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Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > June
June 2008
Hey y’all, watch this: Ejected McGraw fan still likes Tim
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Don’t blame it on the beer, says ejected Tim McGraw fan. Photo: Louie Favorite/Staff.
Remember the guy that was tossed out of a Tim McGraw show in Washington earlier this week? Here’s the story. Apparently, he thought McGraw just wanted to dance with him.
CMT.com has an interview with 30-year-old Marcus Nirschl, the ejected fan, about the experience here.
Nirschl tells CMT that he thought McGraw recognized him, “because I’ve been to about six of his shows. I really thought he wanted to pull me onstage for some dancing and stuff.”
Though Nirschl has been described as “drunk” in various places where the video can be found (including here), Nirschl told CMT that he’d only had a couple of beers. But isn’t that what we all say?
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Dropsonic — From The Road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Atlanta Music Scene’s latest Dispatch From the Road comes from Dan Dixon of local rock ensemble Dropsonic (above), who take their turn on the Corndogorama stage at Lenny’s tomorrow — and have a new CD due in stores July 8.
(Are you a Dropsonic fan? Planning to see them tomorrow? Ever been to Corndogorama — and perhaps, actually eaten a corndog there?)
Anyway, here’s Dan’s Dispatch:
So this past weekend we played in Nashville, TN and Asheville, NC and I’ve been saddled with the somewhat unenviable task of documenting it for this blog.
Ah, the tour diary. The crazy, wild life of a touring musician, the hard times, the drunken debacles, the women, the drugs, the stories I could tell you, blah blah blah…..
Well, I have news for you, not so much. An average tour goes something like this: Wake up Eat fast food Sit in a van for 4-6 hours Eat fast food Load in to a club Drink cheap terrible beer for free Play music for 45 minutes Run out of drink tickets and drink cheap terrible beer for two dollars Load out of a club Go to someone’s house and drink enough to make sleeping on a hardwood floor sound pretty good Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
These bands that talk about their “trials and tribulations” of the life of a touring musician or the boundless freedom and excitement…..[B.S.] I say. It’s okay. It’s a job. Like a traveling salesman. Only no one actually needs what you’re selling.
To be honest, I feel like these “bands” that romanticize the so-called “rock n’ roll lifestyle” make the rest of us look bad. People figure out you’re in a band and automatically assume you’re one of these high dollar haircut rockers. These kids love the idea of being a rock star, yet don’t have the discipline to learn to write a half decent song or play in time or even book more than a two day tour.
I’m not complaining about the reality of touring, and I’m not going to [expletive] about gas prices, [expletive] promoters, overbearing sound guys, whatevs. I just want you to know that the next time you run into one of these jokers at The Earl or The Drunken Unicorn or Smith’s Olde Bar, and they start telling you about how great their 4 night tour was all the way to North Carolina and back, you’re being lied to.
This [expletive] is trying to sell you on his dream. Maybe if he tells enough people that his record is really brilliant and that people really dig it, maybe it will actually come true one day.
I’m here to tell you that his record is not one tenth as good as his ironic moustache and pointy shoes would want you to believe and the best thing about his tour was that he didn’t have to report to work at whatever pizza joint or head shop he works at part time.
Dropsonic has done upwards of 500 shows in the last 4 years. Some good, some bad. All fine. We’re there to play some rock n’ roll and regardless of anything else, we can always count on 45 minutes to do what we’re there to do. And we’re doing it again Saturday night at Corndogorama. Watch for ironic facial hair.
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Vote for local musicians to play Projekt Revolution
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Seven Story Fall (from left): Justin Calalay, Wesley Moore, Mike Hart, Adam Ingram, Josh Connell. Photo: Diwang Valdez.
Want to help out some local bands and musicians?
MTV2 and Comcast are sponsoring a contest that will end with three local acts performing at the Projekt Revolution concert at Lakewood Amphitheatre on Aug. 3, along wih headliners Linkin Park, Chris Cornell, the Bravery, Busta Rhymes and more.
All artists were welcome to add their names to the list for consideration and now it’s the public’s turn to choose. The top 12 vote-getters will be reviewed by a selection committee and three acts will be chosen from that pool.
To vote, go to the MTV2 site for Atlanta. You’ll find a list of 140 artists to choose from, including Stockbridge-based Seven Story Fall.
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The Good, The Bad And The Atlantans At The BET Awards
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As expected, Atlantans were everywhere you looked at the BET Awards last night.
They opened the live show from Los Angeles (Usher - above; and see the rest of our photo gallery HERE ), they were at the podium accepting awards (T-Pain, The Dream, OutKast, Bryan Barber) and they made surprise appearances (TLC).
Not to mention there was some Atlanta-related news that wasn’t announced to the Shrine Auditorium audience. Notice that ring on R&B singer Jill Scott’s left hand when she performed her tribute to soul pioneer Al Green? Well, her drummer Lil John Roberts — a staple on the Atlanta music scene from the Yin Yang and FunkJazz Kafe days as the lead of the Chronicle, to the Tuesday Jam happening weekly at Sugar Hill — gave it to her.
As Peach Buzz reported last month, they were walking hand-in-hand at the Fox Theatre when Scott (above; see other pictures from the BET pre-party HERE ) made a surprise appearance during the Roots/Erykah Badu show. And her reps confirmed to us that he has popped the question, and the fairly recently-divorced Scott is engaged again.
What did you notice, like or shudder at during the BET Awards? Lil Kim’s “transformation”? Maxwell’s reappearance? Lil Wayne not getting best male hip-hop artist? Kanye West deeming T-Pain a genius? Or how great it was for Alicia Keys to bring out SWV, En Vogue and TLC (above; see other photos from the red carpet HERE )?
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Maroon 5, Counting Crows tickets on sale
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Maroon 5. Photo: Chris Wray-McCann
Tickets for another big fall show go on sale this weekend. Maroon 5 and Counting Crows have teamed up for a two-month-plus jaunt around the country beginning July 25 and running through Oct. 4.
Tickets for the bands’ Oct. 1 date at Lakewood Amphtihteatre go on sale Saturday, June 28, at 10 a.m. online at Live Nation and through Ticketmaster charge by phone at 404-249-6400.
