Artist of the Day: Phoenix

Hailing from good old Paris, France, Phoenix exudes a fresh sound among the overpopulated indie alternative rock genre. The four french boys formed in 1999, having released four albums to date. Their highly anticipated fifth record, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, will be released worldwide on May 25. The band made an appearance on SNL this past April and will be trotting the globe this summer, including dates at Bonnaroo in June and Austin City Limits in October. If you're not already listening to Phoenix, you should be. Check out "Lisztomania," the first single from Phoenix's forthcoming album.

Who's Who: Thomas Mars (vocals),  Deck D'Arcy (bass), Laurent Brancowitz (guitar), Christian Mazzalai (guitar)

Formed: 1999 in Versailles, France

Label: indie

On the Web: www.wearephoenix.com

-Kristen Lee

Currently listening to  "Lisztomania" by Phoenix

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  HYPERLINK "mailto:editorial@athensblur.com" editorial@athensblur.com

Live Review: Hightide Blues

The Hightide Blues put on a good show at the Georgia Theatre last night, but unfortunately the timing of the show wasn’t quite as good. It’s not their fault they were booked on a rainy Wednesday night during finals in Athens.  

Their rousing southern rock would have been an absolute blast on a blurry Friday night in a crowded room.  All that being said, these guys are extremely good at what they do.  They are impressive musicians, and they definitely put on a good show.  With an engaging presence and songs that make you wanna grab a partner and dance, the Blues played some of the best good ole-fashioned southern rock I’ve heard in a while.  Think whiskey, heartbreakin’ women, and red dirt.

They played a lot of new songs with a frantic energy that had the sweat flying in the lights.  The highlight of the night was “Top of the World” with its driving drums and singer Paul McDonald free to really unleash the gravelly growling side of his voice.  A close second was “4:15” in the first half of the set.  

The Blues delivered exactly what I expected, but I must say that the highlight of my night at the Theatre was the first opener Birds and Wire.  Lead singer Lera’s voice sounds like a slightly grittier Norah Jones.  The blues that came out of the girl’s mouth were simply astounding.

-Lindsey Lee

Currently listening to: “4:15”” by Hightide Blues

Photo: Alyssa DeHayes

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

XOXO...Gossip girl has a band

Last month we told you about Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester getting a record deal.  Now her GG castmate Taylor Momsen (Little J) is embarking on music as well.

The 15-year-old is fronting The Pretty Reckless, whose release via Interscope will be out in the fall.  The gossip girl will be playing opening gigs for The Veronicas this summer.

Momsen has co-writing credits on the album, apparently.  Check out the band’s first live performance.  What do you think? Should she stick to acting?

-Lindsey Lee

Currently listening to: “Peng! 33” by Iron and Wine

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

Mad Bicycle Skills

This was too awesome not to pass along... Enjoy.

--Will Hackett

Not currently listening to anything and procrastinating in the library!

R.E.M. to Reissue Reckoning

R.E.M. will continue its reissuing rampage with the 25th Anniversary Deluxe edition of their second album, 1984's Reckoning on June 23. Similar to last year's reissue of Murmur, it will be a two-disc set and will feature a live show taped at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago on July 17, 1984. The show contains eight tracks from Reckoning and older songs like "Gardening At Night," "Radio Free Europe" and "Sitting Still." The original cut of Reckoning reached number 27 in the US and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1991. 

-Kristen Lee

Currently listening to "So. Central Rain" 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  HYPERLINK "mailto:editorial@athensblur.com" editorial@athensblur.com

Rock feud squashed: Lips’ frontman apologizes for his Arcade Fire diss

Refresher course on the rock battle of 2009:

Round 1: Wayne Coyne calls Arcade fire pompous, says “they really treat people like shit,” including their crew and audience. He says, “They have good tunes, but they’re pricks, so fuck ‘em.”

Round 2: Win Butler writes a wordy letter (oddly, a little pompous) saying, “Unless I was way more jet-lagged then I remember, I hope I was less of a "prick" then telling Rolling Stone that a bunch of people I don't know at all are really assholes.”

Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips averted Round 3, is now stepping outside of the ring to apologize (indirectly, via Entertainment Weekly) and put the beef to bed, saying:

“I didn't necessarily mean it about the people in the Arcade Fire. I meant it about the guys that were running their stages at a couple of festivals. I wish whatever had been said wouldn't have been taken as such a defiant statement from the Flaming Lips, because it wasn't...I really feel bad about it. I like enough of their music. The idea that I'm somehow against them...I'm not!"

