Friday, April 29, 2016

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Pounding My Life Away Mix



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I am getting really excited about the E2TG 5 Year Anniversary Party!  I was looking at the line-up and thinking, man, I would go to this show even if I was not hosting it.  The link below will take you to the Facebook event.  Go ahead and make a commitment (or at least a 'Maybe') so that you can in the know about updates.  Although I have no specific reason to believe that we are going to reach capacity, if you are concerned, I recommend you arrive early and catch the RB Morris residency show immediately before out big to-do. Hell, I recommend the RB Morris show even if you are not concerned about a capacity crowd. But, I certainly hope you stick around.

MAY 18th at THE FIVE SPOT (East Nashville) - E2TG 5 Year Anniversary Extravaganza!!!!

Back to normal posting schedule for today... Featured Friday has arrived! (Most likely the final post of April!)

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Throwback Thursday Morning Shuffle - It Really Gets Me Off Mix



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May 18! #E2TG 5 Year Anniversary Spectacular at The 5 Spot!

Another day at the State Park... or at least half a day.  Long drive home - GPS diverted me around traffic and on an interesting tour of West Nashville.  I listened to 35 songs from the Throwback playlist and feeling adventurous, I am presenting 23 of those songs for you today.  Minimal verbiage today.  I think all but two of the actual songs are found in video form in the playlist. The other two are substituted by the same artist.  Go!

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Staring at the Wall Mix



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Mark your calendars for MAY 18, 2016 - The Ear to the Ground 5th Anniversary Extravaganza 5 Acts, 5 Spot, 5 $.

Greetings from Nashville!  As I reported yesterday, I was out of the city at work conference all day, but I did shuffle and listen to the Wild Wednesday Playlist on the way there and back - actually 32 songs total.  No way did I have time for a 32 song post, so I am posting the first 10 songs of the shuffle (about the length of a normal shuffle).

I had a blast hanging out for a little while at The 5 Spot for $2 Tuesday with Patrick Kinsley filling in for Derek Hoke.  And I got to see Patrick and his band a Fistful of Dollars perform.  It was great to have my decision to invite them to play the 5th Anniversary show confirmed.  You do not want to miss them!

Here is the shuffle:

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Heads Explode Mix



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Don't Forget! #E2TG 5th Anniversary Extravaganza May 18 at The 5 Spot in East Nashville!


Writing and posting late today. I've been at a work conference all day, and then stopped by Charlie Bob's to see Jon Byrd and eat some $.50 tacos and drink some $2 Little Harpeth.

Tomorrow could be iffy, as I am back at the conference all day, but I will post if I can.

Let's jump into the Trending Tuesday Shuffle - because Patrick Kinsley is filling in for Derek Hoke tonight at $2 Tuesdays, and he and A Fistful of Dollars are playing a set.  If you can't make it out tonight, you can and should come out and see them on May 18 when they are playing the E2TG 5 Year Anniversary Extravaganza (hey I'm getting good at these subtle self-promotion deals).

Monday, April 25, 2016

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Broken Man in Flight Mix




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The E2TG 5th Anniversary Extravaganza coming May 18 @ The 5 Spot (East Nashville)

Welcome to the working week....

ICYMI - In just a few short weeks, we will be celebrating the 5th Anniversary of this blog with an amazing night of music and mayhem at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.  Musical performers will include: Julie Christensen, Sergio Webb, and Chris Tench (of Stone Cupid); BARK (2/3 of Tim Lee 3 from Knoxville), Adrian + Meredith, Patrick Kinsley and a Fistful of Dollars, and special guests all the way from Bethany, Connecticut - The Foresters.  Make you plans now to attend!


It is Monday  when we explore songs and artists that are somehow (at least in my mind) connected to THE Music City (aka Nashville, Tennessee). 

