Atlanta Music Scene Has Moved To WordPress

Slowly but surely, the Atlanta Music Scene blog has been transitioning to WordPress - a bigger and better blogging and commenting experience!

See you there, at http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/

Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > October > 29

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Mastodon’s upcoming album title revealed

mastadon.1009-01.JPG

Mastodon at Southern Tracks Studios in early September, where they were finishing up work on their upcoming 2009 follow-up to the Grammy-nominated “Blood Mountain.” From left, guitarist and vocalist Brent Hinds, drummer Brann Dailor, guitarist Bill Kelliher, touring keyboardist Rich Morris and bassist and vocalist Troy Sanders.

Atlanta rock behemoth Mastodon has a new album coming in the early part of 2009. Until today, it didn’t have a title, but the band’s label Reprise has revealed that it will be called “Crack the Skye.” We got a taste of “Crack the Skye” at Southern Tracks Studios back in September before sitting down to speak with drummer Brann Dailor (see part of that interview here). Producer Brendan O’Brien gave us a sneak preview of three of the album’s shorter tracks, and here are some first impressions:

“Quintessence”

Dailor’s drums rampage around the calm eye of a hurricane while Troy Sanders distant voice seems stranded in a choral sea. Then it all comes together for one of the band’s most memorable melodies. The song is in a constant state of flux, with new motifs around every corner. With “Quintessence,” Mastodon demonstrates, once again, a remarkable grasp of subtlety for such a powerhouse band.

“Divinations”

The rolling guitar riff recalls Led Zeppelin’s “Achilles’ Last Stand,” but the twinned guitar fills will have visions of Thin Lizzy dancing in your head. More rafter-rattling drumming from Dailor, but the best bit is the way the buzzing guitar solo fades in.

“Oblivion”

Compared with the band’s earlier work, the harmonies are brighter, the dynamics more brutal here. The overall sound of Mastodon as produced by O’Brien - who came into the studio to crank this one up - is cleaner without losing the band’s distinguishing metallic chug. The textured, cascading guitar makes this classic metal re-imagined for the new millennium.

Here is the complete track listing for the album:

“Oblivion”

“Divinations”

“Quintessence”

“The Czar”

(I) Usurper

(II) Escape

(III) Martyr

(IV) Spiral

“Ghost of Karelia”

“Crack The Skye”

“The Last Baron”      

Mastodon has also been tapped as the opener for Metallica’s European tour in the summer of 2009.

Permalink | |

Whigs, Whigs, Everywhere We Turn

whigs.0124aa.JPG

Athens three-piece The Whigs will be featured tonight on Jimmy Kimmel Live, performing “Already Young” and “Like A Vibration”.

And in other Whigs news, Parker Gispert, Julian Dorio and Tim Deaux are joining Kings of Leon on the road, stopping at the Tabernacle Nov. 18.

Happen to miss them then, they’ll be back the following month, closing out the year Dec. 30 and 31 at the Variety Playhouse.

Think you’ll catch them tonight — and/or live? What about their CD “Mission Control” — feel like it’s gotten its due? Seen the “Like A Vibration” video? (If not, watch it HERE).

Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment |

How To Impress Ciara— According To Ciara

MH1108_DHOT_01.jpg

PHOTO CREDIT: Naomi Kaltman/Men’s Health

MH1108_DHOT_02.jpg

PHOTO CREDIT: Naomi Kaltman/Men’s Health

Nov.Cover.jpg

PHOTO CREDIT: Frank W. Ockenfels 3/Men’s Health

Atlanta R&B singer Ciara is the featured “MH Woman” in the November issue of Men’s Health magazine, giving her the podium to offer advice on succeeding, in general, and impressing her, in particular.

Ever read or heard good advice from a celebrity?

Well here’s Ciara on:

Setting goals for herself: “When I was growing up in Atlanta, I was always striving for something. I was always setting goals and trying to be somebody.”

Her inspirations: “I take my motivation from athletes- basketball player in particular. I love LeBron James because he’s my age and full of ambition and drive. I love Michael Jordan. You can tell he chose to work hard to set himself outside the pack. There was so much pressure, but he pulled through every time. That energy motivates me.”

“The way he [David Tyree] held onto that ball that Eli Manning threw—I felt what he had inside. He wanted it that badly. When it comes to my career, there’s nothing more exciting than being successful at the highest possible level.”

What she looks for in a guy: “It’s important for a guy to be a gentleman. I like some toughness, but not too much. He has to take the time to understand who I am.”

“I like for a guy to have his own thing going on, to have strong drive and focus—because that motivates me.”

“I like to go out to dinner. I like to go to the movies. These are things that give you the opportunity to learn about a person’s tastes—what they laugh at. That says a lot.”

Permalink | |

 

Kudzu.com: Do Your WIndows Keep the Cool Indoors?
Today's deal from DealSwarm.com
AJC Breaking News Updates