• The Beastie Boys’ new album, The Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 1, will feature Nas and Santigold, but the real surprise is a visit from Bob Dylan. They sampled a bit of Dylan’s “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” for a track called “Finger Lickin’ Good.”
• MGMT and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Karen O will guest on the upcoming Flaming Lips’ double album Embryonic. “I just called [Karen O] up in her hotel room and we just did it right over the phone,” Wayne Coyne said in an interview gave to a Swiss website.
• This may not technically count as an appearance, but Mariah Carey dresses up like Eminem in her new video called “Obsessed,” and not that anyone really watches videos anymore, but it’s way creepy (see the pictures here: http://www.mtv.com/photos/mariah-carey-gets-masculine-for-obsessed-video/1614978/4012124/photo.jhtml).
-Julie McCollum
Listening to: “Boom” by Anjulie
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
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Artist of the Day
In light of MJ's death, I feel as if it is important to honor his life’s devotion, pop music. La Roux is an English pop band that gained momentum in the UK during the past year featuring duo Elly Jackson on vocals and Ben Langmaid on the synth player. The electro-pop duo sounds a lot like something straight out of the 80’s fused with the synth. La Roux has brought us a new self-titled short album featuring a song entitled “Quicksand” worth checking out. Jackson has a high falsetto shrieking voice but not as high as Mariah Carey. Her voice is unlike anything I have ever heard before, somehow sounding sweet and bizarre simultaneously. This new wave/electronic/pop/indie duo…whatever they are, have something worth raving about. Literally. This music is perfect for the dance floor. Expect them on top of the charts in the near future. Meanwhile, check out “Bulletproof,” “In for the Kill” and “Quicksand.”
-Sarah Saltzman
Currently listening to: "Distractions" by Zero 7 from Simple Things
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
Monday, June 29, 2009
Michael Jackson Tribute Song
Produced by DJ Khalil in honor of Michael Jackson, the new hit single "Better on the Other Side," features The Game, Usher, Boyz II Men, Chris Brown. It's pretty catchy, check it out below.
-Sarah Saltzman
-Sarah Saltzman
No Date Set for Jackson Funeral
Joe Jackson said today that the funeral for his son will not be held until a second private autospoy is completed. Al Sharpton, seen with Joe outside of the family home, told reporters for the Ottawa Citizen the Jacksons' wants to be "careful and deliberate on how they plan the celebration of his life." Rumor has it the family of the deceased will plan a large funeral with friends, family and fans all welcome to attend. Q100 Atlanta radio station claims some Atlanta fans (who had never met the pop star) have missed work since Jackson’s death because they have been so distraught over the tragedy…seriously?
Another rumor about Michael spread last week due to a report published in a British newspaper telling citizens Michael Jackson died emaciated and bald but the coroner in L.A. told the public the report was inaccurate today. The Sun reported Jackson to only weigh 112 pounds at time of death with needle wounds along his hips, thigh and shoulders. Jackson had an addiction to pain killers in 1993 but supposedly kicked the habit.
-Sarah Saltzman
Currently listening to: “Our House” by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
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
A 'Pleasing' Cover of an '80s Classic
She & Him have covered several classic songs such as; Smokey Robinson’s “You Really Got a Hold on Me,” The Beatles’ “I Should Have Known Better” and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put A Spell on You.” You can now add another to the list as the indie duo have covered The Smiths’ “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” for the upcoming film release of 500 Days of Summer. The film’s soundtrack includes songs from bands like The Black Lips, Feist and two tracks from Regina Spektor and will be released on July 14. To check out the Smith’s cover and to get a full song list of the soundtrack, head to http://stereogum.com/archives/video/she-him-cover-please-please-please-let-me-get-what_076172.html.
- Jessica Cole
Currently Listening to: “Wordless Chorus” by My Morning Jacket from the album Z
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
Britney Spears is ALIVE
"Britney has passed today. It is a sad day for everyone. More news to come."
This was the message posted by a hacker who found their way into Britney Spears’ Twitpic account earlier today, which was quickly countered by this post,
“Britney's Twitter was just hacked. The last message is obviously not true. She is fine and dandy spending a quiet day at home relaxing.”
Twitpic Inc., a program that allows users to post pictures on Twitter, told those who read Ms. Spears’ post to totally disregard it and that the company will "implement a fix for the email posting vulnerability, and a full blog post explaining the issue will be released soon." Twitpic Inc. is not owned by Twitter Inc.
