E2TG 12/30/2020 - The End of 2020 - Waltzing Around Mix (Cookeville Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Conspicuously absent thus far has been our usual end of year Earie awards and Golden Earie awards.  I thought long and hard about this. 2020 has not been a normal year by any stretch of the imagination. Here at E2TG we have been able to feature more music than ever before including an amazing number of new-to-us artists and bands.  In addition, it has been a busy year for music from some of our long-time favorites. 

We started the Featured Friday Playlist at the beginning of this year, and I am very pleased by the reception so far. We are consistently adding followers. I am also proud of the diversity of mostly independent music we have featured this year. 

Look, some people have definitely kicked ass this year. A unplanned break from touring has given a lot of people the opportunity to explore their heretofore unexplored creativity. Special shout out to Nashville friends like Carrus and Kurtz, Tayls, Year of October, Ghost Town Remedy and so many more who made frequent appearances in our Playlists. 

It should be acknowledged that some people have struggled in 2020 financially, creatively, mentally, and in many other ways. 

So - in that spirit - I am giving this years sole Earie Award to everyone. This is a music blog - so I will limit "everyone" in this context to everyone who has some connection to music. Artists, venue owners, bookers, managers, show-goers, door people, bartenders, promoters, publicists, my fellow music writers, photographers, sound people, touring musicians, studio musicians, and anyone I left out. This one is for you and it comes with a big wish for brighter days ahead.  I can't wait to see you all in front of the stage, at the bar, on the back patio, in line (or on line if you will), discovering great new music, seeing old friends and favorites, sweating, hugging, drinking, and laughing. 

Before we get into our final Featured Friday recap of 2020, I would like to acknowledge the unfathomable losses of this past year. It would take more time and more emotional energy than I have to name everyone and some I may not know - but you do.  For us here at E2TG, 2020 began with the sudden passing our of friend and hero David Olney. I remain humbled and grateful for the opportunities I had to work with him and hear him make his magic on stage. I will never forget his appearance at the E2TG Anniversary Residency a couple of years back. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience -and yet I hoped there would be more. 

We move cautiously into this new year knowing the pandemic is not behind us yet and knowing that some will not be joining us. But we move forward with hope, and we move forward carrying a piece of everyone and everything we said goodbye to in 2020.

Well - here we are. We started recapping this playlist back in December 18 and 61 songs and over four hours of music later, we have reached the end of our final Featured Friday Playlist for 2020. Here are the songs that will take us out - songs number 55-61:

55. "A Song to Special to Sing" by Blink

This is a previously unreleased track from the 1996-1999 era of the Irish band Blink. This our second song to featured.  A full-length release of archival recordings in scheduled for the Spring.

56. "It's Alright (10 Times Better)" by Absolute Phase

Next up, we have the lead track from The Little Black Book - the new album from this Chicago based rock band that formed in 2019. Cool sound.

57. "How Can I" by Paola Proctor

Next up, we have the new single from a Nashville based pop artist. This emotionally powerful break-up song was recorded here in Nashville.

58. "Everything Has Changed" by Souly Us

Next up, we have the new single from Australian country music duo Souly Us. The song was recorded in their home studio while on lock down. 

59. "No More Bets" by Shaking Chains

Next, we have a track from a new AA single from this Manchester art-pop band. A great sound. 

60. "Dreams of a Middle-Aged Man" by Mauri Dark

We always like to save some of the most interesting music to close out our playlists.  The penultimate track from this Playlist comes in the form of a nearly 8 minute title track to the new album by Finnish singer-songwriter Mauri Dark. The song has an epic quality and a deep emotional resonance. I love this song. 

61. "Stranger" by KissDoomFate 

And we close this long playlist out with the return of French electro-pop band KissDoomFate - and the lead track from their 3 song b-side collection called Dead of Winter Beats.  A deliciously chilly song to bring us into the heart of winter and to get us ready for a brand new year of music. 

See you on the otherside....
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/29/2020 - A Wrap-Up - Sing Mix (Give Me Love Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

So - this is the second to the last post of 2020. I don't think anyone needs to recap what a horrible year this has been.  I certainly know that things will not magically get better at Midnight on January 1, but I do hope that arbitrary milestone does prove to mark the beginning of a new phase. 

Tomorrow, I will wrap up some unfinished business from this year and then I will be ready to move forward - bringing only the lessons learned, the goodness and light, and the memories of those lost with me (okay - maybe I will bring more, but you get my meaning).

