Metro Pulse/Music/Eye on the Scene

Not Too Shabby

Two Knoxville artists, Robby Mathis and Davis Mitchell, were runners-up in the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Their song, "Jilted," placed in the electronic category. Although they missed out on the grand prize of $2,000 cash, $5,000 in studio equipment, and a $5,000 publishing contract, they did win a $100 gift certificate from Guitar Center. Mitchell was the guitar player, singer, and lyricist for the band, Mister Skinny, and later played in FlipSide. He recently returned to Knoxville from New York City.

Jodie Mixed Up

Speaking of electronic songs, a Canadian techno artist has remixed the Jodie Manross Band song, "Hardway." The song is apparently getting some play at dance clubs and raves around the U.S. and Canada.

The artist/fan calls himself Cabby and wrote on the band's website that Manross is his favorite singer.

"Hardway" was released on the band's debut album Still and rerecorded for last year's follow-up, Going Somewhere Soon. The remix—while falling short of the original—would sound great at Fiction or any dance club. It's essentially a dance beat, with Manross' chorus—"Doing this the hard way"—looped over and over again.

You can hear the remix here.

Of course, Madame Georgie is waiting anxiously for a Manross mash-up, perhaps, something along the lines of Missy Manross or Jodie Mogwai. Think of the possibilities!

Go.

Thursday: Knoxville's been getting a bit more hip hop these days, and The Roots are one of the best acts around. Go see what the hype is all about at the Tennessee Theatre. If you're still restless after the show, check out A Pollinair Rave and Mito Band at the Pilot Light.

Friday: Call in sick from work. Then go spend a few hours at the Book Eddy. Take your purchases to a downtown coffee shop and read. Start drinking around 4 p.m. Then head to the Preservation Pub to check out Delta Moon, a honky-tonk and delta blues band with a powerful chick singer (or, so says our calendar).

Saturday: The Bangs make great rock 'n' roll, a mix of riot grrl and grungy metal. Catch them live at the Pilot Light.Sunday: Hear what New York City was like between 1934 and '50 with The Magic of Swing Street at Fairbanks Roasting Room.

Monday: It's off to the Pilot Light again to see indie-supergroup, the Shipping News, with local wonderkids, Ibrahim, opening.

Tuesday: Call you mom.

Wednesday: Check out the new Hannah's in the Old City and see Casey Jones and Friends. Ask Jodie to do the techno version of "Hardway."

—Madame "I will never grow so old again" Georgie with Joe Tarr