Maroon 5’s latest album, “It Won’t Be Soon Before Long,” was released last year and debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 album chart. Counting Crows’ “Saturday Night & Sunday Morning,” released in March 2008, was the band’s first album of new material since 2002’s “Hard Candy.”
In other show news, Dublin, Ireland-based Mexican acoustic guitarists Rodrigo y Gabriela will finally make their way to Atlanta in August. The pair, who met playing in a thrash metal band, will play the Tabernacle on Aug. 15 and the tickets go on sale Friday, June 27, at 10 a.m. online at Live Nation, all Ticketmaster locations or charge by phone at 404-249-6400.
Visa issues threw a monkey wrench into the duo’s U.S. touring plans (and a planned Atlanta date) last year, but those were finally resolved. Then they canceled some dates due to exhaustion late in 2007. Let’s hope it all comes together this time around.
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The Time Reuniting In Las Vegas Tomorrow
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO: Bita Honarvar
It’ll be 1981 all over again June 24, 2008.
That’s when pioneering funk band The Time — led by Atlanta’s Morris Day (above) — will reunite for a concert for the first time in two decades, in Las Vegas. (Where else?)
Prince’s proteges came close to a reunion earlier this year, at the Grammys, but Jesse Johnson did not join Day, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Jelly Bean Johnson, Monte Moir and infamous valet Jerome Benton.
However they are all scheduled to be on stage June 24-July 5, and July 29-Aug. 2 at the Flamingo Las Vegas.
“We don’t know what the show will be yet,” Day said in a press release. “It’s just like the beginning of sex. You know what the goal is, but you don’t know what the path is to get there.”
“I never planned on playing again, since I had already been in the best band,” added Jam in the release. “It’s only MY band that could make me get back on stage…It’s a great hang. I don’t have to think about what everyone else is doing. I just have to get my part right and enjoy myself!”
Would you travel to Las Vegas to see the original Time again? Think Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey or any of the other acts Jam and Lewis have produced since they left the Time may show up? (Maybe even Prince - who gave them their start?) What’s your favorite Time song from their four-CD catalog?
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Rate Our Big Music Weekend
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Atlanta Music Scene surely felt like a major, live music scene —on Saturday night alone.
Athens’ rock titans R.E.M. were at Lakewood Amphitheatre. [See our writer David O’Brien’s take HERE. And the rest of the photo gallery - including the shot of lead singer Michael Stipe, above - HERE. ]
Gospel, soul and jazz were well-represented at Philips Arena, where the AARP celebrated its 50th anniversary with the Debbie Allen-directed “Songs of Soul and Inspiration,” featuring Dionne Warwick, Shirley Caesar, Queen Latifah, Patti Austin, Ann Nesby and others.
Top contemporary jazz could also be heard over at Chastain Park Amphitheatre, were guitarists George Benson and Atlantan Earl Klugh played.
Jam-rock was well-represented over at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, where moe. and Keller Williams rounded out the bill.
Blues-rockers Blues Traveler headlined the festivities in Candler Park.
And hip-hop and R&B acts - large (Young Jeezy, Keyshia Cole) and burgeoning (Day 26, Rocko, Trey Songz) - provided the entertainment at V-103’s annual Car & Bike Show at the Georgia World Congress Center.
And again, that was just Saturday — rocker Melissa Etheridge, jazz-blues wonder Lizz Wright and others also played over the past weekend.
And that was just some of the music in the larger venues — there was also Raheem DeVaughn, Chrisette Michele and Solange at the more intimate Tabernacle; Martin Luther, Lina and IC Green at Sugar Hill; and still-going local power Dionne Farris at Cenci.
Pretty great amount of talent in town over the past few days, huh? Did you get to any of these shows? And if so, how would you rate them?
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R.E.M. is truly “back”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If their most recent album, the very strong “Accelerate,” wasn’t enough to completely convince me that R.E.M. had reclaimed its status as one of top rock bands in the world, Saturday night was.
The boys from Athens, Ga., put on a phenomenal show at Lakewood here in Atlanta on Saturday night. Seriously, this was a great rock concert.
By the end of their approximate two-hour performance, I had forgotten (and no longer really cared) that I’d missed The National’s opening set (even though I do love that band, too). Rock shows should not start when the sun is still blazing overhead, unless it’s an all-day festival show, the kind that most middle-aged working dudes like me no longer attend.
Anyway, Modest Mouse’s middle set was fine, about as good as you can expect from a band that has to fill an opening slot for the huge headliner, and thus usually must play with lesser equipment and without all the bells-and-whistles visual effects, etc.
But R.E.M. would’ve blown away most bands on this night, which I’m assuming was pretty indicative of how they’ve played on this entire tour. They rocked hard, folks. Forget that mostly bland period between the excellent “New Adventures in Hi-Fi” album and the “comeback” blast of “Accelerate.”
If they were in danger of slipping from relevance for many younger rock fans (and I admit, they had), then they have certainly stepped forward with this album and this tour and answered any skeptics and critics, at least any who are actually paying attention and listening to the music.
Not only did they play every solid song from the new album, but I was pleasantly surprised — make that thrilled — that they played so many of the older gems, including “Fall On Me,” (with the great former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr joining on guitar), “Pretty Persuasion,” “Rockville” “Driver 8,” “Orange Crush,” “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?,” “Electrolite,” and a slightly speeded up, muscular version of “Harborcoat.” Sublime, it was.
I’ve seen R.E.M. 10 or 12 times since 1983, the year I saw them play at old Hoch Auditorium on campus at the University of Kansas, just after Murmur was released and was the hottest thing going on college radio.
Stipe had long, curly hair then, and kept his back to the audience for most of the show. Saw them every year for the next five or six years after that, as they’d release a new album annually — “Murmur,” “Reckoning,” “Fables of the Reconstruction,” “Life’s Rich Pageant,” “Document,” “Green” — and tour annually.
While I have only vague memories of those shows for some reason (ahem), I’ve got to say, I can’t recall the band ever being much better, much tighter, much more entertaining than they were last night. Honestly.