We've reached the penultimate recap post of this extended Featured Friday Playlist.  Today we have songs 48-54:

48. "Song for Ella" by Cap'n Marble 

Our second time featuring this indie pop duo from Southern California. I love this song. 

49. "So Far From Home" by BUN

Next up, we have the sixth single in eight months from Belgian artist BUN. Brecht - the musician behind BUN started in an instrumental post-metal band called Miava which had developed a good following. Unfortunately, the band's drummer and Brecht's best friend was killed in a hit and run accident. Brecht eventually returned as BUN - as a project to celebrate life. This is my first listen and I dig it. 

50. "Area 51"  by The Star Prairie Project

Next up, we have our second Featured track from Nolen R. Chew Jr. from Star Prairie, Wisconsin who collaborates with musicians and producers from LA to London as The Star Prairie Project. 

51. "Yellowed Pages" by Glenn Morrow's Cry for Help

Next up, we have the lead track from the second album (appropriately named '2') from this New Jersey based band.  This track laments the loss of intimacy of the modern age of communication. 

52. "Gwir" by Tacsidermi

A lot of interesting music coming our way from Wales. This duo came to fruition during and because of the lock down. 

53. "Social Distancing" by Fear Rua

Next up, we have a track from Rhode Island based experimental artist Dylan Murphy aka Fear Rua.  Great ambient, psychedelic vibe. Very cool. 

54. "Fall Away" by Glostik Willy

And we close this segment of music with the new single from Indiana-based hippy metal band Glostik Willy.  I am going to admit I don't really know what hippy metal is - I do know that heavy metal originally emerged from the hippy subculture so... anyway, this is a cool song and a nice way to close out another diverse segment of music. 

Tomorrow - we bring this extra long Playlist recap to a close with songs 55-61
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/28/2020 - Music City Monday, Music City Strong - High Feeling Mix (Always Will Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

The 2020 hits keep coming - and not in the good sense of hits.  By now, most of you not from Nashville have read or heard about the Christmas morning bombing in downtown Nashville. The good news is that I and everyone I know is okay. The bad news is the damage and destruction to historical buildings and buildings where people live and work. Temporarily, a lot of people were cut off from technology and communications.  

There is a lot not known. It appears to be the work of one man. His motive is the stuff of speculation but regardless - the city must once again try to come together and get through this.  

Now, we return to our recap of the Featured Friday Shuffle with songs 41-47:

41. "The Infinity Line" by of1000faces

of1000faces returns to the E2TG playlist with the title track from the new album. This is the solo recording project of Chicago based Matt Walker (drummer and producer) whose credits include Morrissey, Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, and Filter. 

42. "Can't Let It Go" by No Trombones (feat. Sakari)

Next up, we have the new single from Montreal based No Trombones featuring vocals by Chicago native and L.A. based Sakari. A great addition to the playlist.

43. "Our Year" by Jane and John

Next up, we have a single from this UK based duo that formed during quarantine. Jane and John are the middle names of C.J. Wadsworth who had never been in a band before and M.J. Hibbett who claims to be an "international rock star" who is best known for "Hey Hey 16K" which was a number one hit in IT departments if not on the charts. 

44. "Shame" by Tristan Wood

Next up, we have the title track from the new EP from this emerging singer-songwriter based in Seattle. Tristan was part of the HIGHSCHOOL Nation tour in 2018.

45. "it's u not me" by Dafna

Next up, we have opening track from I LOVE YOU - the new album from this Boulder, Colorado based singer-songwriter. I dig the sound.

46. "The Power of Love" by The Autumn Killers

How about a cover?  Up next, we have a cover of the Frankie Goes to Hollywood hit via this rock band from South Wales. The  track is included in Acoustic and Autumnised - the new EP which features new arrangements of all the songs from the band's debut EP Dance Floor Mayhem plus this track. 

47. "Blue" by Fellow Hollow 

And, we close this segment of music with the opening track from Violet Paper Wings by this Columbus, Ohio based duo of Andrew Gavin Williams and Luke Elliot Fleeman.  A great tune to close out this part of our Playlist. 

Tomorrow - our penultimate recap post for this week songs 48-54
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/23/2020 - Eve Eve - Grateful for Christmas Mix (Be it Heaven or Hell Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Our last post before Christmas.  I hope no matter what or how you celebrate (or don't) that they coming days, weeks, months, and year are filled with better days, new opportunities, love, joy, and peace. 

