The Pulse 12.53 » December 31, 2015

DECEMBER 31, 2015

CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE

A NEW YEAR IN THAILAND AN EXPAT CHATTANOOGAN EMBRACES A NEW CULTURE IN AN OLD WORLD

by Mike McJunkin

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Contents

CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor Gary Poole Contributing Editor Robin Ford Wallace

December 31, 2015 Volume 12, Issue 53

Editorial Assistant Stephanie Smith Music Editor Marc T. Michael Film Editor John DeVore Contributors Christopher Armstrong • Rich Bailey Rob Brezsny • Matt Jones Mike McJunkin • Beth Miller Ernie Paik • Rick Pimental-Habib Terry Stulce • Alex Teach

Features

Cartoonists Max Cannon • Rob Rogers Jen Sorenson • Tom Tomorrow

4 BEGINNINGS: Wishing a happy New Year to some of our beloved pols.

Cover Photo Teletha McJunkin FOUNDED 2003 BY ZACHARY COOPER & MICHAEL KULL

6

ADVERTISING

Director of Sales Mike Baskin Account Executives Chee Chee Brown • Robyn Graves Linda Hisey • Rick Leavell Stacey Tyler • Logan Vandergriff

CONTACT

Offices 1305 Carter St. Chattanooga, TN 37402 Phone 423.265.9494 Website chattanoogapulse.com Email info@chattanoogapulse.com BREWER MEDIA GROUP Publisher & President Jim Brewer II THE FINE PRINT: The Pulse is published weekly by Brewer Media and is distributed throughout the city of Chattanooga and surrounding communities. The Pulse covers a broad range of topics concentrating on music, the arts, entertainment, culture and local news. The Pulse is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. No person without written permission from the publisher may take more than one copy per weekly issue.

The Pulse may be distributed only by authorized distributors.

Contents Copyright © 2015 by Brewer Media. All rights reserved.

A Chattanoogan Abroad

It’s almost New Year’s Eve in Chiang Mai, Thailand. As I stare upward at the crumbling bricks of Thapae Gate—bricks that have seen traders, diplomats and monks pass for over 700 years—I prepare myself for not one, not two, but three New Year’s celebrations over the course of the next several months.

10

Isaac Duncan’s Art of Conversation

It is not often that I get to hit record, sit back and enjoy an interview. It is not often that my imagination is provoked by simply listening to someone talk. And it is not often that someone is able to stop time with his words and evoke tears that force me to break my gaze.

14

Prodigy Steps Into The Spotlight

Matt Solo is a local hip hop prodigy and is not afraid to tell you so. Then again, in an industry and genre where it seems like everyone is either waiting in the shadows to profit off of your talent or stick a knife in your back, that kind of bravado becomes a component of survival.

7 MIXOLOGY: How to “party hearty” on the booziest of holiday nights.

12 ARTS CALENDAR 16 MUSIC CALENDAR 18 REVIEWS: Aberdeen finds lost recordings, Black Record goes protopunk.

19 SPIRITS WITHIN: Old Blue Eyes and Old No. 7 still make great music together.

20 SCREEN: David O. Russell disappoints in a not-very-Joyful film.

22 JONESIN’ CROSSWORD 22 FREE WILL ASTROLOGY 23 TECH TALK: Lamp Post adds downtown real estate development to its portfolio.

LAUGH IN THE NEW YEAR WITH US!  Chattanooga’s Premier Comedy Club 1400 Market Street Chattanooga, TN Tickets: (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com

 KICK ASS SOUTHERN SASS!

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NEWS • VIEWS • RANTS • RAVES

BEGINNINGS

UPDATES » CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM FACEBOOK/CHATTANOOGAPULSE EMAIL LOVE LETTERS, ADVICE & TRASH TALK TO INFO@CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Op-Ed: Political New Year’s Resolutions Wishing a Happy New Year to some of our beloved politicians Past behavior is the best predictor for future behavior. With that in mind, I intend to predict what resolutions our political sycophants will make and provide suggestions for a more constructive alternative.

Our state senators, TERRY Bo Watson and Todd Gardenhire—who share one mind or less between the two of them— will resolve to deny health care to as many Tennesseans as possible, collect large sums of money and perks from the Koch brothers and their ALEC masters, and find guns

that are safe to carry in the Legislative Plaza. As an alternative, I would propose that Dumb and Dumber resolve to leave the Senate so that they can devote themselves full-time to running Volkswagen with Gerald McCormick STULCE and Bob Corker.

Our beloved Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey will surely resolve to make sure that every white Christian in Tennessee will be armed with AR-15s and flamethrowers. Black Christians, not so much.

OPINION

4 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 31, 2015 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

You may think that flamethrowers are over the top, but let me remind you that even though flamethrowers are banned for use in wars, private ownership is legal. UTK Chancellor Jimmy Cheek and his Department of Diversity and Inclusion would think twice about launching a war on Christmas by teaching tolerance and kindness toward others if Ron Ramsey and Jimmy Duncan were armed with flamethrowers.

As an alternative, I would encourage Ramsey to resolve to actually read the Bible, especially the Gospels, where Jesus instructs us to turn the other cheek, love your neighbor, and even love your enemy. Maybe then he would discover the difference between Christianity and hypocrisy.

Our beloved Congressman Chucky Fleishman will likely resolve to be more like his hero, Mike Huckabee, who entered the Republican presidential primary and then evaporated into thin air. Chucky has already emulated this disappearing act in Congress.

Instead, I would encourage the absentee congressman to resolve to get funding to complete the work on the lock at the Chickamauga Dam. Twenty years of failure by Republican congressmen is long enough.

What New Year would be complete without our two brainless U.S. senators? Corker and Alexander will resolve to find new ways to play “Monday Morning Quarterback” with the president while they sit on their hands and do nothing but snuggle up to corpo-

rate interests and proclaim that money is speech. No, Senators, money is not speech. Money is a tool that the super-rich and their lapdogs in the Senate use to flimflam citizens. My hope is that you will resolve to stop your worship of big money and do something for our state for a change.

Last but not least, Donald Trump will resolve to make America white again by deporting all Mexicans, Moslems, African-Americans, Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese and Black Irish. My fervent hope is that the Donald will tire of associating with this American riffraff and resolve to move to a whiter country. I bet that Vlad Putin has an extra space near Edward Snowden’s room.

To the rest of you, have a safe and happy New Year.

••••

Terr y Stulce is native Tennessean, who attended the University of Tennessee on an ROTC scholarship and graduated magna cum laude in 1967. He ser ved two combat tours in Vietnam, one with the 101st Airborne and one with the 69th Border Rangers. He was an LCSW and owner of Cleveland Family Counseling before retirement in 2009.

Toast good friends and family this holiday season with a great selection of wines and more.

EdiToon

by Rob Rogers

’Tis The Season For Christmas Recycling Your Christmas tree was beautiful this year. All of your traditional hopes for the season shone through the twinkle lights and family ornaments, and the star on top was like the cherry on your holiday Sundae.

But now your tree looks like it could use a hug. It has done its job brilliantly, but between the cat pulling off the ornaments and the kids rat-

tling the presents, it now looks like the “before” tree in “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.

And so you begin to work some post-holiday magic–find a way to disentangle the dressings (with your family memories still intact, of course), get the tree out of the house and into your truck, and give your tree a new life with recycling.

IN THIS ISSUE

Mike McJunkin Our cover story about celebrating New Year's Eve abroad is by longtime Pulse columnist and professional chef Mike McJunkin, a native Chattanoogan who has gained considerable experience with food through his obsessive habit of eating several times

Any of the Hamilton County recycling centers will accept your wellloved tree at any hour of the day throughout the month of January.

Your tree will live on in the landscaping of public parks and is also available for you to use in your own yard–mulch and chips are available for free pickup at the Standifer Gap Road location. So recycle your holiday spirit by giving love to the environment.

To find the nearest recycling center, go to recycle.hamiltontn.gov — Stephanie Smith

Beth Miller each and every day. Along the way he has trained chefs, owned and operated restaurants, and singlehandedly increased Chattanooga’s meat consumption statistics for three consecutive years. He can tell you what balut tastes like, what it’s like to eat pork blood boat noodles on the streets of Thailand and how to cure bacon in a loft apartment. He is also quite active on Facebook at facebook. com/SushiAndBiscuits.

In her dayto-day life, arts contributor Beth Miller is a writer, photographer and videographer who longs for the day she can toss her phone and computer into the river and live a life of solitude away from other humans and reality television. As a

teenager, she had high hopes to become the next Mia Hamm, but those dreams were dashed by her multiple attempts to complete a bachelor’s degree. She spends her time riding her mountain bike, paddling her kayak, and backpacking the Appalachian Trail. Her future dreams include unlearning everything she was taught in grad school and inventing edible socks to reduce pack weight on the trail.

