The Red and Black

Issue date: 9/18/08 Section: Out & About

[Click to enlarge]

[Click to enlarge]

Records aren't just dusty circle-things your dad keeps in the basement.

They actually still make them and they even sound slightly better than CDs.

This week, "Your New Favorite" spotlights local 7" records that haven't got the lovin' they deserve.

CRESTON SPIERS

Creston Spiers

As the frontman for Athens' band, Harvey Milk, Creston Spiers is one of the town's best kept secrets.

This release, recorded by local audio guru Sloan Simpson, captures Spiers in an intimate setting. Simpson recorded the songs as Spiers played them while sitting on his couch.

Given that fact, listening to these songs almost feels voyeuristic if you've heard his work with Harvey Milk.

Some tracks have him backed only by a 12-string guitar.

One gets a chance to see what a unique songwriter he is in this stripped down setting.

"Yesterday's Parade" is a bittersweet cut. Spiers' voice sounds choked up as he sings.

One almost feels guilty for listening to it, like you're reading through his personal diary. It's that intimacy that has always made Spiers stand out.

ATLAS SOUND/SELECTOR DUB NARCOTIC

Atlas Shrugged

Athens native Bradord Cox (aka Atlas Sound) teams up with Calvin Johnson (aka Selector Dub Narcotic) for this K Records release.

Both of these musicians' work can be divisive, and this release is no different.

If you're a fan of late night sound experiments or ambient music, you'll enjoy this.

If you're the 99.7 percent of people who don't like that sort of thing, then there's not much here for you to enjoy.

Side A of "Atlas Shrugged" is a spontaneous sound experiment Cox played off the cuff while in the studio.

The improvisational feel of the side is exciting, showcasing Cox's ability to make up songs on the spot.

It has the Dub Narcotic feel to it, with a fat bassline and jangly percussion.

Side B is the Calvin Johnson dub remix to "Atlas Shrugged" entitled "Shrug-a-Dub Dub."

It's nice to see established artists take chances with their work.

When you hear the tracks, you can tell they have a chemistry together.

Unfortunately, the record falls short of anything meaningful in the end.

Still if you're a fan of either guy, the concept and execution are impressive enough to warrant a purchase.

- Wynn Sammons

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