Mixtape Atlanta

The Bacon Brothers at City Winery

Photo: Timothy White

Tonight, The Bacon Brothers are stopping by Atlanta for two shows at City Winery as one of three final city stops on their month long tour. Although they've been performing together since they were kids, Michael and Kevin officially formed The Bacon Brothers band in 1995. For over twenty years, they have toured across the country and released seven albums all while maintaining extremely successful and respected careers in film composing (Michael) as well as acting, directing, and producing (Kevin).

Creativity runs deep in this family, which is also found in the band's unique blend of several musical genres. The Bacon Brothers' songs are rooted in rock and soul with laces of country and blues weaved throughout.

This summer, The Bacon Brothers released their new single "Driver" written and sung by Kevin. As one might except from the title, the relaxed summer jam is a great addition to any road or boat trip playlist. With an Americana traveling beat and Mellencamp twang, the song is an enticing tease of songs to come from their next album. Watch the music video for "Driver," here.

For more Bacon Brothers news and updates, visit BaconBros.com.

Kim Burdges

The District Attorneys' JR.

The District Attorneys have just released a special treat for fans and it's the perfect gateway for new listeners too. Released on December 4, the four-song EP, Jr., is available for free download on iTunes and Spotify.

2012 has been a productively busy year for the Atlanta/ Athens band, who have continued to gain more popularity and acclaim, especially on the heels of the April release of the full-length, Slowburner. In many ways, Jr. is a fitting segue from Slowburner into the next- yet to be defined- step for the band. These songs are different. Lyrically Jr. is one of The DAs strongest collections. All four songs highlight different strengths and experimentations that could even be pushed further. Jr. has a noticeable maturity to it that comes across in the verses and music.

"King Is Boss"'s cutting lyrics "Burning down bridges and Building walls" coupled with a bouncy beat show a confidence that fits the band well. "Stupa" has a breezy nostalgic quality that keeps the listener engaged and finishes with a well placed punch: "Everything be damned." The track that will have you hitting repeat is "Target Practice." The song capitalizes on elements that the band has dabbled in before, but slickly deliver here. Between the rhythmic drums, ghosting harmonies, and well placed crescendos the song creates an exciting tension for the listener in its controlled power. The song proves, much like the rest of Jr., that sometimes a good trial in experimention produces a pleasing verdict.

Come see The District Attorneys perform these new hits as well as their other favorites THIS Saturday at Smith's Olde Bar for X-Mix 2012. Tickets are $10 (+2 cans) and all proceeds benefit Songs for Kids Foundation. Doors open at 9PM, but the fun starts at 9:30PM with FREE Whynatte shots.

Kim Burdges

The Gift of Song

Since the start of Mixtape Atlanta's annual holiday show X-Mix, we have been extremely blessed to have the participation of James Hall and The Futura Bold every year in some form. To keep things festive, we always ask X-Mix performers to play at least one holiday song. Last year the real treat was having James Hall create his own and perform it onstage with various Atlanta musicians, including members of The Futura Bold.

Although we can't wait to see the full band onstage again at Smith's Olde Bar on December 8, The Futura Bold have recorded the song Hall debuted last year at X-Mix! We could not be more honored to premiere and release the original holiday song, "Last of the Year," right here on Mixtape Atlanta. You all can thank the band for making it free.

Free download "Last of the Year" here!

Don't miss The Futura Bold onstage for X-Mix 2012 at Smith's Olde Bar on December 8 with The District Attorneys, Aerobics Cube, Rick Brantley, Lauren St. Jane, and Carly Kane. Purchase advanced tickets here! All proceeds from X-Mix benefit Songs For Kids Foundation. The Futura Bold are also huge supporters of Songs For Kids and every year have performed some of the most memorable performances at the foundation's annual benefit, 500 Songs For Kids.

Check out two of our favorite 500 Songs performances from The Futura Bold below.

Ben Folds Five Does It

This fall, new albums are dropping from The Wallflowers, No Doubt, Matchbox Twenty, but perhaps the most delightful 90s rock "reunion release" so far is Ben Folds Five. The trio's new album, The Sound of the Life of the Mind, is fresh, fun, clunky-piano candy dripping in lyrical charm.

The album's title track is one of two songs not penned by Folds; "The Sound of The Life of The Mind" was actually written by author Nick Hornby (About A Boy, High Fidelity). The other non-Folds song is "Sky High" by Five Folds drummer Darren Jessee. "Sky High" is a dreamy, traveling song that compliments the faster, trademark chaotic fun pieces that dominate this album.

