Crib Notes

Thurs., Feb. 18 — Facehugger, Back Pockets, Nomen Novum. The Back Pockets’ singer, banjo player and founding member, Emily Kempf, radiates with genuine excitement when explaining that she prefers to be called “Em!” (exclamation point included). It’s easy to mistake the group’s unplugged balance of juvenilia and ramshackle folk-and-noise drawl for an urban take on the hippie experience. But the Back Pockets’ lo-fi musical theatrics are convoluted affairs. Continue reading … $3. 9 p.m. 529, 529 Flat Shoals Ave. 404-228-6769.

Thurs., Feb.  18 — We Were Promised Jetpacks, Royal Bangs, Bad Veins. $10. 6:30 p.m. Masquerade, 695 North Ave. 404-577-8178.

Thurs., Feb 18 — The Bonaventure Quartet feat. Amy Pike. Nice N’ Naasty 80’s Discoteque w/ DJ Adam Bomb and DJ Notech follows. $8. 7pm. Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge. 644 N. Highland Ave. 404-874-5756.

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RAT PACK THROWBACK: Jamie Foxx promises a “variety show.”

Let’s face it — Jamie Foxx can do just about anything he wants. After he accidentally leaked a pickle shot onto the Internet, he claimed the nude self-portrait was for an upcoming movie role. After he joked on his satellite radio show that Miley Cyrus should make a sex tape and do some heroin, he simply apologized to her and all was immediately forgiven. No one holds anything against him because, well, he’s one of the great talents of his generation, a Rat Pack throwback who can act, tell jokes and sing.

Oddly, Foxx still feels like he has to prove himself when it comes to his musical prowess, despite his latest album, Intuition, being his second consecutive R&B smash. “Until you get a chance to define another side of your career, people will always say, ‘You’re doing it as a hobby,’” he imparts by phone.

Continue reading “Jamie Foxx: The master of the entertainment universe”

(Photo by John Russo)

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The Incredible Sandwich plays Sweetwater Brewing Company, Thurs., Aug. 27.

WED/26

FLAMING LIPS, EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY, STARDEATH & WHITE DWARFS The Lips evolved from widescreen acid-rocking punks into mad layered pop geniuses during the past quarter-century, uniting the spacey and elegantly beautiful. Dynamic instrumentalists Explosions in the Sky’s symphonies have sharper, more aerodynamic edges. $43. 7:30 p.m. Chastain Park Amphitheatre. 404-233-2227. www.classicchastain.com. — Chris Parker

THE RESCUES This half male/female quartet is comprised of respected singer/songwriters whose own folk-pop is critically acclaimed. But together they prove the axiom that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. That’s especially true when the Fleetwood Mac-styled harmonies start flying. $15-$75. 8 p.m. Eddie’s Attic. 404-377-4976. www.eddiesattic.com. — Hal Horowitz

THURS/27

ELIZA GILKYSON, DEDE VOGT In an ocean of talented singer/songwriters, Gilkyson stands out with her “cut to the bone” honesty and insight. Turning darkness into beauty is an art, and Gilkyson is a true purveyor. Local songster Vogt opens. $18-$90. 8 p.m. Eddie’s Attic. 404-377-4976. www.eddiesattic.com. — James Kelly

ENSEMBLE PAMPELMOUSSE This NYC crew of modern classical misfits is bent on exploring the outer limits of electronic and improvised music. Remarkable chemistry binds the group’s members, and their camaraderie is just as important to their sound as their virtuoso skills when it comes to manning a procession of flute, strings, drums and knobs on their trek. $8. 8 p.m. Eyedrum. 404-522-0655. www.eyedrum.org. — Chad Radford

THE INCREDIBLE SANDWICH This Athens quartet dig deep grooves filled with jazz-blues-folk-funk ganache spilling out a spunky mix of the Dead, MM&W, and Weather Report. Their debut EP ranges from jazzy pop atmospheres to expansive fusion jams with a rootsy undercurrent. Free. 5:30 p.m. Sweetwater Brewing Company. 404-691-2537. www.sweetwaterbrew.com. — Chris Parker

