Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - hokum Mix




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These are unprecedented times in America.

This is not about ideological differences or political parties.... it is about:

Concentration of power into the hands of a small group of extremists, demonizing "others", attempts to silence the press, attacks on the arts and academia, creating chaos, disregard for checks and balances, immediate suppression of any voices of dissent,  creating a shadow government outside of the bounds of the law. Be vigilant, resist.

Today is Tuesday, and we have music that is "trending" on E2TG (aka music from our curated "New Music" playlist...

Monday, January 30, 2017

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Armor Mix



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After a wonderful weekend with family (and an exhausting drive back to Nashville), it is back to the daily grind.

I really want E2TG to stay completely focused on music, and I look forward to those days; however, as I have said before and will say again, we are living in extraordinary times. My concerns are not solely based upon the fact that I ideologically do not agree with decisions being made (although I do not), it is more about the manner they are being made, the malice and darker motives which seem to be at work, and the unmistakable parallels between the first week of this presidency and what history tells us about fascist regimes.  It is encouraging to see the mass protests (my word to all who oppose what is happening is, pace yourselves and take care of yourselves. It is also encouraging to see the party leaders of the president's own party beginning to speak out. There is a ton of information out there - factual information - unbiased... groups of people are being attacked and put at risk. The time to fight that is now - not just when you are part of one of the groups under attack.

I realize that some who read this blog may not agree with me on any or all points above. To those who don't, I don't ask you to leave or stop reading... I say simply - keep an open mind, don't follow blindly, look at yourself and be willingly to speak up even against those on your "side". This is the same advice I give to those who do happen to agree with me.

In the end, I believe in love and truth. I do not condone violence. Love in an action. So, go out in love today.

Meanwhile, I do have some Monday tunes from the Music City...

Friday, January 27, 2017

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - More Fish Than You Mix



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Running short on time... Another awesome Nashville night of music.  First Allen Thompson and Brian Ritchey (backed by Sheriff Scott and the Deputies closing out Ritchey's month-long residency at The 5 Spot.  Then, it was off to the American Legion in Inglewood for Microwave Mountain (who proved worthy of the buzz they have been generating here in Nashville) and Buck N' Stuff (who closed out their own month-long residency in fine style).

Featured Friday is here and as I said, time is short... let's go!

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Theme Thursday Morning Shuffle - What Do You Know About Revolution Mix



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I have a really big announcement coming soon!  It's going to be huge! The best announcement ever. People are saying so, smart people. It will probably be the biggest announcement ever made. It will make all those other announcements look tiny in comparison...

Theme Thursday returns just in the nick of time. For those who missed our first two editions, each month I will create a playlist of songs somehow (in my warped mind) related to a theme of my choosing that will not be revealed. Each Thursday, I will shuffle songs from that playlist, and offer, without direct explanation of how or why these songs fit the unnamed theme.  By the way, this is the last Thursday of January so expect a new theme next Thursday.  You may think you have figured out my theme, but I will neither confirm nor deny. And, I do need to offer the disclaimer that I do not intend to imply that the singers or writers of these songs adhere to any belief system implied or inferred by the undisclosed theme.  In some cases, it is just the title (or even a line) that fits my theme or it may be the subject (as interpreted by me) or it may be both or it may be some more esoteric reason.

In any case, it's a cool collection of songs, and that is never a bad thing...

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Unmade Bed Mix



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I normally steer clear of politics on E2TG, but to me this is no longer political and this is not normal...

When facts are suppressed or denied, when dissent is silenced, when the press is being jailed, when rights that were fought for and died for over a period of decades are decimated overnight... these are not normal times.   #resist

We have a "wild" mix of songs for an overcast Wednesday in Nashville...

