My fellow Athenians, this is what happened…

Gotta Catch ‘Em All: By now you’ve likely seen, or at least heard about, of Montreal’s new video for the track “Coquet Coquette” from its forthcoming album, False Priest. Directed by the talented Jason Miller (Eikon Productions), the video was shot on Jekyll Island and features a veritable cast of thousands (OK, tens) of Athens scenesters, townies and hangers-on as well as the band itself. Everyone is dressed like barbarians, and there’s some violence (via fists and medieval spiked clubs and such), zombie-styled neck biting, a little magic and other visual treats. There may be a storyline to it, but I can’t make heads or tails of it. But it looks good. You’ll have a neat little adventure picking out folks you know in it. Polyvinyl Records will release False Priest Sept. 14 via CD/double-LP and a limited-edition (500 copies) cassette-tape version will happen courtesy of Joyful Noise Records. As expected, of Montreal will tour heavily in support of the new release. The band will launch the new record in town with a show at the 40 Watt Club on Saturday, Sept. 11 followed by a two-month tour, returning to Georgia in November to play two shows at Atlanta's Variety Playhouse. Collaborator Janelle Monáe will join of Montreal for its U.S. dates. All other pertinent info can be found at www.polyvinylrecords.com and www.ofmontreal.net.

Remember Y2K?: Widespread Panic will release Live in the Classic City II (double CD/triple LP) on Sept. 28. The record is the second document concerning the band's three-night stand at Athens’ Classic Center in April 2000. The first album was released in 2002. Notable guests on the recording are Anne Richmond Boston (Swimming Pool Q’s), Mike Mills (R.E.M.), John Keane and Dr. Arvin Scott. In other news, Widespread Panic drummer Sunny Ortiz will perform his tribute to Santana at the Melting Point on Saturday, Sept. 4. His band this night is a crack outfit of Athens players too numerous to list here. Widespread Panic returns to the road in the middle of next month and will play a sold-out show at Atlanta’s Center Stage on Sept. 23, followed by two nights at Alpharetta’s Verizon Amphitheatre Sept. 24 & 25. Tickets and more information are available over at www.widespreadpanic.com.

No, Mom, You See…: Most of the time when a local band has a troublesome moniker, its music is just as bad, and no one needs to worry about it any further. Unfortunately for us, we’re in the position of having to explain to parents, friends and others that the Shit-Hot Country Band is actually not a joke and worth hearing. The band is currently recording its heavily authentic C&W with engineer Drew Vandenberg (Chase Park Transduction) via a mobile recording unit. There are loose plans to record at other local facilities and even looser plans about what to do with the material once it’s completed. Bandleader Matt Hudgins has alluded to the band either doing a full-length LP or an EP with a bonus 7-inch. In order to concentrate on recording, the band only has plans to do a couple of shows in the coming months, so watch for those. Visit www.myspace.com/hutchbalkins and sample for yourself.

Don’t Change That Song: Orange Twin Records has copies of the new album by Ham1, Let’s Go On and On and On with Ham 1, in stock at its web store, but you’re gonna have to wait for the LP or digital download options. The first single is “Ghost Loop” which is simultaneously new and familiar. The main melody reminds me distinctly of a song which I can’t remember, yet is on the tip of my tongue. I'm looking forward to hearing the whole album. Orange Twin is also taking pre-orders for the new self-titled album by Elf Power that is to be released Sept. 14. Check it all out over at www.orangetwin.com.

On Fire: Local rockers Incendiaries (Mary Joyce, Erica Strout, Erika Richardson and Mandy Branch) are currently recording with Ex-DARC studio owner Eric Friar in his basement, but are giving themselves no time limit to complete the project. The band will play with the always-pleasing Hot Cha Cha from Ohio at the Caledonia Lounge on Sept. 8. Mary Joyce’s other band, Maximum Busy Muscle, has released its album, Kill the Cow, Beat the Horse, and it only costs $5. Presumably, it’s in local stores now, but if that doesn’t work out for you then just ask the band about it over at www.myspace.com/maximumbusymuscle.

Get in the Van: Athens’ serrated-edge pop-punk bands Guff and Burns Like Fire will tour together through September throughout Florida and some of the Southeast. Guff has been holding strong for over a decade now, but Burns Like Fire has exceeded all reasonable expectations for such a short-lived band. They’ve got upcoming gigs with quarter-century-old New York hardcore legends Sick of It All (Atlanta’s Masquerade, Sept. 14) and NYC ska kings The Toasters (Masquerade again, Oct. 24). Burns Like Fire and Guff kick the tour off with a show at the Caledonia Lounge on Sept. 16 and will be joined that night by Treephort and Wristbandits. For more info, please see www.myspace.com/burnslikefiremusic and www.myspace.com/guff.

Second from the End: The Next to Last Fest is currently on the lips of lots of folks and with good reason, too, considering that journeyman collaborator, and quite accomplished songwriter in his own right, Van Dyke Parks and South Bronx rhythm legends ESG are the main headlining acts. The festival is scheduled to take place Halloween weekend, Oct. 28–31. Individual tickets will be available in the near future for both Van Dyke Parks' show (the Melting Point, Oct. 31) and ESG (New Earth Music Hall, Oct. 30) for approximately $20 and $15, respectively. The festival will be spread out across town, including the aforementioned venues as well as the State Botanical Garden, Farm 255 and the "secret" home-base of presenters Party Party Partners. A limited amount of full-festival wristbands will be available online this week for $35, and by sometime next week they should be in Wuxtry and Schoolkids record shops for $40. The organizers promise over 65 total bands, and a short list of them is available over at www.nexttolastfest.com. That's also where you should check for ticket information. And, of course, check this space in the future for updates and such.

Gordon Lamb

threatsandpromises@flagpole.com