Band of the Week Winners 180 -199

Week #180                                          Magister Ludi performing "Days of a Daydream"

February  28, 2014
                                                                Winner: Chris Hartstonge, London, UK. Co-winners: Andy                                                                                  Johnson, Athens, GA; Dan Matthews, Watkinsville, GA; Steve                                                                          Fleming, Tourmakeady, IR.

Hint: This was an Athens band composed of UGA students (nothing we've ever featured on BotW before!) who played our place on Clayton version 2.0 several times in the late 80's. I recorded a couple of their shows just because I liked working with them, they were very polite and unpretentious and the front man was very grateful when I sent him CDs of these shows a couple of years ago. That wasn't as easy as it sounds because they had to travel to Scotland, not far from Stirling Castle. I can't give you anything more definitive than that so I'll just wish everyone the best of luck with this one!!


Week # 181                                       Fetchin' Bones performing "Briefcase"

March 7, 2014
                                                              Winner: Chris Hartstonge, London, UK. Co-winners: Craig Williams,                                                                Portland, OR; Dan Matthews, Watkinsville, GA; Andy Johnson,                                                                        Athens, GA; Que Beedoo, Cincinnati,  OH; Jennifer Griffith, Athens,                                                                GA; Steve Fleming, Tourmakeady, IR. And a half point  for Denise                                                                  Abbott, Skipton, Yorkshire.

Hint: This was a band from North Carolina that came to the Watt on Broad several times in the 80's, first as an opening act and later as the headliner. They built a loyal and vociferous following from those appearances and enjoyed a degree of regional acclaim as a result. They have continued under a different billing in the years since and at last notice are continuing to perform mostly in the Charlotte area today. Good luck everybody!!!


Week # 182                                      Buren Fowler performing on 13 string koto 

March 14, 2014
                                                             Winners: Chris Hartstonge and Andy Johnson. Co-winners: Darryl                                                                   White, Melbourne, AU; David Finkel, Atlanta, GA; Craig Williams,                                                                   Portland, OR; Joel Suttles,  Asheville, NC; Dan Matthews,                                                                                   Watkinsville, GA; Steve Fleming, Tourmakeady, IR;  Brian Crane,                                                                     Athens, GA; Mike Huff, Powder Springs, GA; Liam O'Hara, Clemson,                                                               SC.

Hint: This was a unique event at the 40 Watt on Clayton Street, taking place 26 years and 2 days ago today. I can't remember the exact circumstances but I believe it involved a late cancellation by a band that left us with nothing to put on stage for that night. A friend happened to be there for soundcheck and when it became apparent there would be no show that night he volunteered to demonstrate what he'd learned about playing an instrument he'd recently acquired. Although the crowd was small that night it was still an enthusiastic one, and just for the heck of it I stuck a tape in the deck and let it roll. In light of recent events I'm glad that I did, and I'm amazed at the date I wrote on the label. Good luck everybody, and this one's for my friend and partner in Wiz Audio.


Week # 183                                    Webb Wilder and the Beatnecks performing "Cactus Planet"

March 21, 2014
                                                           Winner: Andy Johnson, Athens, GA. Co-winners: Craig Williams,                                                                     Portland, OR; Chris Hartstonge, London, UK; Tim Abbott, Skipton,                                                                 Yorkshire; Joel Suttles,  Asheville, NC; Liam O'Hara, Clemson, SC;                                                                   Darryl White, Melbourne, AU; Steve Fleming, Tourmakeady, IR; Que                                                             Beedoo, Cincinnati, OH.

Hint: This band was constructed around the front man, who has enjoyed a long-lived career as a musician and an actor. This version came through the Watt on Broad in '86 and '87 and one of those appearances produced this recording. Hailing from Mississippi, the front man has appeared in a Peter Bogdanovich film as well as videos by Martina McBride and Jason and the Scorchers, in addition to his musical exploits that stretch back for four decades. He will be 60 when his birthday comes around in two months (minus two days). Good luck everybody!!


