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Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > July
July 2008
Sugarland rides high with new album
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sugarland: Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush. Photos: Kate Powers.
Already on a roll, Sugarland just got even more good news to celebrate. The Atlanta duo scored the year’s biggest first-week sales for a country act.
The deluxe, expanded fan edition of “Love on the Inside” debuts at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, just behind tween phenom Miley Cyrus and her new album, “Breakout.” Nielsen SoundScan reports Cyrus’ sales at 371,000 for the week, with Sugarland right behind at nearly 314,000.
Sugarland’s number was more than enough to put the pair at the top of the country album chart, making it the duo’s first No. 1 there.
Billboard reports that Sugarland’s feat is also “the best sales week for any country act since the Eagles’ “Long Road Out of Eden” shifted 359,000 in its second week of release last fall.” Billboard also points out that this is “easily the Mercury Nashville act’s best sales week and highest charting album ever.”
In a press release from the band’s label, Sugarland’s Kristian Bush (right) had this to say: “This is amazing! I love this album and am heartened that there are hundreds of thousands who feel the same way. I also couldn’t be more proud of our management and label. They are picking the towel back up that most of the music business threw in already. Today is a good day.”
For more from Avondale Estates resident Bush, check out the Q&A I did with him just before the album’s release. It’s here.
The regular edition of “Love on the Inside” was released Tuesday, July 29, and the totals for that will be added to sales of the fan edition for the rankings on next week’s chart.
Were you among the 314,000 picking up the new album? If so, tell us what you think of “Love on the Inside.” Is it Sugarland’s best yet?
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Jill Scott At Chastain
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Robb D. Cohen/robbsphotos.com
As Jill Scott looked out into the capacity audience Wednesday night, she might have thought Chastain Park Amphitheatre was about to take flight, there were so many fans, fanning.
It was that hot. And the three-time Grammy Award winner didn’t make things any easier.
In her near two-hour performance, Scott simulated some pretty suggestive sexual moves with microphone; made things even steamier when she let the three background singers in her 10-piece band show off their pipes on the Isley Brothers’ “Between the Sheets,” Teena Marie’s “Portugese Love” and Prince’s “Do Me Baby”; and sent the kettle to boil when the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra rejoined her for the, first, operatic, then dance remix take on her early hit “He Loves Me (Lyzel In E Flat)”.
“Every time I’ve come to Atlanta it”s looked like this, and it’s felt like this,” Scott told the panting, but still-enthusiastic audience that included fellow R&B singer Anthony David, rapper Bone Crusher, V-103 radio personality Ryan Cameron and renowned minister, author, professor and cultural critic Michael Eric Dyson. “And I love it!”
Were you there last night — and if so, what did you think? (See more photos from the gallery HERE ) To the real Jill Scott fans, how would you compare it to her show earlier this year at the Fox, or the more intimate Bailey’s event at the Freight Depot? And did you read the earlier Atlanta Music Scene post about her considering becoming Atlantan (among many other things)?
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Ludacris Offends Obama, Hillary and More - Says Obama Spokesman
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Oh what another mixtape has wrought.
A song — really a two-minute verse — that Atlanta’s DJ Drama just started playing this past weekend on his syndicated Gangsta Grillz radio show, by Wednesday afternoon had drawn the attention of the presumed Democratic nominee for president, Barack Obama.
Why? Well the song is titled “Politics (Obama Is Here)”.
But the really inflammatory thing is that the rapper who did it — Atlanta’s Grammy-winning Ludacris — attacks Sen. Hilary Clinton, presumptive Republican nominee John McCain and Pres. George Bush. (Not to mention, Ludacris and Obama have been publicly supportive of each other).
“As Barack Obama has said many, many times in the past, rap lyrics today too often perpetuate misogyny, materialism, and degrading images that he doesn’t want his daughters or any children exposed to,” said Obama spokesman Bill Burton on Ben Smith’s blog. “This song is not only outrageously offensive to Senator Clinton, Reverend Jackson, Senator McCain, and President Bush, it is offensive to all of us who are trying to raise our children with the values we hold dear. While Ludacris is a talented individual he should be ashamed of these lyrics.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, Ludacris could not be reached; nor had he issued a statement, according to his record label publicist.
And Drama says he hadn’t heard the news until we told him.
“Are you serious?!” was the first response from the local tastemaker, who sometimes refers to himself as Barack O’Drama. (And as you may recall, was busted on still-unresolved charges of selling mixtapes that did not display the copyright holder’s name and address).
“Well, this involves two people I highly respect. And from a position of just believing in freedom of speech, I feel [Ludacris] expressed himself in a manner he felt necessary. I also know all eyes are on Barack Obama because of the position he’s in. So before someone like Fox News attaches him to it, [Obama] had to do he what he had to. I understand. I think Luda would understand. And it doesn’t change my opinion on who I’m going to vote for.”
The single can be heard on Ludacris’s web site wemix.com; and it is one of the tracks on Drama’s “Gangsta Grillz: The Preview”; a lead-up to Ludacris’s new album “Theater of the Mind.”
(Watch them talking about the collaboration — before the uproar — in this MTV interview )
Hear the reason behind all of the uproar on the YouTube video BELOW:
And of course, your thoughts?
Young Jeezy Sets CD/Atlanta Date
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Starting last night at 9:02 p.m. — and every Tuesday at the same time until the release of his upcoming CD “The Recession” — Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy will release exclusive music from that album to select radio stations.
(Last night it was DJ Infamous/Greg Street on Atlanta’s top-rated V-103, and Funkmaster Flex on New York’s Hot-97.1).
And why 9:02 you say? Well, that’s when his third CD is now scheduled to be in stores — Sept. 2. And the following night he will be at the Tabernacle, tickets going on sale this Saturday. (The general admission tickets are $31 in advance, $35 day of show).
Watch the just-released EPK for “The Recession” HERE. Hear the “I Put On” remix with Jay-Z that he debuted last night HERE.
And after that, tell us, does this make you even more excited about “The Recession”? Think it could do Lil Wayne, “Tha Carter III” numbers its first week? And what about his concert — planning to go?
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“The Single: Monica” - A Preview
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tonight Atlanta R&B singer Monica will be celebrating the debut of her Peachtree TV reality show, “The Single: Monica,” at a private party with fellow local Grammy winners Bryan-Michael Cox and Q. Parker of 112 (after his headlining performance at Wednesday WindDown at Centennial OIympic Park ).
