E2TG 6/5/2020 - Featured Friday - Same Boat Mix (Therapy Remix)

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I have been thinking about perspective a lot lately.  In the context that we don't all see things the same way. Now, don't get me wrong, there are universal truths that do not require agreement or disagreement. Racism and Fascism are evil and we must all work to stop them when they pop up and to dismantle the institutions where they have been allowed to thrive for generations.

No what I am thinking about is how an image or a video can elicit a strong and visceral response in one group of people, and yet, be met with apathy or dismissal by another group.  It is easy to come to the conclusion that those in the latter group have no empathy and that they lack the human qualities of compassion and decency.  And, while I don't outright deny that such people exist, I do call into the question that it is as widespread as the divisions in this country would indicate.

So, how else to explain it?  Maybe it is perspective. (I am not even sure if that this correct word so let me explain).

My best friend growing up used to pose philosophical questions whenever I would spend the night. One such question was, "How do we know that we all see the color green the same? In other words, how to we learn colors - someone points to a color and says, "Green"and I eventually learn that that color is green. But, for all I know the person who taught me "green" may perceive that color as I perceive the color that I learned was "Red".  And, I would have no way of knowing.

Now, before you come at me medical or scientific examinations of optical receptors or whatever, my larger point is that when an image comes on my phone or computer screen - my eyes take it in and my mind perceives what it is I am seeing, and if what I perceive is disturbing I react.

So, I look at pictures of the President. and  I see the bad bronzing job, the sick expression, the dead eyes, etc.  A Trump supporter sees the same picture and sees something else. My thoughts here are totally outside of disagreements about policies or even specific actions. To me, it is somewhat easy to understand disagreements over policies or opposition or support for certain actions.

But, why do I see a video tape of police violence and get angry, while someone else sees that same video and is unmoved. Could it be that they are seeing something different from what I am seeing?  That it is filtered by their experiences and biases.  And if that is true, do I need to be mindful of times when my experiences and biases are affecting my perception.

I don't know what this all means. I just feel like at some point, we have to find a way for most Americans to come together at least minimally. There will always be disagreements (even intense ones), but the level of division we have doesn't seem like it can be tenable long-term.

It is Friday and time for another Featured Friday Playlist.  I hope you enjoy, and please follow the Playlist on Spotify! As our habit, we will review the first part of the list below, and the rest over the next week.

    Featured Friday Playlist

Featured Friday (songs 1-6):

"The Same Boat" by Matthew Paige

Matthew Paige is the front man and guitarist for Blackfoot Gypsies.  This recent solo single - released on Cafe Rooster Records - is a wonderful statement for our times. It is not so much a call for unity as it is a reminder and acknowledgment that we are all in this world together whether we like it or not. I am always hesitant to use the word Dylanesque, but that is what can to mind hearing this epic single. 

"Therapy" by Ghost Town Remedy

It is always great to hear new music from Nashville based Ghost Town Remedy.  This latest single rocks hard. Their music is always hook-laden and a hell of a lot of fun. This new single is no exception. You will find yourself bopping and singing along. 

"Won't It Be Something (LIVE)" by The Truehearts

E2TG favorites The Truehearts have a new live album - which was recorded in St. Louis It is called Truehearts Live at the Rafters. This is our first listen, and I am reminded of how great they are live. Can't want to see them on stage again. 

"The Kidnapping of Ronald Reagan" by The Electric Grandmother

We featured the new The Electric Grandmother album Re-Launch recently, but now it is on Spotify, so we have our first official listen. Do you remember where you were when Ronald Reagan was kidnapped? Neither do I, but Pete and Mary Alice do... so...  Seriously, I love having such a unique and fun band in my playlists. 

"Lee County" by Dirt Reynolds

Nashville based singer-songwriter Chris Watts had a problem. He shared a name with man who murdered his family.  People searching for his music were first directed to news of the heinous crimes of his namesake. He decided on a re-branding, but he took it a step further.  He resurrected an old band name he had, recruited some of Nashville's finest musicians, and Dirt Reynolds was born.  I was fortunate enough to catch both the unofficial and official live debuts of this new land.  Now, we have the first single. Make no mistake - Lee County is southern rock, and I am not always a fan of southern rock, but man if I don't dig what they are doing. For Dirt Reynolds, Watts is joined by drummer Ryan Dishen (we had his song in last week's list),, bassist Drew Kohl - a long-time E2TG favorite, ,and Jason Paradise on guitar. 

