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CD Reveiw: Robert Francis -- Before Nightfall; Free iTunes Download

Robert Francis
Before Nightfall
Atlantic Records

By Al Kaufman

Robert Francis is 22 years old. That's important to know up front, because he sings like a man who has been through three wars, two depressions, and 174 heartbreaks. He is an old soul.

He is an old soul in a young body. So it should come as no surprise when his gravelly baritone sings lines such as "We took my parents' car," or "You shoot up then you go to class," which give away his tender years. But it does. He has a rich, full voice that gushes with so much emotion that he is able to sing cliched lines (and there are a lot of cliched lines here) like "Darkness be my friend tonight" without sounding hokey.

Leila's Three Picks of the Week

I know it's a little late in the day, but here's my three picks for this marvelous week:

Elbow - with a just stunning latest release, The Seldom Seen Kid, Guy Garvey leads his band of men into lush, grandeous songs with sweeping strings and luscious musical landscapes. As I said in our Atlanta Music Guide blog, "If the above video of the band playing "One Day Like This" (from their new record, The Seldom Seen Kid) to a crowd of thousands at Glastonbury, complete with huge string section, doesn't give you chills, you must be dead." They're about to embark on a North American tour too.

Little Boots - we just reviewed her American debut, Illuminations, and I have to say her track "New In Town" is gloriously addictive with squishy beats and screaching keyboards spurs on Victoria Hesketh's sassy lyrics and cooing vocals.

Jarvis - also known as Pulp's Jarvis Cocker, we think he just needs one name now. He's indie rock's godfather, the Madonna of Britpop. His latest release, Further Complications, has an extra dose of rock swagger, while keeping with his observational, wry humor.

Leila's Three Picks of the Week

In a new Friday feature, cleverly titled Leila's Three Picks of the Week, I (Leila, your fearless editor of this blog and promotions director at Ticket Alternative) will be picking three bands to share with you each week. They'll be amazing, so feel free to check them out, links are provided for. Go on, they won't bite. Promise.

Elizabeth and the Catapult - With Karen Carpenter coos and a stunning array of genres to overcome, from indie pop to alt country to Bacharachian odes, Elizabeth and the Catapult are too adorable to garner anything other than utter swoons. They're also playing gigs at The Red and Black (June 19, tickets here) and Rock and Roll Hotel (with Greg Laswell July 16, tickets here).

Bombadil - about to release their second record, these Huck Finn look-a-likes are looking to follow in the footsteps of their label mates The Avett Brothers by crossing genres (from bluegrass to folk to South American to twee indie rock) using stellar songwriting, overwhelming all in their path with their talent.

 

Princeton - a twee modern indie pop take on the sweeping arrangements of the Beach Boys' sunny baroque pop.

Be Our Friend on Facebook.... Win Super Cool Prizes...

Hey guys!  Ticket Alternative just started a facebook page, to better keep in touch with you and let you know about cool things going on.

We are going to start launching some pretty awesome contests and giveaways, only for our facebook friends.... so you might want to add us as a friend (hint, hint!)

Just click here, and hit the "become a fan" button.

"Tickled Pink" uses humor to raise funds for breast cancer.

A lot can be accomplished with laughter.  The 2nd annual “Tickled Pink” fundraising affair for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate will take place on October 18th at the Cobb Galleria Centre Grand Ballroom at 6:30 p.m.  The night will include a cocktail hour, silent auction, and dinner.

Entertainment will be provided by pioneering comedienne Elaine Boosler. Boosler is the first female comic to headline her own comedy special on cable television when Showtime aired "Party of One." To date, she has headlined seven cable specials, as well as written, directed and acted in two half-hour movies: “Comedy From Here” and “The Call.”

Your hosts for the evening are B98.5FM’s Steve McCoy of the Steve & Vikki Morning Show, Jordan Graye and Kelly McCoy.

“Breast cancer is an illness that has touched nearly every American in some way,” said David Meszaros, vice president and general manager of B98.5FM. “B98.5FM is committed to providing strong community support, and we are thrilled to team up with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate. Through comedy, this event’s contributions will go toward finding a cure.”

For information regarding donations, silent auction participation and sponsorship information, please contact Andrew Rudd at Andrew.rudd@coxradio.com.

Tickets are $100 for individuals, and 10 seat corporate tables are $950.  Please buy your tickets early to enjoy a wonderful evening and support this wothwhile cause.  The event WILL sell out and tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.

Ticket Alternative opens 4th ticket outlet

Ticket Alternative has opened it's 4th ticket outlet in Georgia. CD Warehouse on Barrett Parkway now has tickets on sale for all events in Georgia.

The service charge is only $1.50 per ticket WHICH IS LESS THAN BUYING ONLINE!

Please note * * * THIS STORE ACCEPTS CASH ONLY * * *

In most cases, advance sales end 4pm day of show.

CD Warehouse
50 Barrett Parkway Suite 1240 Atlanta, GA 30307

Website: www.cdwarehouse.com

Store Hours -
Monday to Thursday 10:00am - 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday 10:00am - 10:00pm
Sunday Noon - 6:00pm

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Help us plant trees in Atlanta

Ticket Alternative has joined an American Express promotion called Root For Our City

Everytime someone purchases a ticket using their American Express card between September 22nd and October 31st, our city, ATLANTA will get a 'vote'. The city with the most votes at the end of the promotion will get the most trees planted.

8 cities are competing for the largest share of the American Express million dollar tree-planting grant.

Here's how you can help. Simply pay with any American Express® Card when you see the ROOT FOR YOUR CITY tree icon displayed at participating businesses from Sept 22 - Oct 31, 2008. The city with the most votes gets the most green.

Ticket Outlet: Ella Guru

One of our ticket outlets Ella Guru has moved. Their new address is:

280 Elizabeth Street, Suite B101, Atlanta, GA 30307

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New Music! The Automatic -- Steve McQueen

Check out the new single Steve McQueen from The Automatic

New Feature! Instant Email Updates

We have a new feature on our website that instantly emails you whenever an event is added at your favorite venue.

At the bottom of any venue page you'll see a link to "Sign Up To Receive an Email whenever a new event is added at this venue."

You can sign up for alerts from as many venues as you wish, and of course, you can unsubscribe at any time!