The Athens Blur Blogazine

NEW WEB SITE IS LIVE!!!

2009-11-19T10:58:00.001-05:00

The new web site is up and running! Visit athensblur.com to browse current issue content and to read the trusty blog!

Show pick of the day: Classic Bastards @ Caledonia Lounge

2009-11-19T00:18:00.002-05:00

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 three-piece combines ridiculous lyrics , bass, guitar and drums in way that begs you to jump around ( or at least nod your head a bit when no one’s looking). Check’em out!

--Ashley Thompson

Currently listening to “Pepsi” by Classic Bastards
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

The Who to play Super Bowl XLIV?

2009-11-18T16:20:00.000-05:00

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.

If this source's claim that "it’s 100 percent the Who," are true, millions of Americans will see the band's surviving members Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey playing some of The Who's classics hits such as "My Generation" and "The Kids Are Alright."

Listen up for the announcement next Thursday that will either confirm or deny these rumors.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Ghost Life" by Bowerbirds

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

MTV buys rights to "This Is It"

2009-11-18T15:53:00.000-05:00

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.

So if you're not among the millions of people who have seen the movie in theaters, you might as well save your $10 and wait for it to be played on repeat in the coming years. Since its release late October, "This Is It" has pulled in a huge amount of revenue — $67 million in the U.S. and $129 million abroad.

MTV and Sony Pictures Entertainment will work together to promote the DVD release, which will
occur sometime in early 2010.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Sawdust Man" by Ben Kweller

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

Open Mic Series 2: THE FINALS!

2009-11-18T13:45:00.000-05:00

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

2009-11-18T01:38:00.002-05:00

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.

Though with cancellations come new revelations like Jigga’s announcement of his 2010 Blue Print 3 tour with Young Jeezy. The tour will be a 17-date run which will begin in February and end in March. The full schedule of tour dates can be viewed below.

2/22 Houston @ Toyota Center
2/23 Dallas @ American Airlines Center
2/25 New Orleans @ New Orleans Arena
2/27 Atlanta @ Philips Arena
2/28 Greensboro, North Carolina @ Greensboro Coliseum Complex
3/3 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
3/7 Norfolk, Virginia @ Scope Arena

3/11 Boston @ TD Garden

3/16 Pittsburgh @ Mellon Arena
3/19 St. Louis @ Scottrade Center
3/20 Indianapolis @ Conseco Fieldhouse
3/22 Denver @ Pepsi Center

3/24 San Jose, California @ HP Pavilion
3/26 Los Angeles @ Staples Center

In lieu of his cancellation announcements, the rapper was spotted Monday night in London performing with Rihanna during her webcast concert to promote her new album Rated-R.

Could this be his scheduling conflict? Let’s just hope the BP3 tour sticks to the script.

- Jessica Cole

Currently Listening to: Some rainy day Jazz at Walker’s

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

Velvet Underground to reunite for "Live from the NYPL"

2009-11-17T21:04:00.000-05:00

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.

The Velvet Underground's music got a serious boost from the band's collaborations with Andy Warhol. Warhol created the iconic album art for The Velvet Underground & Nico, produced the album and was, for a time, the band's manager.

The reunion will take place in the NYPL's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, and if you're going to be in NYC on Dec. 8, you can pick up a ticket through the NYPL website.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening "European Son" by The Velvet Underground

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 venue lives up to name

2009-11-17T20:43:00.000-05:00

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.

The Rialto Room is engineered for impeccable sound quality and its intimate setting makes the perfect stage for its impressive lineup this season. Shawn Mullins was the latest artist to grace the stage, and his performance only confirmed what this remarkable venues has to offer (well, it doesn’t hurt that he’s one the area’s most talented artist, but still)

As an audience member, you could hear each strum of the guitar and every word of the lyrics—some people even yelled out song requests, which were happily answered. For Shawn especially, the setting was ideal for his story-telling and his wide vocal range was only complemented by the room’s great acoustics.

Sure, you can expect to pay for than a $5 cover for the experience, but rest assured you will get what you paid for—and probably a whole lot more.

--Ashley Thompson

Currently listening to Battle Studies by John Mayer

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

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

2009-11-17T16:54:00.000-05:00

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.

Not to mention. In "Bad Romance," Gaga actually looks pretty at some parts of the video. Whaaa?

Song after song, Gaga is climbing the charts and setting records with #1 hits galore. Only one fear remains ... her up and coming competition:

-Marie Baginski
Currently listening to "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga

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 Shaky Hands

2009-11-17T16:38:00.000-05:00

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.

After being signed to Halocene Music, TSH released 2007's The Shaky Hands, a folky run-through-the-prairie album whiched gained the band positive attention from critics and further expanded its growing fan base, moving the band from a local sensation to up-and-coming band to watch.

In 2008 came Lunglight, followed by this year's Let it Die, released by Kill Rock Stars. Let it Die marked shift in TSH's music. Not as lo-fi as earlier recordings, but some of the tracks maintained the uppbeat tone ("Allison and the Ancient Eyes") from earlier material while others were a demonstrated a more slow, almost alt-country tinged feel ("Gonna Hold You Tonight").

The Shaky Hands are currently touring Europe before coming back to the U.S. in December. You can see TSH in Atlanta at the Drunken Unicorn on December 5.

Who's Who: Nicholas Delffs (vocals), Mayhaw Hoons (bass), Jeff Lehman (guitar), and Jake Morris (drums)
Label: Kill Rock Stars/Halocene
Latest release: Let It Die (2009)
On the web: www.myspace.com/shakyhands

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Sunburns" by The Shaky Hands

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

Flash Mob Does Janet Jackson

2009-11-17T16:30:00.000-05:00

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:

No doubt, this was a pleasant surprise in all the turmoil surrounding Jackson's brother, Michael's, death. With the continued accusations against his personal physicians, the turmoil surrounding his orphaned children, and the impending reality series starring Jackson family members ... Janet has no doubt found herself in the controversial spotlight a lot recently. What a relief to be honored with a flash mob and a tribute to her music.

-Marie Baginski
Currently listening to The New Moon Soundtrack

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

The Strokes Top NME's Best of Decade List

2009-11-17T15:28:00.001-05:00

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.

The full list will be available tomorrow when NME releases their latest issue in the

, but the top 50 are listed below.

1. The Strokes – 'Is This It'
2. The Libertines – 'Up The Bracket'
3. Primal Scream – 'XTRMNTR'
4. Arctic Monkeys – 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not'
5. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – 'Fever To Tell'
6. PJ Harvey – 'Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea'
7. Arcade Fire – 'Funeral'
8. Interpol – 'Turn On The Bright Lights'
9. The Streets – 'Original Pirate Material'
10. Radiohead – 'In Rainbows'
11. At The Drive In – 'Relationship Of Command'
12. LCD Soundsystem – 'Sound Of Silver'
13. The Shins – 'Wincing The Night Away'
14. Radiohead – 'Kid A'
15. Queens Of The Stone Age – 'Songs For The Deaf'
16. The Streets – 'A Grand Don't Come For Free'
17. Sufjan Stevens – 'Illinois'
18. The White Stripes – 'Elephant'
19. The White Stripes – 'White Blood Cells'
20. Blur – 'Think Tank'
21. The Coral – 'The Coral'
22. Jay-Z – 'The Blueprint'
23. Klaxons – 'Myths Of The Near Future'
24. The Libertines – 'The Libertines'
25. The Rapture – 'Echoes'
26. Dizzee Rascal – 'Boy in Da Corner'
27. Amy Winehouse – 'Back To Black'
28. Johnny Cash – 'The Man Comes Around'
29. Super Furry Animals – 'Rings Around The World'
30. Elbow – 'Asleep In The Back'
31. Bright Eyes – 'I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning'
32. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – 'Show Your Bones'
33. Arcade Fire – 'Neon Bible'
34. Grandaddy – 'The Sophtware Slump'
35. Babyshambles – 'Down In Albion'
36. Spirtualized – 'Let it Come Down'
37. The Knife – 'Silent Shout'
38. Bloc Party – 'Silent Alarm'
39. Crystal Castles – 'Crystal Castles'
40. Ryan Adams – 'Gold'
41. Wild Beasts – 'Two Dancers'
42. Vampire Weekend – 'Vampire Weekend'
43. Wilco – 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot'
44. Outkast – 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below'
45. Avalanches – 'Since I Left You'
46. The Delgados – 'The Great Eastern'
47. Brendan Benson – 'Lapalco'
48. The Walkmen – 'Bows and Arrows'
49. Muse – 'Absolution'
50. MIA – 'Arular'

- Jessica Cole

Currently Listening to: “Edge of Desire” John Mayer

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

2009-11-17T12:02:00.001-05:00

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.

There are also references to Flashdance, Grindhouse and sex symbol Marlon Brando.

Halfway through, Lady Gaga makes her appearance, and so begins the gun play. And, for the record, please don’t don’t let Lady G near an actual gun—her aim is a little off the mark. No, Katy Perry doesn’t make a guest appearance, but Beyonce seems to be imitating her –or Betty Page ( I always get the two confused)

But clearly, there’s no questioning these women have all the power and are not afraid to flaunt it.

Here, see for yourself:

I give it an A +--your thoughts?

--Ashley Thompson

Currently listening to “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga

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

Norah Jones in new form

2009-11-16T22:13:00.001-05:00

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.

But perhaps the most notable difference on the record is in the lyrics. Jones employed Ryan Adams for “Light as a Feather" and she shares the spotlight with four other writers, however her name appears solo under the songwriting credit for eight of the songs.

The Fall has received impressive reviews, and it seems the collaboration with Jacquire King—who’s worked with Modest Mouse and Tom Waits—has been advantageous.

Being pegged as her “break-up” album, Jones uses imagery ( and lots of rhyming) to illustrate her experiences over the past few years.

The Grammy Award winner-- who has solf over 36 million records worldwide-- will have no problem living up to her name with this innovative new release.

--Ashley Thompson
Currently listening to "It's Gonna Be" by Norah Jones
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

Bob Dylan debuts "Must Be Santa" video

2009-11-16T21:05:00.000-05:00

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.

Do Christmas parties like this really exist, or are they only conceivable in the world of Bob Dylan? You might think Santa would put all Dylan on the naughty list for all this partying, but at the end of the video we see Mr. Claus himself hanging out on the front porch, as if he's been at the party all along.

Christmas in the Heart is currently available in stores and online. Dylan is donating all of the album's proceeds to Feeding America and other charities. And that's some holiday spirit for you.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Scarecrow" 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

Oasis returning under new name & without Noel Gallagher

2009-11-16T15:30:00.000-05:00

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.

Rolling Stone reported that Gem Archer (guitar), Andy Bell (bass) and Chris Sharrock (drums) have been working on new music with Liam and are planning to go on tour in the near future. And, according to L. Gallagher, even though this new band is essentially Oasis under a different name, the sound will be different. Chances are the band dynamic will be a bit different this time around too.

As for Noel, he is working on a solo career and, as he has told several media outlets, very happy to be done with Liam and Oasis.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Polar Nettles" by Neko Case

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

Open Mic TONIGHT!!

2009-11-16T11:12:00.000-05:00

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

2009-11-15T21:50:00.000-05:00

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.

Chronicling his health problems via his Facebook page, Deacon described a horrible pain in his leg and back that eventually forced him to visit the hospital. He attributes his health problems to constant touring.

But the positive-thinking musician remained optimistic, saying "i need to focus more on my health, which will lead to a clearer mind and a more focused music. i'm excited about the future and the various paths that are being present ahead of me."