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FOOD & DRINK MIXOLOGY

New Year's Eve Drinking Advice How to “party hearty” on the booziest of holiday nights “Drink less than one drink per hour because that is as fast as your liver can keep up with you. Hydration is the key—water will be your best friend before the sun rises” Photo by Samantha Villagran

New Year’s Eve. Everybody drinks something. Even if you don’t partake of alcoholic beverages, you’re the shopper in the grocery buying the sparkling cider. It’s a time of celebration—watching the ball drop on Times Square, remembering the good times in 2015 and looking ahead to that first second after midnight when you’re kissing in the New Year…and drinking in the possibilities.

It’s just as important to take care of yourself and be safe as it is to have a good time. Know the rules of alcoholic

chemistry before you drink, have fun, then recover as gracefully as possible with these tips. Trust me—you’ll thank me for this later.

Follow the Rules Eat something while you drink. Keep that stomach full to absorb the alcohol.

Choose quality drinks and the lighter the better. Vodka is a better choice than whiskey. Order the right way. Some people say this rhyme is a myth, but try to stick to it: “Liquor before beer, never fear. Beer before liquor, never sicker.”

Alternate and quantify what you’re

drinking. Drink virgin beverages with seltzers and juices in between alcoholic beverages. And drink less than one drink per hour because that is as fast as your liver can keep up with you. Hydration is the key—water will be your best friend before the sun rises.

Heed the Rebellion All that being said, I know you’re gonna go out and have a good time without thinking about the consequences. After all, rules are made to be broken, right?

May the Force be with you.

If you’re hosting a party, consider making a punch to keep the spirits flowing and save the wallet. Beers are also

a cheap way to go. But if you’re all in for the liquor, keep in mind the quanity rule and have an assortment of mixers and someone manning the bar to keep everyone in check.

Finally, have sense enough to live to party another day. please use a designated driver. Period. End of discussion.

Ride the Road to Recovery So it’s the next day and, predictably, you drank too much. You wake up with the hangover to end all hangovers. How do you recover? Conventional wisdom says to go back to the rules—eat plain scrambled eggs and bananas, hydrate with water and coconut water, and take Vitamin C and aspirin. Also, sleep and avoid caffeine, especially coffee, as that will dehydrate you more. These natural remedies will surely help to stop the world from spinning.

On the other hand, some people say fight fire with fire. Most scientific researchers say it doesn’t really work, but for many people, a little bit of alcohol in the morning seems to help. If you do go this route, science be damned, start with the basics. Try a Red Eye or Ojo Rojo, the Mexican hangover cure.

There are many recipes but the general concept is to fill a shaker with ice, add tomato juice and beer, and mix. Pour into a glass. Add a splash of Worcestershire, and, if you’re feeling brave, one raw egg. Hold your nose, drink, and vow never to repeat the experience again!

And drink water. Lots of water.

— Stephanie Smith

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COVER STORY

A Chattanoogan Celebrates A New Year In An Old Country Welcome to Thailand, where you have your pick of three New Year’s Eves Story and photo by Mike McJunkin, Pulse food columnist

I

t’s almost New Year’s Eve in Chiang Mai, Thailand. As I stare upward at the crumbling bricks of Thapae Gate—bricks that have seen traders, diplomats and monks pass for over 700 years—I prepare myself for not one, not two, but three New Year’s celebrations over the course of the next several months.

Both the Common Era New Year’s Day on Jan.1 and the traditional Thai New Year, Songkran, on April 13, are public holidays in Thailand. For a Gregorian-calendar-following Chattanooga expat living in Southeast Asia, knowing that I can go out on Dec.31 and celebrate the final moments of 2015 with live music (even if it’s Thai pop), a countdown (even if in broken English), mountains of food (even if I can’t find black-eyed peas), and far too many adult beverages (at least I can get good whiskey) brings a warm moment of familiarity in a temperate sea of exciting unfamiliarity.

Although not a public holiday, Chinese New Year is also celebrated widely across Thailand with fireworks, Chinese lanterns, parades and ang pao (red money packets). This year, the holiday comes on Feb. 8.

Thankfully, this date conflicts with nothing more than Vince Neil’s and Creed Bratton’s birthdays, whose invitations I have declined along with countless other hometown Chattanooga events that I unfortunately cannot attend. That is something you have to learn to accept when you move to another country: Life back home goes on without you.

Amidst the challenges of sorting

“

Home, it seems to me, is not the place where you are born.

It’s the place where you find solace and comfort in the world.”

8 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 31, 2015 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

out life in a new country, there are certainly moments when I feel the pangs of homesickness, especially around Christmas and New Year’s.

Holiday traditions and rituals are important behaviors that nurture us as individuals, as members of a family and as a part of a larger community.

They provide a way for us to express what’s important in our lives and to celebrate significant moments in time. They connect us to a shared history and allow us to make new connections that expand our personal and familial roots.

The simple traditions of eating black-eyed peas and greens on New Year’s Day or sharing a New Year’s Eve toast with friends not only connects us to our past but creates a link forward, making new relationships through a shared thread that winds through the fabric of all our experiences.

Being able to participate in some of my familiar cultural traditions while living abroad is an important temporal marker. These holiday celebrations are breadcrumbs left along the path of time that help keep me grounded in my own past and from becoming lost in another culture’s space. Deprived of points in time that I would

typically use to keep track of its passage, I could lose crucial milestones that help form and retain memories—memories of spectacular events and poignant moments that I want to retain for the rest of my life.

But living abroad means I get to experience another culture’s holidays and rituals firsthand. I have the opportunity to observe and participate in traditions that I had previously only read about or was completely unaware of. And I’ve found that experiencing the unfamiliar has the unexpected side effect of bringing the familiar back into focus. It washes away the fog of familiarity that comes when the sublime becomes mundane through years of unreflecting repetition.

Being able to take part in both the Thai and Chinese New Year traditions here in my adopted home country exemplifies one of the reasons I became an expat in the first place. I crave the excitement of going beyond a country’s Travel Channel gloss and exploring the deeper experiences that can only come by being immersed in that culture and its rituals firsthand.

In the Southern U.S., eating blackeyed peas and greens on New Year’s Day is meant to bring prosperity and good luck for the coming year, a custom virtually every culture around the world shares. Kale is eaten in Denmark and Kenya to bring prosperity for the new year, and lentils are eaten in Italy for the same reason. The bean and the green may be different, but the concept is similar enough that it translates across languages

Some of the many fascinating (and tasty) dishes served during a typical Thail celebration.

and even hemispheres.

Every culture also has its own version of the celebratory toast. In Thailand, drinkers propose a toast by saying, “Chon Gaew!” or “Chai yo!” before raising or clinking glasses. The language may be different, but the expression and the sentiment—roughly, “Cheers!”—are the same.

Songkran, or Thai New Year, is a nationwide party that has to be seen to be believed. While the holiday is widely associated with images of people being drenched with buckets of water and soaked to the bone by mobs of SuperSoaker-carrying young Thais, the water being thrown actually has a deeper meaning. Water is used to cleanse and purify all the evil, troubles and wrongdoing of the previous year, providing a fresh, clean start for the new year ahead.

Traditionally, the family Buddha as well as the temple Buddha, is cleaned at this time with jasmine-scented water poured from silver ceremonial bowls.

This lustral water is also gently poured over the hands of elders and other respected people as part of the familyfocused aspects of the holiday.

But the Songkran party that goes on in the streets is a spectacle to behold.

Chiang Mai’s old city, where I currently live, is still surrounded by the original four-mile, water-filled moat—yes, a real moat. During the festival, the moat serves as a filling station for buckets, Super Soakers, and anything else that will hold water long enough to drench everyone in sight.

Enormous bubble machines are brought out into the streets for huge foam parties. Explosive sounds and loud noises are made to chase ghosts away.

Candles are lit and piles of wood are burned in front of houses on New Year’s Eve to light the way for good spirits.

Each night is capped off with massive fireworks displays that serve as a grand finale to that day’s sopping-wet festivities. There is nothing like it anywhere else in the world.

When I decided to move overseas, part of the anticipated excitement of living in a new culture was the idea of exploring and joining in celebrations and traditions like Songkran. Over the years, I have experienced many cultures and visited many countries. These visits were intriguing and exciting, but they lacked a connection I didn’t realize was possible until I came to Southeast Asia.

Coming to Thailand was deeply trans-

formative, like the first elated moment when you’re consumed by a new love.

The wondrous beauty of being surrounded by unfamiliar scenes, traditions and cultures like these jolts you from a sleep you may not have realized you had fallen into. The entire world opened up and became brighter, and I even saw my hometown, the city I’ve called home for most of my life, with new eyes.

As 2016 approaches and I settle into a new country and a new culture, I sometimes wonder, what does it mean for an expat to be “home”? With over 220 million people starting 2016 in countries they would not call their own, there are good reasons to consider what makes a place home.

For many people, home is tied to a physical space—a place of birth, a community or even a country that they had no control in choosing. Generations of my own family looked to the Appalachian Mountains and the Tennessee Valley as their home by assignment, with no real desire—and many times no real chance—to move beyond those boundaries, real or imagined.