Our Featured Friday Recap moves along with songs 33-40:

33. "Methadone Guy" by Hadnot Creek

First up, we have the opening track from Hard World by this Charlottesville based folk-rock band.  Wonderful song. 

34. "I Won't Change My Mind" by Remington Super 60

Next up, we have the return of this Norwegian band to the Playlist with their latest single. 

35. "Drifter" by Jessye DeSilva

Next up, we have the new single from this Boston-based singer-songwriter. As the writer of a novel called The Drift - this song title caught my attention, but the song itself kept it.  This is a wonderful song by a new-to-me artist that I look forward to finding out more about. 

36. "Rule #13 - Waterfall" by Fish in a Birdcage

Fish in a Birdcage is Dustan Townsend a young musical virtuoso originally from Red Deer, Alberta and currently in the midst of a two-year long busking adventure through Europe (currently in Spain). The name of his third album is Waterfall and this is the lead and title track. 

37. "Harmless" by Phriendly Phoes

Next up, we have the title track from the debut album by this psychedelic funk/hip-hop duo from Lewiston, New York. Really cool stuff.

38. "2 AM (Let's Do It)" by J'seann

Next up, we have a track from an up and coming rapper from Chicago.  This was a direct artist submission that caught my attention. Check it out. 

39. "Under the Skin" by Seven Red Lions

Next up, some indie rock from London. This latest single was inspired by the pre-Hispanic cultures of South America. 

40. "I Like You" by Hook

We close out this segment of music with the latest single from the new wave/indie band from Dublin, Ireland. The band formed in 2019 and released their debut album in March of 2020.  A nice way to close things out.

We are going to take a holiday break and regroup on Monday with the continuation of this extended Playlist as we head into the new year. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/22/2020 - Longer Days - Almost Pure Mix (Takes Time Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Just a reminder - due to the holidays, we are stretching this week's Featured Friday recap over the next two weeks (Monday-Wednesday each week) - which is good- because this week's Playlist is jam packed with music.   Today - songs 25-32:

25. "Ritual" by Genus Ordinis Dei

First up today, we have the opening track from Glare of Deliverance - the new concept album from this Italian symphonic death metal band. The album tells the story of Eleanor - a young woman persecuted for crimes of witchcraft by the Holy Inquisition. 

26. "Long Cold Night Walk" by Victor Jones

Next up, we have our second listen and the title track from the new album by this L.A. based chamber rock artist. A really lovely song - perfect for the longest night of the year.

27. "Screaming Through the Noise" by The Room

Next up, we have something special.  This is a live recording of a song which was originally included on the 2012 debut album Open Fire - by this melodic rock band from the Southeast of the UK.  The song was written about vocalist Martin Wilson's son Josh and his struggles with childhood cancer. Sadly, Josh recently passed away at age 20, and the band have released this recording (from a 2018 performance in France) as a tribute.  All proceeds from the song will go to Phillis Tuckwell Hospice who cared for Josh. You can download the song - here

28. "Snollygoster Goon" by The Lickerish Quartet

Next up, we have the first single from the upcoming 2nd EP by this band that features band members of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Slash’s Snake Pit, Finn Brothers, Alice Cooper, Air & Beck - and all formerly of Jellyfish. 

29. "Thin Disguise" by Davy Williamson

Next up, we have the debut single from this Wilmington, NC based hard rock multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. The song deals with Williamson's personal demons and is offered as a message of healing and hope.

30. "Keeping My Distance" by Rylan Brooks

Next up, we have the first single from If Wishes Were Horses (due in March) from the outlaw country duo of Nate Rylan and Chris Brooks.  The album was recorded in Nashville with an all-star line-up that includes Guthrie Trapp, Eddie Bayers, and Michael Spriggs to name just three - the band was directed by Dean Miller. 

31. "A Modern Man's Way to Improve" by Royal Horses

Next up, we have the title track from the debut album by this band from South Mississippi. The album is a love letter to the music that defined the New South.  The album was an official Record Store Day release and is now available on streaming platforms. 

32. "A Range of Light" by Forester
 

And we close with the title track from the second album by L.A. based electronic indie band Forester. A lovely song and a great way to close out this diverse set of music. 
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/21/2020 - Music City Monday - Hungry Fires Mix (Great Tornado Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Our Featured Friday Playlist Recap picks back up with songs 17-24:

17. "Nocturnal" by Black Needle Noise (feat. Helena Mamich)

First up today - we have the latest single from legendary producer John Fryer's Black Needle Noise project - here he is joined by Croatian-Australian soprano Helena Mamich.

