Monday, September 30, 2013

E2TG Presents: The Grimm Generation - The Big Fame - Review Vol. 1





"Great Rock and Roll record define the time they were made. Welcome to 2013."
 
 
 
I can't remember when I first came across the music of The Grimm Generation. I think maybe another band I follow mentioned them.  I do remember hearing "Sometimes I Subtle (Sometimes I'm Drunk), and I remember thinking, "Wow, this is music everyone should hear", and at  the same time thinking, "I feel like I already know this music.".  I later had the opportunity to do a brief e-mail interview with the band, and it began to make sense.
 
You see, and what has recently begun to gel in my mind is that The Grimm Generation make the music I would make if I made music (and if I was talented).  We come from the same place age and influence-wise (and perhaps experience-wise as well), and so - although I do like have very diverse tastes in music - The Grimm Generation manages to hit all the right spots in my psyche, and thus, as word began to build about a new album I couldn't help but be excited.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - A Little Poison Mix



Things are hopping.  Music is being made and released and for a part-time, amateur music blogger, it can be a bit overwhelming... but in the best way possible.  I can only say if you've sent me music in the past few weeks; I beg patience, and I promise -  I'm listening and will be posting soon.....

Today we have a mix of music to delight and inspire - but that is every day, but today is especially delightful and inspiring, but so is every day. Ah hell, comparisons are stupid. We have a great mix of music, and so, let us leave it at that.


JUMP - THEN SHUFFLE

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - Such an Icy Feeling Mix



After a busy and pretty awesome weekend, I'm easing back into the a busy and pretty hectic week. 

We have a pretty cool mix of music today and I don't want to waste any time....

So without much more ado, E2TG is proud to present.... Today's Shuffle!  After the JUMP

Monday, September 23, 2013

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - Mixed Up Kid Mix



Very quickly...

Does it make me old that I still sometimes think of Infidels as a recent Bob Dylan album?  On second thought don't answer that.  Anyway, we start today with "Jokerman" by Dylan

"Never Loved You" by Nava Hotel - some awesome ROCK from Nashville

"Run Away West" by Holidaysburg (A Florida Rock n Roll band that existed from 2004 to 2008)

"In the Rain" by The Danbury Lie (One of our favorite albums released this year.  I still don't know the name of the album... is it "?" or the weird name that Amazon has listed?  Maybe they will tell me...)

"Tears Won't Help" by Steve Wynn and the Dragon Bridge Orchestra (Live in Brussels.  A newer recording of a song from Wynn's 1990 solo debut Kerosene Man.  I got to see Steve Wynn live during a tour sponsored by Ben and Jerry's and also featuring Exene and Gregson and Collister. I kind of dig everything Wynn has done - from Dream Syndicate to Danny and Dusty to Baseball Project to his solo work.)


 
 
Today's Playlist - Powered by You Tube

 




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E2TG at Americanarama VI 9/21/2013



Grimey's know how to through a party.  Their annual Record Store Day event is always awesome, and Saturday wasthe sixth installment of the original Americanarama - a free day of music in the middle of the Americana Music Association Conference.


Grimey's which began in a small shop in the Berry Hill section of Nashville and blossomed into one of the best and most respected record stores in the world. They are a magnet for musicians and music lovers.  Metallica recorded a secret show at The Basement located below the shop but named the ensuing record "Live at Grimey's".  Just about every cool band that comes through town, does an in-store at Grimey's.  In addition, they are champions of many of the great up and coming bands.

Believe it or not, this was the first year that I was able to make it out for Americanarama, and I think I picked a good year.

The day began with The Reneaus who are either from Bowling Green, Kentucky or Nashville depending on who you ask.  Regardless, I was not familiar with The Reneaus for this performance, but I now consider myself a fan. 

Steelism were next, and although I was already familiar with them, this was the first chance I had to see them live. Steelism is the brain-child of Spencer Cullen Jr. and Jeremy Fetzer (Caitlin Rose).  They have an amazingly original sound. Fronted by a Pedal Steel Guitar and featuring two drummers... favorite quote of the day, "I'm still hung over and the stage is leaning..."



Next up were The Dexateens. I've liked their music for a long time, but seeing them perform live was revelatory. I now count myself as a huge Dexateens fan. This was one of the most fun and energetic shows I've seen in a fair bit of time. The band's extensive and entertaining bio on Facebook mentions that they began as a punk band, and this spirit shows through.