Now, we have more freedom to choose where we call home, to choose our communities and exert more con-

trol over how we define ourselves in relation to home. We develop our sense of home as we develop our sense of self. In the same way that our sense of self changes over time with each of life’s experiences and tragedies, our sense of home transforms as we move from place to place, from moment to moment.

As the people and cultures of the world become more intertwined, and as we learn more about the common threads that tie the fabric of humanity together, where we come from doesn’t mean as much as where we are going.

Home, it seems to me, is not the place where you are born. It’s the place where you find solace and comfort in the world. It’s the place where you can relax and become yourself. Having the desire and the freedom to step outside the physical home I was born into is an incredible privilege that I do not take for granted. But in the end, the excitement of exploring new cultures and traditions, like Songkran and Chinese New Year, only makes sense when contrasted against the home I was born to.

Home is not just the place where you lay your head at night, it’s the place you plant your feet every day.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 31, 2015 • THE PULSE • 9

ARTS SCENE

Isaac Duncan’s Art of Conversation Inspiration, enthusiasm and passion come together in the heart of a sculptor

Experimental Music Finds A Home Granfalloon embraces the innovative on East Main Street There are many singer-songwriter venues throughout Chattanooga; on practically any day of the week you can grab a cup of joe, pull up a barstool and listen to the latest ditty by your favorite local warbler.

The Granfalloon is one of the latest event venue spaces to pop up in Chattanooga. A strong addition to the blossoming Southside arts scene, it is right in the heart of East Main Street and is already looking to stand out in the community with the types of events that are currently being unveiled.

Having one more venue is a bonus, really, especially when you can bring your kids along and introduce them to this music scene early on.

The performances I am most interested in, however, will be the

result of a new kind of open mic– an experimental and classical music open mic. “Open Air” night will provide a nurturing alternative space for instrumentalists of all ages to try out new material or cover tunes with their own instruments.

Where else in Chattanooga can you find something like this–outside of a conservatory or music school? And with coffee to boot?

Nowhere, I think.

— Stephanie Smith Open Air with Jessica Nunn Monday, 6 p.m.

Granfalloon 400 East Main St. (423) 821-2544 granfalloonchatt.com

THU12.31

FRI1.1

SAT1.2

NEW YEAR'S FUN

ANYTHING GOES

WINTER MARKET

New Year’s Eve Party on the Bluff

The Floor is YOURS

Brainerd Farmers Market

Come ring in the New Year in one of the coolest venues in the city.

9 p.m.

The Hunter Museum of American Art. 10 Bluff View Ave. (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org

A night of music, improv, comedy and who-knowswhat-else-will-happen... which is just the way we like it each month.

8 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 624-5347 barkinglegs.org

Come browse through a fine selection of winter vegetables and locally-made goods.

10 a.m.

Grace Episcopal Church 20 Belvoir Ave. (423) 698-0330 saygrace.net

10 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 31, 2015 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

I

T IS NOT OFTEN THAT I GET TO HIT RECORD, SIT back and enjoy an interview. It is not often that my imagination is provoked by simply listening to someone talk. And it is not often that someone is able to stop time with his words and evoke tears that force me to break my gaze.

Arts BETH MILLER

“

The reason why I do artwork in public places is because I want to give the community something different that they haven’t encountered.”

As I entered Isaac Duncan III’s workshop, I carefully stepped around and over objects, tables and tools. Metal sculptures I recognized adorned the shop while others were in the process of being created. Large quantities of metal lay around on tables, shelves and the floor, waiting to take on a new form.

Duncan and I made our way to two chairs near the middle of the shop, where we continued our deep discussion of the “Dukes of Hazard” television show we grew up watching. For someone from Brooklyn, Duncan is surprisingly Southern. We agreed that watching the show as kids, we were mesmerized by its awesomeness.

I mean, who didn’t want their parents to paint the family car like the General Lee? Who didn’t want to jump hay bales? We did. I even owned Daisy Duke pajamas as a kid. But watching the show as an adult is, well, bummer.

Let’s just say it didn’t do much to improve race relations in this country, let alone in the South.

After I felt the ice had been broken, I hit Record and began with the standard interview questions as to upbringing, education and life in general. Duncan, with his calm, deep and articulate voice, shared the impressive educational journey that landed him here in Chattanooga, which can be found on his website, duncansculpture.com.

Photo by Grant Dotson, courtesy of Isaac Duncan

He took me through his survival techniques on the streets of Brooklyn and how he used drawing as an outlet in elementary school.

He laughingly described how he got into metal sculpting: “I was really into building, more so than illustrating—graphic design. Forget the rendering and all the marker, texture and layers to make it pop out. Just make the damn thing.”

While I was listening, it was not so much the struggle he endured to reach his current status as an artist that moved me, it was the passion and earnestness with which he spoke that evoked emotions we all ignore. I found myself longing to interact and be a part of his conversation.

As Duncan continued to talk about his sculptures, he made it very clear that he did not seek wealth, notoriety or material things. Instead, he sought

“To me, if you are able to accept something that’s not living, you should be able to accept something that is living.” something simpler, an art that is dying.

“When I put a piece out in the public—and the reason why I do artwork in public places is because I want to give the community something different that they haven’t encountered—I want them to look at it.

I want them to talk about it. I want two people to get together and have a conversation about it—if they like it, don’t like it,” he said with great enthusiasm.

“I want Joe Welder to pass by and say, ‘Damn!

That’s a good weld!’ If that’s the only thing he’s got, I’m happy. Because I want people to relate.

“So for me, my sculptures, they’re vessels for dialogue. They are places where people can come together and have a conversation. I want to remind people that we can achieve whatever we want and put our minds to, because the piece that they see in front of them is a creation from my mind through my body and my skills to create that experience that they are having. And at the same time, I want people to pass by and see something odd and say, ‘Cool, I accept that,’ just like we should be doing to each other every day. I see you and you’re different from me, but I accept that. To me, if you are able to accept something that’s not living, you should be able to accept something that is living.”

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CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 31, 2015 • THE PULSE • 11

ARTS CALENDAR

A portion of each ticket sold goes to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga

Ice On The Landing

THURSDAY12.31

Last three nights of the Season!

December 31, January 1 and 2

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Sugar Plum Fairy Makeovers Live North Pole Lodge Entertainment Inara the Ice Queen & Jack Frost The Magical Dancing Forest Award-Winning Lighting Extravaganza with Breathtaking Holiday Scenes

A Magical Adventure for the Whole Family 6pm-9pm Nightly at Rock City atop Lookout Mountain!

For more info call:

706.820.2531 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750

Creative Discovery Museum’s New Year’s at Noon 10 a.m.

Creative Discovery Museum 321 Chestnut St. (423) 756-2738 cdmfun.org Penguin Keeper Talks 10:30 a.m.

Tennessee Aquarium 1 Broad St. (423) 265-0695 tennesseeaquarium.org Divers in Secret Reef Exhibit in Ocean Journey 11 a.m.

Tennessee Aquarium 1 Broad St. (423) 265-0695 tennesseeaquarium.org Jerusalem 3D Noon, 2, 4 p.m.

IMAX Theater 201 Chestnut St. (423) 266-4629 tnaqua.org/imax Humpback Whales 3D 1, 3 p.m.

IMAX Theater 201 Chestnut St. (423) 266-4629 tnaqua.org/imax Ooltewah Farmers Market 3 p.m.

Ooltewah Nursery 5829 Main St. (423) 238-9775 ooltewahnursery.com Southern Belle Riverboat’s New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise 4 p.m.

12 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 31, 2015 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Southern Belle Riverboat 201 Riverfront Pkwy.

(423) 266-4488 chattanoogariverboat.com Enchanted Garden of Lights 6 p.m.

Rock City 1400 Patten Rd. (706) 820-2531 seerockcity.com New Year’s Eve Dinner featuring Love, Peace and Happiness 7 p.m.

Broad Street Grille 1201 Broad St. (423) 424-3700 chattanooganhotel.com Julie Scoggins 7:30, 10 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com

PULSE PICK: JULIE SCOGGINS

Over six feet of Southern Sass. Comedy legend Jackie Mason says "...a brilliant young talent!"

This show is a mustsee for anybody who appreciates great comedy!

Julie Scoggins The Comedy Catch at the Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com

Tennessee Valley Railroad’s New Year’s Dinner Train 8 p.m.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Grand Junction Station.

4119 Cromwell Rd. (423) 894-8028 tvrail.com Southern Belle Riverboat’s New Year’s on the River Cruise 9 p.m.

Southern Belle Riverboat 201 Riverfront Pkwy.

(423) 266-4488 chattanoogariverboat.com New Year’s Eve Party on the Bluff 9 p.m.

The Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View Ave. (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org New Year’s Eve “Late

Skate” on the Landing 11 p.m.

Ice on the Landing Outdoor Skating Rink 100 Riverfront Pkwy.

