GODSPEED: Longtime Athens music scene contributor, enthusiast and friend Chris Purcell died Sunday, Jan. 5 in Virginia. Before he moved to Athens in the early 1990s, Chris was a co-owner of the legendary Asheville, NC venue the Squashpile, then immediately upon arriving in Athens, one of the collaborators behind Self Rising Records. The two compilations of local bands the label released, Fuel and ReFuel, still stand tall as historical references to the then-burgeoning heavy alternative rock scene here in Athens. He was a master craftsman, too, and enjoyed creating old-fashioned handmade wooden toys, in addition to more practical projects, such as the patio behind what was then The Caledonia. He was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2018 at age 51. There is no way to encapsulate Chris’ life in this short passage, so, please, when you hear his name, ask about him. If you knew him, talk about him. And while you do that, hug each other and be thankful for the time we have together.
AIN’T NO CURE FOR THE WINTERTIME BLUES: Just before this column entered its long winter’s nap last year, blues artist John McDonald released his newest album, Feeling Blues. Like its immediate predecessor, 2023’s Touched by the Blues, this new album is populated by multiple genre classics and well-known compositions. While he’s worked with engineer and musician Mark Maxwell for a long time, this new album is credited to both of them. Also of note are the other musicians on this album, including Mindy Towe on saxophone and clarinet and Mason Towe on drums—each of Check The Signs—as well as Jason Fuller on piano, Glyn Denham on harmonica, and Gabrielle Campbell, Janis Maxwell and Jada Mose on backup vocals. The album runs 11 tracks, and while it won’t blow your speakers out or particularly blow your mind, it’s a fully competent collection of enjoyable songs played by well-seasoned and knowledgeable musicians. Find it at johnmcdonald.bandcamp.com.
GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER: The expanding universe of a band known as Slightly Famous Somebodies have packed a new single, a cover of Dashboard Saviors’ 1993 song “.45,” full of Athens bona fides. It features the Saviors’ Mike Gibson on guitar, Sunny Ortiz (Widespread Panic) on percussion and Jay Gonzalez (Drive-By Truckers) on Hammond organ. Vocals on this Todd McBride-composed song are handled by Adam McIntyre of Atlanta band the Pinx, who is also a guitarist on this, as well as Jonathan Spencer, Laura Wiggins and Mekenzie Zimmerman. The song itself is a whopping 10-minute-long jam that pays nice homage to the original. Find it on all streaming services when it’s released on Jan. 19.
PACK A LUNCH: Widespread Panic has announced a solid handful of dates that should keep fans satiated through the spring. Feb. 14–16 it’ll be in Atlantic City, NJ playing Hard Rock Live @ Etess Arena; Mar. 21–23 in St. Augustine, FL playing the St. Augustine Arena; and Apr. 24–26 the band will be in Nashville for three nights at the Ascend Amphitheater. Tickets for these are on sale now, and it’d be shocking if they didn’t sell out, so get on it. For all other information, including ticket links, please see widespreadpanic.com.
FANGS A LOT: Composer Myles Carlyle (The While) just released his newest single under his project named Seven Fangs. The track is named “Mayor,” and it’s a noisy, kinda crowded indie rock tune with loads of flange on the guitar and a whole bunch of other layers making it thick with distraction. My favorite part is right around the 1:40 mark, where it gets a little chunky. Earlier last year he released the single “Anthem Of The Anxious,” which is plodding and psychedelic in a similar vein to the Spacemen 3. Two songs isn’t a whole lot to go on, but if these are the tracks clearing his path, then I’m excited to see where they lead. Find both on Spotify.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT: There’s something sinister and subversive about the music of nothingifanything. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I know it’s there. After a string of releases stretching back to last July, these metal/hardcore/artcore/post-punk folks have released the full-length A Monument To Sacrifice. It’s a meaty, 11-song album with loads of the above descriptors, but also a dash of digital hardcore and a slight amount of chamber goth. If this sounds like a lot, and you just need a starting place, then go with “suicide.bait,” which was previously released as a single. It’s a solid entry point from which to explore. Find all this over at nothingifanything.bandcamp.com.
OH, COME ALL YE FAITHFUL: Redeemer Presbyterian Church has released its 2024 Lessons + Carols live concert, which took place late last year. While running a mere seven songs, these performances are clean and crisp, and the recording quality and musicianship are simply wonderful. This collection, musically speaking, will appeal to those who enjoy a hefty side of traditional folk music with their celebrations. It’s just a joy to hear. Also, Redeemer has released these performances since 2012, so you can go back and grab a whole bunch of ‘em if you’re interested. Find them all over at redeemerathens.bandcamp.com.
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