Really though, calling someone a prick and saying they treat people like shit…That’s no reason for people to infer that you are somehow against them, is it?

Remember, when you grow up and become famous rock stars, try not to take yourself so seriously…

-Julie McCollum

Listening to: “I’ve Got Friends” by the Manchester 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

Artist of the Day - The Minor Kings

The earliest memories of Alex and Ryan Hall’s infancy encompass music; whether by choice or by fate, their father, Jimmy Hall, was incessantly touring with his band, Wet Willie. While the brothers were babbling their first words, Greg Allman, Jeff Beck and Hank Williams Jr. were bouncing the curly headed blondes on their unconscious knee. Despite the musical family and inherent ties, the duo didn’t pursue a true effort to make music until a mutual friend, who was dying of cancer, urged them to form a band. After cancer took Vann Webb at the young age of 22, Ryan circumvented his pursuit of a pre-medical degree at Vanderbilt and honed in on his keyboard skills. Alex (a fellow Bulldog), likewise, sharpened his vocal skills; and guitarist Chris Smith finally exposed his Frusciante-esque guitar skills to the world. With every melody, through each improvisation and by way of genuine love for rock and roll, the Minor Kings kick ass. Whether to honor their friend Van, to incorporate Jimmy’s precedent or to establish their own image, Ryan, Alex, Chris, Danimal and Miles have it in their hearts to write and to perform.

Along the way, the Minor Kings have toured all over the East Coast and are currently working on their LP Rock the Body Language. The 12-song long play, which is to be released in three installments, consisting 4-song’s each, is being produced in Nashville by Brian Virtue (Jane’s Addiction, 30 Seconds to Mars); and Part I, “The Fetal Position” is now available to download for FREE on their website (see below). The first track, “Slow Motion Centerfold,” circumvents and reinvents your old preconceptions of lyrical rock. It’s the natural and pure conception of love, life and the pursuit of happiness that allows their music to thrive. The 4-song LP chews you up with its riffs, raffs, and handclaps and spits you out into a refreshing pool of originality. Be sure to check the Minor Kings out on May 14th in Nashville at 12th and Porter. See ya’ll there and keep it real.

Who’s Who: Alex Hall (lead vocals), Ryan Hall (keyboard, synthesizers, rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Chris Smith (lead guitar), Danimal (bass), and Miles McPherson (drums)
Formed: 2005 in Nashville, Tennessee
Latest Release: Rock the Body Language EP, Part 1: “The Fetal Position”
Label: None
Website: www.theminorkings.com

--Will Hackett
Currently listening to “My Own Good” by Louis

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

FWD: Textiquette

There’s a pesky epidemic sweeping the mobile community. It’s called mass-texting. Musicians and other shameless self-promoters will often drop the mass-text the day before, of, or after a show in an effort to “get people out.” Sometimes it’s your friend. Maybe it’s the girl from Harmony class. Often, it will be a random number and you have to ask someone, ‘What the heck is the area code 513?’ After years of being a notorious mass-texter myself, I have realized certain rules—nay—guidelines, that validate a sense of courtesy, and in a sense, strategy, in the implementation of the mass-text: 

1. You’re allowed (1) mass text message for a gig. Forget about the two days before, one day before, morning of, or the classic “Hey! We’re starting in a bit! Head on over.” People know the game, and are short on patience as it is. Send the solitary mass-text on the day of the show as a reminder, and end the madness.
2. Be Succinct. In the past semester, I got a handful of mass-texts that were three messages in length. My cell phone went nuts—ding, ding, ding— and I made the mistake of thinking I was popular and/or loved by three separate friends. Nope. I was not only being invited to Poetry Slam, but also given specific details, and an elaborate emotional reflection of how much it would mean to the texting party if I showed up, and of course, the “C U there” tagline. OMG, texters. Here’s the format: Event/venue/time/sign off. Keep it to one message’s length, or even one screen’s length if applicable.
3. No ‘Thanks for Coming!’ mass-texts. Under no circumstance should you ever send the “Hey everyone. Thanks for coming out. It was a blast.” There are ways to disguise it (e.g. using ‘man’ or ‘dude’ instead of ‘everyone’) that will fool a handful of naïve Nokia users, but it’s still not recommended (It’s also a notorious Facebook inbox clogger. Put it as your status, and move on with your life).
4. Erase the ‘FWD:’ prefix. The one that is automatically added to most mobile devices upon forwarding a mass-text after you’ve reached your 10-contact quota. It doesn’t take long, and seasoned mass-texters appreciate the courtesy.
5. Lose the emoticons. If your LCD reads “Come see my band at TT’s tonight. We’re on at 10 =P ,” does the little tonguey smiley guy make you want to come show your support that much more? No sir. It’s irksome even without the emoticon, and has the potential to lose friends if superfluously implemented.