Friday, April 22, 2016

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Boiling Over Mix



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Still reeling from yesterdays news of the sudden passing of Prince.  I do not have a specific Prince story to tell.  I wish I did.  Being of a certain age, his music was a significant part of the soundtrack of my coming of age.  He was without a doubt one of the greats.  Certainly in terms of talent, but also in way his music cut across so many barriers. This, I think is a testament to the complexity of the man behind the music and to the power of the music itself.  Even at times, I was feeling the most anti-mainstream in my musical tastes, I could not deny Prince. Even when I did not completely understand what he was doing, I could not deny Prince. Nashville is going to light up the Korean Veterans Bridge and Courthouse in purple tonight.  Nashville is Music City and Prince was one of the most significant musicians of our time. Rest in Peace, Prince.  Let's Go Crazy!

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Throwback Thursday Morning Shuffle - Ounce for Ounce Mix



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Well - as I get ready to write today's blog post, the news about the death of Prince at age 57 has just come to me.  This is very sad news, and I am not sure at this point what else to say.  Rest easy, sir, and thank you for the gift of your music.

I'll just move on into my shuffle - 'cause it is what I do.... This is throwback Thursday, and we have a really nifty shuffle - even though it includes one non-throwback song...

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Without Any Clues Mix



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Reason to love Nashville Part (some really high number so lets say 420):  Last night, I went out to check out some live music. I saw (I think) eight amazing artists/bands - total admission price $2.

The Basement - New Faces Night is a pretty cool local institution.  Although I do not out to it as often as I would like, when I do, I always discover great new music, and last night was not exception. I went out to see Sammy Brue and Levi Parham.  They were both mind-blowingly good.  Sammy Brue writes some really amazing songs.  That he is fourteen years old is merely a chronological fact - not some much relevant to the quality of his music.   Levi Parham is part of that incredible Oklahoma music community.  In between those two, Joel Eckels from California was really good - he was joined by Zack Smith of Smooth Hound Smith for a few songs.  Nashville newcomer, Kristen Ford, played one-man band style with lots of loops and stuff. Really dug her a lot.

I had to go to The 5 Spot to hang some posters for my upcoming 5 Year Anniversary Show.  Do you know about that?  Here's the event - ICYMI.  Anyway, it was $2 Tuesday which is always a great hang.  I checked the lineup and didn't immediately recognize any of the names (except host Derek Hoke) on the bill, and I kind of thought I might just put up my posters, grab a $2 Yazoo pint and head home.  Yeah, about that...  When I got to The 5 Spot, The John Hancock Band was on stage.  This all-female band absolutely killed it! I'm not sure why I have not heard of them before now, but I am glad that oversight has been cleared up. Derek Hoke was up next with his all-star band (Paul Niehaus, Mark Robertson, and Steve Latanation)- they were brilliant as always, next up was Runner of the Woods who played folk, country, plus some Cajun music that warmed this misplaced Cajun boy's heart.  The final act was Jack Kerowax (I have seen the name before and been intrigued). I am happy to report that the band lives up to the great name. 

Hmm... coincidently, our Wild Wednesday shuffle falls of April 20 this year... read into that what you would like...

An E2TG Album Review: Raised on Rock 'N' Roll - Strange Majik



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On the follow-up to his 2015 album, Lights On, David Patillo aka Strange Majik steps back a bit from that album's, wild and glorious sonic experimentation and back toward his blues/rock roots.  The strange thing about rock ‘n’ roll is that it confounds expectations and defies all attempts to contain it to a particular sound. 


Cover Photo

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Weakness and Strength Mix



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I didn't post the link yesterday, but if you are on Facebook - here is the Event page for the #E2TG 5 Year Anniversary show...  Actually, it is the event page whether or not you are on Facebook... but anyway...

We have a great Trending Tuesday shuffle...  let's dive in....

Monday, April 18, 2016

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - High and Heavy Mix



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Here it is! Announcing the #E2TG 5th Anniversary Extravaganza Wednesday May 18 9pm at The 5 Spot.  I am super stoked about this line-up!  Julie Christensen with Sergio Webb and Chris Tench (of STONE CUPID), ADRIAN + MEREDITH, BARK (Tim and Susan Bauer Lee of Tim Lee 3), PATRICK KINSLEY & a Fistful of Dollars, and special guest THE FORESTERS!  I hope many of you can join us that night.  The anniversary show will be right after the 3rd installment of the R.B. Morris May Residency (which you do not want to miss).

