The Right Reverend Andy

Blake Shelton, You Dun Goofed

2013-01-24T11:00:00.001-05:00

Fans of classic country and roots music (not the pop crap you hear on mainstream radio), take a moment and let Blake Shelton know how you feel regarding his comments on classic country music. He says, "Nobody wants to listen to their grandpa’s music. And I don’t care how many of these old farts around Nashville going, “My God, that ain’t country!” Well that’s because you don’t buy records anymore, jackass."

The article can be found here.
His Twitter is here.
His Facebook page is here.
His website is here.

Test Post

2013-01-04T18:20:00.001-05:00

I'm still alive, friends and neighbors. Just testing my new Android app. Tune into my radio show on Garage71.com this Monday at 8pm EST for my annual Elvis Birthday Extravaganza! Two hours dedicated to the King of Rock n Roll!

Rock on.

October's Grease Inc. Magazine

2012-10-03T10:29:00.001-04:00

Be on the lookout this week for the October edition of Grease Inc. Magazine. Inside, you'll find my interview with Chris Saint Clark from Hellfire Revival.

Halloween Is Coming Early

2012-10-01T15:47:00.001-04:00

There's a lot coming your way and I've been a slacker keeping you all updated. If you haven't heard about it, Dr. Gangrene's 9th Annual Horror Hootenanny is coming up Saturday October 13th. Two of my favorite bands, The Creeping Cruds and Hellfire Revival, are playing that night along with Canadian greats Forbidden Dimension and Nashville horror rockers Alucard.

If you enjoy horror movies, punk rock, psychobilly, or drenching yourself in blood for no reason, you need to be there! The Muse is no more, so this year it's at The End. Check them out online for directions and contact info. ADULTS: They only serve beer, no liquor or wine.

JD McPherson In Atlanta

2012-09-10T13:31:00.000-04:00

Well, since he just announced it on his Facebook page, I guess I can now announce here. I have JD McPherson at The Earl for Thursday November 8th. Support to be announced as soon as his management gives approval.

Elvis Death Day

2012-08-16T09:36:00.002-04:00

Today marks the 35th anniversary of Elvis' death. Here's an exerpt from my article in the August issue of Grease magazine. For the full article, head to your local mechanic's shop, tattoo parlour, favorite bar, or restaurant and pick up the current issue of Grease Inc. magazine!

It wasn't until the Summer of '54 when at the suggestion of Sun Records founder, Sam Phillips, that Elvis got together with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black. Moore recalls, He had on a pink shirt, pink pants with white stripes down the legs, and white shoes. I thought my wife was going to go out the back door! People just weren't wearing that kind of flashy clothes at the time."

Commenting on his own guitar playing, Scotty Moore said, "All I can tell you is I just stole from every guitar player I heard over the years. Put it in my data bank. And when I played that's just what come out. But what really sets [our] recording apart is Elvis’s vocal, which soars across a wide range and expresses both a youthful humor and a boundless confidence. The overall feeling the song communicates is one of limitless freedom.”

Kool Kat of the Week!

2012-08-09T15:47:00.000-04:00

Check out this fun interview I had with the great people over at ATLRetro! It's not for the faint of heart.

Rumble In Little Five Points!

2012-08-08T14:30:00.001-04:00

Heading to Muddy Roots

2012-07-30T16:10:00.002-04:00

I'll be attending Muddy Roots Music Festival on behalf of Garage 71 and Grease Inc. this year. I've not attended this event before, but I hear it's amazing time where many of the musicians come out and hang with the audience the entire weekend. It's not stuck up or pretentious, like other major events - this is as rootsy as you can get.

Some of this year's performers include Th' Legendary Shack Shakers, Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, Joe Buck, Little Jimmy Dickens, Hillbilly Casino, Reverend Horton Heat, and Dr. Ralph Stanley.

I hope to meet plenty of you fine folks who've listened to my show the past eight years. I don't often get time to travel out of state for music festivals, so I'm pretty damn excited about this one! Be on the lookout for the Garage 71 ambulance and be sure to stop by for a drink.

