AMG's Atlanta Music Blog

A "Once" In A Lifetime Concert Experience

Steven Spielberg once told USA Today,  "A little movie called Once gave me enough inspiration to last the rest of the year".

That's how I felt about the concert last night showcasing the talent of the movie's stars, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (a.k.a. The Swell Season), at the Cobb Energy Center here in Atlanta. Much like the movie Once, it was like watching an intimate show in a local pub with friends, but instead you are surrounded by thousands of other fans. If The Swell Season tour is heading your way (and isn't already sold out yet) get tickets immediately. Then buy everything ever released by Hansard & Co.

Below is a video of their cover of Into The Mystic by Van Morrison. You can view the rest of AMG's videos from the night at www.youtube.com/atlantamusicguide or view more pictures here

Brett Dennen at 500 Songs For Kids

My personal favorite so far this week! One of Rolling Stone's Top 10 Artists to Watch in 2008, Brett Dennen performing 1234 by Feist!

Check out Brett Dennen if you haven't heard of him before-
Brett Dennen Official Site
Brett Dennen Myspace Page

You can listen to Brett on

500 Songs For Kids- #200-150 Update

500 Songs For Kids Update from Night #7

Songs #200-150 on the Countdown of the 500 GREATEST SING-ALONG SONGS OF ALL TIME!

Donating to 500 Songs for Kids may lead you on the road to Heaven, but last night everyone wanted to go “Straight to Hell” when Drivin n’ Cryin performed their classic. One great performance led to the next as the continuous revolving door of enthusiastic talent graced the stage. Colonel Bruce Hampton was also there to add his own touch to a Sly and the Family Stone jam.

Here are some of last night’s highlights:

#199- Gin and Juice by Snoop Dogg performed by Geisha Hit Squad
#196- You Give Love A Bad Name by Bon Jovi performed by Brain Box
#195- I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston performed by TJ (see video below- AMAZING)
#193- Mr Roboto by Styx performed by The Swear
#178- Girls Girls Girls by Motley Crue performed by Ultradrive
#177- We're Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister performed by The Hot Rods
#176- Straight to Hell by Drivn’ n’ Cryin’ performed by Drivin’ n’ Cryin’
#175- Purple Rain by Prince performed by Ryan Waters
#172- Everyday People by Sly & the Family Stone performed by Col. Bruce Hampton
#171- Leaving on a Jet Plane by Peter, Paul, and Mary performed by Madeline
#170- Back in Black by AC/DC performed by The Ming Dynasty
#169- I Touch Myself by Divinyls performed by Lexi Street
#168- Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door by Bob Dylan performed by Frank Bell
#167- Rock the Casbah by The Clash performed by Sun Domingo
#163- You Can’t Always Get What You Want by The Rolling Stones performed by Joe McGuinness
#162- Centerfold by The J.Geils Band performed by Part Bear
#161- Highway to Hell by AC/DC performed by Attractive Eighties Women
#160- I Love Rock n’ Roll by Joan Jett and the Heartbreakers performed by Natalie Warner
#159- Can’t You See by The Marshall Tucker Band performed by Levi Lowrey with Jim Hodgson
#158- Loser by Beck performed by Bruce Butkovich
#153- Ruby Tuesday by The Rolling Stones performed by Lefty Williams Band
#152- Stayin’ Alive by The Bee Gees performed by Wighat

**Also announced- Butch Walker will be performing #2- Sister Christian by Night Ranger**

View the rest of the photos here- 500 Songs For Kids Night 7 Pictures

#195 by TJ is below

Drivin N' Cryin at 500 Songs For Kids

500 Songs for Kids- #250-200 Update

500 Songs For Kids Update from Night #6

Songs #250-200 on the Countdown of the 500 GREATEST SING-ALONG SONGS OF ALL TIME!

