CONFEDERATIONofNOISEMAKERS

ON BEING THE OLD GUY IN THE CLUB...and things I saw and heard this past week

2011-08-25T14:55:00.001-07:00

Here's my column for this week's edition of the METRO SPIRIT....enjoy!

I've been invested,involved and in love with the Augusta music scene since the mid 80's. Depending on who you talk to, that's either pretty neat or just plain pathetic. I am unapologetic and unashamed. Back in the 80's when I was just a sprout going to DIY punk rock shows put on at rented recreation centers around town and travelling to Athens,Atlanta and Columbia(for larger scale shows) I noticed them. Be the show large or small there was always at least one...you've been to shows, you've seen him too. He was/is/will be the old guy in the club...or room or venue or whatever. I am now that guy(as long as we understand that we are speaking in rock and roll terms and that age is relative and that hopefully I have many productive and fun filled years of musical enjoyment ahead of me). Strangely enough, I'm okay with that. Perhaps it's because I'm in some pretty good company.

You see, the old guy in the room has the purest of motives. He is not there to behave like Wooderson(Matthew McConaughey) from "Dazed and Confused"..."That's what I like about these high school girls; I get older, they stay the same age." He is not at the show to pick up underage chicks. He is not at the show because he is socially maladjusted(at least in my experience). I admired some of these guys way back in the day(Chip Creamer, whom I talked about 2 weeks ago in this column was a prototype for me along with John Brownlee) because they had managed to hang onto a piece of their youthful love of rock and roll and it was okay to do so. To my way of thinking, there is no shame in refusing to follow the script by turning off your ears to music that wasn't created after you turned 30 and got that wife,mortgage,kids,management position,etc.etc.etc. I think it requires a little bit of dedication because of the manner in which we are hard-wired, but fear not valiant music lover. It CAN be done.

That said, I was hanging out at SECTOR 7G Saturday night for a multi-band bill featuring my friends in ARTEMIA and a band my nephew WYATT GRAVES fronts called AWAKEN(keep an eye out for these kids, they're gonna make some waves if the guitarist ever invests in a set of strap locks...pre-hair metal 80's rock,semi-prog with conventional song structures,Wyatt sounds like the lead singer from TIGER ARMY, you'd dig it). I haven't been to 7G since Nick Laws sold it, but it seems to be doing well. The show was fairly well attended and the crowd response was vigorous. I am happy to see the new management is holding it down for now and keeping an all-ages venue going here in Augusta. Go to Sector7gaugusta.com for more info, just don't click on the "view live show" tab or you'll be sorry.

I heard some new music this past weekend and it was good. Have you heard of GREAT DAY IN THE MORNING? They've been at it for a minute now and I've always been impressed with the songwriting savvy of this Adam Fulmer fronted group. I'm happy to report that a brand new EP is in the works. They have a track available onsoundcloud.com called "The Song That Shall Not Be Named." It is quite good and has a bit of major label type sheen on it. And it sounds a bit like Jimmy Eat World(which is a good thing to me). You should go to soundcloud.com/gditmband and listen to it,share it, and download it. Thank me later.

Kudos go out to some Augusta ex-pats. Word has come down that the band BATTLE TAPES has a pretty neat opening gig coming up Friday night. Now Battle Tapes consists of Augustans JJ Bower,Josh Boardman and Stephen Bannister(plays poker better than he plays bass...and he's special on bass)...they've been doing their thing for awhile now on the Left Coast. Must be going well because they get to open for HELMET in Fullerton,CA. Helmet is kinda of big deal. As I recall, back in the 90's they were one of the first independent rock bands(heavy at that) to get a million dollar advance. While that didn't work out so well, "Unsung" off that first major label record was an instant classic in heavy music. That's some fine company to be keeping,Battle Tapes. Y'all represent!

I have good news and bad news to finish up. The end may be near for one of my most favorite local bands SICK SICK SICK. Currently, this band of punk rock purists has one final show scheduled and it aint in town. However, they have an album's worth of recorded material that they cannot help but release. In speaking with frontman FurmanFowler recently, he said he wouldn't rule out a cd release/farewell show in Augusta. Now, I've seen a fair number of SICK3 shows in my time, and I missed more than that...I don't think I can bear to miss this last one. By the way, the new tune Furman shared with me called "Prince Of Crap" sounds more like THE PIXIES than BLACK FLAG.

Whew, I'm spent. To find out more about what's going on in local and regional music and to hear some of the songs I talk about in this column, tune into the podcast I co-host with John Stoney Cannon at confederationofloudness.com. He's one of the other old guys in the room...and so is Steven Uhles.

See y'all at the rock show...

Stak

THE SHIFTING LANDSCAPE....change is painful,folks

2011-08-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Beasley Broadcasting Group is big busness, operating 45 stations nationwide and reaching 4.7 million listeners weekly according to their website. The operative term in that statement is BIG BUSINESS. That's why it came as no surprise to me last week when they moved their active rock station 95Rock down to their 93.1 frequency and began simulcasting WGAC News/Talk Radio at 95.1. This strikes me as a purely bottom line sort of decision as GAC appears to be the cash cow for Beasley in this market. Along with this move, word has come down that afternoon shock jock Jordan Zeh was relieved of his contract with other personnel "TBD" according to a press release by Beasley.

The transmitter for the 93.1 by all accounts has a weaker signal than 95Rock's previous home. I've seen numerous complaints on Facebook and other public forums that the signal was poor and static-drenched. Now I could be mistaken, but it would appear that the writing is on the wall for 95Rock. But lets face it, "Acitve Rock" is a bit of a niche format and all the press I've read lately on subject says that rock radio has been on the ropes for some time now. This can possibly be attributed at least in part to the broad variety of ways in which people are now able to obtain and listen to music. I flatly refuse to buy into claims that rock is dead(I'm stubborn that way).

In the face of all these changes being effected by Beasley, backlash is inevitible. And when you piss off rockers, expect it to be loaded with an extra bucketful of vitriol. Since the frequency switch was made last week, Facebook has been burning with up the anger of hundreds of rock music fans. Many stating that they've called the company headquarters to complain and others just sort of blindly spitting expletives. While I feel the pain of those just exploding with righteous indignation because they can't hear Nickelback over the free airwaves without static, I fear that their complaints will be allowed to die down without acknowledgement. It's naive to believe otherwise. Because folks, let's face it...the almighty dollar rules everything around us. I don't begrudge Beasley this move at all personally. They are running a business and the point of being in business is to turn a profit. That's not evil, that's the American way.

That said, I sincerely hope that 95Rock is not allowed to wither on the vine. While Lex and Terry and Godsmack are not my preferred flavor of aural stimulation, the station is clearly loved by a segment of our population. Also I think the station and their on-air personalities did alot of good for the area, from sponsoring some of bigger concerts in the area to canned food drive they did each year. And if we lose 95Rock, variety on the public airwaves will take a hit. Frankly, there is not much variety as it is now. So I say to Beasley...."Have a heart and don't let the rock and roll die."

To catch up on what else is happening in area music, listen to the podcast I co-host with John Stoney Cannon at confederationofloudness.com.

See y'all at the rock show...

Stak

WHAT I LEARNED AT THE KROC CENTER GRAND OPENING...

2011-08-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

Here's my column for this week's METRO SPIRIT...enjoy!

This past Saturday, I was pressed into service as a Production Assistant on the Gluestick staff(Production Company...you know them, they put 12 Bands Of Christmas and Rock Fore! Dough every year among other things). These events are always a fun hang and it was to be an opporutunity to see the high energy Fred Leblanc and his band COWBOY MOUTH for free...with a fireworks show at the end of the evening. You just can't beat that.

My role at the event changed before I ever left my house. As it turned out, the show's opening act TARA SCHEYER AND THE MUDPUPPY BAND had to cancel on short notice. As as result I ended up onstage behind the drumkit that evening as THE JOE STEVENSON BAND stepped in to fill the slot last minute. That's not the important part. What's important is the fact that Tara had to cancel because she was on a flight to Mississippi to attend a funeral. Sadly, her Grandmother had passed away. The Scheyer family was already in the middle of a rough patch after having to put down one of their fur kids earlier in the week. Heartfelt sympathies go out to the Scheyer family. It is my sincere hope that they are soon back to making music that brings smiles to the faces of children all over the area. PBS really should consider THE MUDPUPPY BAND for a children's television show.

One other thing of note from my day on the canal...I ran into Chip Creamer who've I've known for a very long time. If you recognize the name, its likely because he's been a fixture on local news broadcasts for years now. However, besides being a reporter Chip is also a ravenous music fan(he was there expressly to get his COWBOY MOUTH vinyl autographed). He quickly informed me that he was involved in the reunion plans of seminal garage/indie rock band THE FUNGOES. The band which originally featured Dan Blahoe on vocals,John Brownlee on bass, Bill Scoggins on guitar and Richard Daniel on drums plans to begin playing live shows in the coming months with Creamer replacing Blahoe on vocals and a female Fort Gordon soldier filling in for Brownlee on bass.

For someone like me, this news is interesting for more than just the nostalgia quotient. I remember being in high school at Davidson and seeing these paper fliers(remember those?) being circulated for shows with bands like THE FUNGOES, and INSPECTED BY 12, and THEN THEY TOLD STORIES, and THE CRAWLING PEGS. This was the mid-late 80s and signaled the dawning of a very rich time for original music in Augusta. I consider THE FUNGOES to be pioneers of the DIY/indie rock movement here in town. That's gotta be worth something,right?

I look forward to seeing THE FUNGOES live real soon.

To find out more about what's going on in area music, listen to the podcast I co-host each week with my good buddy John "Stoney" Cannon. Confederationofloudness.com is the spot.

See y'all at the rock show...

Stak

YOUR TITLE'S ON THE LINE...and you have no idea against whom you defend...

2011-08-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the shot comes out of left field with such authority that you are stunned...I have no answer for this...48VOLT scratched an itch in more than one place for some folks(I'm at the head of the line)...shame to see it go away....

but it had to be so,didn't it?........monster egos and frantic grabs at THE BAND can only result in WHAT? a pretty good run at "damn we were a pretty great thing"...

*whistles past the grave yard*

See y'all at the rock show....

Stak

THAT ANDREW BENJAMIN....always making a scene...

2011-07-31T12:28:00.000-07:00

Below is my column for this week's METRO SPIRIT...enjoy and be edified....

Several years back, Augusta got much less weird with the relocation of a single native to Asheville. ANDREW BENJAMIN had previously spent years crafting a sphere of artistic influence that held a gravitational pull over many of Augusta's more open-minded(and sorta bent) citizens. Pre-dating SECTOR 7G, Benjamin's HANGNAIL GALLERY was a fearless DIY endeavor on a shoestring budget that brought music and art from all over the country to the punk rockers,goths,art weirdos and noise fanatics that generally did not play in the more conventional venues in town. Pair that with his shape-shifting collab HELLBLINKI SEXTET and you probably had third eyes opening all over the CSRA as a spooky menagerie of well-patina'd and antiqued art paraded past their eyes and ears....

Alas(for Augusta anyway), the love of a beautiful girl and the promise of a new family lured Mr. Benjamin away....I think it not hyperbole to say that our music and art scene was at least for a time much less rich for it.

They say you can't go back home. Who in the world is "they" anyhow?...you CAN come back home...and that is indeed what ANDREW BENJAMIN and Co. will be doing Saturday August 13th.

HELLBLINKI returns to Augusta on that date at SKY CITY and if you ask Andrew, they'll make ya famous. Not only can you expect an evening of some fine tunes that evoke the dark underbelly of the South mixed with a twisted black circus of Bacchanalia, but the evening will be set down upon the permanent record for all of posterity. In other words, the band will be shooting a live video. And should you deem yourself a soul hearty enough, your image will be captured indelibly for the world to see. At which point, you can tell "they" to suck it. I suggest you dress the part for suggesting that sentiment to "they." I suspect that this show will be a bit of hot ticket on that particular Saturday evening. Do not be frightened by the drag queens in attendance. They are mostly harmless and enjoy a good backwoods stomp covered in runny mascara now and again too. Up and comers MANN RAY will open the show along with whiskey-soaked chanteuse ALLISON FOSTER. You really should refrain from missing it. Here's the most recent vid from HELLBLINKI...we've come a long way,baby!

On a side note, I'd like to invite you to come along and listen to me ramble along with my co-host John "Stoney" Cannon as we host the weekly music podcast CONFEDERATION OF LOUDNESS. Go to confederationofloudness.com to get some. I'd also like to put out there the fact that we are currently seeking new material by local Augusta artists and artists of the Southeast at large. Tracks can be e-mailed to neatodrum@gmail.com for inclusion. 15,000 subscribers cannot be wrong. Until next week, adieu.

See y'all at the rock show....

Stak

Note: In the interest of full disclosure, I was indeed a member of HELLBLINKI SEXTET for a period of time, joining just prior to the release of "A Pirate Broadcast" and leaving well after the relocation of the band to Asheville,NC. I haven't seen Andrew Benjamin in years.

THERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS...take yer act on the road,Augusta

2011-07-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

Here is the content of my article for the current issue of THE METRO SPIRIT....I'll continue to post my articles here for folks out of town who can't read Augusta's Alt-weekly online anymore....enjoy!

I've often been critical of Augusta musicians and bands. It's been my observation that historically the majority of Augusta bands have been lazy in their approach to their own affairs(including my own bands). Groups that spent countless hours perfecting original compositions in sweaty band rooms all over town always seemed to expect success to come to them like an Avon lady on a sales call. Obviously, for success in music at any level, the work doesn't end at the band room door. This point is not lost on groups like VEARA and NO STAR who've burned up the black top relentlessly in their pursuit of recognition(by the way, best of luck to NO STAR on their move to Nashville and best of luck to VEARA on the VANS WARPED TOUR and the European tour after that). Sadly, it has often seemed to me that these bands were the exception instead of the rule. Too many local artists have been content with what I like to call the tour of downtown Augusta. It is a fatal mistake. A band can only pound the same clubs over and over so many times. Burn out is inevitable.

All that said, I now have reason to believe that the mindset of several local acts is changing in a most interesting way. And by that I mean changing in such a manner that the term "music scene" may now become more appropriate for bands in this town than it has ever been. In two separate instances for dates coming up in August, package shows featuring several Augusta artists will be hitting the road for one-off dates in Columbia and Tybee Island respectively. A sort Augusta music invasion as it were. I think that this is an outstanding idea and shows great initiative by all parties involved. The only way it could be better is if the bands in question strung together several dates across the Southeast for a tour...and then made sure to lather,rinse and REPEAT every 2 or 3 months.

Here are the particulars in case anyone wants to travel in support of these endeavors(or if you were curious about the bands in question)...

First up on August 2nd no less than 7 bands will make noise at NEW BROOKLYN TAVERN in Columbia,SC. To my way of thinking, these acts represent the latest wave of fresh faces in Augusta. The list goes like this: MAZES AND MONSTERS, THE RADAR CINEMA, M-TANK, KOKO BEWARE, ROMANCE LANGUAGES, MANN RAY and JOEY AND LINDSEY HART. If no one from Columbia shows up, those kids are still gonna have a good crowd.

The second bill happens at THE ROCK HOUSE on Tybee Island August 26th and features bands that comprise some of the heavier and more progressive elements of the Augusta music scene. I have a sneaking suspicion that this crew will be travelling with a caravan of local supporters(because really...who needs a better excuse to go to the beach). This particular invasion force is comprised of LiE, ARTEMIA, FALSE FLAG and SHOTGUN OPERA. Dang, that's like THE PLAYGROUND on Broad Street pulling up stakes moving to the island.

All the best to our intrepid road warriors. Mind you don't cross the center line.

To find out more about what's going on in Augusta music in particular and the music of the Southeast in general, check out the podcast I co-host with John Stoney Cannon from LOKAL LOUDNESS. This week we feature MIKE GARRETT from ROCKSHOW BOOKING. confederationofloudness.com gets you there.

See y'all at the rock show....

Stak

MORE TO THIS THAN NOSTALGIA...it's timeless stuff...

2011-07-21T14:46:00.001-07:00

That's a photo of ARCHERS OF LOAF from Chapel Hill,NC....for the uninitiated, this band came together in the 1991 while attending college at UNC. The foursome quickly realized that they were all originally from Asheville but strangely had never met prior to relocating individually for college. With Chapel Hill as a backdrop, the band found themselves in the middle of a fiercely creative music scene along with the likes of SUPERCHUNK and POLVO. By 1993 or so, the band had released its first full-length "Icky Mettle" on Alias records.....

That's when I came to know the band. The single off that record "Web In Front" was played on a pretty regular basis at the time by Channel Z(man I miss Channel Z) and before I knew it, they were playing Augusta fairly regularly(ARCHERS stayed on the road)....I became a fan....their live shows were furious endeavors; all sweat and spit and blood aggression...they were a more punk,more angular more rocking version of PAVEMENT and that shit appealed to me ALOT....

I got to share the stage with ARCHERS OF LOAF a few times with my band at the time MARY JANE JONES and got the opportunity to hang out with them and drink beers and shoot the shit...I feel honored to have been able to do that(I didn't appreciate it at the time)....

ARCHERS OF LOAF continued on until disbanding in 1998....

They reunited this year and are currently on tour...several stops on their tour include multiple dates. They're all sold out in Atlanta starting tomorrow night through Sunday. Trixie and I acted fast when tix went on sale...we'll be at the show tomorrow night for what is sure to be one HELLUVA show....want an idea of what it'll be like?....here's the band on JIMMY FALLON recently....RAWK!

Now that's what I'm talkin' bout!....

See y'all at the rock show....

Stak

THE END OF AN ERA?....new chapter coming up?

2011-07-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

It is fitting to me that the final show by JEMANI as we now know it will feature the big man Jordan Leopard behind the drum kit. While the band is being cryptic about their plans for the future, one might easily assume that it might feature more of the hip hop side of the band. To me that makes the most sense I suppose. One can only speculate at this point.

What has my curiosity peaked is the mention of personnel shifts...We'll just have to kick back and watch to see what happens. Best of luck to JEMANI on this show in particular and their future going forward from that point. I'm sure it will be entertaining whatever you guys decide to do....

See y'all at the rock show....

Stak

THE BEAUTY I WAS NEARLY GONNA SEE IN PERSON...and the phoenix that is the venue...

