The Whigs

Right Hand on my Heart

The Whigs' main claim to fame: they were the last big thing out of Athens. This song is a really good example of how garage rock can be beautiful even in its simplicity: about 75% of the song is based on one note. It's catchy as hell, I keep getting it stuck in my head, so I figured why not post it up here. This is really the only encounter I've had with them, but it might be enough of a basis for me to buy a ticket to their upcoming 40 watt show. Enjoy.

Patton Oswalt, Alela DIane, and Blitzen Trapper

So Patton Oswalt is going to be at the 40 Watt here in Athens, GA this Friday the 6th. Obviously Patton is no stranger to Athens (I enter the video below as my first piece of evidence). I've got my ticket. Do you?



And coming Wednesday March 4 is Bltizen Trapper with Alela Diane. Honestly I'm more excited about Alela Diane than Blitzen Trapper, but Blitzen Trapper is pretty good too. "Furr," the track Yousuf posted a while back is an obvious stand out by them. As far as Alela Diane goes, here's her wonderful "Dry Grass and Shadows" as well as a video for "White As Diamonds," her most recent single.





from The Family Album compilation, Grass Roots Records (2006)
Dry Grass and Shadows

Benji Hughes

Tight Tee Shirt
The Mummy
I Went With Some Friends To See The Flaming Lips

Benji's promo carnival bark is "Looks like an Allman Brother, sings like Beck!" and that bark is dead on. Benji's style combines rock ballads with a subtle touch of electronic pop and his lyrics are incredibly playful and easy to get caught up in. His live show is ridiculous: he starts singing off stage with a voice that, if you'd never seen him before, you'd swear belonged to a guy of Beck's stature. When Benji takes the stage, it's a pretty big shock...he rocks a thick mane and is much larger than you'd ever guess by just hearing the sound of his voice. I even had the...experience...of seeing Benji take his shirt off and chug beer in between lyrics -- he let it all hang out for the rest of the show and I'm pretty sure no one at the 40 watt will ever forget it.

If you ever get the chance to see him, I'd definitely check it out. Benji doesn't dissappoint. Speaking of chances...he's rocking the 40 watt again tomorrow night.

Cinemechanica

Cinemechanica @ The 40 Watt - 10.17.2008


The thing you can't help but realize about Cinemechanica is that these guys are serious. They are talented musicians that care about what they do, and it shows.

Cinemechanica's album release show for their latest recording Rivals was billed as their last performance with their second drummer, Jeremy Fountain (Hi Rollers, Serka). The band has successfully employed the dual drumming not as a gimmick or strictly visual effect (I mean, there's no denying how badass it looks), but as a separate instrument bringing its own ideas to the composition table.

The band -- guitarists Andy Pruett and Bryant Williamson, bassist Matt Nelson, and drummer Mike Albanese -- took the stage after openers Bambara, Building the State, and A. Armada. They ran through a couple of numbers as low key as it is possible for Cinemechanica to play, drawing the lingering smokers in from outdoors.

One of my favorite things about live shows is when bands remember they're not just playing music (you can just listen to the album for that) -- they're performing. Cinemechanica's lighting impresses me every time. It's neither over-the-top or minimalistic; it's the perfect thrill-inducing complement to their guitar-dueling, dizzying, insane sort-of-math-rock sound.

And then Jeremy Fountain came on stage, and everyone knew what was coming. Albanese is a fantastic drummer. His energy is palpable, his drum parts intricate, and his sound powerful. And Fountain is not just along for the ride. There were times when the two were playing together, and the crowd (myself definitely included) watched in awe as they hit every single beat, down to the last cymbal grab, in perfect time with each other.

But most impressive were the separate parts. Nothing about them was simple or basic; Cinemechanica drummers are not just keeping time. Their parts are as integral to the song as every other part; they are just as carefully composed as everything else (meaning very, very carefully).

It had been awhile since I had seen Cinemechanica, but I was reminded Friday night why I've always said they are the best band in Athens -- they are superb musicians that never fail to deliver. If you missed the final double-drum attack, kick yourself a few times, but don't do it again.

Cinemechanica / Rivals