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News from the Truckers

Here's the latest message from Jenn in the DBT camp (and I had to run the picture above that came with it. Chug it, Shonna, chug it!):

Hey all you out there in DBT land. The band's in Europe touring their tails off, and I'm here in Athens with some good news, some bad news, and some GREAT news. Which do you want first? Oh, let's get the bad news out of the way...

The shows in New York and Baton Rouge that were in the last list of tourdates sent out have been canceled. I know, it sucks, but sometimes these things happen - make sure you watch the Tourdates page for changes, because things do change. DBT assures you that they will be rescheduling those shows and will play there soon.

Okay! Now, here's some good news - Remember when DBT taped that Music Road episode at the 40 Watt Club back in January? Well, you may or may not know Fox bought Turner South and plans to turn it into a sports station (BOOOOO) so we never know what will happen. LUCKILY, word on the street is that The DBT episode will in fact be airing Thursday, April 13 at 10 p.m. I'll miss Turner South, but please tune in and watch the Truckers tear it up before Fox tears it down. I'm so gonna miss my favorite show, Junkin', too! *sigh* ...

Oh yeah, more good news - a personal note from Jason!

Hey everybody. Hope you're all doing well, and I appreciate the support ya'll are showing while we're getting ready to release the new record.We'll be in your town soon.

I wanted to mention something dear to my heart and maybe round up some help for some good people. A friend of mine from here in North Alabama has Multiple Sclerosis and he's heading up a team to participate in an MS walk-a-thon soon. If you know anyone with this disease, it can be a real sonofabitch. If you have any extra laying around, please make a donation to their cause by going to this website.

Thanks, Jason Isbell

Now that's a good man, right there.

Okay, on to the GREAT news: the new DBT record, "A Blessing and a Curse," just went on pre-sale on the DBT Merch site. And get this - every pre-order comes with an entry into a little contest we're having, where YOU can WIN A DATE WITH DBT!

That's right! One lucky winner will get to take 3 of their friends with them to a show of their choice (transportation to and from show is winner's responsibility). Once at the show, you will be given backstage passes and get to meet and hang out with the band, get stuff signed, and generally get the rock star treatment for the evening! Isn't that sweet? Oh, it'll be so much fun if you win!

Ten runners-up will receive a copy of the booklet from "A Blessing And A Curse" autographed by the band. Not too shabby... now go pre-order that album!

That's all I've got for now, folks. Keep it between the lines...
-Jenn

Worth the mid-week effort

I could talk about how much I enjoy Centro-matic, but the opinion of one EZB carries so much more weight. The above picture was snapped by my friend Zach Mahon during Langerado 2006. Centro-matic, Great Lake Swimmers, and Lake City at Tasty World will make tonight the best Tuesday night in recent memory. Here's a recent interview with Will Johnson.

While enjoying the CokemachineGlow, read interviews with Tim Bracy and Shannon McArdle of the formerly Athens based Mendoza Line.

Don't leave the site yet. There's a
review of the recent Silver Jews show in Athens, too.

Stellastarr will be in Athens soon (40 Watt - April 6). Visit this blog to learn and listen.

Few, but good, choices

• 40 Watt: Mutemath, The Working Title, Futurists.
• Georgia Theatre: Pat McGee Band, Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers, Bain Mattox.
• No Where Bar: Liquid Sundrop.
• Tasty World: Centro-matic, Great Lake Swimmers, Lake City.

Here comes the bride

I've never seen Of Montreal live and I've abused "The Sunlandic Twins" like black market jelly do-nuts at fat camp, so it goes without saying that I was looking forward to this show. Thankfully for this procrastinator there were tickets at the door - I was worried when I called School Kids Friday morning and was told they didn't have any left. This band deserved my money. Of Montreal did not disappoint. I saw Sloan taping, so keep your eyes peeled for a BitTorrent somewhere soon I'm sure.

Nikki Sudden dies at 49

Musician Nikki Sudden, who called Athens home for a very short while, died Saturday after a show at New York's Knitting Factory, Billboard.com has learned. He was 49. No cause of death has been made public yet, according to Secretly Canadian label head Chris Swanson, whose company reissued 10 of Sudden's albums in recent years.

Support for Sursie

Go vote for Sursie on MTV2's "On the Rise." They're moving up rapidly.

Barbara Cue returns to the stage

This in from William Tonks:

Fifteen months. A long time to stay on the rock wagon, but Barb called, and we fell off. So Barbara Cue will return to the boards, this Sunday, April 2, at the Melting Point in Athens. An early show, too. We hear the opener, Ralph Roddenbury Band, will start at 6:30, putting us on about 8. We have knocked the dust off the manifold, dumped some nitro in the carburetor, shaken and stirred, and here we go.

New local releases on Fundamental

For those of you not on the list, here's an abbreviated version (read: the Athens stuff) of the Fundamental Records March update:

Happy Pre-Spring Folks!

As usual, there are lots of exciting things happening here at Fundamental.

NEW RELEASES - BACK CATALOG GALORE - DIGITAL, DIGIPACK, DIG IT NOW! - APRIL
CONTEST!