- Jessica Cole
Currently Listening to: “My Bully” by Modern Skirts from the album Catalogue of Generous Men
Jackson's Mother Granted Child Custody
A Los Angeles superior court judge has given Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, temporary custody of the late pop singer’s three children; Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, 12; Paris Michael Katherin Jackson, 11; and Prince Michael II, 7.
The ruling was announced today (June 29) by Judge Mitchell Beckloff after Katherine appeared in court to ask permission to continue taking care of her three grandchildren.
Though she has only been granted temporary custody, the Associated Press has reported that a hearing has been scheduled for August 3, which will determine whether she can become the children’s permanent guardian.
Katherine also filed a petition to become the administrator of her grandchildren’s estates. The judge did not grant her request.
- Jessica Cole
Currently Listening to: “Swimming in the Flood” by Passion Pit from the album Manners
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
Bon Jovi and Madadian team up for "message of worldwide solidarity"
Once again, musicians have teamed up to fight adversity in the world the best way they know how: through their music. In a move reminiscent of the time-changing music of the ‘60s, Jon Bon Jovi and exiled Iranian singer Andy Madadian have teamed up to create a music video of the two singing Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” that they hope will send “a musical message of worldwide solidarity” to the Iranian people as they continue to struggle with riots and violence after the most recent election, according to co-producer Don Was. The video, basically a filming of Bon Jovi and Madadian’s studio session (where they are joined by Richie Sambora on the electric guitar and vocals, Don Was on bass, Patrick Leonard on the keyboards, Jeff Rothchild on the drums, and Tiffany Madadian and Nikki Lund on background vocals), was filmed on June 24th and premiered on Wes’ portion of My Damn Channel this past Saturday. Since then it has been spread all over the Internet by YouTube, Facebook and Twitter users. Both Madadian and Bon Jovi sing the first verse of the song in Farsi, and at the end of the video they hold up a sign that says, “we are one” in Farsi. “It is not for sale,” Was said. “It wasn’t intended to be on the Billboard charts, wasn’t meant to be a hit record or even pressed on a CD. It’s intended to be downloaded and shared by the Iranian people. The whole idea was to get it into Iran and tell them… to carry on, that the world is watching and we’re with you.”
-Laurie Moot
Currently listening to: "Stand by Me," by Jon Bon Jovi and Andy Madadian on YouTube
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
Friday, June 26, 2009
Musicians React to Jackson's Death
Soon after news broke that the legendary Michael Jackson had died, many celebrities, especially musicians, expressed their mourning over the loss. Here are a few of their reactions:
Paul McCartney: "I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones."
Lisa Marie Presley, Jackson's former wife and daughter of Elvis Presley: "I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children who I know were everything to him and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me."
Madonna: I can't stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."
Justin Timberlake: “I can’t find the words right now to express how deeply saddened I am by Michael’s passing. We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only pop music but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him onstage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.”
Beyonce: "This is such a tragic loss and a terrible day. The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. He will always be the King of Pop! Life is not about how many breaths you take, but about how many moments in life that take your breath away. For anyone who has ever seen, felt or heard his art, we are all honored to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson. I love you, Michael."
Lil' Wayne: "I personally can't believe it. But it's more unfortunate for the world of music.... My love goes out to his family.... A sad day in history, not [just] music."
-Julie McCollum
Listening to “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
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
Location of Fire Determined
Investigators looking into the early morning fire that gutted Georgia Theatre still have not been able to find the root source of the incident, but they have determined that the flames began in the back right corner of the building, where the dressing room is located.
Special Agent Dondi Albritton of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' National Response Team explained, “We exhausted every investigative lead that there is possible, and based upon our determination at this point and time, the only call we can make is undetermined. But that doesn't mean the investigation is closed. We have run every lead possible. There are some things we can't rule out but we have no choice but to say it's undetermined."
Assistant Chief Kyle Hendrix of the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department added that sometimes the cause of a fire is simply ‘undetermined.’ Authorities will continue to observe the situation. Stay tuned for any updates on the investigation!
- Jessica Cole
Currently Listening to: "Like A Vibration" by The Whigs
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
Update: Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50
It was a sad day for the music world Thursday as Michael Jackson, the forever reigning ‘King of Pop’, passed away after a case of cardiac arrest.
