Music News & Gossip
Dec 18, 2002
Threats & Promises
Music News and Gossip
Sad News: Former Athens resident Kenneth King died the weekend of Dec. 14 from respiratory complications. Kenneth was a long-time employee of Harry Bissett's, occasional bartender at the 40 Watt and all around creative guy. He was the frontman for the band Relish and also sang with the Black Label Orchestra. Services have not been confirmed as of press time.
Mama, I'm Coming Home: Athens homeboys Elf Power have been storming Europe for the past few weeks and will play two shows with The Flaming Lips this week in Spain, before returning home for a show at the Caledonia on the Dec. 30 with Atlanta's RockATeens. It's safe to assume
this thrills no one so much as guitarist Andrew Reiger who has been a Lips enthusiast for as long as anyone who knows him can remember. Moreover, it's truly amazing how many Athens bands get themselves across the pond. For example, Great Lakes just returned from a successful run of shows overseas and January will see separate European tours by both Of Montreal and The Agenda. Good luck to everyone and send us postcards.
I Can't Find My Boogie Shoes: On Friday December 20, the fabulous 40 Watt will be filled with big beats courtesy of The Baxter Street Boys and DJ Twin Powers. The night is sure to be fun for all because both these acts know how to throw a great party. The night will also provide Sociology students the chance to observe the bizarre time warp holding Athens in check. For example, if you look carefully you'll find at least three or four people who've never, ever heard Dexy's Midnight Runners one-hit wonder "Come On Eileen." Also note the way the crowd roars with approval when they hear the opening notes of hits by Boston and Journey. The time-space continuum has nothing on us, folks.
All For The Love Of British Automotive Technology: Local musician and art-car designer Brian Smith (keyboardist with The Ones and painter of all those freaky and wonderful spy cars tooling around town) taped a segment of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" back in September. Smith, who can't divulge how much he won, does say he didn't make it to the million-dollar question but won enough "to buy a real British taxi cab" on-line. The show will air Wednesday, Dec. 18 and the prospect of seeing Smith across from host Meredith Viera (of "The View") is too hilarious not to watch. Incidentally, his lifeline was East-West Bistro, whom he called at one point and who came through with the correct answer. "The answer was beef," said Smith. Good Lord, what was the question? [Sarah Lee]
One Stop Shopping: For better or worse, media mega-corporation BMG has decided to have its enormously popular Cdnow.com absorbed and run entirely by competitor Amazon.com. Apparently the only thing that will remain the same is the CDNow logo, while all other operations, inventory and customer service will be managed by Amazon exclusively. Originally acquired by BMG in 2000 for a reported $117 million, CDNow secured its status as the web's most popular music site by virtue of it's high quality sound samples, informative updates and incredibly large selection.
Sadness Strikes Again: Stereolab's cooing vocalist and guitar player Mary Hansen died in a cycling accident on December 9 in London. The band released an official statement
to NME.com that reads, "It is with great regret and deep sadness that we announce the death of Mary Hansen...Mary was a special person. Our thoughts are with her family and friends who will miss her greatly." Fans here in Athens echo that sentiment and I've no doubt strains from The Groop Played "Space Age Bachelor Pad Music" will be drifting softly from windows tonight. [SL]
Why? Because I Said So: As of December 6, The Paper Lions (whose album The Symptom and the Sick is set to be released on Kindercore in February 2003) are officially the Sexiest Band In Athens. Don't believe me? Just ask the throngs of doe-eyed, hair-dyed female fans crowding the front of the stage at their shows. If the crowd at their recent Caledonia performance is any indication, the band is breaking hearts with impunity all over the country. Awww...
Makes No Sense At All: Hip Hop hit-makers N.E.R.D. will be releasing a double-A sided single in February 2003 that will reportedly showcase their "political" side. According to the BBC, " 'Lapdance' compares American politics to table dancing and 'Provider' is about a man selling drugs to
keep his family together." As if this wasn't obtuse enough, bandleader Pharrel Williams confused the issue further. "I think that as long as I am rich, I owe it to the world for the rest of my life to just let people know and let the kids definitely know. It's not about money it's about being happy - smiling is for free," he said. If anyone out there can figure out what the hell he's talking about please let him know.
