Atlanta Music Guide

CD Review: The Empties -- The Empties

The Empties
The Empties
Slush Fund Records

By Eileen Tilson

There must be something in the water of Athens. It draws musicians in like the Pied Piper, giving them the belief that maybe one day Micheal Stipe or John Bell is going to walk into Tasty World on the night you are playing and decided to take your band on the road. There is an invisible fortress around the city that likes to proclaim from their towers that Athens is a Music Mecca, and thus everything that comes from Athens has the Midas touch. This was at least the case with longtime friends Ben Willis and Matt Knutson of The Empties, when they decided to pack up their catchy lyrics and pop rock tunes, and leave their hometown of Denver for the mysterious indie-Hollywood known as Athens, Ga.

Ticket Alternative's July 4th Holiday Hours

We're going to be closed Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 in honor of (what else?) the July 4th holiday weekend. Like everyone else we'll be eating burgers and watching fireworks. We'll be back bright and early on Monday. Have fun everybody and stay safe!

Live Review: Dreams So Real at AthFest, June 28

By Scott Roberts; photo by Sue Volkert

During the initial heyday of Athens music back in the early to middle 1980s, most of that city’s bands were purveying either a sort of quirky, danceable artsiness (Pylon, Love Tractor, Method Actors) or a folk-fueled, Southern jangle-pop (REM, Buzz of Delight, Art in the Dark). One band, however, opted for a more muscular, classic-rock approach to their still melodic music that made them stand out from the crowd. That band was Dreams So Real, who reunited for the first time in nearly a decade to play AthFest 2009.

Music Man--Late Night TV

I find and develop bands for a major label. It’s called A&R (Artist & Repertoire). It’s a great job, maybe the greatest in the world, at least in my opinion.  People often ask me what a typical day looks like for someone who does what I do. The truth is, there isn’t a typical day. Every day is very different from the next, each day is unpredictable.

“ATL-LGA”--That’s what my Twitter feed says once or twice a month as I make my way to our New York office for my monthly (or bi-monthly) meetings. The most recent trip was two weeks ago, and it didn't just include the usual meetings I go up for, this trip was way cooler.

CD Review: Regina Spektor -- Far

Regina Spektor
Far
Sire

By Al Kaufman

Regina Spektor is a poet. As such, she has license to be nonsensical and downright weird if she so desires. She can talk about making a "computer out of macaroni pieces," or boldly state that "blue is the most human color." But she can also utilize beautiful metaphor. When she says, "It's like forgetting the words to your favorite song," like she does on "Eet," she creates an extremely relatable line. But Spektor continues to delve into the subject deeper and deeper, making it feel more and more personal.

CANCELED: The Script at Smith's Olde Bar on August 15

The Script have canceled their August 15 show planned for Smith's Olde Bar. Tickets are currently being refunded if bought online or over the phone. Those who bought their tickets at an outlet should take them back to point of purchase.

Paste Magazine Benefit Concert @ The EARL, Friday, July 10 with A Fight to the Death and More!

We're very excited about the Paste Magazine Benefit Show coming up this July 10 at The EARL. It'll feature some of the best bands in Atlanta, A Fight to the Death, Attractive Eighties Women, Nicholas from Y-O-U, Richard Parsons and more to be announced. Tickets are already on sale at Ticket Alternative - and just know that you won't just be getting some awesome music, but you'll be supporting an amazing magazine.

Big 4th in Little Five Points Bring The Constellations, Death on Two Wheels, Burgers, Booze and More!

Just in case you haven't been overloaded with enough awesome options for July 4th (Andrew's Upstairs' Buckhead Beach Party with Drivin' n' Cryin', The EARL's 10th Anniversary and 4th of July Bash, Red, White and Blue with a View at the Sundial, Blowoff feat. DJ Richard Morel and DJ Bob Mould), there's another amazing event for this all-American holiday.

Pop Death Squad have lined up a ton of great rock 'n' roll for Big 4th in Little Five Points at the Star Bar. The Constellations will be joining the likes of Death on Two Wheels, James Hall, The Whiskey Gentry (with members from the now-defunct Missy Gossip and the Secret Keepers) and The Greater Vavoom for this epic party, along with some yummy food, booze and games. $5 before 8 p.m. and $8 after.

King Khan & BBQ Show and Black Lips Team Up to Create The Almighty Defenders

After the Black Lips tore out of India earlier this year, they headed over to Germany to chill out for a while with King Khan & BBQ Show. They teamed up to create a garage rock supergroup, The Almighty Defenders. We're looking forward to the release coming up on September 22, when Vice Records release the album digitally and on LP.

Y-O-U Explain - or Confuse - Fans with New Video for PleaseRock the Yacht Event

By now you should know about the awesome event coming up next week that is PleaseRock the Yacht, where Y-O-U will be bombarding fans with all their brilliant aliases, complete with videos of comedy skits, new music, competitions and free food and drink. To explain - or just beguile further - the guys have done a special "Awkward Interview" with Mixtape Atlanta, shown above. Watch the video, have a giggle, get confused and RSVP for the event HERE.