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Weya Heya Mix



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Hello.  It is Tuesday.  Here at E2TG, we have a thing called Trending Tuesday. It's kind of like the "Trending Topics" thing on Facebook and Twitter, but there are no Kardashians or Real Housewives of Madison or anything like that.  Basically, we have a playlist called "New Music" which is generally made up of  fairly recent songs/albums (some more recent than others) on which we have
decided to highlight.  It's fun.  Come along!

Monday, January 23, 2017

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Late Night Drunk Dialogues Mix



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First of all, let me state for the record... "Alternative facts" is  just an Orwell way to say "Outright Lies".  That's not political. That's just truth.

Second of all, my despair of recent times was helped along by the news streaming in from all over the world of the women (and men) marching in unity for the rights of all,

I try to keep E2TG a politics-free zone, but I am watching and I will speak-up when necessary. In my opinion, we are experiencing the greatest threat to our democracy I have seen in my lifetime (or at least since I have been aware of such things).  I am staunchly what I am, but I am not one that believes that "my side" has a monopoly on the truth or has all the answers.  I feel the place we are now goes beyond "Right vs. Left" "Conservative vs. Liberal" "Democrat vs. Republican".  History will judge, and I feel that in standing against fascism and hate and fear and xenophobia and racism and sexism and homophobia that I am standing on the right side of history.

Now, back to our normal programming.  It is Monday and we have a fine line-up of great Nashville-based music spanning the last 30+ years.   Let's go!

Friday, January 20, 2017

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Blow the Man Down Mix



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There is a reason why E2TG is by and large a positive place. First of all, every day we are reminded that there is way too much negative energy in the world. I certainly have my share sometimes.  The fact is for a good part of my life, music has provided solace in dark times and it continues to do so. This is one of my contributions to the world and I want it to be a positive one.  Here are some songs from (more or less) recently released album that I am featuring on a Friday.  Peace!

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Theme Thursday Morning Shuffle - No Surrender Mix




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Well here we are at Thursday again, and the second ever edition of "Theme Thursday". In case you missed last week's post, here is the low-down:  Each month, I am going to create a playlist with songs that somewhat loosely or tightly fit a specific (but again loosely defined theme). I am not going to reveal the theme - I will leave it to you, my dear reader, to extrapolate the theme. By the way, in some cases the theme of the song is what makes it fit the topic - sometimes it is the title (perhaps interpreted differently than the song suggests - for example if the theme were "Condiments", I might pick a song called "In a Pickle" even though the song is not about a Kosher Dill.) (The theme this month is not "Condiments" just to clear). Also, the inclusion of any song/artist does not intend to suggest that they hold any viewpoint which may be suggested by the theme.

Now that I have over-explained, in typical E2TG fashion, let's get to the music shuffle!

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Tonic and Gin Mix



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Running late due to some non-technical difficulties.... what can I say, Wild Wednesday is not just a shuffle thing...

Trivia: I previously had a Gin and Tonic Mix shuffle for a completely different reference...

Let's jump right in with a pretty darn wild Wednesday shuffle


Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - The Good Life Mix



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Okay - we are back after an extended weekend to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., and to think about the fights which are still going on and progress made and miles yet to go...

Since we last were together, I got to take in Crackerboots with my daughter for my birthday.  Then Sunday night after his 3rd and Lindsley show was postponed, Darrin Bradbury and friends took over Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge.  It was a really great night of music with Jon Latham, Rayvon Pettis, Sally Jaye, Jeremy Ivey, and Mr. Bradbury himself.  Darrin's band included Laur Joamets who just 24 hours before had backed Sturgill Simpson on his incredible SNL performance (if you still have not seen that - go look that up NOW and then come back).  His guests included Margo Price.  It was all in all a typically stellar night of music in Nashville (well Madison).

Let's get to the shuffle - which is a little extended due to a (scheduled) detour I had to make on the way to work. This is a Trending Tuesday shuffle - heavily weighted to Nashville artists (past or present).

Friday, January 13, 2017

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Got a Lot

Repost using: #E2TG 

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Whew! I've almost made it through my first five day work week since before Christmas...  and next week, I am off on Monday!