Week # 184                                    Fashion Battery performing title unknown

March 28, 2014
                                                           Winner: Joel Suttles, Asheville, NC. Co-winners: Chris Hartstonge,                                                                 London, UK;  Jennifer  Griffith, Athens, GA; Andy Johnson, Athens,                                                                 GA; Steve Fleming,  Tourmakeady, IR.

Hint: This was an Athens band that was composed of members primarily from another Athens band, along with a drummer from a different Athens band. This paradigm was one followed by a substantial number of Athens bands that I worked with. One significant clue is that this one was the band that broke the new ground of the Uptown Lounge. Good luck everybody!!


Week # 185                                   LA Wasted Youth performing title unknown

April 4, 2014
                                                          Winner: Chris Hartstonge, London, UK. Co-winners: Andy Johnson,                                                                Athens, GA; Joel Suttles, Asheville, NC; Craig Williams, Portland, OR;                                                            Dan Matthews, Watkinsville, GA; Darryl White, Melbourne, AU; Tim                                                              Abbott, Skipton, Yorkshire;  Steve Fleming, Tourmakeady, IR; Mike                                                                Huff, Powder Springs, GA; Liam O'Hara, Clemson, SC.
 
Hint: This was a west coast punk band that played the Watt on Broad Street toward the end of the road for both of them. Members of this band went on to perform in other Los Angeles bands, including Velvet Revolver, Danzig, Savage Republic and Queens of the Stone Age. Their last tour featured performances where they shared the bill with the Bad Brains, the Circle Jerks and the Ramones. Good luck everybody!!


Week # 186                                   the Barbecue Killers performing title unknown

April 11, 2014
                                                          Winner: Andy Johnson, Athens, GA. Co-winners: Joel Suttles,                                                                          Asheville, NC; David Meltsner, Charlotte, NC; Monty Greene, Dubai,                                                                UAE; Steve Fleming,  Tourmakeady, IR; Ken Rogers, Atlanta, GA;                                                                    Robby McMahon, Gainesville, GA; Craig Williams, Portland, OR; Lynn                                                            Schilberg Berndt, Grafton, WI; Mike Huff,  Powder Springs, GA; Chris                                                            Hartstonge, London, UK; Darryl White, Melbourne, AU; Liam O'Hara,                                                            Clemson, SC.

Hint: This was arguably Athens' most renowned punk band from the mid 80's. They appeared in the Athens music movie "Athens Inside Out" and the front person was featured on the cover. They enjoyed a loyal local following that was bolstered by extensive touring, usually with other Athens bands. Sadly, the front person suffered an early demise from an overdose. Good luck everybody!!!


Week # 187                                    the New Invincibles performing "She Was a Clamburner"

April 18, 2014
                                                           Winner: Dan Matthews, Watkinsville, GA. Extra credit winner: David                                                             Finkel, Athens,  GA; Co-winners: Monty Greene, Dubai, UAE; Paul                                                                   Butchart, Athens, GA; Robby McMahan, Gainesville, GA; Darryl                                                                       White, Melbourne, AU; Tim Abbott, Skipton, Yorkshire; Steve                                                                         Fleming, Tourmakeady, IR; Chris Hartstonge, London, UK.

Hint: This was an Athens band that was, like so many others we've featured here, composed of members from other Athens bands. In fact there was a revolving door of sorts for this band, but as far as I'm aware there was one member who remained a constant during its existence. We're featuring this song and this episode of Band of the Week in his memory. Good luck everybody!!!


Week # 188                                   Brave Combo performing "Beer Barrel Polka" 

April 25, 2014
                                                          Winner: Craig Williams, Portland, OR. Co-winners: Tim Abbott,                                                                        Skipton, Yorkshire; Steve Fleming, Tourmakeady, IR; Andy Johnson,                                                              Athens, GA; Dan Matthews, Watkinsville, GA; Darryl White,                                                                              Melbourne, AU; Joel Suttles, Asheville,  NC; Chris Hartstonge,                                                                          London, UK. 

