Flagpole best local albums 2007

Ohoh, this time of the year again... Time of balances, best-ofs, worst-ofs, whatever. Our local institution, Flagpole magazine, just released the list of their 10 favorite local albums of 2007. By local, understand Athens, GA based, of course. And albums is to be understood in the wider sense of "release", as they also counted EPs.

I'm quite happy that two of my personal favorites made it: The Lolligags and Titans of Filth. Not only these bands are both excellent in their genre, the respective lead singers are also close, sibling-like friends.

The Lolligags were born in 2006 from the collaboration between high-school friends Leslie DS (Athens) and Ryan B. (based in Nashville, TN). They play what could be simply referred to as electro-pop: picture Siouxsie singing the Pet Shop Boys, and you would have a generic idea. Leslie comes with ideas of melodies and lyrics, she phones Ryan who comes up with something, he calls Leslie back, and after several back-and-worth, a song is born. Their first EP was released on HHBTM at the end of the spring, a second is in the pipes, with several songs written already but not yet properly recorded. You can find some of their new songs ("My Mascara", "A Spanner in the Works") on their myspace page. So far, the Lolligags played three gigs only, at Caledonia with CCBB on 11/02/2007 for Leslie's Bday, at the Star Bar and at Flicker with the Black Kids on 11/15 and 11/16. The shows were really good, with a lot of pre-recorded loops that gave Leslie the opportunity to harmonize with herself, and Ryan to play guitar. Oh, and you should check their scene set, with the huge lollipops. Spring 2008 should see a second EP, perhaps some remixes, and hopefully more shows. Get the Lolligag reflex.

I met Sam from the Titans of Filth for the first time in July 2006, during AthFest. He was distributing free copies of "Best Behavior", the first EP they had just finished recording a month before. I didn't pick up immediately, but waited a few weeks before catching them live at the Caledonia. I've been a huge fan since. If their music was to be described in one word, that would be twee, without a doubt. Simple yet catchy melodies, funny, smart and touching lyrics dealing with teenagehood in a Christian environment, depression, how to fit in the crowd, pretty much a Blue Ridge, GA hillbilly version of the early Belle and Sebastian. Note that Best Behavior was also re-distributed by HHBTM as part of their CDR club. "Feats of Strengths", their second EP, was recorded in June 2007, just in time for the NYC Popfest where they had a slot (and where they invited me as part buffer, part tour manager, part mascot). The production is more rounded than on the first EP, the sound is fuller, with even a dance-like tune ("Swinging Lovers", about the dating pool in a small collegetown of Georgia), and a very heart-felt ballad ("Fifth Year") written by their violonist Ann. All in all, I'm very, very proud of all of them... Let's hope that 2008 will see another release, the sooner, the better...

Oh, incidentally, the three EPs I mentioned were recorded by Jason "Casper and the Cookies" NeSmith at his BelAir Studio. Talk about a small world or an incestuous family, eh ?


(Respects to Hillary from Team Brown for the movies and Mike W. for the photo).