Most of these guidelines are applicable for Facebook messages, MySpace invites, and other ways we like to “keep in touch.” You want people to come see your band. Most of them won’t, but you simply can’t afford to alienate the few that might actually come. 

- Zac Taylor

Special thanks to Zac Taylor and crew at Berklee's The Groove for allowing us to re-run this little nugget of wisdom. Email them and join the conversation at thegroove@berklee.edu

Did Coldplay rip-off Cat Stevens?

They’re coming out of the woodworks. For the second time, Coldplay is being accused of ripping off another song with their latest single “Viva La Vida”

This time, it’s folk great Cat Stevens who wants credit for inspiring the song with his own 1973 song, “Foreigner Suite.” Stevens isn’t asking for any monetary compensation--he just wants credit.

What do you think? Rip-off or not?

-Lindsey Lee

Currently listening to: “Someone Else’s Life” by Joshua Radin

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

Cinco de Mayo-- A Perfect Reason to get Wasted

Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May for all of you Spanish scholars) is not, in fact, a celebration of the Mexican Independence Day (which is September 16th); but a celebration of Mexico’s victory over the imperialist French, under rule of Emperor Maximilian. With the recent uprising in drug wars and the Swine Flu, I feel it’s particularly important this year to get extra wasted in celebration of the holidays. There are several reasons for this, the main one being that tequila is a proven cure for H1N1 and secondly because the period between Thanksgiving and the 4th of July desperately needs a reason to get rowdy. I’ve left some solid drink choices for all you señoras (and séniors). ¡Viva la Resistencia!

Lime Margaritas
· 1 oz tequila
· 1/2 oz Triple Sec
· 1 oz lime juice, fresh squeezed
· 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
· kosher Salt (optional)
· lime wedge (optional)
· crushed ice or ice cubes

Tequila Twist
· Ice for shaker
· 6 oz. tequila
· 1 cup (8 oz) orange juice
· 1 oz fresh lime juice
· finely grated rind from 1/2 of a lime
· sugar
· 5 strawberries or orange wedges

Chimayo Cocktail
· 1/4 oz lemon juice
· 1 1/4 oz premium tequila
· 1 1/2 oz apple cider
· 1/4 oz Creme de Cassis
· apple wedges, thinly sliced (optional for garnish)

--Will Hackett
Currently listening to “Here I Dreamt I Was an Architect” by The Decembrists


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

Dom DeLuise Dead at 75

Comedian/Actor Dom DeLuise, best known (in my opinion) for his work in "Blazing Saddles", "History of the World: Part I" and "The Cannonball Run" is dead at age 75. 

DeLuise died in his sleep around 6 p.m. Monday in a Los Angeles hospital, where he was being treated for kidney failure and respiratory problems.

- 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

NEWS: Presidents of The United States of America cancel 40 Watt show

The Presidents of the United States of America show at 40 Watt scheduled for this Friday, May 8, has been cancelled.

Absolutely no details yet, but stay tuned for more.

Issue 7 out now!

Issue 7 is on the streets now! Get your copy at any of these fine Athens establishments:

40 Watt Club

ABC Package 

Barberitos

Barnes & Noble 

Beef O’Brady’s

Blind Pig Tavern

Borders Bookstore 

Copper Creek 

Espresso Royale Cafe

Jimmy John’s

Jittery Joe’s Coffee 

J’s Bottle Shop 

Lay-Z Shopper

Little Italy 

Locos Deli & Pub

Melting Point 

Moe’s

Music Exchange

Musician’s Warehouse 

School Kids Records 

Tall Boy Beverage Co.