The hits just keep on coming! Last night’s countdown ranged from classic rock hits like “Sweet Child of Mine” to the Christmas standard “Feliz Navidad” to Greatest American Hero’s Theme. Tonight the fun continues with Drivin ‘n Cryin and many more great acts as we continue to count down the greatest sing along songs of all time.

Here are some of last night’s highlights:

#241- These Boots Are Made For Walking by Nancy Sinatra performed by Hardly Darlings
#240- Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N' Roses performed by Brad Cox from Grayson Manor
#235- Bennie and the Jets by elton John performed by Arts and Sciences
#234- Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac performed by South 70
#230- Hold Me Now by The Thompson Twins performed by the Sun Dogs
#228- Faith by George Michael performed by Galyan
#227- The Love You Save by Jackson 5 performed by Tendaberry
#225- Oh Sherry by Steve Perry performed by Gary Pfaff
#223- Changes by David Bowie performed by Cinetrope
#222- Mr. Jones by Counting Crows performed by Modern Society
#221- Feliz Navidad performed by The Sanata Band
#220- Our House by Madness performed by Nerd Parade
#219- The General by Dispatch performed by Hightide Blues
#217- Sweet Child of Mine by Guns ‘n Roses performed by Bucky Hog
#216- Greatest American Hero’s Believe It or Not by Mike Post performed by Mike Caleanas
#215- Puff, the Magic Dragon by Peter, Paul, and Mary performed by Dave Daniels and The P.T.A.
#212- Footloose by Kenny Loggins performed by Chase 56
#211- Hypnotize by The Notorious B.I.G. performed by Lyrical Preacher
#210- Fat Bottom Girls by Queen performed by J-Roddy Walston and the Business
#209- Singing in the Rain performed by Gwen Hughes
#207- Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana performed by Libras

View the rest of the pictures here- AMG 500 Songs For Kids Night 6 Pictures

500 Songs for Kids- #300-250 Update

500 Songs For Kids Update from Night #5

Songs #300-250 on the Countdown of the 500 GREATEST SING-ALONG SONGS OF ALL TIME!

Mason Jennings, Missy Higgins, and Brett Dennen were there. Cracker performed his monster hit “Low,” and Skid Row’s Rachel Bolan played “I Remember You.” Where were you? Smith’s Olde Bar continues to be the hub of amazing musicianship and charity and we’re only half way there. Come see for yourself what all the buzz it tonight, and support this great cause!

Here are some of last night’s highlights:

#274- Where It’s At by Beck performed by Entropy
#273- When the Saints Go Marching In by Louis Armstrong performed by Ruby Red’s Band
#272- Heat of the Moment by Asia performed by Mason Jennings
#271- 1234 by Feist performed by Brett Dennen 
#270- Low by Cracker performed by Cracker
#269- Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd performed by Missy Higgins
#266- I Remember You by Skid Row performed by Rachel Bolan (Skid Row- bassist), Vanessa Olivarez (American Idol), and Brian Collins
#263- Fight the Power by Public Enemy performed by Phace Orginalz
#258- Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus performed by High Cotton
#257- I Wanna Be Sedated by The Ramones performed by Crop Circle
#254- Africa by Toto performed by Max Oginsky and Frank Lisco

Check out the rest of the pictures here!

I Remember You by Skid Row performed by Rachel Bolan (Skid Row- bassist), Vanessa Olivarez (American Idol), and Brian Collins

Cracker performing their hit Low

500 Songs For Kids- #350-300 Update

500 Songs For Kids Update from Night #4

Songs #350-300 on the Countdown of the 500 GREATEST SING-ALONG SONGS OF ALL TIME!

The hits kept on rolling during night four of the ten night music marathon. From 112’s Q Parker’s soul rousing rendition of R.E.M’s “Losing My Religion” to Clay Cook’s poignant, acoustic sing along of Annie’s “Tomorrow,” hits and talent are definitely heating up as we near Saturday’s finale.

