E2TG 3/31/2020 - Here We Are, Now What? - Trail Riding Mix (Amor Puro Remix)

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The reality has really begun to set in for me that we are still in the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis here in the U.S. The idea that even the best guesses mean that we have longer to go under these present conditions than we have experienced so far. Temporary no longer seems like the right word, but this is temporary - just longer-term temporary.

One question on many of our minds is what will the world and our worlds look like at the end of this crisis. That things will change no longer seems the question but rather how will they change. In some ways, I can look upon this change as a good thing - although change - especially radical change - is by its nature frightening. I mean, we have been given this time, and it behooves us all to take the time for deep reflection of what is important and how we might live to best reflect our priorities. Being forced to slow down, to not go out has provided a clarity on somethings.

I already see myself considering things and deciding on some level that they aren't really that important to me, and on the other hand considering my past hesitation to step out boldly on other things - and wondering why I ever let fear stand in my way. 

For now, E2TG is still important to me, and I hope it is to some of you. At the beginning of this year, I changed some things about E2TG to better utilize my time. Now, I have been given a chance to reflect upon those changes and see what is working and what isn't. So, expect more changes. 

What will not change, for as long as I continue to write E2TG, is my commitment to featuring music that crosses genres with a focus on independent artists and bands. More to come, I am sure... 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/30/2020 - Music City Monday - The Castle Mix (End of the Day Remix)

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Yesterday, the news came out that John Prine was hospitalized and his condition critical with symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. This was after his wife Fiona had been previously diagnosed with the virus.  Today, an update: Fiona has recovered from the virus and John is stable. I continue to send all good thought and love to them and to all who are suffering.

Country music artist Joe Diffie passed away yesterday, the day before it was Alan Merrill who wrote, "I Love Rock and Roll" (among other songs).

There still seems to be a disconnect in taking the virus seriously enough. I went to the grocery yesterday, and I observed people in masks but also people who let their young children run around and touch everything within reach. Many churches have stopped holding services, but a few mega churches are defying the requests to do so.

Some people are mostly self-isolating but then getting bored and visiting friends and not staying 6 feet apart.

It appears that we are just in the early stages of this - as bad as it has been - and we face a long couple of weeks before we reach the peak and an even longer couple of months before this ends.  I urge everyone reading this to stay safe and take care of each other at a distance as best you can. We live in a hyper-connected world - technologically speaking. Rather than using that technology to spread contention and dissent, use it to spread love and light.  If you hear bad information being spread (whether by an individual or a government entity) combat by sharing good information.

The economic impact is very real and is affecting people of all kinds. But, protecting lives, I think must come first. Err on the side of caution. I don't think any of us will regret that.

Yesterday, E2TG band of the year, Ryan Sobb and the Dead Mall released an incredible video for their song, "Still Waiting".  The video was directed by the insanely talented Maxwell Sebastian.
Enjoy!  Then, check out the Music City Monday shuffle for even more Ryan Sobb.

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/27/2020 - RIP Popa Tunes - Featured Friday - Weird All the Time Mix (Money Remix)

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David J. Horton, aka, Popa Tunes was an early supporter to E2TG.  At a time when I was struggling to find my voice and my purpose in doing this blog, he encouraged me, sent me great music, and I honestly don't think E2TG as you know it today, would exist without his influence and inspiration.

Some of you may know his name from my stories of meeting Darrin Bradbury. David sent me a private message on Facebook in November 2013 to alert me that Darrin Bradbury, who had been the leader of Big Wilson River - a New Jersey band, was moving to Nashville, and he asked me to keep an out on Darrin. I believe I did an okay job discharging those duties.

If I can say a bit more about Popa Tunes... David J Horton was how I first heard about The Foresters when their average age was 10 3/4.

In the early days of E2TG, I joked about being the premiere New York/ New Jersey music blog based in Nashville. That was almost thanks to Popa and the bands and artists he championed and introduced to me - The End Men, The Dead Exs, and more.

