Musical Express have released their picks for the top 100 albums of the decade. 

The Strokes’ debut album Is This It (2001) took the top spot while The Libertines’ Up the Bracket and Primal Scream’s XTRMNTR took the second and third spot.

The albums were decided on by a panel of different music experts that included musicians, producers, writers and bosses of record labels. 

Beyonce and Lady Gaga's 'Video Phone' (parental discretion advised)

What happens when two of the most entertaining divas in popular music get together for a music video? Apparenty, a whole lotta booty shakin’.


But if you can see past Beyonce’s erotic dance moves, Video Phone (directed by Hype Williams) has some impressive references. Beyonce’s slow walk forward in the beginning is a obvious homage to Reservoir Dogs.

Norah Jones in new form

Norah Jones’ latest release The Fall shows the sultry singer, guitarist and pianist in a new light, one that's quite flattering.

The new album showcases a new band—without bass player and ex- boyfriend Lee Alexander. It also depicts a different piano playing style than Jones is known for—a style a little less present.

Bob Dylan debuts "Must Be Santa" video

Bob Dylan's first ever holiday album, Christmas in the Heart, may seem a little out of character for the historically anti-establishment musician, but he's putting his own spin on December 25th.  The video for the song "Must be Santa" is not the traditional heart warming holiday scene. You can watch it here and see for yourself.

Featuring Dylan in a long blonde wig and top hat, the video is a raucous polka party.  The partygoers dance to accordion music in a house full of disheveled decorations and a bartending Dylan.  But there's no sign of Santa amidst all this yuletide revelry until the very end of the video. 

Oasis returning under new name & without Noel Gallagher

Remember back in August when Noel Gallagher shocked no one by finally quitting Oasis? Noel and his brother Liam — notorious for bickering and airing their grievances with each other in the media — fronted a band known as much for its music as for its feuding. A pre-show argument over a guitar was the straw that finally broke Oasis' back.

Not one to stay out of the news for long, Liam announced on an Italian radio show last week that he is still working with all of Oasis' members, excluding Noel, and the band will soon be back performing live under a new name.

Open Mic TONIGHT!!

The second round of The Athens Blur Magazine and Rye Bar's Epic Open Mic Night continues tonight! The five week series takes place at Rye Bar at 140 Clayton St. downtown (below Helix). Tonight's show starts at 9:30.

Six solo and duo acts will perform three-song sets and duke it out for a chance to move on to the finals. Each act will be scored by three judges from the Athens music community. The scores depend on vocal ability, instrumental ability, songwriting and performance. The winner will be awarded with a final 30 minute victory set and a chance to compete in the finals.

So come out to Rye Bar and support local musicians. Entry is free and there will be lots of good music!

See you there!

Dan Deacon hospitalized, cancels shows

Dan Deacon, known for his crowd-participation-centric live shows, has canceled the last five dates on his North American tour due to back problems.  Deacon was hospitalized and diagnosed with acute sciatica last week.

Live Show Review: Minus the Bear

With a penchant for weird song and album titles "You Kill Bugs Good, Man", They Make Beer Commercials Like This), you might expect Minus the Bear's live show to be a little quirky. This wasn't the case when the five piece indie rockers played the 40 Watt on Thursday night.

The band played its guitar-driven, electo-tinged with no gimmicks.  The consistently good music needed no help to take the crowd by storm. After taking the stage, MTB broke into "Knight" from its 2007 album Planet Ice, and the concertgoers' fists starting pumping. 

Live Show Review: The Antlers

It's not all that often that concertgoers go to a show to see the opening band. But at the 40 Watt last night, that was the case. While people were excited to see headliners Minus the Bear, there was also a big crowd looking forward to the performance from Brooklyn trio The Antlers. 

The Antlers went on at 11 o'clock, following local band Twin Tigers. "Kettering" from The Antlers' latest release Hospice opened the set, starting out as quiet keys and vocals showcase of frontman Peter Silberman's delicate voice and meandering through about five minutes of The Antler's indie rock instrumentals.  With fellow Antlers Michael Lerner (drums, percussion) and Darby Cicci (keys, trumpet, banjo), Silberman pumped out well-crafted songs to support his captivating songwriting.

Look Who's in the Studio!

