CD Review: Dare Dukes — Thugs and China Dolls; Playing Highland Inn January 21 and Grocery on Home February 4

Dare Dukes and the Blackstock Collection
Thugs and China Dolls
Starland Records

By Al Kaufman

When Savannah’s Dare Dukes released his debut, Prettiest Transmitter of All, in 2008, he established himself as a gifted songwriter who could write a catchy (but not obvious) hook. But, most importantly, he demonstrated that he has a penchant for the little guy, the guy a little left of center, the kid at school whose clothes never fit and who picked his nose, but you knew would grow up and be either a nuclear physicist or a psychopath. These are Dukes’ people. … Continue Reading

What’s Up Monday?

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

Happy MLK Day! I hope you are still in your pi’s at home, enjoying your three day weekend! I had such a fun weekend in Atlanta, definitely missed it! It’s raining in Nashville and is looking like a movie night for me, but here there are some great shows in Atlanta tonight, don’t miss them!

-Louisiana bluesman, Tab Benoit will be doing his two nighter at Smith’s Olde Bar, wowing fans old and young alike.

-The show is on at The Earl, where the always energetic, tap-dancing wild ones in He’s My Brother She’s My Sister will be holding court.

-Of course don’t miss out on singing with your own pipes at Eddie’s Attic’s famous Songwriter Open Mic Night.

The EARL Presents Carnivores on January 20 for its 7-Inch Series

By Ellen Eldridge

On Friday January 20 Carnivores will play The EARL’s 7-inch release series where fans can come to hear Carnivores, The Coathangers, and Frank Boyles of Balkans for $5, and take home a limited color vinyl 7-inch. Caitlin Lang (keyboards) and Ross Politi (drums) of Carnivores said, “This is our first time releasing an official “Live at The Earl” 7-inch. The overall experience has been great. It is really nice to know that a local institution, like The EARL, reaches out to local acts to support their growth within the industry. We picked a couple tracks from two different shows.  “Georgia Power Company” was taken from a show we had with Davila 666 about a year ago, and “Prom Night” was taken from our most recent show with Thee Oh Sees.”

While many fans prefer the ease and convenience of downloading music one song or album at a time off sites like iTunes or even Amazon.com, the traditional feel and sound quality of a 7-inch stimulates fans’ connection with a band. Lang and Politi said, “I think that people feel safe when they buy 7-inches.  The metric system is taking over the world and the 7 inch record is one of the last lingering artifacts of the “Great American Era.”  I also think they are fairly cheap and less of a commitment. You would hope when you buy a 7-inch that these two songs should be something special if someone put the effort into specifically pressing them.  And, also, they are classic in the sense that early rock n’ roll artists like Buddy Holly only released singles before albums became popular later on.  It’s traditional like that.”

This 7-inch release is one in a line of records recorded and released at The EARL, with previous bands involved including The Coathangers and Noot D’Noot. Says Damon Hare of The EARL, “Essentially the idea for the records has been one of my boss’s dreams since he’s been affiliated with The EARL.  We have close to 13 years worth of board recordings so we thought it’d be an interesting way of promoting the club along with giving the bands involved a free merch item for them to sell.  Not sure if it brings much to the community but something for geeks to collect.”

Of course, The EARL treats its guests to the 7-inch included with the admission price so coming out to one of these series shows helps the local music scene. The outreach itself makes a big difference for both the bands and the fans. Staying savvy and creative can mean the difference between staying in business these days as well.

For those unfamiliar with Carnivores, the band consists of Philip Frobos, Nathaniel Higgins, Caitlin Lang, Billy John Mitchel, and Ross Politi. According to Lang and Politi, “They came together through a series of events. Not too great of a back story… basically this ooze fell into a sewer and a half-man half-rat trained us to play instruments, and named us after his favorite country rock heroes.”

Get out and see the show at The EARL on January 20, if not for the chance to support the music scene, then for the chance to get a limited color vinyl.

5GB With David Berkeley; Playing Eddie’s Attic Tomorrow, Jan. 12

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

I remember seeing David Berkeley when he played at Unplugged in the Park a few years ago, and being mesmerized…Now normally I am not the biggest fan of whimsical singer/songwriters, but there was just something different about David. This Bay-area musician is multi-talented. With a new book “140 Goats and a Guitar: The Stories Behind Some Kind of Cure,” and a new album, Berkeley has been touring the country with a slew of tastemakers supporting him along the way. Berkeley returns to Eddie’s Attic tomorrow for an intimate performance and book reading. He joined us as part of our 5GB series before the show.
What was the first gig you ever went to?