He was also the person who introduced me to Couch-By Couchwest , the wonderful on-line music fest that eclipsed the parody aspect to become a real community. I forged friendships through CXCW that remain to this day. And, I was introduced to musical artists that I still follow, some of whom are friends in real life. And. I credit that to David.

And, my story is far from the exception.

David Horton passed away earlier this month after a brief battle with cancer.

David's legacy is in the people he brought together who collective mourn his passing and celebrate his life.





I loaded up a new Featured Friday Playlist - you can check it out below - with more information after the jump.  Please consider following the Playlist on Spotify.  The list is refreshed every week

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/26/2020 - Quarantine Music Day (who's counting) - High on Love Mix (Waiting for God Remix)

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In case you missed it, we premiered the new song from Nicole Boggs &#33 the Reel this morning.  Check it out HERE!

One thing I have been struggling with recently is keeping up with all of the livestreams being done by musicians.  Don't get me wrong, it is a great and necessary thing in this strange and difficult times, but even as just a fan, I have trouble keeping up with all the scheduled and impromptu streams. I have had a few requests to mention some streams, but I struggle there, too.

I don't have any solutions for this except keep up with your favorite bands and if they post a livestream share it as best as you are able. Check out some of the on-line festivals to potentially discover new music and share that, too.

Honestly, I don't think E2TG is flexible enough nor do I have time enough to be a good source for sharing these events, but as  fan, I will definitely share whenever I am able.

Something else that has been on my mind, as I have been shuffling from my phone memory, sometimes songs come up by bands that no longer exist and maybe bands that broke up over difficult internal issues. In some cases, every reference to the band has been scrubbed from the internet. Also, some bands disavow or at least remove older music from their sites possibly because it no longer represents who they are.

In any case, I don't delete songs from my phone memory and so they may come up in the shuffle. While I support anyone's decision to distance themselves from certain parts of their pasts - I personally think every part of my story has contributed to who I am today. Even the parts I am not at all proud of.. anyway, that has been on my mind...

Meanwhile, I am just going to keep on keeping on.

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG Song Premiere: "Money" by Nicole Boggs & the Reel

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I am excited this morning to have the opportunity to premier "Money", the first single from the forthcoming EP by Nashville band Nicole Boggs &#38 the Reel.  "None of Your Business" is due out July 3.  The band has two additional singles, including the title track, set for release in coming months.

The video for "Money" is scheduled to be released on April 10th.  The single will be out in the usual places tomorrow, but you can listen to it today only at E2TG.

"Nicole Boggs &#38 The Reel are dedicated to living the story and telling the truth. The perfect storm of determined intellect, musical prowess, and reckless rebellion, this Rock/Americana outfit fearlessly addresses the process of making a mess, falling apart, and starting over. The cast of characters consists of singer-songwriter Nicole Boggs (The Four on Fox,) guitarists/songwriters Alex Kramer (Jason Derulo) and Sam Gyllenhaal, and bassist Loren D. Clark (Keb Mo, Gone West.) Each member grew up in a musical family, their inspirations ranging from classic soul to Americana songwriters to harmony heavy 70’s rock n’ roll.  Their powers combined ignite a song-first collaborative approach backed by laughter and the love of a good groove. A defiant refusal to be boxed in, combined with a near religious devotion to constantly pushing and refining craft has allowed them to emerge as the one thing that the machine can never produce and rarely recognizes: a true original. Real music for Reel people."

Read more about the song and listen after the jump!

E2TG 3/25/2020 - Still Trying - Armageddon Mix (Fanatics Remix)

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Moving tentatively forward... trying to find a path. I believe we will come through this, but I am certain we will be changed. I think about events in my lifetime. I think about 9-11 and that did permanently change us. But, for those of us not directly impacted by the attacks themselves, for many of us, our daily lives didn't change that much, and in that respect it is different.

I think about Nashville still reeling from the March 3 tornado and then to have this on top of it. What will East Nashville look like when this is over. I think about my many friends directly and profoundly affected by this - what will their lives look like on the other side. When the venues reopen - and it is declared all safe (not my Trump but by doctors and scientists) - will we still be cautious in our interactions. I keep saying that I can't wait to be able to hug all my friends but that first time -what will it be like.

