Various Artists - Athens, GA, Inside/Out: Music From The Movie

The soundtrack to the 1987 documentary film about the burgeoning mid-80s music scene in Athens, Georgia, released by the late, lamented I.R.S. Records. At the time, I had been a long-time B-52s fan, and I knew about R.E.M., although I wouldn't really get into them for a couple more years. So I was semi-aware of what was going on down in Athens. But the film and this soundtrack were eye-openers, detailing both the major and minor acts playing in that town.

As luck would have it, later that year I would find myself living in Athens for a time. My house was a tiny, ramshackle shitbox down past the University of Georgia sorority houses, on an extension of Milledge Avenue. But I didn't care - I was young, wild and free, and in the midst of some cutting-edge music. I discovered that the documentary only scratched the surface of what was going on there. I visited the main spots (Uptown Lounge and the 40 Watt) numerous times during my short stay there, and saw some awesome bands: X, The Beat Farmers, The Red Hot Chili Peppers (one of the best live shows I ever saw anywhere). Michael Stipe used to hang out at the bar across the street from the Georgia Theater; most people were cool enough to leave him alone. All in all, Athens was a really great place to live.

I've had this album on cassette for forever; to the best of my knowledge, it's never been released on CD. So this burn won't be 100% high fidelity . . . but it's not too bad, so enjoy.

[20 Feb 2014:  Since this post was written, the powers-that-be have finally seen fit to release this soundtrack on CD, with bonus tracks; I've upgraded my links accordingly, with the updated file - enjoy!]

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