"Erase Me" is the perfect opening for the album that signals the return of Folds's quirky lyrics and notes spinning in a storm of up and down/ slow and fast emotional processing. The group also infuses some retro sunshine into "Michael Praytor," which has a Beach Boys' twang to it.

The expectations are high for any band releasing a new album for the first time in thirteen years, but The Sounds of The Life of The Mind doesn't seem to succumb to that pressure instead it blows it away; it is that individualism and uniqueness in the group's approach and music that make it work. "Do It Anyway" is a manifest on cutting loose and giving into what you want to do no matter what others may think: "Paralyzed by a voice in your head/ It's the standing still that should scare you instead." The song "Draw A Crowd" takes this free-spirited, impulse driven notion one step further with the catchy chorus "If you're feeling small and can't draw a crowd/ draw dicks on the wall."

For all their rambling, energetic uptempo and beautiful ballads ("Hold That Thought" is a standout), Ben Folds Five does what many can't; they keep doing it better.

Kim Burdges

See Ben Folds Five live at The Tabernacle on September 18. Get tickets!

Sample The Script

The Script's third album, appropriately titled #3, will be released on October 9, but they have provided a special sneak preview for fans to check out the album.

Click below on different tracks to sample the new tunes you will soon be hearing everywhere from this talented Irish trio.

"Slowburner" Sparks a Flame

After two successful EPs, The District Attorneys are releasing their first full-length album Slowburner on April 24. The Atlanta/ Athens indie-rockers stay true to many of their familiar sounds and the songs on the album crescendo like the title suggests.

The laidback yet commercially appealing opening title track transitions into the more jingle-pop chorus of “Madison Row.” With faster tempo, bouncing piano, traveling drums, and lead vocals echoing Lindsey Buckingham, the second song harkens a classic Americana- especially California pop sound- that can’t help but invoke good times.

Although from the southeast, The District Attorneys have fine tuned an accessible indie-rock sound that for decades has easily flowed from the west coast with the help of bands like Rooney and Modest Mouse. The District Attorneys fall in that company. “Confusion of Trust” brims with anthemic vocals and harmonies full of sand and salt water. Even the slow rock waltz on the bridge makes it the perfect soundtrack for a ride along Pacific Coast Highway.

The slower “Cherry Glow” has an emotional atmospheric quality similar to The Perishers, and the previously released “California Fire” has the listener headed back to the waves and bonfire of fun times.

The second half of Slowburner shows some impressive experimentation with the additions of organ, horns, and other subtle influences from folk, southern rock, to even hints of bluegrass on “Here’s Your Star”.

Having gained fans from their energetic live shows, Slowburner is the perfect invite to new fans. Get your copy of Slowburner before its released at The District Attorneys album release show at The Earl on Saturday, April 14. Indianapolis Jones and Tedo Stone will also perform. Grab your friends, get your tickets, and head to The Earl for some fun times and good music. Doors open at 9PM and tickets are only$5.

Kim Burdges

Lyle Lovett's "Release Me"

After a long career with Curb Records, singer-songwriter Lyle Lovett has finally made his last record under the oversight of a major label. The aptly titled record Release Me makes no effort to conceal Lovett’s feelings on his departure; the front cover of the album is a photograph of the songwriter standing with his arms at his side, wrapped in rope, as if he’s unable to move. With a 27-year career, Lovett’s vocal delivery is as developed as it’s ever been. With only two cuts on the album penned by Lovett, one might think that he’s making a not-so-subtle statement about major labels and their artistically restrictive tendencies. We have reason to question what’s wrong, because Lyle Lovett is a songwriter yet his contributions are minimal.

The record serves up a variety of styles the troubadour has covered in his lengthy journey like a sampling of musical tapas, but as with the varied cuisine, you oftentimes don’t get to explore the full weight and depth of one favored selection. The same is the case with Release Me. It introduces his Curb farewell with a bluegrass jam that is absent of any words, suggesting that maybe he wants to say more with silence than any lyrical stanza could convey. The second song and title track is the collection’s height of country, a song from the mid 1940’s originally made famous by Ray Price. He then flips the coin to the other side of America’s roots music with a 12-bar blues jam, which doesn’t feel as good as anything Muddy Waters did, but his vocal execution comes from the deepest part of his worn out soul. Then comes “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” which like the other songs, delivers well, but has been sung enough by Tony Bennett alone that it ought to be legally off limits. The following track is a more forgettable gospel tune, feeling akin to an unimpressive Robert Randolph deep cut.