 

Hint: This was another of the many Texas bands that came through the Watt in one of its configurations over the years, but it didn't hail from Austin; it called Denton home and as far as I'm aware it was the only band from Denton to play the Watt. This recording was from the 40 Watt Uptown the second year we were open there, and they didn't come back to Athens till we were reopened on Clayton Street. According to their frontman, "after the 40 Watt closed we couldn't get a booking at the 'other place'. They wouldn't even talk to us on the phone.." We're featuring this selection to coincide with Spring Fling on the Loop because the subject matter is congruent to that endeavor; it's also dedicated to my sister-in-law, Lynn Schilberg Berndt, this one's for you Lynerz!! Good luck everybody!!!!


Week # 189                                    Pylon performing "Driving"

May 2, 2014
                                                           Winner: Craig Williams, Portland, OR. Co-winners: Dan Matthews,                                                                 Watkinsville, GA; Steve Fleming, Tourmakeady, IR; Andy Johnson,                                                                 Athens, GA; Darryl White, Melbourne, AU; Chris Rasmussen,                                                                           Watkinsville, GA; Robby McMahan, Gainesville, GA; Joel Suttles,                                                                     Asheville, NC; Monty Greene, Dubai, UAE; David Finkel, Athens, GA;                                                              Jennifer Griffith, Athens, GA; Liam O'Hara, Clemson, SC; Mike Huff,                                                               Powder Springs,  GA; Trina McAdams Davis, Atlanta, GA; Chris                                                                         Hartstonge, London, UK; Maureen McLaughlin, Athens, GA.

Hint: This band is one of those that needs no introduction, other than the one they received last night at the opening of Art Rocks Athens at the UGA Special Collections Library. Chris Rasmussen, Michael Lachowski, Keith Bennett and others did yeoman's service putting together a moving display, and I was particularly moved by the tribute to some of those who have left us behind: Randy, Jimmy, Jonathan and Ricky. It reminded me of the many other Athenians who have left us recently, and how deserving all are of receiving a moment's silence in their memory. We have made an effort to that end with our Acknowledgement page, and selected this clip from one of Athens' finest to remind all of us that our art is an ephemeral discipline: best keep it close to your heart while the chance avails. Good luck everybody!!!

 

 

Week #190                                     Lori Council and Bad Boyz performing "Hostage of the Underground"

May 9, 2014
                                                           Winner: Andy Johnson, Athens, GA. Co-winners: Chris Hartstonge,                                                                 London, UK; David Finkel, Athens, GA; Mike Huff, Powder Springs,                                                                 GA; Darryl White, Melbourne,  AU; Dan Matthews, Watkinsville, GA.

Hint: This band was the only one listed in our archives that had nothing at all to do with Athens or my work there. Jean listed it not knowing its circumstances and I had her remove it some time ago, so it's not listed anymore and hardly anyone would have noticed it when it was. For that reason we decided to feature a clip from it as a change of pace from last week's post, which set the record for correct answers. I sincerely doubt that's going to happen this week! Since this episode is so difficult, the points will be entirely different: we will award points to everyone who hazards a guess, correct or not. The scale will be based on the last entry, which will receive one point, the next to last two and so on to the first answer received, which value won't be known till the episode closes Saturday at 6 PM. Oh, and extra credit of 5 points will be awarded to anyone who can guess the identity of the male vocalist singing backup harmonies, and 10 points will be awarded to anyone who actually guesses the identity of this band. Good luck everybody!!!


Week # 191                                      Glenn Phillips performing "Flyback"
May 16, 2014
                                                             Winner: Andy Johnson, Athens, GA; Co-winners: Dan Matthews,                                                                     Watkinsville, GA; Joel Suttles, Asheville, NC;Craig Williams,                                                                               Portland, OR; Liam O'Hara, Clemson, SC; Chris Hartstonge, London,                                                               UK.

Hint: This band was a stalwart in the Atlanta rock scene from the early 70's till the present, going through a personnel roster of terrific musicians on its way. The name is taken from the front man, a guitarist who is a legend in these parts. This episode is one of those that you either know it immediately or you don't have a clue, so this hint needn't be longer than this. Good luck everybody!!