They had a truly remarkable run of high-integrity, high-grade and original rock and roll during the 1980s, no dud among those early albums. Other than “Monster,” they really didn’t have even a mediocre album until after drummer Bill Berry left the band for health reasons more than a decade later.
Now, after figuring I’d be one of the R.E.M. completists who buys every album they put out, regardless of critical reviews, on the day it’s released, for as long as they hung on, it’s been a really uplifting thing to see one of my very favorite all-time bands come back so strong.
These are musicians who are all older than me playing new songs so good that most younger, trendier, “edgier” bands with members half their age can only dream of ever producing if they stay together half as long as the boys from R.E.M. have. Not to mention the classics most of those bands will never produce.
More than 25 years later, R.E.M. is back kicking tail. For us of a certain age, who went to college in the early 1980s, that’s great stuff. Seeing them on that stage last night, doing their thing, it doesn’t get much better.
Check out photos from the Lakewood show, and see how O’Brien compared the Braves to R.E.M. And if you went to the show, share your review here.
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Tony Rich Resurfacing?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At the end of a conversation with Hidden Beach’s president about its release next Tuesday of another “Unwrapped” compilation — this time, featuring instrumental versions of southern hip-hop — he gave us a scoop: They’ve signed Tony Rich.
Now as those who have followed the Atlanta Music Scene for a long time should know, Rich blasted out of LaFace Records in 1995 (around the time the photo above was shot for the AJC) with his Grammy-winning CD “Words”, and the huge first single, “Nobody Knows”.
He’s released at least four discs since then — at least according to allmusic.com, but basically, really, hasn’t been heard from since.
Well…
“He’s already completed an album that we’re really excited about,” Steve McKeever allowed. “And we hope to get it out in August. The AJC is the first media outlet I’ve told about this, but you know, he is an Atlanta guy…And the only other thing I can say at this time is there’s a good YouTube video up now, catching people up.”
(See it BELOW).
Interested in hearing from Rich again? Have an underappreciated favorite from “Words” or “Birdseye” - or any of Rich’s other independent releases that followed? (“Hey Blue”? “Like A Woman”?) Are there artists of his era - or the LaFace imprint in particular - that you wish would resurface?
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Janet Jackson’s Returning To TV?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hold on - don’t start thinking “Good Times 2009 - Penny’s All Grown Up”.
Or a sitcom based on Charlene and Willis (Todd Bridges) as a married couple.
No, Janet Jackson herself — not one her beloved TV characters — has signed a reality show deal with MTV, according to variety.com.
The part-time Atlantan is apparently going where a whole lot of networks have gone before, and developing a music competition. Jackson will serve as mentor to the up-and-coming singers and dancers.
“It’s really about finding who’s the next Janet Jackson or Justin Timberlake or Usher,” Dave Broome, executive producer of the now-untitled show, told Variety. “And we’ll find it from a pool of people who you wouldn’t typically find it from. We’ll go to YMCA’s, church groups, local community centers and try to cast the show.”
The story added that a prize hasn’t been determined yet, “but it could potentially relate to Jackson’s tour”.
Sept. 10 is reportedly the target launch date.
Looking forward to Jackson’s return to TV? Did you watch her when she was on “Good Times” (above) or “Fame” or “Diff’rent Strokes”? (See a YouTube video from “Strokes” BELOW). Do you think there’s room for yet another music competition on TV?
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The Black Lips, Dark Meat and AthFest
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The fluctuating but always sizable Athens outfit Dark Meat.
Georgia bands are really starting to stir things up on a national — and in some cases, international — level. Check out these features on some of our local notables:
The Black Lips have been conquering the world, spending most of their time on the road and gathering a growing legion of fans one darkened dive at a time=. Or at least you’d think that’s the way it happens. The band actually plays in some very interesting places. Check out their interview at Pitchfork. There are a few naughty words, so it’s definitely PG-13. There’s also an interview with the band at MTV’s site. Check that out here.
You’ll also find a whole load of stuff on the Black Lips and their labelmates Dark Meat at the Vice Records site. There’s a link to a very cool iMeem video on sprawling Athens combo Dark Meat that includes a look at the band’s tour bus. The bus, according to the band, also starred in the movie “We Are Marshall” as the team bus.
On an even more local note, AthFest is this weekend. It’s your chance to check out more than 170 acts, most of them based in Athens. The outdoor shows are free, but you’ll need a $15 wristband for some of the club shows. Find more info at the AthFest site. If you go, here are some of the don’t-miss-’em highlights:
Blue Flashing Light (3 p.m. Saturday, June 21, on the main outdoor stage)
Hope for agoldensummer (11 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at the Melting Point)
Dark Meat (9:10 p.m. Friday, June 20, on the main outdoor stage)
Morning State (7:25 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at DARC Recording Studio)
We Vs. the Shark (midnight Saturday, June 21, at the 40 Watt Club)
Modern Skirts (9 p.m. Saturday, June 21, on the main outdoor stage)
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Third Day Is Number One-Again
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Call My Name,” the first single from the upcoming album by Atlanta’s Christian rockers, Third Day (above), now tops the R&R Christian AC, CHR and Christian Radio Weekly charts for another week.
It is the second consecutive single to achieve that success on those listings. And just the latest achievement by the act that has had 25 No. 1 radio singles, 23 Dove Awards, three Grammys and sold more than six million albums.
Third Day’s new CD, “Revelation”, is due in stores July 29; after which they plan to hit the festival circuit with Switchfoot, Robert Randolph & the Family Band and Jars of Clay on the Music Builds Tour.
Looking forward to that album? How would you rate “Call My Name”?
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Adam Murphy’s Report Card on Ludacris
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you hear Atlanta’s Grammy winner Ludacris is going to be on TV, a music awards show probably first comes to mind.
Then maybe “Law & Order: SVU” - on which he’s made some memorable appearances. Or perhaps that upcoming Planet Green project, “Battleground Earth,” he’s doing with rocker Tommy Lee.
Wrong, wrong, wrong. At least tomorrow.
At 4 p.m. on WGCL-TV Ludacris will join Adam Murphy (that’s both of them, above) on the Restaurant Report Card segment.
