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I am a firm believer that artists of all kinds are as important as ever in these divisive and contentious times. We need people who speak truth to power without compromise. It is unfortunate that this is also a time when artists work has been effective devalued to one of its lowest points. This last is a much larger discussion than I have time to get into.
There was some major (and disturbing news) involving a music artist that broke yesterday. Also, today is Valentine's Day. I am not going to comment on either at this time.
Micah Schnabel's songs speak truth even when that truth is hard. As much as I love Two Cow Garage (and I do), it is in a solo setting, where his music always hits me the hardest. He opened the early show at The 5 Spot in fine form. Jon Latham was next. His songs hold equal power often on an emotional level - like "Braver Man" or "Conversation at a Funeral" both of which he sang last night. He did perform two new songs - one of the songs delves into the current political climate. Latham closed his set doing an intense Two Cow Garage song joined by Schnabel. Lauren Farrah closed the night. Farrah is an East Nashville fixture - unless I am mistaken this was my first time seeing her do a full set with a full band - and what a band it was.... Tim Jones, Griffin Winton, Chase McGillis. There is a reason that Lauren Farrah is generating a lot of buzz.
It's Thursday! Let's jump into the shuffle.
"The Lucky Ones" by Matt Ellis
We open up today's shuffle with another track from Rambler Pacifico by California singer-songwriter Matt Ellis. This is his sixth album. Matt Ellis was born and began his music career in Australia. The album is due out March 29.
"Love Like Deep Water" by The Grave Escape
Next up, we have our first listen to Tonic Noir - the debut album of The Grave Escape. The band is made up of veteran members of the Kansas City music scene. I love the sound and look forward to writing more about this release. An appropriate song to come up randomly on February 14.
"There's Something Wrong With You" by Screamin' Jay Hawkins
Next up, we have two songs in a row from that Brexit compilation Gonna Make It Alone. First up, is this nugget from Screamin' Jay Hawkins which first appeared on a 1972 compilation Portrait of a Man. Hawkins passed away in 2000. A song with this title on an album about Brexit would not be surprising.
"No Money in This Deal" by George Jones
Next up, we have the very first song released by George Jones - from 1954. Another one from that Brexit compilation. The title sure sounds like he could be about Brexit.
"1979 Pennies and Pluto" by Buildings and Food
Next up - a really great track from Quick Beat Save by the Toronto artist that goes by the name Buildings and Food. Really digger this music and this may be my favorite track so far.
"Shake 'Em on Down" by Mississippi Fred McDowell
Excited to have some "new" music from the late, great Mississippi Fred McDowell in my collection. This is from a freshly released collection from Nub Records. McDowell was born in 1906 and began his music career in 1926. He was brought to wider audiences in 1959 thanks to recordings done by Alan Lomax and Shirley Collins.
"Talking to God" by Dean James and the Black Dogs
It was pretty cool how well the Mississippi Fred McDowell song transitioned to this song by UK band Dean James and the Black Dogs - even though there were several decades and other stylistic differences - the transition here was near perfect.
"Code Blue" by I Ya Toyah
Next up, we have the title track from the latest release by Chicago Industrial Electronica artist I Ya Toyah. Digging this release.
"Put Upon" by SNEW
We close with another track from Hollywood, California hard rock band SNEW from their recent album You've Got Some Nerve. The band is loud and energetic. Great stuff!
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