Paramedics attempted to resuscitate
An autopsy has been planned for today, but the toxicology reports will probably not be finalized for a few weeks. In a press conference, Assistant Chief Coronor Lt. Ed Winter told reporters the likelihood of the results being announced today are very slim and that it could take 6 – 8 weeks to find anything concrete.
In the wake of this tragedy, it has been announced that BET will dedicate the BET Awards on Sunday to
During last night’s screening of Bruno in
- Jessica Cole
Currently Listening to: “Don’t Stop til’ You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson from the album Off the Wall
Life...after MJ
Pop quiz, music fans: who's the only artist more popular the Presley and more prolific than Lennon?
You got it. Michael Joseph Jackson.
Okay, so I don't mean that - completely. But let's break it down for a second. Like Elvis, MJ understood that being a musician wasn't enough. The heart rested in presentation, and no one did it better. Like Lennon, MJ wrote songs unlike any other in his time period, showcasing a genius unparalleled. So while it's tough to make the above blanket statement, it's certainly a defensable one (by the way, in an interesting coincidental sidenote, Jackson's death came one day before the 32nd anniversary of Elvis' final concert).
As was the feeling (I think, I wasn't around) in 1977 (Elvis' death) and 1980 (Lennon's), a generation of fans is left with a simple, profound and hollow truth about their days on this planet. Life exists now in two distinct spheres: life before June 25, 2009, and life after MJ.
Jackson is one of those sad cases of the last decade (OJ Simpson, if you're a sports fan) whose name has become a punchline in it's own right for a joke that needn't even be said. I didn't care then — 2005, during the trial — and I don't care now about the allegations. Yes, some sick charges were brought forth and, was he to be found guilty, nothing would have excused the behavior. But that doesn't change 200+ million album sales. That doesn't change countless #1 singles (back when it meant something to have a #1 single). That doesn't change genius - GENIUS - writing and arranging. It doesn't change an untouchable legacy of showmanship.
They don't make then like Michael anymore. The genres he bred and saved time and again are essentially dead, as they have been in his absence from the music scene before his death. Will we ever see this type of genius again? I'm not convinced the answer is yes. I hope it is, but I just don't know. There was everything before June 25, 2009, which was blessed by his presence. And now, without warning, we must start something music and pop culture is frankly not prepared to do — life after MJ.
— Alec Wooden
Thursday, June 25, 2009
REPORT: Michael Jackson Dead at age 50
Pop singer Michael Jackson has died. He was 50.
The singer died shortly after arriving at UCLA Medical Center, where he was rushed after suffering cardiac arrest at his Los Angeles home.
No further details available.
Breaking: Michael Jackson rushed to hospital for cardiac arrest
Paramedics responded to a 911 call at his Los Angeles home and performed CPR before rushing him away to the hospital around 12:30 local time.
No further information detailing the singer's condition have been released.
— Alec Wooden
Suicide Threat After Rejection
When television producer Simon Cowell and his panel for the television talent series “X Factor” rejected a contestant in London after she auditioned, the contestant (who remains unnamed) threatened to kill herself after sobbing uncontrollably. “X factor” originated in London after “American Idol” made it big in the United States. A witness to the sobbing incident told The Sun the contestant “ran off, shouting that she was going to commit suicide. The producers ran after her. I saw her a half an hour later, and they were still making sure that she was OK.”
A spokesperson for the television show told reporters, “The welfare of our contestants is of paramount important.”
-Sarah Saltzman
Currently listening to: “Go” by Common
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
Farrah Fawcett Dies from Cancer
After a long three-year struggle with cancer, 62 year-old “Charlie’s Angels” star Farrah Fawcett died this morning at 9:28 AM. When she died her son was in jail but at her bedside were friends, Mila Murphy and Dr. Piero, along with longtime lover Ryan O’Neal and best friend Alana Stewart.
O’Neal released a statement “After a long and brave battle with cancer, our beloved Fawcett has passed away. Although this is an extremely difficult time for her family and friends, we take comfort in the beautiful times that we shared with Fawcett over the years and the knowledge that her life brought joy to so many people around the world."
Fawcett, native to Texas, attended the University of Texas majoring in art before her acting career. She was spotted by an agent on the campus and was encouraged to pursue acting as a professional career. She appeared in toothpaste commercials and others after graduating from college and soon after she appeared on the famous TV series “The Big Valley.” She appeared in films such as "Myra Breckinridge," "Logan’s Run" and popular television shows such as the crime series “Harry O” and later “Charlie’s Angels.” During the peak of the famous “Charlie’s Angels,” Fawcett left television with high hopes of a bigger film career instead. However, this move backfired on her due to her upset fans and some terrible movie scripts. In 1984, Fawcett made a comeback in the TV movie “The Burning Bed” landing her nominations for an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award. Towards the end of her career, Fawcett made Playboy the best issue of the decade with her appearance in the magazine in 1995, according to the La Times.