18. "The Man" by Society 1 (feat. DMC)

Next up, we have a collaboration between L.A. band Society 1 (led by Lord Zane) with special guest DMC (as in Run DMC).  This hard hitting track sounds like a match made in...well - maybe heaven isn't the right word here... but this is damn good.

19. "Working Class Hero" by MANCHO

Chicago musician, producer, and music educator Marshall Greenhouse records as MANCHO, and he just released his cover of the classic John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band album - which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. MANCHO calls his version Plastic Oh No (2020).

20. "44HH" by Makoto San

French label Chinese Man Records introduced a new series of releases meant to highlight new artists.  The series is called DIG IT! and the first single came out earlier this month, and this is it.  Cool stuff.  The second is out now as well.

21. "All Right" by The Sacred

Next up, we have some hard rock from Nashville! The Sacred are a four-piece band - this was my introduction to them, and I dig it. The band have been crowd-sourcing their debut album.

22. "Mercury in Retrograde" by Departure Lounge

Next up, we have the first single from the forthcoming reunion album by this UK band - whose initial run was from 1998-2002. Peter Buck of R.E.M. plays on the new album Transmeridian which is due out next year.

23. "Cancel Cult" by Pushing Veronica

L.A. band Pushing Veronica believe rock and roll should have a message and that the message should be loud. This new single features a video that includes imagery from A Clockwork Orange. 

24. "Save My Heart" by Madisyn Whajne

And we close out this segment of music with the title track from the debut album by this Canadian First Nations singer-songwriter. An impressive debut, and a great sounding record.

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/18/2020 - Featured Friday - Digital Daze Mix (Computer of Love Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

And, I am back.  Just in time for another Featured Friday Playlist.  This one covers two weeks and is extra long as a result.  Things look pretty slow for next week with Christmas - so I may take two weeks to recap this one. In any event, I am starting with the sixteen songs - below the jump.  Be sure to check out the Playlist and Follow it on Spotify.  We are fortunate to have a good number of followers. I try to make each week's Playlist as diverse as possible with an emphasis on independent artists.  A reminder - the order of the Playlist while not entirely random (and not entirely planned either) is not a ranking - just an order. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/10/2020 - It's Okay to Not Be Okay - It Just Happens Mix (White China Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

UPDATE:  This is the post I had prepared last Thursday when I received the devastating news of the sudden loss of one of the members of my immediate family. Obviously, I never completed this post. Over the weekend, as we have been dealing with the loss and saying goodbye, I have thought about it, and I have decided to post this - as is it stands now.  I am going to take the rest of this week off - except I will be posting a new Featured Friday Playlist on Friday which will cover two weeks worth of new and recent music.  Next week - believe it or not - is Christmas week. So far - the new releases for Christmas week are pretty slim - so I have been working on a E2TG Christmas Playlist which I will be unveiling.  I am off the next two Thursdays and Fridays after this week, so I will have to see how posting goes for those days.  

In the meantime - enjoy the final part of our Featured Friday Playlist recap from last week and check out the Shuffle below for some random music from 2014-2020 without any explanations. The video playlist covers either the songs or at least the artists listed. 

I will be back. Thanks for your patience. 

Whew! We have made it to the end of this week's Featured Friday Playlist - at 55 songs and almost three and half hours this was our longest Playlist yet - coming on the heals of one of our shortest...  Today - we wrap up our recap with songs 46-55:

46. "Faceman" by Death of a Legend

First up, we have the debut single by a new rock band out of Milano, Italy - formed by members of that city's hardcore scene.  An impressive debut. 

47. "Reach out your hand - Radio Edit" by Gus Force

Next up, a new single from Sweden about the state of the world and how even though we have to be physically apart - we still need one another.

48. "In Tune" by Meilir

Next - we have the title track from the debut album by this experimental singer-songwriter from Wales. We have featured a lot of interesting music from Wales lately. 

49. "Enough Fears" by Scenius

Scenius returns to the Playlist - with the title track from their debut album. Scenius is the band featuring UK producer Steve Whitfield and French singer Fab Nau. Great stuff.  

