Pat the Wiz...
...preserving the magic
Band of the Week Winners 560 - 579
Week #560
June 18, 2021
Deacon Lunchbox performing "Chop Suey Wooey"
Winner: Kip Shepherd, Huntsville, AL. Co-winners: Andy Johnson, Athens, GA; Tom English, Archdale, NC; Darryl White, Melbourne, AU; Kenneth Rogers, Atlanta, GA; Matt Morris, Winston-Salem, NC; Steve Fleming, Seattle, WA; Mitch Harris, Athens, GA; Craig Williams, Portland, OR; Dan Matthews, Watkinsville, GA; Chris Hartstonge, London, UK.
Hint: this artist performed as a solo act most of the time, although he paired up with other artists at times. His early demise was the result of sharing the stage with members of an Atlanta band and then a wreck that occurred during their return from a show. His legacy as Atlanta's street poet was largely confirmed upon the publication of a book of his poetry, most of which was translated as lyrics for his catalog of stage material. I believe from the date that this might be the last recording I made while I worked at the 40 Watt. Good luck everybody!!
Week #561
June 18, 2021
Normaltown Reunion performing "Brown Sugar"
Winner: Tom English, Archdale, NC. Co-winners: Andy Johnson, Athens, GA; Kip Shepherd, Huntsville, AL; Darryl White, Melbourne, AU; Chris Hartstonge, London, UK; Matt Morris, Winston-Salem, NC; Kenneth Rogers, Atlanta, GA; Steve Fleming, Seattle, WA.
Hint: this band was a loosely compiled group of Athens musicians that gathered for a one-and-done performance in June of 1983 at the Watt on Broad. It was Doug's brainchild, based on his longtime habit of frequenting a Normaltown tradition at Allen's on Wednesday nights. While this band included the musicians who were part of that group, it also included several musicians who had performed with that Wednesday night group at one time or another. The front man was an Athens music legend who, sadly, passed away a few years ago. We'll award a bonus of 5 points to everyone who can identify that Athens icon. Good luck everybody!!
Week #562
June 25, 2021
the Lyres performing "Never Do it Better"
Winner: Tom English, Archdale, NC. Co-winners: Andy Johnson, Athens, GA; Kip Shepherd, Huntsville, AL; Darryl White, Melbourne, AU; Matt Morris, Winston-Salem, NC; Mitch Harris, Athens, GA; Chris Hartstonge, London, UK; Steve Fleming, Seattle, WA; Craig Williams, Portland, OR; Dan Matthews, Watkinsville, GA; Kenneth Rogers, Atlanta, GA; LH Sales, Atlanta, GA.
Hint: this band called Boston home. It was among the first bands associated with the Ace of Hearts label to come play the Watt on Broad in the mid 1980's. They formed in 1979 but didn't release their first record until 1984. They were active until 1989, when the front man/keyboardist moved to California for a year. Upon his return to Boston the band re-formed for a period in the early 1990's, then they were dormant until 1999. They released several studio albums, EP's, CDs and compilations during their career. Good luck everybody!!
Week #563
the Michael Guthrie Band performing "Junior, Behave Yourself"
Winner: Tom English, Archdale, NC. Co-winners: Darryl White, Melbourne, AU; Andy Johnson, Athens, GA; Mitch Harris, Athens, GA; Celeste Dickson, Athens, GA; Kip Shepherd, Huntsville, AL; Kenneth Rogers, Atlanta, GA; Matt Morris, Winston-Salem, NC; Chris Hartstonge, London, UK
Hint: this band sits on the fence , in the sense that they've been featured as a local band and as an out-of-town band. The reason for that is they moved to Charlottesville, Virginia just about the time I moved back to Georgia from Richmond. The issue is moot; they can call both towns home and so can I. Either way, they have been making good music since around the late 60's, although there have been personnel changes along the way. The one constant through the years has been the guitarist/lead vocalist, who still performs in Athens in one concatenation or another. Good luck everybody!!
