Pat the Wiz...
...preserving the magic
Athens Redux 07/22 thru 12/22
Shared on July 8, 2022
This group wasn't really a band, they were an ad hoc ensemble that was called into service when a rare snowfall descended on Athens the night of January 7, 1988. The band we had scheduled called us from North Carolina to let us know they were stuck and couldn't make it to Athens. Kev'n Kinney was staying with Peter and Barrie, so a phone call led to the performance I call "Drivin' Snow". We hope you'll enjoy!
Shared on July 15, 2022
When I worked with the Blanks we played clubs in Charleston frequently, including the Windjammer on Isle of Palms. As a quid pro quo the 40 Watt Uptown hosted a Charleston band, the Jumper Cables, a time or two. This clip is from April 3, 1986.
Shared on July 22, 2022
Today has been saccharine to say the least. I debated whether or not to post an episode this week, but I’m certain my sister would want us to carry on in her absence. Taj Mahal is one of the few shows that I worked that was a style she enjoyed, so that’s our feature for this week. This one’s for you Sis.
Shared on July 29, 2022
Normaltown is one of the more picturesque neighborhoods in Athens, when we lived there during most of the 1980’s it was, for the most part, an easy place to do what you came to Athens to do. It’s not necessarily the same anymore, and that’s a sad thing but as Thomas Wolfe said, You Can't Go Home Again. This clip might be the closest we get, come to think of it!
Shared on August 5, 2022
Our band this week personifies the meaning of the word eclectic. Formed in Hawaii but traveling afar, this peripatetic ensemble has developed a faithful fan base that is vibrant and fresh. From near and far they have left a mark on contemporary music.
Shared on August 12, 2022
I’ve been looking forward to this week for some time. In case you haven’t heard, the Squalls are releasing a live recording of songs from shows they performed at the Watt during five nights in the early 1980’s. We’re posting this show from around 1988, so it will have lots of songs that won’t be on the record release. We hope you’ll enjoy this selection as much!
Shared on August 19, 2022
When we were in the Watt on Clayton version 2.0 a good band from Kentucky came to play our place. Government Cheese was a rollicking roadhouse band with good chops and terrific stage presence. They put on a good show back then and thanks to the tape recording I made that night we can enjoy it again!
Shared on August 26, 2022
This week our featured musical guest is yet another one-of-a-kind presentation. Buzz of Delight was a two-piece comprised of the front man, Matthew Sweet, and the drummer, David Pierce. They only performed a few times, this recording being one of them. Now you can make up for lost time!
Shared on September 2, 2022
It’s time we featured another good roundhouse rock band, and we have just the candidate for that office. Our friends from Dash Rip Rock have been ripping it up from here to there and they’ve been doing it since I was a much younger man. This recording was made down on Broad Street, about 3 weeks before the 40 Watt Uptown was locked for the last time.
Shared on September 9, 2022
I gave up a long time ago trying to figure out band labels. I just couldn't get it right. This band is a perfect example: I would characterize them as chamber music, but then what do I know? I do know this, the BarBQ Killers killed it when they took the stage. Let's try that again!
Shared on September 16, 2022
This week’s episode features our entry in the punk market. The Plague enjoyed that distinction beginning with their debut performance, which took place on July 4, 1983, at the old textile plant down by the river. That was just the start of what became a regular exercise in grunge activity in the Classic City.
Shared on September 23, 2022
This band was certainly a one-of-a-kind, thanks in large part to its front man and his axe. Jeff Conolly and the guys never failed to put on a good show and this live recording proves it!
Shared on September 30, 2022
When I left the Watt in early 1990 I was approached by Chris Queen about working with the band he was in at the time, Body Electric. They were a really good band and I enjoyed working with them, but all things come to an end. This clip is an extended play, if you choose to listen till the end you’ll have invested something north of three hours, just so you know. Hope you enjoy!
