Music News & Gossip
Sep 10, 2003
Threats & Promises
Just another week in paradise here at the ol' Threats & Promises headquarters, where keeping tabs on the town and the kids up to speed are the only things we do. You know, quality being job No. 1 is an important thing and we aim to please. So welcome to the pleasure dome...
Some Call Him the Vigilante of Love: As has been mentioned before, and as it's unofficial Mallonee Week at the 'Pole, let's say this: Bill Mallonee is one of Athens' hardest working talents. If you haven't already picked up a copy of his newest release Perfumed Letter, then I would encourage you to do so. The joint dropped a couple of weeks ago so it can still be considered "hot off the presses," but the release show in town isn't until September 12. If you're new to all this and unfamiliar with Mallonee and his music, imagine a near-perfect folk-pop sound reminiscent of a more subdued Smithereens, or perhaps a less narcissistic Richard Thompson with a Jonathan Richman (minus the humor) complex. Also imagine rich, deep lyrics with more than a hint of Christian subtext and wisdom beyond their years. Another point of note for Mallonee enthusiasts: There actually is a Struggleville around here with a real sign that says "Welcome To Struggleville" (which was the title of Mallonee's 1994 debut on Capricorn Records with the Vigilantes of Love). True enough. It's an unincorporated township that is only about one square mile out on Highway 82 near Winder.
It Rains, It Pours: Okay guys, this week is so packed with quality shows you're just gonna have to call in sick, skip homework or do whatever you have to do 'cause
you're not gonna want to miss these. Wednesday, Sept. 10, will see the Wee Turtles and Murder Beach opening for Denver's Dressy Bessy at the fabulous 40 Watt [See p. XX]; Thursday, Sept. 11, will have Grogus, Calliope Fair and the simply incredible Audition With Max Reinhardt also at the 40 Watt and the melancholy and beautiful Songs: Ohia at Tasty World [See p. XX]; Friday, Sept. 12, will have the aforementioned Bill Mallonee playing an early show at the Watt, and Bain Mattox will be at the Caledonia Lounge; Saturday the 13th will have the hip hop maestros in Herb & Skills showcasing at the 40 Watt and also feature performances by Off Whyte and Typical Cats, and if you're feeling sinister you can head down to Wild Wing Café and get in on some karaoke madness with metal merchants Knight Seeker. Or you could just catch The Possibilities performing with The High Strung (who have more than a few good tunes up their sleeves) at the Caledonia Lounge. You have my permission to rest on Sunday.
Alternatives to Alternatives: Of course, September's also proving to be an impressive month for music exclusive to Atlanta as well, so for those willing to make the drive, start savin' that gas money. The Variety Playhouse has the 1-2-3 punch of Mogwai, Yo La Tengo and Jay Farrar this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Ween performs at the Tabernacle Saturday, Andrew W.K. does his, um, thing at the Masquerade on Sunday, followed by the Monday Cotton Club show of the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Still to come this month is Dälek, DJ Vadim, The Polyphonic Spree, Quasi and a Grandaddy/Super Furry Animals double-bill at the end of the month!
Rumor? Reality? Anyone, Anyone?: Rumor on the street is that one of Athens' finest bands (and 2003 Flagpole Athens Music Awards winner for Best Punk Band) Carrie Nations is going to take some time off. The duration of this hiatus is unknown, but it seems an unnamed member is scooting off to Asheville, NC with his betrothed, and we all know how that can go: first comes love, then comes marriage and, well, you know the rest. If anyone knows more about this please contact us here so we can send presents and/or condolences.
In other related news: the recent show featuring Carrie Nations, 3 O'Clock Sandbox and Let's Surf over at Tasty World was a rousing success. The show was a benefit for the local performance space Tite Pockets - hopefully they will buy some fans (as in to cool the place down, not as in music enthusiasts) with the dough. Athens also anxiously awaits the rumored split 7" between Carrie Nations and Gainesville, FL, band This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb. I've got my fingers crossed as we speak.
But Mostly All We Did Was Drink and Eat Bar-B-Que: Well, gang, that time of year is upon us again. Time to screw up your face for your coolest promo shot, finish up that demo, rewrite that bio and pack it all up with a bow and send it to the folks down at the Austin, TX, headquarters of the South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Conference and Festival. The festival takes place March 17-21, 2004, and has been going strong since 1987. The early application deadline is Monday, October 6, and if you do it by then you only have to kick down $10 to apply via the website. If you insist on mailing the stuff in then it costs $20. Why? I don't know. At any rate, Austin has been compared to Athens more than a few times and I tend to believe the rumor. So for more information and applications and anything else you need to know, head over to www.sxsw.com.
