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Playing catch-up. Here is the final Shuffle of 2018. This was the music I listened to on December 21. It is a recap of the music featured on E2TG in November 2018.
Coming soon: Some wrap-up comments, a few extra Earie Awards, and the 2018 Bands and Artists of the Year. Wednesday, we begin 2019 with our first shuffle of the new year.
"If I Die Tomorrow" by Musta Paraati
Musta Paraati released Black Parade in 2018 - it was their first album in many years - it was also their first album in English. Musta Paraati is Finnish for Black Parade. The band formed in the 1980s - part of the post-punk movement that swept the world. For this new album, the band recreated the cover of their debut album - same location, same photographer. I did not know Musta Paraati before hearing this new album, but I am now a fan. I am giving them the "Everybody Loves a (Black) Parade" Earie Award for 2018.
"The Gospel According to Carl" by Rich Krueger
I make no secret that Rich Krueger was one of my favorite "discoveries" of 2018. I wasn't the only one appreciating his incredible songwriting. Kerrville Folk Festville awarded him a New Folk award in 2018. His latest album, NOWThen features an all-star cast. This track is from the preceding album - which we picked up after meeting Krueger during AMA Fest - Life Ain't That Long. Among the guests on the newer album is Erik Frandsen - a New York folk musician who has backed Bob Dylan, Harry Belefonte, and The Muppets. Television viewers may know him for his role as Hans Beinholtz on Colbert - a role he reprises on the album (pretending to be Rich Krueger). Krueger's kids also appear on that track to great effect, so I give Rich Krueger the "Nepotism" Award for 2018.
"Stranger in a Strange Land" by Mark Bryson
Mark Bryson is a singer-songwriter from California. His latest album is called Riot on Sunset. His music came to me via a recommendation from one of my favorite music fans - who is a relative of Bryson. Bryson's sound is unique - so much so that he coined his own subgenre - New Age Space Cowboy Surf Poet. I like this album very much. So, I am giving Mark Bryson the inaugural "Best New Age Space Cowboy Surf Poet" Earie award."This Love" by Ashleigh Flynn and the Riveters
Ashleigh Flynn and the Riveters have already won an Earie. Their self-titled debut album (Ashleigh is an E2TG favorite) is filled with power and positive energy and attitude. A great combination.
"Wham Bam Boo" by Walter Lure and the Waldos
Walter Lure was a founding member of the New York punk band The Heartbreakers (Johnny Thunders' band not Tom Petty's). He has been making music every since - while also working as a stock broker in New York. The latest album by Lure and The Waldos is called Wacka Lacka Boom Bop a Loom Bam Boo. So this is kind of, sort of the title track I guess. It's a really wonderful album from a pioneer of punk rock music. I would like to give Walter Lure and the Waldos the "Legends of Punk" award for 2018.
"Dan Stuart's Blues" by Jon Dee Graham
Okay so not only have I already given Jon Dee Graham an Earie, but damned if I didn't feature this exact song. It's a great one, though, and it is about one of my musical heroes. So it's all good. Plus Tim and Susan Lee are involved so that's a good thing.
"Deep Creep" by Justin and the Cosmics
What can I say, my shuffle loves PERF by Justin and the Cosmics as much as I do. Collins - besides being a fearless performer and really nice guy - is 1/2 of the production duo Cosmic Thugs Production - whose credits include Deer Tick, T. Hardy Morris, and more.
"Precaution" by Pylon Reenactment Society
Back in the 1980s, when I was first discovering R.E.M. - the band named Pylon took on legendary status - as it should. I first heard Pylon on the Athens, GA: Inside/Out soundtrack and movie. I loved their music but never got to see the band live. So when Pylon Reenactment Society - led by Pylon vocalist Vanessa Briscoe Hay - scheduled a date at The Basement, I knew I had to attend. I'm glad I did because it was legit - one of the most fun shows I experienced in 2018. The pure joy on both sides of the stage was palpable. PRS is not Pylon - but it is a worthy representative of that great music in the 21st Century. Their Part Time Punks album came to me early in the year, and I am so glad. I am giving Pylon Reenactment Society the "Funnest Show" Award for 2018.
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