Okay - a quick recap of some recent show...  Friday: had a fun night at The 5 Spot for Tim Carroll Rock 'n' Roll Happy Hour and then moved to the Family Wash for the always amazing Jon Byrd opening for Mark Huff (for Huff's CD Release Show). Mark Huff sounded spectacular.

Yesterday, I got to help Lee (of "Earie" award winning Eight O'Five Jive celebrate her birthday, got to hang out with my friend, Too Much Country listening to the fine, fine music of Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray, and then headed over to The Basement East for the Merle Haggard tribute.  This tribute featured some awesome performances (including E2TG favorites like Jon Latham  and Jesse and Noah.  Pretty much everyone of the bill killed it.

Let's jump to Music City Monday shuffle...

Friday, April 15, 2016

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - The Punk Will Always Be With Us Mix



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Happy Friday!  Sue and I had our first Radio DJ training at WXNA, and I got to see the studio of the first time.  When I know more about an on-air date, I will definitely be posting about that here. 

I am excited to announce that the line-up for the E2TG Anniversary Extravaganza has been set.  Look for the big reveal Monday morning (it may leaked sooner - so now would be a good time to double-check that you have "Liked" the Facebook Page.  It is going to be a good one, so go ahead and mark May 18 as "busy" on your calendar.

Tonight my plans include hanging out at The 5 Spot for the Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour and then making my way to The Family Wash for the Mark Huff CD Release show with Jon Byrd opening up.  Good times...

Tomorrow is Record Store Day.  Make your plans accordingly....

Here are some of the songs we are featuring on E2TG....

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Throwback Thursday Morning Shuffle - People Worry Mix



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Hey ho!  In case you missed it, I premiered the first video from Zachariah Red's album Backbone earlier today.  Check it out!

Good times last night.  MadDonna's hosted Jon Latham, Bill Eberle, and Chris Watts and his band.  Pretty amazing night of Nashville music.  Jon is playing some fairly new songs of late which are amazing, and Bill Eberle played some really, really new songs that were mind-blowingly good.  

Onward... let's throw it back...

E2TG Video Premiere: Zachariah Red - "40 Miles"



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Why not go for the trifecta?  Back in October, I had the great honor of premiering the song "40 Miles"  - I had this to say:
"40 Miles" is pure Mid West, Blue Collar American Music. It drips with the blood sweat and tears of its characters and of its creator. This is not manufactured Country/Rock music - it is as real as it gets and it has been built brick by brick, and to that point, it is a brick in and of itself, and I for one cannot wait to see what Zachariah Red will build next.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Pieces of Paper Mix



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Big things happening all around.... Record Story Day 2016, the recently announced Bob Dylan Birthday Tribute at the Ryman, the forthcoming line-up reveal for the E2TG Anniversary Extravaganza at The 5 Spot, and the just announced news that Double Shot with Joe & Sue, my forthcoming radio show with Sue Havlish on WXNA-FM has been moved to Saturday at 11:00a.m. and expanded by one hour! 

We hope to have a start date announced soon, but we are both excited to have 2 hours each week to bring you a constant variety of music. See you on the radio!

Upcoming (as in tonight): Jesse Lafser is in the midst of a residency at The 5 Spot and that continues today with special guests Kevin Gordon and Lauren Shera. 6:00p.m.  Later, Jon Latham, Bill Eberle, and Chris Watts (with a full-band) will be at MadDonna's Loft for what should be a pretty righteous night of music.

Meanwhile - it is the time of the week when we get wilder than usual at E2TG... I mean really crazy! I mean songs played in a random fashion kind of crazy... woah!

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Ninety Nine and One Half Days Mix



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Hey! Lots on the horizon... keep checking back with us - in fact check back every day (at least once) and tell your friends to check back...

In case you missed it, The Grey A released their latest single this morning, and E2TG was on the case...

I will soon be making a big announcement about the Ear to the Ground 5th Anniversary Show (May 18 at The 5 Spot in East Nashville). 