-Sarah Saltzman
Currently listening to: “Party People” by Nelly ft. Fergie
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
Lillywhite: Joy "best Phish album ever"
According to Rolling Stone, Phish has recently announced that the name of their comeback album will be Joy. The album will be ten songs long and was produced by Steve Lillywhite (back from 1996’s Billy Breathes). Trey Anastasio told Rolling Stone that Joy “feels more like a live record than a lot of our live records.” Phish has already released a few of their tracks on the new album. Phish introduced both “Kill Devil Falls” and “Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan” at Bonnaroo this year to an ecstatic crowd. The band also released the epic 13-minute “Time Turns Elastic” (which took 278 takes to get right) last month as a digital download. Anastasio has said that many of the lyrics on the new album stem from his struggles with drugs and his arrest for possession in 2006. Joy’s title track was also written when Anastasio’s sister was struggling with her fight against cancer, which she sadly lost in April. Still, Lillywhite calls Joy “the best Phish album ever,” and Anastasio insists that the album “is affirming with a dose of reality.” The album is set to come out later this month. Here are the track listings, released yesterday:
1. Twenty Years Later
2. Backwards Down the Number Line
3. Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan
4. Light
5. Joy
6. Sugar Shack
7. Ocelot
8. Kill Devil Falls
9. I’ve Been Around
10. Time Turns Elastic
-Laurie Moot
Currently listening to: "Heavy Things," by Phish
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: Passion Pit
Hailing from Cambridge, Massachusetts, this electronic band’s unique sound has kindled whispers ever since they released their 2008 debut EP, Chunk of Change. And with the release of their first full-length studio album, Manners, in June, those whispers have quickly transformed into a buzz, especially after their performance at Bonnaroo this summer. Passion Pit is a five-man band, chock-full of synths and really cool lyrics that was named after a vocab word the lead singer (Michael Angeliakos) learned in school. Passion Pit is apparently “a slang term for a drive-in movie theatre where kids used to go to make out.”
While visions of Animal Collective come to mind within the first few seconds of listening, a further investigation into the band’s sound knocks out any sort of preconception or comparison you were hoping to make. The band has an incredibly unique sound (thanks, in part, to Angeliakos’ strangely high-pitched vocals with synths to match). Passion Pit has got a sound that’s bursting at the seams with energy and has managed to write lyrics that are able to keep up with that sound. According to the band’s website, Manners stems from “a 21 year old with much more on his manic mind than girls, girls, girls. You know, important manners, like the end of the world and learning to love someone other than the man in the mirror.”
Passion Pit has managed to make it to the point that all bands (well, all least all bands who’s main goals do not include making it onto TRL) strive for. They’ve got that underground sound and slightly mysterious hype building up all around them, but they’re still a far cry from the curse of mainstream death by radio over-play. They’re touring all over the world up until early November, unfortunately for us though, Athens is not on the list.
Who's Who: Michael Angelakos (lead vocal/keyboards), Ian Hultquist (keyboards), Ayad Al Adhamy (synth/samples), Jeff Apruzzese (bass), and Nate Donmoyer (drums)
Formed: 1997, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Latest Release: Manners, 2009
Label: Frenchkiss Records
Website: www.passionpitmusic.com
-Laurie Moot
Currently listening to: "Little Secrets," by Passion Pit
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
Theatre's Wilmot Greene: "I'm Up For It"
No one is saying it better than straight from the source right now, so here's what Wilmot Green posted this morning on the Georgia Theatre's website:
Thank you so much for all your support. You all have been so amazing, we are feeling your love.
Here's what i know so far,
There is still no word on the cause of the fire or the structural integrity of the building. This is a pretty slow process and federal agents are on the case. They know it was an accident, and it started in the back right corner of the building, that's about it for now.
All the employees are ok and everyone is thankful for the benefit shows. We have raised a month or so of payroll already. Thank you all for buying the tshirts and coming to see pgroove, the whigs, and dead confederate. More shows are being planned, stay tuned for more information about those.
