E129 - Top 5 Athens Albums (with Bob Hay from Squalls)

Well, we've finally gone and done it!  After spending multiple episodes last season digging into Athens, GA music with some of the scene's most pivotal figures, the Randomizer has decided that it's time to dedicate an entire episode to the Classic (Alternative) City!  We discuss so many greats in this episode, from REM, The B-52's, Pylon, Love Tractor, Oh-OK, Magnapop, Kilkenny Cats, Flat Duo Jets, Bar-B-Que Killers, The Method Actors, The Glands, Matthew Sweet, Of Montreal, The Michael Guthrie Band, Neutral Milk Hotel, The Side Effects, Green Thrift Grocery and a lot more.  If you've got Georgia on your mind, then this is the episode for you.  

Oh, and did we mention Squalls?  Because our Third Lad this week is another Athens luminary, Bob Hay from Squalls.  Squalls played a unique brand of quirky pop that was equal parts Lovin' Spoonful, Grateful Dead and Talking Heads, and got many a person up on the dance floor from 1981 to 1989.  They released four recordings and were included in the essential 1986 documentary on the scene, Athens, GA: Inside/Out.  

We are celebrating the release of Live From The 40 Watt, capturing Squalls at their best with 24 tracks recorded live at the legendary 40 Watt Club by soundman Pat "The Wiz" Biddle over five nights from 1983-85.  The album is now available on CD, 2 LPs or digitally from Strolling Bones Records.  More info: https://strollingbonesrecords.com

On November 4, 2022, Propeller Sound Recordings will begin their reissue campaign of the Squalls studio catalogue, starting with a remastered and expanded full-length version of their 1984 self-titled debut EP.  More info: https://propellersoundrecordings.com

For all the latest Squalls news, visit http://squalls.band/

Special thanks to Pylon's Vanessa Briscoe Hay, Leigh Rixey from Strolling Bones Records and Angie Carlson from Propeller Publicity for their help in making this all come together!