originally published April 9, 2008

While the world watched in jealousy last week, Athens was absorbed by the new R.E.M. record, buying R.E.M. tickets, etc., but there was still a bunch of other stuff going on that you might have missed. That’s what I’m here for. Catch up below…

Spread into Spring: That other band from Athens, Widespread Panic, is a flurry of activity these days. The band launched its spring tour last week with a pair of sold out dates at Washington, DC’s Warner Theater, and while no Atlanta dates have been announced, a few shows are coming very close to the area and are well within driving range. You Panic fans love a road trip, too, don’t ya? Well, you can catch the band in Murfreesboro, TN on Apr. 16, Orange Beach, AL Apr. 18-20 or in Savannah Apr. 20, 22 and 23. In other news, the band's newest record, Free Somehow, will be released on vinyl Apr. 15 and is available for pre-order now, but you would do good to bug the local shops for it. Also, if you’re so inclined, you can get some new Widespread Panic ring tones. All information regarding tickets, merchandise and other news is available over at www.widespreadpanic.com.

Brick by Brick: In a move that demonstrates more than a slight amount of chutzpah, local promoter Mercer West and his merry band of people known as Party Party Partners have organized a free show for almost every day this month. So far the lineups reflect the usual suspects (i.e. bands that have been performing at the local Jammy Jamm shows), but there are a few interesting bills happening, too, with surprising performers. The events will take place at various venues around town. West's motivations for organizing this are not entirely clear, but if this winds up a move that, even accidentally, will further eat away at the economic infrastructure of our music scene then he's hardly alone in taking the blame. That can be laid securely at the feet of over 100 bands and at least five venues, too. Let's just say I've never seen a bigger example of people acting against their own self-interest since I was duped into voting for a Republican. For lineups, free MP3s of local bands and other information, please see www.heyguys.biz or www.myspace.com/freedomweek.

In Related News… One interesting, and thoroughly exciting if you ask me, thing related to the shows mentioned above is that local musician Jonathan Vance (Elevado, Divided Like a Saint’s) will be doing what is billed as “30 Days of Vance” at each of these shows. That is, Vance has created a brand new band for each night of April. Yes, a separate band with different material for each show. Admirable for the sheer dedication alone, I predict at least a third of these will actually be something you might want to hear again. Vance, however, has no idea which ones will survive the boot-camp. When asked, he replied, “I do not know yet. I will keep the material and the concepts that catch on. People will let me know which stuff they like.” So far the announced new bands are going by the names OnGirlOnGirl, Lappy Hardy at the Crappy Party, The Rockefeller Twins, Freedom Ride, The Shorty Pot Dub at the 40 Watt Club, The Badasses, The Snappy Farty at the Crappy Party, Rockweiler, Slam Dancing Slummers, The Egret Girl at the Secret Squirrel and Hungarian Sphincter Dick… And there will be 17 more of those. Follow the links above for more info.

Condition Critical: When Jon Guthrie (Michael Guthrie Band) says his new band is influenced solely by the year 1982, he’s not kidding. Although that particular year happened approximately two years before he was even born, dammit if he and music partner Brandon Hicks (Ken Will Morton) don’t capture the exact sounds of that time. Their new project, Critical Replay, is a completely synthesizer-heavy, effect-laden affair that has as many processed guitars as it does keyboard washes. It’s also very, very good. Although music of this type was positively puke-inducing to me as I witnessed its popularity spread like a musical version of the yuppie during the 1980s, there’s a part of me now that can appreciate the musicianship and skill involved. Critical Replay plays its debut show at the 40 Watt Club on Wednesday, May 7, but since discovering this band, I’ve returned to the official MySpace page many times to listen in. I suggest very strongly that you do, too. Go ahead over at www.myspace.com/criticalreplay.

And Also… The Michael Guthrie Band will undertake its umpteenth tour of England beginning May 20. The two-week long jaunt will see the band returning to many favorite spots including the world famous Cavern Club in Liverpool. Now in its 40th year, The Michael Guthrie Band continues to be the most authentic representation of classic English-influenced American pop in Athens. Of the guitar-based variety, of course. You can catch ‘em before they cross the pond performing at the Human Rights Festival on May 3, or you can catch a set by Jon and Michael Guthrie at Little Kings Shuffle Club on Friday, Apr. 11. Jam on it over at www.myspace.com/michaelguthrieband.

Just in Time for Pollen Season: Long-time Athens old-school punks The Plague have been busily writing new material over the past several months, even though they’ve not been playing out as much. The 28-year-old band will play a free gig over at Little Kings Shuffle Club on Friday, Apr. 18 and you’d do good to get a preview over at www.myspace.com/theplaguespreads.

Anniversary of Note: Although die-hard fans surely remembered, I just thought it’d be appropriate to note that this past Saturday (Apr. 5) was the 28th anniversary of R.E.M.’s very first gig at the now-mythological (and 90 percent razed) church on Oconee Street. Since that time, the boys have enjoyed playing shows with such popular acts as The Minutemen, The Police, The Db’s, 10,000 Maniacs and Let’s Active. All signs point to them being on their way to bigger and better things. For more information, please see www.remhq.com.

A Renewed Sense of Decency: The local band formerly known as Sugar Dicks has changed its name to Sugar Dixx. Ostensibly influenced by being such huge fans of Motley Crue member Nikki Sixx, it’s much more likely the case that they saw how well multiple x's worked for Athens homeboy Bubba Sparxxx and decided to follow suit. The band currently has no online presence, as they were sent to the office of the Internet principal last week and told to think about what they’ve done.

And I’m off like a prom dress. As always, be sure to keep your news coming in, and always mention either Threats & Promises or my name in the subject line of all emails. Don’t give me no so-so soda via email to music@flagpole.com, voicemail at 706-549-9523, ext. 203, or by post to P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA, 30603.

Gordon Lamb