Let’s make a list of the things that Atlanta group The Constellations have going for them:

#1 – They’ve got an awesome logo:

#2 – They combine rap and rock in a way that’s not gimmicky or unauthentic, which is really, really hard to do.
#3 – Their new album, “Southern Gothic,” not only has one of the better album names of 2010 so far, but also features studs like Cee-Lo Green and Asher Roth.
#4 – They know who the great Tom Waits is, and even dedicated an entire song to the guy.
#5 – Capturing real local color on a record isn’t easy, but these guys have deliberately assembled eleven songs that do exactly that for the city of Atlanta. It’s ambitious and fun, and we like that sort of thing.

And there’s more. A lot more, actually, starting with the swagger of lead singer Elijah Jones, who’s got a completely unique and exciting vocal style. Do in large part to Jones’s nasally, too-cool-for-school vocal cadences, these guys have the potential to be the sort of band that is instantly recognizable the moment they come on the radio with a new song. You’ll say, “Isn’t this The Constellations?” And your friend will be all, “Yup.” And you’ll have known because Jones is so distinctive.

We first fell in love with the guys upon hearing “Felicia,” a seedy, tambouriney party anthem about a buxom beauty in a club, because it was so fun and energetic. The rest of “Southern Gothic” is equally entertaining, each track trying on different vibes and styles and genres. “Setback” is hip-hoppy, “Perfect Day” is indie-ish, “Love Is A Murder” is somewhere in between pop and soul, and “Step Right Up” is a jam-tastic musical narrative.

How many words did I make up in that last paragraph? I count four, but The Constellations probably deserve more.

For audio diversity, for fun, for a fair musical portrayal of night life in Atlanta, you’ve got to pick up “Southern Gothic.” We’ve got a list of five things they currently have going for them, but that list is going to grow, and quickly. Don’t wait for these guys to hit it big before you jump on their bandwagon. The Constellations are stars already. (Get it?)

Check out “Love Is A Murder,” featuring Cee-Lo:

And pick up “Southern Gothic” as soon as you can!

Most humans have what medical doctors call a “voice box”.  I don’t want to get all technical on you, but this is where singing comes from.  Still with me?  Ok, well Tom Waits doesn’t have a “voice box”.  In its place he has a cement mixer filled with rusty nails, broken bottles, cement blocks and malt liquor.  When he opens his mouth and that thing gets a churning it is like nothing you are currently listening to.

Most people know of Tom Waits because of other singers that have covered his songs.  That list includes Rod Stewart, Bruce Springsteen, and more recently, Scarlett Johansson.  Waits has been writing, performing and touring for over 35 years.  Many in the music industry identify Waits as a pioneer and trailblazer.  So why isn’t he more universally known?  Good question.  Well, Waits is known for approaching music his own way.  His distinctively unique guttural growl of a voice doesn’t lend itself well to top 40 radio.  His quirky on and off stage persona is sometimes hard for folks to understand.  Even with all of that weighing in against him, Waits has a huge cult following and his musical influences run deep.

The beauty of Glitter and Doom Live is that it showcases his small 2008 U.S. tour.  Waits is not known for regular touring, so this live album gives many a glimpse into what his live shows are like.  My favorite tracks are “Lucinda / Ain’ Goin’ Down To The Well No Mo’”, “Falling Down” and “Make It Rain”.

Prepare yourself for something fresh.  Hop right in the cement mixer with Tom Waits and take a tumble.

Promotional video for Waits’ Glitter and Doom Live album

Waits’ “Falling Down”

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