Last night I circumnavigated the city to take in the constant variety of great music...  beginning with Luella and Brian Ritchey at The 5 Spot for week 2 of Brian's residency.  Then, across the river to The Country for Conrad y Skordalia opening for Maynard and the Musties.  Then back across the river to the American Legion in Inglewood to catch the end of Stationwagon  (a great band that features Charlie Whitten, Brett Resnick, and Pete Lindberg).  And, then the triumphant return of Buck 'N' Stuff for the second week of their residency.

It is Friday - when we feature songs from the New Music playlist...   We have some good one from future, recent, and kind of recent releases...

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Theme Thursday Morning Shuffle - Straight to Hell Mix



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Hey all, I am short on time so my comments will be brief.  But, I am unveiling a new feature today.  Theme Thursday. Each Thursday I will shuffle songs especially selected for a theme which will change monthly.  I am not going to reveal the theme and I do need to say that in some cases the content of the songs fits the theme and sometimes it is just the title phrase which may or may not be interpreted as intended in the song. I don't know how else to explain that. Basically, in some cases, I selected the song for the theme based solely upon a possible interpretation of the title (which may or may not be the intended interpretation).  In any event, if you figure out the theme - please know that any songs inclusion does not imply the artists intent or agreement with my theme topic). Whew!  It will all be clear as we go on, or it will not.


Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - I'll Play the Fool Mix



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Rainy morning in Nashville.

Had a fun night last night.  Recorded Saturday's Double Shot show, made it to The Family Wash in time to catch most of Amelia White and Sergio Webb being awesome.  Then headed to The 5 Spot for the first $2 Tuesday of the new year.  Derek Hoke actually opened for a change and was accompanied by Paul Niehaus - wonderful.  Adrian + Meredith always terrific. Vandoliers from Texas - really enjoyed, Erica Blinn - great set, and The Mulligan Brothers (Mobile, AL) closed things out in fne style.  Great people and good times. One of my favorite hangs.

We have a Wild Wednesday shuffle which entails shuffling up every single song in my phone memory and seeing what comes up...

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Make it Through Mix



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A windy morning here in Nashville...  This evening,  I will be recording a Double Shot show which will air this coming Saturday - the theme: "Play a Train Song"....

After that, it is the first $2.00 Tuesday and Earie Award winners Adrian + Meredith are on the bill.  Lots of other good stuff happening.  Amelia White and Sergio Webb at The Family Wash 8:30-9:00 (which I will try to catch if I can get from Madison soon enough).

We have a Trending Tuesday Shuffle - let's go!

Monday, January 9, 2017

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Lusty Lad Mix



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 Getting settled into this new year...  

Saturday night: Got to see some "Earie"award winners perform:  First Josh Morris at The Country, then Renee Wahl and The Sworn Secrets at The Family Wash and finally Tommy Womack, also at The Family Wash.

Well, it's my first full work week of the new year, and thus our first Music City Monday in a about three weeks.  Let's do it!

Friday, January 6, 2017

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Laurel Canyon '72 Mix



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Greetings from a snowy, chilly Nashville.  Last night was yet another one of those nights that reminds me why Nashville is such a cool place to be a music fan.  First off Brian Ritchey kicked off his residency at The 5 Spot. Sheriff Scott and the Deputies opened.  I am not sure why I am just now hearing or/hearing this band, but I am a fan now. Urban bluegrass is the term, I think. Really good stuff.   Brian Ritchey is a great songwriter, and he sounded great as always. Enjoyed hearing some of his newest songs.

Next, I headed to the American Legion for Buck n Stuff. American Roommates opened the show. I really dug their energy and sound.  Another new (for me) band.  As for Buck 'n' Stuff... well, I know it is early in the year, but at this point, I think they are front runners for Band of the Year.  Seriously - because they are a serious band.  Buck Owens covers (thus the "Buck") plus a few non-Buck Owens covers  (thus the 'n' Stuff).  All of these offered up in non-traditional arrangements.