They released their fourteenth studio album in 2008 entitled, Accelerate, they released a live album, Live at The Olympia, in 2009 and they even made their own documentary. Now, Athens-bred superstars R.E.M. have been reported as being back in the studio working on their follow-up to Accelerate, or their fifteenth studio album . . wow.

R.E.M. will work again with Grammy Award winning producer Jacknife Lee who also collaborated on Accelerate.

Live Music in the Classic City: Friday, Nov. 13 and Saturday, Nov. 14

Friday the 13th:

40 Watt
www.40watt.com
A. Armada, Melt-Banana
Doors: 9 PM

Caledonia Lounge
www.caledonialounge.com 
The Black Hollies, Bryan Scary, Hallelujah the Hills
Doors: 10 PM

Tasty World Uptown
www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown
Blackbelt Patriots, Moon Taxi
Doors: 10 PM

Rye Bar
www.myspace.com/ryebarathens
Blues Affliction
Doors: 10 PM

Flicker Theatre & Bar
www.myspace.com/flickerbar
Nate Nelson, Thayer Sarrano
Doors: 9 PM

Rialto Room
www.therialtoroom.com
Shawn Mullins
Doors: 7 PM

Go Bar
www.myspace.com/gobar
Night Nurses, Summer Hymns, The Visitations
Doors: 10 PM

The Melting Point
www.meltingpointathens.com
Stewart & Winfield Band
Doors: 9 PM

Little Kings Shuffle Club 
www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub
Timi Conley: CD Release Party for Nerd Sexy
Doors: 8 PM

New Earth Music Hall 
www.newearthmusichall.com
Pigs on the Wing (Pink Floyd Cover Band)
Doors: 9 PM

Slots Available For Monday, Nov 16 OPEN MIC SERIES!

There are still slots available in this coming Monday, November 16, Open Mic. This is the last week in the series and spots are filling up fast. So what are you waiting for? This is your opportunity to get heard, so don’t let it pass you by! Information on how to be a part of Athens Blur Magazine and Rye Bar's Open Mic Night below. 

Interested? Send the following:
1. Name
2. Phone #
3. Email 
4. Name of your act
5. Instrumentation
6. One sentence description of your music 
to The Athens Blur Magazine at athensblur@gmail.com. There will also be a $5 submission fee collected on the night of your performance. 

Each act will play a three song set and based on the judges scores, a winner will be announced at the end of the night. Winners from Nov 16 and the previous weeks will battle for the overall winners spot in finals week. The finals winner will receive:

- A $200 cash prize

- A 3 track EP recorded at Sugarbuzz Studios

- Weekend headline show at Rye Bar

- Coverage in The Athens Blur Magazine

 ---Not a musician? That’s ok. Come to support your fellow Athenians and spread the word to your friends. You never know---There might be a hidden rockstar sitting right next to you!

This content is solely the property of The Athens Blur Magazine and may not be re-produced without expressed written consent. The Athens Blur Magazine is an 8 issue/year music & variety publication proud to be based in the Classic City of Athens, Ga. For more information, please contact editorial@athensblur.com

Artist of the Day: Sydney Wayser

Just 23 years old , Sydney Wayser’s talent is way beyond her years. The multi-instrumentalist, who rendezvoused in Paris during the summers growing up, brings her cultured experience to her music.

Her French father and American mother encouraged the singer/songwriter to investigate her creativity , and introduced her to some of Paris’ finest. Her knowledge and appreciation of French and American way of life bloomed into a multitude of interests, including film, ballet and literature. Her music, however, was always steadfast.

Show Pick of the Day: Minus the Bear at the 40 Watt Club

Musician Brian Eno described ambience as music that is "actively listened to with attention or as easily ignored, depending on the choice of the listener", and exists on the "cusp between melody and texture."

If you want to know exactly what Mr. Eno is talking about, then check out Minus the Bear tonight at the 40 Watt Club.  Hailing from Seattle, Washington, these guys are a perfect example of ambience in the 21^st Century and create an atmosphere of intriguing electronic blends.