But right now, right HERE you can watch a preview of her bow, Aug. 5 at 10 p.m. . And there’s some behind-the-scenes YouTube videos BELOW. Let us know what you think.
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Jill Scott In Atlanta, On Possibly Becoming An Atlantan…(And Many Other Things)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Robb D. Cohen/robbsphotos.com
It’s an especially good day in the life of Jill Scott, she says when she rings the Atlanta Music Scene.
“I’m laying in the bed in the middle of the afternoon, and ‘Galaxy Quest’ is about to come on,” she coos. “Oooh it’s a perfect day. I’m feeling great.”
And talkative too — so hours before her appearance with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra tonight at Chastain Park Amphitheatre, we got the three-time Grammy Award winner (above, during her surprise appearance at the Roots/Erykah Badu show at the Fox Theatre) to catch us up on her recent performances overseas, her return to Africa and her Atlanta-based fiance and how likely it is that she may become an Atlantan. (Read the interview here.)
Planning to go to the show tonight? Think her latest CD, “The Real Thing,” got its due? And what did you think of her tribute to Al Green? (For a reminder, watch HERE )
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Got Trisha? Yearwood in new milk campaign
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Monticello native and country star Trisha Yearwood is the latest in a long line of celebs sporting a mustache. No, not the bristly variety, the milk-white kind.
The three-time Grammy winner adds her name to a list that includes previous milk pitchers Lindsay Lohan, Miley Cyrus, Jessica Alba and fellow musicians such as Elton John, Rihanna and Beyonce.
Yearwood’s ad (above) debuts in various magazines on Aug. 5. The photos on the right are from her shoot. There’s even a behind the scenes video of Yearwood’s photo session for the ad here.
Yearwood’s latest album is 2007’s “Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love.” She’s also branching out, releasing her first cookbook, “Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen (Recipes From My Family to Yours),” earlier this year. The Oklahoma kitchen referred to in the title is in the home she shares with husband and Oklahoma native Garth Brooks.
What do you think of Yearwood’s take on the famous image? What is your favorite celebrity milk ad?
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Second Nas Show Added — Same Night
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Part-time Atlanta rapper Nas — and his No. 1 CD in the country, “Untitled” — are getting quite the hometown reception as a second show has just been added July 31 at Center Stage, the same night as the first one. Doors are scheduled to open at 10:30 p.m. for the new show, which also includes [Talib Kweli](http://www.talibkweli.com/), Jay Electronica — the reported new beau of Erykah Badu — and DJ Green Lantern. Tickets are $37 in advance, $39 day of show at Ticketmaster. Already have yours, or planning to get some now? What about Nas’ latest album - if you have it, what’s your take? Followed this whole back and forth he’s been having with Fox News? (See the video for his first single “Hero,” featuring Atlanta’s Keri Hilson, HERE )
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Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductees announced
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Adam George Athens’ beloved jam-rockers Widespread Panic (above), Grammy-winning rapper-actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, deejay Hamp Swain, renowned guitar makers Fred & Dinah Gretsch, R&B’s begging singer/syndicated radio personality Keith Sweat and the late Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Dottie Rambo will all be inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame this year, it was announced this afternoon. The 30th annual awards show will be held Sept. 20 at the Georgia World Congress Center. WSB-TV news anchor Monica Pearson and onetime, longtime Atlanta radio personality Leslie Fram will return as co-hosts. Tickets for the reception, dinner and awards ceremony range from $75 to $100 for an individual ticket, to $750 or $1,000 for tables of ten. They are available by calling the Friends of Georgia Music Festival, Inc. at 770-491-9494 ext 15. And it will be broadcast live at 8:30 p.m. on GPB-TV Channel 8. Have you caught the show in the past, when, say Usher or Lynyrd Skynyrd or R.E.M. were inducted? Ever been down to the actual hall in Macon - and if so, what did you think? Surprised that an artist that goes by the name Ludacris is getting such an honor?
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Share Your (Musical) NBAF Experience
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You pull up to the venue within minutes of the start time — a rather early 7 p.m. — have trouble finding a parking space, and immediately you know: This isn’t your typical night out at an event in Atlanta.
It was a National Black Arts Festival event — specifically the traveling Jack Daniel’s Art Beats + Lyrics.
Inside the Foundry at Puritan Mills there was a sprawling urban art exhibition including work from local talents Maurice Evans, Shannon McCollum and John Crooms; another area where a mass of people were dancing along to DJ Rasta Root, accompanied by a live drummer; and you might not have even noticed that, say, Ray Murray, of legendary production team Organized Noize, was checking out the many artistic tributes to the hip-hop duo he helped elevate — OutKast.
Musically, it may have been one of this city’s most dynamic multimedia events of the year. Were you there? Stumble upon anything else of note during this year’s just-closed NBAF? Millie Jackson at the Rialto, perhaps?
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It’s Third Day’s Week
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Third Day’s numbers only continue to impress.
“Call My Name”, the first single from the Atlanta Christian rockers’ new CD, “Revelation” has spent six consecutive weeks atop the R&R Christian AC Monitored, R&R Christian CHR and Christian Radio Weekly AC charts.
(Not to mention its Mac Powell, Mark Lee, Tai Anderson and David Carr’s 25th No. 1 single).
The three-time Grammy winners (and 23-time Dove Award winners) release “Revelation” tomorrow — the same day they’re scheduled to appear on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Planning to be in stores Tuesday to pick up “Revelation”? Been a fan of Third Day since it started, some 15 years ago? To what do you attribute the success of “Call My Name”?
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Rate The New Whitney, With Akon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Yes your girl is coming back.”
Or at least that’s what one-time Atlantan Whitney Houston coos on “Like I Never Left,” the new song just leaked to the Internet, and penned — and featuring — Atlanta’s own singer-songwriter-label exec Akon.
This morning local radio stations were debuting it, and V-103’s entertainment reporter Miss Sophia and Wanda Smith told their audience they enjoyed it. Smith’s “Frank and Wanda Morning Show” co-host Frank Ski, however, said it was “aged”.
Hot-107.9’s “A-Team Morning Show” seemed to give it a thumbs-up, as Rashan Ali said it sounded like “the clean Whitney”, while Emperor Searcy said, simply, “I like it”.
Listen to it HERE and give us your grade.
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The Beggars’ Guild - From The Road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If it’s Friday on the Atlanta Music Scene blog, that must mean [pause here], ANOTHER Dispatch From The Road!