(423) 265-0771 iceonthelanding.com

FRIDAY1.1 Delta Bird Program 10:30 a.m.

Tennessee Aquarium 1 Broad St. (423) 265-0695 tennesseeaquarium.org Otter Enrichment 11:00 a.m.

Tennessee Aquarium 1 Broad St. (423) 265-0695 tennesseeaquarium.org Jerusalem 3D Noon, 2, 4 p.m.

IMAX Theater 201 Chestnut St. (423) 266-4629 tnaqua.org/imax Humpback Whales 3D 1, 3 p.m.

IMAX Theater 201 Chestnut St. (423) 266-4629 tnaqua.org/imax Enchanted Garden of Lights 6 p.m.

Rock City 1400 Patten Rd. (706) 820-2531 Julie Scoggins 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St.

(423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com The Floor is YOURS 8 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 624-5347 barkinglegs.org

SATURDAY1.2 Brainerd Farmers Market 10 a.m.

Grace Episcopal Church 20 Belvoir Ave. (423) 698-0330 saygrace.net Penguin Keeper Talks 10:30 a.m.

Tennessee Aquarium 1 Broad St. (423) 265-0695 tennesseeaquarium.org Open House 11 a.m.

AVA Gallery 30 Frazier Ave (423) 265-4282 avarts.org Divers in Secret Reef Exhibit in Ocean Journey 11:00 a.m.

Tennessee Aquarium 1 Broad St. (423) 265-0695 tennesseeaquarium.org Jerusalem 3D Noon, 2, 4 p.m.

IMAX Theater 201 Chestnut St. (423) 266-4629 tnaqua.org/imax Humpback Whales 3D

1, 3 p.m.

IMAX Theater 201 Chestnut St. (423) 266-4629 tnaqua.org/imax Enchanted Garden of Lights 6 p.m.

Rock City 1400 Patten Rd. (706) 820-2531 Julie Scoggins 7:30, 9:45 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com

SUNDAY1.3 Jerusalem 3D Noon, 2, 4 p.m.

IMAX Theater 201 Chestnut St. (423) 266-4629 tnaqua.org/imax Humpback Whales 3D 1, 3 p.m.

IMAX Theater 201 Chestnut St. (423) 266-4629 tnaqua.org/imax Julie Scoggins 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com

MONDAY1.4 Vintage Swing Dance 7 p.m.

Clear Spring Yoga 17 N. Market St. (931) 982-1678 clearspringyoga.com

TUESDAY1.5 Sherlock: The Abominable Bride 7:30 p.m.

East Ridge 18 5080 S. Terrace (423) 855-9652 carmike.com

WEDNESDAY1.6 Middle East Dance 10:30 a.m.

Jewish Cultural Center 5461 N. Terrace (423) 493-0270 jewishchattanooga.com Main Street Farmers Market 4 p.m.

325 E. Main St. mainstfarmersmarket.com Acupuncture Happy Hour 4 p.m.

Center for Mindful Living 400 E. Main St. (423) 486-1279 centerformindfulliving. wildapricot.org Wednesday Night Chess Club 6 p.m.

Downtown Public Library 1001 Broad St. (423) 757-5310 chattlibrary.org Sherlock: The Abominable Bride

ARTS CALENDAR

Tennessee Aquarium Keeper Talks 7:30 p.m.

East Ridge 18 5080 S. Terrace (423) 855-9652 carmike.com Reno Collier 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com

ONGOING “Japonisme and America” The Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View Ave. (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org “How to Close Your Eyes”

by Carmen Papalia Cress Gallery of Art 752 Vine St. (423) 304-9789 cressgallery.org “Home for the Holidays” In-Town Gallery 26A Frazier Ave. (423) 267-9214 intowngallery.com "The Works of Kauffman, Edie Maney & Judy Klick” River Gallery 400 E. 2nd St. (423) 265-5033, ext. 5 river-gallery.com Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com

Named “One of the Ten Most Incredible Cave Water falls on Earth” -World Reviewer

423.821.2544 RubyFalls.com

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 31, 2015 • THE PULSE • 13

MUSIC SCENE

Local Hip Hop Prodigy Steps Into The Spotlight

The Mummies Invade Track 29 Just who are these mysteriously wrapped funk masters?

When I tried to dig up the dirt on Here Come the Mummies, I was met with an interesting challenge. While the band does indeed have a Facebook page with some basic information, true fans know you have to experience the “undead funk” to truly believe.

You can certainly buy their albums (they date back to 2002 even though the band was formed somewhere around 1000 AD). And you can hear that “terrifying funk from beyond the grave” through video footage from that old reliable YouTube.

I say a challenge because no one knows who the band members are…because it’s a closely guarded secret. Rumor has it that’s because there are several Grammy winners from competing labels playing together. Bandmates are swathed in

“mummy” attire, hiding their faces and concealing their true identities.

But an even bigger challenge in digging up dirt on these guys is that when you visit their website for a history of Mummy Cass(anova), Eddie Mummy, K.W. TuT, Java, Spaz, The Flu, Ra, B.B.Queen,The Pole, Midnight...you get an error message!

And what could further the mystique of the undead funkalicious band better than that?

— Stephanie Smith New Year’s Eve Everlasting Party with Here Come the Mummies Thursday, 9 p.m.

Track 29 201 W. Main St. track29.co

THU12.31

FRI1.1

SAT1.2

NEW YEARS FUN

LOCAL ROCK

COUNTRY BLUES

Danimal Planet and Hank & Cupcakes

Kindora, Stratton Tingle, Rock Floyd

Husky Burnette

Ring in the New Year with a really big show on Patten Parkway.

9 p.m.

The Honest Pint 35 Patten Parkway thehonestpint.com

Kick on 2016 in style with a great lineup of local favorites.

10 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com

You want authentic country blues? Husky always delivers, and more.

9 p.m.

Puckett’s Chattanooga 2 W. Aquarium Way #110 puckettsgro.com/ Chattanooga

14 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 31, 2015 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Matt Solo makes a very strong impression with new Prodigy album

M

ATT SOLO IS A LOCAL HIP HOP PRODIGY AND IS not afraid to tell you so. Then again, in an industry and genre where it seems like everyone is either waiting in the shadows to profit off your talent or stick a knife in your back, that kind of bravado becomes a component of survival. The telling factor is whether or not an artist can back it up.

Music MARC T. MICHAEL

“

The truth is that Matt Solo is easily the equal of some of the leading names in the industry today and, frankly, superior to more than a few.”

Solo’s latest entry, Prodigy, confirms once and for all that the young man has the goods to deliver on his lyrical promises. To lightly paraphrase Robert Ritchie, “It ain’t bragging if you back it up…”

Prodigy is a selection of 12 tracks, including the titular track which comes in at number one on the disc.

“Prodigy” is a thoughtful tune that examines, among other things, the duality of the hip hop scene, seeming to simultaneously acknowledge the violence inherent in the genre while suggesting that perhaps rap artists, being artists, have a choice to broaden the scope of their work.

As with Solo’s previous work, the rapper’s flow must be heard to be believed and appreciated. While his lyrical work is generally thought-provoking, the man could rap a grocery list and it would still be verbal wizardry.

“My Cup,” while perhaps not as introspective as the opening track, is nonetheless another sterling example of Solo’s skill on the mic and as a producer. The jazzy/bluesy backing tracks give the track a noir feel. This young fellow and his crew paint some provocative sonic portraits.

“Can’t Hold Me” has an introduc-

Want To Get Written About In The Pulse?

Our music editor explains the quite simple process

tion too beautiful to describe here, hearkening back to the greatest socially conscious R&B singers of the seventies.

It then segues into a rap of redemption, illustrating the various ways a young man in pain might seek to alleviate that pain, all of them dead ends, until finally finding his salvation through the microphone.

Another homage to the artistry of the genre, it seems as though Solo is making it his mission to bring a whole new level of legitimacy to a genre that, having been pillaged by corporate interests into a lowest common denominator of carefully branded “street life,” has the potential to be as culturally complex as any ballet or opera.

“Candy Apple Paint” is full

of gorgeous organ sounds and sentimentality while “Hallelujah”, still a rap tune, nonetheless has a healthy dose of rock and roll. “Hit ‘Em With The Bounce” takes a shot at the wannabe tough guys, though it’s likely the kind of people the song takes aim at would be too clueless to realize the groove is about them.

(In their defense, it is a slick track.)

As much as I’d like to do a song-by-song breakdown of the rest of the album, there simply isn’t space. It may be that we can revisit the second half of the album at a later date, but suffice it to say that the remaining tunes are just as well produced, just as lyrically poignant and just as chock full of raw rapping tal-

ent as the opening tracks.

The truth is that Matt Solo is easily the equal of some of the leading names in the industry today and, frankly, superior to more than a few. I don’t know what it will take exactly—major sponsorship, the right agent, or a little luck to go with the tremendous skill already present—but Matt Solo is ready for the big time and the album Prodigy is proof enough of that.

