Attention System, Sept. 3 at Dragon*Con

Posted on September 1, 2010 by Rube Ambler

There could not be a band better suited for Dragon*Con than Attention System. The dystopian themes, the electronic sounds, the unabashed guitars, the trashing drums – they all fit perfectly. Of course, they might not fit so well with the Elfquest pixie crowd, but if you’re into the 501st Legion or replicants or even Cerebus and plan on being at Dragon*Con this weekend then you need to see Attention System.

Friday at 11:30 pm in the Hyatt Centennial Ballroom. Music at Midnight.

Attention System – Resistant Transistor

Posted in Live (more music), Local (events) | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Sea Wolf, Sept. 15 at Eddie’s Attic

Posted on August 31, 2010 by Rube Ambler

Sea Wolf, aka Alex Brown Church, returns to Atlanta. This time he will be alone (or nearly) and acoustic at Eddie’s Attic. If anything an intimate acoustic set in a venue where he won’t be talked over by the crowd will only add to the the poignancy of his songcraft. Please don’t assume he’s just another overwrought singer songwriter. The video here for “Wicked Blood” plainly shows his sense of humor. $13 adv, $15 door.

Posted in Live (more music), Local (events) | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Richard Parsons, Sept. 7 at Eddie’s Attic

Posted on August 27, 2010 by Rube Ambler

By Rube Ambler

The most of loyal of our original readers will recall our unabashed preference for playing favorites. We still do and Richard Parsons is one of them.

The tiger in this poster is only one African feline removed from what we think of when we think of our friend the talented musician Richard Parsons (we think he’s a lion!). He’s the creative force behind Luna Versus You – one of our favorites of 2010 – as well as an accomplished solo artist. Hear him play some of his new stuff at Eddie’s Attic as he sets the stage for Jay Brannan.

Here’s the single from his forthcoming long player, “Afraid to Lose.” Watch this space for the video…coming soon.

Richard Parsons – Afraid to Lose

Posted in Live (more music), Local (events) | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Oryx & Crake, August 28 at the EARL

Posted on August 20, 2010 by Rube Ambler

There really is only one show to see this month. It is the Oryx & Crake CD release show August 28 at the EARL.

The debut LP from this Atlanta-based band may be the most widely acclaimed local album of the year. If you’ve been reading for a while you know that we fell for this band the first time we heard them. But please don’t take it from us, some of Georgia’s finest music sites – Ohmpark, Dead Journalist, Little Advances, and Blue Indian – have all praised it.

Davy Minor, curator of Ohmpark wrote: “I’ve heard many bands, hoping to create something timeless yet relevant, try to blend conservative music with more modern ideas, but rarely have I heard it achieved this successfully.”

Chuck Norton over at Dead Journalist had this to say: “So when I find a band that gets me excited, I feel like a love-struck teenager … Let me introduce you to my newest crush: Oryx + Crake.”

We couldn’t agree more! This finely crafted but accessible album is addictive with hooks, harmonies and beautifully orchestrated moments of bliss and angst. In fact when the word got out about this record, they had to sneak copies (pre-release) into Decatur CD to meet demand (they still have a couple copies on hand).

Still, why make this your one live show this month? Because the band might be even better live than on this outstanding record. Ryan’s strong, soft voice soars over the live instrumentation of his 9-piece ensemble. And some moments only happen on stage: Matt’s frenetic string work on “I Could Be Anyone Anymore” or Eric’s perfectly delivered power chords at the mid-point of “Unbound.” This is not be be missed. Only $7!

If you still haven’t heard “Fun Funeral” now is your chance.

Oryx & Crake – Fun Funeral

Posted in Indie (music), Live (more music), Local (events) | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off

Tonight: Beautiful Little Fools & Book Club at Kavarna

Posted on August 19, 2010 by Rube Ambler

Check out two of Atlanta’s newest purveyors of that folk rock thing tonight at Kavarna: Beautiful Little Fools & Book Club.  Free.

Posted in Live (more music), Local (events) | Tagged , , | Comments Off

Watch This: Josh Ritter “Rattling Locks”

Posted on August 17, 2010 by Rube Ambler

As promised, another great video from Josh Ritter’s latest triumph conceived and created by a member of the Royal City Band. This time it’s keyboardist/producer Sam Kassirer who shot the photo essay that is the music video.

This is what Sam had to say about his creation: “This video/photo essay was made exclusively with 120mm medium format photographs taken partially over 2009 US and Europe tours, and partially from a shoot with Josh to capture specific images that the song evokes. Locations include the London Eye, The Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans LA, and a piano tuning shop in Somerville, MA. Hopefully it comes across as sort of scary and a little bit funny.”

Here’s a live performance of the track from Josh’s show at Washington D.C.’s 9:30 Club earlier this summer.

Josh Ritter – Ratting Locks [live at the 9:30 Club 5/8/10]

Posted in Indie (music) | Tagged , , | Comments Off

Dreamer Boy Dan at Mint Gallery

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Rube Ambler

Dreamer Boy Dan is a remarkable collection of art and music by artist Nic*Rad and Little Tybee frontman Brock Scott. The installation will be at Mint Gallery for three weeks (aug 27 – sept 11) beginning with a live performance of music inspired by the fantastical nightmares of our boy Daniel on August 27th. The ad hoc Dreamer Boy Dan band will be joined by Book of Colors. An event sure to capture your imagination.

Posted in Live (more music), Local (events) | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

Sufjan Stevens, Nov. 6 at Tabernacle

Posted on August 14, 2010 by Rube Ambler

AK claims the presale was brisk, so there’s a fair chance that these tickets will not last for long. Check out Sufjan’s latest project, All Delighted People on Bandcamp.

In the sort of strange coincidence that is only worthy of mention because of its complete triviality, Holland, Michigan (where Sufjan went to school) hosts a Tulip Festival and yes, I’ve attended. Listen to the song of the same name below.

Get your tickets for the show here.

Sufjan Stevens – Holland
Sufjan Stevens – Movement VI – Isorhythmic Night Dance with Interchanges

Posted in Live (more music), Local (events) | Tagged , , | Comments Off

Watch This: Josh Ritter “The Curse”

Posted on August 12, 2010 by Rube Ambler

By Rube Ambler

With each passing day, I am convinced that Josh Ritter is one of the most underrated artists of our time. Not only is he a brilliant lyricist and powerful songwriter, but he is also so smart, modest and confident that he can fearlessly surround himself with remarkably talented people – many of whom play with him in the Royal City Band.

These people are not just talented musicians (though they certainly are that). They are also remarkable artists. This is the first of what will be at least two videos that we will post that have been produced by members of Josh’s band.

This video for Josh’s intriguing song “The Curse” was created and performed by Royal City Band drummer and master puppeteer Liam Hurley. Wow.

Posted in Indie (music) | Tagged , | Comments Off

Tonight: New Terminus at The Earl

Posted on August 11, 2010 by Rube Ambler

By Rube Ambler

Really, Alex should probably be handling this post but it has fallen to me. New Terminus is the rebranded version of Sunday Drive Bye that has been floating around town for a little while. The moniker is new but the sound is classic for fans of that 90s indie thing with the occasional foray into my own brand of 80s alternative (or whatever it was called back then). They are the meat in the sandwich tonight at the EARL – preceded by The Holland Dutch and followed by What Happened to Your Fire, Tiger?

Here’s a press shot of the guys waiting for their after-school detention and a track from their new EP with the new name.

New Terminus – It Seems Obscene

Posted in Live (more music), Local (events) | Tagged , , , | Comments Off