Some highlights from last night:

#327- I Melt with You by Modern English performed by the Sealions
#324- Cliffs of Dover by Eric Johnson performed by Fast Mustache
#322- Losing My Religion by R.E.M. performed by Q Parker of 112
#321- Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel performed by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
#320- Tomorrow from Broadway hit Annie performed by Clay Cook
#317- Rapper’s Delight by The Sugarhill Gang performed by Cold Fingers and the Marvelous Malfunction
#312- Turn Back Time by Cher performed by Chris Downs
#311- Celebration by Kool & The Gang performed by The Educators
#309- Take It Easy by The Eagles performed by Kahle Davis and The Nightwatchmen
#305- Run to the Hills by Iron Madden performed by The Seraphix

Check out the rest of the photos here- 500 Songs For Kids Pictures- Night 4!

500 Songs For Kids- #400-350 Updates

500 Songs For Kids Update from Night #3

Songs #400-351 on the Countdown of the 500 GREATEST SING-ALONG SONGS OF ALL TIME!

Highlights from last night that you should be sad you missed (good, bad, and the ugly all incl):

* #396- It's My Party (and I'll Cry If I Want To) by Lesley Gore performed by Andrea Nardello
* #391- Mmm Bop by Hanson performed by Why The Fly
* #389- The Candyman by Sammy Davis Jr. performed by Raschad
* #387- Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles performed by Heather Luttrell
* #386- She Don't Use Jelly by The Flaming Lips performed by The Julia Dream
* #385- Physical by Olivia Newton John performed by The Susi French Connection
* #384- Rio by Duran Durn performed by Club Awesome
* #381- Total Eclipse of the Heart by Nikki French performed by Chrys of Senona
* #376- White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane performed by Zila
* #373- You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin performed by Audrey Spillman
* #371- I Believe In A Thing Called Love by The Darkness performed by Alf and the Frat Guys
* #369- Thunderstruck by ACDC performed by The Sammies
* #367- Minni the Moocher by Cab Calloway performed by Flat Track Penny Co-op
* #364- Genie in a Bottle by Christina Aguilera performed by Gypsy Pearl (the belly dancer)
* #363- Good by Better Than Ezra performed by Love Rush
* #361- Fletch Theme Song performed by Saddlefunk (i.e. Nick from YOU, Mark from The Warm Gunns, Greg Lee from Sundiver)
* #360- Tom Sawyer by Rush performed by The Natural
* #354- Light My Fire by The Doors performed by Harrison Hudson
* #351- Easy (Like Sunday Morning) by Lionel Richie performed by Matt White (who opened for Sheryl Crow at Chastain earlier in the night! AMAZING!)

Updates for the rest of the week- what you can expect:
* #1 will be Hey Jude and they just announced the artist!!! It's Cee-Lo from Gnarles Barkley!!!

Don't miss out the next 6 days! Stay tuned to AMG, your 500 Songs For Kids Headquarters!

The rest of the pictures will be up tomorrow!

Video of #362 featuring The Laughing Bastards

Video of #384 featuring Club Awesome

500 Songs For Kids- #450-400 Updates

500 Songs For Kids Update from Night #2

Songs #450-401 on the Countdown of the 500 GREATEST SING-ALONG SONGS OF ALL TIME!

We only caught the last 20 songs or so, but here's what we saw:

Highlights from last night that you should be sad you missed (good, bad, and the ugly all incl):

     * #421- Funky Cold Medina by Tone Loc performed by Leadcar Holiday
     * #417- The Best Around by Jose Esposito (From Karate Kid) performed by the Lost Boys
     * #416- Leader of the Pack by the Sangri-Las performed by Algebra
     * #413- Sharp Dressed Man by ZZ Top performed by The Mike Lowry Band
     * #409- Your Cheatin' Heart by Hank Williams performed by Micheal Lee Miller
     * #408- Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Lies performed by The Sarah Mac Band
     * #407- Photographby Def Leppard performed by Roxis
     * #406- Would by Alice in Chains performed by Mister Fernando
     * #401- 7 Nation Army by The White Stripes performed by All The Saints
     * #?- Impromptu numbers by people from various bands- some of them were a mess last night, but      still hilarious to watch!