After The Dexateens set, I decided to go inside to Howlin' Books and Grimey's, Too, and then I grabbed some lunch from Mas Tacos. Somehow,  I made it back in time to introduce myself to a couple of The Dexateens and then to see Daughter play their set.  I had ever heard of Daughter, but they have almost 300,000 likes on Facebook. They are from the UK.  They played a stripped down set due to their regular instruments already being at the Exit/In where they were playing that night. They had a awesome atmospheric, moody sound which I really liked.  Quite a transition from The Dexateens, but it was good.  After their set, they were surrounded by hordes of young people (and by young people, I mean people younger than me which was I guess about half the crowd - give or take a few dozen).



Next up was T. Hardy Morris who is in the band Dead Confederate. We've played a few songs from his solo album Audition Tape, so it was good to see him live. I enjoyed the music, and I'm not sure if it's a persona or a personality but there was a bit of aloofness which I found a bit off-putting. Maybe especially after the complete openness of The Dexateens. But, I do know it's dangerous to compare bands, and like I said, the music was great.



Next up was The Autumn Defense featuring John Stirratt and Pat Sansone of Wilco. This was just some amazingly glorious music. Some delicious melodies and classic sounding vocals.  Just brilliant. The inclusion of The Troggs classic Love is All Around Me underscored the classic sound that this band has captured.



Next up was one of most anticipated sets of the day.  British Folk/Punk legend Billy Bragg took the small, slightly sloped stage and for about thirty minutes spoke truth and held court. After playing a few songs from his latest album including a Woody Guthrie cover which he introduced by referencing the brilliant Mermaid Avenue albums and acknowledging the presence of John Stirratt who along with the rest of Wilco played on those records, Bragg acknowledged that it was the 30th Anniversary of the release of his first album, Life's a Riot With Spy Vs. Spy.  He said since the album was only 17 minutes long it was not worth renting out the Ryman or hiring symphony and that he could play the whole album as an encore and that he actually had enough time left to play it, and thus he launched into a blistering song by song cover of that masterpiece.  There was a palpable energy running through the crowd.   



After Billy Bragg headed inside to sign autographs and meet and greet, the ones of us who remained heard a couple of songs from the soon to be released High Cotton: A Tribute to Alabama. T. Hardy Morris came back from a ragged yet somehow brilliant version of the title track, and then the always amazing Amanda Shires (joined by Rod Piccott) performed her contribution to the record as well as one song from her new album.  To be honest, I expected more from this set, but hey, I got a free t-shirt and seeing Amanda Shires perform is always a plus.



As the sun began to descend, the crowd thinned a bit, which is a shame because those who left, missed out on the final set of the day. Willie Sugarcapps is the new project (supergroup really) featuring Will Kimbrough, Greyson Capps, Sugarcane Jane, and Corky Hughes. They play a break amalgam of traditional music from the South. Folk, Blues, Country,  what have you, and they have a whole lot of fun doing it.  I've been a Will Kimbrough fan since his days leading the Bushmen, and I thoroughly  enjoyed this set.  Their new album is out now. Check it.

 


It was truly a great day of great music. Special thanks to all the staff of Grimey's for putting this thing on. And a shout out to Sandy - a long time Billy Bragg fan for buying me a beer.

Stay tuned for a quick run down of our normal shuffle in a bit...

I created a You Tube Playlist to commemorate the day...










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Friday, September 20, 2013

Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Don't Rush the Author Mix



Good morning! 

First of all, I must say that I had a blast hanging out at the Five Spot last night.  Thanks for The Alternate Root for putting on the show, Ear to the Ground featured artist Mark Robinson for hosting, and all the great musicians for making such wonderful racket. 

It was great meeting Mark Robinson and Sue Havlish in person.

It was nice hanging out with  fellow blogger Too Much Country, Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray (Couch by Couchwest alum who we've posted about here - SPOILER ALERT: they may just happen to have a song into today's Shuffle...), and James Crawford (a fellow survivor of my hometown, who is about to put out an amazing record - much more to come about that). 

It was one of those only in Nashville kind of nights.  From Johnny Fritz's drummer working the door, to the great music from Mark Robinson, Dave Coleman of The Coal Men (who I also got to meet), Kevin Gordon, Jon Byrd, Eric Brace and Peter Cooper, Amelia White, and  the amazing Tim Carroll closing out the evening.


Switching gears (completely): 

Avant Guard Dogs  are the best band you've never heard. That's right, you've never heard them.  No, it was not them who played the party at your frat house before their first album ever came out. No, you don't own a bootleg import of their unreleased first single on pink vinyl in it's original cover.  What the band does have going for them is some amazing album covers.  Take a gander HERE (where you will also see classic album covers by The Shambles and Quivering Brains.  All of these covers were designed by the amazing Ron Ruelle (Dizzy Gillespie, Tony Bennett).  Seriously, if you need graphic design work - check him out.