There are great sites for getting up-to-date and accurate information. Don't rely on social media posts or even mainstream news - which at best may be dated and incomplete. Check with the health department in your area.

E2TG is a music blog, and although, I like to use this space to share my thoughts and feelings, they are just that, thoughts and feelings.

Anything that seems like advice, take with a grain of salt. But, do find people you can talk to and share your fears and frustrations.  We may be physically separated but you are not alone.

We have a song premiere tomorrow morning that I am very excited about. And, we have some cool new music on the way for Friday. I have updated the Recent and Upcoming Release listing, and I added a bunch of new music to my phone. None of the stuff came up in today's shuffle, but they will come up.

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/24/2020 - Keeping On - Paranoid Mix (Lonely Nights Remix)

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We venture forth into this brave new world... separated by distance and physical isolation, but trying to keep it together and stay connected by all of the technology that we both despise and rely upon...

I'll be honest, I am feeling disconnected and unfocused and fearful and lonely and confused and uncertain and unmotivated... but I am keeping on with E2TG as best as I can. I am behind on adding songs and updating the new release schedule. I am still working regular hours - just from home, but time is not the problem. Maybe it never was...

Anyway, thanks for sticking with me. One day, this time of quarantine and self-isolation and safer-at-home will pass. And while it still uncertain when that will be or what the next, next will look like, I will be here doing what I can.

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/23/2020 - Music City Monday - Strange Design Mix (Come Our Time Remix)

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Running late... but want to get this posted. Everything is askew. I sincerely hope everyone is well. It is sad to see that the response to this pandemic which for a brief time seemed to have united us has turned into a political matter. We are for sure experiencing something that most (if not all of us) have never experienced before. To some, understandably perhaps, some actions seem extreme. As I have heard said, if were to take extreme actions and the result was that it seemed like overkill - that would have been the point of the extremely action.

This should not be political. The virus doesn't care if you are a Democrat or Republican or Libertarian or Socialist or Anarchist.

There are also legitimate concerns about how some may use the situation to seize greater control over individual liberty.

I think back to almost two weeks ago when The 5 Spot decided to close. They were not ordered to do that - that order would have come days later, but the decision was made based upon the best information and for the good of the community.

And there is the difficulty and the balance and the dilemma. For some people, it takes a government order to do the right thing. And, then there is the cries of government overreach. And then there is legitimate government overreach - like suspending Habeas Corpus - which seems to have little to do with controlling the spread of the virus.. maybe.  It is all too much sometimes.

Ah - let's just play some good Nashville music!

By the way, David Olney would have been celebrating a birthday if he were still with us (and oh, how I wish he was still with us), but instead, we are remembering him and his incredible legacy.

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/20/2020 - Featured Friday - Live Til We Die Mix (Ain't Going Down Remix)

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Today, Bandcamp is waiving their profit sharing so that artists will receive 100% of all purchases. Consider purchasing music or merch from your favorite artists. Bandcamp was a huge source of music in the early days of E2TG - before I began getting submissions from publicists, and I still regularly get music via that site. I know that many musicians are deeply affected my this health crisis, and every little bit helps.  I understand that Bandcamp's site is being ovewhelmed right now, which is wonderful. Keep trying.

    Featured Friday Playlist

I feel like one of my jobs is to keep the music going, so here is the brand new Featured Friday Playlist. Enjoy and support these and all artists.

Featured Friday Shuffle

Since I am not commuting, I decided to shuffle and listen to the whole Featured Friday Playlist this morning. Maybe I will start doing that every Friday...

"Isabella" by The Blam Blams (from single)

Delighted that their is a new single from Nashville's The Blam Blams. I am very excited about what they are bringing to the Nashville music scene. 

"Rely on Me" by Jon Magnusson (from Live in Studio Silverraven)

Our old friend from Sweden has been releasing these live versions of his songs of late. Here is the latest.