2011-07-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

This is maybe the only time you'll ever hear me say this: Dang it,SUPERCHUNK! Dang you for playing Atlanta on 9/8/2011. I bought my tickets a few weeks ago...

I discovered FIRST AID KIT quite by mistake I think. YouTube is good for that sort of thing. I was late to the party. The Swedish sister act had long since risen to notoriety on the strength of a YouTube posted video of a FLEET FOXES cover of "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song." Their talent is only surpassed by the clear adoration Johanna and Klara Soderberg share for each other. I was smitten instantly and quickly snapped up their 2010 release "The Big Black & The Blue" as soon as it was released. A truly gorgeous piece of folk goodness, warmer than pie. I was in love,love,LOVE. I thought to myself...surely, I would never get to see them live. They did tour in the US on a limited basis, but frequent checks of their tour calendar found them playing all over Scandinavia most of the time. Until recently.

My heart leapt into my throat last week when I was sent an invitation on facebook. It informed me that FIRST AID KIT will not only be performing live on tour support of BRIGHT EYES...but they will be doing so in Athens,Georgia! On 9/8/2011(cue the loser music from The Price Is Right). As quickly as my heart leapt, it sank. DANG! If only we could talk Coco into getting that bill at SKY CITY on a swing date. *sigh* I'll be at the SUPERCHUNK show in Atlanta. Maybe there will be another day to catch FIRST AID KIT. After all, they're only teenagers...very old soul teenagers that sing like angels floating on ambrosia clouds. However, the fact remains SUPERCHUNK has been near and dear to me since the 90's and I may not get another chance to see them live.

If you have not yet experienced FIRST AID KIT, do yourself a favor and seek them out. Check out their website at http://thisisfirstaidkit.com/.

More remarkable to me than my favorite teenage troubadours performing in Georgia is the fact that they are appearing at THE GEORGIA THEATRE. There are very few more concrete(see what I did there) examples of the Phoenix story. A fixture for as long as I can remember(the building was erected in 1889), it burned to a shell on June 19,2009. I thought to myself that it would never be a functional venue again. But the community rallied around, and with the help of countless donations the 4.5 million dollar restoration project has finally reached fruition. THE GEORGIA THEATRE will celebrate its re-opening August 1-14th. If only Augusta could get behind THE MILLER THEATER in the same fashion. The marquee of THE GEORGIA THEATRE recently read "How You Like Me Now?" I wish I could walk down Broad Street one day soon and see this on The Miller Theater marquee "Appearing Live Tonight Only: FIRST AID KIT."

See y'all at the rock show.

Stak

WHO IS THE ATOM BLONDE?....guessing it'd be the band member with boobs...

2011-07-17T06:08:00.001-07:00

So this new Augusta band that has its roots in Statesboro,GA played at THE PLAYGROUND last night....I saw some photos and it looks like they did well...I've visited their Reverb Nation page...the music reminds me of PARAMORE just a little bit...I'm intrigued...the band is called THE ATOM BLONDE....CLICK HERE to check them out for yourself....they have shows coming up in the area...might be a good idea to check one out....

See y'all at the rock show....

Stak

THE RADAR CINEMA & MORGAN PARHAM...on a tear...

2011-07-16T16:13:00.000-07:00

I've seen some recent video for the upcoming whatever-length recording by THE RADAR CINEMA...I was suitably impressed...between the band and the studio prowess of one MORGAN PARHAM, the band is putting out some very impressive material...I did not realize that there is more than one video of the band floating around out there...the one forthcoming in this post escaped my attention...

Until now...it's for a track entitled "The Drifter" and features some cheesy b&w sci-fi B movie footage that in and of itself is entertaining...

What I want you to notice is not the video itself....but the clean lines in the recording...and the performances themselves which though they be powerful...are as nimble as a 16 year old gymnast on a prom date....wait...dash that image...they are as nimble as ferret ninjas...............

There, that's better....enjoy "The Drifter" by the superlative THE RADAR CINEMA from Augusta,Georgia...tell em I sent ya....

It would appear that this band is quickly becoming one of my favorites...

See y'all at the rock show....

Stak

SHOW RECOMMENDATION....7/16/2011

2011-07-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

TURF WAR returns home tonight to play at SKY CITY...they'll be sharing the bill with THE SHAUN PIAZZA BAND and EAT LIGHTNING(all bands with very strong ties to SKY CITY and not many other venues in Augusta...other than SOUL BAR maybe)....the particulars are of the usual sort...doors open at 8pm...music starts at 10pm...$5 dollars is the cover charge....

Through lots and lots of networking in their new home of ATLANTA, TURF WAR has managed to gain some attention from a few individuals with at least some amount of influence in the music industry....it is never a bad thing to have your music featured on the AQUARIUM DRUNKARD on satellite radio...I'm curious to see if their travel itinerary will ever expand past the Atlanta,Athens, Augusta circuit they've been playing lately...could be a recipe for broader success...

Ever one of the best bands in Augusta, SHAUN PIAZZA and the boys(pictured above) take the stage tonight for the first time in a minute...their live performances have become pretty rare...perhaps that's the key to longevity in a band...

EAT LIGHTNING perhaps fits this bill best in support of TURF WAR...Kurt Garin has conscientiously molded this band into a pretty nifty blend of prototypical garage band and 50s doo wop and soul....it's a good blend.

This is a strong bill...the place should be packed....

So that's it...my show recommendation for this evening 7/16/2011.

See y'all at the rock show...

Stak

SO I HAD AN IDEA...and we all know how dangerous that can be...

2011-07-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to resume our irregularly scheduled programming here at CON...in other words, there goes the neighborhood again...

In the time since I last posted here, I've written a few little things for LOKAL LOUDNESS...and did lots and lots of podcast with STONEY from LOKAL LOUDNESS...and I've started writing for the new incarnation of the alt-weekly METRO SPIRIT here in Augusta,GA....I've recently come to realize that I sort of miss this space and the whole concept of blogging in general. This is not to mention that the things I write for METRO SPIRIT are just sort of disappearing into the ether because they do not publish the paper on the internet. This ends up being a real bummer for people out of town who would like to read what's being written by myself and Coco Rubio and others. And it's a real bummer for me. I don't necessarily want to become one of those hoarders with a room stacked ceiling high with newspapers just to preserve my lame ass writing for posterity...

So I came up with a plan...I only have to publish a piece for the SPIRIT once a week...in the meantime I will use this space to workshop my SPIRIT articles...and just to keep writing, I think I'll throw in personal posts about family and work life, pop culture and current events...I will blog in the manner to which I have become accustomed....which is to say, reckless abuse of ellipses and lots and lots of cursing(when necessary which is often). I'll also talk music frequently, because how can I not,really?...this will be the space in which I think via blogger. In public(albeit a very,very limited public).

So that's the plan....look for the meat forthcoming....

See y'all at the rock show...

Stak

THIS IS NOT THE WAY TO GO....honor thy godfather, don't kill his people...

2011-03-20T21:38:00.000-07:00

At what point will you stupid mickeyfickeys get A HOLD of yourselves?......HONOR YOUR HISTORY........

This story made me sad.......

http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/crime-courts/2011-03-20/worker-19-killed-party-shooting?v=1300666714

Are you kidding me?...I've defended this town up one side and down the other..........sometimes I question that and have even been called an asshole more than once.....GOD bless Shaun Piazza Band,Turf War,The Good End,Sibling String,Eat Lightning,The Favors, The Radar Cinema...and all those good bands that never get cred...

See y'all at the rock show....

Stak

KIBBLES AND BITS! KIBBLES AND BITS AND BITS AND BITS AND BITS.....

2010-08-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Kibbles and Bits.........i getcha up to speed.......actually, getting you up to speed is a chore this time......because i'm such a self-absorbed prick that my head has not been in the game here lately.......hence the pause.

Here's what i know right now..........CONFEDERATION OF LOUDNESS marches on with or without the benefit of web input by myself or my collaborator STONEY over to LOKAL LOUDNESS......as scene documentarians, we have been remiss....we each have web DEAD ZONES lately.......regardless, COL rolls on............in the coming weeks we have scheduled appearances by SECRET SWIM and MATTHEW BUZZELL along with COCO RUBIO(pimping their WESTOBOU entry 13 MOST BEAUTIFUL featuring DEAN WAREHAM and his wife BRITTA providing soundtrack).....we'll talk more about that later.....hipsters need to pay attention to this show.........listen to COL 3 sundays from now to get the details........we will also be attempting a live taping of the show with a studio audience featuring SUNS COLLIDE as soon as we figure that one out.........it'll be good.........

TIM BRANTLEY sighting..........did you guys know that every year, some pretty special songwriters gather and collaborate in ........wait for it...........SOUTH AUGUSTA?..........wha?.......yep........there is a compound off Bennock Mill Road out past the paper plant...........it looks like you just stepped into a luxury spa surrounded by 2500 acres of central Georgia.........SIXTHMAN out of Atlanta hosts a retreat here each year for songwriters..........TIM BRANTLEY was there monday night..........some of these collaborations end up on hit records........and none of the artists involved ever have to acknowledge the fact that they were ever in south Augusta........because it sure doesn't look like south Augusta..........

Rumour has it..........some of the finalists for THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE SINGER-SONGWRITER CONTEST(just freaking change the name to SONGWRITER contest and end the silly debate) are THE G-CITY ROCKERS, DEM iMONDE and WYATT GRAVES(son of Joe).........

Will you see the release of the debut full length by 48VOLT at SKY CITY on Friday Sept. 10th?.........maybe........what you will see for sure is a performance by the band along with what will be(i'm sure) stellar performances by HORSEPOWER and SECRET SWIM...........the whole shindig will be the icing on the cake for the night of BORDER BASH...........10 or 12 thousand extra people downtown CAN'T hurt...........

Is VEARA on tour in Australia?.........that is freaking AWESOME!..........

I have been appreciating the creative arc of CAREY MURDOCK lately..........i've heard some of the recorded material that CAREY has been working on with PAT BLANCHARD at RIVERSIDE STUDIOS and it peeled my cap back.......CAREY has come to appreciate a less nebulous approach to song structure and i think it serves his voice and musical vision quite well.......the input by BLANCHARD on the production side does NOT hurt his cause........organic songwriting by a gifted voice with an interesting vision paired with a progressive bent in the backing band?.........i see interesting things in the future there........

STONE DOGS are awesome!

That is all for now............

See y'all at the rock show......

Stak

DON DON DON...........where's your head,man.....

2010-08-08T15:49:00.000-07:00

I worked with GLUESTICK as part of the production crew for the COREY SMITH show yesterday....very pleasant evening all in all.........BLUE DOGS from Charleston opened and were EXCELLENT.....i got to shuttle COREY SMITH to the stage from the Marriot(where i ran into Dave Newhall's all growed up son on the job-damn he's gotten big).....i realized that this was my second time escorting a millionaire to the stage.....like his music or not, SMITH is a lesson in DIY success.......the man has never signed to a record label of any kind......his fanbase is by and large regional......he is diametrically opposed to the Nashville country music machine......and he makes over a million dollars a year playing his music......i think the music might be doing the talking there.....

Ran into Don Rhodes from THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE backstage.....he had a photo pass or some such.......he talked alot.........he slurred his words alot.........i was looking for the exit at points....my first meeting with the guy in person....wow.

See y'all at the rock show..........

Stak

*and hey Mike?.....learn how to actually sing, then talk shit to me about how i suck......because dude, you suck.

I CAN'T POST THE EVIDENCE......now all of a sudden they're hiding the sucktitude under rocks.....

2010-08-01T08:19:00.001-07:00

THIS SPOT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE OCCUPIED BY A VIDEO-dang.

So some certain band here in Augusta has been the butt of my jokes for a long time.......can you guess which one?.........i have made sport of them for awhile now....and because of that, i'd like to think they maybe had a few extra folks pass through the door at their recent cd release party.......that's how it works......shockingly bad publicity is GOOD publicity.........any publicity is good publicity, but really stand out bad pub is awesomely effective........people LOVE to stare at train wrecks.........

You might notice a hole or two here as certain videos previously available for public consumption have now become "private".......that's fine.........before now, i just considered it EVIDENCE......and many of you agreed with my assessment of the band or bands in question........in the end assessment, i shouldn't be surprised.......pretty feline behavior that.........covering up the poop.

BTW.........TIM BRANTLEY and MY INSTANT lunch had to move the show from LAKE OLMSTEAD STADIUM last night because of weather......at the drop of a dime, the entire show was packed up and moved to METRO COFFEEHOUSE........i myself toted 3/4 of the PA down Broad in my truck with the rain beginning to fall.......both bands KILLED it..........STONEY from over to the LOKAL LOUDNESS and i spent all day recording segments and live performances for CONFEDERATION OF LOUDNESS........look for those to drop sometime in the next 24 hours..........

See y'all at the rock show........

Stak

TIM BRANTLEY.............that's what's up......

2010-07-26T17:56:00.000-07:00

We need to get this boy to Augusta..........wait.........slow down,boy........can't you see it's not a race.......TIM BRANTLEY..........MY INSTANT LUNCH opening..........Lake Olmstead Stadium........Saturday July 31st(my how July flies by).........dang......honestly.........i CANNOT PIMP THE SHOW ENOUGH............

The boy is the real deal and imma kiss him dead on da mouf the very next time i see him..........

See y'all at the rock show.............

Somebody film the kiss........

Stak

YOUR SHOW RECOMMENDATION FOR THE EVENING......a really tasty platter....

2010-07-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

This bill is just ridiculously strong. Coco Rubio says DEAD CONFEDERATE specifically tapped TURF WAR and THE CUBISTS for this one(DEER TICK is opening the majority of the shows on their tour)....what an honor really...it occurs to me that either of the openers will have no problem holding their own with heavyweights like DEAD CONFED........it also occurs to me that the diversity of this bill reflects maybe a little of the new direction being adopted by the headliners....i dunno........

What i do know about DEAD CONFEDERATE is this........they put on a spectacle of a show......having seen them a few times now live i can say with confidence that they've never not blown me away........they're like peel your cap back good........

So yeah, this is your show recommendation for the evening.........

See y'all at the rock show...........

Stak

THE IRONIC INDIE ROCK MUSTACHE........is about as cool as toenail fungus.

2010-07-21T10:56:00.000-07:00

Atlanta's BLACK LIPS play SKY CITY this saturday night with almost not local anymore TURF WAR opening the show. I like the stuff BLACK LIPS does. It's cheeky and quirky and smart-assed and snarky. Those are good things in my book. It's those indie rock fashion trends that grind on my tolerance. Can we please just be done with the stupid ironic mustache? A mustache looks ridiculous on guys if they weigh 115lbs soaking wet. Just saying.

Go see that show. It'll be a good un.

See y'all at the rock show....

Stak

ANY OLD REASON....to see Tim Brantley and My Instant Lunch...

2010-07-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

I think it's pretty well established here that i give a lot of time and space to many local and regional bands......local bands mostly........but i don't think it's any secret which ones are dearest to my heart........if you've been paying attention to the dialog both here and on the weekly podcast over to CONFEDERATION OF LOUDNESS, you know i'm really digging both MY INSTANT LUNCH from here in Augusta and TIM BRANTLEY out of Atlanta........therefore, you can take this post as a pretty strong recommendation for the show advertised in the flier above........it'll be fun to see those bands in that setting for sure......you're all well familiar with MIL by now........TIM BRANTLEY brings a very early SPRINGSTEEN-inspired storyteller approach to earnest songwriting backed by a really crackerjack band.......

The proceeds go to 12 BANDS OF CHRISTMAS as they continue their year round push to raise money for pediatric cancer charities...........you can't lose.......

As for me?..........take me out to the ballpark!

See y'all at the rock show.......

Stak

PARALLEL UNIVERSES..........Augusta and Little Rock....

2010-07-16T20:45:00.000-07:00

Steven Uhles once said that he hated the word "scene" as it applied to musical collectives or identities........he said that every other exit off the interstate with two guitars to rub together thought it had a "scene".........he's probably right........i think it's when the population centers get a bit larger than small town sized that things get a bit more interesting.........Augusta is a small city........so is Little Rock,Arkansas........when you're in a decent sized town that's 3 hours removed from larger cities, i think an interesting dynamic develops......i suppose the difference between a town like Little Rock and a town like Augusta is that we had Columbia,SC 50 minutes away and Athens,GA an hour and 45 minutes away......cultural advantage Augusta i suppose..........regardless, the isolation from the underground culture at large forces a degree of self-reliance that goes a long way toward forging a local identity which i think is safe to call "scene"...anyways, that goes a long way around to get to this documentary i saw tonight on NETFLIX(the greatest thing ever) called TOWNCRAFT..........

the description for the film goes like this:

Filmmaker Richard Matson explores the underground music scene that flourished from the late 1980s to the early '90s in Little Rock, Ark., where a tireless group of high school and junior high kids booked shows, started labels and opened record stores. Drawing from more than 190 hours of recorded interviews, 2,500 photos and tons of archival footage, Matson re-creates that exciting time and catches up with the scene's now all-grown-up pioneers.

The similarities between the music scene portrayed in this movie and that of our humble home town are eerie........i think that Augusta may have had the jump on Little Rock by 3 or 4 years.......maybe..........whatever..........it's interesting nonetheless that we are by no means alone in our garage music history.............their early 90's showcase compilation was called TOWNCRAFT........ours was called HAUNTED PILLAR PRESENTS.......one thing i will say about he progenitors of the scene portrayed in TOWNCRAFT actually believe that the things they were doing in the late 80's and early 90's was entirely unique........

One reviewer on NETFLIX went so far as to say this:

This movie is about having a band.For some reason these morons think they are special because of where they live.Someone needs to tell them that there are bands all across the US and they are not making anything amazing or new or unlike anywhere else....crappy pop punk is crappy pop punk.Get over yourselves and maybe you will make some remarkable music.But acting like Little Rock is another planet and that the music dwarfs everyhere else because people dont know any better is a lame excuse to suck.screw you

He may have a point.......i dunno........i do think that the Augusta music scene was heavily influenced by a similar, but much higher quality rock documentary called ATHENS,GA. INSIDE-OUT.........

At any rate, because of the similarities you'll find here if you've spent any time around music in Augusta, you might find this film interesting...........