Preview of My Interview With Hot Rod Walt

2012-07-20T11:03:00.000-04:00

I recently interviewed Hot Rod Walt with the Psycho DeVilles and the Hot Rod Walt Trio. The interview will be featured in the music section of Grease Inc. magazine (August issue), but until then enjoy this snippet where he discusses his "Yellow Jacket."

Reverend Andy: I'd love for you to talk about the Yellow Jacket - how did you acquire it, I know you got rid of it, then it came back to you.

Hot Rod Walt: I first saw the "Yellow Jacket" (a 1934 Ford 5-window Coupe) back in 1984-85 at the Carlisle Penn swap meet. I got the guy's number and started saving my money. Once I had all the cash, I called him, then a friend and I drove from north Jersey all the way down to Cape May after work one night.

We arrived at daybreak, test drove it, then loaded it up and headed home. I terrorized Sussex county for two years with that car! I went through 3 engines and then sold it to build a Model A coupe with a Hemi. I immediately regretted that decision and called the guy every year for 22 years until he finally gave in and sold it back to me... in pieces. For TWICE what I sold it to him, but it's still worth every penny. I immediately started doing everything to it that I had dreamed of doing to it when I was a teenager. New dropped axle and 6-71 supercharged SBC with a 4 speed!

I ended up with two pretty cool songs about that car - "Yellow Jacket" and "Supercharger." I still have it today and it's in the middle of going through a major rebuild right down to the frame.

Just What the Doctor Ordered

2012-07-09T19:31:00.001-04:00

How do, friends?

Ready for your Monday night dose of rock 'n' roll medicine? Never fear, Dr. Reverend Andy is ready to prescribe some Deke Dickerson, The Hillbilly Casino, Bad Bad Whiskey, Kitty in a Casket, High Noon, Social Distortion, and the Cadcatz to start things off.

Just click the player to the right of this page!

Garage71.com. Tonight. 8p Eastern.

The Detonators: Rockabilly Thunder From Down Under

2012-07-05T15:32:00.003-04:00

The following is an interview I did with Paulie Bignell from The Detonators about 3 years ago. The band is back and better than ever, so I figured I'd share this "long lost interview."

The northern hemisphere isn't the only place you'll find music steeped in roots rock. There's an island to the south you may have heard of called Australia. That's where you'll find the door slammin', rubber burning, gear grinding sound of The Detonators!

Fans have claimed the band plays an era, not simply a genre. The Dets has taken the traditional sound of rockabilly music and fused it with their own style giving it a inimitable driving energy while staying true to the spirit of their heroes.

The band consists of ‘Rockbottom’ James Moloney belting out vocals and harmonica, Paulie “The Kid” Bignell on guitar, and ’Doghouse’ Dave Philpots on upright. Yes they have a drummer, but it's a rotating set of A-listers who play when available.

The Detonators formed in 1997 in Melbourne and five albums out, you'd think this was enough for these rockers. They tour Australia aggressively, have had their songs featured in television shows, and have even gone overseas to find new fans. Not to mention individual awards won by the band, such as Rockbottom James' Golden Harmonica award and Doghouse Dave's Yamaha endorsement.

They are the "High Priests of roots rock 'n' roll", the kings of down under blazing jump blues thunder. Each album from the band is, "A combination of flat chat rockabilly, laced with extra serves of twanging slapping roots rock ‘n’ roll, sprinkled with a touch of down home blues."

Taking a break from working in Australia's hardest working and most popular rockabilly band, Paulie took a moment to answer a few questions for the magazine's final issue. Having been a huge fan of the band for years, this was a real treat for me.

Reverend Andy: How did the band originally get together?
Paulie "The Kid" Bignell: Myself and Rockbottom were playing in a blues band together for around five years. I talked him into doing something combining that, with rockabilly and rock 'n' roll and coming up with original tunes. We had a shuffle drummer at reach and found our upright bass man, so away we went!

RA: What was it like when you finally got to record?
PB: It was a buzz! We recorded our first release on a 4-track machine in the drummer's girlfriend's bungalow. As soon as we were playing we were thinking of recording. We also rehearsed in the bungalow, so we were used to the sound of it. I dig the whole process and there is always more to learn. Learn to play better and it will sound better.