Shared on October 7, 2022
This week we‘d like to spotlight a local band that often got little credit for its contribution to Athens music society. Final Frontier was usually noticed for the relationship between the brothers, who were the guitarist for Pylon and Final Frontier. You can hear the influence but that’s a small part of the story; give it a listen and see if you don’t agree.
Shared on October 14, 2022
This week we proudly present a paragon of blue-eyed soul in the form of Bill Sheffield & the XL's. This band was a stalwart in the Atlanta music community for years and we are happy to hoist a salute to their prowess.
Shared on October 21, 2022
We didn't highlight this group when we were running Band of the Week mainly because it pre-dated the Chattahoochie Coochie Men and the repertoire was virtually the same. When I recorded the tape I labeled it Kev'n, Buren and Pete. I guess it's time we got the third member identified properly so now this group should be Kev'n, Buren and Peter. I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest that everyone knows which Peter we're referring to. Enjoy!
Shared on October 28, 2022
This was a quirky pop band called "A Few Kids with Bicycles". I'm afraid that's about all I can tell you, hope you enjoy!
Shared on November 4, 2022
This week’s selection is one I remember fondly, Silent Partner was a popular band in Athens when I came here in the summer of 1980. They had recently undergone a change in personnel and asked me to make a recording of their new format, which task constituted my second such job in Athens. I will always remember the afternoon I spent with Kemp Jones and Don Porterfield, many thanks guys!
Shared on November 11, 2022
Dark Harvest was an Athens band that, although they weren't as well known as some other bands from the Classic City, they enjoyed a loyal following that appreciated their effort.
Shared on November 18, 2022
We were fortunate enough to play host to some good bands from Texas who came to play our place on Broad during our time there. One of them was a particular standout, the Fabulous LeRoi Brothers. I believe this recording represents their first performance in the Classic City, from July of 1984.
Shared on November 25, 2022
This week our spotlight is on Magister Ludi, an Athens band that was interesting and entertaining. Their instrumentation was unique and that made their shows something not to be missed. Have a heaping fill of Magister Ludi
Shared on December 2, 2022
This week’s episode of Athens Redux features a band put together by a member of the dB’s, one of the arguably most influential bands to take the stage in the 1980’s. Chris Stamey was the member we refer to, and the show that was created is known as the “It’s a Wonderful Life” tour. They came to the Watt on Clayton on February 17, 1983.
Shared on December 9, 2022
In the days leading up to the move from Clayton Street over to the Broad Street location of the 40 Watt in April of 1983 there was considerable effort put into trying to be fair to all the bands who were pleading for a desirable number on the calendar. When we were approached about the brainstorm of letting Love Tractor perform as an alter ego cover band the idea wasn’t received with much enthusiasm, but as the idea sank in all the interested parties came to embrace the idea. I’m not sure if the mood was different after the show, I’ll leave judgment to posterity. Here’s Wheel of Cheese on their première performance March 12, 1983.
Shared on December 16, 2022
I resisted posting anything from this clip when we were running Band of the Week because of the massive distortion in the bass signal. I can try to live with it but as soon as it starts I have to turn it off. We hope that deficiency doesn’t detract too much from your enjoyment of the rest of the clip and the Gun Club. BE CAREFUL AND TURN THIS DOWN UNTIL YOU HAVE A HANDLE ON HOW LOUD AND DISTORTED THIS REALLY IS! You’ll thank me when this clip is finished and your voice coils are intact.
Shared on December 23, 2022
I had a moment to reminisce and I thought about the 12+ years we posted our Band of the Week episodes, and how much fun that was. I wish we could generate as much interest in Athens Redux but you know what they say, it’s tough to follow a good opening act. Our band for this week’s episode of Redux are dear friends of mine, when I left the 40 Watt in February of 1990 they contacted me about coming to work with them, which offer I accepted without compunction. Blue Wail was a talented group of gentlemen, consisting of Lee Walton, Chris Queen, Russ Bell and Ted Pecchio. Thanks for the memories guys, no they can’t take that away from me!