E2TG 6/9/2020 - What are words for? - This is Reality Mix (Pink Grout Remix)

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Words. As a writer, words are very important to me. I try to be precise in the words I use to make sure they convey what I am trying to communicate.

It seems like over the last day or two, the theme of words has come up more than once. Celebrities being called out for their past or present words. Debates over the concept of "Defunding" the police. And the inflammatory words being used by our local, state, and national leaders to evoke gut-level reactions.

On the issue of the phrase "Defund the Police".  I can see both sides of the debate. First of all I totally understand and support the concept. The money taken from police department budgets should be reallocated to professionals like mental health experts, education, healthcare etc. And police officers should be pulled from doing things for which they are are not properly trained.

So, this is a concept I think many Americans would support, but if they hear "Defund the Police" they will be turned off. I get that. But, at the same time, I understand why certain activists and group chose that language. Many of them have been fighting this battle for years without widespread public support - being ignored or not heard. So, "Defund the Police" gets heard and it opens dialogue. But, how do we get the average voter to push back their initial reaction to the phrase? I don't know.

To be honest, it bothers me that we have to work so hard to convince the average voter that we are better than a fascists government that violently attacks the free press, uses tear gas on peaceful protesters, support violent attacks on elderly citizens.  "Well, those things are terrible, but you said 'Defund the police', and we couldn't be bothered to look into what that means, so we are going to support the fascists rather than you." 

I get it - but I am frustrated. So, how should be explain "Defunding the Police" in a soundbite culture?

Here is another point - semi-related, how does the campaign to defeat President Trump defer from the Black Lives Matter protests and movement? Where do they separate?  Here is what I mean. As a white American, I do not feel it is my place to tell my Black brothers and sisters how to protest or what words to use or not use.  But, as someone who is working to remove the cancerous tumor from this country, I feel I have an obligation to weigh in on tactics and language of that message. In this moment, the two movements are linked. But, I think there is a separation.

I don't know. I just needed to vent some words.  Words. Words.  And I am not sure I said what I meant to say. I truly hope there are no words in my past that I would regret if they were brought to light. But as someone who writes a lot of words it is hard to say. I know my own heart but would everyone who reads my words understand the thoughts behind the words.

Many of us are evolving day by day, but we are still responsible for the words and actions of our less evolved selves.

Words, words, words...



Our Featured Friday Recap continues with songs #12-16 (tomorrow songs #17-21)

12. "Runnin'" by Wayne Graham, The Green Apple Sea

Wayne Graham is a band a band from Kentucky formed by two brother - neither named Wayne Graham or Wayne or Graham. Kenny and Hayden Miles to be precise. My fellow music lover and friend Crystal Rhoten kept talking about them, and I finally got to see them live last year, and I finally understood. I am a fan. 

13. "Gravity" by Sammy Brue

Utah based singer-songwriter Sammy Brue's new album Crash Test Kid will be released this Friday. This week, we have the final single released ahead of the album. I am so excited about this album. As I have alluded to before, Brue is living up to the potential he showed at a very young age, and at this point, the "young" adjective is not really needed - not that he isn't young, but that he has matured as an artist.

14. "Run to You" by Julia Anrather

Next, we have a new single from NYC indie pop singer/songwriter. Lush and emotive. 

15. "Dance Alone" by Darwin

Next up, we have the new single from California synth-based artist Darwin - who is the manager of David J (Bauhaus and Love and Rockets). Somewhat dark in tone, the song is nonetheless uplifting as only dark music can be.

16. "Plasma Platter" by People Without Shoes, Inkswell

And today's recap closes out with a track from NYC hip-hop artists People Without Shoes - joined here by Australian producer Inkswell. 

    Featured Friday Playlist

Tuesday Morning Shuffle

"The Long Goodbye" by Blue Largo (from Before the Devil Steals Your Soul)

2018 release from this California blues band. We featured this back when it was released. 

"Trucker's Song" by GF Patrick (from One Town Over)

Recently release debut album from this Philadelphia based singer-songwriter. 

"This is Reality" by Flatmates (from Flatmates)

Another 2020 release - UK indie pop pioneers from their debut album after 34 years as a band. 

"Tattoo" by Stolen Apple (from Wagon Songs)

Another 2020 release - this from a indie rock band from Italy. 

"Pink Grout" by Evan Jewett (from Don't Feel to Work)

2018 debut album by this NYC singer-songwriter.

"9" by The Orange Peels (from single)

2014 single from this West Coast indie pop band - from the annual mix CD of a friend of mine.

"Jonquil Child" by Tiffany Huggins Grant (from Jonquil Child)

And closing out with the title track from the 2015 album by Nashville's own Tiffany Huggins Grant.  Word is she has been working on some new music, and I cannot wait to hear it. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

NEW AND RECENT RELEASES

This 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)

Last 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)

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 - Carrus & Kurtz - The Genius of Carrus & Kurtz Vol 1-There are No Words (LP)

6/05 - Bands Against Brutality - Bands Against Brutality (LP)

6/05 - Various Artists - Mix for a Movement (LP)

6/05 - Eric Bolander - "Magic Moon" (single)

6/05 - Crooked Heart - Perpetual Twilight (LP)

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

Next Week:

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 - Jenny Reynolds - Any Kind of Angel (LP)

6/19 - DeLeo - Mythomania (EP)

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

Upcoming:

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

7/31 - Shishi - Mafitishei (LP)

7/31 - Vee VV - "Ugly Freedom (Toka Remix)" (single)

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

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

8/21 - Eric Bolander - "Window" (single)

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)

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)

5/29 - Merv Pinny - "I" (single)