David Bowie’s Glass Spider Tour in Denver was an early one. But I think the first was when my uncle took me to a Grateful Dead concert in Madison Square Garden. I was about 12. All sorts of things were passed around, and I’m not talking popcorn.

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

The day after my wedding, I got a last minute call to open 2 shows for Dido at the Beacon Theater. My wife and I raced back from Vermont to NY and made it to the theater about 10 minutes before I had to be onstage. I didn’t have my guitar or anything to wear. A crew member loaned me a guitar, and someone went out and bought me a pair of jeans. I walked out and for some reason decided to say to the crowd, “Good Evening New York City. Thank you for being here. My name is Dido.”

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

Other than the Grateful Dead when I was 12? I was pretty pleased with Bon Iver at the Greek Theater a few months ago.

Gig you would most like to play?

I saw a clip of Susan Vega playing in a venue in Europe that is basically an underground cave. I can’t recall the name, but that might be the most amazing spot I’ve seen. Other than that, I’ve had this dream of doing a concert at Berkeley Castle in England.

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

I’d love to play a show with Neil Young somewhere. How about Red Rocks? Or better yet, how about somewhere small like the Ark in Ann Arbor. How about like 30 shows with Neil Young at the Ark.

Catch David Berkeley tomorrow night at Eddie’s Attic

New Shows Announced At Center Stage Complex!

This Just In!  Those awesome folks over at the Center Stage Complex just announced some added shows to their already killer lineup! Make sure and get your tickets early!

2/10        THE POLYPHONIC SPREE – Center Stage; Fri   9:00pm | All Ages | $20 | On Sale Friday, Jan 13 @ Noon

3/20        THOMAS DOLBY w/ Aaron Jonah Lewis, Ben Belcher – The Loft: Tues   9:00pm | All Ages | $20 Adv - $25 | On Sale Friday, Jan 13 @ Noon

3/27        FEED ME ‘With Teeth’ w/ Kill The Noise – Center Stage: Tues  9:00pm | All Ages | $26.50 Adv - $29 | On Sale Saturday, Jan 14 @ 10am

3/31        NNEKA – Vinyl: Sat 9:00pm | 18+ | $10 Adv - $12 | On Sale Friday, Jan 13 @ Noon

What’s Up Tuesday?

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

It’s Tuesday. I am coming back to Atlanta on Friday for a little play time. Where should I go? Definitely looking for a little fun

Neo-folk artist Sarah Jarosz will mesmerizing the crowd at Eddie’s Attic…Hope you got your tickets early, cause this event is sold out!

-To be interesting you must be blended…tbat rings true with The Doldrums who combine hip hop and electro. Atlanta’s own Dillon & Boog Brown opens tonight at the 529.

-”America’s-Favorite-Feel-Good-Party-Band.,” Ballyhoo! will be rocking it out at The Masquerade.

-Over in East Atlanta’s The Basement, Highlonesome and Graham Lindsay will be performing.

What’s Up Monday?

By Eileen Tilson

I am not sure why there are not more shows on Mondays. Think of it, first day of the week and you probably could use  a little pick me up after work! Well kids, not much going on tonight but try your darndest to have some fun.

-Over at the ever so awesome 529, an interesting crowd will be forming to see wank Sinatra, Andrew & The Disapyramids, and Antbrain.

-We simply just don’t give WonderRoot enough love! Take a gander onto the westside, as Antpile, Shy Low, Wire Method, and Sisterboy will be performing.

-Of course it is Songwriter Open Mic Night at Eddie’s Attic, so go on out and make your mama proud.

-And if you are not into that kind of singing go to the Ten High for Metalsome Monday, which is more likely to make your sugar mama proud.

What’s Up Thursday?

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

In the past few days, two people, one close to me and one stranger, both my age passed unexpectedly. I only bring up this little bit of sadness to remind everyone that life is preciously short, and to please live everyday as if it is your last. Truly…if this was your last day on earth, what would you do? Food for thought. Ok, here’s what’s shaking tonight.

-Duane Trucks needs no introduction, the young drummer recently held his own while playing with big brother Derek. Join him, and the rest of the superstars of Flannel Church (New Orleans blues guitarist Gregory “Wolf” Hodges, Hampton bandmate, bassist Kevin Scott, and Col. Bruce Hampton) tonight at Smith’s Olde Bar.

-Lindsay Rakers is no stranger to the Atlanta Music Scene. Catch her tonight at Eddie’s Attic as T Dawg Productions presents: Lindsay Rakers / Lefty Williams.

-Gotta give my love to my pals at the Star Bar who are presenting another cool FREE show tonight with the Bukkake Boys, GG King, Manic, Wizard Smoke, and Shaved Christ.