50. "Your Decision" by IN Peril

Next up, we have the second single by this hard rock band from Northampton. 

51. "Live As Myself" by Ludovico Technique

Next up, we have the latest single from New York based Industrial goth metal band Ludovico Technique. Great to have some industrial music in the playlist. 

52. "Alessa" by Rainfredrick, Monalisa Stephen

Next up, we have a new song from this rapper, singer/songwriter and entrepreneur who was born in Nigeria and who is currently based in Mexico.  This song features a Monalisa Stephen who is a singer based in Nigeria. This track is in Spanglish - a dialect that combines Spanish and English. 

53. "Flowers" by Dankrupt

Next up - an alternative Reggae song from this band - who I believe are based in Los Angeles. 

54. "Risk It All - Hillsdom Remix" by Belau

Next up, a brand new remix single from this Hungarian electronica band who have been featured on BBC and in Rolling Stone. 

55. "So Close" by Thrillsville 

We previously featured L.A. darkwave artist Thrillsville earlier this year with his pandemic inspired single "Lockdown". He is back with a new EP called Say Goodbye to the Light. A massive sound to close out this massive playlist.  

See you tomorrow with a brand new Playlist!

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/9/2020 - The Best I Can - No Good Fool Mix (Minor Key Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

We have reached the penultimate Featured Friday Recap Post - Songs 36-45:

36. "Oh Oh Oh" by Eckhardt And the House

Up first today, a great new single from The Netherlands. The music is meant to have a late 70s - early 80s vibe and was inspired by a documentary about Edward Snowden and a German film set in 1984 East Germany.

37. "harlem" by small dogs

Up next, we have the latest single from New York based and recent transplant from London - George Barnett who records as small dogs. Digging this. 

38. "Dance in the Rain" by James Burt

Next up - the first of two songs about rain. First up, we have the debut single from a UK based pop artist. Pop music has and still does mean different things. I like this song quite a bit. An impressive debut.

39. "Rainy Day" by Murdocco

More rain... this track comes from Mariana Murdocco who was born in Uruguay, got her musical start in Barcelona, and is now based in London. The inspirational track features piano and a heavy bass line. 

40. "Stay in Bed" by Julia Van Daam

Stay in Bed is the latest single from Providence, RI native and Boston based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Julia Van Daam. The song delivers a powerful message and asks hard questions about the state of our nation.

41. "Going Down - Ferry Corsten Remix Edit" by Kosmonova

Shifting gears dramatically, we have a pounding, electronic dance number from German DJ Kosmonova - who had some chart hits in the 2000s.

42. "Criminals, Cannibals, and Animals" by Sam Seibert

Up next, some hard rock via Delaware based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sam Seibert. 

43. "County Lines" by Ventrelles

Up next, we have a new single by the Manchester band Ventrelles - led by Phil Knox who formed the band after returning to Manchester after living in Chicago for a time. 

44. "End is Near" by Ferko, Rostany, Vic Villian

Next - we have our second track in this week's playlist which came to us via The Eastern European Music Academy. Ferko is based in Glasgow but originally from Budapest, Rostany is a three-piece EDM band from Belarus - their band member Vic Villian contributes to this track which like the track we featured yesterday from Karo Glazer and Zsud - is featured on  2020 Compilation put out by the Eastern European Music Academy.  

45. "Season's End" by Facing Mountains

And finally, we have a track from the debut EP by Dutch composer Xander Slikker who is performing as Facing Mountains.  Currently based in North Macedonia, the music here is a lovely mix of chamber-pop/folk and indietronica/folktronica. This was a direct artist submission, and I was pleased that Xander actually listened to an earlier playlist and dug the music of my friends The Smoking Flowers. Great stuff. 

Tomorrow - we wrap up this very long and very diverse Playlist with songs 46-55
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/8/2020 - You Never Can Tell - Evolution Mix (Eternal School Bus Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

I'm a little short on time, but what I was thinking about with "You Never Can Tell" in the title - is  the unpredictable nature of life sometimes... I mean, sure, life can fall into routines and can seem very predictable for some time, but the fact is everything can change in a moment. That can be frightening, but I TRY to reframe it is exhilarating. It doesn't mean that the change is always what one could consider welcome or "good", but the exciting part comes when you treat life as an adventure.  None of us are getting out of here alive. Religions or philosophies can tell us what (if anything) comes next after life, but the truth is we don't know.  So, if we accept the temporary nature of this existence then I think we can face the uncertainty of life in hopeful anticipation.  

