originally published December 26, 2007

Each year around this time, I am reminded of the Citizen Kane character Walter Parks Thatcher in his office ominously barking "and a Happy New Year!" Some of you may think of George Bailey, some of Frosty the Snowman. But for me, it's always Thatcher. So, on that totally happy note, let me wish y'all the same and let's head into 2008 with a solid round of local music news. The round-up begins below!

Nationwide Indians: Coming off a year full of high points and continued success, the hugely membered (ha!) local band Dark Meat may see a re-release of its debut album Universal Indians in the new year (the rumor is that the CD will be courtesy of one label and that an LP version will happen via another label). This is all still in the highly speculative "rumor" department (which, if you look at this column's masthead, is part and parcel of the whole enterprise) as the details are being hammered out after initial steps were made when Dark Meat was up in New York a few weeks back. As of now, however, Universal Indians is still available via Orange Twin Records. Dark Meat next plays locally on Jan. 19 over at the Georgia Theatre, where it will be joined by Quiet Hooves, Madeline, Folklore and Venice is Sinking. Sample the band's wares over at www.myspace.com/darkmeats.

Poor Kids: Were you excited about the City Sleeps, Code Atom, Dear Enemy, Suburban Camoflauge and The Drownout show at the 40 Watt Club on Friday, Dec. 28? Too bad… it's been canceled.

'Sup, Cowboy?: Former Athenian act The Diamond Center will return to town for a couple of shows to celebrate the release of the band's debut album Claws & Flaws. The first is Sunday, Dec. 30 at Transmetropolitan; the second is on Monday, Dec. 31 at the Caledonia Lounge. For these shows, The Diamond Center will feature its original Athens lineup of Kyle Harris, Brandi Price, Bubba McDonald and Matt Hudgens. The album's release comes courtesy of Hudgens' Superfluous Umlaut Records. Additionally, Kyle Harris will sit in (stand in?) with Mother Jackson on Saturday, Dec. 29 at the 40 Watt Club in celebration of the birthday of musician/ promoter Craig Lieske (Garbage Island, Diet Rockstar, etc.). For anything else you could possibly want to know, please see myspace.com/thediamondcentermusic.

Unborn In The New Year: Local musician Talia Bromstad, accordion player and co-vocalist for Ice Cream Socialists, will celebrate the release of her first album on Sunday, Jan. 6. Titled Foolish, the album is the result of two years' worth of songwriting and recording by Bromstad, and the banner under which her solo project exists is My Unborn Children. She'll be joined onstage by the newly-returned-to-town Christopher Ingham (Christopher's Liver) and Elizabeth Hargrett. The show's location is a local DIY venue, so just take a quick look at www.myspace.com/myunbornchildren and figure it out. I promise it's easy.

That's One Way To Do It: Athens/ Minneapolis band Ruby Isle has been up to some goodnatured trickery lately, and the results have been pretty okay so far. For the past several weeks, the band has checked out the top song at MP3 blog aggregator www.elbo.ws, downloaded and learned the song, then recorded its own cover version and released it the same day. It's somewhat obnoxiously bratty and somewhat gloriously postmodern. In any case, I've been enjoying it and find it hilarious, fun and smart. So far, the band has covered songs by The Ravonettes, Destroyer and Hello, Blue Roses. Apparently the guys are going to keep doing this for a while, and you can get even more information about the whole thing over at www.kindercore.com.

Almost News: A tidbit of a smidgen of a thing was passed on to me this week when I was informed that Bryan Howard's band formerly known as The H.E.A.P. Project is now going by the much simpler name The HEAP. Reading that just took a full second of your life.

Perpetual Touring Machine: Perpetual Groove leaves town in early January on a tour that will last until late April 2008. Highlights of the tour will be the band's appearance at Jam Cruise 2008 (the annual event which proves beyond any doubt that 21st-century hippies have more money than anyone I know), the Langerado Festival in Florida and Amsterdam's Jam in the 'Dam. In other news, the band's first-ever official live album will see release in late February. Titled Echos from the Cave (yes, it's spelled wrong) the double-disc release was recorded over two nights in the spring of 2006 in front of a small audience at Atlanta's Tree Sound Studios. The current tour, dubbed the "Save 41 Tour" will land in Athens for two nights at the Georgia Theatre on Feb. 15 and 16. These shows will sell out, so if you're inclined to attend, make sure you're inclined to buy advance tickets. For more info, go see www.pgroove.com.

Just Up The Road A Stretch: Since there were so many Athenians at a previous incarnation of a similar event, I wanted to alert all of you to the fact that Black Lips, The Baby Shakes, Coffin Bound and Gentleman Jesse & His Men will play at Roswell, GA attraction Whirlyball on Saturday, Jan. 19. The trick is this, though: tickets for the show are a mere $10, but they're in the form of a 7" record that must be purchased in person and in advance. Technically, there may be tickets available at the door, but I can promise you there won't be. This is a sell-out (honestly, no pun intended) show if ever Roswell had one. Also, technically, tickets are only available in person at Atlanta shop Criminal Records, but I've gotten word that a very limited amount should be available locally at Wuxtry Records. Try to get in a game of Whirlyball while you're there, too; it's like a cross between bumper cars and jai alai. I thought I would hate it, but it's actually quite addictive. I promise wholeheartedly that this trip is worth your while. For more information, please see www.chunklet.com and for directions, please see www.whirlyballatlanta.com.

Take 'Em In!: The aforementioned Wuxtry Records is in the midst of its annual canned food drive which will run until Dec. 31. What this means for you is that when you bring a donation of canned (boxed, whatever) food into Wuxtry you will receive a discount off your purchase of new items. The discount runs between five and 10 percent, depending on the size of your donation (so make it a big one!). For more information or to simply speak to a friendly person, please give Wuxtry a call at 706-369-9428. I'm sure they'd love to hear from you.

It's Dancin' Time: Longtime local musician Tim Conley (Fuzzy Sprouts, Abbey Road Live, Aqua Love) and his new project Kite to the Moon have put out a casting call for the band's newest video. Importantly, the band notes that this is not an audition - they want all interested parties. There'll be a large group dance scene and two or three acting parts, so if this is your bag then hit 'em up. The call will run from Jan. 13 through Jan. 20, so head over to www.myspace.com/bithchinsolos to get on the call list and make yourself relatively immortal.

Switcheroo: Some may be excited to hear that downtown club DT's Downunder is switching hands come the new year. Details are still in the works, but when I've got stuff nailed down, I'll let you all know what's what…

Finally, Flagpole's taking its annual week off from publishing, so this issue here's gonna be on stands for two weeks, and the next one hits on Wednesday, Jan. 9. A lot of last-minute changes can pop up in the local music scene in two weeks, so if you're eager to find out shows and whatnot, best to check directly with the clubs after you've already taken a look at The Calendar! section over here. (The Flagpole office opens back up on Wednesday, Jan. 2.)

And a Happy New Year. Be sure to keep your news coming in and always mention either Threats & Promises or my name in the subject line of all emails. War is over if you want it via email to music@flagpole.com, voicemail at 706-549-9523, ext. 203, or by post at P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603.

Gordon Lamb