7 - SEVEN - 7 NEW RELEASES in March and April! We've held back the dam to
bring you these great new releases: ...

Ken Will Morton - King of Coming Around: A diverse collection of rock, pop, Americana, blues, gospel and folk. The second solo release from this former Indicators member, the sound is hard to pigeon-hole, but one thing remains clear: Morton is a skilled songwriter and raconteur whose lyrics will surely strike a chord with many listeners. With a rocking new band, the Wholly Ghosts, the record is full of guest appearances by members of Love Tractor, Drive-By Truckers, and Mastodon. Critics are already raving about advance copies; with features in major press to come very shortly.

Love Tractor - Green Winter: Love Tractor had some explaining to do last year. With only Mike Richmond returning from the original line-up, anticipating critics were excited until they heard the music. Green Winter is vol. 2 of a trilogy that includes Black Hole (2005), Green Winter (2006) and White Mountain (2006). Green Winter marks a period of growth after the difficult beginning that was Black Hole. Musically, Green Winter is very different from Black Hole. On White Mountain, Love Tractor comes into the light with a number of transcendent songs. “Field of Battle”, "Picasso and Napoleon”, “That’s what the Moon told the Sun” and “White Mountain” all contain impressive playing in the context of unique songwriting.

Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreational Industry - Same: An informal mix of traditional folk, weepy country tunes, lonesome bluegrass, unplugged rock’n’roll and even some world music; the Workhorses are a rootsmusic grab bag with three-part harmonies. With three distinctive singers; comparisons to The Band’s Danko/Manuel/Helm triumvirate are inevitable. Featuring Ben Reynolds (Chickasaw Mudd Puppies), Williams Tonks (Barbara Cue) and Rob Keller (Six String Drag), they take their new handle from a nickname given to a touring van that once belonged to a buddy of Reynolds. The Workhorses are a hugely popular draw in their hometown of Athens, GA.

BACK CATALOG GALORE - IF YOU'RE STILL READING!

Yes, we've done it - we've found a way to get your favorite music at Fundamental Records. We just added tons of old releases in our store.

From Vigilantes of Love, Vic Chesnutt, Jack Logan, Nadine, Love Tractor, Bill Mallonee, Goodness, and much more, you'll find something to listen to - we guarantee that. Plus we're offering multiple formats to get your music the way you want it!

DIGITAL, DIGIPACK, DIG IT NOW

We're on a ton of digital services, and getting more as we speak, including iTunes, Napster, Emusic and more. We've included links to Itunes right now, but look for more ways to get your music from us digitally.

For all our backcatalog, we manufacture on high quality digipack chipboard with printed CDr and fully uncompressed music. Artwork, Line notes - they all come with it. You'll even start to see our Fundy Chipboard digipacks in retail very soon.

Dig it now - yes. There are tons of links with each artist, from myspace to allmusic.com that will allow you to listen to and many times get free downloads of songs from your favorite artists. We know some of you like to browse and we encourage that.

APRIL CONTEST

Anyone that makes a direct purchase from the Fundamental Shop area from now until the end of April, will automatically be entered to win a $100 Amazon Gift Certificate. We've done things before - IPod Shuffle, Relief Efforts to Katrina Victims. Keep in touch, because there will be more fun contests and giveaways all throughout the year.

Have a great March and enjoy the music!

Kitchens of the rock stars' office staff

Nice kitchen, eh? It belongs to Jessica and David Bell, who live on Hill Street in Athens. David is the fan club director (along with other duties) for R.E.M., and the couple's kitchen is one of six on the Georgia Children's Chorus Tour of Kitchens 2006. All of the homes on the tour are located in the historic Cobbham neighborhood along Hill, Pope and Cobb streets. Proceeds from the popular tour benefit the chorus comprised of boys and girls between 8 and 16 years of age and supported by the nonprofit organization serving Northeast Georgia.

Also on the tour: The kitchen of Bertis and Katherine Downs. Bertis, of course, runs the R.E.M. operation.

Full story here.

On the course, of course

I had been wondering what Mike Mills was up to these days. You hear all about Michael's jet-setting adventures. You know Peter is out there somewhere on the road or in the studio with his side bands. But Mike? Well, at least we know he's around:

From the ABH:

R.E.M. bassist and noted golf enthusiast Mike Mills will serve as host for the second annual "Drive for Show, Rock Fore! Dough" concert to benefit The First Tee of Augusta, set for April 4 in Augusta during Masters Week.

Headliners for the concert are Collective Soul and Hootie & The Blowfish, with Better Than Ezra, the Edison Project and Tonic's Emerson Hart also scheduled to perform. The concert, which begins at 4:15 p.m., will be held on the driving range at The First Tee Augusta at 3165 Damascus Road. ...

Established in 2001, The First Tee of Augusta is part of The First Tee Network, which provides learning facilities and educational programs to promote character development and life-enhancing values through golf. The First Tee Network was founded in 1997 and has opened more than 200 learning facilities and introduced more than 300,000 young people to the game of golf.

Tickets for the concert are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the show. Hospitality tickets, which include premium-viewing location, drink tickets and appetizers, are $75. Tickets are available at www.ticketalternative.com and www. rockforedough.com.