As for the future of the Georgia Theatre we have every intention of rebuilding. At this point we have no idea if that is possible. I believe in my heart that with enough help it can come back. The numbers are really scary. It's going to be a long hard climb, but I think I'm up for it. If you had been to the theatre recently you know that it looked, sounded, even smelled better than ever, so we had a lot of momentum going in there. The timing of this fire couldn't be worse,,, it just plain sucks in every way. We are setting up a system so you can donate money online to help us out. We are also working on setting up a nonprofit company to accept larger donations tax free. It's going to take millions to build her back and we are frantically working on how to make it happen.
People always asked me why I worked all those crazy hours and put all the money back into the place, why my hair was turning grey and I was so pale. I always replied 'because every single night we are open someone has the time of their life in here'. All of the calls, emails, facebook groups, etc. that we have received in the last few days proves that I was right. I am glad that you love the Georgia Theatre as much as I do. So stay hopeful and together we can build her back better than ever!
cheers,
Wilmot
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Beasties are bringing the heat with a new album
The darlings of the summer 2009 festival circuit announced today they will release a new album, The Hot Sauce Committee Part I, September 15. It will be their first rap-based album since their 2004 album, To the Five Boroughs. The album will feature guest rhyme spitting by superstars like Santigold and Nas.
Here’s the track list:
1. “Tadlock’s Glasses”
2. “B-Boys in the Cut”
3. “Make Some Noise”
4. “Nonstop Disco Powerpack”
5. “OK”
6. “Too Many Rappers [ft. Nas]”
7. “Say It”
8. “The Bill Harper Collection”
9. “Don’t Play No Game That I Can’t Win [ft. Santigold]”
10. “Long Burn the Fire”
11. “Bundt Cake”
12. “Funky Donkey”
13. “Lee Majors Come Again”
14. “Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament”
15. “Pop Your Balloon”
16. “Crazy Ass Shit”
17. “Here’s a Little Something for Ya”
-Lindsey Lee
Currently listening to: “O Shot” by The Gay Blades
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: Phoenix
While England is usually where we get our best European imports, French pop-rockers Phoenix are one of the most exciting bands to come across the pond lately. (It probably helps that they sing in English.) Though they formed in grade school, they debuted in 2000 with United, and have since released three albums, the most recent- Wolfgang Armadeus Phoenix- reaching audiences here in the states with catchy tunes like “1901” and “Lisztomania.” The group is gaining a higher profile lately, with appearances on the Late Show With David Letterman and SNL, as well as a recent spot on the Bonnaroo lineup. In the past they have collaborated with electronic acts like Daft Punk and Air, influences you can hear in their music, a combination of rock and dance. Random note: Frontman Thomas Mars has a child with director Sofia Coppola. Another random note: All of their albums are under 40 minutes long.
Who’s Who: Thomas Mars (vocals), Deck D’Arcy (bass), Laurent Brancowitz (guitar), Christian Mazzalai (guitar)
Formed: 2000 in Versailles, France
Latest Release: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (2009)
Label: Indie
Website: www.wearphoenix.com
-Julie McCollum
Listening to: “Lisztomania”
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
Murderers Need Tunes, Too!
Spector has been transferred to the largest state prison in
Rachelle Spector, Phil’s wife, told the Associated Press, “He wants a TV and an iPod or something like that for listening to music.”
Officials from the prison have also stated that some prison mates request and receive musical instruments and sometimes play in groups together. When asked whether or not Spector will be asking for something to jam on while in the slammer, Mrs. Spector replied that she doubts her husband will be asking for an instrument any time soon.
For the time being, it looks like Mr. Spector will have to be satisfied with the aged old cup against the cell bars blues. He should have a lot to wail about.
- Jessica Cole
Currently Listening to: “Prototype” by Outkast from the album Speakerboxx/ The Love Below
Ex-Wilco member died from painkillers
Authorities have announced that former Wilco guitarist Jay Bennett died of an overdose of painkillers. They are investigating his death as an accident and they do not suspect any foul play. Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup says that Bennett died from fetanyl, a drug commonly found in prescriptions to treat chronic pain (Bennett had apparently suffered a serious hip injury and did not have enough money to pay for the operation). Bennett was found at his home, unconscious and unresponsive on May 24, 2009. Bennett was the sound engineer and played with Wilco from 1994 to 2001. In 2001 he left the band because of disagreements with band member Jeff Tweedy and proceeded to sue his former bandmates for royalties for the time he spent in the band. Bennett was 45 when he died.