Like Two Oranges Nailed Together: Local Athens musical act R.E.M. will be releasing a "Greatest Hits" package sometime in 2003. According to England's New Musical Express the record will be, as should be expected, a collection of their chart hits along with a handful of new songs. Apparently, a radio single will be culled from the new material. The band has never before been involved in such a venture although their former label, I.R.S. Records, did release a collection of songs from 1981-1988 in the UK a few years back. Rumors of a tour next year have been confirmed: the band plans to tour Europe beginning in June. According to reports from R.E.M. headquarters, North American
tour dates are "forthcoming after the first of the year." Here's hoping they stop by the old hometown along the way.
Let's Not Party With These Guys: Ever wonder what gets on the nerves of Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters? Neither have I, but they've recently let the world know that they would prefer less partying backstage after their shows. Said Grohl, "Remember last night - people were eating pizza, having drinks and having stupid, meaningless conversation." Wow, Dave, pizza and conversation? That would wear out anyone. Be sure to take your Geritol and catch a nap before the next show.
But What About Those Al-Qaeda 12" Singles? British police recently demonstrated the overwhelming paranoia that has creeped around the world since the "War On Terror" began. After a box of British band Blur's latest single "Don't Bomb When You're The Bomb" was mislaid on a Brighton train car, Police exploded the box fearing a real bomb was contained inside. Authorities were alerted to the box because it had the word "bomb" printed on its side. Makes you wonder what really happened on that Paris train at the beginning of November when 12 people were killed in a fire.
Oh, That? It's A Birthmark: News has come in via Mealtime Brown that former Athens resident and musician Mike Elam will be getting married on New Year's Eve in Austin, TX. Elam, who made his mark by virtue of his work with Parakeet Nelson and Planet Jive, was also the leader of former Athens jazz-supergroup Phallic Phungus (let's hope that doesn't affect the honeymoon). Elam has also created a website that "links" Austin to Athens called austincitynolimits.com. Drop him a line and say congrats.
Well, At Least He's Been Paying Taxes: New York Hip Hop legend Slick Rick is back in hot water and some friends in high places are trying to save his ass again. Rick, born Rick Walters in England, moved to the States when he was 11 years old and is a legal resident although he never became a naturalized citizen. He was arrested recently aboard a docked cruise ship in the Caribbean and has been detained by the INS who claims that his criminal record prevents him from living in the United States. In 1991, he was convicted of attempted second-degree murder in the shooting death of his cousin. He served five years and 12 days for this offense. Apparently U.S. law states that any non-U.S. citizen that serves more than five years in prison must be deported. Rick's supporters include Congressman John Conyers, Will Smith and Russell Simmons, whose Hip Hop Summit Action Network has been publicizing the case. As if the INS didn't have enough to do in these heady post-9/11 days, they want to deport the man who made such positive contributions to society as "Treat Her Like A Prostitute" and "Lick The Balls." But, seriously, this is ridiculous. Supporters are encouraged to call the White House directly at 202-456-1111. Tell 'em I said hello.
That's all for this week. Please drive safely out there and take good care. Keep my news jones satiated by sending your stuff via email to music@flagpole.com, via voice mail at 549-2360; via fax at 548-8981; or by post at P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603.
Gordon Lamb
Mama, I'm Coming Home: Athens homeboys Elf Power have been storming Europe for the past few weeks and will play two shows with The Flaming Lips this week in Spain, before returning home for a show at the Caledonia on the Dec. 30 with Atlanta's RockATeens. It's safe to assume
| |
I Can't Find My Boogie Shoes: On Friday December 20, the fabulous 40 Watt will be filled with big beats courtesy of The Baxter Street Boys and DJ Twin Powers. The night is sure to be fun for all because both these acts know how to throw a great party. The night will also provide Sociology students the chance to observe the bizarre time warp holding Athens in check. For example, if you look carefully you'll find at least three or four people who've never, ever heard Dexy's Midnight Runners one-hit wonder "Come On Eileen." Also note the way the crowd roars with approval when they hear the opening notes of hits by Boston and Journey. The time-space continuum has nothing on us, folks.
All For The Love Of British Automotive Technology: Local musician and art-car designer Brian Smith (keyboardist with The Ones and painter of all those freaky and wonderful spy cars tooling around town) taped a segment of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" back in September. Smith, who can't divulge how much he won, does say he didn't make it to the million-dollar question but won enough "to buy a real British taxi cab" on-line. The show will air Wednesday, Dec. 18 and the prospect of seeing Smith across from host Meredith Viera (of "The View") is too hilarious not to watch. Incidentally, his lifeline was East-West Bistro, whom he called at one point and who came through with the correct answer. "The answer was beef," said Smith. Good Lord, what was the question? [Sarah Lee]
One Stop Shopping: For better or worse, media mega-corporation BMG has decided to have its enormously popular Cdnow.com absorbed and run entirely by competitor Amazon.com. Apparently the only thing that will remain the same is the CDNow logo, while all other operations, inventory and customer service will be managed by Amazon exclusively. Originally acquired by BMG in 2000 for a reported $117 million, CDNow secured its status as the web's most popular music site by virtue of it's high quality sound samples, informative updates and incredibly large selection.