The canceled shows were scheduled from Friday, Nov. 13 to Wed., Nov. 18 in the Northeast.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Wake Up" by The Arcade Fire

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

Live Show Review: Minus the Bear

2009-11-15T21:29:00.000-05:00

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.

Playing several new songs, MTB gave concertgoers a promising preview of its upcoming album (expected to be realeased early next year). These new tunes relied a little more on funkier beats and frontman Jake Snider's vocals than on the layered guitar sounds of older MTB material.

MTB continued to rock the crowd for a nearly 90 minute set, closing with one of the highlights of the night, "Absinthe Party at the Fly Honey Warehouse." Any drinking song — even if it's about drinking red wine in Europe — is sure to be a favorite in Athens, and "Absinthe Party" was a rollicking way to end the set. As the band played the song's first few notes, the excitement grew and fans were ready to hear MTB burst into full swing.

The two-song encore further expanded this sweaty, noisy rock out session and ended MTB's performance with as much energy and well-played music as it had to start.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Fishing the Sky" by Appleseed Cast

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

Live Show Review: The Antlers

2009-11-13T16:59:00.000-05:00

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.

"Sylvia" took the energy — and noise — level up, and even though Silberman looked like he was singing at full force, his voice showed no sign of strain, but continued to be the driving force behind The Antlers' haunting music, and the band achieved a sound much more complex than its three-piece lineup would let on.

At some points, the noisy instrumental tangents had the crowd losing interest, but everyone's attention snapped back to stage when The Antlers broke into "Two," a more high energy pop-influenced tune. But even in songs like "Two," the lyrics were beautiful and sad, with Silberman singing about sickness, pain and death.

The Antlers' music is even better, when the emotions behind the band's songs are more palpable and the complex sound is loud. Even though there were some lackluster moments, The Antlers lived up to its buzz band status with this well-played 40 minute set.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Two" by The Antlers

Look Who's in the Studio!

2009-11-13T16:22:00.002-05:00

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.

In other “In the Studio” news, The Kinks have announced that they are recording a new album. This will be the band’s first album since 1993’s Phobia.

Ray Davies told Billboard, “"I've been in the studio with a couple of the Kinks, actually. We've got four, five new songs...and I'm just sort of getting them motivated and seeing what they're playing like, because I haven't played with the Kinks for eight or nine years."

- Jessica Cole

Currently Listening to: “Edge of Desire” by John Mayer

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

2009-11-13T15:32:00.003-05:00

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

Saturday:

40 Watt
www.40watt.com
Bubbly Mommy Gun, Mouser, Quiet Hooves, Reptar
Doors: 9 PM

Caledonia Lounge
www.caledonialounge.com
Mama's Love, Stereo Reform
Doors: 10 PM

Tasty World Uptown
www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown
The Constellations, The Dirty Guv'nahs
Doors: 10 PM

Flicker Theatre & Bar
www.myspace.com/flickerbar
Dexter Romweber Duo, Rat Babies, The Shrinks
Doors: 9 PM

Go Bar
www.myspace.com/gobar
Casper and the Cookies, Jookabox
Doors: 10 PM

The Melting Point
www.meltingpointathens.com
Tim Miller Band
Doors: 9 PM

New Earth Music Hall
www.newearthmusichall.com
Noise Organization, Zoogma
Doors: 9 PM

Slots Available For Monday, Nov 16 OPEN MIC SERIES!

2009-11-13T10:38:00.004-05:00

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!

Artist of the Day: Sydney Wayser

2009-11-12T23:00:00.000-05:00

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.

In 2007, she released The Silent Parade, a montage of experiences exemplified by her clever mix of percussion, guitar and piano. In 2008, she opened for Moby and Kaki King at mega-festival SXSW.
Her latest album, The Colorful is just that. It’s an array of light-hearted tunes merged with the unconventional allure she is known for. Here’s the official video for “lullaby” from the album:

Who's Who: Sydney Wayser
Labels: Silent Parade Records
Latest Release: The Colorful (2009)
--Ashley Thompson
Currently listening to “LaDiDa” by Sydney Wayser

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

2009-11-12T18:46:00.001-05:00

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.

Openers for the night include Brooklyn’s The Antlers and Athens own Twin Tigers.

Doors open at 9 and tickets are selling fast, so if you haven’t already purchased one, then grab one while you can. The 40 Watt is only selling a limited number of tickets at the door.

And if you haven’t heard Minus the Bear, check out their Myspace and give “Pachuca Sunrise” a listen.

- Jessica Cole

Currently Listening to: “Pachuca Sunrise” by Minus the Bear

Jackson family reality show coming in December

2009-11-12T16:57:00.001-05:00

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.

Why anyone should really care what Tito, Marlon, Jermaine and Jackie have been up to the last couple of months isn't quite clear, but the show will probably have pull in a gazillion viewers and earn A&E lots of money, further perpetuating the trend of turning deceased celebrities into cash cows.

The series will debut on A&E December 13, and you can see a short preview here.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "French Navy" by Camera Obscura

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

Lil Wayne Rocks; Wayne Coyne Gets Naked

2009-11-12T12:54:00.001-05:00

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.

Rebirth, Lil Wayne’s first rock album, was originally slated to release on April 7, 2009, but after several set backs over the past few months, for the time being, the official release date is set for December 15, 2009.

Universal has released the cover art for Weezy’s new release, which may be a sign that this December 15 date may actually stick.

In other music news in no way associated with hip hop music, The Flaming Lips have posted the video for their new track “Watching the Planets” and it is NSFW due to the extreme cases of nudity spread throughout the 6 minute video.

Wayne Coyne called for all fearless clothes-shedding citizens of the Northwest to join him in the filming of the Flaming Lips new video, and if you call them they will come. The naked wanderers came by bike and to found their way to Mt. Tabor in Oregon where the video was shot.

And Coyne walks around in a bubble! Click here to view on NME.

- Jessica Cole

Currently Listening to: "Assassin" by John Mayer

AthFest 2010 accepting band applications

2009-11-12T12:53:00.000-05:00

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!

The Athfest folks are also looking for local acts to include on the AthFest 2010 CD. Interested bands must turn in completed submission form and a CD before January 29 for a chance to be included on this compilation. Submissions must be handed in at the AthFest office at 220 College Ave. The AthFest 2010 CD will be released on May 11.

This homegrown music, arts and film festival is scheduled to take place June 23-27.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening "Pickerel Lake" by Sufjan Stevens

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

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

2009-11-12T11:33:00.000-05:00

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

2009-11-11T22:58:00.000-05:00

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.

When you take the stage with some of Country’s biggest names, you at least need to live up to yours. Swift has practically conquered the genre in past couple of years, but seeing her struggle to breathe properly while skipping across stage tonight makes me question her appeal. Theatrics can never make up for belting out notes in tune—even if it means standing still for two seconds.
.
Her win tonight for Best Female Vocalist (did anyone else catch Miranda's reaction?) only proves auto tune does, in fact, work miracles. A fan or Swift's, I do still believe she has tremendous potential as a songwriter and artist, however, less time with Twi-hottie Taylor Lautner and more time with a vocal coach might prove to be advantageous.

--Ashley Thompson
currently listening to the CMAs

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

The Ting Tings signed to Jay-Z's label

2009-11-11T22:57:00.000-05:00

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.

It's even been reported that Jay-Z would like to collaborate with the latest members of the Roc Nation roster, maybe taking on the role of producer for furture recordings.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Shut Up and Let Me Go" by The Ting Tings

History channel chronicles The Beatles

2009-11-11T15:50:00.001-05:00

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.

"The Beatles on Record" will explore the behind-the-scenes world of recording, ranging from The Beatles' first album, 1963's Please Please ME, all the way to 1969's Abbey Road. John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Ringo Star and longtime Beatles' producer Sir George Martin provide all the film's narration.

Along with rare footage and never-before-heard conversation snippets, "The Beatles on Record" will feature over 60 of the Fab Four's songs. The documentary is directed by Bob Smeaton, who also the Beatles Anthology series.

"The Beatles on Record" will air on History on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 10 p.m.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Jump in the Water" by Thayer Sarrano

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

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

2009-11-11T09:24:00.001-05:00

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.

The San Francisco "Idiot" brought in large crowds and even extended its show dates by 5 weeks to accommodate the uber-popularity the show had gained. However, Broadway is a whole other story. Will "Idiot" make it big, or just go home?

Check out the San Francisco Cast here, and perhaps some (or all) of these faces will grace the stages in New York City.

New information on the shows dates, theater location, and cast will be posted when it is confirmed.

-Marie Baginski
Currently listening to "21 Guns" by Green Day

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

My Morning Jacket appears on 'American Dad'

2009-11-10T20:11:00.000-05:00

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."

Some still images of the episode are up on the MacFarlane fan site. The photos depict the show's lead character, Stan (a.k.a American Dad), doing his best to work his way in as a MMJ groupie. Judging by the photo of a creepy Stan watching MMJ on stage from above, there will at least be a performance from the band on the episode.

The "American Dad" writers have oh-so-cleverly titled the episode "My Morning Straightjacket." Hilarity is bound to ensue.

This episode will air on Sunday, Nov. 22 on Fox at 9:30.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "The Bear" by My Morning Jacket

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

Show Pick Of The Day: Pete Yorn

2009-11-10T18:42:00.000-05:00

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.

Yorn has shared the bill with famous acts Dave Matthews Band, R.E.M., Crowded House, Foo Fighters, Weezer, Coldplay, The Dixie Chicks, Semisonic, and Say Anything.

Pete Yorn plays 40 Watt tonight! Doors at 8:00, with opener Issac Russel starting out the evening. Tickets are $18 dollars in advance at www.40watt.com. Yorn's sound is unique as he rolls melodic pop-rock right off the tongue of his browbeaten vocals. Though Scarlett Johansson won't be there to our knowledge, this is a don't miss show!

-Marie Baginski
Currently listening to "Relator" by Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson

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: Hot Chip

2009-11-10T14:31:00.000-05:00

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.

Next came The Warning in 2006, an album that was adored by critics and electro lovin' Brits alike. Two of The Warning's 12 tracks ("Over and Over","Boy from School") became top forty hits in the UK. Check out the "Over and Over" video to see a little glimpse of what Hot Chip is about.

Made in the Dark, HC's third studio album, earned the group a Grammy nomination for the track "Ready for the Floor," which was nominated for best dance recording. After touring in support of Made in the Dark, the men of Hot Chip headed into the studio to begin working on their fourth album, which as was previously mentioned, is due out in February of next year.

Members of Hot Chip have reportedly said that this upcoming album will have more of a subdued and disco-influenced sound. No matter what, though, it's a safe bet that the music will be a combination of genres and sounds that can get any dance floor on the move.

Who's Who: Alexis Taylor (vocals, synthesizer, guitar, percussion, keys), Joe Goddard (vocals, synthesizer, percussion), Owen Clarke (guitar, bass, synthesizer), Al Doyle (guitar, synthesizer, percussion, backing vocals), Felix Martin (drum machine, synthesizer)
Label: DFA/EMI
Latest release: Made in the Dark (2008)

On the web: www.hotchip.co.uk/

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Ready for the Floor" by Hot Chip

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

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

2009-11-09T23:49:00.002-05:00

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 ...
we're talking a progressive society who centers around sexual freedom, etc. taking an album off the shelves for inappropriate material. Rammstein must have produced some pretty f-ed up stuff in Liebe ist Für Alle Da, which shouldn't surprise fans of the band in the least.

For hard rockers and head bangers alike, Rammstein is huge in both Europe and the U.S for being hardcore, moshpit-inducing music. But the reason for banning the album from stands surrounds the influence this type of music has on impressionable young minds. What does screaming about death and such do to our youth? That's a whole other blog post...so not going there.