-Laurie Moot
Currently listening to: "Do You Realize??" by The Flaming Lips
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
Theatre Owner: Fire "Sure Does Seem" Electrical
Though the four walls comprising the charred shell of The Georgia Theatre still stand, they are not all doing so on an equal structural footing.
"A good ole' boy from the ATF yesterday said 'boy, I bet you get to keep your front wall, but I bet you don't get to keep your back wall,'" said Theatre owner Wilmot Greene in a Wednesday morning interview with Athens' 1340 AM.
The Theatre suffered massive fire damage five days ago. Greene was careful to note no cause has been determined, but suggested hunches are beginning to form.
"No one has said anything directly to me but most of the questions they've been asking me have been related to electrical things," he said. "So, it's probably bad for me to guess, but it sure does seem like it was an electrical problem."
Speculation has swirled around the air conditioner unit, the circuit breaker of which Greene says he bypassed in recent years of renovation work.
"At this point, there is just no answer to any of those questions. It's a federal case, it's going slow. My insurance adjustor has told me the only thing I can do right now is stay patient and stay organized."
While the questions are being answered, the community continues to rally around the employees of the once-vibrant theater. Benefit shows by Perpetual Groove at The Classic Center and Dead Confederate/The Whigs at The Melting Point have raised almost a month's worth of the Theatre's payroll cost. Still, even with the immense amount of goodwill and support, Greene continues to try and cope as best as could be expected and regain a sense of normalcy.
"I was actually kind of proud of myself for keeping it together [on the day of the fire], because I think a lot of people were looking to me [to do so]," he said. "But just yesterday I was drying my sheets, I was doing laundry, I was afraid to start my dryer. So I think I'm gonna have a Post Traumatic Stress kinda effects. It's really strange. I really feel strange."
— Alec Wooden
currently listening to "Rain, Fire and Brimstone," by Madeline Adams
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
'Black Sand' Music Video
Jenny Lewis will be arriving in Athens on July 1 at the 40 Watt Club and just in time to get you prepped for her arrival, a new music video for the song "Black Sand" has been posted on her Myspace page. The track is featured on her solo album, Acid Tongue. Check it out!
Black Sand
- Jessica Cole
Currently Listening to: "Kind of a Woman" by Nancy Sinatra from the album The Essential Nancy Sinatra
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
Black Sand
- Jessica Cole
Currently Listening to: "Kind of a Woman" by Nancy Sinatra from the album The Essential Nancy Sinatra
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
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Guitar Anti-Hero
At a Los Angeles press conference for the upcoming rock documentary "It Might Get Loud," guitarists Jack White and Jimmy Page shunned the ultra popular video game Guitar Hero by saying that these types of games are not a viable way to get people interested in learning and playing instruments.
White elaborated by saying, "It's depressing to have a label come and tell you that ['Guitar Hero'] is how kids are learning about music and experiencing music."
When talking about bands putting their music on the video game format, he went on to say, "If you have to be in a video game to get in front of ['the youth'], that's a little sad."
Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page added that he found it hard to believe that anybody was learning anything significant about music while playing games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero.
It seems that this mentality isn't shared by all iconic guitarists. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr gave the okay and are prepping for the release of the highly anticipated The Beatles: Rock Band video game, dropping September 9 of this year.
- Jessica Cole
Currently Listening to: "Within You, Without You" by The Beatles from the album Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
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
New Music Tuesdays
Here are the top releases of the day (not in order of awesomeness, as I have not yet heard them)
1. Patterson Hood: Murdering Oscar (and other love songs)
2. The Mars Volta: Octahedron
3. Lil Wayne: Rebirth
4. Pete Yorn: Back and Forth
5. Regina Spektor: Far
So take your tired ears to a CD store or the internet or wherever you get your music and have a happy Tuesday.
-Julie McCollum
Listening to: “Happy Alone” by the Kings of Leon
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
A few more photos from the Georgia Theatre
Just a few more photos of the Theater. Still no news on the cause, but they have begun the process of removing some of the debris from inside and securing the interior to make it safe enough to investigate. There was still a crowd gathered around the Theater on Monday afternoon, asking questions and sharing stories. One passerby noted that "it still smells like smoke." I realize we have already put two posts on here about the Melting Point concert tonight, but please come out and help raise money to get our theater back. It should be a great show and it's for an even greater cause.
People stop to take a look at the charred remains inside the Theater Monday afternoon.
