Music Issue - Hear and now

CL critics pick the cream of Atlanta’s current crop

Mosi Reeves’ Top 5:

1) DeerhunterCryptograms (Kranky): Contrary to a few overheated appraisals, Cryptograms isn’t a masterpiece. But it is very good, a dream set to noisy ambience and psychedelic melodies. More importantly, it represents a watershed period in Atlanta’s rock underground, a moment when anything seems possible.

2) Janelle MonaeMetropolis Suite I: The Chase (Wondaland Productions/Purple Ribbon)

3) HabershamOutside the Box EP (Audio Therapy)

4) WitchdoctorKing of the Beasts (self-released)

5) DonnieThe Daily News (Soul Thought)

James Kelly’s Top 5:

1) Little Country GiantsSing Pretty for the People (self-released): Authentic without being pretentious, the Little Country Giants manage to perfectly capture their gentle hillbilly harmonies while writing songs that sound 100 years old. Even though they’re based in Rome, Ga., they play Atlanta often enough to be considered locals.

2) Warm in the WakeGold Dust Trail (Livewire Recordings)

3) The Dappled GraysDoin’ My Job (Band Ranch Records)

4) The BluejaysA Hundred Songs (HitHouse)

5) Rising AppalachiaScale Down (Unwound Records)

Chad Radford’s Top 5:

1) DeerhunterCryptograms/Fluorescent Grey (Kranky)

2) Gentleman Jesse and His Men – “I Don’t Wanna Know (Where You Been Tonight)” 7-inch (Douchemaster Records): Gentleman Jesse’s debut is a power-pop gem that re-envisions the skinny-tie ’70s with punch-in-the-gut heartbreak and a Rickenbacker chug that leaves you wanting more.

3) Juju B. SolomonJuju B. Solomon (New Street)

4) MagicicadaEveryone Is Everyone (Public Guilt)

5) The Black LipsLet It Bloom (Vice Records)

Lee Valentine Smith’s Top 5:

1) The CogburnsPay Up, Sucker (Be Particular Records): Solid garage rock from an often-underrated (and constantly evolving) band anchored by manic Glenn Cogburn, a sex-crazed, PBR-fueled, skinny-tie-wearin’ spawn from the combined loins of Buddy Holly, Elvis Costello and the Hoodoo Gurus.

2) Sonia TetlowFrom a Seed of Sand (Elbo Records)

3) What The...?You Have No Idea (self-released)

4) Blair LottRooms and Boxes (GGP Records)

5) Blake Rainey and His DemonsThe Dangerous Summer (Two Sheds Music)

Maurice Garland’s Top 5:

1) Killer MikeI Pledge Allegiance to the Grind (Grind Time): This album possessed a balance of social commentary, street bravado and lyrical prowess, à la early-’90s Ice Cube. It lacked the commercial viability and radio-friendly material that Atlanta hip-hop music has become known for, but that was a good thing.

2) Anthony DavidThe Red Clay Chronicles (Brash Music)

3) Big FloatyHere I Stand (105 Entertainment)

4) JaspectsDouble Consciousness (Jaspects Music Group)

5) JoiTennessee Slim Is the Bomb (Joilicious)

Rodney Carmichael’s Top 5:

1) SupreemeSupremacy (Record Collection): Remember when hip-hop was full of boasts and braggadocio but minus the crack-speak and gunplay? Well, so does Supreeme, and on this debut the group reminds us why we used to love H.E.R. with a bombastic sonic backdrop.

2) DeerhunterFlourescent Grey (Kranky)

3) OutKastIdlewild (Jive)

4) JaspectsDouble Consciousness (Jaspects Music Group)

5) Amanda RayMirrored Images (self-released)


??Music Issue 2007
Image Music Issue Bradford Cox of Deerhunter: The gift and the curse Singer takes a stand BY RODNEY CARMICHAEL Image Music Issue ‘You say you wanna revolution’ 7-inch vinyl revival puts new spin on ATL rock scene BY RODNEY CARMICHAEL Image Music Issue Shy D and Tony MF Rock: Original ATLiens MC Shy D sowed hip-hop seeds into Georgia red clay BY RONI SARIG Image Music Issue Fabo: Ode to a Bankhead hardhead Rapper dances around critics BY MAURICE G. GARLAND AND RODNEY CARMICHAEL Image Music Issue Juju B. Solomon: Labor of love Juju B. Solomon brings folk home BY CHAD RADFORD Image Music Issue Rock around the clock Working-class musicians toil their way to the top Image Music Issue Janelle Monae: Dreamgirl Singer goes back to the future BY MOSI REEVES Image Music Issue Zac Brown: Two thumbs up (a critic’s ass) Singer/guitarist flies under the critical radar — and straight to fans BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH Image Music Issue Hear and now CL critics pick the cream of Atlanta’s current crop
??Georgia Music Directory 2007
Image Music Issue Setting the stage Sweetwood invites rising talent to Masquerade BY MOSI REEVES Image Music Issue Can’t knock the hustle Unsigned artist masters self-promotion BY RODNEY CARMICHAEL Image Music Issue Rockin’ the cradle Why WRAS-FM shows locals love BY RODNEY CARMICHAEL Image Music Issue Breaking the band Band manager gets acts together BY MOSI REEVES Music Issue Georgia Music Directory Search for Georgia bands, DJs, musicians and more; or register your own group or service – it’s free!