"None of Your Business" by Nicole Boggs & the Reel

We are now less than a month away from the release of the new album from Nicole Boggs & the Reel.  Today, we have the title track from that album. I am really looking forward to the whole album being released. Great stuff!

NO VIDEO PLAYLIST TODAY (Stream the songs on Spotify)

NEW AND RECENT RELEASES

This Week

5/30 - Sean Dampte - "Adura" (single)

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

6/01 - Bessie Smith - Get in Union (LP) (from the Alan Lomax Archives)
6/01 - Darwin - "Dance Alone" (single)

Today:

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

6/05 - People Without Shoes and Inkswell - Plasma Platter (LP)

6/05 - Short Haired Domestic - "A Song in Latin... A Song in Hindi..." (single)
6/05 - Turkeyfoot - Promise of Tomorrow (LP)

6/05 - Delta Maid - Katie (LP)

6/05 - KissDoomFate - "Innocence" (single)

6/05 - Lacey Williams - "Cut N' Curl" (single)

6/05 - Johnny Irion and Friends - "Inside the Endless OM" (single)

6/05 - Skanger - "Condolences" (single)

6/05 - Good Foxy - "Dust" (single)

6/05 - Merv Pinny - "I Feel Like a Prisoner" (single)

6/05 - Ghost Town Remedy - "Therapy" (single)

Last Week

5/25 - The Plastic Pals - "Hangin' in the Louvre" (single)

5/25 - Scarlet Drive - "Not My Problem" (single)

5/29 - Mick Hayes - My Claim to FAME (LP)
5/29 - G.F. Patrick - One Town Over (LP)

5/29 - Jack Stafford - "Background Worry" (single)

5/29 - Ryan Dishen - Whiskey for the Road (LP)

5/29 - Idle Noise - "Ghosts" (single)

5/29 - Altar of Eris - Isolation (EP)

5/19 - Merv Pinny - "I" (single)

Next Week:

6/11 - Luciano Illuminati - Terra Vision 2020 (LP)

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

6/12 - Andrea & Mud - Bad News Darlin' (LP)

6/12 - Teghan Devon - Little Lion (EP)

Upcoming:

6/?? - Learn to Fly - "Broken Nation" (single)

6/19 - Darlin' Brando - Also Too... (LP)

6/19 - Dolour - The Royal We (LP)

6/19 - The Microdance - Our Love Noire (LP)

6/19 - Mendoza Line - We're All In This Alone (reissue) (LP)

6/19 - Lady Couch - "Foolish and Blue" (single)

6/20 - David Starling - "Cowards" (single)

6/26 - The Special Pillow - World's Finest (EP)

6/26 - Dedicated Men of Zion - Can't Turn Me Around (LP)

6/26 - Serratone - "Groovy Lucy" (single)

6/26 - 8 Floors Up - "Roman Bones Make Good Glue" (single)

6/?? - Mighty Brother - The Rabbit. The Owl (Double LP)

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

7/03 - Paul Nelson - Birmingham Woman (LP)

7/03 - Matthew Frederick - "Laura Jones" (single)

7/07 - Afton Wolfe - Petronius' Last Meal (EP)

7/10 - Hurricane Ruth - Good Life (LP)

7/10 - Fintan McKahey - "Platinum" (single)

7/10 - Nocona - Los Dos (LP)

7/?? -  Learn to Fly - "Cherished Ruins" (single)

7/17 - The Bobby Lees - new album (LP)

7/24 - Tawny Ellis - Love Life (LP)
7/24 - Lee Gallagher - L.A. Yesterday (LP)

7/24 - Even As We Speak - Adelphi (LP)
7/24 - The Wild Blue - Anonymous Future (EP)

7/24 - The Danberrys - Shine (LP)7/31 - The Jason Daniels Band - Downloads from the Universe (LP)

8/07 - The Furious Seasons - La Fonda (LP)

8/07 - Jason Molina - Eight Gates (LP)

