Just because Kilkenny Cats hailed from Athens, Georgia, and appeared in the Inside/Out film, it shouldn't be implied that they sound like contemporary local figures like R.E.M. and Pylon. That assumption is closer to true than to false, though frontman Tom Cheek and company did lend some new traits to alternative music's rootsy side. The group debuted in 1984 with "Attractive Figure," and released their debut Hands Down two years later, on Coyote Records. The follow-up Hammer was their last and best, though bassist Sean O'Brien re-appeared several years later playing in Boston with Come. ~ John Bush