Get a little taste of darkness below. Beware this is not appropriate for children or most adults:

-Marie Baginski
Currently listening to something happy so I won't have nightmares tonight.

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

Eminem to star in 3D horror movie

2009-11-09T15:35:00.001-05:00

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.

"Shady Talez" will be mix between "The Twilight Zone" and "Creepshow," made all the more frightening with the addition of 3D effects. It's a hip hop horror show that includes three stories inspired by classic scary flicks (glimpses of Freddy Kruger and the "Scream" guy can be seen in the trailer), updated with a hip hop influence. "Talez" will also featur a laundry list of rappers -- 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Ludacris and Missy Elliot to name a few.

"Talez"will also be turned into a series of four comic books to be released in 2010 by Marvel Icons. The movie will be produced by D.J. Classicz/Davis Entertainment, a collaboration of John Davis ("I, Robot") and Dallas Jackson alongside Eminem and Kevin Grevioux ("Underworld").

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Train Under Water" by Bright Eyes

Artist of The Day: Eddie And The Public Speakers

2009-11-09T11:49:00.000-05:00

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.”

The competition required each act to submit a performance CD or DVD along with their a contestant entry form. Eddie Speaker, lead vocals for Eddie and The Public Speakers, and his cohorts battled it out against other local and regional acts. Not only did they band win the chance to open for ARS with a 30 minute set, they also received cash money and some freebie concert tickets.

The ARS will perform at The Classic Center Theatre on Friday, Nov. 20 at 8 p.m. with Eddie & The Public Speakers as its opening act.

For tickets or information call 706.357.4444, visit www.ClassicCenter.com or stop by The Classic Center Box Office at 300 N. Thomas St. in downtown Athens. The Classic Center Theatre can also be found on Facebook and followed on Twitter.

-Marie Baginski

Currently listening to "Step Back" By Eddie and The Public Speakers

Taylor Swift's SNL Monologue

2009-11-08T18:26:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-08T17:01:00.000-05:00

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

2009-11-06T17:59:00.000-05:00

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.

Rihanna said the confrontation was ignited when she confronted Brown about a text message she saw from another woman. “I wouldn’t drop it,” she said… and while Brown was biting and punching her, she just kept thinking “When will it stop?”

Brown was eventually charged with a felony and sentenced to five year’s probation, six months of community labor and a year of domestic violence counseling after pleading guilty to felony assault.

Maybe for most people it’s easy to essentially “forgive and forget” Brown’s actions, but I find it hard to simply excuse blatantly beating another human being. Apparently, though, Rihanna is more forgiving than I am.

She told Sawyer she wasn’t bitter about the incident, and that she still cared for Brown.

“I actually love and care about him and I’m concerned about him doing well. I want him to do well—have a great career, have a great life, and grow up. Just take this as something that you had to go through to grow up and learn.”

Check out 20/20 on ABC tonight for more of the interview.

--Ashley Thompson

Currently listening to “Play On” by Carrie Underwood
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

Aerosmith may replace Steven Tyler

2009-11-06T17:02:00.000-05:00

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.

It's been reported that Aerosmith's three other members may recruit a new frontman and continue touring sans Tyler. This announcement is not too surprising, considering all the rumors that have been flying about discord within the band.

As for the future of Aerosmith — and its members solo projects — only time will tell, although for some reason it's hard to imagine Steven Tyler's solo career taking off without his band mates and vice versa.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Night Swimming" by R.E.M.

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

Lil Wayne Gets Baked . . . into a Cake

2009-11-06T15:41:00.001-05:00

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.

The dreads are made of licorice, the shades are made of chocolate, and the teeth are, pardon the use of this retired word, but blingin’ just like the self proclaimed Best Rapper Alive.

All the cake needs now is a .40 caliber gun made of red hots to really capture Wayne’s essence.

P.s. – Wayne’s new mixtape No Ceilings is out now. The rapper goes back to his Drought 3 roots by rapping over popular beats such as Jay-Z’s “Run this Town” and FLY’s “Swag Surfin’.”

- Jessica Cole

Currently Listening to: “Joey” by Concrete Blonde

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

Celebrate Christmas with a Meatball

2009-11-06T15:15:00.000-05:00

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.”

The foul mouthed trio will cover a wide range of holiday classics such as “O Holy Night” and “Feliz Navidad.” There are 12 tracks all together and should make for a very interesting and comical addition to your holiday cheer.

You can purchase the album at adultswimshop.com.

On other Christmas album news, British Electro-Pop duo, the Pet Shop Boys have announced that they will be releasing a holiday EP on December 14. The disc will include 5 newly recorded tracks including “It Doesn’t Snow at Christmas.”

From folksy, snowy nights, to animated meatball mistletoe, this Christmas will not leave you short of an eclectic array of holiday music to choose from.

Merry Christmas!

- Jessica Cole

Currently Listening to: “Lover I Don’t Have to Love” by Bright Eyes

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

2009-11-06T14:54:00.002-05:00

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

Saturday:

40 Watt Club
www.40wattclub.com
The Dictatortots, Save Grand Canyon
Doors: 9 PM

Tasty World
www.tastyworld.net
Eddie & the Public Speakers, Lullwater
Doors: 10 PM

Caledonia Lounge
www.caledonialounge.com
The Bastards of Fate, The Humms, Laminated Cat, Los Meesphits
Doors: 10 PM

The Melting Point
www.meltingpointathens.com
Part Bear, Trances Arc
Doors: 9 PM

Go Bar
www.myspace.com/gobar

A PostWar Drama, Bubble Anatomy, Pacific Music Theater
Doors: 9 PM

Beatles' label suing U.S. music site

2009-11-06T00:53:00.000-05:00

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.

The lesser-known music download site now faces charges of copyright infringement from mega giant label EMI. Good luck with that, BlueBeat.

In other Beatles news, the Beatles in Stereo remastered is now available on a 16GB USB drive. The apple-shaped holder of all things Beatle is an exclusive item, with only 30,000 being produced. Check out the Beatles Website for more info.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Shed Your Love" by The Helio Sequence

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

All Genres to Perform AMAs

2009-11-06T00:28:00.000-05:00

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

2009-11-05T22:09:00.001-05:00

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.

The 37-year-old released his first self-titled album on Tulsi Records last month. Haper Simon was produced by Bob Johnston, renowned for his work with Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. Johnson helped Harper employ some of Nashville’s best session musicians. And while Harper’s music takes a more rock approach than his father’s, the comparison is evident. He collaborated for the first time with his father on the record—even though he never planned to.

“And I didn’t intend to collaborate with him,” Harper told NPR. “I guess he got inspired, and I had so many tracks, I was kind of swamped. So I was happy that someone was going to try to solve some problems for me. You know, what can I say? He’s a good writer.”

Who's Who: Harper James Simon
Label (s): Concord, Independent
On the web: http://www.myspace.com/harpersimon

--Ashley Thompson
Currently listening to "Shooting Star" by Harper Simon

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

Strokes’ Casablancas Takes On SNL Christmas Tune

2009-11-05T21:37:00.001-05:00

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.

Though it may be too early for some people to deck the halls and turn up the Christmas cheer, Casablancas feels good with his holiday-licious single. With songwriters and collaborators, Horatio Sans, Chris Kattan, Jimmy Fallon and Tracy Morgan help, this might just become the next “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.”

Casablancas’ Christmas single is set to release on vinyl and digital download on December 21.

-Marie Baginski
Currently listening to Christmas music … guilty

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

Show Pick of the Day: Nanny Island at Flicker

2009-11-05T17:41:00.000-05:00

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.

The show starts at 8:30 and only costs $5 to get in. Along with Nanny Island, the folk trio Pearl and the Beard as well as Jeremy Wheatley from Tin Cup Prophette will be performing.

For more information, visit Flicker’s Myspace page at www.myspace.com/flickerbar.

See you there!

- Jessica Cole

Currently Listening to: “My Mathematical Mind” by Spoon

Court rules Nuçi’s Space must pay property taxes

2009-11-05T16:59:00.000-05:00

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.

Nuçi’s Space is "dedicated to promoting the emotional, physical and occupational well-being of the music community."

There has so far been no comment from Nuçi’s Space Executive Director Bob Sleppy.

-Kristen Callihan

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

Lady Gaga Breaks Billboard Records

2009-11-04T21:31:00.000-05:00

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.

As “Paparazzi” rises from the No. 3 spot to the top, The Fame, which boasts “LoveGame,” Just Dance,” “Poker Face,” and “Paparazzi,” has sold over 1.56 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
According to her official website, Lady Gaga will be releasing The Fame with an additional eight songs on November 23.

Monster Ball Tour Dates:

•11/27 - Montreal

•11/28 - Toronto

•11/29 - Ottawa

•12/1 - Boston

•12/2 - Boston

•12/3 - Camden

•12/9 - Vancouver

•12/10 - Vancouver

•12/11 - Vancouver

•12/13 - San Francisco

•12/14 - San Francisco

•12/18 - Las Vegas

•12/19 - San Diego

•12/21 - Los Angeles

•12/22 - Los Angeles

•12/23 - Los Angeles

•12/28 - Atlanta

•12/29 - Atlanta

•12/31 - Miami

•1/2 - Miami

•1/3 - Orlando

•1/7 - St. Louis

•1/8 - Chicago

•1/9 - Chicago

•1/10 - Chicago

•1/12 - Detroit

•1/13 - Detroit

--Ashley Thompson
currently listening to "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
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

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

2009-11-04T21:05:00.000-05:00

"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."

It's only appropriate for this Lebowski-fest to take place at a bowling alley as, in the film, Lebowski and his pals spend most of their time at the bowling alley. There will be live music in the form of The Little Lebowski Urban Achievers performing the movie's soundtrack and some CCR covers. The event will also include a screening of the movie, a costume contest, trivia, booze and, of course, bowling.

Terrapin is evening brewing up a special beer for the occasion called "The Big Ryebrewski." Those White Russians will be getting a run for their money.

Entry to "Night of the Living Lebowski" is free, and the festivities get under way at 7:30.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Bombs over Baghdad" by Outkast

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

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

2009-11-04T18:09:00.000-05:00

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!”

Hailing from the ATL and playing together since 2005, the quintet’s created a quite a name for themselves. They’ve played festivals like The Atlanta Blues and Music Festival, Henry’s County’s Independence Day Festival, and South Atlanta’s Relay for Life. They have brought fresh funk rock to the stage of Eddie’s Attack and other local venues—making their presence known around these parts. Tonight, they’ll be playing at Tasty World Uptown along with Fire Zuave and Blueswater Bridge.

The Band is releasing a new five-track EP this month, which can be found on their website. The boisterous also throwing a “video-party” every Monday on YouTube.

Who’s Who:

Lee Smith –lead vocals and piano

Lindsey Smith-lead vocals

Robbie Croy-guitar

Clay Davis-bass guitar

--Ashley Thompson

Currently listening to “Shine” by The Regulars 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

Brown Moves Up "Graffiti" Release Date

2009-11-04T17:55:00.006-05:00

Fearing more bad press due to comments made by ex Rhianna, Chris Brown and company have decided to move up the release of Graffiti from December 15 making the album now available on December 8. Okay, truthfully, there was no reason given behind the moved release, however, one can only imagine that sooner is better than later considering Brown is currently in the forgiveness stage with both Rhianna and his fan base. More time can only lead to one thing, a chance to further slander Brown's name.

