Q&A with Pearl and the Beard; Playing The Five Spot, March 18

By Ellen Eldridge

Rarely does an opening act so fully win the hearts and minds of its audience like Pearl and the Beard did when opening for Ani DiFranco earlier this month. The united soul of Pearl and the Beard spreads its wings across the three individuals Jocelyn Mackenzie, Emily Hope Price and Jeremy Styles. The harmonies and honest smiles show the skill and enthusiasm that makes Pearl and the Beard such a solidly fun band to watch live. The trio whipped out and rocked everything from cello to kazoo. The members kindly converged to answer a few question before they return to Atlanta on March 18 to play at The Five Spot.

When did you three meet and decide to work as Pearl and the Beard? How did you come up with the band name?

We met at open mic nights in the city [New York City as the band is from Brooklyn]. Pure kismet. The name was handed down from the heavens by the band gods, lost on Earth centuries ago, and then found by the three of us while we were on a journey of self-discovery in the Andes. 

What are your individual main instruments and what do you each play?

Jeremy: Vocal and guitar

Emily: Vocal and cello

Jocelyn: Vocal, drums, glockenspiel, melodica and kazoo

Do you think you will ever add another member or remain a threesome?

That’s a good question. We have come together so organically and we love our dynamic. To add a fourth or fifth or entire squadron of people would need to come just as naturally. But I think for now we are very happy with the three of us, and adding players for different shows and recordings. … Continue Reading

Win Tickets! Andy Grammar, Kasabian, and More!

Oh you are in luck!! To kick off the weekend right, we are giving away a boatload of tickets today!!! First up, our friends at Rival Entertainment have decided to give away some tix to some kick ass shows! Enter below to win tickets to see one of these amazing shows:

Andy Grammer – 2/25 The Loft

Kasabian – 3/17 Center Stage

Incognito – 4/6 Center Stage

The Boxer Rebellion – 4/16 Vinyl

Dave Barnes – 4/27 Center Stage

AMG Weekend Picks: Mike Cooley, Kelly Clarkson, Manchester Orchestra, Oysterfest and More!

Happy Lovely Sunny Thursday everyone! Take in all this warm weather while it lasts, because we’ll be going back to “normal” February temperatures (whatever that means) for the weekend. But for now, we’re getting out the flip-flops and shorts, and looking forward to a rocking weekend packed with shows and… oysters. … Continue Reading

New Single From The District Attorneys!

The boys in The District Attorney’s have been a busy lot! Today they are releasing the first single off their latest album Slowburner, which comes out  April 24th via This Is American Music (Glossary, Bohannons, Lauderdale). The DAs will be opening for Moon Taxi and Apache Relay Friday Feb. 24th at the Masquerade and they are giving away a boatload of free tickets.  Email dasbooking@gmail.com if you would like FREE TIX. 

Check out the song below, and make sure and check out the band on Friday!

Confusion of Trust

What’s Up Thursday?

By Eileen Tilson

Um highs today in the 70′s?!?!?! I can’t help but to think that mother nature is just playing a little trick on us all. “Oh yeah, whip out the shorts and flip flops, and then right when you start getting a little color back in your cheeks BAM! I’m gonna drop the temps on you again.” Whatever Mama nature, we are gonna brave you anyway. Here’s your picks:

-It’s night two of Mike Cooley of the Drive by Truckers rare solo acoustic show at The Earl. This show is SOLD OUT so I hope you got yourself some tickets early!

-For those of you who know Zac Brown Band’s Clay Cook, the chances of spotting him tonight at the Fox Theater are pretty high. His favorite celebrity crush, Kelly Clarkson, will be there showing off her pipes. Sure to be an interesting crowd.

-Adron is the nom de guerre of Adrienne McCann, young singer and songwriter who has been lately rejuvenating the pop music scene in Atlanta, Georgia. Adron blends Classical harmony with the playfulness of ‘60s Brazilian Tropicàlia and the sentiment of 70′s songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Harry Nilsson. See her tonight at Eddie’s Attic.

-The Romans are going to be a bad you will be very familiar with in the upcoming months. Led by the multi talented Aaron Whitehouse, I have been a fan since day one. Make sure and catch their show tonight at the Drunken Unicorn before you will only be able to see them in a bigger venue.

