CD Review: Ramajay Intercoastal — Work in Progress; Playing Old Crow Tavern and Grill, July 9

Ramajay Intercoastal Work in Progress Self-released By Al Kaufman “Ramajay” means many things; from “party” to “show off.” But the definition that is most relevant for our purposes is an improvisational competition between pannist (or steel drummers). And, of course, these competitions often lead to showing off and party-like atmospheres. The party atmosphere is what […]

CD Review: Washed Out — Within and Without; Playing The EARL, July 2

Washed Out Within and Without Sub Pop By Al Kaufman It’s been a long time since a band has been more aptly titled. Imagine a large canvas of electronica. Then imagine someone taking a garden hose to it. This is the type of music that Georgia’s own Ernest Greene, the man behind Washed Out, makes. He […]

CD Review: Weird Al Yankovic — Alpocalypse

Weird Al Yankovic Alpocalypse Volcano By Ellen Eldridge Weird Al Yankovic pissed me off when I was very young. He mocked Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” with a disgusting jab-in-the-gut called “Eat It.” At the time, I didn’t get it; I didn’t understand parody or even sarcasm. As an adult, well-versed at sarcasm, I can appreciate […]

Live Review: Guadalcanal Diary at AthFest, June 25; Playing Smith’s Olde Bar, July 2

By Scott Roberts; photos by Sue Volkert “I was looking at our set list,” mused principal songwriter/lead singer/rhythm guitarist Murray Attaway halfway through Guadalcanal Diary’s headlining appearance at AthFest this past Saturday, the first of their two planned 30th anniversary reunion shows (the second will be this coming Saturday at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta), […]

Live Review & Picture Book: The Rosebuds at The EARL, June 16

Sound Won’t Hurt on Its On: The Rosebuds Keep Making Out By Kim Ware; photos by Hillery Terenzi Disclaimers: I once took a personality test that said I was “drawn to sad things.” The Rosebuds make me sad. Anyone who has followed them has probably heard that the marriage between band members Kelly and Ivan […]

Live Review: Lloyd Cole and the Small Ensemble at The 5 Spot, June 18

By Scott Roberts; photos by Sue Volkert Growing up gracefully in rock and roll is not always easy, but singer-songwriter Lloyd Cole has figured it out quite nicely. The once asymmetrically-coiffed, raven-haired leader of Glasgow’s The Commotions is now a 50-year-old based in Massachusetts and his accountant’s haircut now sports graying temples; his clothing looks […]

CD Review: The Head — Hang On; Playing The Five Spot, June 17

The Head Hang On Self-Released By Al Kaufman At a time when great musicianship is conveyed by showing up at an award ceremony in an egg, or by wearing a meat dress, Atlanta’s power-pop trio, The Head, have something to prove. They are showing the three nice guys (twin brothers Jack and Mike Shaw, and […]

CD Review: Ben Sollee –Inclusions; Playing Eddie’s Attic, June 22

Ben Sollee Inclusions Tin Ear/Thirty Tigers By Al Kaufman Ben Sollee is a classically trained cellist. Wait, keep reading. He is also a man with strong pop sensibilities and a heart throb voice. It’s a voice full of yearning and longing, but sensitive enough to say he only wants to cuddle. Women’s hearts have fluttered […]

CD Review: The Book of Knots — Garden of Fainting Stars

The Book of Knots Garden of Fainting Stars Ipecac Recordings By Ellen Eldridge The Book of Knots begins with the birth of “7-pounds 11 ounces of sin” in “Microgravity” and, after posing the question, “Will they survive this microgravity?,” the band embarks on its third concept album; this one dedicated to the absence of expected […]