Continue reading “CL’s picks for the week’s best shows”

(Photo by Nathan Rodriguez)

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Drew Holcomb plays Eddie’s Attic Wed., August 5.
WED/5

DREW HOLCOMB East Nashville-based singer/guitarist Holcomb’s original songs range from feel-good folk-rock (“Love Is Magic”) to sweet country love ballads (“Hung the Moon”). $10-$50. 8 p.m. Eddie’s Attic. 404-872-5338. www.eddiesattic.com. — Mark Gresham

GIFT HORSE, REPTAR, CO CO RI CO Athens’ Gift Horse quartet creates dark, atmospheric songs that waft like thick, black smoke over a desolate landscape — too riveting to be called shoegazer, and too rocking to be called trip-hop. Co Co Ri Co plays slightly faster but jagged pop numbers, while Reptar concocts a clutter of staccato art pop. $5-$7. 9 p.m. Drunken Unicorn. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net. — Chad Radford

THUR/6

BILLY JOE SHAVER, ADLER & HEARNE Called “the best songwriter alive” by Willie Nelson, Shaver keeps cranking out great work. He has been around the block, but always keeps smiling. Talented Texas folkies Adler & Hearne open with their sweet harmonies. $25-$40. 8 p.m. Eddie’s Attic. 404-377-4976. www.eddiesattic.com. — James Kelly

Continue reading “CL’s picks for the week’s best shows”

(Photo courtesy Drew Holcomb)

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Note: Show info for the Davila 666 show is stated improperly in the “Air Loaf” audio. The show takes place Sat., Aug. 1, at the Earl, as written below.

CL’s Chanté LaGon and Chad Radford chat about Davila 666, a band that some people call Puerto Rico’s answer to the Black Lips. Davila 666 plays the Earl this Sat., Aug. 1.

Air Loaf is broadcast weekdays on 1690 WMLB-AM at approximately 8:10 a.m., 12:20 p.m. and 6:20 p.m.

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Cracker plays the Earl Wed., July 22.

WED/22
CRACKER Rootsy wise guy David Lowery and shotgun-riding guitarist Johnny Hickman may never have a “Low”-sized radio hit again, but 17 years along in their remarkably consistent career, Cracker’s new album is as musically gutsy and lyrically sharp as anything in the band’s catalog. $18-$20. 8 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — Hal Horowitz

THUR/23
JAAFAR The city of Birmingham may not be considered a bastion of progressive soul, but with the layered debut album Travel Light, B’ham native Jaafar is breaking the mold. Rich vocals, narrative lyrics and lush production make Jaafar one of the genre’s most respected rising talents. In short time, he’s proving he has the goods to carve out his own lane. Free. 8 p.m. Café Circa. 404-477-0008. www.cafecircaatl.com. — Jacinta Howard

MAIA SHARP Despite penning songs for a wide array of rootsy Americana artists such as Bonnie Raitt, the Dixie Chicks, and er, Cher, Sharp’s own albums have flown under the radar. Enter super-producer Don Was to give her latest set of melodic singer/songwriter musings a high-profile boost and bid for mass attention. $12-$60. 8 p.m. Eddie’s Attic. 404-377-4976. www.eddiesattic.com. — HH

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(Photo courtesy Jason Thrasher)

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WED/3
THE DECEMBERISTS The chamber pop quintet engages fanciful folklore with baroque instrumentation and prog-rock arrangements. Their ability to pull it off is a testament to front man Colin Meloy’s storytelling and the group’s musical talent. $27.50. 8 p.m. Tabernacle. 404-659-9022. www.livenation.com. — Chris Parker