Murphy visited the rapper-actor’s new Midtown restaurant Straits. And just in case you were wondering before you watch it, it got 97 points on its last health inspection.
Have you been to Straits yet, and if so, have a favorite dish? (As we’ve reported before, one of Ludacris’s is the chicken lollipops. And Murphy added in an e-mail, “they’re one of the best items on the menu”). Do you go to restaurants — or nightclubs, retail stores, whatever — because a celebrity owns it?
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Mario’s Atlanta Connections
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Photo: John Russo
R&B singer Mario’s launch of his new foundation in Atlanta tomorrow, and his performance later that evening at Six Flags, only begin to speak to his many ties to this city.
Of course, first, there’s the musical: His most recent CD “Go” includes contributions from Polow Da Don, Akon, Sean Garrett and Mr. Collipark. Plus he’s part of the local production team, the Knightwritaz.
Then there is the not-so-obvious business tie: He co-owns a downtown boxing gym called Sweat City.
(Not to mention, he chose to celebrate his official entry into adulthood at midtown’s Verve nightclub.)
Little wonder then that the Grammy nominee would look to the metro area to launch his new Do Right Foundation, an initiative for kids dealing with drug addiction in their home.
“Having been in that place myself, I know how it felt,” Mario told us. “And one of those feelings was alone.”
(Mario’s mother battled heroin addiction and is now nine months clean).
“Now hopefully I can be an inspiration to kids that feel the way…And the Do Right Foundation can help give them the tools to deal.”
Did you see MTV’s documentary on Mario and his mom, titled “I Won’t Love You To Death” - and if so, what were your thoughts? Planning to catch him Thursday at the Michael E. Grant Boys & Girls Club in Austell, and/or Six Flags later?
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Big week for Coldplay, Atlanta tickets on sale
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Coldplay (from left): Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Will Champion, Jonny Buckland. Photo: Stephan Craneanscki.
Coldplay’s new album, “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends” was released today to mostly favorable reviews. The British quartet’s catchy single “Viva La Vida,” is at No. 2 on the pop chart and in an iPod TV commercial that seems to run every 10 minutes.
The album was released last Thursday in the U.K. and has already gone platinum there (in Britain, that signifies 300,000 in sales).
Now, the band is headed out on a world tour that will land in Atlanta on Nov. 11. Tickets go on sale Saturday, June 21, at noon online through Live Nation, at the Philips Arena box office or Ticketmaster charge by phone at 404-249-6400. Ticket prices are $97.50, $77.50 and $49.50.
What is your take on the new album and single? Will you be scooping up tickets come Saturday?
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Rate Hot-107.9’s Birthday Bash 13
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Photo: Donna Permell Prime Phocus, LLC
Atlanta rapper-actor T.I. (above) gave his first hometown performance (and only his second one, period) since he was arrested for and pleaded guilty to felony gun charges.
Fellow local hip-hop phenom Young Jeezy surprised the sold-out Philips Arena with guest appearances by Atlanta R&B singer Usher (for “Love In This Club”) and fellow superstar Kanye West (on “Put On”).
(See excerpts from those performances - as well as West doing “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” — HERE ).
And just about every local (Soulja Boy, Gucci Mane, Rocko) and nationally-recognized (Plies, the Game, Bun B) artists on the hip-hop charts these days rounded out Hot-107.9’s Birthday Bash 13.
If you went, tell us what your good (Ludacris showing up with Shawty Lo?), bad (the many “wardrobe malfunctions” Trina kept pointing out on stage?) and ugly (some of the wardrobe choices in the audience?) was.
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Grandmaster Flash Responds to Jermaine Dupri, Lil Wayne
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just a heads-up Jermaine Dupri, that may be Grandmaster Flash (top picture) ringing your iPhone today. The musical pioneer has gotten wind of the whole “The DJ Is Dead” argument you and fellow hip-hop giant Lil Wayne have been making online lately, and he says he may very well give you call when he is in town tomorrow promoting his autobiography, “The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash: My Life, My Beats.”
“It threw me a little bit, just being the creator of this whole DJ hip-hop thing,” said Flash, the first DJ to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (And according to his bio, a Bill Gates Vanguard Award winner). “I mean Jermaine Dupri is a very good friend of mine and I have so much respect for him.
“And he knows, personally, a lot of his stuff wouldn’t have jumped off if it wasn’t for the DJ. From [the 1992 single from rap duo Kris Kross] ‘Jump, Jump’, to [million-selling female rapper] Da Brat to [the Dupri-produced remix of R&B group Dru Hill’s] ‘In My Bed’. One of his signatures is doing records for the dancefloor. And who controls the dancefloor? The DJ! Jermaine knows better.”
(Not to mention Dupri is one of the many celebs giving Flash and David Ritz’s “My Life, My Beats” praise, writing “Hip-hop wouldn’t be hip-hop without the great Grandmaster Flash”).
Flash is scheduled to sign what he calls “a story about a young black man who went through some pretty turbulent times — and survived,” at 7:30 p.m. TuesdayJUNE 17/SYM at Borders Books, 3637 Peachtree Rd. N.E. .
Picked up “My Life, My Beats” yet? Planning to go to the signing? Again, have your own opinion on the “The DJ Is Dead” discussion?
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Jermaine Dupri vs. Greg Street (Kind Of)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Speaking of that comment (in the previous post here) that Lil Wayne made about the DJ being dead, well, apparently Atlanta music mogul Jermaine Dupri (top photo) has picked up that baton - to use his own illustration — and posted a video seconding Wayne’s position.
(See it on YouTube BELOW)
Dupri’s fellow V-103 announcer, Greg Street (second photo above), saw it and has issued an even more personal response — including this swipe: “Yes, you are internationally known, but you are not locally respected.”)
(See the entire YouTube video BELOW)
And now a renowned Atlanta DJ with ties to both parties — DJ Nabs (above) — has weighed in on the online battle, noting that Dupri “can be somewhat outlandish” and Street may be trying to pump up sales of his upcoming CD, “Certified Worldwide”. But “obviously there is some truth to what both these individuals have to say.”