Sadness Strikes Again: Stereolab's cooing vocalist and guitar player Mary Hansen died in a cycling accident on December 9 in London. The band released an official statement
| |
Why? Because I Said So: As of December 6, The Paper Lions (whose album The Symptom and the Sick is set to be released on Kindercore in February 2003) are officially the Sexiest Band In Athens. Don't believe me? Just ask the throngs of doe-eyed, hair-dyed female fans crowding the front of the stage at their shows. If the crowd at their recent Caledonia performance is any indication, the band is breaking hearts with impunity all over the country. Awww...
Makes No Sense At All: Hip Hop hit-makers N.E.R.D. will be releasing a double-A sided single in February 2003 that will reportedly showcase their "political" side. According to the BBC, " 'Lapdance' compares American politics to table dancing and 'Provider' is about a man selling drugs to
| |
Like Two Oranges Nailed Together: Local Athens musical act R.E.M. will be releasing a "Greatest Hits" package sometime in 2003. According to England's New Musical Express the record will be, as should be expected, a collection of their chart hits along with a handful of new songs. Apparently, a radio single will be culled from the new material. The band has never before been involved in such a venture although their former label, I.R.S. Records, did release a collection of songs from 1981-1988 in the UK a few years back. Rumors of a tour next year have been confirmed: the band plans to tour Europe beginning in June. According to reports from R.E.M. headquarters, North American
| |
Let's Not Party With These Guys: Ever wonder what gets on the nerves of Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters? Neither have I, but they've recently let the world know that they would prefer less partying backstage after their shows. Said Grohl, "Remember last night - people were eating pizza, having drinks and having stupid, meaningless conversation." Wow, Dave, pizza and conversation? That would wear out anyone. Be sure to take your Geritol and catch a nap before the next show.
But What About Those Al-Qaeda 12" Singles? British police recently demonstrated the overwhelming paranoia that has creeped around the world since the "War On Terror" began. After a box of British band Blur's latest single "Don't Bomb When You're The Bomb" was mislaid on a Brighton train car, Police exploded the box fearing a real bomb was contained inside. Authorities were alerted to the box because it had the word "bomb" printed on its side. Makes you wonder what really happened on that Paris train at the beginning of November when 12 people were killed in a fire.
Oh, That? It's A Birthmark: News has come in via Mealtime Brown that former Athens resident and musician Mike Elam will be getting married on New Year's Eve in Austin, TX. Elam, who made his mark by virtue of his work with Parakeet Nelson and Planet Jive, was also the leader of former Athens jazz-supergroup Phallic Phungus (let's hope that doesn't affect the honeymoon). Elam has also created a website that "links" Austin to Athens called austincitynolimits.com. Drop him a line and say congrats.
Well, At Least He's Been Paying Taxes: New York Hip Hop legend Slick Rick is back in hot water and some friends in high places are trying to save his ass again. Rick, born Rick Walters in England, moved to the States when he was 11 years old and is a legal resident although he never became a naturalized citizen. He was arrested recently aboard a docked cruise ship in the Caribbean and has been detained by the INS who claims that his criminal record prevents him from living in the United States. In 1991, he was convicted of attempted second-degree murder in the shooting death of his cousin. He served five years and 12 days for this offense. Apparently U.S. law states that any non-U.S. citizen that serves more than five years in prison must be deported. Rick's supporters include Congressman John Conyers, Will Smith and Russell Simmons, whose Hip Hop Summit Action Network has been publicizing the case. As if the INS didn't have enough to do in these heady post-9/11 days, they want to deport the man who made such positive contributions to society as "Treat Her Like A Prostitute" and "Lick The Balls." But, seriously, this is ridiculous. Supporters are encouraged to call the White House directly at 202-456-1111. Tell 'em I said hello.
That's all for this week. Please drive safely out there and take good care. Keep my news jones satiated by sending your stuff via email to music@flagpole.com, via voice mail at 549-2360; via fax at 548-8981; or by post at P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603.
Gordon Lamb
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