THURS/4
TAB BENOIT, LEGENDARY JC’S Louisiana bluesman Benoit might be a frequent visitor but that doesn’t make his Telecaster driven swamp rock any less riveting. Recent shows have him stripping down from his roaring trio with an acoustic solo mid-set performance that further showcases Benoit’s underrated soulful voice. $17.50. 8 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar. 404-875-1522. www.smithsoldebar.com. — Hal Horowitz

WAYNE HANCOCK The train is a roadhouse boogie warrior, and didn’t let a nasty dustup stop his tour. Grooming a couple of fresh faces on stage every night, they should be pretty dang good by the time they get here. $12. 9PM. The EARL. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — James Kelly

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CL’s Chanté LaGon an Chad Radford chat about Bonnie “Prince” Billy and his newest album Beware. Billy plays at the Variety Playhouse tonight, May 29.

Air Loaf is broadcast weekdays on 1690 WMLB-AM at approximately 8:10 a.m., 12:20 p.m. and 6:20 p.m.

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BRANDI CARLILE

WED/20
BRANDI CARLILE Indigo Girls-approved singer/songwriter Carlile returns to Eddie’s for a stripped-down performance. Her rich voice has filled halls and arenas, so hearing her introspective musings in such an intimate setting is a rare treat. Sold out. 10 p.m. Eddie’s Attic. 404-377-4976. www.eddiesattic.com. — Hal Horowitz

THURS/21
KRS-ONE The Blastmaster KRS-One anoints Hip Hop Appreciation Week in Atlanta with a host of city all-stars: Killer Mike, Bone Crusher, Nappy Roots, Stacey Epps, A. Leon Craft, Ness Lee, the Beat Gods, Señor Kaos, 4-IZE, Punchlyne, Stahhr, Adrift da Belle, Bobby Creekwater, Stat Quo, Stanza, Dres tha Beatnik, Clan Destined, and the Regime, along with DJs Majestik and Feel X. $20. 9 p.m. The Loft. 404-885-1365. www.theloftatl.com. — Rodney Carmichael

THOMAS FUNCTION, CARNIVORES, PAPER KNIVES Huntsville, Alabama’s Thomas Function takes the best parts of soul, garage, rock, gospel and shoegaze and wraps it all into one dirty Southern punk jam. Carnivores play spiraling, art-damaged indie rock. Paper Knives also perform. $7. 9 p.m. 529. 404-228-6769. www.529atl.com. — Chad Radford

FRI/22
BOB LOG III, WILLEM MAKER A near perfect double bill matches the raw, Fat Possum label’s swamp stomp of Maker with Log’s one-man-band banging blues/garage/techno schtick. Prepare for some freaked out, twisted hoodoo. $10-$12. 9 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — HH

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SHOW BUSINESS: Keyshia Cole

After witnessing Keyshia Cole endure verbal spats with her mom and DNA tests with random guys claiming to be her dad, you’d think her hit BET reality show “Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is” has revealed everything there is to know about the artist.

Sure, she’s probably a little too tolerant of her unrefined mother, Frankie. And yeah, she’s got a giving spirit, as suggested by the extended family she helps support. But Keyshia Cole’s also a perfectionist when it comes to her career.

After being a featured act in Lil’ Wayne’s I Am Music tour earlier this year, Cole could have easily reprised many of the show’s technical elements for her A Different Me tour. Her legion of followers wouldn’t have cared a lick. But that’s not what Keyshia wanted.

Continue reading “There’s no business like personal business for Keyshia Cole”

(Photo courtesy Keyshia Cole)

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CHEEKY APPEARANCE: Jayne County

Best known for her contributions to the New York punk and glam scene of the ’70s and ’80s, Jayne County has always been outspoken. Originally from Dallas, Ga., County (known as Wayne before undergoing the transformation to womanhood) fled Atlanta in the ’60s after one too many threats from intolerant locals who didn’t approve of her androgynous appearance.