(See his take HERE )
OK it’s your turn. After looking at Dupri, Street and Nabs’ videos, what’s your opinion? Think Dupri makes a good argument that the DJ is dead? (Again, an especially curious position for Dupri to take since he is a DJ, of sorts, on V-103). Or does this feel like a manufactured back and forth to boost attention/sales for both?
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Lil Wayne Surpassing Big Usher Numbers?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, Atlanta R&B superstar Usher had the best first-week sales for any male artist this year until abooouuttt…now.
Since Billboard magazine reported late Wednesday that rapper Lil Wayne had sold 423,000 copies of “Tha Carter III” its FIRST day in stores, according to Nielsen SoundScan, it’s a pretty safe bet that by the time you read this - just three days after “Tha Carter III’s” official release — it’s beaten our five-time Grammy winner. (Usher, you may recall, sold 433,000 copies of “Here I Stand” its first week at retail outlets).
That kind of start also puts Lil Wayne in position to jet past the 463,000 Mariah Carey’s “E=MC2” moved its first week - the biggest seven-day tally by any act this year; and some are predicting it could even be bigger than Kanye West’s first-week top seller of 2007, “Graduation” (957,000).
And again, this is despite the fact that “Tha Carter III” has been pushed back several times, and purposefully leaked by DJs who felt disrespected by recent comments by Wayne.
Are you among the hundreds of thousands that have already picked up “Tha Carter III” — and if so, what grade would you give it? Is there any Atlanta act that you think could put out an album this year that would be received like Lil Wayne’s? A new OutKast, perhaps?
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Americana Music Association award nominees
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, with their duo project “Raising Sand,” are among the leading nominees for the Americana Music Association’s annual awards. Photo: Pamela Springsteen.
The Americana Music Association announced the list of nominees for its annual awards on Wednesday. The top nominees are James McMurtry, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss and Levon Helm, and Athens’ Drive By Truckers are among those vying for duo/group of the year. This is also a good year for the Earles. Both father Steve Earle and son Justin Townes Earle are up for awards. The ceremony will take place on Sept. 18 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss & Robert Plant — “Raising Sand”
Hayes Carll — “Trouble in Mind”
James McMurtry
 — “Just Us Kids”
Levon Helm — “Dirt Farmer”
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Steve Earle
Levon Helm
Jim Lauderdale
James McMurtry
INSTUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR
Buddy Miller
Chris Thile
Gurf Morlix
Sam Bush

NEW EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Justin Townes Earle
Mike Farris
Ryan Bingham
The Steeldrivers
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Broken” — Tift Merritt
“Cheney’s Toy” — James McMurtry
“Gone Gone Gone” — Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
“Poor Old Dirt Farmer” — Levon Helm
“She Left Me for Jesus” — Hayes Carll

DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
Drive By Truckers
Kane Welch Kaplin
The Avett Brothers
The association will also present lifetime achievement awards to John Hiatt (for songwriting) and Jason and the Scorchers (for performance).
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Island Def Jam Responds To Janet
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Yesterday Shane Harrison reported here that part-time Atlantan Janet Jackson is unhappy with how Island Def Jam has been promoting her current CD “Discipline.”
(Read where she said it HERE. )
And today, we’ve got a response from the record label: “Unfortunately we haven’t experienced the results we would have liked with this new album, but we respect and support Janet,” said an IDJ spokesperson; adding that it had worked three singles from “Discipline” — “Feedback,” “Luv” and “Rock With You”.
(Jackson says it only got behind “Feedback,” the first single from the CD current sitting at 194 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart. It’s sold 392,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan).
In other Jackson news today, the European leg of her Rock Witchu tour has been scrapped; again, reportedly due to poor promotion.
Doesn’t quite feel like she has a lot of momentum going into her first tour in seven years, does it? To what do you attribute this lackluster showing? (V-103’s Frank Ski - who predicted this would happen - noted this morning that Janet needed to “touch the people” more). Think she and her Island Def Jam exec boyfriend, Jermaine Dupri, (above) will bolt this label like they did Virgin?
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T.I. Gives First Concert Since Arrest
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When Hot-107.9 announced it had booked Atlanta rapper-actor T.I. for its 13th Birthday Bash this Saturday, it looked like his scheduled appearance at Philips Arena would be his first since he was arrested last October for, and later pled guilty to, federal gun charges.
But D.C. beat his hometown to that, by days.
MTV.com is reporting that T.I. did a 90-minute set at the nightclub Love this past weekend, opening with “Help Is Coming”, “Top Back” and “Rubber Band Man”; including one song from his upcoming CD, “Paper Trail,” “No Matter What”; and wrapping things up with “Big [Expletive] Poppin’ ” and “What You Know”.
(Notice all of the enthusiastic women up front, in this picture from the show by Sydney George).
“He’s still got it,” T.I. reportedly said of himself. “I can go all night with all the hits I got.”
Planning to be there Saturday night when T.I. performs at Birthday Bash? Think he should edit himself when he raps now - especially the gun references- considering the trouble he’s in? (Fair warning - he is no way censored in the YouTube clips below).
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Georgia music news: Janet, Third Day, Bradford Cox, Harvey Milk, Dead Confederate
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dead Confederate (from left): Brantley Senn, Hardy Morris, John Watkins, Walker Howle and Jason Scarboro. Photo: Razor and Tie/TAO Records.
Georgia musicians are busy these days, so let’s do a little cathing up with them. Here are a few recent news tidbits:
Athens sludge rockers Harvey Milk have a new album called “Life … The Best Game in Town.” The Onion raved about it recently, giving it a grade of A. Check out the review (and a musical sample) here. The band plays the EARL on June 17 before heading out on a month-long tour. See all of the dates at the HM MySpace page.
Deerhunter/Atlas Sound main man Bradford Cox is part of a new advertising campaign from Converse that includes a whole slew of cool musicians. Among Atlantan Cox’s fellow Converse wearers are the Strokes’ Julian Casablancas, Santogold, the Fiery Furnaces’ Eleanor Friedberger and Pharrell Williams. Pitchfork has scans of the print ads here.