Look, my philosophy in this matter doesn't shield me from pain or from being angry or scared when life throws a curve ball, but it can and has helped me through to the other side of that momentous change. 

Nothing in my 54 years caused me to predict or anticipate all that 2020 had in store for me and the rest of the world. And, in a million years, I would not have wanted any of the bad things to happen to myself or others, what I do know is that I was forced out of a routine (and maybe into another), but it has been at least a chance to reset some things and begin to forge some new paths. 

I started to write that nothing in my 54 years prepared me for what 2020 had in store, but I don't think that is true. I was prepared - even if I didn't know it at the time. Life moves on - whatever moment I look back on is gone. That is a loss but it is also an opportunity - an adventure. 

Our Featured Friday Playlist recap rolls on with ten more songs - today: 26-35

26. "Water Rising" by Dan Lipton

We start things off with the title track of the recently released by DC based singer-songwriter Dan Lipton. A wonderful song to kick off this segment of music.

27. "Counting Up" by The 1984 Draft

Our next track is part of a 7" released called Destination Breakdown by this rock band from Dayton, Ohio.  The rock band previously released a compilation track, a pair of EPs, and full-length album. They also made an appearance in an NFL Films documentary about the actual 1984 NFL Draft.

28. "Rat vs. Mole" by The Amber Bugs

Next up, a fun track from a London indie band who enjoy exploring many different genres and sounds.

29. "Until I Find That Road" by Tinkers Lane

Next up, we have another UK band - this from Milton Keynes - 50 miles northwest of London.  The song written by the band's front man Ian Roberts from letters that his father wrote to his mother when his father moved to England from Scotland ahead of his family.

30. "Don't Play the Fool" by Karo Glazer; Zsüd

Our next track is girl power manifesto from Poland via the Eastern European Music Academy.  Zaro Glazer is a Polish vocalist, producer, and composer known as Lady Dynamite. Karo Glazer is a vocalist, composer and music producer.

31. "ITRL" by Madeleine Mayi

ITRL = In the Right Light. Next up, we have a new single from L.A. based singer-songwriter Madeleine Mayi. 

32. "The Business Deal" by Quiet Marauder

We next head to Cardiff, Wales - with a track from the Tiny Men Parts EP. The EP is a reimagining of the band's 2013 debut Men - which clocked in over 5 hours and 111 songs. This song is every bit as fun and wonderful and you might imagine from a band that would release such a debut album.

33. "Perfect Storm (Lupine Mix)" by Weird Wolves;The Singularity - Julian Shah-Tayler

We have previous featured Julian Shah-Tayler aka The Singularity - the UK born, L.A. based artist. Here he teams with Austin, Texas based Weird Wolves for a great track.

34. "Lundi Matin" by Kaky

Kaky is a French rapper who recently signed to RCA/Sony France. This really wonderful song is filled with great energy and a fun story - even if you don't speak French.

35. "Woman in Red" by Victor Jones 

 We close things out with the lead single from a forthcoming (this Friday) wintery chamber pop album called Long Cold Night Walk.  This is really excellent stuff. A great ending to this long segment of music. 

We still have twenty songs to go in this week's playlist - more than last week's playlist in total.  Songs 36-45 tomorrow.
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/7/2020 - Music City Monday - Things Change Mix (Cold as Hell Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

December 7, 1941 is a date which will live in infamy.  That was 79 years ago - when the Japanese attacked United States ships at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Over 2,000 Americans died that day. It was  the event that cause the U.S. to finally enter World War II. 

The likelihood is that more that number will die today from COVID-19. And although it may be fair to say the two things are not really comparable - I think it is worth noting that Pearl Harbor prompted a swift and sure response from the U.S. Government and that the majority of Americans supported those actions. 

I think it is reasonable to believe that this time in our history will be one that will live in infamy.  History will judge the lackluster response of the government and the lack of leadership that helped create a lack of a unified response. And how all of that contributed to many of those who have died of COVID-19.  

No American politician or government official caused the COVID-19 pandemic just as no American politician or government official caused the attack on Pearl Harbor, however, the American response to Pearl Harbor had been as poor and mismanaged and muddled as the response to COVID-19 - the subsequent events and history would be much different. 