- Chris Starrs, correspondent

A busy weekend ahead

Friday:
• Boar's Head: Kip Jones.
• Caledonia: Producto, Teenage Meth Lab.
• DT's: Contagious, Fish Position, Repeater.
• Eastwood Pub: The Unforgiven.
• Farm 255: Jeff Reilly & Friends.
• Foxz: Forward Motion.
• 40 Watt: Of Montreal, Grand Buffet.
• Georgia Theatre: Countdown to Ecstasy, Gabriel Kelly Band.
• Go Bar: Jean Paradies & Frau Frau.
• Hot Corner Coffee: Wesley Cook, Jason Harwell.
• Last Call: Wrong Way, Mediocre Bad Guys, Sarah Tollerson.
• Melting Point: Adrian Belew, Jim Bianco.
• Mercury Lounge: Carter McMullen Trio.
• Nuci's Space: Dodd Ferrelle, Ken Will Morton.
• Safari: The Bearfoot Hookers.
• Tasty World: The Workouts, Second Shift, The Pendletons.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Stewart & Winfield.

Saturday:
• Boar's Head: Justin Brogdon.
• Caledonia: Still Small Voice and Joyfyl Noise, Folklore, Roarshak.
• DT's: Euphoria Morning, La Rue, My Friend's Band.
• Flicker: Dogme 95, The Mattoid.
• 40 Watt: Jeremiah Cymerman's Big Exploitation.
• Georgia Theatre: The Avett Brothers, The Jeff and Vida Band.
• JR's Baitshack: Josh Taylor Band.
• Little Kings: Gutshot & Thirsty, NOLA, Sleepy Horses.
• Melting Point: Heidi Hensley.
• Safari: The Bearfoot Hookers.
• Tasty World: An Epic At Best, Smashing Pumpkins Cover Band, Cities.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Dawgtown Ramblers.
•: X-Ray Cafe: Mandy Jane & the Jaws of Life.

Great Lake Swimmers, Cymerman

Great Lake Swimmers make quiet songs with subtleties: The life of touring for independent musicians can be summed up using the old adage that proclaims - with all the subtlety of a cracked whip - there is no rest for the weary. None. There are no more somber tones or better examples of exhausted exuberance than in the music and lyrics of Canada's Great Lake Swimmers (playing Tuesday at Tasty World). Full story.

Exploitations big and small: The tendrils of the Athens music scene regularly draw in newcomers, but for improvisational musician Jeremiah Cymerman, the tendrils have made it difficult to leave. Cymerman booked a gig last August and called it Big Exploitation because he was using musicians from some of Athens' more popular bands to attract fans to his show. The response from the crowd and the musicians involved inspired him to come back this weekend to perform again and record an album with the group. Full story.

Your Thursday lineup

• Caledonia: Dark Meat, Mother Jackson, The Owen 4.
• DT's: Of Legend, Perfuma, Shook Ones, Sinking Ships, Tristan & Isolde.
• Farm 255: MP3J Vinal.
• Flicker: Sean Arington, Kate Morrisey.
• 40 Watt: Sleepy Horses, Lake City, Annie & Her Guns.
• Georgia Theatre: Grogus, Toubab Krewe.
• Last Call: Shady Boys, Renegade Sound System.
• Lunch Paper: Phoenix Pharaoh, The Plague, 696.
• Melting Point: Trey Wright Trio.
• Roadhouse: Lionz.
• Tasty World: 6 p.m. - Wesley Cook, William Fuller, Maggie Smith; 10 p.m. - Walcott, Richard Sherfey, Georgia.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Beyond Tomorrow.

On the anti-war bandwagon

Michael Stipe, peace activist Cindy Sheehan and DMC pose for photos after unveiling the "Bring 'Em Home Now" postage stamp prior to a benefit concert in New York on Monday. The benefit was organized to mark the third anniversary of the Iraq War on March 20 and give voice to the Americans who support the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. (AP Photo)

Paying tribute to DJs

Thanks to Will at Nuci's for this heads-up!

Up Jumped the Boogie
March 23, 2006, 6:30 p.m., Nuci's Space, Free

Part of the UGA Main Library Media Department's week long movie screening and lecture series, director Doug Pray (Hype) pays tribute to the innovative art of DJing in the electrifying documentary Scratch. ...

Featuring the most legendary figures in the DJ scene, Pray's film is at once a deeply insightful historical document and a highly entertaining glimpse into the world of underground hip-hop. Modern luminaries such as DJ Shadow, Mix Master Mike (of the Beastie Boys), DJ Q-bert, Rob Swift, and DJ Swamp are interviewed alongside living legends like Afrika Bambaataa, Jazzy Jay, and Grand Mixer DXT, in order to paint a broad, comprehensive picture of how DJing has evolved over the years.

Seamlessly cutting between interviews and actual footage filmed at several high-profile DJing contests including Skratchcon 2000 and the DMC U.S. Finals, Pray's film is a must-see for both seasoned fans and the uninitiated, a celebration of one of the late-20th century's most thrilling, original musical movements. The screening of the film will be followed by a live demonstration of scratch DJing and mixing from Athens' own Classic City Breaks.