Jackson family reality show coming in December

Michael Jackson. Those two words have become two of the biggest earners this year. "This Is It," a movie comprised of Jackson rehearsal footage, earned millions and millions of dollars during its first two-week run in theaters, MJ's albums have been back on the top of best-seller lists and Jackson's children can't get their hair cut without the entire world hearing about it. So the Jackson family has decided to capitalize on this MJ mania by starring in their own six-part reality mini series.

"The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty" will chronicle the lives of the Jacksons — in particular his brothers and former Jackson 5 members Tito, Marlon, Jermaine and Jackie — since their brother's death.

Lil Wayne Rocks; Wayne Coyne Gets Naked

The cover art for Weezy’s new album Rebirth and a new Flaming Lips music video starring a whole bunch of naked people have been released.  What do these two things have in common?  Not a damn thing.  But they’re both worth taking a look at. 

AthFest 2010 accepting band applications

With Athens in the summertime you can expect a few things: fewer students, scorching temperatures and AthFest.  Although AthFest is more than eight months away, it's time for bands and solo performers to get in the running to perform on one of the festival's outdoor stages.

From now until March 25, 2010, Athfest is accepting performer applications through SonicBids.  Playing one of the outdoor sets can get your music heard by thousands of festival goers — so good luck!

Show Review: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero's @ the 40 Watt

Listen up people, there’s a new sensation going around and it doesn’t have anything to do with vampires. Ok, well maybe a little bit about vampires, but only in the sense that you will sweat blood and tears for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero’s.  Witnessing their show at the 40 Watt last night was, to say the least, an amazing experience.   I lost count of how many people are in the band, but I’m pretty sure there were up to 11 soulful characters controlling the crowd with bluesy, folk, chime-rock. They performed songs from their new album “Up From Below” and it was the best show I’ve seen in Athens since the Fleet Foxes. All who were in attendance last night were lucky to catch the band before their travels to the Northeast and Canada. Not bad for a debut album.

--Will Hackett currently listening to “Cowboy (live)” by Kid Rock…. Seriously.

Taylor Swift's sub par vocals disappoint despite win

 


The CMAs was almost unrecognizable this evening when the show opened with a performance by country teen diva Taylor Swift. Her set was reminiscent of a MTV-esq awards show, but no amount of shiny backgrounds and screaming pre-teens could cover up Swift’s pitchy and flat vocals.

The Ting Tings signed to Jay-Z's label

Who's the latest act to get signed to Jay-Z's  Roc Nation label? No, it's not an up-and-coming hip hopper or the next R&B diva, but a Brit pop duo called The Tings Tings.

Jules De Martino and Katie White — a.k.a. The Ting Tings — have already started to make a name for themselves on the U.S. indie pop scene.  The song "That's Not My Name," reached the top 20 in Billboard's pop charts.  Now hopes are high for the future or the group with one of music's biggest stars backing them. TTT are the first musicians of the pop rock persuasion to be signed to Roc Nation.

History channel chronicles The Beatles

What is there to say about The Beatles that hasn't been said before? Probably not much, but the History channel hopes to show us something new with the upcoming documentary "The Beatles on Record."

As arguably the most prolific band in music history, the Fab Four continue to be among the most popular, well-loved music and generation-spanning music.  So the History channel has taken it upon itself to chronicle the rise of The Beatles and all of the recordings done at the Abbey Road Studio in the documentary.

Green Day's "American Idiot" Takes On The Big Stage, Broadway

Bye, Bye Berkely Repetory, Hello Broadway. Though the starting dates and location have yet to be announced, casting calls are auditioning talent for Green Day and Tony Award winner Micheal Mayer's brain child "American Idiot" to participate in the show's run on New York City's Broadway.

Casting was announced on November 9, but it has since been confirmed that "Idiot" will see some time on the big stage. Questions remain, when will it start? What famed Broadway theater will take on this unconventional musical? And will we be seeing new stars to fill the shoes of the San Francisco run of "Idiot?" Unfortunately, nothing has been confirmed as of yet.

My Morning Jacket appears on 'American Dad'

What do soulful indie rockers My Morning Jacket and (allegedly) hilarious creator of "Family Guy" and American Dad" have in common? Well, as one might suspect, not much.  Aside from the fact that the MMJ guys will be feautured as animated vcrsions of themselves on an upcoming episode of "American Dad."