RA: What keeps you motivated when you're facing the worst?
PB: The music. As soon as i count the first song in, I drift to a different place. The playing has to get you through or it ain't worth doing.

RA: Any back story to "My Saving Grace?" I ask because it's my favorite Dets song and would love to know if there was an inspiration for it.
PB: It's pretty much true, I guess. I would probably be locked up by now if it wasn't for rock 'n' roll. Music can fix things!

RA: Maybe a new album, soon?
PB:We have demos of half an album and material for the rest but the time is not right just yet. We will have to get that new CD out before we tackle overseas again. We did some shows in Europe a few years back and it was a blast. I'll go anytime come to think of it!

RA: How do you get inspired to write songs?
PB: Sometimes a lyric I've heard either myself or somebody else say, sometimes a riff leads me to somewhere. Just depends, different approaches give different results.

RA: What's the writing process like for The Dets?
PB: We all write so it varies on what we start with. Sometimes we start with nothing, sometimes its a done deal before we start.

RA: What's the roots scene like in Australia?
PB: It's okay. There is usually something going on.

RA: Are you guys a commodity or are there plenty of roots-based bands to play with?
PB: There is some great roots bands in Oz in all styles. We are lucky enough to live in Melbourne which is with out a doubt the music capital, but still the other states have plenty of talent. There are probably a few good bands in each style I guess, same as most places I think.

RA: What do you think about the state of mainstream music as opposed to underground scenes?
PB: The underground can't be doing any worse than ever so its probably okay at the moment with the big boys feeling the pinch.

RA: Do you think people who focus on bland mainstream bands just don't realize there are thousands of incredible bands they're missing out on?
PB: If they like that stuff they probably shouldn't stray too far...it's that radio commercial sound they like. They should go and see bands, local for a start. There are great bands hidden all over the world of all styles.

RA: School me on the rockabilly/roots scene in your neck of the woods.
PB: We've got good beer... I find scenes to be pretty consistent in most places I've been, depending on the population, ours are just farther apart. It takes a few more beers to get anywhere.

Upcoming gigs:
Fri 6th, Tago Mago,
744 High St, Thornbury 9.30pm

Fri 13th, Brycees Tavern
30 Brice Ave, Mooroolbark 9pm www.bryceestavern.com

Sun 22nd, Ferntree Gully Hotel,
Ferntree Gully 4pm

Getting Deep Fried and Sanctified

2012-07-05T08:18:00.000-04:00

So often, I hear people talk about "the old days" when a club had some of their favorite bands perform or an area of town they used to roam around drinking, eating, laughing, and having a grand old time. That bar had all their favorites on draft. The little restaurant on the corner is where they'd meet all their friends for food before catching a band. These areas, once the property of the underground rockabilly scene, are now flooding with yuppies, hippies, bros, emo kids, hipsters, and the like. You know, scumbags!

Why not try taking these areas back from them? Why let them run rampant in a club or bar that you love and miss? Sure, you've moved on and found new places to hang out, but if this pattern keeps up you'll soon find yourself stuck sitting in the backyard drinking beer watching the bug zapper.

How can this be accomplished? One way is to attend community and neighborhood meetings - show up and get involved. Yeah, they can be boring, but it's a better alternative to pillaging the area like a Viking. Show an interest in community affairs and invest time in expressing to the local owners how you dislike the direction their businesses have gone.

One the best things you can do is to start shopping in the "infected" area. If you don't like a place in the area, shop their competitors. Instead of Home Depot, go to Ace Hardware. The people who complain, usually don't do these things, so don't be one of those people. The best way to support a neighborhood is with your money. Capitalism!

The path to happiness is paved with good intentions, but the path to getting something accomplished is paved with actually doing something. If the clientele in an area changes, then the places will accommodate. Gone will be the emo rock shows and once again you can enjoy rockabilly in a place that used to be your home away from home. Once again, you can enjoy what you once lost while the hipsters and yuppies scurry away.