Keeping It Real Over At Family Housing: The local chapter of The Nashville Songwriters Association International meets this month on Monday the Sept. 15 and newcomers are always welcome to attend. The association is a solid group of professional musicians, singers, songwriters, etc., that focuses on issues concerning musicians in today's industry. It's also a good way to simply hang out with other like-minded folks and network a little bit. They've got a slot open for a co-coordinator, also, so if organization is your bag you may want to attend and check things out - it might be time for a new job. For more information on the local chapter you can call (706) 583-8519 and for information on the organization at large you can visit www.nashvillesongwriters.com.
And another week closes here at the ranch. Please, as always, get your news to me early and often. Please reference either me or Threats & Promises in the subject line of all emails. Do the mashed potato via email to music@flagpole.com, voicemail at 549-2360; via fax at 548-8981; or by post at P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603.
Gordon Lamb
Some Call Him the Vigilante of Love: As has been mentioned before, and as it's unofficial Mallonee Week at the 'Pole, let's say this: Bill Mallonee is one of Athens' hardest working talents. If you haven't already picked up a copy of his newest release Perfumed Letter, then I would encourage you to do so. The joint dropped a couple of weeks ago so it can still be considered "hot off the presses," but the release show in town isn't until September 12. If you're new to all this and unfamiliar with Mallonee and his music, imagine a near-perfect folk-pop sound reminiscent of a more subdued Smithereens, or perhaps a less narcissistic Richard Thompson with a Jonathan Richman (minus the humor) complex. Also imagine rich, deep lyrics with more than a hint of Christian subtext and wisdom beyond their years. Another point of note for Mallonee enthusiasts: There actually is a Struggleville around here with a real sign that says "Welcome To Struggleville" (which was the title of Mallonee's 1994 debut on Capricorn Records with the Vigilantes of Love). True enough. It's an unincorporated township that is only about one square mile out on Highway 82 near Winder.
It Rains, It Pours: Okay guys, this week is so packed with quality shows you're just gonna have to call in sick, skip homework or do whatever you have to do 'cause
| |
Alternatives to Alternatives: Of course, September's also proving to be an impressive month for music exclusive to Atlanta as well, so for those willing to make the drive, start savin' that gas money. The Variety Playhouse has the 1-2-3 punch of Mogwai, Yo La Tengo and Jay Farrar this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Ween performs at the Tabernacle Saturday, Andrew W.K. does his, um, thing at the Masquerade on Sunday, followed by the Monday Cotton Club show of the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Still to come this month is Dälek, DJ Vadim, The Polyphonic Spree, Quasi and a Grandaddy/Super Furry Animals double-bill at the end of the month!
Rumor? Reality? Anyone, Anyone?: Rumor on the street is that one of Athens' finest bands (and 2003 Flagpole Athens Music Awards winner for Best Punk Band) Carrie Nations is going to take some time off. The duration of this hiatus is unknown, but it seems an unnamed member is scooting off to Asheville, NC with his betrothed, and we all know how that can go: first comes love, then comes marriage and, well, you know the rest. If anyone knows more about this please contact us here so we can send presents and/or condolences.
| |
But Mostly All We Did Was Drink and Eat Bar-B-Que: Well, gang, that time of year is upon us again. Time to screw up your face for your coolest promo shot, finish up that demo, rewrite that bio and pack it all up with a bow and send it to the folks down at the Austin, TX, headquarters of the South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Conference and Festival. The festival takes place March 17-21, 2004, and has been going strong since 1987. The early application deadline is Monday, October 6, and if you do it by then you only have to kick down $10 to apply via the website. If you insist on mailing the stuff in then it costs $20. Why? I don't know. At any rate, Austin has been compared to Athens more than a few times and I tend to believe the rumor. So for more information and applications and anything else you need to know, head over to www.sxsw.com.
Keeping It Real Over At Family Housing: The local chapter of The Nashville Songwriters Association International meets this month on Monday the Sept. 15 and newcomers are always welcome to attend. The association is a solid group of professional musicians, singers, songwriters, etc., that focuses on issues concerning musicians in today's industry. It's also a good way to simply hang out with other like-minded folks and network a little bit. They've got a slot open for a co-coordinator, also, so if organization is your bag you may want to attend and check things out - it might be time for a new job. For more information on the local chapter you can call (706) 583-8519 and for information on the organization at large you can visit www.nashvillesongwriters.com.
And another week closes here at the ranch. Please, as always, get your news to me early and often. Please reference either me or Threats & Promises in the subject line of all emails. Do the mashed potato via email to music@flagpole.com, voicemail 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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