Wednesday on the town

• Caledonia: Gregor Samsa.
• Farm 255: Jonathan Byrd.
• 40 Watt: Ted Leo + Pharmacists, The Duke Spirit, Les Aus.
• Georgia Bar: Rick Williams' Blues Olympics.
• Georgia Theatre: Watchtower, Ruse.
• Melting Point: Hot Buttered Rum, Packway Handle Band.
• Tasty World (downstairs): IKON: Blueline.
• Tasty World (upstairs): Community Chaos, PPR, 696.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Justin Brogdon.

Encouraged diversions ...

This blogger ran into cellist Heather McIntosh at SXSW.

This blogger offers "quick capsule reviews of everything I saw yesterday" (at SXSW). Includes a few words about Phosphorescent and Of Montreal.

Another SXSW recap. This guy says Of Montreal was "one of the best 3 bands I saw today."

Nikki Sudden lived in Athens for, like, a minute. I found this link to a recent interview via LHB, thanks.

The recent Wilco performance at the Classic Center, reviewed here.

The folks at Kynd Music got a copy of "A Blessing & A Curse" before we did. Read what they have to say here.

Of Montreal at Lollapalooza with ...

Little Green Chairs receives a little national attention.

USA Today's "Pop Candy" blog has a picture of Packway Handle Band performing in the streets of Austin during SXSW. Also on Pop Candy, a music director for a TV network named Dierdre says she's excited to catch Of Montreal at SXSW.

Of Montreal rocks SXSW

Here's a clip of Of Montreal at SXSW:

Tuesday on the town

• Caledonia: Madeline, Defiance Ohio, Cars Can Be Blue.
• Georgia Theatre: Head Automatica, Diamond Nights, My American Heart, Cameo.
• Tasty World: Nathan Beaver, The Brilliant Information.

Friday and Saturday

Friday:
• Caledonia: Jeff Griggs' Rockin' St. Paddy's Day Party!
• DT's: Cinjed, Liquid Sundrop.
• Eastwood Pub: The Family.
• Farm 255: Scott Leon O'Day Quartet.
• Flicker: Bo Bedingfield and Ty Manning.
• 40 Watt: 16 Tons with David Blackmon, Johnny Roquemore and the Apostles of Bluegrass.
• Georgia Bar: Bloodkin.
• Georgia Theatre: Banish Misfortune, Short Road Home.
• Go Bar: Bob Hay and the Jolly Beggars.
• JR's Baitshack: Versatilians.
• Last Call: Cosmic Charlie, The Immaculate.
• Melting Point: Van Morrison Tribute featuring Greg Hester.
• Mercury Lounge: Ken Will Morton.
• Tasty World: Community Chaos, Burn the Dying City, Music Hates You, Themataras.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Parrothead Paradise.

Saturday:
• Caledonia: Garbage Island, Music Hates You, The Rudy Banes Shutdown.
• DT's: Carla LeFever Band, October Frequency.
• Eastwood Pub: Bearfoot Hookers.
• Farm 255: MP3J Vinal.
• Flicker: Paul Lombard & Friends.
• Georgia Theatre: Bloodkin.
• Hot Corner Coffee: Brett Mullinix & Andrew Vickery.
• Melting Point: Mary Gauthier.
• Tasty World: "The House of Hip-Hop".
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Parrothead Paradise.

Ain't no disguising these guys!

This photojournalist has a Langerado re-cap. Yours truly had a great time, catching complete sets from Lotus, Drive-By Truckers, Brazilian Girls, Flaming Lips, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and Wilco. There was a local presence (above): During the Flaming Lips set, a bunch of furry animals and other characters danced on stage. Yes, that's John Neff in an orange alien-esque costume and Jason Isbell as a blue zebra. Maybe they were hoping no one would notice?

Linking you around the Web

Of Montreal reissues get reviewed by the eloquent folks at Pitchfork here.

Centro-matic will be at Tasty World March 28. Here’s a very recent interview with Will Johnson and a review of “Fort Recovery” from Pop Matters.

Register your band with the Georgia Music Directory.

A review of a recent Secret Squirrel performance by Atlanta’s Love Drunks here.

Check out this contest: A Weekend of Music in Athens!

Ted Leo, Roquemore, Banish Misfortune

Ted Leo + Pharmacists speak out: Ted Leo + Pharmacists swing back into town next Wednesday with a show at the 40 Watt. While Leo is not doing any interviews this tour, he's not afraid to speak out. In early 2003, when the band landed a spot on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," Leo used duct tape to write "No War" on his guitar. The band performed at "Operation Ceasefire" in Washington, D.C., last fall after a large anti-war march organized by United for Peace and Justice, and during an interview in early September last year on KEXP 90.3 FM in Seattle, Leo spoke out against the increased violence in the world. Full story.

Johnny Roquemore discusses duct tape, 'The Gong Show' and bluegrass: Johnny Roquemore knows how to turn heads. The bearded bluegrass musician has spent 30 years honing his musical-comedy skills everywhere from "The Gong Show" to a restaurant with singing waiters. Roquemore (pronounced, yes, "rock-more") is originally from Georgia, but spent 30 years in Los Angeles. He moved there in 1972 at the encouragement of his girlfriend. He had been active in Atlanta-area theater and could play music, which helped him get a job at the fairly legendary Great American Food and Beverage Company, where all the workers had to perform music or comedy during their shifts. Those hectic days shaped his career. He performs Friday at the 40 Watt. Full story.