Brown's first single from Graffiti "I Can Transform Ya" was released in association with Transformers 2: Rise of The Fallen — this is evident in the song's lyrics. This collaboration, featuring Swizz Beats and Lil Wayne, didn't make a normal overplayed showing on 95.5 The Beat, but it has been on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop song charts for five consecutive weeks and currently holds the number 16 spot on the chart.

Check out Graffiti single "I Can Transform Ya" after the jump.

Also, Brown is performing for the second time since his ugly, bruising (pun intended) split with Rihanna — his first performance being back in October headlining Power 105.1's concert in New Jersey — on his own solo tour beginning November 14 in Houston, TX.

This tour, appropriately coined "fan appreciation," will be another move toward the massive apology Brown is trying to make for his previous relationship no-nos. The tour will span 19 cities, including:

November 14: Houston, TX (House of Blues)
November 15: Dallas, TX (Palladium)
November 18: Los Angeles, CA (Avalon)
November 19: San Francisco, CA (The Fillmore)
November 22: Richmond, VA (Landmark)
November 25: Detroit, MI (Royal Oak)
November 26: Chicago, IL (House of Blues)
November 29: Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Revolution)
December 1: Orlando, FL (House of Blues)
December 2: Atlanta, GA (CenterStage)
December 4: Washington, D.C (Warner Theater)
December 5: Providence, RI (Lupo's)
December 6: Boston, MA (House of Blues)
December 11: Baltimore, MD (Sonar)
December 12: Wallingford, CT (Chevrolet Theater)
December 13: Philadelphia, PA (Electric Factory)

Glad to see Brown is back and still apologizing. Don't forget to check out Graffiti, available on December 8.

-Marie Baginski
Currently listening to "Two Weeks" by Grizzly Bear

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

No Doubt sues over video game avatars

2009-11-04T16:02:00.000-05:00

Rock star avatars are causing a lot of trouble recently. First there was the whole mess with Courtney Love and the creators of "Guitar Hero 5" over Kurt Cobain's avatar in the game. Now, Gwen Stefani and her No Doubt band mates are up in arms over their likenesses in the "Band Hero" game.

The members of No Doubt are now suing Activision, the company that produces "Band Hero," because they are unhappy with the way their avatars can be used in the game. They have brought charges of fraudulent inducement and breach of contract, claiming that the game has made them into “a virtual karaoke circus act.”

Just like Cobain in "GH5," the virtual No Doubters can be made to perform any of the songs in the game's repertoire — meaning you could have a Stefani avatar belting out everything from the Jackson 5's "ABC" to Taylor Swift's "You Belong with Me."

Activision has so far neglected to change the game in response to No Doubt's complaints.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Postcards from Italy" by Beirut

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

Bobby McFerrin Creates Music with the Pentatonic Scale

2009-11-04T15:20:00.001-05:00

Crowd participation never sounded so good.

Bobby McFerrin, the 10-time Grammy Award Winner, participated in a panel during the 2009 World Science Festival in New York City on “Note Neurons: In Search of the Common Chorus”. During this panel McFerrin showed how powerful the pentatonic scale can be by creating music with the audience.

Side note: the pentatonic scale is a musical scale that uses five pitches per octave rather than a major scale that uses seven.

Take a look by clicking here!

- Jessica Cole

Currently Listening to: “Tourist” by Julian Casablancas

Artist of the Day: Mayer Hawthorne

2009-11-04T13:44:00.001-05:00

When I was flipping through the latest issue of Rolling Stone Magazine, I happened upon an article profiling a guy that resembled Buddy Holly in a lot of ways. He had the slicked back hair, the black-rimmed glasses and a 60s style black and white suit to complete the attire.

His name was Mayer Hawthorne (real name: Andrew Mayer Cohen)

Though his wardrobe was eye-catching, the one thing that stood out the most was the word ‘Soul’.

This day in age, our definition of soul/r&b tunes equates to acts like Chris Brown and Keyshia Cole. These artists are, to an extent, modern takes on soul music, but in its heyday soul music reigned Supreme with the likes of The Temptations, Isaac Hayes, Smokey Robinson and the list goes on, so who would have thought a white boy from Ann Arbor, Michigan would be the one to revive music’s lost ‘soul’?

Hawthorne’s debut LP, A Strange Arrangement, was released on September 8, and since then has garnered a number of rave reviews from several music publications as well as receiving much praise from artists ranging from Alicia Keys to Justin Timberlake via Twitter.

“Best record of the year goes to Mayer Hawthorne,” John Mayer posted on his Twitter earlier this fall.

Mayer liked the 29-year-old soul singer’s music so much that now the two are performing together for two consecutive shows, one in San Diego, Calif. on December 29 and another in Las Vegas, Nev. on New Year’s Eve.

But when it really comes down to it, is Mayer Hawthorne really worth all of this praise?

One interesting thing to note is that Hawthorne never set out to do soul music, he was actually an aspiring hip hop artist in the beginning coined with the MC name Haircut. This may not come as surprise, for when you listen to A Strange Arrangement you can pick out some of the hip hop-inspired beats in songs like “It Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out” and “Maybe So, Maybe No”. His hip hop personality is still very much alive, and if you want to hear some of his beats, you can check out Haircut’s Myspace page by clicking here.

He’s also never had any formal vocal training, so all of those insane falsetto-driven tunes are purely from the heart and well . . .the soul.

I don’t think it would be wise to call Hawthorne’s music an exact replica of what soul music was back in the 50s and 60s, but it may be better to view it as soul progression.

I think music producer Mark Ronson said it best, “I have no idea what this is, old or new, but it’s fucking good!!!”

Check out the video for Hawthorne’s first single “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out” and if you like that, well, give the rest of the album a try.

Who's Who: Mayer Hawthorne (Andrew Mayer Cohen)

Formed: 2008 in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Label: Stones Throw

Latest Release: A Strange Arrangement (2009)

On the Web: StonesThrow.com/MayerHawthorne

- Jessica Cole

Currently Listening to: “Maybe So, Maybe No” by Mayer Hawthorne

Court Rules No More “Sublime"

2009-11-04T00:00:00.002-05:00

The name “Sublime” died along side Bradley Nowell in 1996. When the band lost Nowell, Sublime’s lead singer, the tragedy of his passing made them believe the name “Sublime” was dead forever. However, after a recent attempt to reinstate the previous band name, Nowell’s family stepped in and put the kibosh on anyone ever using the coined named “Sublime” again.

After adding new lead vocalist, Rome Ramirez, the band tried to rekindle the old flame that was Sublime. Too bad Nowell’s family and estate smacked them with a trademark infringement suit claiming:

"Prior to his untimely passing, both Bud and Eric acknowledged that Brad Nowell was the sole owner of the name Sublime. It was Brad's expressed intention that no one use the name Sublime in any group that did not include him, and Brad even registered the trademark ‘Sublime' under his own name."

Los Angeles court judge, Howard Martz, sided with the family and issued an injunction stopping the band from using the name “Sublime” in any form related to their music.

Rest in peace Nowell and Sublime.

-Marie Baginski
Currently listening to “Wrong Way” by The Band Formerly Known As Sublime … or something like that.

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

Weezer Teams Up With Armed-Blanket Sensation, The Snuggie

2009-11-03T23:30:00.004-05:00

Two powerhouses, the spunky band boys of Weezer and the creators of the remote-accessible Snuggie, are getting together to promote the band’s newest album, Ratitude. The LP is currently up for grabs at the Amazon MP3 Store. However, for a limited time, you can get Ratitude for free with a $30 dollar purchase of the Wuggie—a snuggie with “Weezer” printed across the chest.

Though the idea fits the band’s quirky persona, the team up with Snuggie may not be as lucrative in sales as they may hope. The Snuggie’s status is slowly declining like a fad gone badly. The blankets have become somewhat of an underground craze turned mainstream… and, like in the music world, this sometimes leads to loss of popularity.

However, with the band’s adamant promotion of the “hot ticket item” its possible that the Wuggie will gain media hype, much like Ratitudes’ unusual cover art.

For once an infomercial is worth watching:

Are you a huge Weezer fan who needs the most quality Snuggie available? Hunt down the Safari Snuggie (only $20 dollars more than those boring Snuggie solids) and a deluxe addition copy of the album at the band's official Wuggie website. Perhaps your not a fan of the blanket with arms? Ratitude is still availble for only $3.99 at the Amazon MP3 store, sans Snuggie.

-Marie Baginski
Currently listening to "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked" by Ida Marie

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

George Strait and Reba McEntire Announce Tour

2009-11-03T23:28:00.001-05:00

OK, country music fans, this is a power-duo that may only come around once! Country diva, Reba McEntire and timeless country legend George Strait announced this morning they will be touring together in 2010!

"I can't wait to get back out there and perform some of my new favorites from 'Twang' along with hits the fans already love," said Strait. "And with my friend Reba, we will make it a really spectacular night."

Phillips Arena may not be big enough to contain two of country’s largest stars along with an undoubtedly sold-out crowd when the duo will be coming to Atlanta in right before Valentine’s Day (wink wink). Here’s the rest of the tour dates:

2010 George Strait & Reba McEntire
Date City, ST Venue

22-Jan Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner

23-Jan Greensboro, NC Coliseum

29-Jan Knoxville, TN Thompson Boling

30-Jan Charlottesville, VA JPJ Arena

5-Feb Phoenix, AZ US Airways

6-Feb Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand

18-Feb St Louis, MO Scottrade Center

19-Feb Wichita, KS Intrust Bank Arena

20-Feb Tulsa, OK BOK Arena

25-Feb Atlanta, GA Philips Arena

26-Feb Orlando, FL Amway Arena

4-Mar Memphis, TN FedEx Forum

5-Mar New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena

6-Mar Little Rock, AR Verizon

26-Mar Portland, OR The Rose Garden

27-Mar Tacoma, WA Tacomadome

8-Apr Omaha, NE Qwest Center

9-Apr Kansas City, MO Sprint Center

10-Apr Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Aren

-Ashley Thompson
currently listening to "Keep on Loving You" by Reba McEntire

his 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

Carly Simon is 'Coming Around Again'

2009-11-03T23:02:00.001-05:00

Lately, Carly Simon’s audience has been patients of her much younger laparoscopic-surgeon boyfriend in Plymouth, Mass. when she lends her unmistakable voice to calm patients before they go into surgery. However, the 64-year-old singer became a bit more extraverted when she hit the road to promote her latest album Never Been Gone in Europe at the end of last month.

In 2008, she sued Starbucks’ then music label Hear Music, claiming the chain did not effectively promote her This Kind of Love album—although Starbucks says it met all of the contractual agreements and the album reached the #15 spot on Billboard’s album chart.

In an effort to re-gain confidence and credibility after the debacle, Benjamin Taylor-- Simon’s son with folk- staple James Taylor-- urged the singer/songwriter to record some of her greatest hits—“That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be”, “Let the River Run”, “You’re so Vain”-- with new arrangements. The result? A juxtaposition of some really great songs with a more relevant take. Never Been Gone could be seen as an appropriate summation of Simon’s twenty-four album -catalog—but I have a feeling we’ll be hearing more from her.

--Ashley Thompson
Currently listening to "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon

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 New Instrument 8 Years in the Making

2009-11-03T20:13:00.001-05:00

With all the insane advancements in technology, be it with cell phones talking to you and giving you directions, televisions with High Definition pictures that take you into the movie, or whatever else, it’s all fascinating. But I never thought I’d see the day when one long stringed instrument that looks like a futuristic sitar would be the coalescence of a numerous amount of musical instruments (and I’m not just talking string instruments either).

