The Empties
w/ Trances Arc, The Noises 10
Friday, November 21 @ Caledonia Lounge
originally published November 19, 2008
If you've ever been to Tasty World, you'll recognize the artwork immediately. The Empties chose the Terry Rowlett painting of a husband hovering over his wife and child that is prominently displayed at the downtown venue as the cover artwork for their debut full-length record. It's a painting the band has seen many times during these past three years in Athens. "We owe a lot of what we've accomplished to [Tasty World owner] Murphy [Wolford]," says bassist Ben Wills. "He is such a champion for local music, and he helped us get better and better shows."
It's definitely an Athens-centric tribute, and the self-titled release will likely brighten the spotlight on our local scene. The Empties take classically catchy Beatles-esque guitar melodies and add a punk electricity that translates well on stage and on record. Looking at more modern comparisons, Wills suggests a likeness to "Spoon, but with bigger guitars."
The album was recorded in Atlanta with David Prasse in his converted studio (a former trolley station). It was an awkward time to record as they were simultaneously transitioning in two new members, but The Empties made it work. "We would write and learn a couple songs during the week and then go in and record those two tracks over the weekend," says Wills. And on it went, writing quickly, recording quickly, until 12 songs were committed to tape. So enamored with the tracks was Prasse that he signed The Empties to his own label, Slush Fund.
Wills says the new year will kick off with more "weekend warrior" attacks, venturing out Friday through Sunday on mini-tours up and down the coast in support of the new release. For Friday night's invasion, The Empties will be joined by label-mates Trances Arc from Atlanta and melodic rockers The Noises 10 from Charlotte.
Danielson
w/ Cryptacize, Andy from Denver
Saturday, November 22 @ 40 Watt Club
originally published November 19, 2008
Remember when you were on the fence about giving life worries over to a Christian God? You had your doubts, and ultimately they were enough to influence the decision to put Jesus, et al. on hold and instead actively pursue Koi Ponds & Hot Tubs for Humanity - the new-fangled faith-based Ponzi scheme/supper club cooperative that provided all the "Oh, God" moments any church could and the secret high-five handshakes they could not. Then, the shrinking ecosystems of hungry blue herons ended your suburban aquatic adventure, and one of your neighbors brought herpes to the Jacuzzi potluck party, so now the jets are idle.
Now, it's time to go with God. Rather than reinvent religion by substituting expensive Asian fish and acts of prudish (yet potentially perverse) group bathing for poignant psalms and 10 percent tithes, simply redesign the messenger and pimp his ride.
Enter the thoroughly theatrical Danielson. Fueled by fashion, family and our Heavenly Father, pontificating pop troubadour Daniel Smith created a unique niche in indie rock. The entertainer has adopted multiple monikers and remained perpetually prolific for more than a decade, turning out one psychedelic folk homage to the Lord after another. "I'm incredibly blessed and realize this especially when I go out and play shows," says Smith. "What an incredible feeling, seeing people take the time out - and some of them even know the words!"
Released this month, Trying Hartz (Secretly Canadian) is a two-disc pu pu platter of pre-Ships (2006's critically acclaimed album Smith describes as "a grand community effort") live and studio recorded jam. Disc two opens with "A No No," and before the banjo navigates to the foggy, hypnotic madness of the chanted "I love my Lord" refrain, it becomes obvious: Smith would be successful in any corner of show business. Let us give thanks he elected to create this one.
A Perfect Circle: Athens Bands Play R.E.M.'s Murmur
w/ Don Chambers + GOAT, Liz Durrett, Iron Hero, Nate Nelson, Heavy Feather and Packway Handle Band.
Tuesday, November 25 @ 40 Watt Club
originally published November 19, 2008
As much as people like to claim that R.E.M. was better back when they were a "smaller" band, the fact is that R.E.M. got fairly big fairly fast. By the time Murmur, the band's full-length debut, was released in April 1983 the band had almost three solid years of touring under its belt. By year’s end Rolling Stone had ranked Murmur as its album of the year. While the album's first-year sales of 200,000 were deemed somewhat low, the fact that nearly a quarter of a million copies of this uniquely Southern, mumble-mumble, jangle-rock album had reached listeners is still impressive. Anyone who remembers what passed for pop music in 1983 will readily note that this was a grand achievement.
Athensmusic.net, the same people who brought us the “Finest Worksongs” event in 2006, will host “Perfect Circle: Athens Bands Play R.E.M.’s Murmur” Tuesday night. Featured performers include Don Chambers + GOAT, Liz Durrett, Iron Hero, Nate Nelson, Heavy Feather and Packway Handle Band. There will be a screening of some rare R.E.M. live footage, limited edition t-shirts designed by local artist Jordan Noel and, of course, everyone will have a chance to purchase a copy of the deluxe edition of Murmur which will have been released that very day. And before you ask... no, there are no plans for R.E.M. to be in attendance.
The event is a benefit for Community Connection of Northeast Georgia and Athens-Clarke County Family Connection Partnership/Communities in Schools of Athens. Community Connection also celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. So, you’ve got a benefit for organizations that help keep Athens a place we love matched with a celebration of one of the main reasons the world turned its eyes toward Athens in the first place - a perfect circle indeed.
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