Six tracks into the album, the listener finally hits some serious songwriter bedrock though still unfortunately not written by the man himself, but Eric Taylor instead. A few more lack-luster tunes: “One Way Gal,” the blues classic “Keep It Clean,” and a few other outstanding tunes like Chuck Berry’s “Brown Eyed Handsome Man,” Townes Van Zandt’s “White Freightliner Blues,” Sara Watkins’ folk-country ballad “Night’s Lullaby,” and the listener begins to wonder, “where’s the consistency?” There isn’t any, and it hurts anyone who knows Lovett’s talent as a songwriter.One of two tracks written by Lovett, “The Girl With The Holiday Smile,” becomes the twisted knife, the sad reminder of what he can and could do. The story of a friendly meeting with a hooker in a grocery store is funny, but seriously well crafted like a lighter B-side to Tom Waits’ “Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis.” Slow and bare, “Dress of Laces” feels like a song that could be sung by Alison Krauss, but he proves that a hard-worn voice can carry a ballad about a wounded girl as well as the angel herself. Finally, Lyle Lovett refuses to tie the album together on the last track, “Keep Us Steadfast,” an old traditional hymn he sings with its original somber melody and minimal instrumentation.

Release Me is not void of talent or musicianship. It’s not that one of America’s prized writers has lost his ability, but has he lost his inspiration? He can sing—after all— that is showcased on this record as clearly as it ever has. But when he writes, it’s the feature. He could always sing, but people didn’t rave about his voice; they listened to his words. And that is precisely why we would have a right to be concerned—that the opener of Release Me is a foreshadowing. It's not that we would have a man that doesn’t make records; rather, something worse. It's that we have a man who makes records, but who is silent.

Ben Israel Thompson

Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun on FIRE

Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun are local staples in just about every music venue throughout Atlanta. It is this dedication to their fans and music, that has not only gathered them a strong devoted fan base but their recent signing to Greyday Records. Today they released their full-length LP Wildfire. Full of their emotional, catchy, dance hits, Wildfire's anxiously anticipated release is well worth the wait. Have a listen below to one of the album's tracks, "Bad Design".

Bad Design

See Tesla Rossa's 'Kinetic' Energy Live

Nashville's Tesla Rossa is no stranger to Atlanta's music scene, and this Saturday the band is returning to town to perform on the Main Stage at Peachtree Music Festival. During breaks from constant touring, this Nashville quartet has been busy working hard on their debut album. For a preview of what to expect on the record, check out their electric music video to their song "Kinetic". Also take a listen to "Vacation," a previously unreleased track off the forthcoming album and one of our early favorites.

Don't miss Tesla Rossa live at 1:15PM on the Main Stage at Peactree Music Festival on October 1. Buy your festival tickets now and save $10 with promo code "Mixtape"; get tickets!

Vacation

 

'Tis The Season for All Get Out

All Get Out's debut full-length album entitled The Season was finally released earlier this week. Although it is somewhat cliché to say that an album is highly anticipated, in this case that overused phrase is an understatement. Recording for The Season started over two years ago and during that time- in Atlanta alone- All Get Out has played at The Masquerade, Drunken Unicorn, Vinyl, and Star Bar without a full length album. Now, it is finally here.

From constantly touring, the band has gathered devout fans throughout the southeast that have become attached to many of the songs on The Season already. Hearing these songs played live before recorded makes it easier to fall in love with the album instead of giving them the stale feel of an overplayed pop song. Tracks like “Lucky Bastard” and “Let Me Go” are familiar as a favorite pair of jeans. The band's intimacy with these songs also translates to an instant connection for those who have yet to see All Get Out perform live.

These thoughts and opinions hardly do The Season justice. In fact it's difficult to eloquently convey the emotion felt with a thorough listen to this album. So when you finish reading this, push play and turn it up loud. Loud enough to let the music fill you up. Loud enough to make your chest tighten with emotion. And loud enough to sing along at the top of your lungs.

Chloe Stoakes

Don't miss All Get Out's CD Release Party on Friday, September 23 at The Masquerade and experience this album as it should be experienced- LIVE! Show starts at 7PM and tickets are $10.

Download "Lucky Bastard" for FREE from The Season.