The doors to the Theater stood open Monday afternoon, showing the damage the fire caused to the interior.
Members of the ATF take pictures of the damage done to the Theater's roof.
The ATF has still not been able to fully investigate the cause of the fire because the building has been too unstable.
No know cause of the fire has been reported yet.
Firefighters believe the fire started on the second floor and punched through the roof.
The Athens community has rallied around the loss of the Theater. Two benefit concerts have already been played (a third one will be played tonight) and a T-shirt has been made to help raise funds to support the Theater's employees and to help rebuild.
People gathered around to peer into the open doors of the Theater Monday afternoon.
(all photos by Laurie Moot)
-Laurie Moot
Currently listening to: "Sleep Sunshine," by The Whigs
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
Georgia Theatre Photo Update
Assorted photos from Tuesday afternoon (all photos by Alec Wooden):
An ATF agent monitors fellow inspectors inside the Georgia Theatre Tuesday afternoon.
Wreckage is placed on the Clayton Street side of the charred theatre, awaiting inspection.
Crane Operators carefully remove theatre remains as Mayor Heidi Davison (bottom left) and
local fire officials look on.
ATF inspectors carefully scrutinize the wiring of a charred AC unit. Though this has
been the focal point of much speculation, no confirmation has been given as to the fire's source.
Birds eye view of the now vacant theatre as officials slowly remove debris.
Athens' Mayor Davison: Outpouring of Support "No Surprise in Athens"
Surveying the charred shell of Athens' iconic musical landmark, Mayor Heidi Davison isn't the least bit surprised in the monumental show of support and goodwill by the community.
"It's certainly no surprise," said the mayor. "We're pretty well known for our response to people who find themselves in difficult situations."
"We've seen this sort of community care play itself out for a variety of different reasons," she continued. "Whatever the calamity may be, the community really has a way of rallying around the people who need it most. So it's certainly no surprise in Athens."
For the first time since the Theatre was gutted by fire early Friday morning, the scene is a flurry of activity, as local, state and federal officials work to determine the cause. After allowing the remains of the building to cool, a large crane now helps ATF agents sort through wreckage — some immediately being discarded in a large rollaway dumpster, and the rest carefully laid out on Clayton Street for inspection.
As of Tuesday afternoon, officials are not much closer to determining a cause of the fire and stress that simply clearing, sorting and inspecting the debris will not be a short task.
In the meantime, scheduled shows for this weekend's AthFest will be housed at the Morton Theatre. Likewise, Jenny Lewis' Wednesday, July 1 show has been relocated to the 40 Watt Club.
— Alec Wooden
"It's Britney, Bitch"
I know what you are thinking, “Girl is CRAZY and I am sick of hearing about it.” But c’mon, she has been in the news a lot lately and aren’t you just a little curious about what types of antics this girl has managed to get into?
Britney has filed a restraining order against Miranda Tozier-Robbins after she was discovered as a “Peeping Tom” at the pop-star’s house. Tozier-Robbins once aspired to become a contestant on "American Idol" but back in April the 26 year-old was busted sneaking in and peering through windows of Britney’s home.
On June 18th Britney was touring abroad and requested an Ireland hotel install a custom stripper pole during her stay. Yes, you heard me right, not just any stripper pole, a custom “Britneyfide” stripper pole. An anonymous source reveals Britney “likes to have the pole on hand” and the hotels are “well used to having major celebrities stay there and they’re happy to accommodate them, but this was just a step too far for them.” Don’t worry folks, Britney took her business elsewhere and found a hotel willing to haul in a pole just for the night.
-Sarah Saltzman
Currently listening to: “Devil’s Haircut” from Odelay by Beck
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
"Heeeeeeeeeeeeere's Johnny!"
Famous as the sidekick to Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show” from 1962 to 1992, Ed McMahon will never again say his famous catchphrase after passing away from cancer and other health complications today. During his accomplished life, McMahon was a colonel in the Marines during the 40’s and 50’s serving as a fighter pilot. Later in life he was the host of the talent show "Star Search" from the early 80’s until mid 90’s, worked with Budweiser multiple times by appearing in commercials and was the presenter of American Family Publishers sweepstakes, arriving at the homes of the winners unannounced. Entertainment Weekly has suggested McMahon was one of the “greatest sidekicks” based on his roles in "The Incident," "Fun with Dick and Jane," "Full Moon High," "Butterfly" and "Bewitched."