Okay, so we are ready for our first Featured Friday Shuffle of 2017.

If you are in Nashville, it sounds like the roads are getting dicey.  Be careful out there.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Something Thursday Morning Shuffle - Romping Mix



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Tonight:  Brian Ritchey residency kicks off down at The 5 Spot, and then later, Future Band of the Year Buck 'n' Stuff kick off their residency (and live album recording!) down at the American Legion.  Plus, there is a chance of snow... but it's looking remote right now...

Alright, I still haven't created a Throwback Playlist for Throwback Thursday - so this is Something Thursday. The shuffle today comes from the built-in Recently Added playlist which contains the 900 most recently added songs on my phone.


Let's jump to it!

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Plead With You Mix



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Final tally - about 90 "Earies" 3 Band/Artists of the Year!

Okay! It is officially 2017 here at E2TG.

Last night - my first night out of 2017 was a good reminder of why I love living in Nashville. Amazing live music from 6pm - after 1am.  Seeing some of the most talented artists working in music - some performing, some just hanging out.  Jon Byrd always wonderful, saw some authentic country and western music at the American Legion, and ended the night seeing the super talented Jim Oblon along with guest Patrick Sweany and Little Joe from Sturgill Simpson's band tearing it up big time at The Family Wash!

Today, we have a Wild Wednesday Shuffle


Tuesday, January 3, 2017

E2TG 2016 Band/Artist(s) of the Year



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First of all thanks again and congratulations to all of the 2016 "Earies" and because of who I am - apologies for all of the unintentional omissions that I will think about later today or tomorrow....

If you have Spotify, I have created an 800+ Playlist featuring the "Earie" Winners. If that link doesn't work, I will share it on Facebook later.  Also, just a reminder - following or saving or "downloading" an album on Spotify is not a substitute for buying the damn album - also I wish Spotify would pay the artists more..  There!

Since we have a bunch of new readers, I will share a history of the award (if you've heard/read this you may skip this next few paragraphs):

Although this is only the second year of the "Earie" Awards, the Band/Artist of the Year Award goes back to the very beginning of E2TG.  In the beginning was the Band of the Week designation. Basically, in those early days, I often had to go out and find bands to write about - often it was someone who followed me on Twitter.  I was knew that recurring features was a thing with blogging so I started naming a "Band of the Week" (at that time they were almost all bands and not solo acts).

When I reached the end of 2011, I had named 30+ Bands of the Week, and on a lark, I thought it would be a hoot to have a Readers Poll to name Band of the Year.  This was supposed to be ironic in a way because I really didn't have many readers back then - you know who you are if you were among them).

Well, the poll was a ton of fun.  Don Ryan finished third, Ubiquity Machine (my friend and OG reader Howard's band) were second, and a band from the UK called The Mobbs rallied late to take the title.

Well, the Band of Year poll was so much fun that I decided to start having a Band of the Month poll.  Eventually, the Band of the Week designation gave way to the "Featured Artists" designation. The Band of the Month Poll went well at first.  And at the end of 2012, all of my Bands of the Month plus some Wildcards competing for Band of the Year.  That year, Skeletons in the Piano (from Upstate New York) took the prize.

Eventually, I grew tired of the polls - I realized some bands cared too much about polls and some didn't care enough... blah, blah, blah... anyway, music should not be about competition, I don't think.  So, when the end of 2013 rolled around, I decided that E2TG was no longer a democracy and I made the unilateral decision to award The Band of the Year distinction to The End Men - who were and are one of my favorite bands ever. Like many of us, 2016 presented some challenges, but they are vowing more ROCK in 2017!

My world kind of imploded in 2014 and my life and the direction of E2TG was forever altered. In the midst of that chaos, I was introduced to the music and person of one Darrin Bradbury.  In 2014, I probably saw him play an average to 2-3 times every week, and to be honest, the was not much doubt in my mind from early in the year that if E2TG survived the chaos that Darrin would be my Artist of the Year.  We did survive and he won the award, and it is a decision I have never once regretted.