Mad Lib-Ations Thursdays

2012-07-03T11:12:00.000-04:00

Remember the game you played as a kid called Mad Libs? You have to fill in a story with nouns, verbs, adjectives, and so on, then you get a story to tell. Every Thursday we play the adult version at the Corner Tavern in L5P from 7p to midnight. You don't have to stay all night - you can come play one round.

You fill out the blanks, we fill in the Mad Lib, then I read them out to the crowd and based on audience participation each round there are three teams that win prizes. We have bags from Lux de Ville, tattoo gift certificates, concert tickets, and much more. Also, the Corner Tavern has drink specials for those playing the game.

Forget trivia, come try something new. Bring your potty mouth friends, this is the adult version where cursing is actually okay!

Atlanta Tattoo Expo

2012-06-26T11:16:00.002-04:00

If you love tattoos or want to be surrounded by people with them, then I think you need to hit the Atlanta Tattoo Expo this weekend at the Crowne Plaza. Bring money in case you think of a tattoo you want or find an artist whose work you love.

There'll be vendors, seminars (a buddy of mine is taking a class on how to build his own equipment), and you don't want to miss the annual bikini contest out by the pool! You can buy one, two, or three day passes and then you won't miss out on anything.

Be sure to stop by the Garage 71/Grease Inc. booth and say hello. We'll be set up with free copies of our magazine and will have the music turned up to 11!

Getting Ready In The Studio

2012-06-25T19:13:00.000-04:00

I'm prepping for tonight's show. At this point, I'm usually under a crunch trying to find a fine balance between rockabilly and psychobilly to meet the audience's needs.

While I'm prepping, you can prep to with this hot little number from Kim lenz, with Nick Curran on guitar.

Cowabunga At The Plaza!

2012-06-20T12:39:00.000-04:00

Tonight, The Plaza Theater on Ponce is showing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Secret of the Ooze. Come out to see a fun 80's favorite while supporting a local institution. Some info from the Facebook event:

On June 20th we'll be showing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 - Secret of the Ooze. It will start at 9:30pm and be tons o fun. Come hang out with your friends and eat popcorn and other tasty snacks and enjoy the atmosphere that no other theatre in Atlanta can provide! Oh... and also there's a cameo by a little up and coming musician by the name of... VANILLA ICE! Are you crazy? Why would you miss this!?

There you have it! I hope to see some of you fine folks out there tonight.

Plaza Theatre

1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30306-4219

Update From The Quakes

2012-06-18T20:38:00.000-04:00

Paul Roman and The Quakes have released a new album, plus a new video for "Die Too Young."

Head here to buy the album and get the latest news for The Quakes

Here's the above mentioned video:

The Modified Dolls On Psychobilly Freakout

2012-06-11T17:34:00.000-04:00

On tonight's show I have the lovely Brittany from The Modified Dolls in studio. We'll be discussing the group, what they do, and we'll also do a Mad Lib, like we do every Thursday night at The Corner Tavern in L5P. All this and your weekly dose of rockabilly and psychobilly! It's happening tonight at 8p eastern on Garage71.com!

JD McPerhson Last Night

2012-06-07T10:48:00.003-04:00

If you missed JD's performance last night, then you really need to check out this video from Conan. Another fantastic performance! Keep your eye on JD, he's going straight to the top!

JD McPherson on Conan Tonight!

2012-06-06T21:35:00.002-04:00

You either need to watch or record Conan O'Brien tonight on TBS because JD McPherson will be performing on the show! Conan is well-known for his support of roots and rockabilly music and it's always good to see one of our own get some national exposure. Keep a sharp eye open because you might catch a glimpse of Robert Williams aka Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys and Deke Dickerson in the crowd!

Just A Vent

2012-04-16T19:26:00.000-04:00

I just found out a show I've been working on the last few days was yanked out from under me. It wasn't the venue's fault and it wasn't the talent's fault. I guess there really isn't anyone to blame, but knowing the hard work I had been putting into making something happen was grabbed up by someone else is very frustrating. The show will go on this weekend and I'm glad the venue was able to fill a hole in their schedule.