"Code Blue - Remix" by I Ya Toyah, Grendel (from Code Blue Reloaded - Remix Version)

"Live Till We Die" by Chris Moyse (from Bitter Ballads & Cynical Prayers)

One of my favorite local songwriters just released his new album.  It has been highly anticipated and I am glad it is out in the world. 

"Throw it Back" by Trez (from single)

Latest single from Nashville based hip-hop artist. Produced by long-time E2TG favorite Hayden "THC" Coleman. 

"Ain't Going Down" by Strange Majik (from 20/20)

The new album from long-time E2TG favorite Strange Majik is out now. Check it out. He is on bandcamp so consider making that purchase.

"When I Was a Writer" by Matt Wilson and His Orchestra

"Lose Me Head" by Gina Sicilia (from single)

I am blown away by what I have been hearing from the forthcoming new album by Nashville based singer and songwriter Gina Sicilia. Check out her latest single. 

"Best I Can" by Carl Anderson (from Best I Can EP)

Another local favorite who has been releasing some new music of late. Check out Carl Anderson's latest EP today.

"Blood" by KID BE KID (from Lovely Genders EP)

"Steady on Your Knees" by False Heads (from It's All There but You're Dreaming)

False Heads is a high-energy UK band that we featured several years ago. They have been on a steady ascent ever since. Check out this new music from them. They were supposed to make their first trip to the US for SXSW. Maybe when they do come a Nashville stop might be possible.

"Songs I Wrote" by Sha Davis (from Songs I Wrote When You Left)

"Dead Flour" by Toni Sauna, Marek Pedziwiatr, Wildcookie (from Dead Flour EP)

"Who Knows How Long This Will Last" by Dan Tedesco (by Who Knows How Long This Will Last EP)

Digging this - from this Iowa based singer-songwriter. Lovely music. 

"Springsteen on the Radio" by Foley and the Fire (from single)

Nifty new single from this UK band made up of veteran musicians with an impressive list of credits. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

I decided not to do the video playlist today.  The whole point of the video playlist is to provide a way to stream the music in the shuffle. You can do that via the Spotify playlist - above. Enjoy!

Recent:

2/01 - Glenn Jones - Ready for the Good Times (LP)

2/02 - Karabas Barabas - Degenerate National Anthem (LP)
2/04 - Mayflower Madame - "Vultures" (single)
2/05 - Joseph Mooradian  - "We all Work Too Much"/"Dash My Dreams" (single)

2/07 -  Palm Ghosts -  Wide Awake and Waiting (EP)
2/07 - Emily Zuzik - "Trouble" (single)
2/07 - Chicago Farmer - Flyover Country (LP)
2/07 - Surrija - "Barcelona" (single)
2/07 - The Flyin' A's - No Holds Barred (LP)
2/07 - Christopher Paul Stelling - Best of Luck (LP)
2/07 - HMS Morris - "Babanod" (single)
2/07 - Tiny Fighter- "Strangest Thing" (single)
2/07 - Wynnm - "Fire on the Moon" (single)
2/07 - The Golden Cage Society - Mira (Mini EP)
2/07 - Alienbaby Collective - "Degenerate Moon" (single)
2/07 - Eric and the Anti-Vaxxers - Timeshare Girlfriend (EP)
2/07 - Sammy Brue - "Teenage Mayhem" and "Crash Test Kid" (singles)
2/07 - Lucille - "Kerikeri" (single)

2/07 - Jon Magnusson  - Always a Rebel (Live in Studio Silverräven) (single)

2/07 - Thomas Passon - "Über" (single)

2/07 - BisonBison - "Hover" (single)

2/07 - BisonBison - Hover (LP)

2/13 - Little Triggers - "Bang" (single)

2/14 - Grant Peeples - Bad Wife (LP)
2/14 - The Heliocentrics - Infinity of Now (LP)
2/14 - Johanna Kuvaja - "Back for Good" (single)
2/14 - Sarah Reynolds - "I Need Love" (single)
2/14 - Afterimage - "Six Seconds" (single)
2/14 - Kalee Smyth - "Bring Our Love Down" (single)

2/14 - Harry Stafford - "She Just Blew Me Away" (single)