In 2015, I watched the rise of Jon Latham culminating in the release of Real Bad News.  It became clear early one that he was front-runner for Artist of the Year (Darrin lobbied hard for him), and his star-making guest slot at the AMA kickoff in September 2015 sealed the deal,  If you have been paying attention in 2016, you will understand that naming Jon Latham Artist of the Year made me look downright prophetic.  If you don't know yet, stayed tuned for "Lifers" which is set for release early in this new year...

Which brings us to 2016.  2016 brought amazing opportunities, personal challenges, and a shit-ton of great music.  So much incredible music - both exploding out of East Nashville and from all over the world, that I could not even keep up.  To be honest, I have had a hard time picking an "ARTIST OF THE YEAR" and it not from worthy candidates but contrarily it is from so many worthy candidates... so after the jump... see what I have decided....

Earie Tuesday Shuffle - The Penultimate Mix



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Look, I'm as ready as any of you to put 2016 behind me, but I have a little unfinished business.  Besides, all of the great music put out and discovered was one of the best parts of an otherwise crappy year.  So, I have the final batch of "Earie" Awards to hand out, and then later today, I will unveil the Band/Artist of the Year Award for 2016.

First off, one outside the shuffle.

The "Rockified Country" Award goes to Saint Luke's Drifters. I first met Mitch Laney of the band at a Richie Owens show a while back.  Then, I saw his band play a show with Richie.  Their sound reminds me at times of Jason and the Scorchers or the early Georgia Satellites when Dan Baird was a part of that band. But, they have some really unique qualities. I think they do country music better and more purely than either of those bands. And, when they rock, they bring it. Their live shows always yield awesome covers to go along with their original songs - like ones on their 2016 release Trials and Tribulations.  The album was mixed by Eric Ambel (who by the way I got to briefly meet during Americana Fest this year).

Now let's do the final shuffle of 2016 for real, ya'll,,,

Monday, January 2, 2017

Extra Special Earie Shuffle - The Purge: Anchovy Mix



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Well it is 2017, but here at E2TG we still have some unfinished business to complete for 2016.  So, I'm taking advantage of a couple of days off to award my final group of Earie Awards.  Tomorrow, I may or may not have a few more, but I will definitely be awarding Band/Artist of the Year.  Remember, unlike last year, the Artist/Band of the Year may or may not have already received an Earie this year, so you will have to stay tuned.  Betting lines are open... void where prohibited.

I do want to take a second to once again thank every one who reads, reposts, shares, comments, "likes", and otherwise supports me in making E2TG happen.  I am encouraged by the fact that December, November, and October 2016 were the 1. 2. and 3. best months for page views in the entire 5 1/2 year history of this blog.  In fact, December 2016 blew every previous month out of the water. I am humbled and filled with gratitude, and I am looking for a new year of opportunities and great music.


First, a couple of non-shuffle "Earies" to give out:

1.  The "After I Died" award goes to Bashful Hips. This often enigmatic and unique artists released  the awesome "After I Died, I've Never Felt So Alive", I was fortunate to be able to make it to the CD release show earlier this year.  Bashful Hips also had the opportunity to play shows and tour with some of his favorite artist.  For my part, I am grateful to have his cool and original sounds in my shuffle.

2.  The "Treeline is Not a Limit" award goes to Tim McNary.  McNary is another of those artists (like Ben de le Cour and Josh Morris) who I wrote about back in the early days of the blog and then reconnected with in a very coincidental way.  His album, Above the Trees was one of my favorites of the year, and I always love seeing McNary live. He has a wonderful, rich voice that brings his song to life.


Now to the shuffle - since I didn't commute anywhere this morning, I listened to tunes while I tried to do some organizing around here....