If you're interested, you can see the whole damned thing on youtube..........just click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2yojdqAm4k..........

See y'all at the rock show.........

Stak

THE AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HATES DRUMMERS!...

2010-07-09T17:40:00.000-07:00

July 9,2010-

One might conclude thusly given events that occurred just a very little while ago, coupled with one notable incident that happened years ago.......Ladies and gents, if internet chatter is to be believed, the drummer for OTEP was arrested tonight at the JESSYE NORMAN AMPITHEATER........if accounts are accurate, Mark Bistony was attempting to come to the defense of a fan after the cops decided moshing was an affront to decent society(at least SOME of those fuckers have to be metal fans, they musta hired the ones that prefer country for this show)......after all, we can't have moshing at a metal show.......someone might get a boo boo........

Obviously, cops working metal shows HATE drummers........remember when they arrested TOMMY LEE after he mooned the audience at a MOTLEY CRUE concert at the CIVIC CENTER?(the JBA to you all now).......i'd be willing to bet that if you asked TOMMY LEE right now what he thinks about OTEP's drummer getting arrested here in Augusta, he'd respond just like he is in that photo above..........i agree.

See y'all at the rock show.......i'll be disguised as a bassist........

Stak

ADDENDUM: word to the wise.......the internet is chock full of bullshit.......the drummer for OTEP didn't get arrested........apparently MAYBE some other drummer got arrested.........i dunno, i still like the photo of TOMMY LEE giving the finger.......

GIMME SOME SUGAR.......round two for Dead Confed.......

2010-07-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

July 9,2010-

I have to say that i'm really looking forward to the sophomore long player by DEAD CONFEDERATE....the video above gives a hint at what that product is gonna be like.......it sounds like a great deal of evolution in the band's overall creative process has taken place.....that's maybe a good thing, at least for now.....

I have to confess that the first record( after much pre-release hype and speculation, coupled with the single bonking all sorts of people over the head months in advance) ended up leaving me flat....it hinted at the potential of the band, but never seemed to deliver the heavy punches......even after repeated listens, it still came across as very uneven.......i thought to myself 'well obviously, this band's strength lies with its live show'........

The one thing that first record DID afford the band was time on the road with some indie rock heavyweights.......i think perhaps that may be at least partly responsible for the diversity we're gonna hear on SUGAR(which will be released on August 24th)......

Did i mention that J. MASCIS played on a track?..........it also bears mentioning that the new record was produced by JOHN AGNELLO who has worked in the past with acts such as DINOSAUR JR., SONIC YOUTH, DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS and THE HOLD STEADY.........

DEAD CONFEDERATE will appear locally at some big club downtown(you can put two and two together) on Friday July 23rd with THE CUBISTS and TURF WAR opening the show........i intend to come back from that show with video....

See y'all at the rock show........

Stak

I MAY HAVE AN ORGASM..........just typing this.......

2010-07-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

OMG!.........folks, my meth-addled heroes STONE DOGS are about to impart upon this Earth the wisdom and meth-fection of an entire album of recorded bathroom wall genius.........that's right, y'all......they have an album coming out........the cd release party will be held at(you guessed it) JOE'S UNDERGROUND on July 30th........

Word of advice........DO. NOT. MISS. THIS. SHOW...........perhaps Mike will pass out on your table if you sit down front.........it just doesn't get any more rock and roll than that...........

In case you need reminding.........imagine how good their original material will be.......when you listen to THIS...........

THE STONE DOGS @ Joe's Underground 072509

-DR.- DEB -Freelance Marketing Director | MySpace Video

SNAP INTO A STONE DOG,BITCHES!...........

See y'all at the rock show........

Stak

ROGER DAVIS' MAIN SQUEEZE........your next mayor?

2010-07-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

So it's just about official.......ROGER DAVIS, lead singer of ED TURNER AND NUMBER 9 announced on Facebook today that on tomorrow his wife LORI will be announcing her intention to run for mayor of Augusta..........look out Deke, the lady means business..........

See y'all at the rock show.....

Stak

TINKERING UNDERNEATH THE HOOD......COL tries something completely different.

2010-06-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

Been sort of wondering lately how to continue to improve CONFEDERATION OF LOUDNESS, the weekly local music podcast i do with STONEY CANNON from LOKAL LOUDNESS........the thing is doing great as we are now well over a thousand subscriptions(significantly larger number of folks paying attention if you count all the folks who just go to the website and stream the show)........but we feel this show has become an essential component in the fabric of our community and we want it to stay interesting........the vid above was an idea contributed by our primary sponsor NICK LAWS from SECTOR 7G.......we intend to execute it.......it's free to come out if you're curious about how we actually put together the show each week....of course, it'll be a bit different because it takes place at 7G instead of our beloved "BIG PINK".....but the guts of the thing will be the same........i'd wager you'll be entertained..........

See y'all at the rock show.......

Stak

SAYING GOODBYE NEVER GETS ANY EASIER.....R.I.P. Larry Jon Wilson.

2010-06-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Some folks you meet once.........and the size of their personality makes such an impression on you that you feel you've known them all your life..........LARRY JON WILSON passed away today i believe....he was one of the good guys.....he was one of those giant personalities........his music, consistently understated, leaned heavily on the old southern tradition of the story teller......kind of the local version of JOHN PRINE in that respect........because of that, his music defied conventional categorization as a musical entity........the confounding part was the fact that he also happened to be a SINGULAR guitar player as well......

I was talking with PATRICK BLANCHARD last night and he informed me that LARRY JON had been brought low out of the clear blue sky by some sort of brain hemorrhage.....Pat said things did not look well........he went on to regale me with tales of his time spent face to face with LARRY JON WILSON.........they all sounded similar to every person i've ever talked to about the man........the common thread was reverence..........

Many people are saddened by this loss........i say it's time to celebrate.........listen to everything by LJW that you can get your hands on........after all, aside from his children it was his gift to the world..........

Truly a collection of beautiful gifts, friends........here's just one.

See you on the other side Larry Jon......and i expect some stories..........

Stak

THIS IS FOR THEIR OWN GOOD...........and maybe for the rest of us too.....

2010-06-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

Ed. Note: I've rethought the things i had to say in my original posting on this subject....now while i do have a problem with a few things about the band, some things about ED TURNER AND NUMBER 9 cannot be denied........however, some of the reactions to my rhetoric brought me to realize that my petty contentions and annoyances with the way the band does business and the sort of ever-presence were getting in the way of my ultimate message........it was a message directed squarely at the band.....however, if they're too pissed off by all my breathless ranting to even see through it to get to the message, what's the point in making it?........so i've decided to edit myself..........i'm not above admitting that at least the way i went about things on this point was wrong........apologies to NUMBER 9......i suppose i'm envious of you guys....

So, what are the things about NUMBER 9 that cannot be denied?...

1. They sell out every show they play...

2. They donate most of the proceeds to local charities...

3. They are an all-star group composed of some of the best musicians in town...

4. They work extremely hard to bring to the stage a very authentic Beatles tribute...

They are coming up on the last BEATLES record soon..........then what?.........they could continue to play BEATLES covers...........they could move on to the next iconic band; Rolling Stones maybe?.......or they could take some real risk........

How about NUMBER 9 finishes up with The Beatles stuff and starts performing without the net of music made famous by someone else........i'd be interested to see what this group of badasses could do as an all-original band.........

THAT was the original point....and yes, i am a jerk.

See y'all at the rock show...

Stak

YOU SHOULDN'T BE LEAVIN' EMPTY HANDED........freakin' Horsepower returns!

2010-06-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

The picture on my little ZOOM Q3 isn't great.......the sound however.......pristine......enjoy a band you'll be seeing alot more of in the coming months!.........HORSEPOWER!

See y'all at the rock show....

Stak

SOME SUNDAYS YOU GET......the kibbles and bits.

2010-06-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Kibbles and Bits my friends.....a semi regular feature here at CON in which i run down the whys and whatnots of the music scene in our burg.....this will be a quickie folks........

It was recently announced in THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE that LADY ANTEBELLUM(2/3rds Augustan) will be including a stop at the JBA on their first ever headlining tour....i believe they will be here in August.........i have to take my hat off to that band....they seem to have taken up the mantle carried for so many years by JAMES BROWN.....tireless champions of the hometown........i have the utmost respect for that....just how fast do you think those tickets are gonna sell out.....i predict a matter of minutes.....

I got to drop in and check out the set by HORSEPOWER last week at Sky City.........a 9 year layoff hasn't taken the shine off of any of those excellent songs....lead singer Grady Nickel is set at this point to move back to Augusta from Nashville.......i have been given the distinct impression that we could be seeing more HORSEPOWER performances in the near future.......that makes me very happy.....stay tuned for more news and look for some video of the performance thursday night right here.........

The field of music columnists here in town has gotten crowded.......with something........DAKOTA WEST's column in the METRO SPIRIT is a bi-weekly advertisement for his club......so the METRO SPIRIT has Sky City and The Country Club covered like a mad bastard(to be fair, Coco Rubio's column does mention bands playing at venues all over town in addition to Sky City, West's column is just shameless).....and what the fuck is CHER BEST writing about in The Chronicle?....seriously, it has no business in the entertainment section because A. It's about as entertaining as watching paint dry and B. it rarely has a damned thing to do with entertainment.....she did point out last week that ERYKA BADU was crazy brilliant for getting naked in her latest video because it got her all kinds of press......EXACTLY why i thought that empty gesture masquerading as deep calculation was a bit of an insulting irritant......you could see promo grab written all over it........and really.....who in the Hell wants to see those saggy titties parading around downtown Dallas......there are probably children who are still having nightmares after witnessing that horror show........with regard to Cher Best, the rest of the time she writes about shoes or how busy she is as a radio station big shot..........*yawn*....

Take a moment sometime soon to check out TIM BRANTLEY from Atlanta......he'll be playing here in July at GREENJACKETS STADIUM in yet another installment of the 12BANDS tireless drive to raise money for the fight against pediatric cancer.....i'll have details on that show for you shortly.....it looks like MY INSTANT LUNCH(whose rumored demise was cheeky bullshit, but who cares they're still brilliant)will open that show.........there's some sort of celebrity softball game in conjunction with it as The Young Professionals of Augusta try to help out 12Bands......

Finally, go to CONFEDERATION OF LOUDNESS today to check out our latest episode featuring FALSE FLAG........we are very nearly at 1000 subscribers at this point.......join us won't you by subscribing via iTunes........you'll be entertained, i promise.......i won't say a thing about buying shoes........

See y'all at the rock show.........

Stak

GOT AN AMERICAN AQUARIUM?......you're gonna need some HORSEPOWER for that....

2010-06-07T16:42:00.001-07:00

AMERICAN AQUARIUM is playing Sky City tonight...they are a very good roots-based rock and roll band....with a decidedly country twang...they're from Raleigh,NC...and the southern just oozes from every note....they're good...you should leave the house if you see this before 10pm and head on downtown....

Perhaps more importantly, the opening band was announced at the proverbial 11th hour....and they haven't been seen round these parts in some years.....HORSEPOWER is opening....i'd post a photo of them instead of AA if i had a single photo to post.....that is to say, i'm very fond of HP and i'm excited by this rare appearance.....lead vocalist and principal songwriter Grady Nickel has resided in Tennessee for a few years now.....bassist Travis Petrea has disappeared into married life and a new career as a firefighter, and guitarist Keith Jenkins has gone back to college when he's not gigging in a wedding band........for this appearance, BRIAN BRITTINGHAM will be the drummer(there have been a few)......

So i figure this is probably a one and done kinda deal........i'll try and catch some video and post it here later........

See y'all at the rock show.....

Stak

THE CUBISTS.............are the best band ever from Augusta....

2010-06-06T08:33:00.001-07:00

The poor lighting in this photo of THE CUBISTS speaks volumes....Marcus Barfield is almost the invisible man in this photo....anyway, i'm talking about THE CUBISTS today because people feel the need to defend them after the off hand comment i made yesterday about their motor winding down a tick or two.......i'm not exactly sure why, but i get a little incensed when people feel the need to argue with an honest, no bullshit observation....the response i got was they played Athens a couple of times and they're making a video.....really?.......it'd be interesting to hear what GERARD COSLOY or the guys at YEP ROC have to say about that(just use your imagination)......

What i've observed of THE CUBISTS is this......they built a pretty significant amount of attention here in Augusta based on excellent live shows and good songwriting.....they took 500 years to put out their debut recording(which i now refer to as 48VOLT syndrome), but boy was it a doozy......they took a truckload of money they got from their cd release party and hired a company out of Atlanta to promote them(i remember talking to Noel around this time. He was over the moon with optimism).....they got written up in multiple blogs of varying repute. all positive reviews....they played Athens a couple of times....they played Augusta four or five times...........

Sorry.......that's NOT a recipe for success.......

The picture says it all.......THE CUBISTS are a band wholly focused on the music without the willingness to make the sacrifices necessary to make a career of it.......that's not necessarily a knock on the band....most of those guys have families....in the case of Kinlaw, he's got two businesses to run, so who can blame them?.....in a way, it's a bonus for Augusta.......we get to keep this gem to ourselves

See y'all at the rock show.......

Stak

GOT A SWEET TOOTH?........DEAD CONFEDERATE can help you out with that...

2010-06-05T05:44:00.000-07:00

Now most of us have known that DEAD CONFEDERATE has been hard at work on its sophomore full-length album for some time now....some of you may have also heard that there has been some involvement by indie-rock guitar god J. MASCIS of DINOSAUR JR......the band recently sent out a very detailed message to their mailing list laying out all the particulars and even giving insight into their process on the new record....here's what the band had to say about it.........

The band is excited to announce the release of their sophomore record Sugar, due on August 24th on TAO Recordings/Old Flame Records. The anticipated follow up to Wrecking Ball, this album explores new styles beyond the grungy psychedelia of the first record.

Recorded by John Agnello (Hold Steady, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr.) during a record-setting blizzard in New Jersey this February, the sessions focused on the malleability of the freshly written songs. The start to this progression was shaped by tours with legends Dinosaur Jr. and Meat Puppets, and gave our guys an increased appreciation for the early underground bands of the 80s and 90s that laid the foundation on which their sound is built. The album also features a special guest appearance by J. Mascis on the single "Giving It All Away."

Splitting songwriting duties between bassist Brantley Senn and singer/guitarist Hardy Morris, each songwriter picked their favorite of the other's contributions, creating a complimentary collection of songs. Instead of touring the newly penned tracks, the band (Jason Scarboro, Walker Howle, John Watkins) spent two days learning 20 songs and a week reworking them, then laid half of them down.

DEAD CONFEDERATE is currently on tour in Europe, but will return home in late June for ATHFEST...from there, the band will hit the road with DEER TICK playing mostly small-mid markets(with the exception of Atlanta)....they return to Augusta on July 23rd for a show at SKY CITY with openers TURF WAR and THE CUBISTS(whose motor seems to have wound down a tick or two lately).....

So WRECKING BALL didn't quite shoot DEAD CONFED into widespread notoriety like i predicted.....maybe a spoonful of SUGAR will help the medicine go down...

See y'all at the rock show......

Stak

HONOR THY GODFATHER....happy birthday JB!

2010-05-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

One cannot overstate the importance of JAMES BROWN'S legacy....seriously, try it...you'll fail......now people around here have made it a point to undervalue his musical and societal contributions and instead focus on judging just how human he was......those people suck....

Tomorrow would be JAMES BROWN'S birthday.....i choose to not judge MR. BROWN'S personal shortcomings....instead, i like to focus on the music.....and the fact that he put this town on the map for something besides golf.....so HAPPY BIRTHDAY GODFATHER!......we miss you man!

This week's episode of the CONFEDERATION OF LOUDNESS podcast features my friend KEITH JENKINS talking at length about his time with JAMES BROWN(he was his guitarist for the last 12 years of his life)....i enjoyed talking with Keith and frankly, it was better when i didn't talk and just got out of the way.....the stories he tells are priceless....do yourself a favor and check it out....you'll come out of it with a bit more knowledge on the subject than when you started i'll wager.....and as an observer and participant in this music scene, i think it's important to know your history......

Go to CONFEDERATION OF LOUDNESS and soak up some of the goodness....

Again, Happy Birthday Mr. Brown......we really do miss you.....

See y'all at the rock show......

Stak

THE ONLY THING CONSTANT......is change....

2010-04-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

I once fell in love with a great song by a band that would go on to become one of my favorites of all time....the refrain in the chorus went "Things don't change, they never have".......as dear as that song was and still is to me, the sentiment is just dead wrong and clearly an expression of youthful naivete...

The Augusta musical community is certainly no exception where change is concerned...several changes are affecting the way you'll hear music in this town in the future......and those are just personnel changes.....

BRIAN REYNOLDS announced last week that he was giving up his position on guitar with 48VOLT...the parting was amicable, but nonetheless B. Reyn cited a desire to pursue a different direction artistically......or at least not be a part of 48VOLT's current foray into the land of outlaw country music.....

COCO RUBIO noted in this week's METRO SPIRIT that BAYOU BLEU front man MATT ACOSTA will soon be leaving Augusta to take up residence in Hawaii......whether or not Mr. Acosta is musically successful there or not, one could do worse than ending up in Hawaii.....

Unless i completely just dreamed it, i'm pretty sure i saw something on Facespace or Mybook or Twit in which it was semi-sort of announced by CAREY MURDOCK that his band NOSTAR would soon be relocating to Nashville....

I think we may have noted here that SAY VANDELAY has changed their name to MY AIM IS TRUE(Elvis Costello much?)......along with the new name, they have a new singer.....his name is JOSHUA KENDRICK and he was recently featured in the Sonic Spotlight over to the AUGUSTA CHRONICLE.........check a little bit of what he sounds like CLICK HERE.....

MY INSTANT LUNCH will undergo some changes in the fall of this year when 18 year old drummer ADAM KRONOWSKI heads off to Berklee to study music...

And finally, MATT BUZZELL of the bi-coastal science project that is NIGHT PEOPLE told me recently that he is relocating here from Los Angeles to care for his mother........that's Augusta's gain folks.....

Change....it's constant....i guess that as far as our music is concerned, that at least keeps things interesting........

See y'all at the rock show........

Stak

STOP! HEY WHAT'S THAT SOUND........everybody look what's goin' down.....