-It’s a hip-hop extravaganza tonight at 529, where 4-IZE: Attack of the Sea Monkeys Musical is happening with performances by Ekundayo & Methuzulah, G.R.E.A.T. Scott and more!

He’s My Brother She’s My Sister Return To The Earl Jan. 16th

By Eileen Tilson / @tktalt_tn

Known for their jovial live performances, folk musicianship, and yes, their tap dancing, He’s My Brother She’s My Sister have shared the stage with Fitz and the Tantrums, The Devil Makes Three, Spindrift, Miranda Lee Richards, The Knitters, The Growlers, Local Natives, Frank Fairfield, Alexander Ebert, and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zero’s. Brother and sister Robert Kolar and Rachel Kolar split vocal duties, with Robert on guitar and kick drum and Rachel on tambourine. Their voices range from boisterous to introspective, from breezy to emotive. Lauren Brown adds full-body percussion with her fluid tap-dancing. Oliver Newell adds stand up bass with joyous flair. Aaron Robinson plays lead guitar on a lap slide, veering from nuanced psychedelica to American roots riffs. And Satya Bhabha adds unconventional cello playing which is at times sweeping, and at other times bellows like a husky fiddle. See them at The Earl on Jan. 16th

What’s Up Wednesday?

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

Happy Hump Day Atlanta! Can you believe we are already halfway through the first week of the new year? Although it is still a pretty quiet week here in Hot-(not so hot currently) Lanta, here’s your Wednesday happenings.

-A Fragile Tomorrow is playing Eddie’s Attic with proceeds going to Atl’s YouthPride, which remains metro Atlanta’s only LGBTQQ organization dedicated solely to the needs and interests of youth.

-The Atlanta Funk Society is back to get your lovely lady humps moving at Smith’s Olde Bar.

-Over at the ever so underground, Drunken Unicorn, Dylan Michael, Apollo. Gold, Milyssa Rose, and Hartwell Brooks will be keeping it classy.

-I love the 529, for reasons like tonight. They are offering a FREE SHOW featuring Hat Party, Street Violence, Sat. Night Duets, Shepherds, and Ghosts Lights.

New Video from Fun. and Janelle Monae for ” We Are Young”

She might only have a small role to play, but it’s still exciting to see our lovely Janelle doing some new songs. And Fun. aren’t too shabby either. We’ll be excited to see the band when they return to Center Stage on March 9.  Fingers crossed for a special appearance by our favorite tuxedoed girl!

Win Tickets! 5GB With The Kicks; Playing Smith’s Olde Bar, Playing Jan. 7

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

The first time I saw The Kicks was two years ago at the Hard Rock Cafe in Atlanta opening up for Ben Deignan. I remember going to the show, prepared to see a baby band, and being surprised by the authenticity and potential talent the band possessed. Well, my hunch was right because in those two years Nashville natives, The Kicks have gone on to play at prestigious festivals such as Austin City Limits & South By Southwest, as well as having their single “Hawk Eyes”  and “Shake it Loose” featured on hit TV shows such as, Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars, and The Real World. Looking to get back into the studio this year with Grammy winners Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay) and Vance Powell (The Raconteurs, Kings of Leon, The White Stripes) we chatted with Jordan and Adam before their show this Saturday at Smith’s Olde Bar, which they are playing with Atlanta’s sons, Red Letter Agent. BE SURE TO ENTER BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS TO THE SHOW!

What was the first gig you ever went to?

Jordan: Mine was The Doobie Brothers! I was around ten years old in Hilton Head with my parents. It was a Hawaiian shirt & Dockers heaven! It was like being in a crowd of about 30,000 of my parents!

Adam: Mine was Michael Bolton when I was seven. My parents took me. It is amazing how hard you can fall with a bad perm!

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

Adam: I would have to say probably ACL ( Austin City Limits). It was just so cool to be around all these other monsters of bands. We were walking around with acts like Muse and The Black Keys.  For me personally, I learned how to play guitar watching Stevie Ray Vaughn play on the ACL TV show. There is just something about the energy that gets captured in a room; it makes us remember that we go out on stage to create an experience.

Jordan: I think our most memorable gig was probably in the infant days of The Kicks. We played in St. Louis with a 13 piece rap group called 13 Spade, and we pretty much thought we were gonna die. They kept passing the mic around, not looking very gangsta, but they totally were.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

Adam- For me it is a toss up between seeing Paul McCartney at Piedmont Park or seeing U2 at Vanderbilt Stadium.

Jordan: I was with Adam at McCartney which was obviously incredible, but for me, seeing My Morning Jacket in Nashville was life changing. I saw them before we even started The Kicks, and they inspired me to want to start a rock band. After seeing them, I knew they were a modern day beast live. What we do live with The Kicks is very inspired from seeing them; they are simply a wall of sound.