Lucky Bastard

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Experience Reptar's EP

The boys of Reptar- aptly named after the Godzilla-like dinosaur from Rugrats - attend various colleges, but their foundation is set in Athens and University of Georgia. Synth pop in nature with elements of funk and lo-fi, their sound is a cocktail of Animal Collective, Twin Shadow, and Passion Pit mixed with some classically funky rhythms from Bootsy Collins and Prince served with a twist of Vampire Weekend.

The band is made up of Andrew McFarland, Ryan Engleberger, William Kennedy, and lead singer Graham Ulicny (who definitely channels Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend). The band started playing shows as Reptar in December 2008 and quickly built up quite a fan base deeply rooted in the Southeast. They recently generated a lot of buzz after being one of the most talked about new bands at SXSW 2011. As performers they have put out various tracks, but their debut full-length EP (interestingly titled Oblangle Fizz Y’all) was officially released earlier this month. Allowing them to live up to the recent hype they have stirred up, it is a solid EP with each track offering something slightly different to experience. However, all seem to gravitate back toward a series of funky, electronic samples.

The album opens with odd sounds simulating tribal chanting in “Blast Off.” Some 1980’s influences shine through early on. The track shifts rather quickly into an instrumental, which I think really illustrates what kind of musicality the band truly encompasses. The latter section of the track softens up a bit letting back in the chanting the listener hears in the beginning. It is almost a bit hypnotic. “Blast Off” sets the tone for the album leaving the listener salivating for sure.

The second track, “Rainbounce,” starts off much lighter and has a little bit of a reggae sound to it; this provides further evidence of Reptar's versatility. As the track progresses, the song transforms into a heavier sort of rock in contrast to the rest of the EP and the listener is really exposed to Graham Ulicny’s vocal range. This track absolutely brings everything to the table, revealing that Reptar does not set any limits for itself.

As the EP evolves the listener gets a sense that Reptar enjoys injecting a variety of different noises into their music. This is especially evident in the EP’s third track, “Context Clues,” where you can hear such sounds as an owl’s hoot, crickets chirping, and the ring of an alarm or a telephone. As sounds build, the listener gets hit with an awesome synth break that forms the foundation for the rest of the track. The repetition of phrases and the addition of smooth horns at the end is an excellent touch to an already incredible song.

The album closes with a track entitled “Phoenetics”, which opens up with a soft piano riff and simple vocals. With the addition of various instruments that include an accordion, the listener almost gets a sense of ease and comfort. The energy of the final track is definitely bright and cheerful and the piano was an excellent way to wind the album down and leave the listener wanting more.

Mixtape THIS: The one song I would add to my mixtape from Oblangle Fizz Y'all would undoubtedly be the fourth track, which is entitled “Stuck in My Id.” From Tom Jenkinson, "It is truly a sum of its parts, from the charming guitar riffs to the odd synthy pops and bangs; you just know it took ages to come up with. The cleverly vox fed vocals manage to still remain clean, whilst retaining that sun kissed lo-fi feel that calms, binds, and themes the entire track."

Stuck in My Id

Download "Stuck in My Id" for free! Right click the player above to download. (MAC: Choose "Download Linked File As"| PC: Choose "Save Target As")

Adam Wishon

See Reptar perform live with Quiet Hooves, Cute Boots, We the Lion, and more for FREE Thursday, August 25 at Star Bar. Show starts at 9PM...did we mention it's free?

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The District Attorneys "California Fire"

The District Attorneys might be from Atlanta, but their latest release is an breezy, ocean soaked summer hit that feels delivered straight from the west coast. With vocal harmonies and an infectious melody from the opening organ to sustained guitar and drum beats, "California Fire" will have you humming along on just on the second listen and craving some sunny rays. "California Fire" is a previously unreleased track off The District Attorneys first full-length album currently in the works. Take a listen below and let us know what you think.

California Fire

Attorneys have been pretty busy throughout the summer performing at The Earl, Smith's Olde Bar, and AthFest. This Saturday, catch them close out the outdoor stage for The Buckhead Theatre's One Year Anniversary Music Festival. The band is just one of many talent artists that are slated to play the all-day festival. Doors open at 1PM and music runs from 1:30-11:30PM with Attorneys playing at 10:30PM. Tickets are currently available at $15 for Saturday's event or $30 for a two-day pass including Drivin' N' Cryin's Friday night performance at the theatre .

Mixtape Atlanta Chats with Anoop Desai

Last fall, Mixtape Atlanta talked with Anoop Desai about his musical influences, performance style, American Idol, and his then new album. Well a lot has happened in a few months, and we recently caught back up with Anoop to talk about his recent move to Atlanta and new EP, Zero.0. In honor of Zero.0's release, Anoop is taking Atlanta by storm with weeklong events and promotion, check out the schedule here.