The Eigenharp can produce the sounds of, just to name a few, the clarinet (by blowing into a mouth piece located at the top of the instrument), a synthesizer (by pressing down on the fret board) and even the drums.

According to BBC News official site, this new invention has been coined ''the most revolutionary new musical instrument of the last 60 years'' and has been 8 years in the making. The Eigenharp was created by musician and software engineer David Stillito and to see this new technology in action, take a look at a video of it on BBC News’ official site. The Eigenharp is available for purchase now, but it isn’t cheap. The going rate is about $5,000. For more information check out www.eigenlabs.com. - Jessica Cole Currently Listening to: “Why Says” by John Mayer 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

Boyz II Men Member Diagnosed with H1N1

2009-11-03T19:09:00.000-05:00

No one is safe from H1N1. Not even members of early 90s soul/r&b boy bands.

Boyz II Men member Shawn Stockman was reported by CNN.com as being diagnosed with the virus and wasn’t able to accompany his bandmates’ Wanya Morris and Nathan Morris at the Soul Train Music Awards on Tuesday in Atlanta.

The group were scheduled to perform and had to perform as a duo, due to Stockman’s diagnosis.

Wanya and Nathan Morris spoke to CNN.com about their ailing band mate.

"We tour eight months out of the year, and we are always traveling around," Nathan said. "It's hectic for us always being in airplanes and airports. He got sick, and it hit him pretty hard."

Nathan went on to say that he had spoken to Stockman earlier in the day and said that he was feeling much better

I don’t know if the Swine Flu has anything against famous 90s boy bands, but Stockman is the second singer within an all male group to catch the H1N1 virus.

Who was the first?

The answer: Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys.

- Jessica Cole

Currently Listening to: “Living Dead Girl” by Rob Zombie

Artist of the Day: The Swell Season

2009-11-03T17:41:00.000-05:00

What do you get when you combine a soulfool Irish crooner with a Czech musician who has one of the most with a delicate haunting voices of recent history? The Swell Season. The duo of Glen Hansard — frontman of the Irish band The Frames — and Markéta Irglová met and formed while filming the hugely popular 2007 indie film "Once."

The film's soundtrack features duets and solo performances from both of its stars, and the song "Falling Slowly" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008. The movie itself became or sort of self-fufilling prophecy for Hansard and Irglová. In it they both play struggling musicians living in Dublin and trying to get by; the film then evolves into a sort of sad love story. Hansard and Irglová have since been linked romantically in real life.

The Swell Season's newest disc, Strict Joy, was released last week. Although they collaborated on the "Once" soundtrack and The Swell Season CD, this is the first album to be released under The Swell Season moniker.

Strict Joy features 12 tracks of emotionally driven, delicate tunes. See the track listing here:

1. Low Rising
2. Feeling the Pull
3. In These Arms
4. The Rain
5. Fantasy Man
6. Paper Cup
7. High Horses
8. The Verb
9. I Have Loved You Wrong
10. Love That Conquers
11. Two Tongues
12. Back Broke

Check out The Swell Season's performing a song from Strict Joy on "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien:"

Who's Who: Glen Hansard (guitar, vocals), Markéta Irglová (piano, vocals)
Label: ANTI-
Latest Release: Strict Joy (2009)
On the Web: www.theswellseason.com

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard

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

Get your demo heard at SonyMusic's Southern Talent Expo!

2009-11-03T12:53:00.000-05:00

If you've got a demo that's just begging to be heard, listen up. SonyMusic Nashville's A&R department is hosting the Southern Talent Expo in Athens on Nov. 19. During the event, musicians are invited to drop off their demos for listening and review by the SonyMusic folks. Every submission will be heard. So many good bands fly under the radar and never get their due notice from record companies — this is a great shot at getting taking your musical career to the next level.

Submissions will be accepted on the 19th from 5-7 p.m. in the UGA Music Business Program office (Caldwell Hall rm. 202). This is a great chance to get your/your bands music looked at by music business professionals, and who knows, maybe you'll be one of the Expo's winning musicians.

Five to ten acts will be chosen from the submissions to perform at a showcase. The winner of that showcase will then get the chance to perform live for SonyMusic executives. And just because it's SonyMusic Nashville doesn't mean it's just for country acts; all genres are welcome.

If you're interested and want more information, check out the event on Facebook here.

Good luck!

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Lump Sum" by Bon Iver

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 Spoon album out in January

2009-11-02T21:19:00.001-05:00

Indie rockers Spoon have been relatively quiet since the release of 2007's Ga Ga Ga Ga. So, the announcement that the Austin, Texas, based band will release its new album on January 26, 2010, comes as a pleasant bit of news for Spoon-hungry fans. Transference will be Spoon's 7th full-length release.

Judging from Spoon's discography, it's not real surprise that the band has waited two and a half years to release another LP. Before Ga Ga Ga Ga, there was 2005's Gimme Fiction and three years earlier 2002's Kill the Moonlight. But if these albums are any indication, it's worth the wait, and fans can expect more of the band's consistently crafted indie pop rock.

Check out the Transference track listing:

1. Before Destruction
2. Is Love Forever?
3. The Mystery Zone
4. Who Makes Your Money
5. Written in Reverse
6. I Saw the Light
7. Trouble Comes Running
8. Goodnight Laura
9. Out Go the Lights
10. Got Nuffin
11. Nobody Gets Me But You

Look for Transference, from Merge Records, in stores and online next year.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Odiata per le Sue Virtu'" by Blonde Redhead

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: Adam Lambert

2009-11-02T19:16:00.000-05:00

It is hard to take Adam Lambert seriously after his coined nickname “Glambert” and his newly released album cover art that falls along the lines of moon-lady meets 80s photo shopping. However, Lambert has found a huge celebrity fan base and, though he came in second in the most recent American Idol finals, has risen far above Idol winner Kris Allen on the fame-o-meter. Not only does openly gay Lambert have a unique style and sound, he isn’t afraid to take risks when it comes to his music performance—remind you of a certain female pop queen? (Cough, cough…Lady Gaga).

Not surprisingly, Lambert’s unconventional ways have landed him on the upper hand of Hollywood’s fame radar. This position has obviously advanced his career in ways that he couldn’t have accomplished alone. However, Lambert’s true vocal abilities and extraordinary performances should not be overlooked. Theatrics are part of Lambert’s musical theatre past on Broadway and it shows when he takes the stage. His ability to own a stage makes even a mere American Idol performance—all that fans have seen of him thus far—proof that Lambert has star quality and will become an accomplished artist.

Anticipation of Lambert’s record release has been high since his extraordinary showing on Idol earlier this year. Now, with a peek at the rock star’s track list, expectations will be met with his breakout solo album, For Your Entertainment.

Check out the track list here:
1 “Music Again” 3:16 – Rob Cavallo, Justin Hawkins of the Darkness 
2 “For Your Entertainment” 3:35 – Claude Kelly/Dr. Luke 
3 “Whataya Want from Me” 3:47 – Pink, Max Martin 
4 “Strut” 3:29 – Adam Lambert, Kara DioGuardi 
5 “Soaked” 4:33 – Muse 
6 “Sure Fire Winners” 3:32 – Rob Cavallo 
7 “A Loaded Smile” 4:04 – Adam Lambert, Linda Perry 
8 “If I Had You” 3:48 
9 “Fever” 3:26 - Lady GaGa 
10 “Sleepwalker” 4:25 – Aimee Mayo, Chris Lindsay, Ryan Tedder 
11 “Aftermath” 4:26 
12 “Broken Open” 5:03 
13 “Time for Miracles” Bonus Track 4:43 – Rob Cavallo

Though Lambert may dabble in eyeliner and leather leggings, he has undeniable vocal ability and stage presence. The collaborations on his debut album and those in his future musical endeavors make Lambert the newest go-to guy for a hit record. the Watch out Gaga, there’s a new Queen in the music biz.

-Marie Baginski
Currently listening to “Mad World” Covered by Adam Lambert

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

Show Pick of the Day: The Vic Chesnutt Band at the 40 Watt

2009-11-02T16:54:00.000-05:00

Athens is full of musicians, both good and bad. Some make a mark on the musical landscape with a hit song, a hit album, or maybe even have a few good years of popularity before its members move on to other towns and other bands or quit playing altogether. Then there are those artists who have influenced music in Athens for years and years, keeping this one of the best music towns around. And one of the most influential of these Athens musicians is Vic Chesnutt.

Tonight you can catch Mr. Chesnutt playing at the 40 Watt with his eponymously named band. He has a large catalog of music, from his Michael Stipe-produced 1990 debut Little to the dark introspection of At the Cut and the live album Skitter on Take-Off, both released in 2009.

Expect to hear Chesnutt playing his guitar and singing songs that are at the same time unique and gloomy and passionate. And he's known for collaborations with many other musicians, including Athens' own Widespread Panic and Elf Power; Chesnutt and Elf Power released the 2008 album Dark Developments under the moniker The Amorphous Strums. So you never know who might be there at the 40 Watt tonight.

Opening for tonight for The Vic Chesnutt Band is Clare and the Reasons, a Brooklyn based orchestral pop group that performs songs in both English and French.

Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show costs $10.

-Kristen Callihan
currently not listening to anything

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

Open Mic Night Round 2, Week 2 TONIGHT At Rye Bar!

2009-11-02T12:24:00.001-05:00

Live Show Review: The Black Heart Procession

2009-11-02T00:22:00.001-05:00

“Come on. What else you gonna do?”

No other quote yelled by an overly enthusiastic fan could quite sum up the eclectic instrumentalist nature of San Diego, California’s Black Heart Procession. The grunge rock band stopped in Athens at the ghoulishly decorated 40 Watt Club on Tuesday, October 27 with openers The Mumlers.

So, what about the band’s instruments makes them so unpredictable? That’s easy. What other band can you recall that plays a combination of the spoons, the singing saw, violin, triangle and what looked like the lid of a tin trashcan, not to mention the usual guitar, bass, drums and keys.

The singing saw, which was one of the most interesting parts of the Procession’s performance, opened the set, with a moody tune, that pretty much put the band’s entire act in a nutshell. These guys aren’t emo by any means, but then again, they’re not dancing on top of a rainbow popping Skittles out into a magical Easter basket. (That would be quite the site though, wouldn’t it?)

And it seemed the crowd of about 25 or more knew what to expect out of the performance. Tables were set up in the front of the stage and groups of twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings sat around sipping on cocktails and talking quietly amongst each other. The usual stretch of couches that divided the tables from the sound booth laid host to a throng of slouching hipsters and one either highly intoxicated, or just fanatically obsessive fan who, clapped the loudest and yelled things like “all right!” and “Wooo!” over the more reserved fans who attended Tuesday night’s show.

And oh how somber the masses were.

After each song, you could cut the silence with a knife. You could hear every sneeze, every cough, even the sounds of the mic being adjusted by the lead singer. But this shouldn’t be taken as a bad thing.

Rather than a bunch of drugged up, liquored up rowdy college students, you had a group who were attending a show with the sole purpose of delving into the music—getting lost in the appropriate Halloween-vibe of the saw’s tones and the slapping of the spoons.

One of the fan favorites was the single “Rats” from the Procession’s latest album “Six” which just happens to be the band’s sixth album and was released on October the sixth. 6. 6. 6. Cue the evil laugh and the Halloween references now.

But, no matter what, it’s hard not to recognize the many “devil” references in the band’s lyrics. Take “Rats” for example. The leading lyric goes:

“I can't sleep tonight the devil's in the moon”

But all together, mixing devils, saws, spoons, trash cans, overly enthusiastic crowd members, Halloween decorations and a violin that is making music as if you’re walking into a vampire coven, the night was fun, but in a more laid back, “I’m going to sip on my drink and ponder these lyrics” kind of vibe.