Week # 192                                     the Squalls performing "Catholic Girls"

May 23, 2014
                                                            Winner: Andy Johnson, Athens, GA. Co-winners: Jennifer Griffith,                                                                  Athens, GA; Dan Matthews, Watkinsville, GA; Liam O'Hara,                                                                              Clemson, SC; Chris Hartstonge, London, UK; Craig Williams,                                                                              Portland, OR.

Hint: This band was one of Athens best-loved bands during the 1980's, they had one of the most devoted followings of any local band. They, like many other bands in town, went through a series of personnel changes that altered the complexion of the band, and unlike many others they persevered and thrived as a result. This clip is from the configuration that I first heard the band perform as, and the female lead vocal is one of those who left the band early on. That shouldn't keep some from recognizing the distinctive guitar riff that was a signature of the front man, who also wrote most of their songs. Good luck everybody!!


Week # 193                                    Greg Trooper performing "Everywhere"

May 30,2014
                                                           Winner: Chris Hartstonge, London, UK. Co-winners: Andy Johnson,                                                               Athens, GA;  Darryl White, Melbourne, AU; Joel Suttles, Asheville,                                                                   NC; Tim Abbott, Skipton,  Yorkshire; Kip Shepherd, Huntsville, AL;                                                                 Liam O'Hara, Clemson, SC.

Hint: This artist came to the Watt on Clayton version 2.0 as the opening act for a well-known British performer and anarchist. Since then he has cultivated a career that includes the release of a dozen records and acclaim from critics. His most recent release came in August of last year. Good luck everybody!!!


Week # 194                                   Little Tigers performing "Ska City" 

June 6, 2014
                                                          Winner: Andy Johnson, Athens, GA. Co-winners: David Finkel,                                                                          Athens, GA; Craig Williams, Portland, OR; Darryl White, Melbourne,                                                              AU; Joel Suttles, Asheville, NC; Chris Hartstonge, London, UK; Dan                                                                Matthews, Watkinsville, GA; Kip Shepherd, Huntsville, AL; Robby                                                                  McMahan, Gainesville, GA; Ken Rogers, Atlanta, GA; Bob Hay,                                                                         Athens, GA; Mike Huff, Powder Springs, GA; Tim Abbott, Skipton,                                                                  Yorkshire; Liam O'Hara, Clemson, SC; Julie House, Atlanta, GA. 

Hint: This band was one of Athens' most loved and successful bands in the early 80's, setting the house record for door and bar at the Watt on Clayton version 1.0. That was a remarkable achievement, considering they were one of the bands that lost almost all their equipment in the fire at Tyrone's and they set those records about a year later. This recording is from their final show at the 40 Watt Uptown in July of 1984. Good luck everybody!!!


Week # 195                                 New Riders of the Purple Sage performing "Friend of the Devil"

June 13, 2014
                                                        Winner: Andy Johnson, Athens, GA. Co-winners: Dan Matthews                                                                      Watkinsville, GA;  Chris Hartstonge, London, UK; Craig Williams,                                                                    Portland, OR; Darryl White, Melbourne, AU; Liam Clemson, SC; Kip                                                                  Shepherd, Huntsville, AL.

Hint: This band came to the Watt on Broad on a cold night in January of 1985. Although we couldn't put a monitor mix onstage to meet their needs they didn't allow that to keep them from putting on a spirited show, as you can judge from the crowd noise at the end of the clip. I intentionally left that as a salute to the front man, who passed away in Mexico several years ago. Good luck everybody!!!