Shake your shamrock: In past years, Banish Misfortune and Short Road Home, Athens' only purveyors of traditional Celtic music, have performed St. Patrick's Day shows at various venues in Northeast Georgia. This year, the two ensembles are combining for one big "ceilidh" at the Georgia Theatre on Friday. Full story.

Thursday 03.16.06

• Caledonia: The Ice Caps, Rhabdophobic, Hungry Models.
• DT's: Contagious, Stainless.
• Lunch Paper: Danny Feedback, Last, Misfortune 500.
• Tasty World: Love Takes Flight, Commander Chameleon, More the Conquerors, Rear View Mirror.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Carla LeFever Band.

Wednesday 03.15.06

• Caledonia: Iron Hero, The Bonapartes, A.Armada.
• Flicker: The Everybodyfields.
• 40 Watt: Dark Meat, Ginger Envelope, Vicariously Through Cats.
• Little Kings: The Dole.
• Tasty World: IKON: Thunderchief, Suicide City, The Honored Guests.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Justin Brogdon.

Tuesday 03.14.06

• Flicker: Angela Faye Martin.
• Tasty World: The Grass Seeks Sun, Slim Francis, Lovecakes.
• Transmetropolitan: Timber.

Monday 03.13.06

• Flicker: Cholo, Brian Finke.
• 40 Watt: Metric; Islands; Men, Women and Children.
• Go Bar: Jena Paradies.
• Little Kings: "The Hoot" with String Theory.
• Tasty World: Empty Face, Goodnight Insomniacs, Landlord, Skybucket.

Friday 03.10.06, Saturday 03.11.06

Friday:
• Caledonia: Torche, Music Hates You, Baroness.
• DT's: Cinjed, Euphoria Morning, Suicide Small.
• Eastwood Pub: The Thrillbillies.
• Farm 255: Art Grider.
• Flicker: Scott Stapleton.
• 40 Watt: Silver Jews, Spiritual Family Reunion.
• Georgia Theatre: Lionz, Thelonious.
• Go Bar: Elevator Action, Engineering, The Talk.
• Hot Corner Coffee: Laura Wiggins.
• JR's Baitshack: Holman Autry Band.
• Last Call: The Real Grassroots, Sounds of Silence, Innervieu.
• Little Kings: The Gerbils, Hot New Mexicans, The Instruments.
• Melting Point: Marcia Ball.
• Mercury Lounge: Set Theory.
• Tasty World (downstairs): Push Button, Murder Beach, The Savoir Faire, Can Joann.
• Tasty World (upstairs): Of Legend, Cobra Clutch, The Vaginas, Depression, StepXBack.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Milligan.

Saturday:
• Boar's Head: Justin Brogdon.
• Caledonia: Maserati, Cinemechanica.
• DT's: Blank Faces, Contagious, Hot Pink Money Shot.
• Farm 255: Mad Tea Party.
• Flicker: Diet Rockstar, Skip Heller Trio.
• 40 Watt: Tin Cup Prophette, Barbez, Liz Durrett.
• JR's Baitshack: Charlie Garrett Band.
• Mercury Lounge: Set Theory.
• Nuci's Space: "Skoolyard Brawl 3."
• Tasty World: 6 p.m. - Rebecca Loebe, Clara Lofaro; 10 p.m. - Bellyache, Old White Women, Geoff Reacher, Everything Now!.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: All Apologies.

More wisdom from David Berman

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing David Berman (pictured) of Silver Jews (Friday, 40 Watt) for a show preview that ran in today's Marquee. Here are a few questions and answers that did not make the cut for the story, but found a home on our blog.

You're kicking off the "power city" tour in Athens. Was there a specific reason why, or is that just how the chips fell?

Three or four years ago I gave a reading in Athens at a white stone building (Caledonia?). Anyway, when I got to Athens we went to check out the place two or three hours before the reading. Usually, when I do a reading, it's at a college and they pay you 500 or a grand out of student funds. When I got to the club and saw the signs on the door noting a cover charge for the reading, I realized that the gracious Athenian who had set it up wasn't doing it via UGA and thus was forced to find the funds to pay me the way rock bands are paid, via the audience's money. I didn't think I could read to an audience of people who had actually paid to see me. Poor them I thought. Plus I thought no one pays to go to readings. The place is going to be deserted. My reading was going to generate the only tumbleweed seen in Athens in 100 years. When I realized there was going to be a cover I was devastated and wandered off to one of your bars to feel sorry for myself and panic. I got good and drunk and when I got back the place was full of the most beautiful, kindest, most civilized folks I'd ever seen. I thought what kind of town is that cultured? Just on the basic everyday level, I thought the interest in arts, popular and high, in Athens is stratospheric on a per capita basis compared to any city I can think of. But the reason it's first is becasue it's in the corner of the rectangle I drew on the map. The nearest corner to Nashville, where most of the band lives. ...