Show Pick Of The Day: Pete Yorn

Cure those rainy day blues with Pete Yorn at 40 Watt, tonight!

Pete Yorn's most recent collaboration with Scarlett Johansson stirred music news and gossip sites a like. The album Break Up, in which Yorn and Johansson croon bluesy folk music back and forth, was a debut for Johansson's vocals and highlighted Yorn's ability to work well with the ladies. Though rumors flew that he worked TOO well with Johansson, she still remains happily married to Ryan Reynolds.

But enough about Hollywood drama, Yorn is an up and coming indie singer/songwriter who caught his big break writing the entire score for The Farrelly Brothers' Me, Myself, and Irene. In 2001, Yorn was named "Ten To Watch in 2001" by Rolling Stone Magazine for lead single "Life On A Chain" from his debut album musicforthemorningafter.

Artist of the Day: Hot Chip

Britain's electropop all stars Hot Chip just announced the release of its fourth studio album for early 2010. Be sure to mark your calendars for the imminent dance party aftermath. One Life Stand will hit shelves (both actual and the imaginary Internet shelves of  iTunes) February 9, 2010.

If you're not familiar with Hot Chip's tunes, and you enjoy low key robot pop, perhaps you should look them up.  Since the release of its first studio album, 2004's Coming on Strong, HC has been a fixture on the dance music scene.

Rammstein's "Liebe ist Für Alle Da" Banned From German Shelves

Rammstein believes there's no such thing as grass being green on either side. They prefer, rotting decaying trees on a barren waste land. Think that's going to far? Not if you know anything about Rammstein. A majority of their vocals consist of the goth screech and, though their lyrics are in German, the topic matter is evidently dark through their performance and obsession with all things gruesome and dangerous. These guys are the epitome of freaky.

Take their newest album, Liebe ist Für Alle Da (Love Is For All), which has just been banned from shelves in Germany because of its depictions of sadism and masochism. This isn't a American book burning of classic The Catcher in the Rye ...

Eminem to star in 3D horror movie

 

Eminem, rap star and one-time movie star, has not appeared on the big screen since 2002's loosely autobiographical film "8 Mile." But the news that Mr. Shady will star in and produce the new horror movie "Shady Talez" means he'll be back on screen scaring audiences soon enough.

Artist of The Day: Eddie And The Public Speakers

Photo by Brent Fink

Local Athens rock-infused blues brothers, Eddie and The Public Speakers, recently snagged the opening act spot for the Atlanta Rhythm Section in a competition put on by The Classic Center as part of the Budweiser Select Music Series.

Philip Verrastro, assistant executive director of The Classic Center and the man responsible for Theatre programming had this to say about the selection of Eddie and The Public Speakers as the Opening Act winners:

“This band simply rose to the top for our selection team with their sound. We felt Eddie & The Public Speakers would be a great complement to Atlanta Rhythm Section on several fronts. We liked that they’re fairly new on the local scene, have classic rock roots and that they’re on the verge of doing their first original album. It should be fun for them and the ARS crowd alike, and provide a chance for the theatre to assist in their exposure to a wider audience.”

Taylor Swift's SNL Monologue

A lot of artists take what they're feeling and pour it into their music ... and Taylor Swift is the queen of emotion-filled, unrequited love songs. However, Swift decided to take the higher road on SNL this past weekend and "not" talk about a lot of things.

Swift should be applauded for how well she handles the dramatic and sometimes hurtful situations she gets thrown at her. She is proof that there is nothing like a strong heart and a good laugh to get you through it all:



-Marie Baginski
Currently listening to "My Monologue (la la la)" by Taylor Swift

This content is solely the property of The Athens Blur Magazine and may not be re-produced without expressed written consent. The Athens Blur Magazine is an 8 issue/year music & variety publication proud to be based in the Classic City of Athens, Ga. For more information, please contact editorial@athensblur.com

Maserati drummer Jerry Fuchs dead at age 34

The Athens music community is again mourning the loss of a young local musician. Jerry Fuchs, drummer for instrumental post-rock band Maserati, died early Sunday morning in New York City after apparently falling more than five stories down an elevator shaft. News reports speculate he may have been trying to jump from a broken elevator when a piece of his clothing caught and triggered his fall.

