Blew a Fuse

Better late than never—at least that's what Zippy likes to tell himself, having missed his chance to preview the "electric" new 30 Amp Fuse release Rewind (which has been on local music store shelves since mid-October now. Gad!) But after several peevish calls from Fuse frontman Mike Smithers, we've finally got the scoop.

You may remember that Messr. Smithers "divorced" his former label, Dedicated, the mid-sized British indie responsible for the band's well-produced but under-promoted Saturday Night at the Atomic Speedway disc in 1996. In search of a new imprint, Smithers and bandmates Joshua Bentley (bass) and Jason Ratliff (drums) recently hooked up with New York's Melted Records, a tiny punk-rock label with national distribution via Caroline. The result is Rewind, a 10-song platter recorded and engineered right here in Knoxville by none other than Superdrag drummer Don Coffey and soundman extraordinaire Jamie Shoemaker. All production work was done at Coffey's do-it-yourself downtown Stealth Studio. Look for a full-length review in an upcoming issue, as well as a possible CD release show around Christmas.

In the meantime, the Fuse is working on a new seven-inch ("Go-go Girl"), a split release with Japanese artists Husking Bee to be released on the Toys Factory label sometime this winter or spring.

Boy Redirected

It seems that the tuneful power trio Boy Genius have hit a major roadblock in what was to have been their road to music industry riches; the band's contract with major label Tommy Boy Records was essentially dissolved when the company, which had traditionally relegated all of its signings to the hip-hop/R&B arena, cut all of the bands and employees associated with its fledgling rock department. (The Geniuses were its first signees.)

But bassist Scott West says all is not lost, as the band has retained former Tommy Boy employee Max Nichols, their original A&R man, as its manager. "He really believes in us," West says. While shopping for a new deal, the band will follow up its first and only Tommy Boy release, the Last Grand Experiment EP, with a self-financed full-length CD. The band will also retain much of its distinctive visual and sonic identity by continuing to work with Experiment producer and former Knoxvillian Michael Davey, now with his own home studio in Nashville, and splashy local cover artist Bob Clouse. "We expect it to look and sound just as good as our Tommy Boy release," West adds.

The 'Pox

Former Torture Kitty front-man (and frequent Metro Pulse contributor) John Sewell is back with a new unit, The Snack Crapple Pox. The new line-up includes Sewell on bass and lead vocals, Greg Swift (ex-Torture Kitty) on guitar, and Robbi Koons (ex-Lawnboy) on drums. The trio traveled to the Hoosier State last weekend to record a four song vinyl EP for Malibu's Shady Troll Records, a label whose stars include Moral Crux, The Retards, Sideshow Bob, and The Iguanas. The EP is produced by Mass Giorgini. As for local live shots, Sewell says "When we get back, I suppose we'll play a show sometime. I want this band to continue to be fun, so don't expect a million live shows around here. Since Torture Kitty broke up I have enjoyed having time to be a normal person, and I plan to continue that as well as playing music."

Luck o' the Irish

Lament the loss of McGhee's Irish Pub as we know it, for what is a pub without alcohol. Last week the Knoxville Beer Board revoked McGhee's beer permit because of the many citations the pub has received for selling alcohol to underage patrons and underage consumption of said alcohol.

The board also placed a one year prohibition on any business having a beer permit at McGhee's location, 1713 Cumberland Ave. Even if McGhee's owner, Charlie Jones, decides to sell the place at some point over the next year, the new business cannot obtain a beer permit. Of course, not all decisions are set in stone. According to City Councilman Nick Pavlis, the beer board can overturn that ruling as long as the board feels that the new business has good intentions.

Jones was also informed that he is not allowed to sell beer in Knoxville for 10 years. It sounds pretty stiff, but according to Pavlis, the penalty is decided by state law. "Whoever the license is issued to," he says, "there is a 10 year prohibition on them having a license (to sell beer) in the city of Knoxville for violations."

On advice from his lawyer, Jones said he will not comment on the issue until he decides whether or not to appeal the board's ruling.

Room With a View

Folk/rock fans will love what Bird's Eye View's Keith Waller has done with the old Brickhouse. The Nields show last Thursday proved that there is a stronghold of roots rock connoisseurs who will haul butt to the Old City to catch a tight act in a comfortable atmosphere. Of course, it helps that The Nields' vibrant and visible enjoyment of their sets helped get the crowd, which was about 75 souls and filled the room, on its feet. Hopefully, enough Knoxvillians will give this new venue a chance. It'd be a shame to lose such an intimate, groovy space.

Week in Preview

Thursday: Eat lots. Take nap. Watch football.

Friday: If you have the energy after braving the mall crowds—something that Zippy avoids like nasty beer—head to Christine Kane's show at the Laurel. Her acoustic stylings are a fine cross between Nanci Griffith and Bonnie Raitt.

Saturday: Michael Flately's Lord of the Dance, if only to scoff from the back row. Since there are currently three tours circling the country, I still want to know how in the heck there can be more than one "Lord" of the dance.

Sunday: Knoxville Symphony Chamber Concert at KMA. Everyone needs some culture now and then.

Monday: Check out the Hanson Gallery's Eclectic Holiday Show. You may finally find the perfect gift for your great aunt Edna. Or you could just give her that same damn fruitcake again.

Tuesday: Fay Simpson is performing her dance theater piece at KMA in honor of World AIDS Day.

Wednesday: Folker Pierce Pettis at Bird's Eye View.

—Zippy "Lord of the Blatz" McDuff