Your collection of poems ranks 64,801 on Amazon.com's list of best-selling books -- but few books ranked higher have more (and more interesting) fan reviews. One fan asked, "Is it negative to call David Berman's work "Actual Air" an immensely entertaining work? Would he, would any poet, prefer his or her work to be called important or profound?" Well, what do ya' say?

It used to be you shot for immortality in art, the great ones are in it for the long run, etc. Now that the long run has been so suspect for so long, i'm bagging those high art ambitions, and am getting active, slipping inside the mortal now. I say "let's active" to my own forty-watt-ward-self and I finally get what that means for the first time.

Why has it taken so long to get the desire to hit the road?

I think it's taken me this long to have a home that I can leave. I'm 39 and I bought a house 18 months ago and it's changed my life in ways
that I couldn't have imagined. Having, retaining, permantent shelter solved hundreds of problems I didn't even know I had.

What is a k-hole? [The title of a song from "Tangleweood Numbers" (Drag City)]

It's a "place" one can "go" on the raver drug Ketamine. It's what hippies meant by "bad trip."

Silver Jews, Wilco, Durrett, Metric, Dark Meat

Longtime rockers Silver Jews embark on first proper tour: The most interesting curiosity surrounding Nashville-based Silver Jews is that, despite being a band born in 1989, they have never enjoyed (or endured) a proper tour - until now (Friday, 40 Watt). Celebrating the release of 2005's acclaimed "Tanglewood Numbers" (Drag City), and a host of personal victories (namely abated addiction), singer-songwriter David Berman has extinguished his anti-peripatetic position. Full story.

Wilco makes a stop in Athens on latest tour: Wilco (tonight, Classic Center) last played in Athens at the Classic Center Theatre on Nov. 1, 2002, and many things have happened to the band since then. As Chicago Tribune journalist Greg Kot said on the 2003 DVD "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart (A Film About Wilco)," "I see a band here that is really ambitious, artistically. It's not a VH1 'Behind The Music' story. It's not a drugs-groupies-celebrity kind of story at all. This band's story is the music. ... The appreciation for its records is going to increase as time goes on." Full story.

Liz Durrett finds home in sophomore album, "The Mezzanine": When the Rolling Stones play "Satisfaction" in 2006 or Bob Dylan trots out "Blowin' in the Wind" for the 4,794th time, they're essentially covering themselves. Far-removed from the artists who first recorded those songs, they may as well be different people entirely. Liz Durrett's (Saturday, 40 Watt) songs aren't classic rock standards, but she knows what it's like to be an oldies act of sorts. Full story.

Metric proportions: Jimmy Shaw, guitarist for the Toronto-based band Metric, sees similarities between the musical landscapes in his hometown and in Athens. "It's a supportive scene," says Shaw, whose band will visit the 40 Watt Club on Monday. "I've found it amazing. I lived for a long time in New York City and the scene was never like that, no matter how much I wanted it to be. There's a healthy dose of competitive qualities, but it should end at a heavy dose. There's a real misconception that there are only a few spots for successful bands." Full story.

Athens' Dark Meat serves up a buffet of musicians: Dark Meat is a big band, as most Athens music fans are well aware. In fact, says the band's bassist, Ben Clack, the Polyphonic Spree-size number of members is one of the things everyone asks about. "We call it a family band," he says. "It's kind of a weird association with old psychedelic bands. Every single person in our group, regardless of contribution, is equally important. This is what we want to share with people." They play next Wednesday at the 40 Watt. Full story.

Thursday 03.09.06

• Caledonia: Heros Severum, Worn In Red, Coulier, Mouser.
• Classic Center: Wilco, Portastic.
• DT's: La Rue, Watchtower.
• Farm 255: MP3J Vinal.
• 40 Watt: 8 p.m. - Harry and the Potters, Uncle Monsterface; 10:30 p.m. - Boulevard, Elevator Action, The Talk.
• Georgia Theatre: G Love & Special Sauce, Hamell On Trial.
• JR's Baitshack: Nelo.
• Last Call: Full Moon Fever, Fish Position.
• Little Kings: Jumpin' Jesus Christers.
• Lunch Paper: The Ginger Envelope.
• No Where Bar: Jazztronic.
• The Ritz: The Breakfast Club.
• Tasty World: Wrong Way.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Blender.

Wednesday 03.08.06

• Caledonia: Megaband!, Building the State.
• Classic Center: Ben Harper.
• Flicker: Dan Blakeslee, Tiger Saw.
• 40 Watt: Carla LeFever Band, With the Sun.
• Georgia Bar: Samurai Trout.
• Melting Point: Drew Emmitt Band.
• Tasty World (downstairs): IKON: Grayson Manor, Minority Party, Lazarus, Horrible Idea.
• Tasty World (upstairs): Beyond Tomorrow.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Justin Brogdon.

Music links to eat up your time

What do Ben Harper, Rose Hill Drive, and Wilco have in common? They'll all be in Athens this month and at Langerado this weekend. Read an interview with Rose Hill Drive (40 Watt - tonight) here. You can still pick up tickets to the festival, and if you need a ride click this.