Maserati formed in Athens in 2000, and have gathered a steady following after releasing a handful of records on local label Kindercore. Currently signed to Brooklyn based Temporary Residence Limited, the band recently completed a tour behind its newest record, Passages.

The band posted the following message on its twitter account Sunday afternoon: "with overwhelming sadness, bids farewell to our drummer and dear friend Jerry Fuchs. Love you, bro."

Updates to come as more information becomes available. 

Rihanna talks forgiveness

First of all, I do realize the Riahnna and Chris Brown fiasco has saturated the media lately. However, when someone sits down with Diane Sawyer, you don’t want to miss it—especially when that someone is a musical superstar who's dealing with an issue that hits home for many us.


Rihanna talked candidly with the ABC’s “Good Morning America” host this morning about the violent incident that happened last February. She told Sawyer “there was no person [there] when I looked at him” and Brown had “no soul in his eyes.”

An admittedly tumultuous relationship, Rihanna’s “first big love” turned hazardous.

“The more in love we became, the more dangerous we became for each other—equally as dangerous,” she said.

Aerosmith may replace Steven Tyler

 

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler could be leaving his long-time band. Why would a rock 'n roll vet go and do a thing like that? Is it because he's embarrassed about falling off stage during a concert earlier this year? Maybe. Regardless of the reason, since that stage slip-up, Tyler has decided to nix the rest of his touring with Aerosmith.

He recently told "Classic Rock Magazine" that he wants begin working one i  something Steven Tyler: working on the brand of myself – Brand Tyler." While Tyler's off working on the brand of himself, the other Aerosmith guys may keep on rocking without him.

Lil Wayne Gets Baked . . . into a Cake

You know that show on the Food Network called Ace of Cakes where those artistic bakers make really intricate cake delicacies? Did you ever see them make one of a celebrity?

I’m not sure if they have. I’ve only seen the show a couple of times, but taking a number straight out of their book, another cake baking pro company, Rosebud Cakes located in Beverly Hills, Calif., took on a celebrity request.

30 Rock actor Alec Baldwin and his wife, actress Kim Basinger, ordered a cake shaped like none other than mixtape guru, Lil Wayne for their daughter Ireland Basinger-Baldwin’s birthday.

Celebrate Christmas with a Meatball

The Holiday season is officially here and if you thought that Bob Dylan was the only celebrity sending out season’s greetings through the beauty of song this year, well, think again, because two more Christmas albums are dropping this year; one, even more surprising than a Dylan compilation.

The animated crew that includes a shape shifting meatball, a sociopathic shake, and a scientific box of French fries, otherwise known as the Aqua Teen Hunger Force, will be releasing their very first Christmas album entitled, Have Yourself a Meaty Little Christmas complete with a collaboration with Neko Case in a song titled, “Santa Left a Booger in My Stocking.”

Live Music in the Classic City: Friday, Nov. 6 & Saturday, Nov. 7

Friday:


Tasty World
www.tastyworld.net
Bearfoot Hookers, Hayshake
Doors: 10 PM


Caledonia Lounge
www.caledonialounge.com
Candy Maldonado, Poncho Magic, The Premonitions
Doors: 10 PM

The Classic Center
www.classiccenter.com
moe.
Doors: 8:30 PM

The Melting Point
www.meltingpointathens.com
Bloodkin, Joshua James
Doors: 8:30 PM


New Earth Music Hall
www.newearthmusichall.com
Aman Amun, Nautilus
Doors: 9 PM

Farm 255
www.farm255.com
Blood Warrior, Freon Fighters
Doors: 11 PM

Beatles' label suing U.S. music site

The Beatles' label EMI has just filed a law suit against a U.S. web site over.  The legal jargon amoutns to something along these lines: Web site sells Beatles songs on the cheap. EMI angry. You won't like EMI when its angry.

EMI is suing BlueBeat.com, claiming that the U.S. site sold Beatles' tracks without consent from the label.  A wide selection of Beatles songs were available for just $0.25 each from BlueBeat.  Sounds good, right? EMI doesn't think so —  the label and the remaining members of the Fab Four have not yet reached an agreement to allow the sale of the music online, not even through iTunes.