Janet Jackson told reporters during a conference call to promote her upcoming tour that there would be no further singles from her latest album, “Discipline.” Apparently, Jackson and her label, Island Def Jam, aren’t seeing eye to eye on the album’s promotion. Check it out here.
Atlanta Christian rock quartet Third Day was featured on the cover of Billboard magazine’s June 7 issue. That might have provided the boost needed to push the band’s new single, “Call My Name,” to the No. 1 spot in several Christian radio formats, according to trade publications Radio & Records and Christian Radio Weekly. “Call My Name” is the first single from the band’s upcoming album, “Revelation,” set for a July 29 release.
And, finally, Dead Confederate’s upcoming full-length debut, “Wrecking Ball,” is now set for a Sept. 16 release. If you haven’t heard this amazing Athens quintet, go have a listen to “The Rat” on the band’s MySpace page.
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Janet Jackson, Volunteer Jam dates announced
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Janet Jackson. Photo: Chuando & Frey
She’s spent a lot of time here, so Janet Jackson should feel right at home when she comes to Philips Arena on Oct. 5. The singer’s Rock Witchu Tour is Jackson’s first road show in seven years and kicks off Sept. 10 in Vancouver.
Tickets for Jackson’s Atlanta date go on sale this Saturday, June 14, at 10 a.m. through Live Nation, the Philips Arena box office or through Ticketmaster charge by phone at 404-249-6400.
Another just-announced date is the Volunteer Jam on Aug. 15 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park in Alpharetta. The Charlie Daniels Band heads the line-up, which also includes Shooter Jennings — son of Waylon — and Southern rockers the Outlaws.
Tickets for the Volunteer Jam also go on sale Saturday, June 14, at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets, on-line at Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone 404-249-6400.
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Bow Wow’s “Super Stuntin’ 21”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just in case the invite to his Las Vegas celebration somehow, some way, got lost in the mail — and you missed the post here and the Peach Buzz item back in March — tonight at 9:30 p.m. MTV will debut Atlanta rapper-actor Bow Wow’s “Super Stuntin’ 21”.
(Obviously a super-sized version of its usual “My Super Sweet 16” show”).
But if you can’t wait to see how a millionaire (above with the Atlanta mogul who signed him, Jermaine Dupri, far left, and the hip-hop giant who gave him his stage name, Snoop Dogg, center) celebrates such a milestone, watch the highlights HERE and MTV’s coverage of the afterparty HERE.
Oh - and here’s the cable channel’s photo gallery HERE.
During the episode, the artist born Shad Moss remarks that he’s been in the business since he was 5. Been a fan since then? Curious as to what he will do in upcoming appearance in “Entourage”? Or what about what his mom (Taste boutique co-owner Teresa Caldwell) says when he calls her about buying a $400,000-plus Mercedes-Benz Maybach?
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Zac Brown - From the Road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The last time the Atlanta Music Scene blog got a Dispatch From The Road, it was back in December, when SONiA and disappear fear were about to perform at Eddie’s Attic. Well, Zac Brown of the Zac Brown Band (top photo) was kind of enough to oblige us with our occasional effort to have traveling Atlanta-area acts shoot us posts as they tour. Here’s what burgeoning country-rocker Brown (second photo) sent us just before his date with ZZ Top at Chastain Park Amphitheatre this past weekend: (Did you go? And if so, got a grade/review for us? Oh - and HERE’S OUR GALLERY from the show as well) Zac Brown - Life on the Road: Nashville, TN - Enterprise, AL - Atlanta, GA! After four of the busiest days ever for the Zac Brown Band at CMA fest in Nashville, TN, we are headed to the Bamajam Festival in South Alabama where we will share the stage with some world-renowned players. Unfortunately, we won’t be sticking around to see all the great music Bamajam has to offer - because we are going home - for all of 22 hours. While we miss being at home, we love playing music to new folks every day and every night. The crazy thing is that shows are only 1 - 2 hrs of the whole day so there is a lot of down time to spend with your brothers from other mothers. Here are a few tips from Zac Brown Band on how to survive being on the road when you’re not pickin and grinning on stage or on the bus: First, is peanut butter. We love peanut butter - so many different kinds, so many different ways to eat it. Second, we love air conditioning. With 12 dudes and 2 dogs, you learn to appreciate the comfort of cold air at all times. Which leads us to the third tour essential: Because of all the cold air and close quarters, you will also want to stock up on Emergen - C or Airborne. Both of which can be purchased on your timely Wal Mart stops. Best not to purchase these items at truck stops as they are double the price. Good things to purchase at truck stops are water, ice, batteries, “I heart (insert city here) stickers, tiger heads, black metal suitcases and of course cheap sunglasses. So we are coming back to Atlanta for those blissful 22 hours where we play at Chastain with ZZ Top tomorrow. We played with these guys in Birmingham last week and it was definitely a highlight of our career. We’ll also be doing more shows with Willie Nelson later this summer and Alan Jackson! So until we get home again, we would like to give a shout out to all our friends, families and folks who take care of us in the great city of Atlanta - the AJC, Kicks 101.5, Atkins Park, Tin Roof, Northside and of course the Dixie Tavern! We will be home for a minute in August to wreak havoc on your fine establishments. Thanks for your support! And listen for our first single “Chicken Fried” on Kicks 101.5. Peace, Love and Chicken Grease - Zac Brown Band 
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Why Usher Is Backing Obama
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tomorrow we’re supposed to learn why Hillary Clinton wants the country to support fellow senator Barack Obama.
But today, here’s why Atlanta superstar Usher (above, left, with actress Kerry Washington and Obama) has been on the campaign trail with the presumptive Democratic Party nominee:
“Well, how did I get involved? By choice. We reached out to each other kind of simultaneously. He is close with Oprah Winfrey. Oprah Winfrey is close with Quincy Jones. And my being close to Quincy, Quincy Jones kind of allowed all of us to get to know each other about a year ago, at his house.
“And over this year, [Obama’s] just been sharing with me his campaign strategy. And as I just watched him, I became more intrigued. Wanted to be a part of his change. So I’ve gone out with him during the campaign, to tell people, you know, this is one of the greatest candidates we will ever see in our time. And just to encourage people to use their voice. Especially the youth.