Let's get to the music:

After the JUMP

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle - Everything Lost is a Golden Prisoner Mix



 
Shelly Colvin from last year's AMA Fest
 


Well, well, well... This is Americana week in Nashville, and even though I'm not going to make it to any of the official AMA showcases, I've got three days of some pretty killer music on tap.  Beginning tonight, when I will make my first of three rare public appearances.  I'm heading across the river to the Five Spot to hang out with Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray plus their entourage along with the music blogger behind Too Much Country. The music tonight begins with E2TG favorite Mark Robinson, and features Peter Cooper and Eric Brace, Dave Coleman of The Coalmen, Kevin Gordon and others. It all begins at 5.

Friday after work, I'm crossing back over the river to East Nashville to hang out at The Groove record shop to hear Amanda Shires and others.

Finally, Saturday, Grimey's New and Pre-Loved Music to hear some free music all day with T. Hardy Morris, Wille Sugacapps, The Dexateens, an all-star tribute to Alabama, and the one and only Billy Bragg.

Anyway, let's get moving with today's shuffle:

After the jump

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Friday, September 13, 2013

Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Camp Crystal Lake Mix



 I am a long-time triskaidekaphobe, but so far (knock on wood), today has been pretty good.  We had a change in the weather here in Nashville, and the heat and humidity finally broke into a sunny and rather cool day.  Which is good because it is really hard to get excited about the return of Pumpkin Spice anything when it's mid 90s and humid.  It just is.

Well circumstances being circumstantial, I don't have the hoped for music explosion today - just a regular old shuffle. Still, as regular old shuffles go, this one is pretty sweet.

Join me after the JUMP

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle - Guess My Name Mix






Well in terms of number of songs, this either is or is tied for one of the shortest shuffles in Ear to the Ground history.  I know - right!  An 8 and 1/2 minute song, another song just short of 8 minutes, and a 4 minute song leaves us with just 3 songs in the morning's mix of music.

Let's get to it - shall we?

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - Colorful Character Mix





Since today is World Suicide Prevention Day, it seems like a perfect opportunity to remind you that the supremely awesome Country Fried Rock is about to release Volume 2 of For Nuci's Space. 
 
About
All proceeds from this album go to preventing musicians' suicide, via the model program for community support, Nuci's Space, in Georgia. By removing barriers to mental health care, substance abuse services, and primary care, Nuci's Space works with other existing providers and networks to help musicians.

Please be generous. Keep music alive.
Nuci.org

If you need support, please contact
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org for online chat support or 800-273-8255.


The line-up this time around is stellar and includes the likes of Drivin N Cryin, Michelle Malone, Centro-matic, American Aquarium and many, many more. Trust me, it's all great music for a great cause.   You can Pre-Order the album Here!


Today's Shuffle is after the jump...

Monday, September 9, 2013

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - Walking Wogs Mix



Greetings from Nashville!  It's Monday, and here at E2TG we are mixing things up a bit.  Typically, we shuffle up our "Rolling" playlist (meaning I add new songs and delete songs off the playlist as they come and go), this playlist is a working subset of all of the songs on my MP3 player. (Which in turn is a subset of all the songs in my music collection, but that is another story).  Anyway, today's shuffle comes from all of the songs on my MP3 player.  We'll get back to our playlist tomorrow, but I thought it might be interesting to occasionally open up our shuffle and see what happens.

 


So - let's jump to it!

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - All You Ladies and Gentlemen Mix




(Will Kimbrough, Marshall Chapman, and Tommy Womack at Nashville Public Library 9-03-2013)


You know it is almost a literal statement that you can hardly walk a block in Nashville without walking past a songwriter. But, it is a rare and wonderful occasion to be able to see three amazing songwriters sharing songs for free in the middle of a weekday. 


Today, a mostly mellowish mix of music that just kind of feels right...

JUMP first - then music...

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - Say Hello to Never Mix



Rejoice! Yes, it's back to work after a long weekend.  Work. A four letter word if I ever heard one, but there is cause for celebration.  Our friends, Matthew and Livia, aka The End Men, have unveiled a brand new song accompanied by a stunning music video.  The song is called "Work".  You can grab the single of "Work" featuring an unreleased b-side called "Ratking" along with a download of the Video -right now at the band's Bandcamp page:





 
Let's get to today's Shuffle now! (Jump)