Anoop, you recently moved to Atlanta earlier this year. How are you liking it?
I love it! Atlanta is such a great city with incredible energy. I was born and raised in the south, so having a city like ATL close to home is amazing. I'm also getting great work done here--the creative community has embraced me with open arms and I couldn't be more grateful.

Do you have any favorite Atlanta music venues to either see shows at or perform in?
I love Variety Playhouse. Haven't gotten a chance to check out Fox Theater, etc. but I'm sure I will in due time. Upstairs at Smith's Olde Bar is a favorite venue of mine to perform in. If you can get people packed in there, it's always a party.

So tell us a little bit about Zero.0. How is this EP different from All Is Fair?
I think the material on Zero.0 is more refined and more diverse. The plan with the Zero Trilogy is to release three Zero albums this year, so you're going to see an evolution and a refinement from album to album. Overall, I'm just much happier with the music I'm writing and producing now.

You cover Sam Cooke's "I'll Come Running" on Zero.0. What made you decide to cover that particular song?
On each of the Zero albums, I'll be covering a song that really serves as my "zero point" for the album. The Sam Cooke song is one of my favorites and really encompassed the story I was trying to tell on Zero.0.

Your songs on Zero.0 vacillate between intimate soul sounds to R&B infused dance beats. Are these two different sounds accurate reflections of your musical personality or are there other genres you'd like to experiment with too, like hard rock or even country?
I did want to definitely experiment on this album. The track "Wait," which will only be available on the iTunes release, even goes into a little dubstep. I'm influenced by so many different types of music that I wanted this record to represent that variety and breadth. I think that's one of the strengths of Zero.0. As for country or hard rock, I'm not hearing that any time soon.

Purchase Anoop Desai's Zero.0 now on iTunes. If you are still on the fence, listen to "OoWee" below; the fun dance beats and catchy chorus will be a staple for any pool party or summer drive.

01 OoWee

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Embrace The Fear

Earlier this week, Lovett released the newest video off their debut album Highway Collection. Following in the creative footsteps of "Eye of the Storm" and "Heartattack," Lovett's newest video is a captivating journey through humanity. Filmed in Atlanta with the help of 400 extras, "The Fear" beautifully marries Lovett's lyrics, music, and visual expression.

Dowload "The Fear" for FREE, here!

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J Roddy Means Business

J Roddy Walston and The Business take the listener on an absolute thrill ride of pure American rock ‘n roll on their new self-titled album. Starting with the infectious rumblings of their opening track “Don’t Break the Needle,” the entire ten- song album is a juggernaut of Waslton’s clunky piano, rowdy riffs, and sing-along choruses making each song a Southern Rock anthem. Walston and The Business’ intense whirlwind live performances- which leave you revved and exhausted all at the same time- translate authentically into the album. Luckily due to traditional tape recording, there is an intimacy and raw quality to the album making it feel like it was recorded in the middle of a smoky, riotous bar rather than a production studio.

Although The Business’ full throttle sound rarely downshifts, on some tracks they allow the listener to take a breath (or swig of beer) before pounding back into the rollicking throw-down of each song. “Brave Man’s Death,” a lyrical and musical standout, starts with a simple piano progression that builds to a rock gospel about going out in glory; a must for speeding down the highway or a soundtrack to a movie motorcycle chase scene.

In an era where many bands have difficulties classifying their music as one genre, there is no misunderstanding; J Roddy Walston and The Business is pure old-fashion (in the best since of the word) rock ‘n roll. Our parents might be able to brag about seeing a live performance from the original lineups of Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers, or Creedence Clearwater, but J Roddy Walston and The Business give us hope that we might have boasting rights soon too.

*In case this article hasn’t swayed you into purchasing J Roddy Walston and The Business, look for a photograph by Mixtape Atlanta’s own and POParazzi Photography founder Jessica Lewis on the back of the album booklet as an added bonus.

Kim Burdges

Must Have Summer Soundtrack

After months of rain, the sun has returned in full force to Atlanta; summer is definitely here. As more people hit the pool, beach, and backyard parties, there is one thing every gathering needs and that is good music. Trances Arc has you covered. On July 20, the Atlanta band is releasing their new full length album, TA. With infectious tracks such as "Boom City," "Black Lung," and "Camera Gun Shy," you will want to play this album loud and often making it the soundtrack to your summer.