Week #564
July 9, 2021
the Silos performing "Just This Morning"
Winner: Darryl White, Melbourne, AU. Co-winners: Tom English, Archdale, NC; Matt Morris, Winston-Salem, NC; Andy Johnson, Athens, GA; Kip Shepherd, Huntsville, AL; Mitch Harris, Athens, GA; Chris Hartstonge, London, UK
Hint: this band formed in New York in 1985, when their first LP was recorded. That effort has since been followed by 16 more, although the two founding members split in 1990 with the front man purchasing the rights to the name. The release of their third album led to an appearance on Letterman and a tour in support of the record and this recording. Good luck everybody!!
Week #565
July 16, 2021
Empty Biscuit performing "Bottom of the Sea"
Winner: Tom English, Archdale, NC. Co-winners: Chris Hartstonge, London, UK; Andy Johnson, Athens, GA; Matt Morris, Winston-Salem, NC; Darryl White, Melbourne, AU; Mitch Harris, Athens, GA; Kip Shepherd, Huntsville, AL; Craig Williams, Portland, OR; Kenneth Rogers, Atlanta, GA.
Hint: this duo was two members of an Athens band that I had worked with after I left the Watt in February of 1990. The front man had prospect of selling some of his songs to publishers in New York, so he arranged for the percussionist and me to join him in performing for a very select audience of big city music industry persons in hopes of securing some contracts of that nature. The high hopes didn't pan out but the audience was very polite and encouraging, which is usually what can be expected in situations of that ilk. Good luck everybody!!
Week #566
July 23, 2021
Fetchin' Bones performing "Twister"
Winner: Tom English, Archdale, NC. Co-winners: Darryl White, Melbourne, AU; Andy Johnson, Athens, GA; Matt Morris, Winston-Salem, NC; Kip Shepherd, Huntsville, AL; Chris Hartstonge, London, UK; Melissa Kemmerly, Atlanta, GA; Dan Matthews, Watkinsville, GA; Kenneth Rogers, Atlanta, GA.
Hint: this was one of the North Carolina bands that came to play the Watt on Broad in its heyday and developed a loud and loyal following when it did. They established relationships with REM and other Athens bands which eventually culminated in them receiving much-coveted opening slots for some of those bands. During their career they released 5 studio albums, along with one live effort. Good luck everybody!!
Week #567
July 30, 2021
Love Tractor
Winner: Matt Morris, Winston-Salem, NC. Co-winners: Kip Shepherd, Huntsville, AL; Tom English, Archdale, NC; Andy Johnson, Athens, GA; Darryl White, Melbourne, AU; Chris Hartstonge, London, UK; Mitch Harris, Athens, GA; Kenneth Rogers, Atlanta, GA; Craig Williams, Portland, OR, Steve Fleming, Seattle, WA
Hint: this was one of Athens' most beloved bands of all-time, ranking (in my opinion) next behind the B 52's, REM and Pylon. They started out as a solely instrumental group but took on a vocal dimension at the behest of their first producer. Their career, which began in 1980, all but ended in 1988 (when this recording was made), although they have regrouped to appear at Athfest and other reunions. They released 10 studio albums altogether. Good luck everybody!!
Week #568
August 6, 2021
the Land Sharks performing "Pop Medley"
Winner: Andy Johnson, Athens, GA. Co-winners: Darryl White, Melbourne, AU; Kip Shepherd, Huntsville, AL; Tom English, Archdale, NC; Mitch Harris, Athens, GA; Chris Hartstonge, London, UK; Matt Morris, Winston-Salem NC, Kenneth Rogers, Atlanta GA
Hint: this band was Athens' entry in the fusion/rock sweepstakes, forming about 1984 and entertaining a loyal following for several years thereafter. Although they didn't leave a mark beyond the boundaries of the Classic City, they certainly left one within them. They were a personal favorite of mine, and we wouldn't wrap up Band of the Week without a final episode that acknowledged their contribution to Athens music. We'll award a bonus of 10 points each to everyone who can identify any of the musical selections featured in this episode, of which we count 6! We only want the popular name if it's known, the formal names aren't necessary.
Week #569
August 13, 2021
Dreams So Real performing "In Our Own Backyard"
Winner: Kip Shepherd, Huntstille, AL. Co-winners: Matt Morris, Winston-Salem, NC; Tom English, Archdale, NC; Darryl White, Melbourne, AU; Chris Hartstonge, London, UK; Andy Johnson, Athens, GA; Kenneth Rogers, Atlanta, GA; Mitch Harris, Athens, GA; Melissa Kemmerly, Atlanta, GA; Steve Fleming, Seattle, WA; David Judd, Alexandria, VA.