-Tennessee twanger and picker, Rayland Baxter is known for his storytelling songs. Should be a great night for his show at Smith’s Olde Bar.

-Australian pop singer, Cody Simpson, will be whooing the wee ones tonight at Center Stage. So let this be a warning to you, there will be a swarm of screaming teenage girls on the corner of 17th and West Peachtree.

-And the hipsters will be coming in droves to the Star Bar in Little Five Points tonight where  former keyboard player/percussionist with Washed Out’s live band, Phil Jones his new band Dog Bite. Joining him tonight are Mirror Mode and Divine Interface.

Cute Boots Album Release Party; Saturday, Feb. 25th At The Earl

Cute Boots-Rumspringa (Live at Home) from Cute Boots on Vimeo.

It sure has been awhile since the folks in Cute Boots have put out some music, but this Saturday that will have changed. Raising funds from the fans, Cute Boots are proud to announce the release of their latest record, Born and Raised, which they will be debuting at The Earl on Feb. 25th with pals Sealions and Nashville’s own Natalie Prass.  This is a Team Luis show, so you just know that it will sell out, so make sure and get your tickets early!!!

What’s Up Wednesday?

By Eileen Tilson

Happy Wednesday to you all! We are a little late getting started today, but better late than never! Looking for some fun things to do tonight? I just might have some suggestions:

-You gotta support our home town boys! Mike Cooley is at The Earl for a rare solo appearance by the Drive-By Truckers‘ guitar player and songwriter.

-Born and raised in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, Malcolm Holcombe is being recognized by the contemporary U.S and European folk/americana community as a performer of national stature, and an uncommonly unique guitarist/vocalist about whom Rolling Stone magazine says: “Haunted country, acoustic blues and rugged folk all meet [here]…” See him tonight at Eddie’s Attic.

-California old school rockers, Tesla, will be thrashing around at Center Stage tonight with Built By Stereo.

-Our pal Chad Radford over at Creative Loafing says that R. RING is a gruff and low-fi recording project that can be quite schizophrenic in its mood swings. In one instant it’ll lull you into a sweet and happy place with a dose of tender folk balladry. The next, it hits you over the head with a layered and noisy pop mantra that’s as rousing as it is abrasive. Check them out tonight at the 529 with Knaves Grave and Black Swans.

Live Review: Jeff Mangum at The 40 Watt Club, February 11

By David Courtright

Jeff Mangum is one of the last great mysteries in indie music, and he intends to keep it that way. Made famous by his work with Neutral Milk Hotel, and in particular, the seminal album, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, Mangum receded quickly into seclusion after the pressures of fame became too great. His genius, coupled with his reclusive nature, have made him one of the most discussed and desired artists in music today. Which is why it was such an event that he played the 40 Watt. … Continue Reading

Live Review: Thurston Moore at The Goat Farm, February 8

Thurston Moore

By David Courtright; photo by Michael Koenig (full gallery HERE)

Thurston Moore may well be the Renaissanciest man in indie rock. Aside from being the songwriter and guitarist for what many consider to be the pivotal band in the evolution of indie rock music, Moore also moonlights as a director, National Geographic channel narrator, music writer, and label owner. It was a rare treat to see him in such close quarters, at Goat Farm’s austere turn-of-the-century warehouse, Goodson Yard. … Continue Reading

CD Review: Kevn Kinney & The Golden Palominos — A Good Country Mile

Kevn Kinney & The Golden Palominos
A Good Country Mile
Redeye Label

By Ellen Eldridge

The opening to “Never Gonna Change,” with its harmonica calling like a name in the wind, recalls Blind Melon until Kevn Kinney starts singing; at that point something that may sound like Drivin’ N Cryin’ cries out with the stylish amplification of a megaphone to the senses. To describe A Good Country Mile as either country or folk music does this album a disservice, but it’s not what one would expect from a rock record either. Kinney may be best recognized from his Atlanta-based rock band Drivin’ N Cryin’, but this collaboration with longtime friend Anton Fier (The Golden Palominos) grew out of numerous jam sessions in a smoke-filled, coffee-stained New York basement to feature new Kinney originals, covers of a couple much-beloved tunes, and a handful of fresh takes on vintage Kinney and Drivin’ N Cryin’ material. The basic tracks were recorded at Martin Bisi’s BC Studio in Brooklyn, overdubs and mixing were done at One East Recording with Fier producing. … Continue Reading

Picture Book: Emilie Autumn at The Loft, February 15

By Rebecca McCoy (http://ravynfotografie.webs.com/)

Full gallery after the jump.