The Burger & 

    Cheesesteak Factory

The Georgia Theatre 

The Globe 

The Taco Stand 

Transmetropolitan 

Trappeze Pub 

Village Wine & Spirits 

Vision Video 

Wuxtry Records

Your Pie

Featured Artist of the Day: Ben Harper & Relentless7

Ben Harper and his new band, Relentless7, release their debut CD, White Lies for Dark Times, today. Ben Harper and Relentless7 are, indeed, relentless- they are hitting the festival circuit hard this summer (Bonnaroo, Allgood, and Lollapalooza, just to name a few). Harper is best known for the stoner anthem “Burn One Down,” the 90’s hit “Steal My Kisses,” and his encore staple, “With My Own Two Hands.” (He also does an excellent rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing,” by the way).

The new CD is more upbeat and rocking than his music with the Innocent Criminals. It’s currently streaming on their myspace page. The single is called “Shimmer and Shine,” but the band threw up the whole album on the page last night on the eve of the CD release, so fans can hear the entire album before they fork over their money. It’s definitely worth a listen. Ben Harper has always had a healthy dose of soul, and the new sound with Relentless7 kicks it up a notch.

-Julie McCollum

Listening to: Why Must You Always Dress In Black” by Ben Harper and Relentless7

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

Sugar Ray is Back with Music For Cougars

It seems like a lot of '90s bands out there are hungry for a comeback, am I right? Well, here's another one to add to the ongoing list. Sugar Ray will release its first album in six years, Music For Cougars on July 21 followed by a 36-city tour across the U.S. Their first single, "Boardwalk" will hit airwaves sometime this month and is said to be a straight down the middle Sugar Ray song that embodies their breezy pop style that once sold them 12 million records. Frontman Mark McGrath told Billboard that Sugar Ray tried to reinvent themselves, but it just really didn't work for them. You've got to give it to the California boys for returning to the style they know best and though we won't see another "Fly" from them anytime soon, I think they're off to a good start.

-Kristen Lee
Currently listening to "Gallery Piece" by Of Montreal
This content is solely the property of The Athens Blur Magazine and may not be re-produced without expressed written consent. The Athens Blur Magazine is an 8 issue/year music & variety publication proud to be based in the Classic City of Athens, Ga. For more information, please contact HYPERLINK "mailto:editorial@athensblur.com" editorial@athensblur.com

Picks of the Week

Monday, May 4

David Cook with Ryan Star

Georgia Theatre, 9 p.m., $15

(He won American Idol a couple of seasons back. Hey, at least it’s not Clay Aiken)

Tuesday, May 5

Terrapin Tuesday: North Georgia Bluegrass Band

The Melting Point, 7p.m., $3

It’s the cheapest concert in town, and while it is technically Terrapin Tuesday, their margaritas are quite nice.

Wednesday, May 6

Hightide Blues with Radiolucent and Bird + Wire

Georgia Theatre, 9:30p.m., $5

Hightide Blues from Alabama have built a solid grassroots following of fans who love their laid back, southern-style rock. This has study break written all over it. Just don’t overdo it on those 32 oz. beers if you have a final in the A.M.

Thursday, May 7

Supernaut and Pastor of Muppets

Caledonia Lounge, 10 p.m., $5

Pastor of Muppets has got to be the best Metallica cover band name ever.

Shpongle with Dr. Fameus vs. DJ DRIZNO and DJ Triz

Georgia Theatre, 9 p.m., $20

Umm…this is what it said on Theatre’s website. (Direct quote):

“Dongle and Mongle are the only two other words rhyming with Shpongle...a strange hybrid of electronic manipulation and shamanic midgets with frozen digits squeezing the envelope and crawling through the doors of perception, find a new pair of dice...extra numbers and colours an infinite expanding bubble, filled with a bizzare, strange world of dripping halucinatory wallpaper, a garden of earthly delights...........Shpongleland.....a place of well being, and reflective surfaces, morphing like an Anacondas skin and shimmering like a million colour changing squid, at fifty fathoms.. truly unfathomable like seperating water from it's wetness, the Ineffable Mysteries unweave .....”

I’m curious and also a little scared. Apparently they hit the festival circuit regularly (Probably some crazy late night shows. Bassnectar fans will probably dig this).

-Julie McCollum

Listening to: "Pool Shark" by Sublime

While you were drinking...

Here’s your update on what happened in the music and entertainment world while you were out enjoying your weekend.

Amy Winehouse was hospitalized (shocker!)