Hint: this was a band that splashed in the Athens music pond in 1983 and left its mark when it did. Their first record was a 45 that Peter Buck produced, and it generated a lot of interest as a result. That led to them signing with Arista records, on which label they released two studio LPs, but interest waned and their subsequent two album releases were the extent of their studio success. They toured extensively however, and generated a widespread fan base as a result.
Week #570
August 20, 2021
Little Tigers performing "Police and Thieves"
Winner: Darryl White, Melbourne, AU. Cowinners: Andy Johnson, Athens, GA; Tom English, Archdale, NC; Kip Shepherd, Huntsville, AL; Chris Hartstonge, London, UK; Matt Morris, Winston-Salem, NC; Mitch Harris, Athens, GA; Kenneth Rogers, Atlanta, GA; Steve Fleming, Seattle, WA.
Hint: this band was among Athens' most revered in the early 1980's, and was one of the best draws at the 40 Watt on Clayton in its initial iteration. It held the house record for door and bar at that venue. They were in all likelihood the best reggae band in Athens during their existence, and when they took the stage there was always a lively contingent of dancers to complement the stage performance. Sadly, three of its members have now passed and we dedicate this episode in their memory. Good luck everybody!!
Week #571
August 27, 2021
Pylon performing "Danger"
Winner: Darryl White, Melbourne, AU. Co-winners: Andy Johnson, Athens, GA; Tom English, Archdale, NC; Kip Shepherd, Huntsville, AL; Matt Morris, Winston-Salem, NC; Dan Matthews, Watkinsville, GA; Chris Hartstonge, London, UK; Mitch Harris, Athens, GA; Celeste Dickson, Athens, GA; Craig Williams, Portland, OR; Kenneth Rogers, Atlanta, GA; Mike Czysz, Durham, NC; Melissa Kemmerly, Atlanta, GA
Hint: this week's intro might as well be partially copied word for word from last week. They were one of Athens' most revered bands, etc. Their trademark sound is so distinctive I expect everyone who posits a guess will get it right the first time, so let's find out.
Week #572
September 3, 2021
R.E.M. performing "You Are the Everything"
Winner: Matt Morris, Winston-Salem, NC. Cowinners: Darryl White, Melbourne, AU; Andy Johnson, Athens, GA; Chris Hartstonge, London, UK; Kip Shepherd, Huntsville, NC; Dan Matthews, Watkinsville, GA; Tom English, Archdale, NC; Melissa Kemmerly, Atlanta, GA; Mitch Harris, Athens, GA; Celeste Dickson, Athens, GA; Mike Czysz, Durham, NC; Kenneth Rogers, Atlanta, GA; Craig Williams, Portland, OR; Jennifer Barnhart, Athens, GA; Liam O'Hara, Clemson, NC; Steve Fleming, Seattle, WA; Tim Abbott, Skipton, UK; Andrew Carter, Charlottesville, VA.
Hint: We chose this song for our final episode of Band of the Week because it expresses close to perfectly my feelings about Band of the Week and, indeed, how music has affected my life. This is a good time for me to do so. Thanks to all for some good times and memories, and don't forget those days of magic in Athens. They don't come along very often.
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Final Points at End of 11th (Final) Year: Thanks for Playing!
Tom English 617 / Andy Johnson 584 / Darryl White 584 / Kip Shepherd 460
Chris Hartstonge 371 / Matt Morris 362 / Mitch Harris 286 / Kenneth Rogers 215
Craig Williams 174 / Steve Fleming 112 / Melissa Kemmerly 74 / Celeste Dickson 65
Dan Matthews 65 / Tim Abbott 19 / LH Sales 13 / Andrew Carter 11
Arthur Johnson 8 / Mike Czysz 8 / Kirsteen Devorsey 7 / David Judd 7
Jennifer Barnhart 5 / Liam O'Hara 4 / Melissa Bock 3 / Lisa Venegas 3
Kim Antrim 2 / Vanessa Briscoe Hay 2
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