How to use the A-List: A Primer
Read the witty repartee between your fearless author and the voices in his head. Click the artist’s name and visit their website (you’ll have to double click if you’re on a PC, but that’s your own problem). Listen to a track or two. Buy a ticket (the venues have a link too). See a show. Have fun. Drink cheap domestic beer. Repeat. Tell your friends you heard about it on Atlanta’s A-List.
This Week’s Shows
It’s an easy week for music in the Athens of the South. Lots going on. You choose.
Monday night I will be at the Variety Playhouse for The Whigs and The Kooks. Despite the equally disappointing names sported by both these bands (ever hear of name maker guys?), they play that contemporary indie rock that I am a such a sucker for. Get there early to see The Whigs. And if you don’t know, at the Variety that means 8 p.m. sharp. This Athens trio is supporting their 2007 release Mission Control and will be back in town at least twice more before the end of the year but as their reputation grows that is likely to change.
The Kooks will follow around 9:30 and are from the U.K. (where people apparently find ridiculous band names less annoying). Despite the twinge of (what is it? shame? silliness?) that I feel whenever I tell somebody I am listening to The Kooks, I still enjoy the straightforward Brit Pop they deliver. While not nearly as overwrought as My Chemical Romance (thank god) not quite as classic as older Oasis, it is nonetheless worth the listen and the time. They’ll get my $16.
Tuesday night is again at the Variety. This time with Jenny Lewis. She is touring for her second “solo” album, Acid Tongue. The first, Rabbit Fur Coat, was recorded with The Watson Twins and in my view is the better effort. You can be sure to hear some tracks from that record. The sounds are singer-songwriter Americana. The title track is my favorite. When she is not out on her own Jenny is the lead singer of the terribly under appreciated Rilo Kiley. I will probably wait for that band’s next visit to town to see Jenny when she’s with the boys.
Wednesday night provides two very distinct offerings. The big show is at the Tabernacle featuring The Raconteurs. There isn’t much to say here. If you don’t know about this Jack White project, then visit their website and find out how annoying you can be when you’re trying to be technologically ironic. In fairness, I really do like the new record Consolers of the Lonely. The Kills will be opening and may be the act you really want to see that night.
The other choice on Wednesday night is Jazz Night at the Warren. If Atlanta has a stalwart jazz club where you will find that sultry temptress sipping a Sapphire and tonic waiting for you to offer her a light, I haven’t found it. The Warren isn’t actually that, but this private club opens its doors to public the first Wednesday every month for dinner and jazz. Doors at 6:00, music at 8:00. Dinner is available and if you are one of those adorable aging hipsters who has a standing babysitter on Wednesday nights (you know you are) then this is the date you and wifey have been looking for. It’s also a good chance to see the club if you have never been there. It really is an escape from the regular Highlands scene and has a fine weekend DJ (say hello Bill). If you stop by and Jimmy is at the door, tell him the A-List sent you.
Thursday night we’ll be back at the Tabernacle for The Black Keys. This is a show that will bring even the most recalcitrant homebodies out for air (or at the Tab, more likely smoke). I love these Ohio rocker’s new record, Attack and Release, (think it’s their best) produced by Atlanta’s own Danger Mouse. They put on a great show at this venue last year and I expect nothing less this time. Even if you don’t make the show you must see the great you tube video for “Strange Times” on their website.
The weekend is time for Gringo Star at Star Bar. Friday and Saturday night will both be CD release parties. Check out the single from that record, “All Y’All”, for infectious 60s style garage pop. If you haven’t seen the signs for their previous Little Five Points shows on Moreland Ave or Freedom Parkway, look for them this week and find your way to Star Bar. $2 parking in back. You can see them with last week’s Death on Two Wheels (and their lovely ladies) on Saturday night.
Early (not so) Distant Warning
Next week the A-List will be at Eddie’s Attic on Wednesday for Bernadette Seacreast. There is no better reason to get in the car, head to Decatur and see what Eddie’s doing there. Get your tickets now.
Another big personal favorite, Grace Potter will be at the Variety October 18. Not to be missed. More about both of these ladies will follow.