This one comes from T.J. Edmond, lead singer/guitarist of The Beggars’ Guild (above); who are performing and taping a DVD tonight at Smith’s Olde Bar, with fellow local Americana acts Sun Sets East and Ryan Horne.
Planning to be there tonight? Are you a longtime Beggars’ Guild follower?
If so, this should be of particular interest:
Four years ago I came to Atlanta with a handful of songs and not much else, hoping to make a life in music. My brother, Jeremiah Edmond, was a recording engineer in town (He’s now the drummer for Manchester Orchestra and A&R rep for their label, Favorite Gentlemen), and let me sleep on his couch and hang out in the studio. I played coffee shops, pushed boxes in a warehouse, and picked up work as a club sound engineer, writing and recording demos and keeping an eye out for the right guys to fill out the band.
It took a little while, but we found each other (Jon Chalden, Drums; Will McNeill, guitar; Gregg Shapiro, bass) and had the opportunity to record an EP with Dove Award winning producer, Dan Hannon (Manchester Orchestra, Aaron Shust). In two-and-a-half years the band has been together, we’ve been fortunate to play lots of great venues in the southeast (including opening slots at The Georgia Theater and Variety Playhouse), have our songs played on 99x and 92.9 Dave FM in atlanta and WXRY in Columbia, SC, be featured by Southeast Performer magazine and on BMI.com. We’ve played Unplugged in the Park, played live for a radio show in Pensacola, and played a number of festival stages, including the amazing experience of playing to a packed tent at Bonnaroo 2007… and getting a standing ovation!
For the last year, we’ve been writing and toiling away on a second, full length, release with producer Chris Unck. We’re very excited about the new record, and are eager to get it released in the coming months with the help of our manager, Glen Pridgen. Former 99x Program director, Leslie Fram, took a liking to our first CD and the advanced cuts from our forthcoming release, and chose us to play her “Fram Jam” showcase at The Atlantis Music Festival and Conference in September.
We’re grateful for the opportunities and accomplishments we’ve had as a band, and are celebrating with a show [tonight] at Smith’s Olde Bar, which will be recorded for an upcoming DVD. We couldn’t have done any of this without our friends and peers in the Atlanta music community, and we hope you’ll join us at the show!
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Frankie Beverly Surprises Dwele Crowd
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PHOTO CREDIT: Raymond Hagans The many recording artists (Joi, Truth Hurts, Algebra), retailers (J Warren of Rockit, Darryl “D-Nice” Harris of Moods Music), radio folks (Jerry “Smokin” B) and really important industry types (CJ Jimerson, Freddy Luster, Richard Dunn, J Carter) at Sugar Hill are probably still remarking on the rare music happening that occurred last night. R&B legend — and part-time Atlanta resident — Frankie Beverly (above, left) joined relative upstart Dwele (above, right) Thursday during his near-capacity stop in town to promote his latest CD, “Sketches of a Man”. Turns out, Dwele was on a bill in Texas with Beverly days earlier, and they just happened to meet up again in Atlanta hotel. Dwele’s folks invited Beverly’s folks over to the Underground Atlanta nightspot. And next thing you know, there Beverly was on stage singing classic soul single “Joy and Pain”. “That was a lot of fun,” Beverly said afterwards, backstage. “And really, that kind of thing is not unusual for me.” Were you at Sugar Hill last night — and if so, what did you think of Beverly? (And do you have video you want to share? See a slide show of more of Raymond Hagans’ shots from the show HERE ) What about the main attraction, Dwele. How would you rate his show? Have you picked up “Sketches of a Man?” 
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New albums coming from Atlanta’s Young Antiques and Connor Christian
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Young Antiques: Kevin Charney, Blake Rainey and Blake Parris.
One of our finest local bands is getting ready to release a new CD and you can get a sneak preview this weekend. The Young Antiques — Blake Rainey, Blake Parris and Kevin Charney — will release “Soundtrack to Tear Us Apart” on Sept. 27, but the trio will be playing some of the new tunes on Friday at the Star Bar.
The Young Antiques have been an on-again, off-again proposition. The Blakes are childhood friends who grew up near the Alabama border in Cedartown and started the band around 1999-2000. The trio took a breather for a few years around the middle of this decade, but they’re back with renewed power.
If you want to check it out before the show, the band has a couple of tracks up on their MySpace page, including the ripping rocker “Nothing at All.”
Former GruvnHi frontman Connor Christian (at right, photo by Jason Reed) will perform as well. His latest album is “A Southern Gothic,” released back in 2006, but he has a new album in the works, too. Christian and his band the Morning Star Revival’s “90 Proof Lullabies” will make its debut in early October. Look for another Star Bar date to celebrate that release. Meanwhile, have a listen to some of the band’s earlier work here.
Also on the bill is the Shanghai Gesture (at right), fronted by long-serving Atlanta musician Ray Dafrico, makes a shivery swirl of power pop, glam rock and New York punk, then garnishes it with a sliver of garage-y darkness. Former Nightporters and Kathleen Turner Overdrive member Dafrico is joined by drummer Mike Davis and former Catfight bassist Katy Graves. Sample tracks from the band’s album “Mojo Pagoda” at their MySpace page .
The music starts at about 10 p.m. Friday, July 25, at the Star Bar (437 Moreland Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-681-9018).
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Gnarls Barkley Coming Home In August
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We just got word that Atlanta’s own Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse — also known as the Grammy-winning dance-pop-soul duo that goes by Gnarls Barkley (above) — are playing their first hometown show since the release of their current CD, “The Odd Couple,” Aug. 11 at the Variety Playhouse.
The added bonus is that opening for the electric twosome is burgeoning Atlanta talent — and current Urb magazine cover model — Janelle Monae (above).
As close Atlanta Music Scene followers may know, Monae is an Antwan “Big Boi” Patton (of OutKast) discovery; and Boi and Cee-Lo are longtime members of our esteemed Dungeon Family (which among others includes Organized Noize, the other members of Cee-Lo’s Goodie Mob, Witchdoctor, Big Rube).
So this show has all of the making of a big Dungeon Family moment.
What do you think of Gnarls Barkley’s latest album? When is the last time you’ve seen members of OutKast, Goodie Mob and others all on one stage? Who in the Dungeon Family (some of whom are above, in 2001) do you think is underappreciated?
(Oh — and in case you don’t remember some of DF’s more notable members, reminisce with the Dungeon Family video for “Trans DF Express” BELOW:
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Rate Young Jeezy’s “Put On” Video
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rarely has a “Recession” been this anticipated.