“And me personally, you know, just as I grow older — and especially being an African-American man — I really have learned how important it is to utilize what voice I have. Make sure people understand things like voter registration. Even if you don’t go out and vote for Barack Obama — which I hope people do — please, you know, don’t squander your voice. Your vote. You know, we can make history people. We can make a change for the better.”
Your thoughts?
(And if you’re even more interested, watch the YouTube video below of Usher and Obama).
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Raconteurs, Bow Wow and The Mars Volta On Sale Today
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Now that the Tabernacle is back in business, the Tabernacle is back to booking shows.
Sooo…starting today you can get tickets for Jack White’s rock supergroup the Raconteurs (above, playing Oct. 1), the far more metal ensemble the Mars Volta (Sept. 24) and get this — Atlanta rapper-actor Bow Wow (Aug. 5) as Shad Moss. (His real name).
That’s how it’s billed people: Verizon VIP Tour presents Bow Wow as Shad Moss.
Anyway, all tickets are available at Live Nation.com all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 404-249-6400.
(Oh-and tickets for the April 5 Mars Volta show will not be honored at this new date).
Then if you’ve still got money to spend for local live music, individual tickets for the Chastain Park Amphitheatre Series B go on sale Saturday.
And in case you need reminding, that’s:
Lyle Lovett July 6
Tony Bennett July 24
Willie Nelson & B.B. King July 27
Journey w/Heart and Cheap Trick Aug. 3
Collective Soul, Live and Blues Traveler Aug. 17
Backstreet Boys Aug. 20
Dave Stewart Aug. 31
David Byrne Sept. 20
The Allman Brothers Band Oct. 10,11
and just added: Dolly Parton Oct. 24
Those tickets are also available at livenation.com or through Ticketmaster charge by phone, 404-249-6400.
For more information, go to chastainseries.com or call Chastain Tickets at 404-233-2227.
Already setting a few bills aside for any of these shows? Curious as to what “Bow Wow as Shad Moss” will be on stage? (Musical theater?!) And perusing the Chastain line-up, anybody catch the CBS Sunday Morning piece on Journey and its new Filipino frontman? (Read the story HERE ).
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Hollywood Reinvests In T.I.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In his first sit-down interview since pleading guilty to felony gun charges, Atlanta rapper/actor T.I. told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution he figured he’d lost between $10 million and $12 million.
Now it looks like some income will be in the plus column again.
Variety is reporting that Screen Gems has signed a three-picture deal with the Grammy winner born Clifford Harris Jr., beginning with a crime drama (of all things) called “Bone Deep,” with Matt Dillon and Idris Elba. AccessAtlanta.com previously reported on this project, which T.I., longtime friend and business partner Jason Geter and fellow Atlanta talent Will Packer will produce.
The second movie is a drama titled “Boulevard,”, which is still in development, and the third is yet to be determined.
Did you catch T.I. in “ATL” (above) and/or “American Gangster,” and if so, what did you think of his performances? Think he has movie star potential? Surprised that a studio would do business with someone due in jail for a year, next year?
New Casting Crowns video
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Casting Crowns. Photo: David Dobson.
McDonough-based Christian rockers Casting Crowns take their mission seriously, but they do it with style and power.
The band has a poignant new video for “Slow Fade,” a song from the group’s latest album, “The Altar and the Door.” The song decries the deterioration of the family unit.
In a press release, frontman Mark Hall says the song was “inspired by the spreading cancer of moral failure in the fathers of this generation.” Take a look at the video, shot in Birmingham, here.
The video will also be included on the upcoming “The Altar and the Door Live” CD and DVD, which makes its way to stores on Aug. 19.
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Monica Reality Show To Debut In August
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A month ago we were following reports on Media TakeOut and the like, that local Grammy winner Monica was going to be on a “Real Housewives Atlanta.”
Well her manager got right back to us and denied that, but added that the R&B singer was working on a TV show.
Now we know what it is: Peachtree TV will debut “The Single: Monica” in August. And the show will be about all that it took for her to come back with a hit (hopefully) for her upcoming CD, “Lessons Learned”.
“The Single: Monica” will be executive-produced by its creator James DuBose, who did Keyshia Cole’s reality series for BET.
“I really think this is going to be fun,” said Monica, above in a new Derek Blanks shot. “My main thing I hope to accomplish with this is, well, you know, I didn’t do things in my life in the order people may have felt I should have. But ultimately, I’ve found my balance.
“We’ve found our balance,” she continues, referring to the father of her two sons, rapper/producer Rodney “Rocko” Hill. “As artists, as parents, and just as human beings. I hope this shows that.”
“It’s going to be a ride, I can tell you that. I’ll probably have a moment or two on there, but I’m more than comfortable with me. I’ve never really been secretive about my life and what I’ve gone through…So you know, people will see that I live the same type of life of many women with children. I don’t hire a car service when the kids need to go somewhere. There’s no nanny, no chef over here. I take care of home, and then might have to spend 14 hours in the studio. And people will see that.”
Actually people will see Monica way before August as she’s set to introduce “Big Momma’s House” at Peachtree TV’s Screen on the Green tomorrow at Centennial Olympic Park.
Planning to be there Thursday? Interested in seeing what life is like at home with Monica and Rocko? And what it takes for her to conjur such searing R&B?
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A Special Delivery For Sugarland Fans
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta country duo Sugarland will release a deluxe fan edition of its third CD, “Love On The Inside,” July 22.
(That’s the cover above).
It will include 17 tracks — “All I Want To Do”; “It Happens”; “We Run”; “Joey”; “Love”; “Genevieve”; “Already Gone”; “Keep You”; “Take Me As I Am”; “What I’d Give”; “Steve Earle” and “Very Last Country Song”— including five bonus singles — “Fall Into Me”; “Operation: Working Vacation” (which they performed at their last Fox Theatre date); “Wishing”; and live versions of “Life In A Northern Town” and “Come On Get Higher” — with different packaging and download features than the regular CD. (That hits stores July 29, with 12 songs).