2010-04-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

I've said over and over again that when we treat our music with the legitimacy it deserves, we will be taken seriously by others, outsiders and brethren alike....it seems to me that NOW we are achieving that end.....never in my time as an observer of Augusta music have there been so many sources for news and commentary.....the weekly podcast i host along with Stoney Cannon(CONFEDERATION OF LOUDNESS) has shot up to over 500 subscriptions in about a month since we made the jump from blogtalk radio......then of course, there is this blog along with LOKAL LOUDNESS.....additionally, Steven Uhles is providing regular coverage weekly at The Augusta Chronicle and Coco Rubio is doing his bi-weekly thing at THE METRO SPIRIT........the other music columnists at each of those papers?.......i'm not quite sure what they're up to so far.....Cher Best talks about shopping and relationship issues.....is that what they brought her on to do?......but i digress...95 ROCK is even doing their part again now that JOE STEVENSON has pulled his head out of his ass and is playing local music again on his RADAR RADIO show each sunday night....love ya Joe!.......

So the table is set for you......all the angles are covered.......this town aint nothin to Fark wit......SHAUN PIAZZA even told me that he was dead sick of all the "goddamned papparazzi" following him around.......said he can't drop a duece without one of em popping up out of the toilet since he released his latest album.....

But the true measure of "Being There?"........it's when you get local music shows that are subdivided into specialty areas.......i've followed BILL SCOGGINS' blogtalkradio show "VOICE OF HARRISBURG" with great interest for some time now.....it is sublimely fucking weird....and as long as he leaves politics out of the conversation, his show never fails to entertain me.......here lately, what you're getting from VOH is a strange mixture of mid 80's Augusta indie rock, punk rock by THE CHILTONS and time capsule stuff from local bands recorded in the late 60's to the early 70's......you simply owe it to yourself to check it out......personally, i think EVERYONE should have a radio show..........and that's not even a joke......you get several voices in the wilderness singing the same tune, you got a CHORUS in the wilderness........i've always dug the wilderness......

See y'all at the rock show.......

Stak

MRS. BROWN YOU'VE GOT A LOVELY DAUGHTER.....so i shagged her silly.

2010-03-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

You all know DAVE WOLFE......he of the offbeat upstroke guitar style successfully employed in NEATO TORPEDO.....his dad made a career in radio......and back his dad's heyday, DJs weilded a LOT of power in the music world.....getting a song in heavy rotation on WBBQ could potentially rocket a band to stardom in the 60's(as i understand it, the music director's playlist was watched by other stations all over the country)........of course, that was before the CLEAR CHANNEL swooped in and somehow got around Anti-trust legislation to gain a chokehold on every major market in the U.S........but i digress.

As Dave tells the story, his dad was involved with the British Invasion band HERMAN'S HERMITS coming to play the BELL AUDITORIUM here in Augusta(the same place Ray Charles famously refused to play because the audience at the time was required to be segregated by race)..........it's the day of the show just an hour or two before the band is supposed to be on stage......Dave's dad arrives at THE CONTINENTAL HOTEL by Bush Field to pick up the band......they are all waiting in the lobby with the exception of then 16 year old lead singer PETER NOONE....none of the band members knows where he's at........Dave's dad gets a sinking feeling in his gut, but decides to do the obvious thing........he goes up to the young man's room........he knocks on the door, but it's ajar and opens for him.........there in bed is PETER NOONE passed out dead drunk.......a considerably older girl on either side of him.........an empty vodka bottle clutched in his hand.........

The band made it to the show on time(damn, radio was different kinda gig back in the day!)...

See y'all at the rock show......

Stak

AUGUSTA BANDS, IT'S FOR YOUR OWN GOOD.....because there's no way you'll do it yourselves.....

2010-03-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

Plans are brewing for Augusta music....the idea is to get the music of our little burg out to a larger audience.....almost to a man, every invested observer of music here agrees there needs to be an attempt on Augusta's behalf to get the great music made in this town outside of downtown in particular and the whole town in general.....pay attention.....plans are in the works among many folks here and in other towns in the region to make that very thing happen.........

Stay tuned........you'll see.......

See y'all at the rock show.....

Stak

IT'S GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME...........better better better...

2010-03-14T19:26:00.000-07:00

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Check out our chat with STEVEN UHLES from THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE on this week's installment of CONFEDERATION OF LOUDNESS..........not bad if i say so myself.......

See y'all at the rock show..........

Stak

GREAT STRIDES...........Augusta music rising.......

2010-03-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

I think one can gauge the progress of one's music career by the company one keeps.......in other words, if you're chosen to open an intimate show for a living legend, you're probably not too shabby yourself......agreed?..........

Well, with that, i wanna announce here that i think YOUNG GOODMAN BROWN'S career is on the rise..........on May 8th at THE MELTING POINT in Athens,Georgia YGB will be opening for none other than the great RICHIE HAVENS(remember his inspired performance in the movie they made about WOODSTOCK?)........that's quite the solid gig to land........

Lump that in with our own WILL McCRANIE being tapped to open for THE GOO GOO DOLLS and COLBIE CALLAIT at ROCK FORE DOUGH and VEARA'S recent announcement that they've signed to legendary punk label EPITAPH RECORDS and i'd say things are looking up around here........y'all keep it going and give those bastards what for!.........

See y'all at the rock show.......

Stak

DAVE MERCER AINT SO BAD AFTER ALL......look what he made!

2010-03-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

I like this vid......it's for the song "Resolute" by CHAIRLEG.....and it was put together by DAVE MERCER from SUNS COLLIDE and SHOTGUN OPERA.......and while it's fairly easy to see that it's basically a nicely edited home video, some thoughtfulness was given to its construction....i think it turned out really well....

See y'all at the rock show........

Stak

FINALLY........Shaun Piazza Band delivers third cd, proud papas each of em...

2010-02-28T08:19:00.000-08:00

Here's a clip of SHAUN PIAZZA BAND doing that thing that they occasionally do........it was a pleasure to be there for the band's cd release party even if my wife is still pissed at me........the crowd was plentiful and they were festive........i do feel like the sound was a little muddy(it never seemed to gain balance between vocals and instruments) but not to the point of distraction.......what's to be appreciated here is a group of guys who had the wisdom to unite as some of the best musicians in town under the flag of one of the purest voices in town............

One thing nags at me though.........as fulfilling as the music of SPB is, i still feel like it could be even better......something about the willful lack of song structures maybe, almost like an incomplete sentence............still waiting for that exclamation point i guess................but i have complete confidence that we're eventually gonna get it.........

It's just a matter of time.........

See y'all at the rock show...........

Stak

ACTHUNG YOU SALTY MOTHERFUCKERS!.............D....B...T...........

2010-02-27T23:41:00.000-08:00

They don't have Isbell anymore............but from what i hear, they've rediscovered their testicles...........and you can NEVER EVER EVER discount the cool,electric blue smoke turn of phrase handed in each and every time by one of the last remaining outlaw countrymen(Brian Panowich not withstanding).....that'd be Mike Cooley folks......they are coming this way Y'ALL............i intend to be one of the bodies pushed up and compressed like local sashimi......sardines for the sake of bein' sardines and kickin' the livin' shit out of bullshit music once and the for FUCKIN ALL...........haaalleeee fuckin luuuuu yaaaaah...........

See y'all at the rock show.........(put me in METRO SPIRIT, i'm ready to play).

Stak

LiE AT THE LOKAL LOUDNESS CHOICE AWARDS........

2010-02-27T07:48:00.000-08:00

Dang LiE!.........save some trophys for somebody else next year.....if you needed further proof that LiE is really starting to assert it's will on the stages of our little ole music scene, you had to look no further than their haul at THE LOKAL LOUDNESS CHOICE AWARDS........the band took home SEVEN trophys.........count em.......SEVEN......including Favorite band and Favorite song(perhaps the most coveted categories).....

The vid is from their performance last Saturday night.....the drummer Dork didn't think they sounded all that good......but you have to take into account that the band's keyboard player D.LO was unable to perform due to health issues at home......so Dork and the guitarist Brint spent all day Saturday writing charts for violin to fill in the gap.........in steps Charity Miaco and the show goes on.......now THAT my friends is how ya cowboy up...........

See y'all at the rock show(go see SHAUN PIAZZA BAND at SKY CITY!)........

Stak

Critic met match in local band | The Augusta Chronicle

2010-02-25T19:35:00.000-08:00

Critic met match in local band | The Augusta Chronicle

Well now........isn't this a curious opinion?........do you guys agree with Uhles?.......

Stak

Lokal Loudness Choice Awards -- Vol. 6 | The Augusta Chronicle

2010-02-21T15:19:00.000-08:00

Lokal Loudness Choice Awards -- Vol. 6 | The Augusta Chronicle

BECAUSE THE LEAD SINGER TOLD ME TO........that's why......

2010-02-21T09:54:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time in a land very near to here, i was hanging out with my band mates in MARY JANE JONES playing foosball......we were waiting to play a show at THE RED LION PUB back in the days when that place was swinging.......we were just killing time, but Tippy and i were kicking the shit out of Rob and Newhall......then.........Dude came along........now Dude Came Along was a skinny,mustachioed,long-haired fellow in a CANNIBAL CORPSE t-shirt....Dude Came Along smelled like feet..........Dude Came Along had teeth cheese like he had'nt brushed them in a month......Dude Came Along did not speak like you or i speak........Dude Came Along growled his sentences.......Dude Came Along was apparently forever trapped in a heavy metal,dungeons and dragons fantasy land in which talking that way does not seem psychotic.....unable to resist, we promptly engaged Dude Came Along in a conversation about his musical tastes......to Dude Came Along, anything that was not the most extreme,thrash,death,black,speed,destroyo-core metal was music made by "pussies" for "pussies"......i don't think the guy uttered a word with more than two syllables the entire encounter........we tossed out suggestion after suggestion of what we considered great music at the time.......his response was invariably a simple two words......"buncha pussies".....how's that for myopia...

Now originally, i was just gonna delete this post altogether...however, this moment in time way back in the 90s really charmed me...so it stays.........the video of some local metal band and all the asinine comments that came along with it are now deleted...and a word to the wise going forward; if i post a comment and then delete my own comment, it means i'm editing myself after the fact...it means i gave it some thought and decided that the original post did not really best represent how i feel about the given situation........copy and pasting my original comments and then reposting them ad nauseum only makes you look like a bigger ass than me(and that's saying ALOT)...so with that, no more videos posted here by that poor excuse for a metal band........and no further comment......they've reaped the benefit of way too many strokes of the keyboard all around the local media of late.......i won't contribute to it further......i've had to enable comment moderation because of this thread........and i won't post any ignorant bullshit by anyone other than myself in the comment section.........after all, this is my space.

JUST BE THERE...........your show recommendation for the evening.......

2010-02-20T07:46:00.000-08:00

Put simply, this is one of the most fun evenings out all year.......it never,ever fails to entertain........read the poster for the particulars........

And btw..........I'M THE HOST THIS YEAR!.......should be a stone hoot!

See y'all at the rock show.........

Stak

WHEN THE STARS FALL..........the upcoming third release by Shaun Piazza Band....

2010-02-20T07:07:00.001-08:00

Ever one of the most popular bands in town, it's still amazing to me how reclusive SHAUN PIAZZA BAND becomes from time to time......oh they pop up on bills as the local opener occasionally when an appropriate show comes through, but their presence on the Augusta music scene is more like an undercurrent than the soundtrack of our times(does that make any sense?)......those guys lay back in the cut like no other.....anyway, i think for most bands at this level(read the ground floor), this sort of attack(or in this case non-attack) strategy would quickly usher them down the road to irrelevance.....this is not the case with SPB......and it doesn't take an advanced degree in whatever to figure out why........

1. SHAUN PIAZZA has a plaintive,longing vocal signature that grabs you instantly......i purposely use the word "signature" there to convey to you how singular Shaun's voice is.....it's really quite good....

2. The guy writes some great tunes......

3. The band behind the man is understated to a fault, but also rock solid.....

That said, when this band decides to come out of its bandcave people usually pay attention.....Saturday February 27th, SHAUN PIAZZA BAND will step back under the stage lights in celebration of the release of their 3rd album(i'll never stop calling them albums) WHEN THE STARS FALL.........they spent the better part of last year on up to now working on it with DAVID BARBE at CHASE PARK TRANSDUCTION STUDIOS in Athens,GA......if the demos posted on the band's myspace page are any indication, expect a much more sonically dense record with a few twists on instrumentation not typically expected in a folk/americana type offering.........Shaun still doesn't really write choruses(it seems like musicians in this town are allergic to em), but the sounds are lush and precious and i'll wager you'll like them chorus or not........

You'll wanna click HERE to head over to the band's myspace page and check out some of those demos.....

You can also catch a pre-recorded phone interview with Shaun this sunday night on CONFEDERATION OF LOUDNESS as a lead in to our transition over to an all pre-recorded podcast....we even have a new website to go along with the new format.........http://www.confederationofloudness.com/..........

It's all beautiful......

See y'all at the rock show.......

Stak

BIG ED'S RETIREMENT FOR HEALTH REASONS.......proves to be short lived.......

2010-02-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

Let's just call him "Ed Turns" from now on, shall we...............honestly, i giggled when i saw this today in THE APPLAUSE............because on the one hand, it kinda smells funny........and on the other hand...........IT KINDA SMELLS FUNNY............and let's face it folks............stinky stuff is FUNNY...........here, smell this.........

I'm gonna have to admit, i don't get this chain of events...........surely, the money was NOT the motivating factor that led ED TURNER to jump ship from THE METROPOLITAN SPIRIT........

Does anyone have a clue?.............because i don't...........

Hey ED!............turn away from the dark side..........buahahahahahaaaaa.........you realize now you officially support child trafficking,aparteid AND the republican party all in one fell swoop..........you're going to hell with the rest of us that don't think a good day consists of a brisk 2 hour run, followed by a quick hour of service at the soup kitchen followed by picking up trash on the side of the canal followed by taking in a fine(read piece of shit) film at the public library followed by some nice brie at the wine tasting over to Wine World followed by a jaunt with your dog at the Pendelton King dog park followed by etc. etc. etc. ad nauseum.........

Enjoy your time with Steven Uhles........aka SATAN.

See y'all at the rock show............hahahahaha..........

Stak

Addendum: If you read through the comments on this particular post, you'll discover that Ed Turner read this and felt that he was framed in a negative light......CON would like to take this oppurtunity to say that this post was an attempt to discuss a relevant current event in our music scene with tongue planted firmly in cheek......CON does not believe that Ed Turner supports child trafficking,child porn,child labor,apartheid, and most especially the Republican party......CON also doesn't think Steven Uhles is Satan...CON is just pissed at Uhles for winning our fantasy football league championship this year.......CON does not believe that THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE is evil by nature(it's neo-con leanings aside)..........CON also doesn't think THE METRO SPIRIT is perfect(and has been very critical of them on several occasions in the past) but they aint bad either......

Hope that settles things a little bit......everyone here knows i'd hate to piss anybody off....kidding........anyways, much love and respect to Ed Turner(he shouldn't really feel the need to defend himself at all btw)........

KIBBLES AND BITS.......the chock full edition.......

2010-02-03T16:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Kibbles and Bits, a regular feature here at CON in which i get you up to speed on the haps in Augusta music.......it's a thing of beauty and you like it......the holidays are all over now and so is the regular season in football....we have one final ball game between two teams that have in common the fact that their fanbases are some of the most annoying retards in the history of organized sports.....the "Who Dat Nation" clashes with the culture-deprived fat humps from the midwest down in Florida this weekend.....i predict blood on the dancefloors of nightclubs all over Miami(but maybe that's just wishful thinking).....Indy might take Nola to school on the football field......but their fans are in trouble......those Hurricane survivors know a thing or two about committing felonies.........

Buuuuuuuttt i digress.....what i was getting to is this.........this is the most shittiest time of the year(c'mon, sing it with me)......it's cold outside, the days are short, it rains more than the sun shines around here, people get seasonal affective disorder....those things suck...........

On the bright side, the music scene here in Augusta is straight up balls out right now.......there is all sorts of stuff going on......so if you're like me and get excited about the local music scene remaining on the move, the most shittiest time is made bearable......consider it a gift of grace from your friendly neighborhood musicians......on to the news!........

This Saturday February 6th at HD LOUNGE(on the corner of 12th and Ellis downtown), the members of TWICE REMOVED will host a benefit for the relief effort in Haiti(proceeds will go to THE RED CROSS to be specific)......here's a schedule of the day's music....

12:00 - 2 More Miles
1:00 - Elysium
2:00 - False Flag
3:00 - Silent Resolution
4:00 - The Vellotones
5:00 - BREAK
6:00 - Shotgun Opera
7:00 - Vox Inertia
8:00 - Stillview
9:00 - 48 Volt
10:00 - John John's Heavy Dose
11:00 - Blurring The Line
12:00 - Twice Removed

The cover charge for this event is just 5 dollars........i'm curious to hear some of these bands.......you should be too......but if you're not interested in the music, do your civic duty anyway and drop off 5 bucks at the door.......

In other news, CON would like to wish a belated Happy Birthday to Augusta music scene fixture Ed Turner.....In a couple of articles over to THE METRO SPIRIT this week, Coco Rubio and editor Stacey Eidson both broke the news that Ed has resigned his position as music writer over there.....surely, Ed will be missed....it'll be interesting to see how they choose to go forward without him......or more importantly, who is gonna try to step into those shoes.......it was a great run,Ed!......

Wow there are a lot of interesting shows coming this way lately!.....it would appear that Augusta has put itself back on the map after years as nothing more than a gas stop for touring bands going down the interstate......everybody's talking about it(Steven Uhles is talking about it,Coco Rubio is talking about it,Stoney Cannon is talking about it, I'm talking about it....that's everybody,right?)....anyway, keep yer eyes and ears open kids....you're probably gonna wanna go to one of these shows........

In February and March, Sky City alone has such acts as LARRY KEEL AND NATURAL BRIDGE,CAGE THE ELEPHANT,LUCERO,THE DRIVE BY TRUCKERS,FAIR TO MIDLAND and KARNIVOOL....