But with Atlanta rapper-entrepreneur Young Jeezy currently on his first Vibe cover, and another appearance on XXL heading to stands as this is typed, interest is only building in his September release, “The Recession.”
And now that its first single, “Put On,” featuring Kanye West, has rocketed to the Top 10 of Billboard’s rap and R&B/hip-hop charts, Young Jeezy has finally released a video this week.
Watch it BELOW, and give us your take.
And while we’re thinking Jeezy, see excerpts from his appearance at Hot-107.9’s most recent Birthday Bash, with Usher and West HERE.
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50 million Alan Jackson fans can’t be wrong
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Alan Jackson is now a 50 million-album man.
The Newnan native’s label, Arista Nashville, just released a statement trumpeting Jackson’s newest milestone. He’s now sold a cumulative total of 50 million albums over his nearly 20-year recording career.
This news comes hot on the heels of Jackson’s 33rd No. 1 single “Good Time,” the title track from his latest album. That March-released album was another first for the singer and songwriter. It was the first of his 17 albums entirely written by Jackson.
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New Of Montreal album announced
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Of Montreal (from left): The late BP Helium, James Husband, Kevin Barnes, Ahmed Gallab, Dotty Alexander, Davey Pierce.
Athens’ Of Montreal released its debut album more than 10 years ago, but with last year’s “Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?” the band reached new heights, both commercially and artistically.
The band’s driving force (and, at one time, sole member) Kevin Barnes just gets better with each new release. His psychedelically adventurous indie-pop is catchier and more cohesive with every passing year.
Barnes and Co. have just announced the follow-up to “Hissing Fauna.” “Skeletal Lamping” will be released on Oct. 7 by Polyvinyl Records, as the band begins a tour that will take them from Durham, N.C. (on Oct. 7) to Stockholm (Oct. 20) and back to Georgia. The Atlanta date is Nov. 8 at the Tabernacle (tickets are $19 and are available through Ticketmaster and Live Nation
Here’s an Of Montreal tune that might sound familiar if you’ve ever seen (and heard) those Outback Steakhouse commercials. It’s called “Wraith Pinned to the Mist (and Other Games),” from Of Montreal’s 2005 album “The Sunlandic Twins.” Outback bought the rights and changed the words.
There’s more audio and video at the band’s MySpace page.
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Hear Sugarland Before You Can Buy It
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Come and get your sugar fix,” beckons the invite to tonight’s listening party for our country music duo Sugarland’s latest disc, “Love On The Inside”.
It’s from 7 to 9 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, and you have to go to the venue’s site for admission details. (Fair warning, it’s going to be PACKED).
In addition to being able to hear the deluxe edition for the fans, there’ll be prizes, a message from the band (as Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush are not expected to be there, as they are still touring) and a chance to win a guitar autographed by Sugarland.
Planning to be there tonight? Will you be in stores tomorrow to pick up the special edition, or wait for the regular version next week? And what about their single “All I Want To Do” — No. 5 this week on Billboard’s country chart; make you eager for the album?
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What You Need To Know About The Music Business
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well if you’ve read this far it must mean you’re curious.
Next step? Perhaps attending the Connective Panel Series’ first regional panel this Sunday at 4 p.m. Eddie’s Attic
“What You Need To Know To Succeed In The Music Business” panelists will include such industry powers as Butch Lowery of Lowery Music Publishing; Tremayne Anchrum, director of creative affairs for Rhythm & Soul/ ASCAP; Bruce Burch, a songwriter for Reba McEntire, Faith Hill, Aaron Tippin and others as well as head of the UGA Music Business program and Jennie Walker, founder of Connective Panel Series, president emeritus of the Georgia Music Industry Association and the moderator of this event.
This 90-minute panel is to benefit the GMIA, as well as (of course) educate artists about the music industry. It’s $20 -$15 for ASCAP members and GMIA, UGA and GSU music business students. Registration is from 3 to 4 p.m. . (And afterwards, there’s a tribute to John Jarrard featuring Clay Cook, Jan Smith (above), Larry Jon Wilson and Pat Terry).
Interested in attending? Are you an emerging artist in the Atlanta Music Scene - and if so, what sources have you found to be helpful?
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Rate T.I.’s First (Official) Single
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
No you didn’t misread the headline.
Yes, Atlanta rapper-actor T.I. did release a single back in April titled “No Matter What”. But that was what the label called a “street” single, to generate buzz for his upcoming CD “Paper Trail.”
“Whatever You Like” is what Grand Hustle/Atlantic is touting as the first OFFICIAL single from the Sept. 9 release.
Hear the original version HERE and/or the “clean” version HERE, then tell us, is it what you want to hear from T.I.? On par with other other lead-off singles from his albums, such as “Big Things Poppin’ (Do It)” and the Grammy winner “What You Know”? Better than “No Matter What?”
(The video for which is BELOW)
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Athens’ Harvey Milk and We Versus the Shark: Pitchfork approved
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We Versus the Shark (from left): Luke Fields, Samantha Paulsen, Jeff Tobias, Scott Smith. Photo: Mike White.
It’s a big day for Athens bands over at Pitchfork, the online arbiter of indie music cool.
The latest albums from Harvey Milk and We Versus the Shark receive very favorable reviews. Harvey Milk’s “Life…the Best Game in Town” gets an 8.6 score (out of a possible 10) and We Versus the Shark’s “Dirty Versions” gets a 7.7.
Of We Versus the Shark, Pitchfork writes: “Their songs aren’t so much played as they are choked within an inch of their life, twitching with unpredictable time signatures and knotty structures, filled with copious and complicated guitar work that exhausts both band and listener, and with vocals that are varying degrees of desperate.” The full review is here.
The review of Harvey Milk’s “Life” recounts the band’s complicated history before launching into glowing praise. Here’s a sample: “Most everything the band’s ever done right — from its ultra-dynamic, frighteningly agile early work to the Dixieland Motörhead maul of its later work — falls into place here, the elements freshly recombined.” Check out the complete review here.
Both albums were also noticed by the Onion’s AV Club, We Versus the Shark getting a grade of B+ here. And like Pitchfork, the AV Club saves its biggest raves for Harvey Milk, giving “Life” an A.
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Slim of 112 is officially solo
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This rather youthful Motown of the South has managed to be around long enough to see a second generation of contemporary R&B acts come around.
More specifically, a solo generation.