8/28 - The Northern Belle - We Wither, We Bloom (LP)

10/16 - Malin Pettersen - Wildhorse (LP)

Recent:

5/01 - BOAT - Tread Lightly (LP)

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

5/01 - Cut Beetlez vs Nice Guys - CBNG (LP)

5/01 - Grenon - "Imaginary Friends" (single)

5/01 - Paul Nelson - "Dying to Forget" (single)

5/01 - Felixity - Love Sick (LP)

5/01 - Easy - Radical Innocence (LP)

5/01 - Griffin Winton - "Think of Me" (single)

5/01 - Ender Bender - EQ

5/01 - The Rad Trads - 99 in October (EP)
5/01 - J.R. Wyatt - "I'm Still Here" (LP)

5/01 - Lekan Tellal - "Emptiness" (single)

5/01 - Angela Easterling - "Hero" (single)

5/01 - Miss Rayon - "Small Life" (single)

5/04 - Black Needle Noise with - "Seed of Evil" (single)
5/04 - Killing Kuddles - "Too Cool" (single)
5/06 - I Like Trains - "The Truth" (single) 

5/06 - CLOUDNiNE - "I Know" (single)

5/07 - Julius and Julia - "Why We Are Here?" (single)
5/08 - Brian Wright and the Sneak-Ups - Lapse of Luxury

5/08 - Watch Clark - Backscatter Effect (EP)
5/08 - Scenius - "Held" (single)
5/08 - Filthy Tricks - "Leah" (single)

5/08 - Vision Video - In My Side (single)

5/08 - The Attic Movement - "Truth Be Told" (single)

5/08 - Secret Bad Boy - "It Was Always Too Late" (single)

5/10 - Brett Ryan Stewart - "Let Her Know" (single)

5/11 - Sofia Talvik - "Broken (Steel Guitars in Heaven)" (single)

5/11 - Jonny Polonsky - "Sign in the Window" (single)

5/11 - Scott Howard - The Language of Clouds (LP)

5/11 - Julia Anrather - "Run to You" (single)

5/12 - Kory Quinn & Co. - The Blueroom (LP)

5/13 - Dru Flecha - "Cama" (single)

5/14 - Anti-Corn League - Love it or Leave it (LP)

5/15 - Special Consensus - Chicago Barn Dance (LP)

5/15 - Zach Aaron - Fill Dirt Wanted (LP)

5/15 - Secret Emchy Society - The Chaser (LP)
5/15  The Room in the Wood - We're the Martians, Now (LP) 
5/15 - Wicked Messenger - "Golden Eyes" (single)
5/15 - Lazerine - "There's Nothing in It" (single)
5/15 - Klashing Black - Thoughts on the Matter (EP)

5/15 - Aimee Steven - "Darling" (single)

5/15 - Wolfhounds - "Can't See the Light" (single)

5/15 - THË FŪÑŻØÑË® - "THË WËŁŁ (W/ MEKAGHOUL)" (single)

5/15 - BYSTS - "Runes" (single)

5/15 - Miss Rayon - "Regional Diction" (single)

5/15 - Party Nails - You Don't Have to Go Home But You Can't Stay Here (LP)

5/16 - The Electric Grandmother - Relaunch (LP)

5/18 - The Know - wearetheknow (EP)

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

5/22 - Victor Wainwright and the Train - Memphis Loud (LP)

5/22 - Lazaris Pit - Conifers (LP) 

5/22 - Beauty in Chaos (feat. Steven Seibold) - "Almost Pure" (single)

5/22 - Beauty in Chaos - The Storm Before the Calm (LP)

5/22 - Ethan Gold - "Not Me. Us" (single)

5/22 - Nichole Wagner - Dance Songs for the Apocalypse (EP)

5/22 - Academy of Sun - Rose Devoid of Form (single)

5/22 - Blue Eyed Christ - World on Fire (LP)

5/22 - Electric High - "Waiting With a Gun" (single)

5/22 - FLEKS - "Mexican Standoff" (single)
5/22 - The Kondoors - "Good Times" (single)
5/22 - 2Square/ Mark Gardner - "Chained" (single)
5/22 - Adam "Ditch" Kurtz - Storms of Steel (LP)