Today is Tuesday - where we take a look and listen to what is Trending over here at E2TG....

the Grey A - "Unusual As Usual" - New Single (Out April 12)



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In the Fall of 2014, in the early days of a new chapter in my life, I got the opportunity to preview and review a new album by the Grey A - a band from Washington D.C.  How that came about is one of those weird connection stories that seems to follow this blog and me around.  Howard Rabach who was truly one of the first (if not the first) readers of Eat to the Ground contacted me to let me know that he had joined a new band, and that the band was about to put out an album.

To make the weird connections even weirder, My Country - the debut album by the Grey A was recorded just a few miles away from where I grew up and featured many Nashville-area musicians.  I gladly agreed to review the album - even though I had only written a few album reviews.

My review appeared on this site and on No Depression on September 1, 2014.  Since that time, the Grey A have expanded to a powerhouse four-piece and are poised to release the third single from My Country, "Unusual As Usual" b/w "Until They Find Us".  The single features cover art by Maryland Visual Artist Chuck Rounds which was based upon a nude photograph of Grey Jacks - the mastermind behind the Grey A.



Here is how I described the song, when I reviewed the album: "Unusual as Usual" - Begins with thunderous bass/guitar line that runs counter to the previous tracks. This track’s insistent intensity drives a strong-minded message that seems to suggest blending in as a way of making real change from within a twisted and broken system. It's about playing a part -- with eyes wide open to the lies being told to our faces and the theft going on right underneath our noses. Hidden in plain sight, as it were, by the blandness and ordinariness of it all. Truthfully, I don’t know if I completely understand this song, but I got something out of it. And, as with the rest of the album so far, it is so infectious and  enjoyable, it’s like a really great teacher who imparts wisdom in an engaging way, and you listen, you soak it in, and you trust that even if every meaning and truth is not clear today, it’s all going in to be processed later, as you go on through your life.

In conjunction with the single release, the band are also releasing their second full-length video.




 The video, which like the first video, "Dumb Fool" features the band members, was filmed in the Washington D.C. restaurant, Comet Ping Pong. Which is also where the band will be celebrating the release of the single and video on April 20 with special guests, Joey Kneiser and Kelly Smith (of Grey Jacks old band Glossary) and Austin Lucas. Kneiser recently released, The Wildness, and Lucas is touring in support of his just released Between the Moon and the Midwest.  This will be a show that you do not want to miss.

The Facebook Event Info is HERE

The single is out now - head to the band's website for more info.

Monday, April 11, 2016

Music City Monday Shuffle - Locked Horns with Legba Mix



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Good morning - I am back after an extended weekend.

As I reported Thursday morning, Thursday night was one of those impossible choice Nashville nights.  I ended up following musicians from gig to gig because I figured that was one way, I could be sure to catch as much as I could without being late for something else.

Thursday Night Recap (since this is my first post since then):

Started out at The Basement East for the inaugural edition of Lightning 100's Thunderground.  $3.00 cover, $2.50 PBR pints and tons of cool music.  Enjoyed hanging with some fine folks and hearing Don Gallardo and How Far West - who sounded so damn good.  Becca Mancari was next, and I really dug her music.  There was more awesome music on tap there - including Steelism, but I followed Adam Kurtz over to the American Legion Post 82 for the 3rd ever performance of Buck 'N' Stuff (the premiere Buck Owen's tribute band!).  First up at the Legion was Matt Campbell - Troubadour who was backed by the farmer and Adele from The Farmer and Adele. Buck 'N' Stuff did not disappoint - there were flying beer bottles and lots and lots of Buck Owens' covers.  After Buck 'N' Stuff wrapped up their set, I followed Buck 'N' Stuff bass player Cameron Carrus to The 5 Spot spot - to wrap up my night with an awesome set from Luella. Luella was backed by Tim Carroll, Toby Caldwell, and Cameron. 

I spent the weekend with my daughter, and so I missed the reportedly (and expectedly) excellent Darrin Bradbury, Joey Kneiser, and Austin Lucas show.

Ah.. why cry over missed shows...   Onward and upward!