Week # 196                               Kilkenny Cats performing "Benzedrine"

June 20, 2014
                                                     Winner: Chris Hartstonge, London, UK. Co-winners: Kip  Shepherd,                                                               Huntsville, AL;  James Lumb, Atlanta, GA; Tim Abbott, Skipton,                                                                       Yorkshire; Darryl White, Melbourne, AU; Steve Fleming, Tourmakeady,                                                         IR; Que BeeDoo, Cincinnati, OH; Dan Matthews, Watkinsville, GA; Mike                                                         Huff, Powder Springs, GA; Ken Rogers, Atlanta, GA; Jennifer Griffith,                                                             Athens, GA; Joel Suttles, Asheville, NC; Liam O'Hara, Clemson, SC.
 

Hint: This band was one of those featured in the documentary about Athens music called "Athens, Georgia: Inside/Out". Their sound was characterized by driving, edgy guitar played by a guy who looked a little like an early Rod Stewart when his hair resembled the look of a tousled gamecock. Their drummer was one of the steadiest performing live that I ever worked with. Good luck everybody!!!


Week # 197                              10,000 Maniacs performing "Scorpio Rising" (original version)

June 27, 2014
                                                      Winner: Tim Abbott, Skipton, Yorkshire. Co-winners: Chris Hartstonge,                                                        London, UK. Craig Williams, Portland, OR; Darryl White, Melbourne,                                                              AU;  Joel Suttles, Asheville, NC; Dan Matthews, Watkinsville, GA; Steve                                                        Fleming, Tourmakeady, IR; James Lumb, Atlanta, GA; Ken Rogers,                                                                Atlanta, GA; Liam O'Hara, Clemson, SC.
 

Hint: This band first came to Athens the month after we opened the 40 Watt Uptown on Broad Street in April, 1983. Although there were only a dozen or so people in the audience that first show, their next appearance saw the crowd increase considerably, as it did on each successive appearance they made. When they came to Athens in February, 1984, they asked me to go with them to Atlanta and run sound for them at the Moonshadow and I readily assented since Doug had been treating me poorly and I was open to the idea of leaving the Watt. That didn't happen, and I have wondered many times since what might have happened had I taken the other fork in the road. Good luck everybody!!!


Week # 198                                the Michael Guthrie Band performing "Out in the Streets"

July 4, 2014
                                                       Winner: Darryl White, Melbourne, AU. Co-winners: Chris Hartstonge,                                                           London, UK; Tim Abbott, Skipton, Yorkshire; Andy Johnson, Athens,                                                             GA; Chris Rasmussen, Watkinsville, GA; Liam O'Hara, Clemson, SC;                                                               Jason NeSmith, Athens, GA.

Hint: This band was one of the biggest draws in town when I came to Athens in the spring of 1980. They moved shortly afterward to Charlottesville, Virginia, where they remained for about five years before returning to Athens not long before the Watt on Broad closed. Since then they have been churning out some of the most refined and musical rock n' roll this town has ever seen, doing so although there has been a succession of personnel changes throughout that period. This edition consists of two clips, one of them 26 years old now, the other a more recent vintage. We'll offer extra credit to the first person who identifies which is which. This edition of Band of the Week is dedicated to the memory of Herb Guthrie, a truly decent human being. Good luck everybody!!!
 

Week # 199                               the Jody Grind performing "I'm a Loner"

July 11, 2014
                                                      Winner: Andy Johnson, Athens, GA. Co-winners: Que Beedoo,                                                                          Cincinnati, OH; Dan Matthews, Watkinsville, GA; Craig Williams,                                                                    Portland, OR; Chris Hartstonge, London, UK; Melissa Bock, Charlotte,                                                          NC; Joel Suttles, Asheville, NC; Kip Shepherd, Huntsville, AL; Darryl                                                                White, Melbourne, AU; Mike Huff, Powder Springs, GA; Liam O'Hara,                                                             Clemson, SC. 

Hint: This band was an Atlanta favorite beginning in the late 80s and continuing until a tragic wreck on an Alabama interstate claimed the lives of two of its members, along with that of another artist we've featured on Band of the Week. The vocalist has gone on to a very successful solo career since, appearing on records by numerous artists. Although she had a very sore throat the night this recording was made, she nevertheless performed like a trooper and her stage presence more than made up for the rough edges in her vocal performance. Good luck everybody!!