2/14 - Kid Be Kid - "Blood" (single)

2/14 - Chris Maxwell - New Store No. 2 (LP)

2/18 - David J - "I Only Hear Silence Now" (single)

2/19 - Paisley Fields - "Ride Me Cowboy" (single)

2/19 - Tom Cridland - "The Laws of Success" (single)

2/21 - Sarah Morris - All Mine (LP)
2/21 - Kindergarten - Iphigenia (Reissue) (LP)
2/21 -  Hot Club of L.A.- Cinema Swing (LP)
2/21 - MUUK - Balbuceo (LP)
2/21 - Aaron Beckum - Songs from a Triangle Room (EP)
2/21 - Every 13 Days - Étant Donnés (Reissue) (LP)
2/21 - Seablight - High-Rise Mannequins (EP)
2/21 - Various Artists -Typical Girls Vol. 5 (LP)
2/21 - 12xPretty - 12xPretty (LP)
2/21 - Arkane Skye - "Don't Ask Me Out" (single)

2/21 - Easy - "Crystal Waves" (single)

2/21 - Blue Lucas - "Train Station" (single)

2/21 - Stumbleine - "Supermodels" (single)

2/21 - Jesse Blake Rundle - "The Death of a Soldier" (single)
2/21 - Whitney Shay - Stand Up! (LP)

2/21 - 100 Mile House - "Test the Timber" (single)

2/22 - Charlotte Eagle Sings - Embracing the Old Ways (LP)

2/24 - Jon Magnusson - "Set Me on Fire (Live Silverraven Sessions) (single)

2/28 - Kristen Englenz - Ingenue (LP)
2/28 - Brett Ryan Stewart - "All or None" (single)

2/28 - Close Lobsters - Post Neo Anti... (LP)
2/28 - The Heliocentrics - Infinity of Now (LP)

2/28 - Scenius - "Glass Rain" (single)

2/28 - Jeffrey James - East London (EP)

2/28 - Charmless i - "Long Time Coming" (single)

2/28 - Gallary 47 - "I Wish I Was" (single)

2/28 - Xirita - "Don't Go" (single)

2/28 - Son of David - "Carry On" (single)

2/28 - Harry Stafford - "Painted Ocean" (single)
2/28 - Strange Majik - "World On Fire" (single)

2/28 - MUUK - Balbuceo (LP)

2/29 - Jimmy Who and the Night Creatures - Tinker's Blues (EP)

3/04 - Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion - Chameleon (LP)

3/04 - Iron Mike Norton - "Help Me Make It Through the Night" (single)

3/06 - Surrija - "Sylvette" (single)

3/06 - Dean Fields - While the Baby Was Sleeping (LP)
3/06 - Broads and Milly Hirst - Ollust (LP)
3/06 - The Mastersons - No Time for Love Songs (LP)
3/06 - Ghostwood Development Project (Feat. Kool Keith) - "Gulley" (single)

3/06 - The Mystery Plan - Ballad of JC Quinn (LP)

3/06 - Brian Wright and the Sneakups - "Patrick's Crossing" (single)

3/06 - Jonny Polonsky - Kingdom of Sleep (LP)

3/06 - Tiny Fighter - "Perfect Game" (single)

3/06 - African Head Charge - Drumming is a Language (LP)

3/06 - African Head Charge - Songs of Praise - reissue (LP)

3/06 - African Head Charge - Churchical Chant Of The Iyabinghi (LP)
3/09 - Marco Bonvicini - "Colors" (single)

3/09 - Terry Presume - I Got Nothing to Lose (EP)

3/13 - The Flatmates - The Flatmates (LP)

3/13 - Kleenex Girl Wonder - Ponyoak (20th Anniversary Edition) + BLP (demos and out-takes) (LP)
3/13 - Sandwick - Reconstruct (LP)
3/13 - Foley and the Fire - "Springsteen on the Radio" (single)
3/13 - Kalee Smyth - The Ceiling (EP)

3/13 - Sha Davis - Songs I Wrote When You Left (EP)

3/13 - The Losing Touch - "Through the Night" (single)