In February and March The Augusta Entertainment Complex is bringing in such acts as JASON ALDEAN,LUKE BRYAN,BREAKING BENJAMIN,THREE DAYS GRACE,CARRIE UNDERWOOD,DAUGHTRY, and B.B. KING....

The Imperial Theater meanwhile..........is not really doing much of anything.......

Anyway, that's alot of pretty good entertainment coming our way.......I'd like to quote Oliver Twist here........"Please,Sir, I want some more.".....

Speaking of good live shows, as you all probably know, THE LOKAL LOUDNESS CHOICE AWARDS SHOW takes place at SKY CITY on Saturday February 20th....i'll talk more about this show as it approaches, but rest assured it is ALWAYS a good time......the live music line up for this year features MY INSTANT LUNCH,BLEEDING COUNTERFEIT,L.I.E.,48VOLT, and ARALIC.....

In the category of miscellaneous, SAY VANDELAY has posted a bulletin on myspace and a blog on their homepage stating that they have changed their name to MY AIM IS TRUE.......this was posted today.....the bulletin goes on further to state they are entering the studio in two weeks with engineer/producer Sid Menon from the band YEARLING.......i suppose we'll find out what the new singer sounds like soon......

I could go on for hours.........but i'm bored with you now......go look at porn or something.....

See y'all at the rock show.......

Stak

NEON CHRIST.........the world needs more of it.......

2010-01-31T09:22:00.000-08:00

Local cycling nut RANDY DUTEAU used to front a band called NEON CHRIST based out of ATLANTA......they were kind of a big deal on the punk scene back in the day......i posted here some time ago about their very successful reunion show in 2008......as it turns out, some intrepid journalists were on hand and they filmed the entire show.......according to Randy, a documentary about the band and this particular show will be released later this year(Uhles, you've been scooped...but at least you'll get paid to steal this story from me).....now i know that when i was a disenfranchised teen, i could never get enough of anything counterculture.......and the thing that fascinated me the most was punk rock and all the various movies with any connection to punk rock culture(Decline of Western Civilization,Another State Of Mind,Suburbia,Repo Man,Return Of The Living Dead,etc.).....at least on a regional level, this should do the same trick for some pissed off kid who likes to go around kicking the shit out of other kids with backwards haircuts,girl jeans and white belts while blaring CRASS through his ipod earbuds........ahhh, to be young again.........

I'll have more details on this documentary as i receive them..........and remember bitches.......SKANK, DON'T WANK...........

See y'all at the rock show...........

Stak

OLD HABITS DIE HARD......Ladies and Gents, the most excellent Ronnie Hill!

2010-01-25T15:10:00.000-08:00

I like this tune.....Stoney and I have been spinning it alot on COL.........enjoy.......

See y'all at the rock show....

Stak

BEST BAND NAME.............EVAR!...........

2010-01-16T12:03:00.001-08:00

So check it out......digging around on the interwebs today i came across a cat who runs a youTUBE page called Aenima Films........and as it turns out, he's a local guy here in Augusta.....what he's offering is to make videos of your band.......in full 1080 HD....what he's asking in return is that you give him full credit.......his name is Trent and he doesn't want a single thin dime from you.......here is the link to his youTube channel..........

CLICK HERE YO!

What he has featured on his channel now is the video posted here along with a few others.......and may i say, SHARKFIGHT=all kinds of punky awesome.......especially their name.........

Anyway, the kid's lookin' for work.......and let's face it........in the selected vid, he makes some old boy's garage look pretty farkin' rock.....very simple and understated is the vid.......but very effective.......so what have you got to lose.....get in touch with Trent and all you fuckers make each other famous.........

See y'all at the rock show.........

Stak

THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS A FREE LUNCH.....but you can get some pretty nifty free music if you look in the right place....

2010-01-10T10:09:00.000-08:00

Psssst!.........hey you.......yeah you........i know where to get some primo shit man.......yeah.......you like DEAD CONFEDERATE?.........hell yes you do!......well check it mang.........i know where to get a download of their self-released live album DIRTY AMMO.......the best part?........it's free MAN!.........i'm crappin' ya negative........6 tracks of buzzy goodness that the band recorded at THE EARL in Atlanta last year......if you wanna give a little donation, it'll go toward the restoration of THE GEORGIA THEATER in Athens.......everybody wins,right?........all you gotta do is go HERE to getcha some of that good stuff.........blaze up dude!.........life is short..........

See y'all at the rock show...........

Stak

KIBBLES AND BITS..........just the facts, ma'am.......

2010-01-08T18:43:00.001-08:00

Welcome to KIBBLES AND BITS.........a semi-regular feature here at CON in which we compile bits and pieces of news regarding the Augusta,Georgia music scene.......frequently stolen from and copied worldwide, it's an American institution(my megalomania is just BARELY restrained,y'all).....at any rate, there has been some movement lately involving several Augusta bands and musicians......and i'm just here to report the facts.........so let's get on with it,shall we?.......

I reported very recently that JOE STEVENSON and his super cool wife EMILY were reporting to the hospital for the birth of their son.........i'm happy to report that TURNER ALAN STEVENSON was born healthy and Mom is doing well........CON sends out hearty congratulations to the happy family........there are not many life events more incredible than the birth of a child.......wait until the little bugger is 3 years old and i'll send along my sympathy(he types as his very own 3 year old boy runs amok in the house avoiding bedtime)......

CON is elated to report that after 3 weeks in the hospital and Walton Rehab, JORDAN LEOPARD(who recently announced he was relinquishing his duties as the drummer for JEMANI) is finally heading home....he plans to be there tomorrow according to his latest Facebook update.....that is fantastic news.........Jordan has shared publicly that he had an acute onset of paralysis of as yet unknown etiology.......that's frightening shit.....the guy couldn't walk at all for a time.......he is now making progress and will continue his physical therapy on an outpatient basis......given the fact that he has a new youngster at home himself, that's fantastic news.....i know he's missed being home with his family......and a liquor drink will never taste quite as good as it does when he gets settled tomorrow....

Things have been awful quiet on the SAY VANDELAY front i thought to myself recently......a little birdie pointed me in the right direction and i discovered that LUKE SKASNY has left(or been fired from) the band......they have a Blogspot page and in a November entry they noted the following........

We are very reserved on how we feel about the situation but will not resort to talking bad about the guy. Over the last few months he has lost his interest and drive for the band and [it] has cost him his very important position in the band. Originally from Ohio, he has decided to move back to be around family.

Man........SV has become like the DONALD TRUMP of Augusta music(yer FIRED!).........anyway, the little birdie dug a bit further........and lo and behold, the band recently announced that they have found SKASNY's replacement......using their twitter account, they've announced that someone named JOSH KENDRICK is the new singer.......never heard of him myself, but no matter...good luck to SAY VANDELAY going forward........

Get ready for a rare RONNIE HILL sighting........RONNIE will be opening for BLEEDING COUNTERFEIT at 1102 BAR AND GRILL on Friday January 22nd...i'm unsure at this point whether or not this is RONNIE solo or with that crackerjack band he played with at The Commons in September.......regardless, you owe it to yourself to check that particular bill out........tell him Stak sent ya.........

That's gonna do it for the moment..........

See y'all at the rock show........

Stak

WHO DID THEIR THING THESE PAST TEN?.......Augusta bands that handled business over the last decade.....

2010-01-02T11:57:00.000-08:00

As we stumble into the first days of a new decade(some of us literally), the end of the decade(as well as the multitudes of end of the year) lists are inescapable.......like my good friend STEVEN UHLES over to the Chronicle, i really enjoy these lists....when they're reasonable, they sometimes give you direct indications whether or not you're plugged in where good music is concerned.....in other instances, they act as signs bird dogging some of the good stuff that you missed......why not travel back toward the beginning of the decade and check out that JAY-Z record you didn't buy when it came out......

On the flipside, when they're bad they make you wanna choke the author until he doesn't breathe anymore......what in the hell was that abortion of a best of list in last week's METRO SPIRIT anyway?.....there is such a thing as suggesting that the most obscure musical ephemera is just the best thing ever.........and it's called YOU'RE A FUCKING PONCEY POSEUR RETARD.......just sayin'..........break all of your fingers now and step away from the keyboard,poncey.....you're making your panties wet already.........

There...........i feel better.........been dying to insult someone all day........

I've said all that to get to this.........

I was reading FLAGPOLE magazine today and saw an article listing the top 5 ATHENS musical acts of the decade according to their staff.......you can check that article out HERE

I thought they missed the mark in a few places, but this blog doesn't really give a shit what a buncha boho Athens elitists think..........the article did inspire me to wonder who the top AUGUSTA acts of the last decade have been........barring JAMES BROWN of course, because he's the king of Augusta music EVER.........i also choose to exclude LADY ANTEBELLUM and JOSH KELLEY so that we have a relatively level playing field.....

So with that in mind, here's my list of the top 5 Augusta bands of the last decade......

5. SICKSICKSICK-the last bastion of pure punk rock left in Augusta, this band of stalwarts holds the distinction of releasing more cds in the past ten years than anyone...they are also the only band in recent memory that can claim positive reviews in MAXIMUM ROCK N ROLL.......twice.......they have relentlessly played all over the southeast and have toured as far west as TEXAS.......additonally, their music is just damned enjoyable....

4. JEMANI-while i feel that this band missed the mark by a c-hair as far as timeline goes,there is no denying that they have put out quality music with a pointed disregard for musical trends......the band has been buoyed over the past decade by a constant fanbase envigorated by their muscular and whipsmart live performances....and just when you think they've gone away, they put out a double album featuring a genre-bending single that is near the top of the list for catchiest joint of all time in GLITTERBONE......i'm sure the JAEGERMEISTER sponsorship didn't hurt either.......

3. THE CUBISTS-this local band is easily the most highly evolved AUGUSTA band of the decade...we watched them start off humbly as a very un-rocknroll three piece with no bassist and a bent for the experimental....as they began to peel back the layers(while essentially ADDING layers in the process), you couldn't help but be amazed.......their 2009 release of MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE was clearly one of the best releases in the history of the AUGUSTA music scene.......the damned thing should've been released in 2008, but Augusta acts have never been known for expediency........no matter, the record is a beast with numerous tunes that could live at the top of the charts on XM ALT NATION or XMU.......

2. THE HELLBLINKI SEXTET-speaking of groups that specialize in constant change, HELLBLINKI has to be the most true chameleon in AUGUSTA music history....starting off as a sort of experimental outlet for local visual artist ANDREW BENJAMIN, HELLBLINKI quickly became one of the most popular local bands of all time.......i daresay one of the few with the local draw to sell out THE IMPERIAL THEATER(to be fair, NUMBER 9 and TARA SCHEYER have similar ticket sale appeal........but one of those bands is playing music exclusively written by THE BEATLES).........they're no longer based out of Augusta.....and they have boiled the lineup down to a constant 3 piece........but the 3 releases by HELLBLINKI SEXTET over the past decade have been some of the most important......i know that A PIRATE BROADCAST is probably the most popular, but the more recent release ORATORY is probably the best of the bunch and a highly under-appreciated release locally.......

1. DEAD CONFEDERATE-this neo-southern rock/grunge hybrid started out as a hippie jam band......somewhere along the way, they discovered SONIC YOUTH and saw the light......Athens,GA claims this band as hometown heroes.......but all of us here know the truth.......DEAD CONFED is an Augusta band.........their involvement in the local music scene here is well documented......they're our boys.......watching their career arc has been exciting to say the least.......the blog-o-sphere buzz leading up to the release of WRECKING BALL was something to behold.....everyone paying attention(including but not limited to DAVID FRICKE of ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE)just knew what was coming for this band......while my prediction of humongous stardom after WRECKING BALL's release did not materialize, the band has hopped the globe playing countless summer festivals and opening for such iconic indie rock bands as DINOSAUR JR.(their set opening for them at SKY CITY was jaw-dropping) and MEAT PUPPETS......they also had the honor of opening for R.E.M. at the SXSW festival last year.......DEAD CONFEDERATE is poised for the big time.......it just might take one more album to make it happen.........

Honorable Mentions: SHAUN PIAZZA BAND, THE DECREPITS, EDISON PROJECT, and 420 OUTBACK......

As for bands that i think smoked over the past year, it's difficult to ignore the noise being made by MY INSTANT LUNCH, THE FAVORS, GREAT DAY IN THE MORNING and YOUNG GOODMAN BROWN...........

Y'all have a happy and prosperous 2010,yo........

See y'all at the rock show.........

Stak

WOW..........somebody knock the cobwebs off my keyboard!.........

2009-12-29T15:29:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Y'ALL!.........i suppose i could apologise for being remiss here.........but i won't.....because like you, i've been busy doing all sorts of extra things that are required of us when the feeding frenzy of commercialism called Christmas comes around each year.......that and the fact that when i've been at work, i've been there for extended periods of time.........what happens for surgical services this time of year is that everyone has met their deductibles and are trying to jam that procedure in before the end of the year(Grandma gotta get that trick knee fixed)........which means i don't have a lot of time to think about the blog-o-sphere..........you'll live i'm sure.......this aint quite oxygen after all......just funnier..........

I'd like to take this time to remind you to head on over to LOKAL LOUDNESS(link in the sidebar...i'm lazy) to vote for the various nominees involved in the annual CHOICE AWARDS thingie........i guarantee you that EVERYONE that lives in Bath,SC is voting for TWICE REMOVED in ALL categories including those in which they are not involved.........i look for a clean sweep by TR(including the favorite female category)..........keep an eye out for the big awards show......either here or at LOKAL LOUDNESS.......every single year this show is more fun than a greased pig in a gay,vegan frou frou eatery.........that's a lot of fun........

Congratulations are in order for ole FURMAN FOWLER..........the front man for SICKSICKSICK(also late of THE DIRTY LEFT HAND)......he's got a kid on the way........his first one in fact.........SICKSICKSICK plays their last show of the decade tomorrow night at NEW BROOKLYN TAVERN in Columbia,SC.......joining them will be MONGOLORD and some other thrash and punk bands.......Furman says this may be the last show for SICK3 until after the snapper is born........

Congratulations are also in order for ole JOE STEVENSON(you know he the whole PEOPLE WHO MUST thing until he got tired of it and started playing in cover bands all the time).........tomorrow, he'll travel to the hospital for the scheduled induction of his new son TURNER........which is like, his 57th kid.......why you tryin' to repopulate the Earf,JOE?.........congrats to his lovely wife Emily for sure as well.......

AARON GRUBBS from SCIENCE FOR CHILDREN informs me that he has cobbled together quite the shoebox sampler of tunes.........a cohesive statement if you will.......look for at least a brief review here in the days to come.........

See y'all at rock show.........and be sure to avoid doing laundry on New Year's Day.......

Stak

YOUR SHOW RECOMMENDATION FOR THE EVENING.....tis the season and whatnot.....

2009-12-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

See y'all at the rock show......

Stak

HOT MOTHERFUCKING ROCK GAWDS Y'ALL!.........move over Stone Dogs, i got a new fave.......

2009-12-05T05:54:00.000-08:00

"Proud Mary" as done by Hot Rock Gods (5-16-09)

Hot Rock Gods | MySpace Music Videos

I am almost at a loss for words here(but you know i've got to write about this in spite of the near writers block inspired by all that incredible).......this is just a bucket full of FUCKING AWESOME(awful).......special shouts out to this drummer for riding on 3 different splash cymbals and finishing the phrase with a china boy.......one can never have enough cymbals that sound like trash can lids for one's most rockinest rendition of PROUD MARY after all......and such humble environs for the origin story of a band with such a name......a back porch under a party tent with only the ole 75watt back porch light to brighten the way........reminds me of the humble birthplace of baby JESUS....and we ALL know how that story turned out........WITH MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF PEOPLE KILLING EACH OTHER IN HIS NAME!.......in the best of all possible worlds, i'd like to believe that HOT ROCK GODS would go on to inspire something similar........but with a twist.......the band rises to fame playing back yard parties and eventually graduates to the occasional battle of the bands, never to leave the CSRA.......but along the way, they film each and every show and post the videos on YOUtube.......the videos go viral, making the band an international success...........MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF PEOPLE KILL THEMSELVES IN THE NAME OF HOT ROCK GODS..............

Ahhh if only to dream.......

Rock on HOT ROCK GODS...........i am inspired............to go take a shit........

See y'all at the rock show.........

Stak

HOLIDAY SPIRITS..........waaaaayyy too much of em!

2009-12-04T18:16:00.000-08:00

That's KIRK as featured in THE JAIL REPORT......he's a bass player in a band called HOT ROCK GODS......on the SOUL BAR MESSAGE BOARD,a long discussion was had by all with much witty riparte when he was recently arrested twice in the same night for being a drunk jack ass in public.......

Up until that discussion, i had no recollection of knowing the guy ever existed........that is until Saturday night at SKY CITY when i was reminded of the time when i was playing in the band TURTLENECK.......we were doing a show at what is now 1102(it was called CROSSROADS back then)......this very fellow, KIRK, stumbles near the front of the stage and begins mercilessly heckling the band.......so much so that our bassist LANCE MCANLY was holding the neck of his bass like a baseball bat and getting ready to shut this guy up permanently.......i've never been anywhere near that close to attacking an audience member myself........as i recall, the night ended with the subject of this post begging a sherriff's deputy to not take him to jail........

Amazingly, KIRK showed up at SKY CITY this past Saturday night.......drunker than Cooter Brown of course(at least this time he wasn't using a pitcher for a cup as i am told he is wont to do) he proceeded to offer 48VOLT's vocalist Brian Panowich $70 dollars for a copy of our setlist........BEFORE the show........he spent most of the night macking on LANCE MCANLY's sister and bragging about being arrested twice in one night..........some people never learn.......

Yesterday was ole KIRK's court date............i wonder how that worked out............

I would like to take this time to BEG anyone in town that runs a place featuring live music to PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE book HOT ROCK GODS......i have GOT to see that shit!....

See y'all at the rock show.......

Stak

P.S. Here's a TURTLENECK video........

THE SHAPE OF 12 BANDS TO COME..........the revision of an institution.....

2009-12-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

As i've discussed here previously, THE 12 BANDS OF CHRISTMAS is morphing into another animal altogether.........with a renewed focus on becoming a national benefactor for the fight against various forms of pediatric cancer........as a sort of kickoff to the new initiative, a BEST OF 12 BANDS cd is set to be released........here are the details on that particular project..........