… Continue Reading

John Mayer Going Country! Teaser of New Song “Shadow Days”

Perhaps our dear Atlanta boy John Mayer decided it was time to follow suit and go country like everyone else! His latest album Born and Raised (produced by Don Was) is supposed to be released in the near future, and I am sure some of us will be waiting with baited breath! Mayer announces the new song by saying:

“Here’s a clip of the first single off Born and Raised, called “Shadow Days.” I’m excited to share the first bit of sound from the album… Been looking forward to a post like this since October 14, 2010, the first day I started writing this group of songs. Enjoy.”

 

Click HERE TO LISTEN TO THE CLIP OF SHADOW DAYS

5GB With Van Dyke Parks; Playing The Earl, 2/18

By Eileen Tilson

Legendary artist, composer and producer Van Dyke Parks has announced the launch of  a unique series of 7″ vinyl singles, the first new studio music in over 15 years since he released his acclaimed album Orange Crate Art. Each vinyl single is illustrated by some of the most important remarkable modern artists of the time. The iconic musician, who has been at the heart of some of the great albums of the last 50 years including Brian Wilson’s ‘lost’ masterpiece ‘Smile’, Randy Newman and Ry Cooder’s first recordings and Joanna Newsom’s critically acclaimed 2006 album ‘YS’, intends to release six new singles over the course of 2011. He’s worked with everyone from Brian Wilson, Randy Newman, Ry Cooder and Joanna Newsom, and is pretty much a legend. You need to take this opportunity to catch an iconic musician in an intimate setting. We chatted with him before his show Saturday as part of our 5 GB series.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

Gig you would most like to play?

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

Van Dyke Parks will be at The Earl tomorrow , 2/18, 

AMG Weekend Picks: Idle Warship, Van Dyke Parks, David Wilcox and More!

The weather outside might be frightful right now, but we have enough great gigs to keep you rock ‘n’ roll ‘n’ cozy. There are legends, newcomers and indie favorites – something for everyone! … Continue Reading

What’s Up Thursday?

By Eileen Tilson

Happy Thursday Atlanta! The days consistently keep getting warmer, and I just can’t help but to think that this little hinting of what was supposed to be winter is about over. There are a lot of great shows happening this weekend, so be sure to clear your calendar. Here are your Thursday picks.

-Idle Warship is a perfect example of how a whole can become greater than the sum of its parts – and that is saying quite a lot given the musical components of this project. A collaboration between longtime friends and collaborators, hip-hop luminary Talib Kweli and critically acclaimed soulful singer and songwriter Res, Idle Warship will be entertaining at The Loft tonight.

-The Togas is Ty Segall, Philip Sambol of the Strange Boys, Shannon Shaw of Shannon and the Clams and Lance Wille of the Reigning Sound. They were formed over the phone with the intention of providing the highest quality oceanic entertainment. The Togas will be debuting a covers set individually selected by Bruisers. Each Bruiser will be able to select one song, with the most requested and fun selections to be performed on the ship for all you harpoons and moby dicks. See them tonight at The Earl.

-Exposed Music Festival Presents: The Stand and Deliver Records Wintour 2012. Featuring Society’s Plague with Skinkage tonight at Vinyl.

-Caroline Aiken is a cornerstone of the Decatur folk music movement. Georgia Music Magazine once noted, “She has a soothing, fine wood-grain voice that purrs with a youthful innocence one minute and then growls like a wise bluesy singer the next.” See her perform tonight at Eddie’s Attic.

-Although getting plenty of rightful comparisons to the Kings of Leon, MONA is deservedly worth seeing for the salty performances. See them live tonight at the Masquerade.