- Jessica Cole

Currently Listening to: “The Letter” by The Black Heart Procession

Live Music in the Classic City: Friday, Oct. 30 & Saturday, Oct. 31

2009-10-30T17:55:00.000-04:00

Friday:

40 Watt Club

www.40watt.com

An Albatross

Dark Meat

Noot D'Noot

Doors: 9 PM

Caledonia Lounge

www.caledonialounge.com

Jon Guthrie Benefit Show

Burns Like Fire
Guff

So It Goes
Thunderchief

Doors: 9:30 PM

Farm 255

www.farm255.com

Chinatown Diary

The Granfaloons

Doors: 11 PM

Flicker Theatre & Bar

www.myspace.com/flickerbar

Coyote Bones

Little Francis

Doors: 9 PM

The Melting Point

www.meltingpointathens.com
Kenosha Kid
Trey Wright Trio

Doors: 9 PM

Little King’s Shuffle Club

www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub

Pipes You See, Pipes You Don’t

Supercluster

Doors: 10 PM

Saturday:

New Earth Music Hall

www.newearthmusichall.com

Halloween Sin Ball
featuring DJ Sorted, D:RC and DJ43.

Doors: 9 PM

Tasty World Uptown

www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown

Halloween Party (after the Wild Rumpus Parade)
featuring Five-Eight, Kite to the Moon and The Big Lebowski Revival

Doors: 9:30 PM

Madonna to bring electricity to Malawian village

2009-10-30T14:13:00.001-04:00

While we (Americans) view Madonna as a superstar and sex symbol, I’m positive Mphandula, a village in Malawi, view her as a saint. Her charity, Raising Malawi, has donated $500,000 for a child care center, feeding and educated 3,000 orphaned children.

Madonna has two adopted children from the poor African country. On a recent trip to Malawi, she announced (in Mphandula) she would bring electricity to the village.

“I know you work in darkness,” said the singer. “I will bring you electricity.”

Accompanied by her four children, Madonna broke ground last Monday for her $15-million Raising Malawi Academy for Girls. Approximately 500,000 children out of this nation of 12 million have lost a parent due to AIDS.

--Ashley Thompson
Currently listening to “Clair de Lune” by APM Orchestra

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

Beyonce and her "Western Sexy" not welcome by all in Egypt

2009-10-30T13:42:00.000-04:00

Egypt already claims one of the seven wonders of the world in The Great Pyramid of Giza. When Beyonce's worldwide "I am..." tour rolls into town on November 6, the question is simple: is this country big enough for two wonders of the world (the second, of course, being Beyonce's legs)?

Apparently not everyone thinks so, as Egyptian Parliament member Hamdi Hassan of the conservative Muslim brotherhood is slamming his own government for allowing the performance.

This isn't the first time Beyonce's skantily clad road show has caused an uproar in foreign countries: the singer postponed her October 25 show in Malaysia after the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party pressured her to do so, fearing the concert would spread the influence of "Western Sexy performances."

For his part, Hassan claims the Cairo show would violate Sharia, the Islamic religious law that governs much of daily life, saying "The government is trying to make people indulge in sin and licentiousness to cover up the other crimes it is committing against them."

- Alec Wooden

Possible Zeppelin reunion permanently scrapped

2009-10-30T13:06:00.001-04:00

Led Zeppelin fans had reason to rejoice after three of the original four members: bassist John Paul Jones, drummer Jason Bonham (son of the late John Bonham who played at the Zeppelin reunion in late 2007) and guitarist Jimmy Page entertained the thought of a short reunion tour, even in the absence of singer Robert Plant, who shunned the idea from the outset.

According the 63 year old bassist, however, that idea has gone permanently by the wayside after auditions with a few session vocalists proved uninspiring - and while it may be bummer for fans, Jones isn't going to lose any sleep.

"Jimmy and I rehearsed a bit with Jason Bonham and we couldn't really agree on singers and that fell by the wayside," Jones said in an interview with BBC 6 Music. "Then this came along and to be honest, I'm really happy."

Jones will continue to play and tour with Them Crooked Vultures, and Jason Bonham will continue his various drumming projects.

- Alec Wooden

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

1.5 million steps to go - A detailed look inside the Georgia Theatre (with photos)

2009-10-30T12:35:00.000-04:00

Wilmot Greene is pointing around the charred shell of the Georgia Theatre, describing the nuances of his rebuilding plans ("The elevator will be there," "A top to bottom staircase is going to be right here, leading up to the roof") when his cell phone rings.

"Sorry, gotta take this one," he says, and answers with his usual "What's up buddy?" to the caller.

The caller is indeed a "buddy," and none other than Zac Brown, the namesake of the seemingly overnight mega-huge country group Zac Brown Band, who's gearing up for a major Georgia Theatre Benefit concert the following night at Atlanta's Fox Theatre.

Welcome to the new life of those involved with the Georgia Theatre - four months of what has seemed like a never ending string of "I gotta take this" that began in the early morning hours of June 19 when fire tore through the iconic Athens landmark, leaving nothing but an unscathed marquee and four compromised walls. First came the well-wishers, then the benefit concerts (so many, infact, they were turned away until a proper place for the money was extablished), the press, fire inspectors, insurance agents, contractors, funds, trusts, societies - it's been quite the four months.

It's hard, actually, to believe it's been four months as you stand inside the nearly empty remains of the building, underneath no roof and trying to retrace an recreate paths from scores of shows seen here. But the emptiness is progress, signifying the rebuilding that became official last week when The Athens Historic Preservation Commission granted Greene formal permission to begin resurrection work. The next step for the Theatre crew is securing th proper permits for the actual rebuilding process (which has been set in motion) and then, of course, raising the estimated $1.5 million dollars needed to bring the music back to the building.

"The building was only insured for the value that it was," says Ivy Le of Jackson Spalding Public Relations, "but the way that it was was up to 1930's code. So if we were to rebuild it just the way it was, we legally couldn't even open the doors."

But what exactly is so expensive?

"Just as one example - remember how there were two bathrooms?" asks Lee rhetorically. "Per the new regulations, we've got to build 28 bathrooms in here. If you've ever renovated your own house, you know bathrooms are pretty expensive. When this is all over, they're still going to take on more than 2 million dollars of debt, but that's about all they can bear in order to open the doors."

For Greene's part, he's more or less back to his old playful self (and it's admirable - courageous, really - how little of that old self he ever lost through this entire ordeal), and he can't help but contain his excitement in sharing small details from the new plans, including those of the new stage (it will go wall to wall) the new dressing rooms (up a flight of stairs in the house right corner of the building) and, one of the largest differences, an increased capacity.

"The main floor is really similar to what it was (in capacity)," he begins, "but the balcony will be almost twice what it was. Before it was rated by the number of seats up there, now it's rated by square footage."

He added that the elimination of the restrooms bhind the balcony seats will also allow the level to stretch all the way to the back wall.

"It's only about three feet further out [towards the stage]," he says, "But it probably goes about 15 feet further back. That's gonna seat a lot more people."

Four months in, roughly fourteen to go. A few challenges out of the way, but still about 1.5 million to go.

"1.5 million dollars, in the big picture, isn't that much money," continues Le. "But for an Athens business, it is. But if you figure about 100,000 people see a show here every year, and each of them gives $15? We're there. We'll be partying on the rooftop, New Year's Eve 2011."

- Alec Wooden

-----------------------

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is the not-for-profit organization accepting tax-deductible donations on behalf of the rebuilding efforts - click here to give online!
In addition, there various levels of paid sponsorship for those willing to give. Those levels can be viewed here.

All photos displayed in this story were taken by Alyssa DeHayes. Her entire set can be viewed here.

Canadian folk singer attacked & killed by coyotes

2009-10-30T00:22:00.001-04:00

Canadian national park officials announced that up-and-coming folk singer Taylor Mitchell was attacked and killed by coyotes on Tuesday afternoon. It was reported that Mitchell was at the head of a trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia when the animals attacked.

Officials were alerted to the attack by a hiker who saw Mitchell and the coyotes and proceeded to call 911. Although she was taken to a hospital, Mitchell died hours later. She was just 19 years old.

The singer, who had taken a break from touring to go hiking Tuesday, was nominated for young performer of the year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards and self-released her first full length album, For Your Consideration, in March of this year.

Park officials stated that the area in which Mitchell was attacked is popular with hikers, and they have been trying to hunt down the aggressive coyotes. So far one animal believed to be responsible for Mitchell's death has been shot and killed. Mitchell's mother Emily released a statement that said her daughter "wouldn't have wanted [the coyotes'] demise, especially as a result of her own. She was passionate about animals, was an environmentalist. . ."

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Off the Rails" by The Notwist

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: Anya Marina

2009-10-29T22:25:00.002-04:00

Anya Marina got her start in the music industry being a disc jockey in San Diego. Soon after, she took the stage at open mic nights and began writing her own songs. In 2005, Marina released a five-song EP titled Exercises in Racketeering. Six tracks became a full-length LP that resulted in Miss Halfway. She was named one of the “Best Unsigned” acts by the San Diego CityBeat, and she began opening for acts like Jason Mraz and Rhett Miller.

In 2009, she released her second album Slow &steady Seduction: Pase II, which was produced by Brian Karscig from Louis XIV and Britt Daniel from Spoon. This summer, Marina won3San Diego Music Awards, nabbing Artist of The Year.

A year ago, I had the privilege of seeing Miss Halfway in action at our own Tasty World. A quaint appearance— she was only accompanied by her guitar and an ipod—and sultry voice captivated the crowd. She was also very comfortable on stage, often asking questions, telling stories – and complimenting my outfit. Her cozy demeanor was translated in her songs, tracks like “All The Same to Me” and “Vertigo” were purred rather than forcibly sung.

Resembling one of the Twilight cast herself, Marina’s song "Satellite Heart" is featured on the New Moon soundtrack—a feat that will surely give acclaim to her sexy-and-sweet style.

--Ashley Thompson
Currently listening to “Afterparty At Jimmy’s” by Anya Marina

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

Jon Guthrie Benefit Show at Caledonia tomorrow

2009-10-29T17:33:00.000-04:00

The Athens music community was shocked and saddened by the untimely death of local musician Jon Guthrie back in September. At only 26 years old, Guthrie had been making music and performing live for over a decade, leaving an indelible mark on this Athens.

To celebrate his memory, several bands and friends of the late Guthrie will be putting on the John Guthrie Benefit Show Friday night at the Caledonia Lounge. It will be a night of high-energy music with Athens punk bands Guff, Thunderchief, So It Goes! and Burns Like Fire performing.

In addition to the music there will be a raffle offering the chance to win gift certificates to local businesses. The event was put together to raise funds for the Jon Guthrie Memorial Fund.

The show costs $8 (18-20) or $6 (21+), and doors open at 9:30.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Tournament of Waves" by The Inner Banks

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

U2 to perform for 20th anniversary of Berlin Wall take down

2009-10-29T16:44:00.001-04:00

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Although it's a widely known facts that Germans can't get enough of David Hasselhoff, it was U2, not the former "Baywatch" babe, that was chosen to play a historic concert in commemoration of the fall next week.

On November 5, U2 will perform live at the Brandenburg Gate — the historic Berlin landmark that once marked the doorway between the divided East and West Berlins. Its likely that the guys from U2 will be playing songs from 1991's Achtung, Baby, which was inspired by the city and partially recorded in a Berlin studio.