The 12 Bands of Christmas 2009, “Best Of Edition” is coming soon to a retail store near you. Celebrate the holiday season with 18 fan favorite songs from the 12 Bands of Christmas volumes 1-6 as well as two new tracks. The first is from Tara Scheyer & the Mud Puppy Band and the second from Turner Simkins and Pat Blanchard who are joined on their song by friends Hank Futch of the Blue Dogs and Andy Leftwich of Ricky Skaggs Band.

Artists from past albums featured on this year’s collection include: G-City Rockers, Hellblinki Sextet, Impulse Ride, Jemani, Joe Stevenson, John Kolbeck, John Krueger, Livingroom Legends, Scott Terry Project, The Crowns, The Cubists, The Vellotones, Turtleneck, Whosehouse and Wycliff Gordon.

BUY THESE SELECT TRACKS NOW AND HELP THE FIGHT!!!!

Here's the track listing.........

Best of 12 Bands of Christmas – 2009
1.The Chimney Slide – Tara Scheyer & the Mud Puppy Band (BRAND NEW)
2.Santa Claus is Coming to Town – The Vellotones (from volume 2)
3.Angels We Have Heard on High – Livingroom Legends (from volume 1)
4.Donde Esta Santa Claus – John Krueger (from volume 5)
5.Merry Christmas Friends – Joe Stevenson (from volume 1 )
6.One Little Boy – Turner Simkins w/ Patrick Blanchard
featuring Andy Leftwich, Hank Futch and Hamp Simkins
7.White Christmas – John Kolbeck (from volume 2)
8.Silver Bells – Whosehouse (from volume 6)
9.Up On the House Top – G City Rockers (from volume 6)
10.Come Back For Christmas – Impulse Ride (from volume 1)
11.Red & Yellow, Black and White – Tara Scheyer and the Mud Puppy Band (from volume 6)
12.Joy To the World – Scott Terry Project (from volume 3)
13.That There Was Christmas – Jemani (from volume 4)
14.Silent Night – Turtleneck (from volume 4)
15.This Christmas – Patrick Blanchard (from volume 4)
16.Love Puts the Magic in Christmas – Silver Dash Music (from volume 3)
17.The Christmas Star – The Crowns (from volume 4)
18.Nuttin’ For Christmas – Hellblinki Sextet (from volume 1)
19.Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – The Cubists (from volume 2)
20.The Christmas Blues – Wycliffe Gordon (from volume 5)
All songs (P) 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Bordertown Music, LLC, except Santa’s Chimney Slide and One Little Boy (P) 2009 The 12 Bands of Christmas

* Produced, engineered and mixed by Ruskin Yeargain
** Produced by Pat Blanchard and Turner Simkins, Engineered and mixed by Pat Blanchard
Recorded at Riverside Studio, Martinez, GA

Mastered by Rodney Mills at Rodney Mills Masterhouse, Duluth, GA

The plan is to host a pair of shows to begin the fundraising efforts of 12 BANDS in addition to the cd sales for the best of compilation......

Tickets are also available now at Fetch Dog Treats – Surrey Center or Fat Man’s Cafe Riverfront at Ft. Discovery.

This year’s 12 Bands of Christmas concert will be a celebration for the children 12 Bands has helped over the years as well as a kick-off for the organization’s new direction in 2010. The celebration concert will take place at Ft. Discovery on Friday, December 18th and will begin with a special Tara Scheyer & the Mud Puppy Band children’s concert at 4pm. Santa will be at the event to visit with children enjoying the show.

Following the children’s event, the Blue Dogs will host the evening concert, which will begin at 8pm with an opening set from Pat Blanchard. Tickets for the children’s show are $12 in advance; tickets for the evening concert are $25 in advance and $35 at the door if available. All tickets go on sale Monday, November 16th at Fat Man’s Riverfront Café, Fetch Dog Treats and here online at www.12bands.org.

This year’s celebration concert brings the Blue Dogs from Charleston, SC back to Augusta because of their personal ties to Brennan and the Simkins family and the band’s desire to further research and awareness for pediatric cancer. This close connection inspired 12 Bands to create a new campaign for 2010 called 12 Bands – 12 Kids. Each month a child who has or has had some form of cancer will be paired up with a band to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer research and the families dealing with the effects of pediatric cancer.

Here are some particulars about the organization itself..........

The 12 Bands of Christmas is a not for profit organization committed to our mission of combining the universal appeal of music with the universal spirit of giving to support the fight against pediatric cancer. Inspired by the courage and generous spirit seven-year-old Brennan Simkins has maintained throughout his battle with Acute Meyloid Leukemia, The 12 Bands of Christmas assumed the task of raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer year round. Children fighting cancer should experience the Christmas throughout the year and it is the goal of 12 Bands to make that possible while funding the research that can save these young lives.

During his time in and out of hospitals, Brennan has always shown a great deal of concern for others facing the same path he travels. It is our hope that the compassion and strength of this young boy can be the catalyst to motivate others to stand up and join us as we take on pediatric cancer and bring the joy of music to the children and families affected each day. Become a member of The 12 Bands of Christmas today and you’ll not only be able to join us at music related events during the year, you’ll take the first step in making a difference in the lives of so many families as well as the effort to find a cure for every child – including Brennan.

The 12 Bands of Christmas
P.O. Box 12623 | Augusta GA 30914
706-664-5595
director@12bands.org
Board of Directors
Bryan Hatch – President
Brian Brittingham – Vice President
Rhonda Banks – Treasurer
Alex Wier – Secretary
Duncan Johnson Jr.
Brad Usry

Advisory Committee
Turner Simkins
Tara Simkins
Braye Boardman
Stevenson
Patrick Blanchard

Legal
Charles T. Huggins Jr.

Executive Director
Joe Stevenson

...supporting the fight against pediatric cancer through music...

The 12 Bands of Christmas on Facebook

Going forward, it appears that the organization is intent upon expanding its efforts past the borders of our little burg along with becoming a year round charitible entity........exactly how that is going to flesh out is anyone's guess......i do know that locally, we can look to the organization for a big show per quarter......additionally, they will be pairing up a band per month with a child currently fighting cancer.......i'm not sure exactly how this is to be executed.......but its an interesting concept.........

Look, i realize that the recent dissolution of 12 BANDS as we know it has led to some conflicting opinions and emotions.......but what i DO KNOW is this..........THE 12 BANDS OF CHRISTMAS has been a boon to this musical community along with the MCG CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER which it has benefitted exclusively up to now.........the money raised by the concert and cd have been nothing short of amazing.........and each year we saw our musical community pull together in a show of love to our community.........if you still feel inclined to talk smack at this juncture, see your way out........and don't allow the door to strike your bottom as you go..........

FAREWELLS, FOND AND OTHERWISE..........always suck.

2009-11-27T11:23:00.000-08:00

I have never been in a band that had a farewell show.........break-ups have always been affairs in which the band either imploded violently or quietly faded into i don't give a shit land.......tonight, a project that has been dear to my heart for the past four years gets a proper send off.......it was dear to my heart from the beginning because i shared it with my wife and the mother of my children Tracy(her first band despite being a very talented musician), my good friend Furman(i've admired SICKSICKSICK for years), and my best friend in the world and the father of my niece and nephews JOE GRAVES......from the start, the chemistry was easy.....with the depth of shared experience amongst our collective, writing songs was almost telepathic.......put simply, we met on common ground without blinking an eye..........i think it worked well.......practices were a shared exercise in ease and recreation amongst the creation of music.....

Sadly, this town never seemed to get it........i could dismiss this as a sort of genre snobbishness thing or whatever.......other folks might say that it was just because the band sucked(this is not true of course, i know good from bad music).......in the end, none of that matters.........

The fact of the matter is this.........tonight at SKY CITY on Broad Street......two other great bands in MY INSTANT LUNCH and GREAT DAY IN THE MORNING will take the stage along with JOE GRAVES AND THE DIRTY LEFT HAND...........when the evening is over, THE DIRTY LEFT HAND will have rung its last note.......

I hope to see some of you there........really........

See y'all at the rock show.........

Stak

I AM NEVER EVER WRONG..........at least, i'm not wrong this time......

2009-11-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

I'd like to send out a hearty congratulations to the fine guys in MY INSTANT LUNCH who took home a gigantic cardboard check worth $2000 in store credit at ROCK BOTTOM MUSIC by being judged the winners of that battle of the band thingie over at COYOTE'S the other night......just as i predicted last week.....

While i'm happy for MIL, i think i have decided that i am developing a profound dislike for contests of this sort.......i'm not entirely sure the words "music" or "band" and "contest" should EVER be used in the same sentence.....regardless, people are still gonna put these sorts of things on(THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE SINGER-SONGWRITER CONTEST will go on as planned next year,etc.) and people will continue to bitch and whine about the outcomes(and one those may likely be yours truly)......and people will continue place too much of their band-esteem on the outcome of these contests(a grave mistake)......

If you'd like to take a look at some video of the various performances from the finals of BAND AIDE I, head on over to LOKAL LOUDNESS......be sure and watch the vid of the winner being announced.......fans of one of the bands chant their name prior to the announcement, then chant "bullshit" after their band of choice does not win.......very classy behavior.......i raise my Milwaukee's Best Light to you guys....

Anyway, congrats again to MY INSTANT LUNCH........

See y'all at the rock show.........

MORE CRASS COMMERCIALISM.......a good day for a band to die,indeed.......

2009-11-17T14:09:00.001-08:00

See y'all at the rock show........

Stak

BAND AIDE I DRAWS TO A CLOSE......somebody's gonna win a bunch of stuff.....

2009-11-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

TWICE REMOVED- Band Aide 1- Week 1- Coyote's 10-22-09

-DR.- DEB -Freelance Marketing Director | MySpace Video

So the BAND AIDE I thing out at COYOTE'S has narrowed the running down to 4 finalists.....they will square off this Thursday night in the grand finale of this battle of the bands....i had reservations about this competition from the jump(transparency in the judging process being one of them)but one thing cannot be debated about it.....whoever wins is gonna have a pretty sweet shopping trip to ROCK BOTTOM MUSIC and lots of tshirts and merch and shit to sell.....now as to whether or not winning this contest will be the help in the right direction necessary to break a band into the big time as the founders assert that it might is whole 'nother bucket o squids......

The last 4 bands standing are TWICE REMOVED,BLURRING THE LINE,GREAT DAY IN THE MORNING and MY INSTANT LUNCH.......if the judges are selecting their winner based soley on musicianship, i think MY INSTANT LUNCH has it in a walk.......those cats are hyper-talented and are an exceptionally tight band.......they have excellent vocals with multiple harmony parts on several of their tunes(not alot of groups bother to even try harmony vocals around here).....of course, i'm not a judge and i won't be there(pesky job) and i'm sure there are some other parameters involved in selecting the winner....based on the video evidence above, it would certainly appear that TWICE REMOVED got the crowd into it their first time out........and i'm sure there is some sort of audience interaction component that the judges will take into account.....who knows..........at any rate, good luck to everyone involved.......because who wouldn't enjoy spending a few grand on someone else's tab at the local music store?.........

A few questions for my readers here......i've heard some complaints about sound quality for this competition......i was told by two different people that it was "shitty".......is the sound quality really poor?.......i haven't been to that place in years, but the last time i was in there, the PA was excellent.......and secondly, who is attending these events?.......is that mostly South Augusta Coyote's regulars or are folking drivin' over to L.A.(Lower Augusta) to attend these shows?..........just curious...........

See y'all at the rock show.......

Stak

GFOS VS. GOAT..........a damned cool cartoon........

2009-11-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

I recently came across a pretty sublime Youtube channel called NO MAS TV........their most recent vid is a cartoon called DOCK ELLIS AND THE LSD NO-NO by a guy named JAMES BLAGDEN......it has retired major league pitcher DOCK ELLIS in his own words talking about the day he pitched a no hitter in the middle of an acid trip........it is fucking nifty........i wanted to feature another of his cartoons here simply because it features our very own GODFATHER OF SOUL JAMES BROWN.........it imagines a boxing match between him and MUHAMMAD ALI......it is posted a sort of celebration of the 35th anniversary of THE RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE in Zaire........i like this guys stuff.......very cool indeed........

See y'all at the rock show.......

Stak

BIG DICK CONTESTS..........yeah, i'm talkin bout you "heavy" bands.....

2009-11-13T23:04:00.000-08:00

Went out tonight solo after band practice.......wanted to check the pulse of the music scene........ran into Shaun Piazza.........he said "don't write about me"........okay i won't........here's what i'm wondering about those who ply their trade in THE METAL.......ever fucking heard of melody?.........what is your music?........A TRACK MEET?...........if you're the fastest double bass drum playin' mofo in Columbia,SC, doesn't that make you like the 192nd most non-creative meatball with eyes behind a drumkit in the universe?......maybe i'm being generous with the stats here......and whoah! your equally mooky guitar guy can almost keep up with you.......and your "singer"......good luck doing anything with yer vocal cords other than getting the nodes removed and smoking cigarettes out your tracheostomy tube,douchebag!........screeching and growling when you're dumb,fat as a boat AND tone deaf is no way to go through life...........

Hey DRUMASS!..........be sure and set your bass drum triggers EXTRA sensitive so that when you spaghetti dance on your pedals it almost sounds like you're CHRIS ADLER..........

gatdamm!........i know the lexicon is not that extensive with these pricks who're playing the heavy stuff now.........but fuck.......at least the mooky bastards aping the the hair metal stuff understood the difference between a chorus and Blackie Lawless' heinous vagina(it has a circular saw attached to it. Yikes! A chorus does not.)...........

See y'all at the rock show.......

Stak

SMOKING HOT!............Charlie Daniels is afraid.........

2009-11-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

While this is not an example of local music, i could not let this performance pass into history without bringing it to your attention......i myself did not see the CMA's the other night, but got wind of this performance and had to seek it out......while congrats are in order for LADY ANTEBELLUM who have roots here, i'm more intriqued by the career arc of ZAC BROWN BAND of Atlanta....and this is relevant because last night Augusta chose to support two southern rock acts performing in venues yards apart from each other in A BIG WAY if the number of cars crammed around THE BELL and THE JAMES BROWN ARENA is any indication....one of those southern rock acts was ZAC BROWN BAND of course(the other was a tribute band).......what i thought was a bonehead play by GLOBAL SPECTRUM ENTERTAINMENT ended up working out pretty well.......well done to you Augusta for showing up......

Anyways, watch and learn kiddies.........this is an example of a TIGHT band playing very difficult music at light speed.........dang......smoking hot.......stick around till the end........honestly, i don't remember ZBB playing this tune quite this tight earlier this year at ROCK FORE! DOUGH......but then, hammering the road only makes ya better,right?........

Dayum!........

See y'all at the rock show........

Stak

FINALLY, WE HAVE NEW INFO ON THE FATE OF 12 BANDS OF CHRISTMAS.......Christmas times they are a'changin'......

2009-11-11T19:47:00.000-08:00

You're gonna read about this all over the place over the coming days, so i won't get too deep into commentary over the fate of 12 BANDS OF CHRISTMAS going forward......i did receive a press release on the subject.........and i will simply give you the contents.......

The 12 Bands of Christmas®

For Immediate Release

Regarding: The 12 Bands of Christmas 2009 & 2010

What: Organization Updates, CD Release & Concert Announcement

Contact Info: Joe Stevenson, 706.664.5595, augustaga@mac.com

Augusta, GA – The 12 Bands of Christmas 2009, “Best Of Edition” is coming soon to a retail store near you. Celebrate the holiday season with 15 fan favorite songs from the 12 Bands of Christmas volumes 1-6 as well as two new tracks. The first is from Tara Scheyer & the Mud Puppy Band and the second from Pat Blanchard and Turner Simkins who are joined on their song by friends Hank Futch of the Blue Dogs and Andy Leftwich of Ricky Skaggs Band.

Artists from past albums featured on this year’s collection include: G-City Rockers, Hellblinki Sextet, Impulse Ride, Jemani, Joe Stevenson, John Kolbeck, John Krueger, Livingroom Legends, Scott Terry Project, The Crowns, The Cubists, The Vellotones, Turtleneck, Whosehouse and Wycliff Gordon.

This year’s 12 Bands of Christmas concert will be a celebration for the children 12 Bands has helped over the years as well as a kick-off for the organization’s new direction in 2010. The celebration concert will take place at Ft. Discovery on Friday, December 18th and will begin with a special Tara Scheyer & the Mud Puppy Band children’s concert at 4pm. Santa will be at the event to visit with children enjoying the show.

Following the children’s event, the Blue Dogs will host the evening concert, which will begin at 8pm with an opening set from Pat Blanchard. Tickets for the children’s show are $12 in advance; tickets for the evening concert are $25 in advance and $35 at the door if available. All tickets go on sale Monday, November 16th at Fat Man’s Riverfront Café, Fetch Dog Treats and online at www.12BandsOfChristmas.com.

As stated, the celebration concerts kick off the new direction for the 12 Bands of Christmas in 2010 – a yearlong campaign to further research efforts and assist families coping with pediatric cancer. This new direction was inspired by Brennan Simkins, whose fight with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) motivated his family and friends to take action. When 12 Bands was approached to assist in building awareness and raising funds for children like Brennan, the organization knew it was a perfect fit.

This year’s celebration concert brings the Blue Dogs from Charleston, SC back to Augusta because of their personal ties to Brennan and the Simkins family and the band’s desire to further research and awareness for pediatric cancer. This close connection inspired 12 Bands to create a new campaign for 2010 called 12 Bands – 12 Kids. Each month a child who has or has had some form of cancer will be paired up with a band to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer research and the families dealing with the effects of pediatric cancer.

The 12 Bands participating throughout the year will each contribute a holiday song to compile the yearly 12 Bands of Christmas CD, which will be available in November. In addition to this ongoing campaign, the 12 Bands of Christmas will also host four events throughout the year – one each spring, summer, fall and winter to further awareness and raise money for the organization. Children battling cancer deserve to have Christmas all year and the mission of 12 Bands is to combine the universal appeal of music with the universal spirit of giving to support the fight against pediatric cancer. Businesses and individuals can now join the 12 Bands of Christmas as members and assist The 12 Bands of Christmas in the fight against pediatric cancer throughout the year.