We have a long way to go on this week's Featured Friday Playlist - so let's pick right up with songs 16-25:

16. "New Failures" by Ten Ton Hammer

First up, we have the title track from a new EP from the hardcore band that formed in Philadelphia in 2014.  They recorded this EP under quarantine from different locations across the country.  A raucous start to this segment of music.

17. "The Minit" by Fred Abong

Fred Abong is best known as the bassist for Throwing Muses.  He returned to music in recent years - having spent the time away as a Humanities professor.  His new release is called Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

18. "Nothing From Nothing" by A.J. Croce

Next up, we have the lead track from A.J. Croce's forthcoming covers album, By Request. The Nashville based singer-songwriter and musician - takes on the 1974 Billy Preston song. 

19. "City" by American Merit

Next, we have the debut single from Texas based rock band American Merit. The band has several singles planned for this month.

20. "Unbury Me" by Crows As Shepherds

Next up, we have some alternative metal from Spain. This is the first single from the forthcoming debut full-length album.  Great stuff.

21. "Old Calendar" by Paul Yoon

Next up, we have a track from the new album by Houston, Texas based singer-songwriter Paul Yoon.  A really lovely song filled with genuine emotion.

22. "Let's Call It Love" by Bailey Bigger

Next, we have the title track to the debut EP by Arkansas based singer-songwriter Bailey Bigger. The EP was produced by Bruce Watson.  The 20 year old songwriter has already drawn comparisons to John Prine and Courtney Marie Andrews.

23. "Boomerang" by Pet Envy

Next, we have the recent single by the Nashville based indie band Pet Envy.  I dig it. 

24. "Titles and Frames" by Un Rodo Cora

Next up, we have the title track to the fifth album by the Stockholm based collective whose members have roots in the US and India.  A great song.

25. "Bad Karma" by Gray Bouchard and the Dedications

We close this segment of music with a recent single from Massachusetts based Gray Bouchard of Salem Wolves along with his band The Dedications.  The track is a cover of a recent release by The Devil's Twins.  A great way to end this segment of music.

Tune in tomorrow, when we have ten more songs to recap. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/4/2020 - Featured Friday - Dumb it Down Mix (Delightfully Devilish Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Well, well, well - a combination of a several post-Thanksgiving releases and my catching up on my inbox means we have our biggest Featured Friday Playlist ever: 55 songs and nearly 3 1/2 hours of music.  That means I have my work cut out for me recapping, but I will do it. Maybe expect fewer words per song... maybe... I am typically not good at fewer words...

The recap begins below the jump with the first 15 songs!

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/3/2020 - The Home Stretch - Second Hand Nudes Mix (Clown School Dropout Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

So, this is how my mind works... I was first thinking about how annoying it is when someone keeps trying to convince you that you should like a particular artist. Like, if in conversation, you say that you don't care for (fill in the band/artist) and someone keeps insisting that you just haven't listened to the right album or that you need to listen again or whatever... 

My next train of thought was to try to justify why people do that... (my theory) deep down, we all want to find ways to connect with other people (though some of us are really bad at it). Music is one way we can connect with others. So when we find someone with similar tastes in music - we may try to build on that connection. So, when we learn that this person with whom we have made a connection don't share our love a favorite artist/band - we may try to "force" that connection - and think they must not have listened or listened properly. 

Then again, some people are just jerks who think their opinion is the only one that matters. :-)

And just like that, it is time to wrap up our recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist and prepare the way for a brand new playlist coming up around midnight (or tomorrow if I fall asleep early as I have done once before).Songs 17-19

17. "Wintering" by BlackSheepLad

Earlier this week, another track from Sleeping Alone in the Daytime showed up in the daily shuffle, and I teased this track. As a music fan, I have been inspired by the creativity that has come out of this most challenging year. BlackSheepLad (Phil Mellen) has had more than his share of challenges this year, but out of that he has crafted a really wonderful record. 

18. "Coming Home" by Lady Buds

First of all, I challenge anyone to try to type Lady Buds without at least once typing Lady Bugs.  But anyway, Lady Buds are a Liverpool-based duo who are described as travelling indie/folk urban new age rock.  This is the opening track from their new album From the Cities.... to the Shores.  By the way, I wasn't sure I understood all those descriptors/genres, but upon listening it actually makes sense - in a good way.  This is a really great track. My mind almost makes connections to several different earlier bands/artists, but truly the band as a really unique sound.

