An introduction is in order. After four amazingly fun and fulfilling years at Flagpole, I'll be stepping down as music editor so that I may immerse myself in the scholastic cocoon known as UGA Law School with the hope of reemerging in the future as an entertainment/copyright lawyer. See you in three years, social life. But my mind is at ease with the confidence that I leave Flagpole's music section in more than capable hands. Athens, meet Gabe Vodicka. There's a good chance you already know him either as a freelance contributor to Flagpole and Atlanta's Creative Loafing or as a musician in one of several Athens bands (Long Legged Woman, etc.). As a means of an introduction, I thought we should let Gabe share his picks for AthFest 2012. As a one-time Athenian returning to the town, his selections balance old, familiar stand-bys with promising new talent he will be keeping a keen eye on. Take it away, Gabe! [Michelle Davis]

I’m super-duper excited to be back in Athens—this ever-flowering land of milk, honey and Taco Stand. (Can’t tell you how relieved I am to find that those extra-hot tofu burritos are still the business!) I’m equally jazzed for this year’s installment of AthFest, which has the makings of a legit weekend-long doozy. You’ll be reading much more from me in the coming months (more than you’d like, probably, but deal with it) so I’ll keep it clipped for now. Here’s a quick rundown of where and when I plan to be this weekend—and which bands I’m most pumped to peep. Come find me! Gimme a friendly pat on the back! And, for God’s sake, buy me a drink! I’ve been jobless for months!

FRIDAY, JUNE 22

The Darnell Boys

What better way to start off AthFest weekend than by enjoying some damn fine fingerpickin’? You know it’s gonna be hot and sweaty out there; the good vibes—and the beer—will most undoubtedly be flowing by five o’clock. TDB’s earnest blend of old-timey country and blues is everything great about Athens’ glorious summers rolled into one scruffy family band. (Pulaski Street Stage, 5 p.m.)

Lazer/Wulf

Lazer/Wulf

My neck feels sore in advance from all the “Beavis and Butt-Head”-style headbanging I’m going to do during this show. Lazer/Wulf is relentlessly proggy without being overbearing and viciously heavy without succumbing to the typical metal malaise. Plus, they boast one of the best/worst band names of all time. (Caledonia Lounge, 11 p.m.)

The Viking Progress

Patrick Morales’ buzzy new project dabbles in heavily thematic, Elephant 6-style psychoustica. But it feels fresh: the group’s stellar debut, Whistling While the End Is Near, proved that, thankfully, TVP is not just another knockoff. (New Earth Music Hall, 11:30 p.m.)

Thayer Sarrano

The “dark and dreamy, sometimes loud” music of this formidable songstress invites easy comparisons to other moody female folk-rockers past and present—Karen Dalton, Chan Marshall, Sharon Van Etten—but exists firmly in its own creative sphere. Sarrano is among the strongest local songwriting talents; a person would be remiss to miss her. (Farm 255, 11:45 p.m.)

Slaw and Order

I’ll be honest; I don’t know much about this duo. But how can anyone resist a motherlovin’ band called Slaw and Order? You can’t. It cannot be resisted. (Little Kings, 12 a.m.)

Timmy Tumble

Former Col. Knowledge & the Lickity-Splits frontman Tim Schreiber has never made his obsession with ‘60s garage and doo-wop a secret. As Timmy Tumble, he continues to dive into the deep end of the past, gleaning nuggets of inspiration from Nuggets and the like and crafting one hell of a party along the way. Can’t think of a much better nightcap than this. (Flicker Theatre, 1 a.m.)

SATURDAY, JUNE 23

Five Eight

Thank God Five Eight is still going strong. Forever the local music community’s bridesmaids (groomsmen?) and never its bride, the group is downright stubborn in its insistence on playing the same heat-fried, hook-laden rock and roll that flirts with heady irony and gut-wrenching sincerity in equal measure. (Hull Street Stage, 8:30 p.m.)

The Glands

Aside from In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, The Glands’ self-titled 2000 outing stands as probably my favorite Athens recording of all time. Like a dum-dum, I missed both their “surprise” set at Flicker in 2010 and their christening of the new Georgia Theatre last year, and thus I am all weepy and sweaty just thinking about this show. (Also, I think I just peed a little.) (Pulaski Street Stage, 9 p.m.)

New Sound of Numbers

The star-studded Supercluster headlines this show, but get there early for the real Hannah Jones jams. Her nebulous, on-again-off-again post-punk project has mercifully endured for over half a decade. The band’s deliciously fragmented tunes revel in a slanted melodicism that is relatable (and even danceable) despite its esoteric construct. (Georgia Theatre, 10 p.m.)

Mad Axes

During the 2009 AthFest, Deaf Judges put on the performance of a lifetime at the Morton Theatre. I have exceedingly high hopes for Mad Axes’ live show because the group features three-fourths of the Judges, and because, in concept and execution, they are even nuttier than their predecessors. (Little Kings, 10 p.m.)

Nutritional Peace

This shapeshifting drone/electro/antipop outfit will undoubtedly be a welcome departure from the rest of the fest. I could go on about how I wish there were a higher concentration of such mysterious and uncompromising music in Athens, but that’s best saved for a later diatribe. (Bonus: bearded ‘n’ beloved Athens expat—and Flagpole contributor—Jeff Tobias! Get some!) (Ciné, 10:45 p.m.)

Los Meesfits

Misfits covers, Salsa style. Do we need to say more? (Go Bar, 12 a.m.)

Grass Giraffes

Fuzzed out and neon-lit, the songs of Grass Giraffes float atop the surface like radio waves—evocations of a post-wave past; hints of a post-everything future. GG play the best kind of pop music; it’s organic, airy and innovative, warm and instantly recognizable without being plagiaristic. (40 Watt, 12:30 a.m.)

Yacht Rock Revue

Bit Brigade

The shtick should be tired by this point, but somehow, it’s as entertaining as ever. Try as I might to resist the allure, I can’t wait to end Saturday night by watching a dude beat an old-school NES game while a math rock band plays the soundtrack. (Caledonia Lounge, 1 a.m.)

SUNDAY, JUNE 24

Yacht Rock Revue

I can’t imagine a more fitting end to such a weekend than the snarky-smooth cover jams of Yacht Rock Revue, which, thanks to that all-encapsulating bandname, needs no further explanation here. (Pulaski Street Stage, 7 p.m.)