My daughter and I had a an enjoyable afternoon yesterday at Sugar. A Bakery in Leiper's Fork, Tennessee listening to Lindsay Ellyn and Taylor Alexander backed by the Jess Perkins.  They play just about every Sunday and mix up classic country covers with their own original music.  Great music, great food, and a great atmosphere. Leiper's Fork is located south of Nashville near Franklin.  The drive is gorgeous.

It is Monday - where we feature songs associated with or connected to Music City USA.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Throwback Thursday Morning Shuffle - Delivering Noise Mix




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Tonight is one of those Nashville nights with so much live music going on... (even with the postponing of the Margo Price Album Release Show at Third Man Records due to her impending appearance on SNL (Go Margo!).  Suffice it to say, if you go out to see live music anywhere in East Nashville, you are probably making the right call.  The 5 Spot, The Basement East, Mad Donnas, and The American Legion all have awesome folks playing.  (plus there are probably others that are not coming to my mind right now).

Meanwhile, it is Thursday and thus time for Throwback Thursday here at the ole E2TG.  Most people don't know that the term "Throwback Thursday" originated in the mid 1980s in Chicago.  It was a day set aside to remind Chicago Cub fans that they were not to keep homerun balls hit by opposing ball players.  "Throwback Thursday" as in throwback those homerun balls hit by the Mets or whoever.  Now you know!

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Cardboard Fruit Mix



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ICYMI - E2TG posted a preview of new release of rare field recordings by Alan Lomax which will be released this coming Friday (April 8).  Read about it HERE.

Man oh man!  There is so much good music that has been or will be released over the next couple of months.  I am digging through album streams and downloads and my disorganized inbox and mind and furiously trying to get some reviews done.  Expect some soon.  And in the meantime, look for tracks from some of these new releases in shuffles - perhaps beginning today...

I think this shuffle fulfills our Wild Wednesday mission.  Basically, the "Wild Wednesday" playlist consists of songs that I decided to add to the "Wild Wednesday" playlist for reasons not even I understand.  Wild!

Lost Train Blues (Preview) (John and Alan Lomax - Rare Early Folk Music Recordings)



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JALOPY RECORDS PARTNERS WITH MISSISSIPPI RECORDS TO RELEASE 'LOST TRAIN BLUES' - COMPILED FOR ALAN LOMAX'S 100TH BIRTHDAY WITH 12 NEVER-BEFORE-ISSUED FIELD RECORDINGS

APRIL 8 RELEASE TO COINCIDE WITH BROOKLYN FOLK FEST








(more after the Jump)

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Alright, Alright Mix



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Good day, hepcats!  Had a blast seeing Matt Phillips and The Philharmonic out at Charlie Bob's last night.  The band sounded fantastic and it was great hearing how much Matt's sound has evolved since I saw him last year at Music City Roots (which was awesome, too by the way).  I hope he makes it back to Nashville for a more extended visit. 

Lots on the horizon, trying to keep all those juggles balled... no wait, that is not it...

It's Tuesday!  Time to find out what we have "Trending" on E2TG. 

Monday, April 4, 2016

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Marshall Tucker on My Stereo Mix



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Back at it on a Monday!   Had a good time Friday at The Country (after checking in with Tim Carroll and company at The 5 Spot) - Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau  + Saint Luke's Drifters.  Richie and company have a new album out now.  Saint Luke's Drifters are finishing up their new album.  If you get the chance to see either one or both of these bands, I highly recommend it.

Tonight: My recommendation is Matt Phillips and the Philharmonic from 7-9p.m. at Charlie Bob's on the eastside.   Here is the Facebook event, if you Facebook.

This is definitely prime season for new music - look for some awesome new albums coming up in the next few months - I think I got at least 5 albums to listen to and possibly review over the last four or five days.

Shuffle:

Friday, April 1, 2016

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - April Fools Mix



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ICYMI:  Read my latest manifesto here.

It's April 1 - no joke.  Today, D. Boon would have been 58 years old.  Hard to believe he had been gone for over 30 years.  The music he made in his too short life was very important to me.



We have some Featured Friday music to kick off the fourth month of 2016