Looking forward to the next Sugarland record? Are added features like an expanded CD booklet and being able to download exclusive music video and behind-the-scenes footage of interest to you? And is offering a deluxe edition of the album a week before the regular one better than doing it months down the line - like many acts do - to revive sales?
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Atlanta’s Shakir Stewart The Next Jay-Z?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Island Def Jam Music Group Chairman Antonio “L.A.” Reid has promoted Atlanta executive Shakir Stewart (above) to the position of executive vice president of Def Jam Recordings. And according to the press release just hitting desks, that will make him responsible for the day-to-day activities of the legendary hip-hop label, including signing and developing new talent, overseeing producers and “guiding the creative vision and brand recognition” of Def Jam. You know, what hip-hop giant Jay-Z’s job was, before he left. But Stewart won’t go so far as to say that. “I don’t really say ‘I’m replacing Jay-Z’. He’s a personal friend. He’s a legend. He’s an icon. But obviously there was a void at the label when he left, and I have accepted that role to lead the company into the future, with L.A. Reid.” Reid and Stewart’s relationship goes back to the late ’90s, when the Morehouse College graduate identified the talent in a pre-superstar Beyonce and signed her to Reid’s Atlanta-based publishing company, Hitco. Stewart was also an A&R consultant at the now-closed Atlanta imprint, LaFace Records, and Arista Records, to which he signed local Grammy winner Ciara. Since 2004 he had served as senior vice president of A&R for Def Jam, and vice president, during which time he signed Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy and Miami hip-hop star Rick Ross. “The bold young management style that Shakir has established at Def Jam is one of the major reasons behind the label’s success today,” Reid says in the announcement. “From his solid roots in music publishing, he has grown to master the world of hip-hop and urban music.” Stewart will continue to be based in New York and Atlanta because, “Atlanta is still on the forefront of music,” said the Oakland, Cal. native. “This is where I grew up professionally. This is where my friends are. This is home. How could I just abandon a place where there is so much incredible, creative talent?” Were you at Morehouse when Stewart and fellow entertainment powers Ryan Glover, Christopher Hicks and Noonie used to throw parties as Ivory Coast Entertainment? Ever tried to get a record deal from him? Agree with what he says about the Atlanta music scene, now?
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Usher’s “Here I Stand” Is No. 1
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The official Nielsen SoundScan figures are in from Billboard magazine, and Atlanta superstar Usher’s latest CD, “Here I Stand,” sold 433,000 its first week in stores and will debut as the No. 1 album in the country next week.
Those numbers will also give “Here I Stand” the second-highest, first-week total this year; with Mariah Carey’s 463,000 still No. 1. But it’s still the highest debut by a male artist, of any genre, in 2008.
Were you among the hundreds of thousands who have already bought “Here I Stand”, and if so, how would you rate it? Catch him on Leno last night? Seen the video for his latest single, “Moving Mountains”? (If not, watch it HERE ).
And who do you think will have the biggest first-week haul of 2008? Insiders were projecting Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter III” (in stores next Tuesday) would do a million, before upset mixtape DJs started leaking it on their sites this week.
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The Bo Diddley Beat
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bo Diddley. Photo: Edward Keating/The New York Times
Bo Diddley, who died yesterday at the age of 79, was a major, and often under-heralded, player in the history of rock ’n’ roll. The man gave us the backbone of rock, putting the beat front and center. And how many musicians have a specific rhythmic pattern attached to their names?
He was influencing musicians then and now — Buddy Holly put that unmistakable beat behind “Not Fade Away,” U2 did it with “Desire.” You don’t have to look far to hear his musical legacy in more recent music. It’s obvious. Here are just a few of the songs where you’ll hear variations on the Bo Diddley beat.
“How Soon Is Now” — The Smiths
“I Want Candy’ — The Strangeloves and Bow Wow Wow
“Faith” — George Michael
“1969” — The Stooges
“Magic Bus’ — The Who
“She’s the One” — Bruce Springsteen
And one that hasn’t even been released yet, “Chip ’N Tony” from Alejandro Escovedo’s new album, “Real Animal,” which is coming June 24
There are many, many more. Can you think of more examples of the late, great rock pioneer’s beat legacy?
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John Mayer coming to Encore Park
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Alpharetta’s Encore Park is moving beyond its “golden oldies” showcase for contemporary shine when singer-composer John Mayer visits the outdoor stage this summer.
The acoustic crooner will play the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park on Aug. 29. OneRepublic, who has had hits with “Apologize” and “Stop and Stare,” will open. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday though Ticketmaster.
Mayer launched his career playing nightclubs in Atlanta, and releasing his debut album “Inside Wants Out” in 1999 on an indie label.
Two years later he burst onto the major label scene with the platinum-selling release of “Room for Squares,” with Columbia subsidiary Aware Records.
The album, and two singles — “No Such Thing” and “Your Body Is A Wonderland” — made it into Billboard’s top 10, and “Wonderland” earned Mayer a Grammy.
His smooth vocals and affinity for acoustic melodies and full-blown rock bands made him a fan favorite.
Mayer’s debut album was re-released on Aware, and the follow-up U.S. tour produced the concert album “Any Given Thursday.”
In 2004, Mayer dropped “Heavier Things” with more platinum sales, featuring the Grammy-winning single “Daughters.”
Taking time off from recording, Mayer stripped down his sound and traveled the country with bassist Pino Palladino and drummer Steve Jordan as the John Mayer Trio. The sold-out 2005 concert produced the live album “Try!”
“Continuum” was released the following year at No. 2 on the Billboard chart, and winning two Grammys for best pop vocal album and performance for the song “Waiting For The World To Change.”
For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 404-294-6400, or go to www.ticketmaster.com.
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“Who’s Got That Vibe” - Finale
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The 10th season of the weekly “Who’s Got That Vibe” competition at Cafe 290 concludes tonight, with promise beyond its finalists.
R&B singer Calvin Richardson (above) is scheduled to be among the judges, one of many notables (producers DJ Smurf, Bryan-Michael Cox, Teddy Bishop, Focus) who have served in that capacity.
And in addition to it being online HERE organizers say it is being recorded for television.
Have you been to or participated in “Who Got That Vibe”? Know of any other local competitions that draw talent of note?
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