Marvin “Slim” Scandrick of multimillion-selling quartet 112 - yes, named after the now-closed Atlanta club it auditioned in front of for Sean “Diddy” Combs— is the latest to join this group.
(See his video “Hello” to the Atlanta Music Scene BELOW)
The most prominent vocalist on such 112 hits as “Only You,” “Cupid” and “Peaches & Cream” has a new, building single titled “So Fly,” and a video with its featured Atlanta rappers — Yung Joc and Shawty Lo — fresh in the can.
“I’m kind of, sort of, reintroducing myself to people — even though I’ve been doing this for 12 years,” the Grammy winner said. “Being in a group — a real strong group such as 112 — we wanted to push the brand. We wanted the brand to be a household name — to the point where we really didn’t care whether you knew our names or not. We wanted to be when you said ‘112’, still say ‘112’, you say ‘Oh they’re hot!’
“So with this album coming out, ‘Loves Crazy’ [due in stores Sept. 9], it’s like, ‘Hello, my name is Slim; and this is my take on love.’ ”
Scandrick was quick to add that everything was fine with fellow 112 members Q, Mike and Daron (all above). “As a matter of fact, in about three hours we’re going to rehearse for a show in Providence…We’ve worked too hard, the brand is too big and we’re too much like brothers to stop 112. Everybody’s just trying to individually express themselves right now.’”
And not just in 112 - in which Q and Daron are also working on solo projects. At last count, the twins from fellow Atlanta R&B quartet Jagged Edge were recording their own album. The Scott sisters in local multimillion-selling group Xscape (above, when they were making their debut) have ventured out individually, as has Kandi — a songwriter, as well, who recently was in the studio with Grammy winner Ciara.
Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas of TLC has also had her sights on a solo bow for some time, and after a stint with Akon, is reportedly near a deal with Koch.
Interested in what any of these acts will do individually? Think they may have the kind of success Cee-Lo has enjoyed since Goodie Mob? And what did you think of TLC’s surprise appearance with Alicia Keys during the recent BET Awards? (See the YouTube video BELOW)
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Magnetic Fields to play Symphony Hall; 3 Doors Down tix on sale
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Stephin Merritt of Magnetic Fields. Photo credit: Marcelo Krasilcic
The Magnetic Fields spent much of the summer playing in Europe, but they’ll be back in the U.S. come fall. As part of the fall tour, the Stephin Merritt-led chamber pop outfit will play at Atlanta Symphony Hall on Oct. 17.
Over the course of an 18-year career, the group has played increasingly larger venues here in Atlanta. The New-York-based band got a big boost in recognition from the acclaimed 1999 triple-disc set “69 Love Songs,” a modern indie-pop classic.
“Distortion,” the band’s 2008 album, adds a hefty dose of noise and guitar to the Magnetic Fields mix, creating a kind of homage to pop-meets-pandemonium predecessors Jesus and Mary Chain.
Tickets for the band’s Symphony Hall gig go on sale Friday, July 18, at the Variety Playhouse box office (noon-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and nights of shows), at www.variety-playhouse.com and all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 404-249-6400. There are a limited number of pre-sale tickets available now through the band’s official site here.
This announcement is also a good excuse to revisit Merritt’s uncomfortable appearance on local television show “Good Day Atlanta” back in 2006. Enjoy the strangeness here, and try to avoid the unnecessary (and often unintelligible) R-rated commentary posted below the video.
Other shows going on sale this week: Mississippi rockers 3 Doors Down come to Lakewood Amphitheater on Sept. 26 with special guests Hinder, Finger Eleven and American Bang. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 19, through Live Nation and Ticketmaster charge by phone at 404-249-6400. Tickets are $25-$75.
Comedian, actor and writer Louis C.K. will perform at the Tabernacle on Sept. 19. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, July 18, through Live Nation, all Ticketmaster locations and charge by phone at 404-249-6400. Tickets are $32.50 in advance and $35.00 day of show. All tickets are for reserved seating.
Singer-songwriter Aimee Mann returns to the Variety Playhouse on Sept. 5. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 18, at the Variety Playhouse box office (noon-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and nights of shows), at www.variety-playhouse.com and all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 404-249-6400.
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See Keri Hilson Video BEFORE She Debuts It Tonight
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This is election week to some, “Energy” week for Keri Hilson.
Polow Da Don shot us an e-mail alerting fans of the Atlanta singer-songwriter on the rise (above, far left, with 95.5 The Beat’s CJ, Da Don, and publishing whiz Ethiopia Habtemariam) that Hilson will be co-hosting “106 & Park” with Terrence at 6 p.m. today — known as “Takeover of Nas” Day at BET.
(Part-time Atlantan Nas’s latest CD hits stores tomorrow, and Hilson is featured on the rapper’s first single, “Hero”, produced by Da Don. See it HERE ).
Hilson will also debut the video for her first single, “Energy” — from her upcoming CD “In A Perfect World…”.
But you can see it now, HERE.
(See the Behind the Scenes video Hilson herself posted, BELOW).
Two days later, Timbaland — who shares production and record label credits with Da Don on Hilson’s debut — will join her at MTV for “TRL”, where she will also unveil “Energy”.
So today is the launch (of sorts) for one of the most anticipated new acts out of Atlanta this year. Have you heard “Energy” — and if so, what do you think? Believe she may be able to give Ciara, Beyonce and others a run for their dancing/singing/songwriting money? Remember her in Usher’s “Love In This Club” video? Or even way before that, on the Timbaland single she was featured on, “The Way I Are”? (See the YouTube video BELOW).
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DejaBlue Grass Band - From The Road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wow - this might be turning into a weekly happening: Today’s Dispatch From the Road comes from Rut Walker of The DejaBlue Grass Band (above).
They’re performing tomorrow at Red Top Mountain State Park, on Lake Allatoona. Planning to be there? Been to the Red Top Mountain Music Series before? And/or are you a longtime DejaBlue fan?
Well here’s Rut’s message to you:
Hi Atlanta Music Scene!
I’m Rut Walker with The DejaBlue Grass Band. After playing together for a few years as a passionate hobby and gigging around Atlanta, we got together and entered the band competition at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in late June. It’s one of the biggest bluegrass festivals in the country, and low and behold we finished first runner-up, beating several full-time bands from all over the country!
For a band full of guys with full-time jobs and small children at home, it was quite a thrill! As a finalist, we played the mainstage in front of thousands of people at a place where so many of our heroes have jammed for years and years. Got to meet a few of them backstage, too! A “pinch me” moment for bluegrass heads like us!
