photos by Ryan Myers

The Glands @ Georgia Theatre

The Glands played the Georgia Theatre in Athens, Georgia exactly one month ago today (on August 1st), christening the historic space on the occasion of its re-opening.

The Glands are a band whose musical output, which is almost entirely great, suffers only from an infrequency of output.

Since 1998, they have released just two albums, Double Thriller and 2000's eponymous LP. Shows are sporadic. But try as they may to avoid the adoration, they can't. Monday night's [August 1st] show was sold out and the crowd appeared, for the most part, to be there to see this band.

Sonically, the mix was a kind of reflection of the band itself, with head singer/songwriter Ross Shapiro low, at times his guitar parts almost buried. But even as he switched through instruments and worked through songs, he remained watchful over the other members, nodding like a conductor, while the lead guitar, bass and drums all stabbed, bopped, and churned along at more reasonable levels.

This story of The Glands is constantly rehashed, because, at least from the outside, it appears to not move forward very much. They are a watched pot. But, really, whatever. The Glands move at their own speed, and if they want to release one classic album every ten years, fine. Great. Ross Shapiro, a Terrence Malick for Indie rock. -[Creative Loafing]

The reunited Athens band also played another Athens show at the end of 2010, but now their plan to bring the reunion on the road has been revealed. Tickets are on sale for a show on November 5th at Maxwell's in Hoboken. We hear they're coming to Mercury Lounge too. They play Mercury Lounge on November 4th. Stay tuned for more dates and Manhattan show ticket info.

More pictures from the Georgia Theatre below...

Continue reading "The Glands are back, played the Georgia Theatre re-opening (pics), playing NYC-area shows (dates)"

Athens, Georgia music fans have reason to rejoice. After a fire gutted the historic Georgia Theatre in 2009, the music venue has been rebuilt and will open its doors again with an August 1st concert by legendary Athens band The Glands (they put out Patterson Hood's fourth favorite album of all time). The official celebration continues for two weeks with Chuck Leavell, RJD2, J Roddy Walston and the Business, Reptar, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, and more. Check the theater's site for more info.

If you happen to live in Georgia, catch a documentary on the rebirth on TV tonight (7/26)

In related, but sad news, Athens record store Schoolkids, which happens to be owned by Ross Shapiro of the Glands, is closing (Hopefully that will leave him more time to focus on making new music!). Some Glands videos below.

Continue reading "Georgia Theatre reopening (with a show by The Glands)"

sad news from Athens, Georgia...

It is with great emotion that we sadly report the Georgia Theatre burned down this morning. There are a lot more questions than answers right now and we will do our best to keep the public informed as we learn more.

We appreciate all of the support that the great folks of Athens have provided and the additional messages received from wonderful patrons from around the world.

THANK YOU!!!
The Georgia Theatre Staff