-Sarah Saltzman
Currently listening to: “Dusty Rose” by Adam Klein’s Distant Music
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: The Beets
Sharing a moniker with the band from the animated masterpiece of a TV show, Doug, The Beets have a decidedly 60s garage vibe, that while catchy and sing-songy is so not Beatles. It is way messier and the vocals are much more nasal. The result is a much cooler sound.
Most of the songs from their debut, Spit in the Face of People Who Don’t Want to Be Cool are quite short (around two minutes), but they will stay with you much much longer than that. I like “Cold Lips” and “I Think I Might Have Built a Horse.” Until recently, you could only get the record as a 12” vinyl, but the band just put up a digital version you can nab on emusic.com.
The Beets
Who’s Who: Juan Waters (guitar, vocals), Jose Garcia (bass, vocals), Jacob Warstler (drums, vocals)
Formed: 2008 in Queens, NY
Label: unsigned
Latest Release: Spit in the Face of People Who Don’t Want to Be Cool (2009)
On the Web: http://www.myspace.com/thebeetsbeat
-Lindsey Lee
Currently listening to: “Cold Lips” by The Beets
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
Jessica Simpson's coming back to reality TV
Jessica Simpson is coming back to reality TV.
A culturally enlightened premise with a trashy twist, the new VH1 show will feature Simpson traveling the globe to explore the beauty regimens and style trends around the world. This is the first big thing Simpson has done since her last reality show, “Newlyweds” catapulted her to super-famedom but destroyed her marriage. The singer’s country album, 2008’s Do You Know, was a flop to say the least.
While I can applaud Ms. Daisy Duke for not using TV to find a new best friend or date a bunch of tools, I’ll be sticking to “Mythbusters” and “Bizaare Foods with Andrew Zimmerman.”
-Lindsey Lee
Currently listening to: “For Our Elegant Caste” by Of Montreal
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
Monday, June 22, 2009
Weekend Happenings
Violence, belongings being tossed in pools, court- this isn’t a Vh1 reality show or a Lifetime original series, but it is close enough- these are the activities of people probably more famous than you but in no way smarter.
Perez Hilton puts the “Black Eye” in Black Eyed Peas
The blogger claims that he was socked by Will.i.am’s manager after feuding outside of an afterparty following Toronto's MuchMusic Awards. After the Pea’s member confronted Perez Hilton over his taunts about Fergie, Perez allegedly called the Will a “faggot.” Will.i.am’s manager, catching wind of the argument, felt it necessary to get violent. And both parties (Will.i.am and Perez) felt it necessary to “tweet” about the whole incident.
Kate Moss Kills Six Kills Songs
The model most known for her stability threw the bag of her boyfriend, Kills guitarist Jamie Hince, into a swimming pool. The downside? The bag contained six new Kills songs for the band’s fourth album that had not yet been backed up. Too bad Moss isn’t still with Pete Doherty.
Chris Brown Avoids Jail Time
Instead of prison, Brown will perform 180 hours of community service for assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna. In court today (which Rihanna was present at but did not take the stand) he accepted a plea bargain that will have him on probation for five years. He is required to stay 50 feet away from her, unless they are at an industry function, in which case it will be 10 yards. Awkward.
-Julie McCollum
Listening to: “Somebody” by Slightly Stoopid
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
Perez Hilton puts the “Black Eye” in Black Eyed Peas
The blogger claims that he was socked by Will.i.am’s manager after feuding outside of an afterparty following Toronto's MuchMusic Awards. After the Pea’s member confronted Perez Hilton over his taunts about Fergie, Perez allegedly called the Will a “faggot.” Will.i.am’s manager, catching wind of the argument, felt it necessary to get violent. And both parties (Will.i.am and Perez) felt it necessary to “tweet” about the whole incident.
Kate Moss Kills Six Kills Songs
The model most known for her stability threw the bag of her boyfriend, Kills guitarist Jamie Hince, into a swimming pool. The downside? The bag contained six new Kills songs for the band’s fourth album that had not yet been backed up. Too bad Moss isn’t still with Pete Doherty.
Chris Brown Avoids Jail Time
Instead of prison, Brown will perform 180 hours of community service for assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna. In court today (which Rihanna was present at but did not take the stand) he accepted a plea bargain that will have him on probation for five years. He is required to stay 50 feet away from her, unless they are at an industry function, in which case it will be 10 yards. Awkward.
-Julie McCollum
Listening to: “Somebody” by Slightly Stoopid
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
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