Contact Solo via his Facebook page (facebook.com/ therealmattsolo) for info on how to add this “must have” album to your hip-hop collection. Well written, slickly produced, socially conscious and masterfully performed, Prodigy has all the makings of one young man’s ticket to fame.

I write about local music for The Pulse, and I love doing it. I love supporting the scene, I love that there is a scene to support (there wasn’t always, I assure you).

Sometimes, though, I run into a “feast or famine” dilemma in which six bands all send me something one week (time-sensitive, of course) and then no one sends me anything the following week.

In an attempt to alleviate that, here are some guidelines: 1. I can’t write about you if I don’t know about you. I have bands accuse me of nasty things because they feel overlooked, but then they hadn’t actually bothered to reach out to me. Do so! Anything you send to me via The Pulse gets to me ASAP. All of it. info@chattanoogapulse. com is your email friend. Use it.

2. This may seem funny, but I need to hear you. I like hard copies because it means I can add it to my collection of homegrown artists, but digital files work just fine.

What doesn’t work is insisting I come to your live show. I do this when I can, which is rarely, because I have a whole bunch of other jobs and a family I like to spend time with.

I also have an office in my home and typically I sequester myself here with your music, lock all the doors, and don’t come out until I’m done.

I like being able to hear a track three, four or ten times if I need to. If the only way to hear you right now is live, then I can’t help you yet, but know that even an open-air recording is doable. I once wrote a review on a very hot band based on an open-air cassette recording of a practice session. It doesn’t need to be perfect for me; I’ve been a musician long enough to hear what you’re doing.

3. Photos. If your pics were taken by a local artist or photographer, include their name (due to space considerations, watermarks often get cropped out). Don’t send me cropped photos and say, “Here you go,” without giving credit to the artist. They don’t like that and they blame me (or my editor), even though you’re the guitar monkeys who failed to mention it.

4. Press kits are fine if you have one, but a 10-minute phone call will give me all I need. We can arrange that after the initial contact.

I love music; I love local music and love supporting you guys. Please consider me a resource for promoting who you are and what you do. Best of all, it doesn’t cost you anything beyond the time it takes to reach out to me. So c’mon kids, keep those submissions coming and I’ll do my best to let the world know how damn great you are!

—Marc T. Michael CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 31, 2015 • THE PULSE • 15

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MUSIC CALENDAR

THE FINEST IN

Pains Chapel

THURSDAY12.31 Rick Rushing with Dakari & Friends 6 p.m.

Bluewater Grille 224 Broad St. bluewaterchattanooga.com James Crumble Trio 6 p.m.

St. John’s Meeting Place 1278 Market St. stjohnsrestaurant.com Butch Ross Mountain Dulcimer 6:30 pm Rock City 1400 Patten Rd. seerockcity.com Love, Peace and Happiness 7 p.m.

Broad Street Grille 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Jesse James & Tim Neal 7 p.m.

Mexi Wings VII 5773 Brainerd Rd. (423) 296-1073 Bluegrass Thursdays 7:30 p.m.

Feed Co. Table & Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com The Velcro Pygmies 8 p.m.

Revelry Room 1400 Market St. revelryroom.co Roughwork 8:30 p.m.

The Foundry

16 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 31, 2015 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com AZREAL and Dogfish Head 9 p.m.

World of Beer 412 Market St. wobusa.com Arlo Gilliam Band 9 p.m.

Puckett’s Chattanooga 2 W. Aquarium Way #110 puckettsgro.com/Chattanooga Danimal Planet and Hank & Cupcakes 9 p.m.

The Honest Pint 35 Patten Parkway thehonestpint.com Here Come the Mummies 9 p.m.

Track 29 201 W. Main St. track29.co The Beaters

PULSE PICK: THE VELCRO PYGMIES A longtime Chattanooga favorite, Cam and the boys bring the '80s hair metal glory days back to life in a high-energy rock-n-roll New Year's Eve spectacular.

The Velcro Pygmies Thursday, 8 p.m.

Revelry Room 1400 Market St. revelryroom.co

9 p.m.

The Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. choochoo.com Matt Stephens Band 10 p.m.

Raw Dance Club 409 Market St. rawbarandgrillchatt.com SheShe Dance 10 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Canopy, Superbody 10 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Aunt Betty 10 p.m.

Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com

FRIDAY1.1 Eddie Pontiac 5:30 p.m.

El Meson 2204 Hamilton Place Blvd. elmesonrestaurant.com Mark Merriman 5:30 pm Rock City 1400 Patten Rd. seerockcity.com Binji Varsossa 6 p.m.

Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Lounge 1809 Broad St. (423) 266-1461 Butch Ross Mountain Dulcimer 6:30 pm Rock City 1400 Patten Rd. seerockcity.com Tim Lewis 7 p.m.

El Meson 248 Northgate Park elmesonchattanooga.com Jimmy Harris 7 p.m.

The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Roughwork 8:30 p.m.

The Foundry 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Mark Kelly Hall 9 p.m.

Puckett’s Chattanooga 2 W. Aquarium Way #110

MUSIC CALENDAR

Tame and the Strange puckettsgro.com/Chattanooga Preston Summerville 9 p.m.

World of Beer 412 Market St. wobusa.com Kindora, Stratton Tingle, Rock Floyd 10 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Aunt Betty 10 p.m.

Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com Live Music 10 p.m.

Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com

SATURDAY1.2 Eddie Pontiac 5:30 p.m.

El Meson 2204 Hamilton Place Blvd. elmesonrestaurant.com Mark Merriman 5:30 pm Rock City 1400 Patten Rd. seerockcity.com Binji Varsossa 6 p.m.

Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Lounge 1809 Broad St. (423) 266-1461 Butch Ross Mountain Dulcimer

6:30 pm Rock City 1400 Patten Rd. seerockcity.com Tim Lewis 7 p.m.

El Meson 248 Northgate Park elmesonchattanooga.com Jimmy Harris 7 p.m.

The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Chris Stapleton 8 p.m.

Track 29 201 W. Main St. track29.co Roughwork 8:30 p.m.

The Foundry 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Husky Burnette 9 p.m.

Puckett’s Chattanooga 2 W. Aquarium Way #110 puckettsgro.com/Chattanooga Laurel Taylor 9 p.m.

World of Beer 412 Market St. wobusa.com Pains Chapel, Subkonscious, 476 9 p.m.

Revelry Room 1400 Market St. revelryroom.co Mother Nurture, Stepfathers, Tame and the Strange 10 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd.

Jjsbohemia.com Aunt Betty 10 p.m.

Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com

SUNDAY1.3 Open Mic with Jeff Daniels 6 p.m.

Long Haul Saloon 2536 Cummings Hwy. (423) 822-9775

MONDAY1.4 Monday Nite Big Band 7 p.m.

The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Very Open Mic 8 p.m.

The Well 1800 Rossville Blvd. #8 wellonthesouthside.com

TUESDAY1.5 Bill McCallie & In Cahoots 6:30 p.m.

Southern Belle Riverboat 201 Riverfront Pkwy. chattanoogariverboat.com Open Mic with Mike McDade 8 p.m.

Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike

tremonttavern.com Heavy Metal Bingo, Comedy Buffet 10 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd.

Jjsbohemia.com

WEDNESDAY1.6 Eddie Pontiac 5:30 p.m.

El Meson 248 Northgate Park elmesonrestaurant.com Jimmy Harris 7 p.m.

The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Wednesday Night Jazz with Dexter Bell Quartet 8 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Open Mic Comedy, Shabti, Sweettalker 10 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Blues Night 8 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com

Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com

901 Carter St. Inside City Café (423) 634-9191

Thursday, December 31: 10pm She She Dance!

Friday, January 1: 9pm Andy Liechty (Atlanta, GA) Saturday, January 2: 10pm Kara-Ory-One Tuesday, January 5: 7pm Server/Hotel Appreciation Night $5 Pitchers • $2 Wells ! • $1.50 Domestics

Wednesday, January 6: 8pm Wednesday Blues Night

#1 Desserts!

Voted “Best of the Best” 901 Carter Street

citycafemenu.com/the-office

DON’T CHANCE IT YOUR NEXT DRINK COULD BE YOUR LAST STAY ALIVE DON’T DRINK & DRIVE

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 31, 2015 • THE PULSE • 17

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Aberdeen It Was The Rain: Lost Recordings 1993-1995 (UsedBinPop)

“J

ohn and I had some demos that were absolutely vile,” said singer Beth Arzy, quoted in the book “Popkiss: The Life and Afterlife of Sarah Records.”

John is John Girgus of the California group Aberdeen, and he had some choice words for Aberdeen’s first single, “Byron,” on the legendary British indie-pop label Sarah Records: “Garbage.

It’s total shit.”

This writer is not alone in thinking that they are way too hard on themselves. The aforementioned demos comprise the release at hand: the 18-track compilation It Was The Rain, released digitally and on cassette.