Having moved back to Georgia a few years ago to take care of her ailing parents, County will use her influence for a different cause this weekend as she headlines the (You Could Tell I Was No) DebuTAUNT Ball to benefit PAWS Atlanta. She’ll debut an all-new band (her first with all Atlanta musicians) in a rare live performance, and also display some of her recent artwork.

During her heyday, County starred in Andy Warhol’s Pork stage production, hung out with the likes of Debbie Harry and Lou Reed, and claims to have inspired everything from David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona to John Cameron Mitchell’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

Continue reading “The outspoken Jayne County returns to her roots”

(Photo by Michael Fox)

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When Charles Walker opens his mouth, the sounds of ’60s soul come tumbling out. With the aid of his backing band the Dynamites, the 65-year-old soul man delivers what Dynamites bandleader/guitarist Bill Elder calls “authentic, full-on, super-hard-drivin’ funk — and the soul bag, too.”

But it’s not all about gruntin’ and groanin’. Walker’s soaring soul sounds like a mix of Johnny Adams and the high tenor of Sam Moore of the legendary ’60s duo Sam and Dave.

Like many soul greats, Walker honed his craft in church. “I wasn’t really what you’d call a true gospel singer, but I still have those flavors,” he says. “I did start in the church, but worked my way out of it.”

In 1960, when he was 16, he left his hometown of Nashville to try his luck in New York. Walker was hired right away as an opening act for James Brown’s backing outfit, the J.C. Davis Band, which had heard him in Nashville.

Continue reading “Charles Walker and the Dynamites blow up the spot

(Photo courtesy Charles Walker and the Dynamites)

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CL’s Chanté LaGon and Chad Radford chat abut upcoming shows for the weekend, including Carnivores at 529 (Fri., May 1), Herman Hitson at the Drunken Unicorn (Sat., May 2), and the Pains of Being Pure at Heart at the Earl (Sun., May 3).

Check out this week’s Sound Menu for a more comprehensive list of upcoming shows.

Air Loaf is broadcast weekdays on 1690 WMLB-AM at approximately 8:10 a.m., 12:20 p.m. and 6:20 p.m.

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INCESTUOUS: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

With a cringe-worthy moniker and musical restraint that makes Belle & Sebastian sound like Quiet Riot, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart are not for the casual indie-pop listener. But for fans of fuzzy-guitar-drenched melodies, melancholy songwriting and well-crafted shoegaze, they don’t come any finer.

Formed in 2007, the New York quartet has rocketed to the top of the pops (or at least the top of the blogosphere) through its ’90s-throwback, wall of sound stylings, which have drawn comparisons to bands like My Bloody Valentine and the Jesus and Mary Chain. After releasing a string of singles and EPs and being hyped by outlets such as Stereogum, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart released its self-titled debut in February. The album quickly won praises from the likes of the New York Times and Pitchfork, which named it “Best New Music.” The album “mixes sparkling melodies with an undercurrent of sad bastard mopery,” Pitchfork’s Ian Cohen wrote, castigating critics who peg the band as derivative. “You’re just being a dick if you think the past has some kind of patent on that. That’s just the way good pop music works.”

Continue reading “The Pains of Being Pure at Heart wear it on their sleeves”

(Photo by Pavla Kopecna)

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CL’s Chanté LaGon and Chad Radford chat about upcoming shows for the weekend, including Tealights at the Drunken Unicorn (Sat., April 25), Jamie Stewart from Xiu Xiu at Wonderroot (Sat., April 25), and Richard Lloyd at the Earl (Sun., April 26).

Check out this week’s Sound Menu for a more comprehensive list of upcoming shows.

Air Loaf is broadcast weekdays on 1690 WMLB-AM at approximately 8:10 a.m., 12:20 p.m. and 6:20 p.m.

