Various artists June 13 2007

AthFest 2007

Since 1998, Russ Hallauer’s Ghostmeat Records empire has released an annual audio snapshot of the ever-evolving Athens music scene. This year’s set gets an opening jolt of grandiloquent townie-centric spoken-word commentary from Athens Boys Choir’s bruising “Athens, GA.” Music Hates You anchors the center square of the collection with the tumultuous “So Much Dirt in My Spotless Lab.”

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The compilation includes the most satisfying selection of genres yet: The prerequisite gradients of Athens-style guitar rock: intelligent, ’90s and twee (King of Prussia, the Empties, M Coast, respectively); introspective singer/songwriters (Liz Durrett, Tin Cup Prophette); jam-frat-friendly (Bloodkin, Nelo); even country (Kimberly Morgan); and urban (the Renegadez, Travis Williams). Volume two, to be released June 19 on iTunes, will be available as a digital download of 15 additional songs. 4 stars