Updates for the rest of the week- what you can expect:
     * Arrested Development will be performing next Saturday!
     * CNN will be doing a special on 500 Songs For Kids Sunday morning (tomorrow)! Don't miss it!

Don't miss out the next 8 days! Stay tuned to AMG, your 500 Songs For Kids Headquarters!

SEE THE REST OF THE PICS HERE!

Below is the video for #421

500 Songs For Kids- #500-450 Updates

500 Songs For Kids Update from Night #1

Songs #500-450 on the Countdown of the 500 GREATEST SING-ALONG SONGS OF ALL TIME!

Highlights from last night that you should be sad you missed (good, bad, and the ugly all incl):
     * #496- Don't Stand So Close To Me by The Police performed by Helios
     * #481- Laid by James performed by Stokeswood
     * #480- Seether by Veruca Salt performed by Today The Moon Tomorrow The Sun
     * #495- Ramblin Man by The Allman Bros performed by Delta Moon
     * #492- A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke performed by Janelle Monae
     * #474- Love and Marriage by Frank Sinatra performed by Swank Sinatra
     * #472- All For You by Sister Hazel performed by Chuck Carrier with Ryan and Jett from Sister Hazel
     * #471- Sabotage by The Beastie Boys performed by The Beastly Boys
     * #470- Man of Constant by The Soggy Bottom Boys performed by Missy Gossip
     * #465- The Simpsons Theme Song performed by Nikko and Kathy on horns
     * #464- Lit Up by Buckcherry performed by Kimberly Nicole
     * #462- Love Shack by the B-52s performed by The Love Willows
     * #457- Get Up Stand Up by Bob Marley performed by Golden Fro
     * #454- Land Down Under by Men At Work performed by Jermaine
     * #452- Johnny B Goode by Chuck Berry performed by the Nick Edelstein Band
     * #451- Mickey by Toni Basil performed on the spot by Josh Rifkin and Friends (see video)
     * #450- Kumbaya performed by everyone! It was a sing-along!

Updates for the rest of the week- what you can expect:
     * Drivin N Cryin will be performing one night! Rumor is that it will be their song Straight To Hell
     * Sister Hazel surprised us last night, but they will be returning further along the countdown
     * Mason Jennings will make an appearance one night
     * Matt White (who is opening for Sheryl Crow at Chastain) will be performing Saturday night after his show at Chastain!
     * Hey Jude will be #1 (but who will be singing it? last year it was Angie Aparo! Who will it be this year? Stay tuned to AMG for rumors and updates!)
     * Francine Reed will be performing a Louis Armstrong song next Friday

Don't miss out the next 9 days! Stay tuned to AMG, your 500 Songs For Kids Headquarters!

SEE THE REST OF THE PICS HERE!
 

The Coathangers

The Coathangers
April 4, 2008
Emory
By Brian Danin

Amidst the spring rain and humidity, WMRE's Locals Fest 2 kicked off in Emory's Burlington Road Building. Although the venue wasn't packed, it was a good showing for an otherwise dreary evening. The audience (some as young as 5 years old) loved the free jams, and then, of course, there was the after-party.

The Coathangers brought dance to the audience's feet, and fire to the atmosphere. Punk rock, Le-Tigre style energy, filled with high angst pitched howls filled the hall with love. The drummer could rock out and sing at the same time, which is always impressive. The keys were bang on, dance-core to the extreme, and she could really flail that tambourine. Now all she needs is the back-up vocal mic and the band is rock-solid.

The Coathangers are a must see up-and-coming local group. They have several Atlanta shows in the near future; visit their MySpace page for details.