3/13 - Gerry Gareau - Feet Off The Brakes (EP)

3/13 - Ayla Brook and the Sound Men - Desolation Sounds (LP)

3/13 - The Academy of Sun - "The Parts That Need Replacing" (single)

3/13 - Sunday Morning - Consequences of Love (EP)
3/13 - Rosemary Fossee - "Tu me manques" (single)

3/18 - Marco Bonvicini - Colors (EP)

Today!:

3/20 - Matt Wilson and His Orchestra - When I Was a Writer (LP)
3/20 - Chris Moyse - Bitter Ballads and Cynical Prayers (LP)

3/20 - Samuel Boller - Kingdom of the Sun (LP)
3/20 - The Blam Blams - "Isabella" (single)
3/20 - Jon Hassell - Vernal Equinox (reissue) (LP)

3/20 - Kid Be Kid - Lovely Genders (EP)

3/20 - Toni Sauna - Dead Flour (single)

3/20 - Ender Bender - "Star Killer" (single)

3/20 -  Strange Majik - 20/20 (LP)

3/20 - I YA TOYAH - Code Blue: Reloaded (LP)

Upcoming:

3/27 - Mayflower Madame - Prepared for a Nightmare (LP)

3/27 - The 81s - 2 Things and 118 Others (LP)

3/27 - Mayflower Madame - "Swallow" (single)

3/27 - Alienbaby Collective - F I S H B O W L / T E R R E S T R I A L (Double EP)
3/27 - Mairena - "Weird All the Time" (single)
3/27 - Lucille - Come on,Fly (LP)

3/27 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "Money" (single)

3/27 - Ben Reel - The Nashville Calling (LP)

3/27 - 100 Mile House - Love and Leave You (LP)

3/27 - Watermelon Slim - Traveling Man (Double Live LP)

3/27 - Lilly Hiatt - Walking Proof (LP)

3/?? - Harry Stafford - Gothic Urban Blues (LP)
4/01? - Ten Penny Gypsy - Fugitive Heart (LP)

4/02 - I Am A Rocketship - "My Nature" (single)

4/03 - Chip and the Charge Ups - Lightning in Our Veins (LP)

4/03 - Surrija - Surrija (LP)

4/03 - Stumbleine - Sink Into the Ether (LP)

4/03 - Neutrals - Rent Your House (EP)

4/09 - Ellison - "Sing" (single)

4/10 - Eliza Gilkyson - 2020 (LP)
4/10 - Dan Montgomery - Smoke and Mirrors (a phonographic memory) (LP)
4/10 - Pokey LaFarge - Rock Bottom Rhapsody (LP)

4/10 - The Dream Syndicate - The Universal Inside (LP)

4/13 - Pilotcan - No More Shan Goodbye (LP)
4/17 - Paul Burch and WPA Ballclub - Light Sensitive (LP)

4/16 - Destijl - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (LP)

4/17 - Aimee Stevens - "Hell is a Teenaged Girl" (single)

4/24 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "I'm Gonna Break Your Heart" (single)
4/24 - Ben Bostick - Among the Faceless Crowd (LP)

4/24 - Kyle Lalone - Somewhere In Between (EP)

4/?? - I Am A Rocketship - Ghost Stories (LP)

5/01 - BOAT - Tread Lightly (LP)

5/01 - Laura Cortese and the Dance Card - Bitter Better (LP)

5/08 - Brian Wright and the Sneak-Ups - Lapse of Luxury

5/20 - Town Meeting - Make Things Better (LP)

5/31 - Debra Power - That's How I Roll (LP)

6/05 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "None of Your Business" (single)

6/12 - Sammy Brue - Crash Test Kid (LP)

7/03 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - None of Your Business (EP)

E2TG 3/19/2020 - The Long Haul, Isolation, Music - Texas, Texas Mix (Gold Ghosts Remix)

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Obviously, this is a challenging time in many ways for many people.

I think about how I have used the word overwhelmed or overwhelming in the past, I feel like I was so naive and over-dramatic. But, this all is truly overwhelming. There is information overload and many of us have more time on our hands to worry or obsess or binge on social media.