We have a running dialogue with our fans on the website through our blog, which made it fun to share the up-to-the-moment experience through posted pics for people to follow along in our moment.
We’re coming home to celebrate with our local fans and friends this Saturday at the Red Top Mountain Music Series at Red Top Mountain State Park on Lake Allatoona. The show is 8pm - 9pm. It’s a great family venue and it’s free to the public. We’ll be selling copies of our debut CD “Bucket Full of Rain” (also available on iTunes, and CD Baby) T-shirts etc. Just bring your lawn chairs and come on!
Thanks for your time and thanks for helping the DejaBlue Grass Band!
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Deerhunter sets a date, R.E.M. live set on iTunes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta’s self-described “ambient punk” outfit Deerhunter has announced a date for new album “Microcastle.” According to a post at Pitchfork, the album will be released on Oct. 28. There’s also a link at the bottom of the post to a stream of one of the album’s tracks, “Never Stops.” “Microcastle” follows last year’s critically acclaimed “Cryptograms,” and like that predecessor, the new one will be released by Chicago-based label Kranky. Pitchfork reports that neither new guitarist Whitney Petty nor former guitarist Colin Mee were in on the recording of the album. Before the album hits stores, Deerhunter will open some Nine Inch Nails dates, including the Aug. 13 show at the Gwinnett Arena.
R.E.M. continues its current rejuvenating run with an exclusive live set available exclusively via iTunes. Nine songs were captured on tape at the band’s appearance at the Apple Store on London’s Regent Street back in March. The set includes “Auctioneer” (from “Fables of the Reconstruction”) and “West of the Fields” (from “Murmur”) along with old favorites “Man on the Moon” and “Fall On Me” and several tracks from the recent “Accelerate.”
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Atlanta’s Cartel gets a new home
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Cartel. Photo: Rodney Ho/Staff
Atlanta’s band in a bubble has landed in a new home.
Cartel, the pop-punk quintet that recorded its last album in an glass-encased studio sponsored by MTV and Dr. Pepper, has been signed by Wind-Up Records (home of Evanescence, Seether, Finger Eleven and the late Creed).
The press release announcing the new deal included this from frontman Will Pugh: “The overwhelmingly positive familial atmosphere of the label has us looking forward to what is certain to be a lasting and successful relationship. We’re extremely eager to begin this new chapter in the life of Cartel. All five of us sincerely appreciate and thank our fans for their continuous heartfelt support throughout the lifetime of the band, especially over the last nine months or so. With a new label home firmly secured and fresh winds filling our sails we foresee bigger and better opportunities for us to continue to grow and thrive as a band, while building off the same foundational elements that we have always embraced: hard work, endless touring, good vibes and fantastic fan-friendly relations.”
The band will begin work on its third album soon, following an August-September co-headlining tour with fellow Atlantan Yung Joc.
Wind-Up is the band’s third label. The group’s first album, 2005’s “Chroma,” was released by the Militia Group. Sony/BMG affiliate Epic Records then signed the band for the self-titled follow-up (that’s the one they recorded in the glass bubble). Epic also re-issued “Chroma.”
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Tom Petty’s Wayback Machine
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“We got a song here from 1979,” Tom Petty said, introducing “Even the Losers” from his “Damn the Torpedoes” album.
A young woman in the audience turned to her boyfriend and piped up: “We weren’t even born then!”
In a typical Tom Petty crowd, people who can’t legally drink yet stand and dance alongside people who could legally drink when Petty and his Heartbreakers had their first hit in 1977.
And every one of them sings every single word of “Free Fallin’.”
Petty, a touring machine, plays Atlanta with the regularity of ozone alerts, but Wednesday was his first time at Alpharetta’s new super shed, Encore Park. The evening started with a downpour that soaked early arrivers; some women who had dressed to impress instead had knee-high mud spatters, and many people stayed hunkered down in their ponchos even when the weather cleared.
Steve Winwood, who was a star even before some of the crowd’s elders were radio-aware, opened with a very strong jazz-rock backing band, sampling hits from throughout his long career: “I’m a Man,” “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” “Higher Love.”
Petty brought Winwood back partway through his headlining set to sing a high, feathery “Can’t Find My Way Home,” the biggest hit for his supergroup, Blind Faith, back in 1969. Then they set the Wayback Machine even further, for 1966, and launched into “Gimme Some Lovin’,” with Winwood on keyboards. Petty and his band turned into the world’s highest paid frat-house party band for about five minutes, chewing on that song’s great, greasy riff while the audience went nuts.
When it comes together, on a damp cloudy night with a couple of classic rockers having fun, a little geezer rock is a beautiful thing.
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Usher and Son’s First Magazine Cover
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Essence magazine has scored the first official pictures of Atlanta R&B superstar Usher’s first child, Usher Raymond V.
In the article — set to hit newsstands this week — the five-time Grammy winner talks to actor/author Hill Harper about getting married, having a son, and not having a good relationship with his father, who passed at the start of this year.
Harper asks: “If you could take your finger and touch your nine-month old son, Usher V, on the head and impart some certain knowledge, what would you want him to know?
“First of all,” Usher replies, “I’d actually look inside myself and evaluate what I felt like I missed from my own father.”
“What did you miss,” Harper continues.
“Knowing that I was accepted. That I mattered. And hearing that he cared enough to put me before himself.”
As AJC readers may recall, Usher showed us some early pictures of “Cinco” — as he calls him (notice the license tag on the cover of his CD “Here I Stand”) - when he was just a month old. Pictures, he readily admitted, he shot himself. “I’m becoming a photographer,” he beamed. “Developing the pictures and everything.“
He also talked at length with the AJC, at that time, about his new responsibilities, including:
What he’s learning as a new father: “I think I’m learning how selfish I really can be as an individual. Man, before you just get up and go everyday and you work people to oblivion —- and I do. But when you have a child, it’s like, ‘Wow! All of this time now goes towards making sure that one, he has the milk that he needs. He’s being burped properly. Diapers are being changed —- and Lord knows he has let me have it! I am changing diapers!”
“The funniest thing ever was [Atlanta music mogul Jermaine Dupri] watching me change a diaper. He was like, ‘You’re officially a daddy dog.’ “
What he’s learning as a new husband: “Just to be a little more patient. Marriage is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. You have to take your time and be very patient. Sometimes you’ve got to breathe. Step away. Walk away from each other. You’ll drive each other crazy if you’re not considerate of that.”