Like all good rock stars, Trances Arc is planning a killer party with Pop Death Squad and Mixtape Atlanta to celebrate their new release. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 17 and come out to Highland Ballroom to celebrate TA and get crazy at this Endless Summer party. Mixtape Atlanta will be providing an ultimate summer photo booth and King of Pops will be there to help cool everyone off with their homemade popsicles. The Jaguars will also be performing. Before the Endless Summer CD Release Party, Trances Arc will also be performing in-store at Criminal Records at 2PM on July 17.

Get your first taste of TA. Listen to "Boom City."

Boom City

Like what you hear? Download it for FREE! (Right click "FREE" to download. MAC: Choose "Download Linked File As"| PC: Choose "Save Target As")

Paint Vinyl Red

Tonight Vinyl is hosting a stellar lineup of pop-rock artists not to be missed. Among those slated to perform is Atlanta's The Well Reds. Composed of seasoned musicians and a uniquely distinctive sound, The Well Reds’ tailored orchestration of emotional yet mature pop anthems will have you humming the melody and singing the lyrics just after one listen. Currently finishing production on their next album, The Well Reds will be previewing many of their new songs during their Vinyl performance. Don't miss Waketoday, Deas Vail, and The Well Reds at Vinyl. It's an all ages show with doors opening at 7:30 and The Well Reds taking the stage close to 8:30PM. Tickets are $10. Check out one of their new songs- "Violet un-mastered pre-release."

Violet (un-mastered pre-release)

New Modern Skirts Song

This Saturday June 19, Modern Skirts is playing a long overdue Atlanta show at The Earl with The Features. The Athens band has been hard at work on new music, including Happy 81 EP out July 6 and a full length album due out this fall. Incorporating gritty vocals, infectious beats, and an overall new raw sound, Modern Skirts is redefining their sound as well as the best in what Southeast music has to offer. Although their music has always been a treat to see live, this new music is a must to experience in person. Don't miss them at The Earl! Get tickets.

Check out this new track "Jane Child" from Happy 81 EP.

08 Jane Child

Passion Pit's "Dreams"

Passion Pit's Manners was hands down one of the best albums of 2009. Now the band is reissuing their hit album with a few new additions. One new track is Passion Pit's cover of the popular 1990s anthem "Dreams" by The Cranberries. The band recently premiered their cover on NPR. Although Passion Pit is currently on tour, they have no scheduled shows in Atlanta. We'll keep you updated if they change course.

DO NOT Miss The Judies

Friday, March 12 4th Ward Heroes and Team Luis have compiled an impressive lineup of artists to celebrate The Judies’ highly anticipated new self-titled album release. J Roddy Walston and The Booze, who have each been receiving recent buzz, will both take to the stage with their own unique blend of retro pop rock before the band of the night performs.

The Judies are not new to the Atlanta music scene; however, there is a renewed energy and enthusiasm the band seems to have for their music onstage and on their new record. The Judies is full of catchy melodies and clever lyrics evocative of 1960s pop music and 1970s glam rock. Lead singer Warren Ullom’s songwriting and voice are a blend of David Bowie’s edginess with the quirkiness of Harry Nilsson. Although comparisons between musicians are usually vague and just used to benefit people unfamiliar with a particular act, Ullom’s vocal swagger is un-mistakenly similar to David Bowie yet still completely his own. Not only is Ullom blessed with a voice as distinctive as Bowie’s, but his lyrics are as imaginative and catchy as the famed rocker’s. Just like Bowie’s avant-garde style and music transformed rock in the 1970s and ‘80s, Ullom’s bold assembly of lyrics like “Don’t forget to take your birth control/ I won’t forget to take my Adderall” over a bouncy pop arrangement on “The 90s” is elevating the quality of Atlanta music. The Judies ability to experiment with unexpected lyrics and youthful music make them true innovators on local and national levels. From older songs like “Rainy Day Roads” and “Did You Did You Not” to newer ones like “Movie Stars” and “I Am What I Am,” The Judies is an enduring mix of hip yet smart songs with a timeless quality that whether played today, 10 years ago, or 10 years from now will sound completely current for the time.

The Judies Album Release Party is Friday, March 12 at Star Bar. Doors open at 9PM and admission is only $7 or $10 with a CD (pay the extra $3 for the CD!). Also, don't miss The Judies at SXSW on for the We Put the 'A' in Austin Showcase.