For more information about membership, band participation, CD sales, concert information or media inquires, please contact Joe Stevenson at augustaga@mac.com or 706.664.5595.

Interesting and sort of ambitious changes to the concept indeed.......i'll be curious to see how this all actually pans out on a year-round basis........

See y'all at the rock show........

Stak

A CHANCE TO SAY GOODBYE.......the very last stand of The Dirty Left Hand......

2009-11-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

Please do plan to attend to pay your respects and share the last music that will ever be made by this band.......

See y'all at the rock show.......

Stak

HALLOWEEN IS PAST.........so naturally, thoughts turn to Christmas.....

2009-11-03T18:19:00.000-08:00

So i talked earlier about the changes surrounding the annual 12 BANDS OF CHRISTMAS pageant....with the departure of COCO RUBIO from the steering committee and the decision of JOE STEVENSON to leave out the live concert component of the event this year, it was evident from jump street that things were gonna be very different this Christmas for the Augusta music scene........the big question was how.............

Well, over the past 4 or 5 days i've begun to get information that goes a long way toward answering the big question.....what i know for certain is that COCO will be putting on a rather ambitious 3-4 day local music showcase at SKY CITY in December and JOE and the 12 BANDS OF CHRISTMAS charity will be releasing some sort of "best of" retrospective cd.......there is also some information that points towards 12 BANDS aligning itself with the cause of fundraising for pediatric cancer research on a national level......all of these developments intrique me........as they should you.......

Details for Coco's showcase are still being ironed out at this point, but it appears that many of the bands have been selected(at least provisionally)..........

The list of probable participants is as follows...........

DEM iMONDE
THE FAVORS
SHOO FLY PIE
MY INSTANT LUNCH
SAY VANDELAY
DEAD CONFEDERATE
THE CUBISTS
48VOLT
TURF WAR
HOG SLOBBER
GREAT DAY IN THE MORNING
SHAUN PIAZZA BAND
NIGHT PEOPLE
BAYOU BLEU
NO STAR
WILL MCCRANIE AND JACOB BELTZ
DEBT OF NATURE
DEW HICKIES

A little light on the heavy i'd say........but that is one fine list of bands i'd say......there was a time in this town when you couldn't approach that kind of diversity and talent for one event.......and it wasn't that long ago........

Hmmmm..........i'll have more information for you guys as i get it.......or maybe i should say as it becomes firmer......at any rate, keep an eye on this page and the scoop ye shall have............

See y'all at the rock show.......

Stak

WHY CAN'T I ESCAPE THE FEELING THAT THIS IS SOME BULLSHIT?.......

2009-10-31T21:22:00.000-07:00

More power to em i guess........i just think this whole thing is weird........

See ya at COYOTES.........NOT........

Stak

SOME MESSAGES ARE WORTH REPEATING.......would some of you please display a little common courtesy?......didn't think so...

2009-10-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

So by all accounts, THE ROCK AND ROLL CIRCUS to benefit THE GOLDEN HARVEST FOOD BANK held at THE PLAYGROUND last night was a success......lots and lots of folks out in support of an 8 band bill......apparently, everyone was on their best behavior with the exception of one band........here's what CHRIS ANDERSON from FALSE FLAG had to say about it......

No names, but they pretty much hit the height of douchebaggery. Let's see, they asked to get on the bill. The lineup was put out in advance, times and all, but noooo. They have to come in bitching that they were going on later than they had told their friends to come... What, your friends can't get there a few minutes early and maybe catch another band while they wait?? So JJ and Keys adjust things to keep the peace. Well, time comes for their set (after 6 other bands), and lo and behold... Well, ALL of the bands (them included) agreed to share stage backline so we could get 8 bands done in time. Nope, not them. They wait til the band before them FINISH AND CLEAR THEIR GEAR to say "we only use our own amps cause it affects our sound", and then proceed to START to load in from their vehicles!!!! Takes them 25 minutes to set up (other bands averaged 3-5 minutes), and when they were told that they were just gonna have to shorten their set to fit the tight schedule, they nodded and said "fine".. Ok. Well, they had 15 minutes left, then proceeded to play for at least 25 or more minutes, pointedly ignoring Keys and JJ's motions to cut it and wrap it up. The last band to go up, who originally had a 45 minute set, got in 4 songs before closing. Fucking assbags.

This sort of behavior burns me up.........i wrote about it way back in 2006 on my old personal blog......it was a pretty good rant that probably alot of you haven't seen.........so i'll re-run it today.........here we go..........

My band AMERICAN SKIN played a show last night at the world famous SOUL BAR in downtown Augusta,GA...........we essentially had the option of doing the show ourselves, but opted to include a band i won't name here..........their guitar player is friends with our guitar player and the hope was that we could eventually end up doing several shows together in town and out........well all that hope went right down the crapper by the end of the night........what follows is my version of the story........

We are already at the bar when the other band shows up.........though they are opening, they showed up rather late......i don't believe all the band members were present until around 9 or so.......the show was to start at 10:30........so that was the first point deducted for non-professionalism....

Then they proceed to take what must've been about an hour to set up........seriously, it was that long before they played a note........they ended up sound checking after admission was already being charged at the door....second point deducted......

This is not to mention the ridiculous set up this group had........the drummer had a large kit(7 or 8 drums) strapped to a cage which took up about 3/4 of the stage(THE SOUL BAR's stage is relatively small).......add to that 2 guitarists, a bassist and a keyboard player and their assorted and sundry gear and you've got the makings of a clusterfuck........they eventually had to set up a riser next to the stage just so the keyboard player wouldn't have to stand on the floor.......

This next bit is where things get sticky......it would seem obvious that if you are the opening band, you would want to avoid pissing off the band that gave you the oppurtunity to play that night........these boys forged boldly forward, seemingly oblivious that another band was supposed to play that night......it was set forth by Coco(the owner) that they would play from 10:30 until 11:30....which would give them ample time to get their gear off the stage and ours on in time to begin our set by midnight.........they proceeded to play right up to 11:30......at which point the vocalist announces that we're coming up next and they have THREE more songs.........THREE MORE SONGS????!!!!!......ARE YOU KIDDING ME???!?!?!......they end their set 15 minutes over their alloted time....that,my friends is a sure-fire way to piss off the band with whom you're sharing the bill........and damn it all, it's just fucking disrespectful......third point deducted for non-professionalism

That was bad, but not unforgiveable.........what happened next was...unforgiveable that is.........they triumphantly complete their set and leave the stage to chat up their scantily clad female companions(none of whom paid a cover)....leaving their gear sitting there..........at this point, the folks in AMSKIN were beginning to steam.........fourth point deducted for non-professionalism........word to the wise when playing on any multi-band bill.......GET YOUR SHIT OFF THE STAGE POST-HASTE!!!........one would imagine this would be common sense and or common courtesy......this band is apparently devoid of both........

After a few minutes, the drummer and his girlfried get up on the stage and begin breaking down his kit ON THE STAGE!!!!........that's rookie shit.....any moron knows you need to get the kit off the stage before breaking it down........fifth point deducted for non-professionalism..........

At this point i lost my shit.........i went up onstage and shouted to the drummer and his girlie(there was loud music playing over the PA) to get the drums off the stage.....they gave me a confused look and i repeated myself, this time adding that they had already went over their time and we were waiting to get on the stage.....this lit a fire under this guy's ass and he got crackin'.....apparently, he told the rest of the band about the exchange, because they got moving finally as well.........

A little bit later, we're nearly set to go.......i'm onstage behind my drumkit when the other band's tallest member(the bassist) comes up to me onstage and says "Hey man, we don't appreciate your attitude".........I am FUCKING DUMBFOUNDED!!!.....i'm sorry, was i impolite?.......did i offend you?......i tried to explain myself to this mental giant to no avail......he says "bands go over sometimes,dude. it happens"....as rude as i can be, i felt completely justified.......so i'm not really about to apologize(my sense of righteous indignation has got to be right up there in the top 5%)......then this large person(refraining from name-calling here) proceeds to say something to the effect of "enjoy using our gear"......you see, this smart guy was referring to a personal agreement between their guitarist and ours to share an amp............at this point i've had enough of this inane conversation and tell the guy to fuck off and get the fuck off the stage.....enough is enough after all and it was about time for us to play.........the silly fuck........

during our set, a few of the other band's members stood center stage down front......staring me down........silly high school crap.........my vocalist eventually called them on it......."why you wanna give my drummer the stink eye"...he eventually ended up running them off.........

so this entire band is probably still calling me an asshole today.......but if you think i care, you'd be mistaken......they finish the night minus 5 points for non-professionalism........and i choose to take the balance of their punk rock points in addition.......i get 50 punk rock points for getting shit done.........

Apparently, some bands let their egos get in the way of common sense.......and considering how very UNPROFESSIONAL many Augusta bands are, why should we be surprised by this........

I guess i'm feeling a little cynical about these sorts of things today......Happy Halloween,bitches.......y'all be safe out there.........

See y'all at the rock show.....

Stak

AN OLD MACHINE CREAKING BACK TO LIFE....i already warned you of the return of dieAGNOSTIC.......

2009-10-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

Tonight at SKY CITY should be pretty well attended......dieAGNOSTIC returns to the stage for the first time in years......and certain people used to like em pretty good back in the day........i've heard tell that advance ticket sales have been pretty satisfactory.......i've seen terms like "almost sold out" batted about......let's face it folks, you can buy the tickets online......and there's an awful lot of room in the venue......so i'm not entirely sure what "almost sold out" means other than "it'd be cooler if you bought your tickets in advance".......whatever works..........i'm not in need of convincing that there's gonna be a crowd there.........dieAGNOSTIC's audience is all grown up now(well, old enough to drink themselves stupid legally)and is dying to relive those glory days back in the 90's when they sniffed alot of glue and spent alot of precious time trying to get to second base with some girl named Angie who had taken a vow to remain a virgin at least until she was 14 but still wanted to be very very METAL.........there's a whole buncha those fuckers around......and they're gonna raise hell like only folks in their 20's can.......it's gonna be loud in there i bet.......

Oh yeah, there's a buncha other bands playing too..........

See y'all at the rock show......

Stak

I'M GONNA GIVE THE WEHMEYER UNTIL TOMORROW MORNING......to correct a significant fuck up.......

2009-10-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

The man on the left is my uncle.......his name is Jeff Newman.........the man on the right is Billy Reeves.......they both play in DEW HICKIES........but this article has a significant glitch......of sort of biggish proportions as these sorts of articles go.......when you shine a spotlight on someone, you usually want to GET THEIR NAME RIGHT.........it's a fucking newspaper article.........not 2 card Monty.........just sayin'........

Here's the full article........let's see if they correct it by the end of the day.......

CLICK HERE

See y'all at the rock show..........just don't fucking call me Dave Newhall........

Stak

UPDATE: The goof in question was that the subject of the article was listed as JEFF NEWMAN when the interview was done with BILLY REEVES......it was apparently corrected overnight.....i'm told it was a mistake made by the online crew at THE CHRONICLE........so imma have to issue an apology to Wehmeyer this time........but you rest assured, buddy......i GOT MY EYE ON YOU(*points at Wehmeyer, points to eye,points back at Wehmeyer*).........

Stak

NOW THIS IS JUST UNFORTUNATE..........i have an announcement........

2009-10-21T21:11:00.001-07:00

I've talked about this subject in other forums, but i guess i have to announce it here to sort of make things formal.......it would be a dishonor to the project in question to do otherwise........you don't just let good things fade out of the public consciousness if they're important to you.....you have to close the book in a formal fashion........at least that's the way i'm thinkin' right now......

JOE GRAVES AND THE DIRTY LEFT HAND is no more.........FURMAN FOWLER has decided that he would prefer to not pursue the project any longer......i think i can speak for the whole band when i say that we had begun to operate under a pretty high floor of frustration......now this is not to say that we weren't having fun.......we were.........every single rehearsal was a stone blast.......we wrote new music at a blistering pace.........and each and every new tune was like a shot in the arm......i've heard a few people say that we were at the top of our game when Furman quit.....and i think that's an arguable point..........

But the thing is.......no one gave a shit.......no matter what venue we played........no matter what bill we played on.......no matter how shitty or how well we played.......we just could not capture the interest of folks around here.......now friends said over and over "why haven't i come out to see you guys until now. i like the music!"....only to never see another show........lip service?........maybe...........but i think i'm pretty fair judge of music.......and i think the music was pretty damned enjoyable........and so did the members of THE DLH.......but people around here just didn't care.........

Perhaps it has something to do with the band members all being in our 30's and 40's and not having the sort of active social networks that the guys in TURF WAR and GREAT DAY IN THE MORNING and MY INSTANT LUNCH have.......i dunno.........it doesn't matter........it's spilled milk at this point..........

Tracy,Joe and myself wish to continue in some form or another.......not under the same name......maybe a new style of music is in the offing...........but we're gonna need a guitar player......

I need a drink.........

See y'all at the rock show........

Stak

SNAP INTO A SLIMJIM...........bitches.........

2009-10-04T19:45:00.000-07:00

THE STONE DOGS (2) @ Joe's Underground 072509

The blues as a musical structure is a sticky widget.......it's simple and complex all at the same time......in order to pull it off, you have to breathe that 12 bar structure.......that's like breathing to a lot of bedroom guitar tards........but to do it well, you've gotta bring a bit of touch.......true blues cats will tell you it's born of pain and suffering..........not the desire to sound cool like STEVIE RAY VAUGHN.....

Here's the deal.......the BLUEZ is the easiest musical form in the world to fake if you're a hack.........and most drunk people don't care or know the difference........but you best be assured that MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT would take these boys out into the parking lot behind the Lamar building and shoot them dead where they stand on principal..........this is bad music for drunks.....kinda like peanuts and popcorn at the bar are nothing more than carbs for a beer hollowed stomach.........it fills the hollow, but so does sawdust......it aint filet mignon.......and because the average spectator is ETOH impaired, they don't care........"fuck it, i'll take the donkey behind door number three,Chuck Sajak! I'm deeeruuunk! WOOOO! BLUEZ! WOOO!".....

The trouble with meth addiction is that it makes you think you deserve to play the blues.......YOU DON'T.........so just suck it up and keep hanging that drywall.......that's what pays your bills......why mess with methfection?.......HEEEEEL YEEEAHHH!

See y'all at the rock show.......

Stak

IT'S ALMOST HALLOWEEN!...........do you know where you buried the bodies?......

2009-10-03T05:52:00.000-07:00

A bit of crass commercialism.......go to BLOODFEST,yo!.........or else be very UN-metal and all that shit.......

See y'all at the rock show........

Stak

WELCOME JOHN IRIE LEOPARD!.......congrats to Jordan and Julie!

2009-09-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

CON is happy to announce the birth of John Irie Leopard to Julie and Jordan Leopard......you guys know Jordan......he's the portly fellow who brutalizes the skins funkily for JEMANI......Jordan and Julie are two of the nicest people you'll ever meet(just don't expect a shred of mercy if you happen to square off against Julie in fantasy football, you won't get it.....then she'll laugh and piss all over your play off hopes after she's done hanging an obscene amount of points on your shitty team)........anyhow we're happy to welcome young master John to our musical family......he was born 09/22/09 at 10:43 am-8.5 lbs.-20.5.....sturdy stats to be sure......CON thinks babies are great.....it's just the assholes that some of these innocents grow into with whom we so heartily take issue........something tells me little John will grow into a fine adult if his folks are any indication.....

So again..........CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU GUYS!.......YOU DID GOOD!.........

See y'all at the rock show......

Stak

THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED....it'll bomb the radio........internet radio that is.......

2009-09-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

Chris Anderson goes by the handle GUAPO in this community.......it seems the interwebs have led to most of us having nicknames........his username means handsome in spanish.......whether or not that is an appropriate moniker for the guy is open to debate....beauty IS in the eye of the beholder after all......i think he's an ugly fucker personally......but what do i know about dudes.........other than the fact that Henry Wynn III likes nothing better than a hard throbbing phallus shoved right up his keister.........

I digress..........

Chris posted the following missive today on THE SOUL BAR MESSAGE BOARD.........i for one am intrigued............

I've always been interested in setting up a local music internet station, but didn't want to pay the monthly fees, abide by the pay service restrictions, or deal with the bandwidth restrictions of doing SHOUTcast, etc... Well, I now have access to server space sitting on a farm with multi-OC3 connections...

SO, I'm gonna splurge on the software I need to cast from my (or any) PC to the server-side software to do massive multicast internet radio. That means (for all intents and purposes) the ability to stream audio to thousands of simultaneous listeners with no latency.

But to do this, I'm gonna need local music. And a TON of it. In the next couple weeks, I'll be setting up an upload site where artists can send up their MP3's direct from their PC's, or they can mail or just hand me their music on a CD and I'll rip and upload. There will be a submission form, so that the artist name, album name, release date, stories on how the track came to be, etc will be available for the "host" to throw out there!

There will be NO genre-snobbery on this project. The only requirement is that you be local. Or maybe sub-regional at most, but ONLY bands and artists that actually play right here in the CSRA will be aired. Bands from out of town that are coming to play can also submit tracks so that folks can hear what coming to town.

Promoters will have the opportunity to submit their upcoming shows, free of charge as long as it's a local show. I would like local artists to submit interviews, promotions, or just tracks where you take a few minutes to talk about the tracks that you've submitted for play! Venue owners will also be welcome to plug their spots and shows. And we'll even take fan submissions to talk about their favorite bands or songs! DJ's are also welcome to submit original compositions, or local music remixes...

I have the means and the will to do this. I just need to know that I'll have the support from the music community to get me the material I need to get the ball rolling.

Opinions, Please!!! I'm in the very beginning of the planning phase of this thing, and I welcome any and all input! Advice and contributions from those of you who have been down this road before is especially welcome! **hint, Stoney, Stak, Etc...**

We'll see where this goes.........but i am a little excited about all the possibilities afforded local musicians in the internet age......when i was a young pup, if you wanted people to know about your show down to the VFW, you had to put up 500 paper fliers.......my how things have changed........the whole world is at your fingertips........so is home.........

See y'all at the rock show.......

Stak

THEY GOT IT ALL WRONG............they really really did.......

