Atlanta Locals

[MistaGlitch]

Anyone who's been around Atlanta for a while should know about Music Midtown, and it's back.

http://www.11alive.com/rss/article/1...town-to-return

[icedKeg]

Finally going to my first show in ATL. I'm currently at The Earl getting ready for probably my favorite band in the last year or so, Real Estate.

[icedKeg]

anybody going to The Earl for The One AM Radio on Sunday, 8/21?
They are a great band. I will be there!

[roberto73]

Sad news: Atlanta's best record store may be closing.

Criminal Records owner plans November close

Five years ago, Criminal Records celebrated its 15th anniversary with an in-store party complete with actor-comedians Patton Oswalt and Zack Galifianakis and Athens-based bands Of Montreal and Elf Power.

For its 20th anniversary, the Little Five Points institution known for its new and used CDs, vinyl records, comic books and graphic novels will close its doors unless new investors step in.

“We’ve been underwater ever since the economy became distressed,” founder and owner Eric Levin said Monday. “We’ve been on a rescue mission for three years. I’m done paying for it by myself.”

Levin has set a personal deadline of Nov. 1 to “pay the man or leave.” Payroll checks have been bouncing. He’s already turned down bands vying for a 40-minute set on the stage in the back of the store and says the annual eclectic Christmas event, akin to a large holiday party for customers, isn’t happening.

This is really a bummer. The place has a great selection of vinyl, and they host a lot of in-store gigs from bands that are playing locally, as well as other special events. I've seen Yo la Tengo, The Wedding Present, and The Antlers play there, and last year they hosted a signing for Scott Pilgrim with Edgar Wright, Michael Cera, and Jason Schwartzman. Such a shame to see another independent store bite the dust.

The full article: http://www.ajc.com/business/criminal...s-1160071.html

[icedKeg]

bummer. i've only been living here for two months so i don't know much about this store. sounded great though. and leaving in two weeks so i doubt i'll get a chance to visit.

on a brighter note, there are some good shows coming up in the next two weeks...

Sat, 9/10: Strfkr @ Masquerade
Tue, 9/13: Broken Social Scene & TV On The Radio @ Tabernacle
Wed, 9/14: Girls @ Variety Playhouse
Mon, 9/19: Neon Indian @ Masquerade
Thu, 9/22: The Antlers @ Masquerade

[MistaGlitch]

Polish Ambassador this weekend with Kraddy.

That is a bummer about Criminal Records....

[Vasoline Groove]

Yeah, serious bummer about Criminal Records. I ran into David Cross there ten years ago and got him to sign my Goldie vinyl. Went to plenty of good free shows there too.

Also, had a bad elf come up to me and say "are we doing this or what?" and then proceed to take me to the back and sit on Bad Santa's lap for a picture session. It was hilarious and surreal simultaneously.

[icedKeg]

went in there today and talked to the dudes working there. i wasn't sure if i was at the right record store and foolishly asked "is this the store that is closing?" they kinda chuckled and said "no.." ...at least they hope not.

spirits seemed to be positive among the staff members. friendly guys. cool store. leaving ATL in a couple days - see you again next summer, maybe?

[MistaGlitch]

Good to have you in Atlanta...hopefully get to catch a show together next time.

[MistaGlitch]

Four Tet is playing the Georgia Theatre in Athens on 3/22!!!

[icedKeg]

setting out to drive to Atlanta from LA in about 15 minutes. I'll be in ATL through July!

[MistaGlitch]

Make it to St. Vincent over the weekend?

[icedKeg]

No. But going to Edward Sharpe tonight!

[Somewhat Damaged]

I'm in Alpharetta this week and next for work. Anything notable going on concert-wise while I'm here?

[roberto73]

It's sort of a wasteland the next couple weeks, which is how this area tends to run: feast or famine. There's three shows this Friday that are interesting, but that's pretty much it:

Dandy Warhols (at the Masquerade), Maps & Atlases (at the Earl), and Great Lake Swimmers (at the Variety Playhouse)

[MistaGlitch]

The Decatur Art Festival next weekend is a good time.

[Somewhat Damaged]

Thanks, Roberto. Next weekend is too late, MistaGlitch. I leave on Friday, 6/1. Appreciate the info all the same.