Historically, these recordings are important for the band, since they mapped the way for the group’s first three 7-inch singles, of which all songs are represented here. It’s solidly charming fare for indie-pop fans, but nothing earth-shattering.

After a turbulent breakup—musically and romantically—and a four-year hiatus, Girgus broke the ice by asking Arzy for these demo tapes back, which also

18 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 31, 2015 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Rocket from the Tombs Black Record (Fire)

seeded the band’s sole proper full-length album, Homesick and Happy to Be Here from 2002.

For the Sarah Records tracks, these rougher, hazier demos show that the group had a fairly clear vision all along, even with certain timbres (like the Cocteau Twins-esque guitar on “Fireworks”) carrying over to the studio versions. Fans of the 4-track homemade demo aesthetic will be interested in the demos for tracks which would appear on the professional and sophisticated-sounding Homesick and Happy to Be Here with more fleshed-out arrangements and real drums instead of a drum machine.

Aberdeen devotees will need this for several songs that weren’t released previously, including the shimmering blisspop of “Bilinda” and “Snowball Dream”; “Self Evidence,” written by and recorded with Adam Hervey of Timonium; and two fairly faithful covers of the Pastels’ quasi-psychedelic (think David Roback) “Baby Honey” that become a little tedious.

At the risk of sounding obvious, fans of U.K. indie-pop groups like The Field Mice would likely enjoy their American cousins in Aberdeen, and it’s worth noting that Arzy eventually moved overseas and contributed her consistently pretty and clear vocals to Trembling Blue Stars, one of Robert Wratten’s post-Field Mice groups.

For a bunch of “vile” “garbage,” Aberdeen’s early material has actually held up fairly well over 20 years, hitting that wistful pleasure spot more often than not.

N

o discussion of notable proto-punk outfits is complete without bringing up Rocket from the Tombs, the blistering and unhinged mid-’70s Cleveland concern; it spawned the Dead Boys and Pere Ubu and cultivated iconic material that both of those bands would incorporate into their canons, such as “Sonic Reducer” for the Dead Boys and “Final Solution” and “30 Seconds over Tokyo” for Pere Ubu. The live album The Day the Earth Met the Rocket from the Tombs, recorded in 1975, should be essential listening for anyone who claims to like punk rock; this is scalding, acid-fight, finger-in-the-wall-socket, whitehot fury and madness that at times sounds like it’s on the brink of self-destruction.

All of the ingredients are fused together in a glorious mess, with mind-melting guitar lines from Gene O’Connor (a.k.a. Cheetah Chrome) and the inimitable singer David Thomas (a.k.a. Crocus Behe-

moth) being terrifying. Just compare Pere Ubu’s version of “Life Stinks” from the classic debut The Modern Dance—a worthy and turbulent rendition, mind you—with the tumultuous Rocket from the Tombs version, which blows Pere Ubu’s version out of the water.

After reforming in 2003 with non-original guitarist Richard Lloyd, the group recorded its first studio album, Rocket Redux, released in 2004, followed by 2011’s Barfly, and now the release at hand is Black Record, made without O’Connor and Lloyd. By conventional measures, this is a perfectly fine garage-rock record and a wisely concise 30-minute blast that is perhaps restrained slightly by the studio environment.

“Welcome to the New Dark Ages” pummels and forges a bluesy riff into punk, Damnedstyle, and Thomas is clearly having a blast on the album, alternating between his forceful, rabid vocal style and his unselfconscious, high-note, singsongy notes. Yet another version of “Sonic Reducer” is here; it’s by no means bad, but it seems a little superfluous considering all of the versions already out there.

The album is a little more satisfying on its second half, with the half-loony “Coopy (Schrödinger’s Refrigerator)” and the ramping fury of “Read It and Weep.” The band can clearly hold its own as a contemporary garage-rock group, though Black Record isn’t quite on the level of the riot-on-stage, jaw-dropping intensity of the band’s 1975 incarnation—but not much is.

FOOD & DRINK SPIRITS WITHIN

Frank And Jack Together Again Old Blue Eyes and Old No. 7 still make great music together Start spreading the news: Old Blue Eyes turns 100 years old this month and the crowned whiskey king, CHRISTOPHER Jack Daniels, ARMSTRONG releases “Sinatra Century” as a birthday present for his most famed supporter.

1915 was a very good year because on Dec. 12, in Hoboken, N.J., during a cold, wintry night, an Italian immigrant couple welcomed into the world music’s most legendary crooner, Francis Albert “Frank” Sinatra.

Selling over 150 million records worldwide, Frank Sinatra was an international icon, known for his hopeful, soaring songs, thousand-dollar suits and a stout whiskey beverage always in his hand.

Frank had alcohol under his skin and he never shied away from his enthusiasm for liquor. He pitied those who fell asleep and woke up feeling the exact same. The man showered himself with riches and could afford any adult beverage he wanted, yet he preferred Jack Daniels over any other brand. With Sinatra’s endorsement, Jack Daniels

grew into America’s number-one whiskey, and this month the company is toasting Frank on his centennial birthday with “Sinatra Century,” a hundredproof specialty liquor made especially for the Chairman of the Board.

Like a stranger in the night, Sinatra Century looks unlike any liquor you’ve ever purchased. Gift-wrapped inside a limited-edition collector’s case equipped with a tribute book highlighting Frank’s career, his music and the Jack Daniels company, this spirit comes with a previously unreleased soundtrack highlighting Old Blue Eyes’ performances during his stay at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. Prepare for a swinging night featuring his greatest hits, including “Fly Me to the Moon,” “It Was A Very Good Year” and “My Kind of Town.”

The best is yet to come, because after reading the book and dancing with the music, it’s time to drink the amber-colored whiskey. Take a small sip and taste the oak with subtle coconut and citrus flavors. Your palate will appreciate the smoky finish and the lasting charred barrel spice.

Throughout his career, Sinatra continuously supported the young-at-heart

fighting across seas. Not only did he speak at rallies that supported housing for veterans, he also toured with the USO, visiting different camps and providing the troops with much-needed entertainment. Much like The Voice, Jack Daniels also provides support for those fighting for America’s freedom.

The company sponsors Operation Ride Home, a foundation that provides soldiers travel vouchers, allowing them a chance to go home and see their family for the holidays.

Come fly with me and let’s stir up a whiskey and water to keep you warm during the holidays. This simple cock-

Christopher Armstrong was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on a brisk morning in November when the stars aligned and Jupiter was visible with the naked eye. He enjoys the changing of seasons, vinyl records, books with lots of pages and beer that is too expensive for him to ever buy.

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“Frank Sinatra was an international icon, known for his hopeful, soaring songs, thousand-dollar suits and a stout whiskey beverage always in his hand.”

tail maximizes whiskey’s true taste while also keeping you hydrated, which in turn keeps away the hangovers. It’s a drink that will make you feel so young.

Don’t worry about buying anything other than the liquor. All you need is Jack, water, a cup and ice. Frank preferred his drink mixed at two parts Jack Daniels to one part chilled water and three ice cubes. Raise your glass high and toast New York, New York.

As time goes by, popular musicians will come and go. They’ll release a hit or two and then fade back into obscurity, appearing years later as nothing more than a Trivial Pursuit answer or an ironic karaoke rendition. But Frank Sinatra somehow found lasting power.

Decades after his last number-one single, the Sultan of Swoon remains a pop culture phenomenon. Whether it’s his croon or his swagger, Sinatra’s legacy lives on through generation after generation.

Although La Voz couldn’t be here to celebrate his 100th birthday, it’s safe to assume that he would pour himself a strong Jack Daniels drink, appreciate the brand’s growth and maturity throughout the years and toast another hundred years of doing things his way.

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The Entire Jack Daniel's Family of Fine Spirits Help celebrate the new year with a timehonored tradition: a toast with Tennessee's most famous spirits. Distilled and bottled in Lynchburg (worth the visit if you've never been). Enjoy a sip or two of Jack Daniel's Old No. 7, charcoal mellowed drop by drop.

Or sample Gentleman Jack, the order of gentlemen around the world. If you're looking for a unique taste experience, savor the smooth taste of Jack Daniel's Single Barrel,

hand-selected by their master distillers. Or if you're looking for something a bit different, try Tennessee Honey, distilled with a little bit of honey to sweeten things up, or if you like some heat to your drink, Tennessee Fire has a cinnamon kick combined with the exceptional smoothness you've come to expect from every Jack Daniel's beverage. No matter the choice, you'll find the taste you love from just up the road. And have a Happy New Year!

THE PULSE • NEW YEAR'S EVE GUIDE • DECEMBER 24, 2015 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • 19

SCREEN SCENE

Life, Dreams, Wealth…And A Whole Lot Of Luck Director David O. Russell disappoints with a not-very-Joyful new film

Sherlock: The Abominable Bride Come see the world's greatest detective on the big screen Arguably the most famous detective in the world, the inimitable Sherlock Holmes has been a mainstay of film since the 1920s. Just this past year, we’ve seen Sir Ian McKellen take on the literary giant in the compelling “Mr. Holmes,” not to mention the popular ongoing American television program “Elementary” starring Johnny Lee Miller.