The performance will be part of the MTV Europe Music Awards. The concert's free tickets became available Wed. morning on a first come, first serve basis and are already sold out. This show will be just one the cities extensive "Fall of the Wall" festivities, especially for this milestone 20th anniversary.

The MTV Europe Music Awards will air November 11.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Last Summer" by Pete Yorn

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

Your Top 20 of 2009

2009-10-29T16:15:00.000-04:00

Dear Readers,

Well, we've flipped the calendar to October - which means, in the publishing world, we've essentially flipped the calendar to December. That's right...it's already time to think about our end of the year issue!

Our last issue of '09 hits on December 1st, and in it will be a comprehensive 2009 in Review spread. And now you've got a chance to become a part of it! Starting today, and running through November 1 (this Sunday!), we'll be collecting reader data on your Top 20 albums of 2009.

So...get started! And don't worry, you'll be getting plenty more annoying emails and messages from us reminding you of the deadline. And hey - if you already have your 20, feel free to send them on as early as you want!

The requirements:
1) obviously, the record has to have a 2009 release date.
2) you MUST rank them from worst to first, 20 to 1. We'll be calculating everyone's answer on a point system - so if they're not ranked, we can't count them.
3) Include a one sentence reason as to WHY your #1 is your number 1.

That's it! Get reviewing and send your 2009 Top 20 to editorial@athensblur.com before November 1!

Lilith Fair returns in 2010

2009-10-28T23:25:00.000-04:00

Fem rock fanatics of the world, brace yourselves. Sarah McLachlan and a traveling troupe of female artists will unite in the summer of 2010 for the rebirth of Lilith Fair. The late '90s girl power music fest boasted genre spanning acts such as Sheryl Crow, Lisa Loeb, Missy Elliot, Martina McBride and Tegan and Sara during its run from '97-'99.

Although it was announced months ago that Lilith will be back on in 2010, a list of the first cities that will be hit by the girl band whirlwind was just posted on the web yesterday. What's the first city, you ask? That would be Atlanta. Other than a list of cities, there are no other definite details concerning dates of the Fair's lineup.

The Fair strives to promote female artists while raising money to help other women. Lilith raises funds for various women's charities and reportedly earned more than $10 million during its three year run.

In light of the Fair's in progress resurrection, its are offering fans a free download of Sarah McLachlan and Emmylou Harris performing McLachlan's hit "Angel" at the '99 Lilith Fair.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Tap the Old Bell" by Shelley Short

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

Show Pick of the Day: Chris Mckay & the Critical Darlings

2009-10-28T19:52:00.002-04:00

If you haven’t had the privilege of experiencing Chris Mckay &the Critical Darlings, I'm truly sorry. But there’s hope for you yet. McKay and his Darlings will be in Athens tonight! Their silky vocals and electric guitar riffs merge the familiar and daring to create a power- pop- throwback sound the world’s not heard before.

In 2004, Chris McKay scratched an itch to be back in a band after embarking on a solo career and formed The Critical Darlings. McKay and Frank Defreese endured success most bands wait years to achieve, and “only accepted invitations” for gigs during their first year together.

The quartet (now with Joe Orr and Josh Harrison) released their second album Satisfactionista in 2008. The album --which has scored rave reviews from some of Athen’s own-- was produced by David Barbe, whose clients include R.E.M., Drive-By Truckers and Betty Lavette. David Bowie’s pianist Mike Garson collaborated on the track "Something Unseen" along with Drive-By Trucker’s Brad Morgan who plays the drums.

If you’ve heard the Darlings, I don’t have to tell you who their biggest influences are (THE BEATLES, The Who, The Sex Pistols). And they are indeed adding another name to the long list of successful bands hailing from the Classic City.

On their latest venture, the band asked fans to rate their songs, this highest rated making the cut for the upcoming album. You can hear all the tunes on their official website. However, with the band being in our backyard this evening, I suggest booking it to the Calodenia Lounge to catch this rip-roaring group in action.

--Ashley Thompson
Currently listening “Sadder Day” by Chris McKay & the Critical Darlings
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: Dead Man's Bones

2009-10-28T15:04:00.001-04:00

Just in time for Halloween!

Dead Man’s Bones sounds like it may be some sort of death metal/goth rock with roaring vocals and a lead singer that may bite the heads off of bats, but the name of the band couldn’t be more misleading.

In actuality, Dead Man’s is what I like to call the indie goth-rock folk stylings of actor-turned-musician Ryan Gosling and his right hand man, actor Zach Shields. Together with the Silverlake Conservatory of Music Children’s Choir, a music education facility based in Los Angeles that was co-founded by Red Hot Chili Pepper’s Flea, the group has made a debut record (released Oct. 6) that is extremely unique and ghoulishly entertaining.

With over half of the band’s tracks from their self-titled debut featuring The Silverlake Conservatory of Music's Childrens Choir, an important question is raised: How does Dead Man’s Bones go on tour when the bulk of their music uses children ages five to 17?

The answer: By using children’s choirs from the different cities that they visit.

Pitchfork interviewed the band earlier in the year and Gosling offered his insight into their unusual touring idea:

“I think it'll keep it interesting for us, because every time we'll get to work with new kids and get new ideas and hopefully tailor each performance to that experience," Gosling said. "And, you know, we can't play bars with kids, so we'll have to put together a night-time version of our act, which we're working on. I think we're excited about that, we're excited about how many different ways we can dress it up, with different kinds of choirs and artists, and it should be interesting."

It was also announced that instead of having a band for the opening act, every show will open with each city’s own local talent show. Fliers were sent out prior to each performance asking for “Sword swallowers, tap dancers, magicians, impersonators, kid bands, and anyone with a talent of any kind to display.” They also mentioned that Halloween-inspired acts would get the preferential treatment. Understandable.

Currently, there are no dates slated for the Southern region of the United States, nor the Eastern region, but given time to work out the kinks and give this new style of touring a test run, hopefully DMB will be making their way to the Classic City some time in the near future.

There are already two videos available online that feature songs from Dead Man’s Bones’ album, one; a live recording of The Silverlake Conservatory of Music Children’s Choir, Gosling and Shields singing “In the Room Where You Sleep” as well as an eerie music video of "Dead Hearts" that follows a mechanized walking wishbone around a world of burning houses, horse spirits and human toys. Both of these can be viewed on the groups Myspace page.

So, Trick or Treat? Dead Man’s Bones is a hands down Treat, between Gosling’s surprising deep, classic vocals, and the refreshingly new style of indie rock, these are definitely tunes that are a hauntingly fun listen, even after All Hallows’ Eve.

Zombies, Werewolves, Vampires, College Students and Banshees alike --- Check ‘em out!

Who's Who: Ryan Gosling (Vocals, piano, guitar) Zach Shields (vocals, drums, guitar) The Silverlake Conservatory of Music Children's Choir

Formed: 2007

Label: Anti Records/ Werewolf Hearts Records

Latest Release: Dead Man's Bones (2009)

On the Web: www.deadmansbones.net

- Jessica Cole

Currently Listening to: “Pa Pa Power” by Dead Man’s Bones

NEW Taylor Swift on DWTS

2009-10-28T12:04:00.000-04:00

There’s no doubting Taylor Swift has become a country-pop sensation as she continuously graces the stage on popular music television and award shows. But following last week’s monumental Michael Jackson tribute, Swift made her second appearance on Dancing With The Stars as a guest performer during a professional dance. Though DWTS has lost some of its hype with mediocre stars like failed pop artist Aaron Carter, appearing on the show has some holy-like stigma attached to it still.

What do you think of “Jump Then Fall?” Swift seems to have hit the nail on the head once again. This song’s lyrics speak to pretty much everyone, and the arrangement gets your head bopping while your hearts stopping — cliché, but oh so catchy.

Swift has gained a following worthy of a holy-like stigma, as she continues to bang out hit after hit on her jewel-studded array of acoustic guitars. She is something of a Harry Potter franchise established in the music world — whether its for her precious tunes, her fairy-tale sense of style, or her sweet and impenetrable disposition, this girl is going places, and she’s taking her growing fanbase with her.

-Marie Baginski
Currently listening to “Jump Then Fall” 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

Listen to 'The Georgia Theatre Special' on radio this week

2009-10-28T08:49:00.000-04:00

This week you can listen to "The Georgia Theatre Special" featuring music an interview with Georgia Theatre owner Wilmot Greene to learn more about the history of the beloved Theatre and more about the rebuilding process.

On two different TAIT Radio shows — Radio JimmyDreamz and SandBar Radio — this week, tune in to hear Wilmot Greene discuss the Theatre preservation effort.

Since the landmark establishment caught fire in June, the Athens community has banded together in support of the rebuild project, and Greene needs all the help he can get to get the Theatre back on its feet.

The Theatre is a fixture of the Athens music scene, hosting countless big name acts before the fire destroyed the building's interior.
You can access both radio shows online for free. Here are the show times for today through Sunday:

Radio JimmyDreamz

Wednesday - 9:00 AM - October 28, 2009

Thursday - 11:59 PM - Ocober 29, 2009

Saturday - 8:00 PM - October 31, 2009

SandBar Radio

Friday - 8:00 PM - October 30, 2009

Sunday - 7:00 PM - November 1, 2009

And if you want more information on the Georgia Theatre and other fundraising events, visit their website here.

-Kristen Callihan

currently listening to "Heartbeats" by The Knife

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

Pavement to play Primavera Fest

2009-10-28T00:15:00.000-04:00

As we told you back in September, influential and long-broken-up indie rock band Pavement plans to reunite for a number of live shows around the world next year. Fans have been waiting for this reunion for a long time, and now it's time to add another show to the list. It was just announced that the band will headline Barcelona's Primavera Sound Festival in May.

The festival featured a diverse range of acts last year, from Neil Young to Wavves. This will be Primavera's 10th year and the festival will be taking place from May 27-29.

The first reunion shows announced by the band — a series of shows in NYC starting on Sept. 21, 2010 — sold out within minutes of going on sale, so there's no doubt that tickets to Primavera will go quickly. If you're lucky enough to know that you'll be in the greater Barcelona area in late May, pick up a ticket asap. If not, keep your fingers crossed for a more extensive Pavement reunion tour.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Crooked Lust" by Bowerbirds

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

Ghouls Gone Wild Halloween Party

2009-10-27T18:42:00.001-04:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year — Halloween. The big day is nearly upon us, and while thousands of Athenians will make the pilgrimage to the football Mecca that is Jacksonville, Fla., many others will stay in town to celebrate the creepiest holiday of the year.

It's not hard to find a good time on Halloween in Athens, with parades and parties and hordes of costumed people walking the streets of downtown. And this Halloween will see the return of dance party maestros Krush Girls at the 40 Watt for their Ghouls Gone Wild Party. Freaky!

This will be Krush Girls' first appearance in Athens in 10 months, and both of the DJ duo's original members will perform at GGW. Three cover bands will also featured at Saturday's party: Black Francis (Pixies covers), Gary's Got a Boner (The Replacements covers) and The Heap (P-Funk covers).

Doors open at 9 p.m. and the cost is $6. Krush Girls will hit the stage at midnight.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Monster Mash" on repeat

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: Joanna Newsom

2009-10-27T17:46:00.001-04:00

Joanna Newsom has been a critical darling since releasing her first album, The Milk-Eyed Mender, in 2004. Her psych-folk is driven by beautiful harp plucking, setting it apart from its contemporaries. Mixing her non traditional harp playing, lyrics about beetles, sprouts and beans and eerie childlike voice, the 27-year-old creates a sound that is both strange and captivating.