Gig you would most like to play?

Adam: I would love to play Wimbley Stadium having 80-100,000 people all there to see one show. That’s pretty awesome.

Jordan: um, Royal Albert Hall! But being from Nashville, it would be pretty meaningful for me to sell out the Ryman. I know it’s not the biggest venue, but I believe it is a place that all Nashville artists aspire to play.

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

Well I think we would have to be direct support for the Beatles, and we would let them headline, since you can’t really get any bigger than that. Throw a little Zeppelin in there and oh how about some Queen. Would be cool to have the Stones in there, and we could have Crosby Stills & Nash open. We would play in Rio in front of a million folks like the Stones did.

Catch The Kicks Jan. 7th w/ Red Letter Agent and Indianapolis Jones at Smith’s Olde Bar

What’s Up Tuesday?

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

Well kids we are back! I woke up this morning to watch all the little kiddies scurry off with sleepy eyes back to work, and thought to myself how lucky I am to work from home from the comfort of my pi’s! Well after a very long day today, you might need a little bit of a break, so here are your Tuesday happenings.

-For an infie/folk/rocking good time join Atlanta native, Tyler Lyle as he takes the stage tonight at Eddie’s Attic alongside singer/songwriter Joshua Fletcher.

-The Stooges Brass Band has been a premier New Orleans Brass Band since 1996.  Their innovative incorporation of hip-hop sound to the traditional styling of New Orleans brass band music has allowed The Stooges Brass Band to share the stage with Ray Charles, Black Star (Mos Def & Talib Kweli), and Jadakiss. See them tonight at Smith’s Olde Bar.

-Another Atlanta boy, Brent McDonald will be rocking it out at Dixie Tavern.

-Nathan Nelson & BlonJu will be at Northside Tavern tonight, home of the most amazing blues players in the country.

What’s Up Monday?

Happy 2012 Atlanta!!! Whether or not the Mayans are right and this is our last year on Earth, I have a feeling that this year is simply going to kiss ass. So let’s make a resolution together and make sure and include more music in our lives! Here is your first challenge: Monday Music Day!

-Georgia native, MEIKO (mee-ko), is a folk-rock and pop artist who started 2008 as a waitress and finished it off as an up-and-coming pop-sensation. Within her first year as a signed artist, she released a self-titled debut to critical acclaim, performed on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and the premiere episode of The Bonnie Hunt Show, appeared in the pages of the Los Angeles Times, USA Today and Paste Magazine. See her tonight at Eddie’s Attic.

http://www.ticketalternative.com/Events/16989.aspx

-It’s Monday Night Blues Jam where Lola and Northside Tavern invite musicians and bands and their friends to come on out, play music, meet other musicians, network and enjoy yourselves in the company of musicians and Blues lovers.

-At the ever so hip 529, Calm White Noise, Cassandras, and Swank Motel will be entertaining the hipsters.

-And of course, you could always test out your own pipes at Metalsome Monday at the Ten High!

What’s Up Thursday?

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

Today is pretty special here in Nashville as Atlanta’s own, Zac Brown Band is playing at the Bridgestone Arena. However, if you are not in Nashvegas there are a ton of cool events tonight! Here is your picks for Thursday.

-Diamond Rugs, the indie supergroup consisting of members from The Black Lips, Dead Confederate, Deer Tick, Los Lobos, and Six Finger Satellite (could that get any cooler?!?!) will be coming out and playing together for the first time tonight at The Earl. This show will sell out, so make sure and get your tickets in advance!! Make sure and check out their interview later today!

-Decatur native and Attic regular, Mike Willis, joins forces with fellow Atlanta-Nashville transplants, Connor Rand and Clay Evans, and recent Shootout finalist, Noah Collins, for a special evening of music at Eddie’s Attic. Nothing resembling a traditional Nashville-style writer’s round, this high-energy show will also feature some of the finest backing musicians in the US.

-It’s an all-star line up tonight at Vinyl where The Altar Boys featuring Rick Richards (Georgia Satellites), Keith Christopher, Peter Stroud, and more will be rocking out.

-Col. Bruce Hampton, Ret. has been making music since he formed his first band in 1963. The Colonel has been in constant motion ever since making music, writing poetry, and guessing birthdays along the way. Catch him live with his band Pharaoh Gummitt tonight at Smith’s Olde Bar.

-It’s night two for STS9‘s five run New Years Eve bash at The Tabernacle.

-CunninLynguists’ producer Kno steps out tonight at the 529, with Machete Vision, Lex Boogie, Rozewood, Stanza, DJ Nervex, and Fort Knox.