All Genres to Perform AMAs

An eclectic group of artists are set to perform at the American Music Awards—a show that honors all genres from pop to Latin. Artists including Eminem, Lady Gaga, Green Day, Rihanna, and Carrie Underwood will take the stage this month.

Larry Klein, producer of the event, announced today three performers have not yet been announced, but did confirm Jay-Z, Shakira, Mary J. Blige, Adam Lambert, Alicia Keys and Kelly Clarkson. Klein also said the performers will customize their performances for the show and “everything [will be] personalized for the AMA’s.”

Taking place in L.A., the 37th annual show will be held at the Nokia Theatre on Nov. 22 and will broadcast live on ABC.

--Ashley Thompson
currently listening to "Sticks and Stones"by Moe

This content is solely the property of The Athens Blur Magazine and may not be re-produced without expressed written consent. The Athens Blur Magazine is an 8 issue/year music & variety publication proud to be based in the Classic City of Athens, Ga. For more information, please contact editorial@athensblur.com

Artist of the Day: Harper Simon

It must be hard trying to break in to an industry where your father's name has become legendary, but Harper Simon has found a way to distinguish himself while still employing his dad’s talent.

Yes, Harper is the son of Paul Simon and his first-wife Peggy Harper. He appeared publicly with his father at age four, singing “Bingo” on Sesame Street and telling viewers how to record an album. He was also often referenced in his father’s songs, like “St. Judy’s Comet” and “Graceland.” When he grew up, he played and wrote for the band Menlo Park in London for several years.

Strokes’ Casablancas Takes On SNL Christmas Tune

Remember when the day after Thanksgiving was the first official day of Christmastime. Well the day of thanks got one-upped this year by Halloween. After the spook fest on October 31st people are now claiming it is appropriate to drink eggnog and other Christmassy things.

Strokes’ frontman Julian Casablancas has jumped on the early-bird bandwagon and is expecting to catch the worm with his newest Christmas single, “I Wish It Was Christmas Today.” Previously produced, performed, and recorded during a Saturday Night Live episode, the simple yet quirkily cheerful tune makes for a unique add to the Christmas classics.

Check out Casablancas’ Strokes-infused, longer version of “I Wish It Was Christmas Today” after the jump.

Show Pick of the Day: Nanny Island at Flicker

Long week?  Didn’t want to see the Yankees win yet another World Series?  I feel your pain.

It’s a Thursday night and the weekend is almost here, so why not get it started with some laid back tunes from Nanny Island tonight at Flicker Theatre and Bar?

Nanny Island, comprised of two Athens musicians SJ Ursey and Shauna Greeson, combine soft acoustic rhythms with a tinge of a dreamlike foray in the tropics.

Court rules Nuçi’s Space must pay property taxes

Nuçi’s Space will now have to pay property taxes on its Oconee Street property according to a ruling by the Georgia State Court of Appeals.  The Appeals Court's decision overturns the Clarke County Superior Court ruling that Nuçi’s Space, a nonprofit, is exempt from property taxes.

This case hinges on a 2006 law that exempts nonprofits from property taxes applies and whether that law applies to nonprofits that operate like businesses. A three-judge panel from the Appeals Court said that Nuçi's commercial activities, such as renting the space for birthday parties, weddings and band practice, were not used exclusively to fund the organizations charitable endeavors.

Lady Gaga Breaks Billboard Records

You either love her, or love to hate her. Apparently—at least when it comes to her music--it’s been the former. Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta ,or Lady Gaga, became the first artist in the 17-year history of Billboard’s Pop Songs chart to have four No. 1s from a debut album.

Kingpins Bowl and Brew will celebrate 'The Dude' this Sunday

"The Big Lebowski" is one of the most loved cult classic films of the 90s.  People love to discuss The Dude while sipping on his favorite drink, the White Russian (a tasty combo of cream and vodka — yum!). So on Sunday, Nov. 8, Lebowski fans of Athens will unite at Kingpins Bowl and Brew for the 5th annual "Night of the Living Lebowski."

Show Pick of the Day: The Regulars Band at Tasty World Uptown

Members of The Regulars Band first flexed their music-making muscles in a church choir growing up —something that is wholly evident when siblings Lee and Lindsey Smith blend their voices to create a praise-worthy funk sound that will make even the most cynical exclaim “halleluiah!”