Do you think Usher being a new husband and father has changed his music, at all? And/or how he’s received by his audience now?
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Musical Baseball
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s not just “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” Baseball and music have a longstanding relationship. Though it wasn’t recorded back when Woody Guthrie wrote it in 1949, “Joe Dimaggio Done It Again” was finally recorded by Wilco and Billy Bragg on “Mermaid Avenue II” in 2000. Vocal group the Treniers had a 1954 hit with “Say Hey (The Willie Mays Song),” which included some dialogue from the great New York Giants outfielder.
Today, a group of musicians, including Peter Buck and longtime R.E.M. sideman Scott McCaughey, released “Volume 1: Frozen Ropes and Dying Quails” under the name “the Baseball Project, paying tribute to the game and some of its notable players. Here are a few more of our favorite baseball-related tunes:
“The Greatest” - Kenny Rogers
“Centerfield” — John Fogerty
“Swing” - Trace Adkins
“Cheap Seats” - Alabama
“Paradise by the Dashboard Light” - Meat Loaf (including the voice of Phil Rizzuto)
“A Dying Cub Fan’s Last Request,” “When the Cubs Go Marching In” and “Go, Cubs, Go” - Steve Goodman
“Catfish” - Bob Dylan
“Cubs in Five” - The Mountain Goats
“Tessie” - Dropkick Murphys
“Walter Johnson” - Jonathan Richman
“Piazza, New York Catcher” by Belle and Sebastian
“Mrs. Robinson”— Simon and Garfunkel (“Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio…”)
“Don’t Ruin It for the Rest of Us” — Joe Nichols (in this one, the narrator is sitting in a bar watching the Braves)
And Wisconsin-born Atlanta resident and acclaimed folk troubadour John McCutcheon recently released “Sermon on the Mound,” an entire album dedicated to baseball. You can catch McCutcheon live at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur on July 11 and at the Crimson Moon in Dahlonega on July 12.
One that hasn’t been released yet: “The Negro Leagues Anthem” by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is scheduled to be part of a CD tribute to the Negro Leagues sponsored by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. They’re hoping to release it sometime this summer.
Did we miss your homerun hit? Tell us some of your favorite baseball songs.
RELATED LINKS: Photos | Review | Listen
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Rate Chris Brown, Tom Waits, Whoever You Saw Live
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Teen R&B superstar Chris Brown (above) made a whirlwind stop in Atlanta this past weekend, with lots of local music power behind him.
Fellow pin-up Lloyd and newcomers Krave opened for the multimillion-seller, and their fellow Atlantan T-Pain made a surprise appearance to perform their single “Kiss, Kiss.” (See the photo gallery HERE).
Were you at Chastain Saturday? Think the performance was worth the rather steep ($58.75-$88.75) prices?
Or did you stop over at the Atlanta Civic Center for Atlanta Pride’s “Divas” concert, featuring Thelma Houston, CeCe Peniston and Frenchie Davis? Perhaps you joined V-103’s Ryan Cameron and other Atlantans who caught Brown (again), the LaBelle reunion, Atlantan J Holiday and others at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans? (See that gallery HERE).
Then again, surely some of you kept it more quiet (Van Hunt’s acoustic shows at Apache Cafe) and cerebral (Tom Waits at the Fox Theatre, Gil Scott-Heron at Sugar Hill).
In short, of all of the offerings, what great live music did you see this past weekend?
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Van Hunt - From The Road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The latest Dispatch From The Road comes from Van Hunt (above), a recent Los Angeles transplant who still considers the Atlanta Music Scene home. (No wonder he’s playing two nights - this evening and tomorrow - at the Apache Cafe. Did you catch his solo bow years ago at Smith’s Olde Bar (with Dionne Farris singing background)? Planning to go to any - or both - of the Apache shows this weekend? Looking forward to his long-awaited follow-up to “On The Jungle Floor”? ) Oh yeah - back to Van Hunt’s “Dispatch”: pitchman The times, they are a’ changin’. but, i’m usually the
last to be convinced. it’s part stubbornness; and,
part laziness; . . and, ok, it’s part narcissism, too. as a rule, i always assume that people do not know
what they are talking about. therefore, 10 years ago
— when my closest friend rode up to my porch on
horseback screaming, “the internet is coming! the
internet is coming!” — i loped back into my house,
pressed play on the vcr (leaving the tv volume muted;
because i generally only like the visuals in movies.
not the dialogue) fired up my 4-track recorder and
continued to work out the guitar part on a soon to be
titled ditty. “what difference does it make? the only
thing that matters is the quality of my work.” i muttered while i fought off a developing sense of
doom. when that same friend returned — this time on a
donkey — he warned “you will be one of the last
recording artists signed to a major record label
deal.” i said “look! i don’t know whether you want to
be Paul Revere or the Headless Horseman, but would you
please stop interrupting me?” he continued. “you’d
better start getting all of your content together.
start collecting your fan email. get on-line and start
blogging.” i said “thank you, Nostradamus” and slammed
the door. i walked his words to the back of my head. i
shot them and left them for dead. but, like a true anecdotal tale, my friend’s words
have come back to haunt me. as i play catch up to
musicians who have become full-time bloggers and cyber
store managers, his warnings exact a heavy and
settling revenge. i was, indeed, amongst the last
exodus of record label artists who signaled the final
gasp of the industry as we knew it and suddenly found
themselves “free.” but, i’d never felt enslaved in the
first place; so, i’d never yearned for freedom. not
the kind of freedom i find myself surrounded by,
today. it is a liberation that came without revolt. i
am more an adult orphan than i am revolutionary. i was
content strategically battling “executives” — 50 year
old sycophants — over the direction of my music. but, now, with the “middleman removed, i find my music in
the throes of a riot. close enough to touch thousands
of frenzied, starving artists, who were always there,
but have now moved in and become e-tailers and
computer gypsys and make up the crowded kiosks in the
digital bizarre that is the internet. i stumble on into the carnival with my wares and speculate about
its chances of being heard over OR under the cacophany
of the market. the police have gone. they escaped
peril and are now limited to patroling the perimeters
of the chaos. there are no standards and no quality
control. i’ve opted to move my music out of the music
section of the free market; because there’s no longer
much music IN the music section of the free market. i
might as well set up shop in the laptop section of the
free market; or the starbucks or pinkberry section.
there’s more foot traffic there. it is a near desultory awareness to find my career left at the
mercy of the musical tastes of “foot traffic.”
ironically, it is where i always told those 50 year
old record label executives that my music should be
judged. but, i never imagined that as my own defense
attorney i would be setting myself free to be my own
pitchman. i thought my work would suffice as its own
advertising. but, the work is not all that matters.
it’s just all that matters TO ME. if i want to get top
dollar for my art (or ANY kind of dollar for that
matter) then i must not only create art. i must now
produce, market, promote, manufacture and distribute.