Thanks to the Red & Black for the scoop on MOXIE.

Robert Fripp's Melting Point performance and Q&A session reviewed here.

This Live Journalist is offering a place to stay if you want to attend the Silver Jews show (Friday, 40 Watt).

Centro-matic will be at Tasty World March 28th. Their latest, "Fort Recovery' comes out today. Order, so you can sing along in a few weeks.

More 'Blessing' music

New West Records and the Truckers are streaming "Easy On Yourself" from the upcoming "A Blessing and a Curse."

Tuesday 03.07.06

• Caledonia: The Shredders, Skeletons + the Girl Faced Boy.
• Flicker: Little Country Giants, The Salt Miners.
• 40 Watt: Rose Hill Drive, Steel Train.
• The Globe: Adam Klein.
• Tasty World: Weedeater, Brown Frown, Music Hates You, The Dumps.

It's Just a Kiss Away...

The Gimme Shelter benefit last night at the 40 Watt was a tremendous success. It was great seeing all these Athens musicians playing in different configurations -- I think a couple of bands may have been born last night. Anyway, here are a couple of photo galleries from the event if you're interested: Gallery 1 by Dan Matthews; Gallery 2 by Jon Alan Bird.

Your Friday clicks

More than you'll ever need to know about the Of Montreal reissues here.

Iron Hero, We Versus the Shark, and Cinemechanica wowed this reviewer at their recent 40 Watt gig.

Stick around Athens Exchange to read about the recent Tora, Tora, Tora show at the Caledonia.

Ken Will Morton has a new record out. He gets interviewed by the Red and Black here.

Checking in at eBay, this was the most expensive piece of R.E.M. memorabilia I could find.

Friday 03.03.06, Saturday 03.04.06

Friday:
• Boar's Head: Nelo.
• Caledonia: Five Eight, Ken Will Morton and the Wholly Ghosts, Jason Harwell.
• DT's: A Silence Falls Between Us, Assistant Overlord, Carla LeFever Band, Commander Chameleon, The Immaculate.
• Eastwood Pub: The Fogies.
• Farm 255: Scott Leon O'Day Quartet.
• Flicker: Mark Brut, J DiMenna.
• Georgia Theatre: The Last Waltz Tribute Ensemble, Wesley Cook.
• Go Bar: Ice Cream Socialists, The Walthall Tango.
• JR's Baitshack: D.M. Straight.
• Last Call: Appetite For Destruction.
• Melting Point: Dromedary Quartet.
• Mercury Lounge: The Would-Be Farmers.
• Tasty World: Brantley Gilbert, Where's Tallulah, Brett Morgan and David Bell.
• Transmetropolitan: Defiance Ohio, Hot New Mexicans, Japanther, Madeline, Pillow Fort.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Poolstick.

Saturday:
• Boar's Head: Kip Jones.
• Caledonia: Juliette & Sophia, Kill Lebaron,
• DT's: Greg & the Grunttones, Nick & Dave, Dr. Lewis Sullivan.
• Eastwood Pub: Lee Paul.
• Flicker: Dave Desmelik, Heath Tolleson.
• 40 Watt: hope for agoldensummer, Iron Hero, Heidi Hensley.
• Georgia Theatre: Rhythm Token, Fulturn Jones.
• Go Bar: Ave Nada, Suny Lyons.
• Hot Corner Coffee: Jon Black, Nate Nelson.
• Mercury Lounge: Chip McKenzie & Ian Morris.
• Tasty World: Heaven & Hell 2K6.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Sabo & the Scorchers.

Gimme Shelter, Morton, Artie Ball

'Gimme Shelter' benefits the Athens Area Homeless Shelter with a night of Stones tunes: When Katherine Kirbo read in the newspaper that an Athens area homeless shelter was running short on funds, she wanted to help do something about it. As a musician, she decided to organize a benefit concert where local musicians use music by the Rolling Stones to raise money. The benefit show is called, naturally, Gimme Shelter (tonight at the 40 Watt). Full story.

Ken Will Morton releases 'King of Coming Around': Even if Ken Will Morton is not officially from Athens, his band, the Wholly Ghosts, make him an Athens musician by default. Morton, who played with the Atlanta-based bands The Indicators and Wonderlust, went solo in 2004. And after meeting drummer "Hot Lick" Brandon Hicks, he began to feel more connected to the Athens music scene. Hicks played on Morton's new album, "King of Coming Around (CD release party Friday at Caledonia)," and is now in Morton's Wholly Ghosts power trio, with Jason Bradberry on bass. Full story.

Swingin' Friday: With artful interpretations of the dynamic music of the 1930s and '40s, The Artie Ball Swing Band will continue its long and fruitful relationship with local public radio station WUGA with a CD release concert on March 7 at the University of Georgia's Masters Hall in the Georgia Center for Continuing Education. Full story.