19. "Goddess Pt.1" by Shadi G 

Swedish singer-songwriter Shadi G - like Lady Buds - hits on several different sounds and genres to create something unique.  This new single has elements of jazz, r&b, soul, hip-hop, and Persian music. Shadi G has a wonderful voice. She also formed her own record label in 2017.  I always say, I like to end each playlist with some of the most interesting music in the Playlist, and all I can say is mission accomplished this week. 

This week's list was shorter than previous weeks, but it was not short on great songs. Every week, I look forward to discovering some great new (to me) artists and catching up with some old (to me) favorites.  It is my sincere hope that those who check out E2TG or even just peruse the Playlist will discover some new favorites. 

         

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/02/2020 - The Middle Part of the Title - More to Rust Mix (Cold Hard Curve Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

As I mentioned the other day, as I do every year, I take stock of E2TG and what I might do differently.  One question that always comes to me and that I always struggle with is should I focus of featuring less music but be more in-depth or do I continue to cover as much music as I can - even if that means I can only write a little about each song/album/artist. 

Of course, I had plans for this year that due to 2020 never came to fruition, but overall, I am happy about how things have worked out. The Featured Friday Playlist has gained followers and I have gotten so hear so many great new artists. 

Initially, I thought I might just list the shuffle songs with no exposition and only focus on writing about new songs - but to be honest, I was never comfortable with that approach. I do know that longer reviews, interviews, etc. would be great, but right now, I am just not in the headspace to do those. Maybe that will change as we slowly emerge from this crisis - whenever that slow emergence begins.  

Some aspects of what I do have become harder - and it is really minor annoyances. Like tagging of Facebook. I like to tag featured artist on Facebook - 1. to let the artist know I wrote about  them and 2. so that interested readers can check out the social media pages of the artists featured. It has, however, become more difficult and  burdensome to tag pages on Facebook. To me, it used to be easier - now sometimes you have to use the exact format of how the page URL is named or Facebook brings up the artist's personal page first instead of the artist page - AND it won't let a page tag a personal page. 

The other thing which I posted about on Facebook is that it has become harder and harder to figure out where a band or artist is from. I am not sure if that is intentional for some reason I don't understand, but it is something I like to know and share. 

Any way, just being transparent about my process.  E2TG will be entering its tenth year soon, and it has survived this long by adapting to the changing circumstances and by my posting on a consistent basis. 

We continue on with our Featured Friday Recap... songs 14-16

14. "I Just Want U Here" by Xelfiy 

Up first, we have a direct artist submission that actually came in right as I was putting together this week's playlist. The e-mail was so genuine, and the song really caught me. Xelfiy is a young artist - I don't know much about him but this song is dedicated to his late father. Dig it!

15. "Tunnel" by Plastic Barricades

Next up, we have a track from the recently released Self-Theories by this duo who are based in London and Paris. Really interesting sound. 

16. "Lonely Landslide" by Perfectparachutepicture

And closing out this short segment, we have the newest single from the UK band known affectionately as PPP. Really nifty alt-rock. A great addition to the playlist. 

Tomorrow - we wrap up with weeks playlist.  Songs 17-19

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/01/2020 - Month 12 - Zombie Romance Mix (Foolish and Blue Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Well - it is the first day of the last month of the year. I guess I am sentimental or something - I always see the end of the calendar year as a good excuse to look back and make changes... in this most unusual of years - I am not clear about anything... but I do need to do some reflecting...

The upcoming music listing is getting rather skimpy - partially due to December being typically slow for new releases and partially due to my being way behind of going through my e-mail... 

Anyway, onward...

Our recap of this week's Playlist continues with songs 11-13:

11. "The Metro - Orchestra Version" by Berlin

The iconic L.A. synth pop band fronted by Terri Nunn reimagine some of their biggest hits with a full symphonic orchestra.  This was always one of my favorite songs by the band. Nashville's own Lemuel Hayes (Buck n Stuff) toured with the band last year as a drum tech and got to play drums for a couple or few shows. 

12. "Lord of the Flies" by Lars Finberg

L.A. singer-songwriter Lars Finberg is up next with a track from his second solo album Tinnitus Tonight.  Finberg is the leader of the band The Intelligence. Really dig this

13. "Mountains and Grooves" by Tuath

And, we close this short segment of music with the new single from the Irish band that originally formed to promote the Irish language. This fantastic single - the first in a series of singles - featured vocalist  Jude Barriscale of the band Lunch Machine. 

 

         

    Featured Friday Playlist