Just some observations that I have (take with a grain of salt - I guess - I don't know that I have any special insight).

1. Take this seriously without panicking
2. Use social media to connect with friends and family and for entertainment
3. Be cautious about any second hand or greater information. Check with verifiable legitimate sources. 
4. Check on your friends and family- especially those with physical or mental health issue. 
5. Do things that bring you joy - without guilt. (watch a silly movie - there will be time to "save the world" later).
6. Support causes and people as you are able. 
7. Reach out if you need to - if you can. Talk to people about your fears and your worries. Many of us are in the same boat or a similar boat. You are not alone - even if you are in self-isolation.
8. As much as I would love to say put politics aside during this crisis... well... what I will say, to the extent possible - put politics aside on an individual basis - as you are able. 

As I mentioned yesterday, I am fortunate enough to being working from home. This is new to me, and I have had to learn to stay focused. But, and again I say I am fortunate, this work has kept me in some sort of routine. It has always bothered me a little that I am very much a creature of habit. I mean, I like to think of myself as a free spirit. But, what I have realized, these past couple of weeks, is that I use routines as a tool for dealing with anxiety. I must quickly add that I do not think my anxiety is very bad but it is there nonetheless. Little routines help, I think.  Well, almost every one of my routines have been methodically stripped away. So, I am finding new routines. This may or may not resonate with you, but if you have lost routines and are feeling anxious, maybe try to find new routines. Showering every day, even if you live alone and aren't going out.

I am trying to keep up the routine of writing E2TG every day. Maybe this helps someone, or maybe it is just for me and my routine. Either way is okay with me.

    Featured Friday Playlist

Look for a new Featured Friday Playlist tomorrow!

E2TG 3/18/2020 - At Home and Fortunate - Food Pyramid Mix (Wheel's on Fire Remix)

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As I mentioned yesterday, I started working from home today. I know that I am extremely fortunate as compared to many people that I know and love.

Like, I am sure most of you, I am overwhelmed by how this virus and the necessary steps taken to try to curtail it have affected nearly every aspect of life as I know it.

For right now, support each other as best you can. Take necessary precautions, don't panic, don't be a jerk, ask for help if you need it, love one another.

I'll be here sending out music as best as I can...

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/17/2020 - St. Patrick's Day, Viruses, Recovery, and More - Real Love Mix (Using Again Remix)

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For sure crazy time... I am late posting today because... well, because these are crazy times.

Right at this moment, I am feeling overwhelmed by everything.  There are lots of things to be done, no places to go, and plenty of time for... what? Worry, action, distraction, fear, anger, joy, peace, love, hate, blame, despair, envy, activism, art, music... ah, music... well for the purpose, of E2TG today, I am going to stick to music.

Seriously, there are some good people doing good things these days, and plenty of opportunities to help in whatever way you can and how you feel led. I hope to post some links and things soon.

Today was my last day in my office for some period of time (at least two weeks), so the shuffle for the time being will not be my commute - it doesn't even take one song to make it from my bed to my chair.

But, today I did commute, and it was pouring down rain this morning, but there was very little traffic.  Let's just get to the shuffle. I have a whole list of things to do... (see above).

Be safe and stay in touch with people.  We have unprecedented ways to keep in touch.  We can isolate physically while staying connected.  Peace!

Oh, yeah, Happy St. Patrick's Day.  eh... cheers.

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/16/2020 - Music City Monday in the Time of COVID-19 - Thing of Beauty Mix (Randy Rhodes' Flying V Remix)

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Music im the time of COVID-19....

As we settle into this new normal, it seems as if nearly every aspect of our daily lives is disrupted. The virus and the efforts to contain it are having major effects on many peoples livelihoods and lives.  E2TG is a music blog, so my focus, but I want to make it clear that I am not dismissing what many, many people outside of music are going through.