Thursday 03.02.06

• Flicker: Mad Whiskey Grin.
• 40 Watt: Gimme Shelter Benefit with Patterson Hood, David Barbe, Lona, Jackpot City, Dave Schools and more.
• Georgia Theatre: Tea Leaf Green, Captain Soularcat.
• Last Call: Charles Kelly.
• Lunch Paper: Austre Giltrap, PPR, Television Buzz.
• No Where Bar: King Daddy Conspiracy.
• Roadhouse: Whitebread.
• Tasty World: The Accomplice, Of Legend, Fallen From the Sky, DKLIMB.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Milligan.

ATHFEST 10 showcases city's best

The lineup for this year's AthFest compilation has been released. ATHFEST 10 is a two-disc gem featuring 36 Athens bands and more than two hours of music. The first disc features new music, and the second is a compilation of music from previous AthFest CDs. You can pre-order beginning today from athfest.com. Here's the lineup:

Disc 1 - New Music From Athens, Georgia
1. AN EPIC AT BEST - Weight Of Words
2. DON CHAMBERS + GOAT - Pig Luck *
3. R.E.M. - Wanderlust^
4. VENICE IS SINKING - Undecided
5. LONA - February Rose *
6. RANDALL BRAMBLETT - Rich Someday *
7. CLAIRE CAMPBELL - Lo, Mama *
8. KEN WILL MORTON & THE WHOLLY GHOSTS - Adelayda
9. PATTERSON HOOD - Heavy And Hanging *
10. THE WHIGS - Can't Hear You Coming
11. NATE NELSON - A Sing-Song Fashion
12. NUTRIA - Under The Clay *
13. MODERN SKIRTS - Indiana Indian *
14. THE PENDLETONS - Put That Record On *
15. SUMMER HYMNS - What Kind Of Bird *
16. THE BEARFOOT HOOKERS - I'd Rather Two-Step (Than Twelve-Step) *
17. MICHAEL HOUSER - Can't Change The Past
18. GINGER ENVELOPE - Caretaker *

* - Previously unreleased
^ - Previously released via download only.

Disc 2 - Music From Previous AthFest CDs
1. DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS- The Living Bubba
2. FIVE EIGHT - I'm Still Around
3. JACK LOGAN - Mama's Door *
4. LITTLE RED ROCKET - I Believe In What You Do ^
5. VIC CHESNUTT - What I've Got *
6. DRIP - Rot And Re-Decay
7. THE FOUNTAINS - Talks American
8. HOPE FOR AGOLDENSUMMER - Hearts In Jars ^
9. VAUDEVILLE - Hat Trick
10. THE GLANDS - Livin' Was Easy ^
11. JAPANCAKES - Now Wait For Last Year
12. JUCIFER - Amplifier ^
13. ELF POWER - Walking With The Beggar Boys
14. WORKHORSES OF THE ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATIONAL INDUSTRY - The Night Of San Lorenzo ^
15. KEVN KINNEY WITH SCHOOLS, LESEMANN, SELL & BLACKMON - Highway 316 Revisited (Dylan Ripoff) *
16. CEILING FAN - Como Te Llamas
17. BARBARA CUE - Find A Fool
18. JET BY DAY - O Salvation ^

* - Exclusive to AthFest CDs
^ - Originally released on an AthFest CD

More info follows...

ATHFEST 10 is a special 2-CD set celebrating the 10th anniversary of AthFest.

ATHFEST 10 features 36 bands from Athens, GA and over two hours of music.

ATHFEST 10 features a very rare recording of "Wanderlust" by R.E.M. The recording was previously available via download only. This is the first time the recording has appeared on CD. It was recorded live in the band's Athens rehearsal studio. A different recording of "Wanderlust" appeared on the album Around The Sun.

ATHFEST 10 features musicians representing the full spectrum of success in the music business- from new-comers like Nate Nelson who is a local high school student to internationally recognized exports such as R.E.M.

ATHFEST 10 features cover photography and design by local artist, photographer and graphic designer Chris Bilheimer. The photography features signage from local establishments that support the Athens music scene. Bilheimer's work has been featured on releases by Green Day, Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters and many more. Bilheimer was nominated for two Grammys for his work with R.E.M.

ATHFEST 10 is the 17th compilation of local and regional music produced by Athens-based Ghostmeat Records which was founded by AthFest CD producer Russ Hallauer in 1994.

ATHFEST 10 CD sponsors and patrons include Flagpole, Bulldog 103.7, Chase Park Transduction, Atlanta Manufacturing Group, Kingpins, ABC Printing and Musician's Warehouse.
Proceeds from the sale of ATHFEST 10 benefit AthFest, Inc. AthFest, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. The mission of AthFest is to educate citizens and visitors about the music and arts scene of Athens, GA. Since 1997, AthFest has organized an annual festival to showcase the incredible musicians, artists, businesses and residents of the Athens community. This year's festival takes place June 21-25 in downtown Athens, GA.

Wednesday 03.01.06

• Caledonia: Pegususes, Rahim, A.Armada.
• 40 Watt: Blackwings, 696, Thunderchief.
• Georgia Theatre: RAQ, Little Green Chairs.
• JR's Baitshack: Dusty Rhodes.
• Tasty World (downstairs): IKON: Sounds of Silence, eLeMeN.O.P., The American Tragedy.
• Tasty World (upstairs): The Californias, The Bridges.
•: Wild Wing Cafe: Justin Brogdon.