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The Modern Skirts, Ashford Manor, 10/01/07

by Kathryn Durfee
10/02/2007

Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Athens anymore. Last night I packed a picnic and journeyed over to Watkinsville to see the Modern Skirts play as part of Ashford Manor Bed and Breakfast's Concert on the Lawn series. The Athens-based pop quartet played two full sets for the all-ages audience.

The Modern Skirts is comprised of Jay Gulley, JoJo Glidewell, Phillip Brantley, and John Swint. I would specify who does what, but it can get a little confusing. One of the unique features of this group is that no one keeps one position for very long. Though Jay Gulley is for the most part the lead singer, he frequently turns the microphone over to Brantley or Glidewell. Likewise, Glidewell shifts effortlessly from piano to guitar. Gulley plays guitar from time to time, but relies mainly on his smooth voice to carry the song. The band has grown so popular that by now I shouldn't have to describe their style, but as a refresher, I'll say that they are heavily influenced by -- but do not imitate -- the Beach Boys and Talking Heads. The Skirts clearly have a style all their own and charming personalities to boot.

In the two years since the release of their first full-length album Catalogue of Generous Men, The Modern Skirts have played countless shows. I have seen them at the 40 Watt, Tasty World, on Herty Field as part of the Terry Music Business School music festival, at the Melting Point, and now Ashford Manor. I have seen them play electric sets, and acoustic sets, and I have even seen them play with a string quartet. Each venue and show has had a unique vibe, and all have been consistently fantastic. The band brings an engaging energy to the stage. In most venues downtown, groups of people dancing in front of the stage is nothing extraordinary. Last night, the Skirts managed to get not only the college students dancing but the toddlers and the older folks as well (I definitely saw some elderly ladies shakin' what their mamas gave 'em for the twenty-something performers).

Any fan of the band that has attended more than one show knows the set list pretty well. That self-funded first album was a hit, filled with heartfelt songs with good beats just waiting to get stuck in your head. Recently, however, the Skirts have added a handful of new songs to their repertoire. These new tracks are more upbeat, following more in the vein of "My Lost Soprano" than "Ring the Bell." I have seen "Hood Ornament" performed at several shows, and it never fails to get stuck in my head for days afterwards. At the Melting Point, they performed a new track with the help of JoJo's MacBook Pro. I can't find the name of the song, but it sounded like a hidden track on an Imogen Heap album. I looked forward to hearing it again last night, but JoJo's computer had unfortunately been stolen during the band's recent trip to New York City. And, even though I've heard them a million plus times, the older tracks have yet to lose their staying power. Listening to the older material such as "New York Song" and "Pasadena," it's clear that they've added a bit more flair to the songs.

It's always a big deal for an Athens band to reach the level of popularity that the Skirts have in such a short time. The market is super-saturated, so bands have to have that special something to stand out. For the Skirts, I believe that their stage presence speaks volumes. No matter how many shows they play, these four guys still appear to be having a great time on stage. They bring out old songs that are "just for fun," tell jokes and stories, and interact with the audience. These Georgia boys don't seem to have let the publicity go to their heads. Between sets last night, I watched Phillip Brantley (guitar/harmonica/vocals) sign a publicity still of the group for a little girl. At the end of the show, they sang "Happy Birthday" to several members of the audience. In addition, John Swint stepped out from behind his drum set to sing the '80s rap song "Just a Friend" by Biz Markie.

Overall, another great night spent enjoying great local music. I must say that it was the first concert I have attended that had a "Children must be attended at all times" sign planted in the grass next to the stage. A small price to pay for being able to enjoy the crisp fall weather (finally!).

The Modern Skirts will be playing a charity event at the Georgia Theater on October 18th. Following that show, they will head to the UK to play a few shows across the Pond. As much as it pleases me that my favorite Athens band is gaining international fame, I sincerely wish they would stop performing and start recording! The Skirts' next album is slated for release next spring. Until then, "Four More Years Ago," a very Beatles-esque track, "Indiana Indian," the undeniably catchy "Hood Ornament," and a few others can be found online.

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