2009-09-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

The outcome of this year's AUGUSTA CHRONICLE SINGER-SONGWRITER CONTEST has been discussed ad nauseum between LOKAL LOUDNESS, THE SOUL BAR MESSAGE BOARD and my CONFEDERATION OF LOUDNESS show yesterday evening.......i have been plenty active in these convos because i was stunned by what i witnessed Saturday night.......as was everyone around me at the Commons that evening.......someone got left out........the most polished,complete,musically sound performance of that night was turned in at the end of the evening by that unassuming gentleman in the photo........RONNIE HILL in my opinion deserved to win plain and simple....he didn't even place...that is not to take away from the other contestants......this year, the talent level was very high with the exception of Ryan Gay(how does he continue to weasel his way into these things)......the winners GREAT DAY IN THE MORNING are exciting to me and an excellent band.........WILL McCRANIE continues to evolve as a songwriter and perhaps best embodied the true intent of this contest........CHRIS NDETI displayed excellent voice but clearly doesn't have the caliber of lyricism that most of the other contestants possess.......i performed with JOE STEVENSON and from a songwriting perspective he is elite in this town(don't tell Joe that i was jealous of PWM back in the day)..........ADAM DOOLITTLE took me by surprise a little bit with his sheepish approach to a tune that just happened to be backed up by a very Chris Isaak-like voice.....it was the kid's 3rd time ever on a public stage........he handled his business pretty good i thought.........i told him that he needed to form a band as he got off stage.........and he does........

But then there was Ronnie.........backed up by a beast of a band......playing these tunes that maybe no one besides myself,Stoney,Travis Petrea and the musicians who played on his recording even knew that he had in him........Bakersfield country all over again right here in our home town.........sure his submission song is a bit on the silly side, but it's still great.........the other songs in the set displayed excellent depth.........and to put it quite simply, i was blown away.........

So i'm not quite sure what the judges saw that made them come to the conclusion that they did........especially when second place winner CHRIS NDETI was up there singing JANIS JOPLIN songs........seriously........covers in a songwriting competition?.........you're kidding me right?.........

I think those judges got it BAD wrong........perhaps they have a prejudice against country music........our mayor DEKE COPENHAVER was one of the judges......he told me that he relied on the musical expertise of the other two judges......but that he liked Ronnie's music alot........as much as i respect Deke as our mayor, i am concerned by his inability to get this little bitty decision correct.......i'm sure he has to make tons and tons of itty bitty decisions on a daily basis.......and some real big ones too........hope he gets THOSE right.......

RONNIE HILL was the clear winner in this contest to my ears.......and i know a WHOLE LOT of people who agree with me........my wife was shocked and she doesn't even like country music..........

So having said all that, i'd like to get down on my knees and beg at this time..........PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON'T GO,RONNIE HILL.........please bring that show to the public..........don't let this be the last time those songs are performed live........

That's all i got to say about that........

See y'all at the rock show......

Stak

I MISS YOU ALREADY HONEY...why are you such a fuck up?...

2009-09-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

See y'all at the rock show....

Stak

I SUPPOSE CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER!........another one bites the dust........

2009-09-15T18:35:00.001-07:00

For those who do not know, one of my favorite musicians in this town is also my favorite cousin........TRAVIS PETREA is currently the bass player for THE VELLOTONES, but has also contributed distinquished service to SNAPDRAGON,HORSEPOWER, and JOSH PIERCE GROUP among others......that's him in the pic above in NEW ORLEANS two years ago at THE SUGAR BOWL(Go Dawgs!)........even more people know him as bartender and part owner of METRO A COFFEEHOUSE......

Congratulations to that man........he was wed to a wonderful girl yesterday in a very quiet and private ceremony......my Grandma served as witness and my great uncle Jay was the justice of the peace......CON would like to take this opportunity to wish the happy couple all the best and a very happy future........GO MAKE BABIES,TRAV!.........your momma would explode she'd be so happy...........

See y'all at the rock show........

Stak

SATURDAY NIGHT'S ALRIGHT.........for fighting........

2009-08-30T10:34:00.001-07:00

Here's what Coco Rubio had to say about last night's TURF WAR show...........

dang, it's fun to do a show like this at soul bar.....

great crowd.....

both bands were rockin'.....

the agenda (john robinson's brother's band) opened the show.....& even did a superchunk cover for me!

the guitar player, ryan, runs the kindercore label in athens....and LOVED augusta......which is always cool.

turf war sounded the best i've heard them yet....

and, or course, it ain't a turf war show until somebody gets into a fight....

so....there is was..... a fight breaks out.....

the band keeps playing....

the fight continues....

the band continues to play....

and never missed a beat.....

awesome.

So as i see it, certain of our local bands induce fights..........with the big three being TURF WAR, TBUC and HOGSLOBBER........do people just drink more at these bands' shows?......or is it the music providing the catalyst for fisticuffs?........isn't it refreshing that no one feels the need to go get a gun and shoot the dude that just kicked their ass?...........does TURF WAR naturally attract assholes?...........who knows......anyhow, they have some new music up on their myspace page(does anyone besides bands actually still use myspace?).......it sounds alot like their old music.......which is pretty damned good......they're working on an EP i think.........bout fucking time.........

See y'all at the rock show.......

Stak

CONTROL.........it's required from time to time.....

2009-08-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

JOE GRAVES AND THE DIRTY LEFT HAND was too loud last night....my fault i think.....i was revved up and the band was sounding great........but too loud...lots of folks got their drinks in plastic cups and listened from the sidewalk.....the good news?...they didn't leave......but after decades of playing to live audiences, i'm still making stupid mistakes.....don't do as i do....tailor your show to the venue you're playing.........

I must mention that THE FAVORS were EXCELLENT last night...you can expect to see more and more of them in the coming months......a funky and eclectic band with a horn section that begs to be danced to.......is it just me or are the bands around here getting better and better with each new arrival(qualifier: THE FAVORS have been around for awhile, they just haven't been very active.......so it's kinda like they're new......savvy?)........truly, the musical palette around here is expanding with each addition to the scene......i like that.........

Go see TURF WAR at THE SOUL BAR tonight.........

See y'all at the rock show.....

Stak

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS LYNN WEBSTER (MUSICALLY)?

2009-08-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

For those of you that doesn't know who Lynn is....he is a shredder who has played with local bands such as BROTHER REDD, PITBOSS & BLACK SHEEP. He took some time off earlier this year...regrouped....formed the band DROP VOODOO http://www.myspace.com/dropvoodoorocks

---and disappeared.

Or so it seemed.

Lynn is currently working for the always-busy TONY HOWARD (does the man EVER get a free weekend off?) as sound technician and jack-of-all-trades.

Let's hope Lynn can find some time to play the guitar again....maybe a weeknight gig.

00:39 Seconds of LYNN WEBSTER

CRYPTIC MESSAGES..........Dem iMonde hints at change........

2009-08-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

Above is the current default photo for DEM iMONDE's myspace page......they sent out a bulletin stating that they had big news and to be sure to check out their page.......apparently, they have added a fourth member to the group based on this photo and the fact that a fourth member by the name of SEAN LEVEN is listed on their myspace page....is Sean a guy or a girl?.......good question........how will the addition of a new member(male or female) affect the chemistry and sound of this already wildly adventurous group?.......another good question......

To find out the answers to these queries, i guess we'll all just have to go and check the band out when they next play live........September 18th at ARTS IN THE HEART OF AUGUSTA..........

See y'all at the rock show......

Stak

THE ENDALLS @ Joe's Underground 08-22-09

2009-08-25T06:53:00.000-07:00

THE ENDALLS @ Joe's Underground 082209

1st AUGUSTA GUITARISTS SUMMIT---What do YOU think?

2009-08-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

Here's the pitch:

I talk to these 5 guys on a regular basis--and they have shared their stories with me. I truly feel they should share their stories with others...and give the up-and-coming musicians a chance to further perfect their craft in popular music. There is a WEALTH of knowledge and experience to learn from them.

If this summit is successful, another summit would be held at a later date--with a different round of 5 guitarists from the area. A DVD would be made of each summit to sell. Plus, it would preserve the rich musical heritage that Augusta has to offer. Who knows, other summits could be held (drummers, bassists, etc.).

Here's my pick of the first round of musicians (not necessarily in any order):

1. Michael Baideme
2. Ken Gabriel
3. Keith Jenkins
4. Steve Mitchell
5. Geoff Guthrie

Rhythm Section: Michael West (drums) & David Heath (bass)

Future guitar summit participants for consideration:

1. Robbie Ducey
2. Frank Brittingham (Dixie Grit, which later became Dixie Dregs)
3. Wouldn't it be nice to get Steve Morse to come down as a special guest? I wish.
4. Ruskin Yeargain
5. John Kolbeck
6. Joe Stevenson
7. Jim Morano
8. and the list goes on and on.........

So what do you think???? And for those of you with negative comments in your mind, soul & heart...research my pitch carefully before you type your response.

Don't make that Nitty Gritty Dirt Band song about Augusta ( An American Dream) turn out to be the truth.

NUMBER 9--Behind the scenes @ The Imperial Theatre

2009-08-21T08:48:00.001-07:00

Behind the scenes footage- ED TURNER & NUMBER 9 @ The Imperial Theatre 081509

BIG AL LOOKS RIGHT AT HOME IN THE ORIENT.........damn i'm jealous!........

2009-08-16T20:44:00.001-07:00

I aint gotta say shit about this image............y'all kick ass out there JEREMY GRAHAM BAND!................

See y'all at the rock show...........

Stak

Getting your SWYRV on--Joe's Underground--August 15, 2009

2009-08-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

This vid needs some commentary from me before you view.

There's a patron in this clip that was pretty much feeling no pain during the taping. I pixellated his image to protect the fact this guy probably has a decent job out there somewhere--and would probably be reprimanded if his superiors saw this footage. I don't HAVE to protect his image, for he is in a public venue...and overall, he is responsible for his public conduct.

But it is what it is.

Don't worry--he had buddies with him--responsible drivers--they took him home immediately after this song.

What is the moral of this commentary? Not every photographer or every videographer will have the same standards as I do. Be aware of that.

GO AHEAD ANONYMOUS AUGUSTA!.........rip this music scene a new one because we all know you think nothing good would ever come out of this town.....

2009-08-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

The title line up there has a limit to the number of characters you can use(why must you restrain me Blogspot!?)......otherwise i would've added "plus we all know you're an asshole" to the title........i stumbled across the following in the Whine Line in the Metro Spirit today(it is from last week's edition).......

To the whiner who said that DieAgnostic was so great. Start living in this century and stop holding a candle for that dated, overblown noise.

Why does this town feel the need to piss all over the creative endeavors of its own citizens?(i know, i know, i'm guilty too...but you gotta admit that if i take a swipe at a local musician, they usually deserve it)..........why was this comment even necessary?....why is this person trying to steal the joy from someone who actually made a POSITIVE comment in THE METRO SPIRIT whine line?......back in their day, dieAGNOSTIC was one of the most popular bands around town.......and personally, i don't see anything wrong about being excited by the reunion of a band you enjoyed back in the day....well-timed reunion shows have become more and more common here.....and i just don't think there's anything wrong with them.......they are by and large alot of fun........and a WHOLE lot of folks are gonna have a good time at BLOODFEST this October.....the dieAGNOSTIC reunion is gonna be the main reason for all those folks enjoying themselves......

See y'all at the rock show.......

Stak

MICHAEL PATTERSON - Unplugged- @ Shannon's Food & Spirits 08-11-09

2009-08-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

Michael Patterson-UNPLUGGED @ Shannon's Food & Spirits

NIGHTWOLF REUNION SHOW @ 1102 BACK BAR 07-16-09

2009-08-10T03:44:00.000-07:00

NIGHTWOLF REUNION SHOW (1) @ 1102 Back Bar 7-16-09

L. i. E.- PERFORMING @ HEADLINERS MAINSTAGE- Columbia, SC

2009-08-10T03:31:00.001-07:00

Recorded August 1, 2009.

L. i. E. @ -2 Headliners-Columbia (SC) 080109

THE PERFECT TOOL (Tool Tribute Band) @ Sky City 08-06-09

2009-08-10T03:19:00.000-07:00

THE PERFECT TOOL @ Sky City Augusta 080609 (9)

CONFEDERATIONofNOISEMAKERS

ON BEING THE OLD GUY IN THE CLUB...and things I saw and heard this past week

THE SHIFTING LANDSCAPE....change is painful,folks

WHAT I LEARNED AT THE KROC CENTER GRAND OPENING...

YOUR TITLE'S ON THE LINE...and you have no idea against whom you defend...

THAT ANDREW BENJAMIN....always making a scene...

THERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS...take yer act on the road,Augusta

MORE TO THIS THAN NOSTALGIA...it's timeless stuff...

THE END OF AN ERA?....new chapter coming up?

THE BEAUTY I WAS NEARLY GONNA SEE IN PERSON...and the phoenix that is the venue...

WHO IS THE ATOM BLONDE?....guessing it'd be the band member with boobs...

THE RADAR CINEMA & MORGAN PARHAM...on a tear...

SHOW RECOMMENDATION....7/16/2011

SO I HAD AN IDEA...and we all know how dangerous that can be...

THIS IS NOT THE WAY TO GO....honor thy godfather, don't kill his people...

KIBBLES AND BITS! KIBBLES AND BITS AND BITS AND BITS AND BITS.....

DON DON DON...........where's your head,man.....

I CAN'T POST THE EVIDENCE......now all of a sudden they're hiding the sucktitude under rocks.....

TIM BRANTLEY.............that's what's up......

YOUR SHOW RECOMMENDATION FOR THE EVENING......a really tasty platter....

THE IRONIC INDIE ROCK MUSTACHE........is about as cool as toenail fungus.

ANY OLD REASON....to see Tim Brantley and My Instant Lunch...

PARALLEL UNIVERSES..........Augusta and Little Rock....

THE AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HATES DRUMMERS!...

GIMME SOME SUGAR.......round two for Dead Confed.......

I MAY HAVE AN ORGASM..........just typing this.......

ROGER DAVIS' MAIN SQUEEZE........your next mayor?

TINKERING UNDERNEATH THE HOOD......COL tries something completely different.

SAYING GOODBYE NEVER GETS ANY EASIER.....R.I.P. Larry Jon Wilson.

THIS IS FOR THEIR OWN GOOD...........and maybe for the rest of us too.....

YOU SHOULDN'T BE LEAVIN' EMPTY HANDED........freakin' Horsepower returns!

SOME SUNDAYS YOU GET......the kibbles and bits.

GOT AN AMERICAN AQUARIUM?......you're gonna need some HORSEPOWER for that....

THE CUBISTS.............are the best band ever from Augusta....

GOT A SWEET TOOTH?........DEAD CONFEDERATE can help you out with that...

HONOR THY GODFATHER....happy birthday JB!

THE ONLY THING CONSTANT......is change....

STOP! HEY WHAT'S THAT SOUND........everybody look what's goin' down.....

MRS. BROWN YOU'VE GOT A LOVELY DAUGHTER.....so i shagged her silly.

AUGUSTA BANDS, IT'S FOR YOUR OWN GOOD.....because there's no way you'll do it yourselves.....

IT'S GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME...........better better better...

GREAT STRIDES...........Augusta music rising.......

DAVE MERCER AINT SO BAD AFTER ALL......look what he made!

FINALLY........Shaun Piazza Band delivers third cd, proud papas each of em...

ACTHUNG YOU SALTY MOTHERFUCKERS!.............D....B...T...........

LiE AT THE LOKAL LOUDNESS CHOICE AWARDS........

Critic met match in local band | The Augusta Chronicle

MORE VIDEO COVERAGE.....from The Lokal Loudness Choice Awards Show......

Lokal Loudness Choice Awards -- Vol. 6 | The Augusta Chronicle

BECAUSE THE LEAD SINGER TOLD ME TO........that's why......

JUST BE THERE...........your show recommendation for the evening.......

WHEN THE STARS FALL..........the upcoming third release by Shaun Piazza Band....

BIG ED'S RETIREMENT FOR HEALTH REASONS.......proves to be short lived.......

KIBBLES AND BITS.......the chock full edition.......

NEON CHRIST.........the world needs more of it.......

OLD HABITS DIE HARD......Ladies and Gents, the most excellent Ronnie Hill!

BEST BAND NAME.............EVAR!...........

THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS A FREE LUNCH.....but you can get some pretty nifty free music if you look in the right place....

KIBBLES AND BITS..........just the facts, ma'am.......

WHO DID THEIR THING THESE PAST TEN?.......Augusta bands that handled business over the last decade.....

WOW..........somebody knock the cobwebs off my keyboard!.........

YOUR SHOW RECOMMENDATION FOR THE EVENING.....tis the season and whatnot.....

HOT MOTHERFUCKING ROCK GAWDS Y'ALL!.........move over Stone Dogs, i got a new fave.......

HOLIDAY SPIRITS..........waaaaayyy too much of em!

THE SHAPE OF 12 BANDS TO COME..........the revision of an institution.....

FAREWELLS, FOND AND OTHERWISE..........always suck.

I AM NEVER EVER WRONG..........at least, i'm not wrong this time......

MORE CRASS COMMERCIALISM.......a good day for a band to die,indeed.......

BAND AIDE I DRAWS TO A CLOSE......somebody's gonna win a bunch of stuff.....

GFOS VS. GOAT..........a damned cool cartoon........

BIG DICK CONTESTS..........yeah, i'm talkin bout you "heavy" bands.....

SMOKING HOT!............Charlie Daniels is afraid.........

FINALLY, WE HAVE NEW INFO ON THE FATE OF 12 BANDS OF CHRISTMAS.......Christmas times they are a'changin'......

A CHANCE TO SAY GOODBYE.......the very last stand of The Dirty Left Hand......

HALLOWEEN IS PAST.........so naturally, thoughts turn to Christmas.....

WHY CAN'T I ESCAPE THE FEELING THAT THIS IS SOME BULLSHIT?.......

SOME MESSAGES ARE WORTH REPEATING.......would some of you please display a little common courtesy?......didn't think so...

AN OLD MACHINE CREAKING BACK TO LIFE....i already warned you of the return of dieAGNOSTIC.......

I'M GONNA GIVE THE WEHMEYER UNTIL TOMORROW MORNING......to correct a significant fuck up.......

NOW THIS IS JUST UNFORTUNATE..........i have an announcement........