.. . art. v h . i’m 10 songs in to the new album. website is up. won’t
be long, now, before the sign on the store says “open.”
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NPR looks at Atlanta’s indie soul scene
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
India Arie performing at the Trumpet Awards in January 2008. Photo: File.
We know the Atlanta music scene is a big deal, but it seems National Public Radio knows it, too.
On July 4, NPR begins a summer music series on “All Things Considered” about cities’ local music scenes. The segments will delve into what defines each city’s music scene, speak to some of the musicians and examine how a sense of place influences the music.
First up in the series is a piece on Atlanta’s indie soul scene, which will air July 4. This initial installment was the suggestion of a fellow NPR staffer, “Talk of the Nation” director Gwen Outen, says series editor Tom Cole.
“She’s just a big fan of the music and she put together a really interesting pitch, talking about how the scene developed, how it evolved and what’s happened to it since the heyday of the ’90s,” Cole says. “We thought it was a good story and decided to start there.”
For the inaugural report, NPR spoke with one of the scene’s biggest success stories, India Arie, along with fellow musicians Anthony David and Julie Dexter and Freddy Luster, owner of the now-defunct Yin Yang Cafe, among others.
The series will continue at roughly two-week intervals, at least through the summer. In the coming weeks, Cole says, there will be segments on a burgeoning rock en Español scene in Charlotte, N.C., and the thriving avant-garde jazz community in Albuquerque, N.M.
“All Things Considered” airs locally on WABE-FM (90.1) from 4-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
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Ashton Shepherd at Lenox Square on July 4
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ashton Shepherd. Photo: Danny Clinch.
The fireworks won’t be confined to the sky at the Salute to America festivities at Lenox Square on July 4. The organizers have booked some fiery entertainment, too, and it’s your chance to catch Ashton Shepherd on her way up, because the next stop for this buzzed-about country singer is a fall tour with Sugarland.
Shepherd was born in the tiny town of Coffeeville, Ala., about three hours south of Birmingham and about two hours north of Mobile. On a map, it looks like the middle of nowhere. You couldn’t pick a more appropriate place of origin for a country singer. And I’m talking about a real, honest-to-goodness country singer here, not some pseudo-Southerner with a fake accent. Shepherd’s voice has that honky-tonk mojo, but it’s tempered with feminine warmth. Heck, on the cover of her debut, “Sounds So Good,” she’s sitting on the end of a pool table.
There’s also a little of the sweet home part of Alabama in her deeply country songs. Take “I Ain’t Dead Yet,” for instance (you can hear it on her MySpace page). It’s about a wife and mother who still likes a cold beer every now and then, but she’s happy with her life: “I know my obligations, and believe me they’re met.” Shepherd manages to wring about four syllables out of “met.” It’s a stunner that could inject about 40 acres of rural dirt into country radio’s squeaky clean, pop-heavy landscape. There’s a good reason for all those Loretta Lynn comparisons she’s getting.
Live musical entertainment begins at 6 p.m. (Shepherd is scheduled to perform at about 9:05 p.m.). Fireworks display begins at approximately 9:40 p.m. Free. Lenox Square, 3393 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-233-6767, www.lenoxsquare.com.
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Tickle Me Pink bassist found dead
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tickle Me Pink (Johnny Schou, first on left). Photo: Wind-Up Records.
It’s always sad when a young musician dies, but it has to be a horrible blow to bandmembers when one of their own dies on the day their debut album is released.
Bassist/guitarist/songwriter Johnny Schou of Colorado band Tickle Me Pink was found dead this morning, just hours before his band was set to do a Denver in-store appearance to coincide with the release of their Wind-Up Records debut “Madeline.”
The band had just played a bunch of Warped Tour dates and were set to go on the road with Scary Kids Scaring Kids and Finch, a journey that would have brought them to Atlanta’s Masquerade Music Park on Sept. 11, 2008.
A statement on the band’s official site and their MySpace page concludes with this:: “Further information regarding the band’s plans, and dates that have been previously announced, will be forthcoming in due time. Johnny Schou was 22 years-old.”
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Boy George U.S. tour officially canceled
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Boy George. Photo courtesy of Girlie Action Media & Marketing.
It’s now official. Boy George’s U.S. dates have been canceled, including an Aug. 19 date at Center Stage in Atlanta, because the singer can’t get a U.S. work visa.
After the initial denial of a visa, the singer’s reps appealed, but the State Department isn’t budging.
He was scheduled to appear on the “Today” show and perform for the New York Department of Sanitation workers and families at the organization’s Family Day in August (he did a little court-ordered community service with the department last year).
The details are confidential, but Boy George is facing some legal troubles in the U.K. following a complaint from a 28-year-old man who claims he was falsely imprisoned by the singer. A trial is set for November 2008.
The former Culture Club singer released this statement when the appeal didn’t work out: “I was really hoping that the issue would be resolved and that some kind soul at the U.S. Visa Office would realize that if the police in the U.K. placed no restrictions on my movements, that should have been good enough for them. I am very sorry that I will not see all my American fans this year, but I wish them a happy and healthy Fourth of July. I include the Visa Office in those good wishes and realize they are doing a very difficult job and I just got unlucky.”
All the details are at Boy George’s official site.
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Sing along with Alanis
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Alanis Morissette. Photo: Frank Ockenfels III.
You can do your own take on “Ironic,” but it won’t get you anything. Sing along with one of four tracks from Alanis Morissette’s new album, “Flavors of Entanglement,” and you could score tickets to one of the Canadian singer-songwriter’s shows and an autographed microphone.
Just go to Morissette’s MySpace Karaoake site and do your Alanis Idol thing.
The entry period continues through July 13 and Morissette will choose the winner on July 20.
Morissette is currently touring Europe, but U.S. dates will be announced soon. According to her official site, they’ll begin in late September.
Be sure to check out the MySpace Karaoke help center before you get started, because you’ll need a few things (including a non-Mac computer and a microphone). Won’t someone think of the Mac users?
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