But for many viewers, the current true detective is personified by Benedict Cumberbatch, who, along with Martin Freeman as Dr. Watson, has delighted audiences in the

✴✴✴✴

“Sherlock” BBC series.

And now you can see Cumberbatch and Freeman on the big screen with “Sherlock: The Abominable Bride” in a special two-night event on Tuesday and Wednesday at Carmike’s East Ridge 18 theaters. Both showings start at 7:30 p.m.

What makes this show so special is that the pair find themselves in 1890s London, taking up the characters in the traditional settings as created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, mustaches, capes and top hats galore.

The game is indeed afoot.

NEW IN THEATERS

The Hateful Eight In Tarantino's latest, set in post-Civil War Wyoming, bounty hunters try to find shelter during a blizzard but get involved in a plot of betrayal and deception. Will they survive?

Director: Quentin Tarantino Stars: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kurt Russell, Channing Tatum, Samuel L. Jackson

✴✴✴✴

Daddy's Home A mild-mannered radio executive strives to become the best stepfather to his wife's two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling biological father arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the children.

Director: Sean Anders Stars: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg

20 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 31, 2015 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

M

ONEY IS THE MOST AMERICAN GOD, WORSHIPPED by the American people. Without it, it seems, there can be no success, no real living, only survival and subsistence in mediocrity.

Americans must always be striving toward self-made millions—our heroes have no room for steady incomes and simple hard work, despite our national pastime of long hours and second jobs.

Screen JOHN DEVORE

“

It’s enough to warm the heart of any coldblooded socialist and welcome them into the everlasting embrace of rampant capitalism.”

So from a certain perspective, it makes sense that we’ve had several major releases sanctifying leaders from the business world. They are our golden calves, our champions, our shared ambition.

Steve Jobs, innovator of Apple products, who is generally regarded as not being all that nice, has garnered two Hollywood films about his life, one starring Ashton Kutcher that was immediately forgotten and a more serious one written by Aaron Sorkin starring Christian Bale.

Coming soon is “The Big Short,” the heroic story of Wall Street pirates with enough foresight to bet against the American economy just before the 2008 financial crisis that caused the Great Recession and cost millions of Americans their homes. And this Christmas, audiences are treated to “Joy,” the ragsto-riches story of Joy Mangano, QVC darling and inventor of the world’s first mass-produced, self-wringing mop. It’s enough to warm the heart of any coldblooded socialist and welcome them into the everlasting embrace of rampant capitalism.

To be fair, Joy Mangano (Jennifer Lawrence) doesn’t appear to be a miserable, backstabbing businesswoman. David O. Russell paints her as a harried housewife and single mother whose dreams of mak-

ing things are discarded along the path of a lower-middle-class trajectory. She has two children by her ex-husband, a handsome Latin musician who will not work and lives in her basement. She has a mother who is bedridden by choice due to her obsession with soap operas.

She has a philandering father who runs a garage with her half-sister, a man without any property or possessions who bounces from love to love until he is unceremoniously dropped back on the front porch of his family. Joy herself works for an airline and muddles along as most people do, paying bills as their homes crumble around them.

But she has ideas! Great ones! About dog collars and mops and other small household items that can improve the lives of women just like her! And so Joy sets out on an unfamiliar journey to a life of opulence through determination,

“But she has ideas! Great ones! About dog collars and mops and other small household items that can improve the lives of women just like her!” borrowed capital and, let’s be honest, an enormous amount of luck.

The film does an excellent job of simply glossing over the very unlikely circumstances Ms. Mangano finds herself in, instead choosing to focus on her single-minded belief in mops. The script makes a habit of setting up obstacles for Joy only to have her knock them over one by one with steely-eyed conviction and late ‘60s rock and roll. The naysayers, most of whom live in her house, are almost absurd in their negativity.

The slightest setback causes them to

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throw up their hands in surrender on her behalf. That’s the film’s ham-fisted method of characterization. Almost every scene involving these obstacles feels contrived, and were it not for the talent of Jennifer Lawrence the film wouldn’t work at all.

The few glimmers of humor are overshadowed by the movie’s clumsy storytelling and the bizarre choices made by the filmmakers. The lives of salesmen are not quite as interesting as Hollywood hopes, no matter how many cathartic shotgun blasts are shoe-

horned into supposedly meaningful scenes. “Joy” seems to be an appeal to a narrow-minded group of conservativeleaning audience members who see the almighty dollar as the only measure of a person’s success. I suppose those people need movies, too.

The most disappointing part of “Joy” is that it is a David O. Russell film.

David O. Russell has made excellent films in the past. “Joy” is just not one of them. It would be easy to place the blame at the foot of the writers, but as Russell also wrote the screenplay, there is no way to pass the buck.

Everyone can have a compelling story—everyone’s life is full of human experience and emotion, tragedy and comedy, successes and failures.

But the story is only as good as its storyteller, and in this case, the story isn’t worth hearing.

The Best Sports Coverage in Chattanooga.

Period.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 31, 2015 • THE PULSE • 21

Jonesin’ Crossword

Free Will Astrology

MATT JONES

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In his essay “The Etiquette of Freedom,” poet Gary Snyder says that wildness “is perennially within us, dormant as a hard-shelled seed, awaiting the fire or flood that awakes it again.” The fact that it’s a “hard-shelled” seed is a crucial detail. The vital stuff inside the stiff outer coating may not be able to break out and start growing without the help of a ruckus.

A fire or flood? They might do the job. But I propose, Capricorn, that in 2016 you find an equally vigorous but less disruptive prod to liberate your dormant wildness.

Like what? You could embark on a brave pilgrimage or quest. You could dare yourself to escape your comfort zone. Are there any undomesticated fantasies you’ve been suppressing? Unsuppress them!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Frederick the Great was King of Prussia between 1740 and 1786. He was also an Aquarius who sometimes experimented with eccentric ideas. When he brewed his coffee, for example, he used champagne instead of water. Once the hot elixir was ready to drink, he mixed in a dash of powdered mustard.

In light of the astrological omens, I suspect that Frederick’s exotic blend might be an apt symbol for your life in 2016: a vigorous, rich, complex synthesis of champagne, coffee and mustard. (P.S.: Frederick testified that “champagne carries happiness to the brain.”)

“Middle C”—no need for piano lessons here.

ACROSS 1 Clearwater’s st.

4 The beginning of greatness?

9 Those other guys 13 Account exec 14 Copenhagen amusement park 15 Fully grown 16 Why I have to drive close to see what’s on your rear window?

19 Script on a tablet?

20 Hardly hard 21 “I Love Lucy” production company 23 “Our National Parks” author John 25 Cookout cut 28 Nissan, way back when 30 Fight stopper 32 Caps Lock neighbor 35 Indifferent travel slogan for a Bolivian capital?

37 Fix errata 39 Pay increase 40 Eternities 41 Guy with a self-referential Renault 5?

44 Discouraging

word 45 Pertaining to the eye 46 Short-billed shorebird 48 “Ultimate” degree 49 Kick out of a club 51 And others, in Latin 55 “Even *I* knew that!”

56 “Darby ___ and the Little People” (1959 Disney film) 57 Give the recent harvest report in a few words?

64 Bad sign 65 Difficult trial 66 “Falcon Crest” actress ___ Alicia 67 The “sun” in “sunny side up” 68 Beat the heck out of 69 Utter DOWN 1 Served like some green tomatoes 2 Leave alone 3 Lhasa ___ (Tibetan dogs) 4 Blackjack decision 5 “Mogambo”

actress Gardner 6 Comedian Riggle 7 551, in film credits (if films had been around then) 8 Affleck film that earned a 2003 Razzie 9 “Jurassic Park” predator, for short 10 Sound that deserves a scare, maybe 11 Clean Air Act org.

12 Blanc who voiced the Tasmanian Devil 14 Gertrude Stein’s “The Autobiography of Alice B. ___” 17 Old Domino’s Pizza spokescreature 18 Traitor Vader 22 180 23 “___ Wedding” (1994 sleeper hit starring Toni Collette) 24 World Heritage Site org.

25 Talk and talk and talk 26 “I Love It” duo ___ Pop 27 Ross of flag fame

29 Resells at a jacked-up price 31 Dark deli loaf 32 Carpentry joint component 33 Become a parent, perhaps 34 Nascence 36 Salon extension 38 “Spare me the details” 42 Be a brat 43 Install new machinery 47 “Rich & Meaty” brand 50 “I’m amazed!”