Okay, so it’s no big surprise, really that Wino fainted in St. Lucia. Apparently, she was running around with some kids when she collapsed. She was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with “dehydration.” Doctors told her to take it easy and drink more water. I’m thinking that dehydration is doctor-speak for hangover, but everyone knows that yellow Gatorade is the best cure for the morning-after, Amy.

There was a fire at 50’s baby momma’s house

A “suspicious” house fire apparently burned to the ground the house of 50 Cent’s baby momma, Shaniqua Tompkins. Police are saying there is, however, no evidence connecting the rapper to the fire.

David Cook’s brother lost his battle with brain cancer

David Cook, the uber-successful American Idol alum’s brother died this weekend, losing his battle with brain cancer. He was only 37. Cook spent the next day running in the Race for Hope 5K in Washington, D.C., which benefits brain cancer research. 

Maggie Gyllenhaal got married

The actress got hitched to her boyfriend Peter Sarsgaard in a small secret ceremony in Italy. Her brother Jake and his girlfriend Reese Witherspoon were there. Wonder if they’re next?

-Lindsey Lee

Currently listening to: “Kingdom of the Animals” by Iron and Wine

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

Wasted Away Again in Dolphins Stadium

Parrotheads, pay attention. So the Miami Dolphins have not been very good in the past few years to say the least. Before last fall, the team hadn't made the playoffs in seven years. But let's not call in new coaches or anything, let's call the King of Margaritaville, Mr. Jimmy Buffett himself. Word on the street is that the musician will soon begin collaborating with the Miami Dolphins (perhaps even becoming a minority owner of the franchise) and will meet with new team owner Stephen M. Ross for a press conference on May 8 to supposedly announce a sponsorship deal. Though it's all being kept under wraps, the Miami Herald reports that Dolphin Stadium will be renamed Landshark stadium after Buffett's beer, Landshark Lager. There's also some buzz about about a Margaritaville-themed area in the stadium which may sport the singer-songwriter's restaurant chain, Margaritaville. Doesn't sound like a bad idea at all.
-Kristen Lee
Currently listening to "Time to Pretend" by MGMT
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 HYPERLINK "mailto:editorial@athensblur.com" editorial@athensblur.comW

Join Athens Blur Magazine at Terrapin, This Saturday, 5/2! Issue 7 release party!

Join Athens Blur Magazine at Terrapin, This Saturday, 5/2!

Athens Blur Magazine is excited to announce a new partnership with Terrapin Brewery! Each time we put an issue out, we’ll be sponsoring a party at the brewery! This Saturday, we release our seventh issue and we'll have exclusive first-run copies available before they are distributed on the streets! Come support your local brewery and your newest local music magazine!

Normal tours of the brewery are available, as well as live music from The Ramblers!

Athens Blur will be raffling prize packages, including tickets to the 10,000 Lakes Music Festival, Hoopee Jam Music Festival, Blur T-shirts and a Zingo gift card worth $100!

Price: $8 (includes Terrapin pint glass, 8 beer tickets to
sample their various, delicious microbrews)

When: Saturday, May 2nd from 5.30 PM until 7.30 PM

Where: Terrapin Brewery
265 Newton Bridge Road
Athens, GA 30607

Live music and great prize packages! See you there!

Flowers wants The Killers to “knock off” Zeppelin, Nirvana

Brandon Flowers, frontman of The Killers, recently talked to nme.com about his theories as to why his band enjoys greater success in Europe. He says: “We’ve been embraced in Britain in a way that I’ll never understand, and it’s such a wonderful thing. But over here [in America], people are still so obsessed with Led Zeppelin and Nirvana, those sorts of bands, that nobody else is allowed [to grow]."

He continued: "It’s not just us; there are a lot of great bands that have been held down or confined by the influence of these people that we’ve put up on pedestals. I’m tired of it, you know? I just want to knock them all off! And people don’t like that attitude. It’s almost like they don’t believe that it’s possible that anybody else can be the real deal."

Bitter much? Flowers rants on, “It doesn’t matter how many great songs we write or how many great shows we play. But we’re slowly chipping away at it. With this last album (Day and Age), there’s been a noticeable shift but we’re still nowhere near where we are in Europe."

Someone has been spending too much time with Kanye West…

-Julie McCollum

Listening to: “Molly’s Chambers” by Kings of Leon

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