Mender was followed up by 2006's Ys, an even more inventive offering. Ys' tracks are centered on a fictional land in France that is destroyed by the sea and features Newsom backed by a full orchestra, adding to the album's epic tone. This album gained even more critical accliam for Newsom and was included in countless "best of" lists for 2006.

And since this well-received album, Newsom has given us nothing. Or at least no new albums. It's been three years since the release of Ys, and Newsom has not produced another full length album, although she has debuted new material at a number of shows. And the she's featured in MGMT's "Kids" video.

Newsom just announced yesterday that she'll be back on the musical horse, hitting the road in January for a new tour. So, there's some good news and some bad news. The bad news is the tour is in Australia. The good news is this tour may mean a new album is on the way from the singer-songwriter. Looks like you'll have to stay tuned for more news on future albums and/or U.S. tours from this indie minstrel.

Check her out as she acts the part of a spoiled mom in the "Kids" video:

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Peach, Plum, Pear" by Joanna Newsom

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

Zac Brown Band (& Co.) Benefit Georgia Theatre THIS Friday

2009-10-27T12:30:00.000-04:00

The Zac Brown Band and The Georgia Theatre are old pals. The six-piece band from Dahlonega, Ga. first played at The Theatre when they opened for the band Brighter Shade, of which bassist John Hopkins was a member. Most people around Athens know the band from hearing them at the beloved Georgia Theatre; it’s the place that helped the ZBB establish a loyal fan base. The last appearance ZBB had at The Theatre was during the same week “Chicken Fried” reached the No. 1 spot on the charts. Now, the band wants to lend a helping hand (or fist full of money) to the venue which helped them achieve such enormous success.

With the GATH currently displaying “intermission” on its marquee, the official announcement that The Theatre will, in fact, be rebuilt after the devastating fire which gutted the venue came with a sigh of relief last week. However, building the famous venue to code (& better) will cost something to the tune of $3 million. The Theatre is asking for any and all help people can afford to send their way, and bands like ZBB are definitely extending their generosity.

“My band and many others have come up playing there,” Brown said in a statement the band released. “That building means far more to us, and the community, then its brick and mortar foundation. We want to make sure that it gets proper funding so we can rebuild it better than it was.”

The show is at the “fabulous” Fox Theatre this Friday and is reportedly featuring some very special guests, guests I’m not privy to announce (Little Big Town, Shawn Mullins, Aslyn and Oliver Wood). Tickets are $100 and can be purchased on the Georgia Theatre’s official website.

So, if you’re not trucking it down to Jacksonville this weekend, head to the Fox for a good cause and great music.

--Ashley Thompson

Currently listening to “Toes” by Zac Brown 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

Los Campesinos! 'Romance is Boring'

2009-10-26T18:10:00.000-04:00

Los Campesinos! are a delightful bunch of Cardiff University (Wales) students that were called together in 2006 to deliver indie- pop tunes to the masses.

Their latest creation, Romance is Boring, is scheduled for release on CD, digital and vinyl (take your pick) February 10, 2010 on Wichita.

It’s produced by John Goodmanson, the guy who also produced We are Beautiful, We are Doomed .The album features Xiu Xiu’s amie Stewart, Parenthetical Girl’s Zac Pennington, and the Dead Science’s Jherek Bischoff.

Romance is Boring covers an array of topics, from rotting corps to athletics. On their website, they stated:

“It is a record about the death and decay or the human body, sex, lost love, mental breakdown, football and, ultimately, that there probably isn’t a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Elevating.

Don’t pull out your Prozac just yet. The new album’s lyrics are just as imaginative as ever with titles like “A Heat Rash in the Shape of the Show Me State; or, Letters from Me to Charlotte.” Los Campesinos! are currently on tour in the UK and blasting new songs to a ton of eager ears.

If you haven’t been acquainted with LC!, I’ll introduce you:

Here’s the tracklisting for Romance is Boring:

In Medias Res
There are Listed Buildings
Romance is Boring
We’ve Got Your Back (Documented minor emotional breakdown # 2)
Plan Q
200-102
Straight in at 101
Who Fell Asleep In
I Warned You:Do not Make an Enemy of Me
Heart Swells/100-1
A Heat Rash in the Shape of the Show Me State; or Letters From Me to Charlotte
The Sea is a Good Place to Think of the Future
This is a Flag There is No Wind

--Ashley Thompson
currently listening to "We are Beautiful, We are Doomed" by Los Campesinos!

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

Morrissey collapses on stage

2009-10-26T16:31:00.000-04:00

British rocker and former Smith's frontman Morrissey collapsed onstage Saturday night during a show in Swindon, England . After performing his first song of the night, "This Charming Man," Moz collapsed and had to be carried off stage by his band. He was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for respiratory issues. He was released from the hospital Sunday morning.

Concertgoers were not happy to see the iconic rocker's show cut short. Morrissey is notorious for canceling his shows, and, according to reports, there was booing from the audience as the unconscious Morrissey was taken off stage.

So far only one other date on Morrissey's current tour has been canceled -- tonight's show that was scheduled to take place at Bournemouth’s Opera House.

Morrissey is scheduled to carry this tour through Europe and then hit the U.S. for a West Coast tour in November and December. Hopefully his health will hold up and ticket holders will get to see what they paid for.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "N.Y. Song" by Modern Skirts

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

Open Mic Night Round 2 starts tonight at Rye Bar!

2009-10-26T15:30:00.005-04:00

The second round of The Athens Blur Magazine and Rye Bar's Epic Open Mic Night starts 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 have 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!

Sublime reunion under fire

2009-10-23T23:11:00.000-04:00

As we told you early last month, '90s surfer reggae rock group Sublime will reunite at the Cyprus Hill Smokeout Festival in San Bernandino, Cali., this weekend. The group has been broken up since 1996, and there's just one little snag preventing a full-on reunion: frontman Brad Nowell passed away from a drug overdose 13 years ago.

So this reunited Sublime actually consists of two thirds of the original members. Sublime's bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Floyd ‘Bud’ Gaugh and the newly added singer Rome Ramirez (a.k.a. Todd Rundgren) are the new Sublime. And Nowell's family is not very happy about this reworked version of the band.

In a statement on Sublime's web site, Nowell's family said they do not condone the use of the name Sublime by the trio of Wilson, Gaugh and Ramirez. Backing up this decision, the family also said, "Prior to his untimely passing, both Bud and Eric acknowledged that Brad Nowell was the sole owner of the name Sublime. It was Brad's expressed intention that no one use the name Sublime in any group that did not include him, and Brad even registered the trademark ‘Sublime’ under his own name."

The family also stated that although they support Wilson and Gaugh in their musical endeavors, they want o respect Nowell's wishes and will take legal action against the use of the name Sublime.

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "We Are Nowhere and It's Now" by Bright Eyes

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

Take a Trip to Little Tybee

2009-10-23T17:53:00.002-04:00

It’s a crisp 70-degree Sunday afternoon. The windows in your car are down and the tangerine-colored sun has dropped into your peripheral as the road behind becomes a winding blur of the week’s hardships. You take a deep breath, sucking in the pure and effortless voice of Brock Scott and exhaling with smile only echoed by quartet’s piano-driven melodies. Ah, yes-- perfect days are what Little Tybee’s all about.

Just an infant, Little Tybee was formed during the chilled months in Atlanta, Ga. in 2009. Named after Little Tybee Island, Ga., the band delivers the “rich coastal marshes and pristine beaches” via a masterful arrangement of piano, violin, synthesizer and guitar.

I Wonder Which House The Fish Will Live In, Little Tybee’s first—as this is the time for firsts-- EP, was recorded over just four days in Brock’s downtown apartment in Atlanta. The group teamed up with artist Jason Kofke to create original design for the album art.

The band’s first LP, Building A Bomb, is due for release next month. Keeping with the craftsmanship of, well, their craft, they recruited Kofke again to produce made-with-love covers for the upcoming album.

Next time you’re in the need of a little stay-cation, just pop in LT for some R&R.

Who’s Who:

Ryan Gregory-violin, percussion, vox

Brock Scott-vocals, Synth and Piano

Josh Martin-Electric guitar

--Ashley Thompson

Currently listening to Little Tybee

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

Them Crooked Vultures album due out next month

2009-10-23T16:28:00.000-04:00

The latest supergroup to hit the rock 'n roll scene, Them Crooked Vultures finally announced that its self titled debut album will be released November 17th. Fans of members Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) and John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) have been anxiously awaiting this album since the band's live debut back in August.

Since that first show in August, Them Crooked Vultures has been touring throughout Europe and the U.S. promoting the yet to be released album.

There are 13 tracks featured on the disc:

“No One Loves Me & Neither Do I”
“Mind Eraser, No Chaser”
“New Fang”
“Dead End Friends”
“Elephants”
“Scumbag Blues”
“Bandoliers”
“Reptiles”
“Interlude With Ludes”
“Warsaw or The First Breath You Take After You Give Up”
“Caligulove”
“Gunman”
“Spinning In Daffodils”

Check out this video clip for the track "Scumbag Blues:"

-Kristen Callihan
currently listening to "Needle & Damage Done" by Neil 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

Rihanna's New Album Gets an 'R-Rating'

2009-10-23T15:44:00.000-04:00

The cover for for Rihanna’s new single from her upcoming album Rated-R looks borderline Rated-X but hey, the girl is growing up. Good girl gone bad seems like an understatement.

After 6 months worth of “bad” publicity with the whole Chris Brown debacle, Rihanna is finally in the press for something besides domestic violence (and it’s a breath of fresh air). It’s been over two years since Rihanna’s summer anthem “Umbrella” hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and after a few guest appearances on singles such as Jay-Z’s “Run this Town”, the pop star is back with a more mature album set to release on November 23.

Chuck Harmony, one of the producer’s of Rated-R, talked about what fans can expect of the new album:

“I think Rihanna has captured what her old fans are used to, as well as the growth of an artist. “Russian Roulette” [first single from album], to me, is a shining example of her growth and her artistic expression,”

“I was actually shocked I got the first single ’cause the album is so great. The way it’s unfolding is so genius. Like, ‘The wait is ova’ [message on her site]. I was waiting too. I wanted to see the cover, I wanted to hear the song. It’s one of those records where you just don’t know. It’s not a faith record. It’s one of those thought-provoking records.”

The record’s producer sure thinks highly of Rihanna’s new effort (of course) but the only way to really tell is for the fans and skeptics to take a listen. http://www.myspace.com/rihanna

And just for the fun of it, here's a picture of Rihanna when she was rated G.

Awww.

- Jessica Cole

Currently Listening to: "My Body's a Zombie for You" by Dead Man's Bones

Accidentals And Noteworthy Benefit Concert @ UGA Chapel

2009-10-23T12:40:00.001-04:00

If you’ve never been to a music concert at the UGA Chapel, it is an aesthetic experience to say the least. The Chapel dates back to the beginnings of UGA (1785) and its historical feel and ancient acoustics make for a pleasing and unconventional music venue.

The UGA Chapel will play host to UGA acapella groups The Accidentals and Noteworthy in a benefit concert tonight. Though tickets have been sold the past few days in Tate Plaza, the chance to get a seat at the concert is still available. The remaining unsold tickets will be available at the door.

Doors open at 8:00PM — get there early if you still need tickets — and the show will run until about 9:30PM. All ticket sale proceeds will go to support AIDS Walk/Run Athens, a student run non-profit organization, and its fight against HIV/AIDS in Athens and Northeast Georgia.

This is a great place to take a Friday night date! Come hear the extraordinary talent of both The Accidentals and Noteworthy and help out a good cause.

The UGA Chapel is located on North Campus just through The Arches.

-Marie Baginski
Currently listening to “Ode to LRC” by Band of Horses

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