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CL’s Chanté LaGon and Chad Radford chat abut upcoming shows for the weekend, including All Night Drug Prowling Wolves and Sick Figures at 529 (Friday, April 17), NOBUNNY at the Earl (Saturday, April 18), and Herman Hitson at Smith’s Olde Bar (Sunday, April 19).

Check out this week’s Sound Menu for a more comprehensive list of upcoming shows.

Air Loaf is broadcast weekdays on 1690 WMLB-AM at approximately 8:10 a.m., 12:20 p.m. and 6:20 p.m.

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CL’s Chanté LaGon and Chad Radford chat about upcoming shows around Atlanta, including Zoroaster’s CD release party at the Drunken Unicorn (Friday, March 27), Eva Kennedy at Sugarhill (Saturday, March 28), and the Preakness at the Earl (Saturday, March 28).

Check out this week’s Sound Menu for a more comprehensive list of upcoming shows.

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Air Loaf is broadcast weekdays on 1690 WMLB-AM at approximately 8:10 a.m., 12:20 p.m. and 6:20 p.m.

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CL’s Chanté LaGon and Chad Radford chat about upcoming shows around Atlanta, including A.C. Newman at the Earl (Friday, March 20), the Weakends at 529 (Saturday, March 21) and Spindrift at the Earl (Monday, March 23).

Check out this week’s Sound Menu for a more comprehensive list of upcoming shows.

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Air Loaf is broadcast weekdays on 1690 WMLB-AM at approximately 8:10 a.m., 12:20 p.m. and 6:20 p.m.

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CL’s Chanté LaGon and Chad Radford chat about upcoming shows for the weekend including Subsonics at the Star Bar (Friday, March 13), Ex Humans at the Earl (Friday, March 13), and Marnie Stern at 529 (Saturday, March 14).

Air Loaf is broadcast weekdays on 1690 WMLB-AM at approximately 8:10 a.m., 12:20 p.m. and 6:20 p.m.

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The Fleshtones’ frontman Peter Zaremba seems perfectly at ease when explaining that since forming the group in 1976, the members have always held strong Southern ties despite their New York roots.

“We’re Yankees who are very comfortable in the South,” he offers with a thick, Queens accent. From there he tells stories of passing through Georgia in the band’s early days and buddying up with the “boys” in Athens who later became R.E.M. “We played there a lot back in those days, and were a good influence on them.”

The Fleshtones 1981 debut Roman Gods put the group on the map as purveyors of what they call “super rock.” It’s an intense merger of punk and alternative meshed with ’60s soul, surf and garage. In the beginning, the press called them garage rock revivalists, but their songs transcend simple nostalgia.

Through acquaintances with such bands as the Cramps and Boston’s proto punks the Real Kids, the Fleshtones encountered various approaches to wistful rebellion and developed their own raucous sound. “When we saw the Real Kids it was an important moment for us,” Zaremba explains. “We said, ‘Alright, let’s not just love this music, let’s make this music.”

The group has remained remarkably consistent since 1990. Zaremba and original drummer Bill Milhizer, along with guitarist Keith Streng and bassist Ken Fox, round-out the Fleshtones’ line-up. After releasing scores of albums, such songs as “First Date (Are You Coming on to Me),” “Shiny Heinie” and the rollicking “Jet-Set Fleshtones” from last year’s Take A Good Look, reel with more energy and spontaneity than, frankly, anything throughout the Fleshtones’ catalogue. “We tortured ourselves when we made albums like Roman Gods,” Zaremba laughs. “It’s not like we’re in a studio trying to communicate ideas to an engineer who doesn’t understand; which was the case back then. Their lives were dedicated to taking raucousness out of recordings. Nowadays we just have fun.”

The Fleshtones play a free in-store at Criminal Records on Sat., Feb. 7th probably around 5 or 5:30 p.m. and then later with Anna Kramer & the Lost Cause at The Star Bar. $10. 9 p.m. 437 Moreland Ave. 404-681-9018.

(Photo by Anne Streng)

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