We are all faced with difficult decisions. I mentioned last week that my favorite regular hang out made the decision on Thursday to close for at least a month.  This was not an easy decision, and it would have been understandable if they had chosen not to do so.  On Sunday, the Metro Nashville Health Department and Mayor - declared a health emergency and asked music venues to close and restaurants to reduces capacity.  A group of downtown honky-tonks decided to file suit to remain open.

Now, I have friends who make a living playing music on Broadway, however, I do find it interesting that one small venue made the decision to shut down voluntarily - while other (larger) venues are fighting in court to stay open.  To me, it is further evidence that the tourist parts of Nashville are not really a part of our community. Maybe that is harsh, and I do acknowledge that many Nashvillians work and perform at these venues.

I don't know - I think trying to reduce the number of deaths, trying to protect vulnerable parts of our community is important and I applaud those who are doing their part, and to the best of my ability I want to support those folks.  I will share again the GoFundMe for The 5 Spot. 

Many artists are starting to do virtual shows on-line with venmo, paypal etc for tip jars. Check those out.  If you hear your favorite artist doing a show - consider a tip - even if you aren't able to tune in.  As I mentioned before, buy merc, buy physical copies of music (even if you plan to keep listening on a streaming service).  Find a way to support these independent artists and venues at least to the extent you would if the venues were open.  And for goodness sake, stay in if you are able, practice all of the guidelines if you do have to go out.

Music is my primary community, and I hope my community sticks together and supports each other through this time.  Meanwhile, E2TG will keep doing what we do. Enjoy.

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/13/2020 - The New Abnormal - Featured Friday - Time is Now Mix (Losing Form Remix)

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I hate using the word unprecedented, but here we are.  With major festivals being cancelled or postponed, major sports tournaments and even whole seasons being cancelled, music venues closing down, schools closed - this is not something I have ever experienced in my lifetime.  I am someone who likes to help when people are in need - as I am able - but lately the need seems so overwhelming.  Nashville is still recovering from last week's tornado, and now this...

Right at this moment, I don't have a solution, except to love each other and help when and where you can, exercise caution...   And be creative.  We are in difficult times, and people I care about are suffering from loss of income and other losses.  But, we are creative people, and maybe, just maybe, we can find a creative way to get through this time of crisis - together.  In the meantime, if you love music (and if you reading this), you can support your favorite independent artists by buying physical copies of their music or buying merch, viewing and tipping for virtual shows, and maybe other ways, I haven't thought of.  If you are choosing or forced to stay away from seeing live music, consider donating the money that you would have spent - door cover, drinks, tips, etc. to The 5 Spot GoFundMe or some other cause supporting artists.

I love you all, and I still believe we will get through this.

Now, it is Friday and that means two things: New Release Day and a new Featured Friday Playlist.

Taken from my New Release listing below - here are the albums, EPs, and Singles being released today - March 13, 2020

Today!:

3/13 - The Flatmates - The Flatmates (LP)

3/13 - Kleenex Girl Wonder - Ponyoak (20th Anniversary Edition) + BLP (demos and out-takes) (LP)
3/13 - Sandwick - Reconstruct (LP)
3/13 - Foley and the Fire - "Springsteen on the Radio" (single)
3/13 - Kalee Smyth - The Ceiling (EP)

3/13 - Sha Davis - Songs I Wrote When You Left (EP)

3/13 - The Losing Touch - "Through the Night" (single)

3/13 - Gerry Gareau - Feet Off The Brakes (EP)

3/13 - Ayla Brook and the Sound Men - Desolation Sounds (LP)

3/13 - The Academy of Sun - "The Parts That Need Replacing" (single)

3/13 - Sunday Morning - Consequences of Love (EP)

3/13 - Rosemary Fossee - "Tu me manques" (single)

The Flatmates, Kleenex Girl Wonder, Kalee Smyth, The Losing Touch, Gerry Gareau, Ayla Brook and the Sound Men, and The Academy of the Sun are all in the new Featured Friday Playlist - joined by Nathan Kalish, Marco Bonvicini, Telepathic Teddy Bear. Terry Presume, and Vega Maestro.

Check it out below and on Spotify - where you can Follow the playlist for all your weekly updates.

    Featured Friday Playlist