I'm glad the show is happening, but knowing my time was wasted isn't cool. Is my ego bruised? Yes. Is my wallet? No. I'll live and move on.

Mission SLIMpossible #3

2012-04-01T15:46:00.000-04:00

Last night I had a minor breakthrough. I was training with Justin and my last set of exercises was "the plank". He had me perform this one a couple of weeks ago and I noticed that this time it was easier than before! It dawned on me, more clearly than anything before, that I'm becoming stronger and my weight loss is making a huge difference.

I randomly notice changes in the shape of my body. This morning while putting on anti-perspirant I could actually see a bulge where my deltoid and tricep muscles are supposed to be located. I couldn't believe it and had to stop to touch them! It's like buying a new car and constantly discovering something new.

I can't wear a pair of my favorite pants anymore because they now look like clown pants due to their bagg-i-tude (very damn baggy). On the bright side, I was able to wear a pair of shorts I couldn't even button all of last year. I think that's a fair trade!

Do I have cravings? Sometimes I do, but they're far and few between. Do I get hungry? Oh hell yes I do because I went from eating ~3200 calories to 1800/day. That doesn't mean I give in to my wants, especially now that I've seen some results. I don't think I could have accomplished as much as I have without the guidance of Justin and Scott at Village Fitness. That may sound like a plug, but I'm sure I would have given in to wanting a Reese's or thinking, "I can go to the gym tomorrow." These guys know what they're doing, they're great motivators, and they actually give a shit about my health.

villagefitness247.com

Wooo You Ate My Crayons With Gluuue

2012-03-29T13:38:00.001-04:00

This month marks the 50th anniversary of Bob Dylan's first album being released. This also marks the end of decent taste in music. I don't make it a secret that I'm not a fan of Dylan.

I will say his songs can sometimes make fantastic stories and I enjoy them as long as I'm listening to someone else sing. I can't stand hearing someone sing completely out of tune with a song and that was Dylan's style. The "everyman" who sings for the working man.

I don't buy it. Johnny Cash sang for the everyman, but he had one hell of a voice! Dylan can't sing and should have been stopped 51 years ago.

Mission SLIMpossible #2

2012-03-28T15:44:00.000-04:00

I've been at this for two weeks and I haven't dropped dead! I'm sticking with the 1800 calorie diet that Justin set for me, and it's now rare for me to whimper about cravings. I'm very proud to say that I have gone from 290lbs down to 280lbs in two weeks! I cannot remember the last time I was this size. My shirts are getting baggy, my pants are loose and I definitely have to wear a belt, and I can feel muscle tone I've never felt before!

My girlfriend pointed out that my attitude since I began eating better has drastically improved. We were both worried I would be grumpy due to not getting to eat what I want, but it's the exact opposite of that. I know it's partially due to losing weight, but I also think it's because I'm not feeding myself crap anymore. If I can't pronounce it, I doubt I'm going to eat it.

Both Justin and Scott at Village Fitness have run me ragged on the outside obstacle course at Village Fitness. From flipping big rig tires to running with bags of sand and even playing "plow horse" dragging a weighted sled behind me. It's been that and indoor weight circuits with cardio mixed in. This past Friday I was so sore from my lower body workout I could hardly walk. A couple of days later and I was fine, but I had to swing my legs in order to move forward!

I've been eating a lot more fruit and vegetables in the last two weeks. For dinner, Anna suggested a "green" dinner. We cut up granny smith apples, celery, green onions, green peppers, and a little cheese on the side. I've been eating bananas daily (because they're delicious and the potassium is good for aching muscles) along with apples - something I rarely ever ate before.

I use the Village Fitness online diet journal to keep track of my food intake and fitness to make sure I'm burning a lot more calories than I'm taking in. It's simple to use and if it doesn't have the food I'm eating I can easily enter it and save it for future use.

My progress has me excited and I can't wait to get back in the gym! If you see me there, please feel free to say hello and tell me your story. If it's a long one, maybe we can talk while walking on the treadmills...

http://www.villagefitness247.com/