52 Ling and Loeb, for two 53 Actress Massey of “Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man” 54 Forever, in poetry 55 Like a medieval dungeon 57 ___ G. Biv 58 Genre for Fall Out Boy 59 “Pinocchio” keepsake 60 Buckingham Palace letters 61 Commotion 62 President pro ___ 63 Puppy sound

Copyright © 2015 Jonesin’ Crosswords. For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+ to call. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle No. 0760

22 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 31, 2015 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): My Piscean acquaintance Arturo plays the piano as well as anyone I’ve heard. He tells me that he can produce 150 different sounds from any single key. Using the foot pedals accounts for some of the variation. How he touches a key is an even more important factor. It can be percussive, fluidic, staccato, relaxed, lively and many other moods. I invite you to cultivate a similar approach to your unique skills in 2016. Expand and deepen your ability to draw out the best in them. Learn how to be even more expressive with the powers you already possess.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): John Koenig is an artist who invents new words. Here’s one that’s applicable to your journey in 2016: “keyframe.” Koenig defines it as being a seemingly mundane phase of your life that is in fact a turning point. Major plot twists in your big story arrive half-hidden amidst a stream of innocuous events. They don’t come about through “a series of jolting epiphanies,” Koenig says, but rather “by tiny imperceptible differences between one ordinary day and the next.” In revealing this secret, I hope I’ve alerted you to the importance of acting with maximum integrity and excellence in your everyday routine.

ROB BREZSNY

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The coming months look like one of the best times ever for your love life. Old romantic wounds are finally ready to be healed.

You’ll know what you have to do to shed tired traditions and bad habits that have limited your ability to get the spicy sweetness you deserve. Are you up for the fun challenge? Be horny for deep feelings. Be exuberantly aggressive in honoring your primal yearnings.

Use your imagination to dream up new approaches to getting what you want. The innovations in intimacy that you initiate in the coming months will keep bringing you gifts and teachings for years to come.

sky calls me,” wrote Virgo teacher and poet Sri Chinmoy. “The wind calls me. The moon and stars call me. The dense groves call me. The dance of the fountain calls me.

Smiles call me, tears call me. A faint melody calls me. The morn, noon and eve call me. Everyone is searching for a playmate. Everyone is calling me, ‘Come, come!’” In 2016, Virgo, I suspect you will have a lot of firsthand experience with feelings like these. Sometimes life’s seductiveness may overwhelm you, activating confused desires to go everywhere and do everything. On other occasions, you will be enchanted by the lush invitations, and will know exactly how to respond and reciprocate.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In ancient times, observers of the sky knew the difference between stars and planets. The stars remained fixed in their places. The planets wandered around, always shifting positions in relationship to the stars. But now and then, at irregular intervals, a very bright star would suddenly materialize out of nowhere, stay in the same place for a while, and then disappear. Chinese astronomers called these “guest stars.” We refer to them as supernovae. They are previously dim or invisible stars that explode, releasing tremendous energy for a short time. I suspect that in 2016, you may experience the metaphorical equivalent of a guest star. Learn all you can from it. It’ll provide teachings and blessings that could feed you for years.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the 19th century, horses were a primary mode of personal transportation. Some people rode them, and others sat in carriages and wagons that horses pulled. But as cities grew larger, a problem emerged: the mounting manure left behind on the roads. It became an everincreasing challenge to clear away the equine “pollution.” In 1894, a British newspaper predicted that the streets of London would be covered with nine feet of the stuff by 1950. But then something unexpected happened: cars. Gradually, the threat of an excremental apocalypse waned. I present this story as an example of what I expect for you in 2016: a pressing dilemma that will gradually dissolve because of the arrival of a factor you can’t imagine yet.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Be alert for an abundance of interesting lessons in 2016. You will be offered teachings about a variety of practical subjects, including how to take care of yourself really well, how to live the life you want to live, and how to build the connections that serve your dreams. If you are even moderately responsive to the prompts and nudges that come your way, you will become smarter than you thought possible. So just imagine how savvy you’ll be if you ardently embrace your educational opportunities. (Please note that some of these opportunities may be partially in disguise.)

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The longest river in the world flows through eastern Africa: the Nile. It originates below the equator and empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Although its current flows north, its prevailing winds blow south. That’s why sailors have found it easily navigable for thousands of years. They can either go with the flow of the water or use sails to harness the power of the breeze. I propose that we make the Nile your official metaphor in 2016, Scorpio. You need versatile resources that enable you to come and go as you please—that are flexible in supporting your efforts to go where you want and when you want.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The silkworm grows fast. Once it hatches, it eats constantly for three weeks.

By the time it spins its cocoon, it’s 10,000 times heavier than it was in the beginning. On the other hand, a mature, 60-foot-tall saguaro cactus may take 30 years to fully grow a new side arm. It’s in no hurry.

From what I can tell, Leo, 2015 was more like a silkworm year for you, whereas 2016 will more closely resemble a saguaro. Keep in mind that while the saguaro phase is different from your silkworm time, it’s just as important.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “The

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In many cases, steel isn’t fully useful if it’s too hard. Manufacturers often have to soften it a bit. This process, which is called tempering, makes the steel springier and more malleable. Car parts, for example, can’t be too rigid. If they were, they’d break too easily. I invite you to use tempering as one of your main metaphors in 2016, Sagittarius. You’re going to be strong and vigorous, and those qualities will serve you best if you keep them flexible. Do you know the word “ductile”? If not, look it up. It’ll be a word of power for you.

COLUMN TECH TALK

Startups and Urban Design Lamp Post adds downtown real estate development to its portfolio Say you run a venture incubator: you grow companies for a living. You’ve been doing it RICH BAILEY long enough to have a diverse portfolio of growing startups. So your next move is obviously...real estate?

It may sound counterintuitive, but Lamp Post Properties’ recent purchase of the Mayfield Annex from Hamilton County—announced in December, set to close in January—brings its real estate holdings to four buildings in the downtown Innovation District. And that doesn’t even include Loveman’s second floor, the headquarters of its parent, the Lamp Post Group venture incubator. Loveman’s is reserved for Lamp Post portfolio companies, but every other building is open to anyone.

Renovation is in progress at the old Ross Hotel on Patten Parkway. The former home of Yesterday’s on the ground floor has been christened The Tomorrow Building and will become mostly residential.

The Cornerstone Bank building at Georgia Avenue and MLK will remain a traditional office building. Two Lamp Post

companies have already moved in—Steam Logistics and Reliance Partners—but it is open to any commercial tenant.

Things start to get interesting with Cooper’s Office Supply (actually two buildings) on Cherry Street, purchased last summer. Ground floors will be retail or restaurant, and upper floors will be developed as office space with later-stage startups in mind—companies that need growth space, not incubation space.

Redevelopment may include reclaiming the alleyway that runs from Chattanooga Billiards Club to Seventh Street. Ownership has become clouded over the years.

Lamp Post is working with the city and other building owners so each building can own the alley behind it and turn it into a public space, maybe an outdoor cafe.

The Mayfield Annex, formerly used for Hamilton County offices, is slated to become the headquarters of the Chattanooga office of VaynerMedia. Lamp Post recruited Gary Vaynerchuk’s socialmedia-focused digital marketing company to open its first Southern office last summer in Chattanooga, and now Lamp Post Properties is buying and developing the Mayfield building in partnership with Vaynerchuk.

“The idea is to create another incu-

“We want to be part of that next wave of change happening downtown, transforming buildings that once had this really amazing life.” bation center in that building” for both Lamp Post and VaynerMedia startups, according to Tiffanie Robinson, president of Lamp Post Properties. “Gary Vaynerchuk will likely bring down some of his own startups from New York City to incubate in that building, too.”

So, why did Lamp Post get into real estate? The number-one priority is to accommodate the growth of Lamp Post portfolio companies. But another reason, according to Robinson, is about density and placemaking.

“If you look at a map of everything we’ve purchased, it’s kind of like this little campus in a way,” says Robinson, referring to the fact that all four buildings are either on or within a block of Cherry Street. “We

think if The Innovation District wants to be an innovation district, it needs some strong density. So one of the reasons we’ve bought the buildings we have is because of the density that they have to each other.

And then whenever those buildings are filled with this next generation workforce, it creates a really interesting density for the entire district.”

Lamp Post also wants to develop downtown, and not just for its own companies.

“We want to be part of that next wave of change happening downtown, transforming buildings that once had this really amazing life,” says Robinson. “Maybe traditional developers aren’t really necessarily looking to touch those buildings because they know they will cost a lot of money that will take a long time to return.

We’re willing to take those risks.”

Unlike city planners, though, Lamp Post happily has no strict agenda. “At Lamp Post, we don’t really ever have a master plan to any of our madness,” says Robinson. “We really believe that whenever you don’t have a big master plan and you take things small chunk by small chunk, then you’re actually opening yourself up to more possibilities. You’re opening yourself up to not getting stuck in one box that you built around the master plan. You’re allowing yourself to think more creatively.”

Rich Bailey is a professional writer, editor and (sometimes) PR consultant. He led a project to create Chattanooga’s first civic website in 1995 before even owning a modem. Now he covers Chattanooga technology for The Pulse and blogs about it at CircleChattanooga.com

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