E2TG 6/30/2021 - End of the Month As We Know It - Uninspired Mix (Bad News Remix)

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Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 6) (songs 41-46):

41. "Uninspired" by Assorted Orchids

Lead track from the debut album by this 35 year old Massachusetts artist. 

42 "Another Song About Money" by Paige Garabito

New single from this L.A. based singers/songwriter. 

43. "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself" by Colin Hay

Former Men at Work leader Colin Hay with the title track from his forthcoming new covers album - a cover of a Dusty Springfield classic.

44. "Heart's On Fire" by Tom Tikka & The Missing Hubcaps

Latest single from this indie rock band from Finland. 

45. "J Paul Getty" by Nicholas Tremulis & The Prodigals

The second single from the forthcoming Rarefied World album (due in August) from this genre bending Chicago based artist. The first single was a re imagining of the Stooges classic "I Wanna Be Your Dog". 

46. "Even My Roses Are Blue" by Dominique Pruitt

Prayers for Rain - the new EP from L.A. based Pruitt is due out this week. This is a single from that album. A great way to close out this segment of music. 

    Featured Friday Playlist

Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 7) (songs 47-52):

47. "Bad News" by Scott Sharrard 

The latest single from the Grammy-nominated guitarist best known as the lead guitarist and band leader for the late Gregg Allman. 

48. "Wildflower in the Desert" by Last Year's Man

Next up, we have the latest single from Eugene, Oregon based producer and songwriter Tyler Fortier who performs as Last Year's Man.  

49. "Escalator" by FLDPLN

Next up, we have the recent single from Phoenix based dream-electronic artist FLDPLN (Andrew Saks - former front man of the Southern California shoegaze band Sway).

50. "The Devil's In New Orleans" by Jeff Tuohy

New York City based songwriter and rock musician Jeff Huohy takes us down to The Big Easy with this wonderful new track. 

51. "Love Me Like That" by Harriet Rose

This next track came as a suggestion from a listener to the Ear to the Ground radio show (listen for this on a near future show). Rose is a country/Americana singer-songwriter from the UK. 

52. "Make Sure" by Kenneth Whalum

Next up, we have our second featured track from Memphis based artist Kenneth Whalum - which will be on his forthcoming Broken Land 2 album due July 16.

53. "San pedro - Toulon" by Hifiklub

And we close (and will open tomorrow) with this epic, international collaboration between the French experimental group Hifiklub and Mike Watt & The Secondmen with Il sogno del marinaio. It is from a release called I mean alarmed - two 20+ minute tracks - the other track is "Toulon - san pedro"  Great instrumental experimental music to close out the day. 

NO VIDEO PLAYLIST TODAY

NEW AND RECENT RELEASES

THIS WEEK

6/28 - Soft Riot - Second Lives (LP)

6/30 - Trio Nilo - Planeta Desierto (LP)

7/01 - Remains - "City of July" (single)

7/02 - Emma-Jean Thackray - Yellow (LP)

7/02 - Joel Tyler Wall - Green Wave (LP)

7/02 - Jennifer Tefft - "A Little More" (single)

7/02 - Adam Kurtz - Hi, Society (EP)

7/02 - The Two Man Travelling Medicine Show - Boomtown (LP)

NEXT WEEK

7/04 - John PayCheck - We All Have a Story (LP)

7/06 - Boyracer - Assuaged (LP)

7/09 - Leo Crandall - They're Cutting Up Betty's Dress Tonight and Other Hymns (LP)

7/09 - Ben Reddell Band - ¡LA Baby! (EP)

7/09 - The Light Show - Round and Round (LP)

7/09 - Wild Earp & the Free For Alls - Dyin' for Easy Livin' (LP)

7/09 - Ro Halfhide - Paint The Town (LP)

7/09 - The Gorstey Lea Street Choir - ...from Prince's Park to Farsley - Volume I (LP)

7/09 - Tylor & The Train Robbers - Non-Typical Find (LP)

UPCOMING

7/12 - Steve Dawson -At The Bottom Of A Canyon In The Branches Of A Tree (LP)

7/13 - Upupayāma - Upupayāma (LP)

7/14 - AP Tobler - Alternate Vision (EP)

7/16 - Blue Glass - Jardin des Étoiles (LP)

7/16 - Georgia English - "Where Are You Now?" (single)

7/16 - Jon Byrd - Me and Paul (EP)

7/16 - Mark Duggan - "Run Out the Distance" (single)

7/16 - Clint Morgan- Troublemaker (LP)

7/17 - Messer - "Name (Goo Goo Dolls Cover)" (single)

7/21 - Dominique Pruitt -Prayers for Rain (LP)

7/23 - John McTigue III - It's About Time (LP)

7/23 - Art Schop - Starguide (LP)

7/30 - FLDPLN - "Escalator" (single)

7/30 - Georgia English - Pain and Power 

7/30 - The Nautical Theme - Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed (EP)

7/30 - Lightning Love - November Birthday (reissue) (LP)

8/06 - Colin Hay - I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself (LP)

8/07 - Massage - Still Life (LP)

8/13 - F. Scott and the Nighthawks - Hold Onto Your Heart (LP)

8/20 - Malcolm Holcomb - Tricks of the Trade (LP)

8/20 - Darrin Bradbury - Artvertisement (LP)

8/20 - Andy Peake - Mood Swings (LP)

8/20 - James McMurtry - The Horses and the Hound (LP)

8/20 - Grace Morrison - Daughter (LP)

8/20 - Lindsay Jarman - The Gallery (LP)

8/25 - Jeff Tuohy - Hudson Delta (LP)

8/27 - Ben Stalets - Everybody's Laughing (LP)

8/27 - Mikaela Finne - Time Stands Still (LP)

8/27 - Divine Horsemen - Hot Rise of an Ice Cream Phoenix (LP)

8/31 - Nicholas Tremulis - Rarified World (LP)

9/?? - Laura Mihalka - Feels Electric (LP)

9/01 - Remains - Millennial Nation (LP)

9/10 - Air-Cool Jenny - First Flight (EP)

9/14 - Chris Robley - A Filament In The Wilderness or What Comes Next (LP)

RECENT

6/03 - Bilbosa (feat. Lori Sky) - "Neon" (single)

6/04 - Lanterna - Hidden Drives (LP)

6/04  - Ammo - "Rose + Crown" (single)

6/04 - Cloud Eleven - Pandora's Box (LP)

6/04 - Steven Faulkner - "Time After Time" (single)

6/04 - Some Swords - The Eve of the End (LP)

6/04 - Swift Silver - Swift Silver (LP)

6/04 - Amelia White & Brett Ryan Stewart - "Somebody to Hold" (single)

6/04 - Amelia White & Brett Ryan Stewart - 11 A.M. (EP)

6/04 - Jayson - "Body Work" (single)

6/04 - Ro Halfhide - "Hey Hey" (single)

6/04 - Speed the Plough - "Thunder and Snow" (single)

6/04 - Art Schop - "Farm on Mars" (single)

6/04 - Moonchy & Tobias - Venus Mirror (EP)

6/04 - Soulful Femmes - It Is Well With My Soul (LP)

6/04 - Tape Waves - Bright (LP)

6/04 - Annie Keating - Bristol County Tides (LP)

6/04 - Rid of Me - Last (3 song single)

6/04 - Mary Hott with The Carpenter Ants - Devil in the Hills: Coal Country Reckoning (LP)

6/04 - My Name is Ian - Fantastic Company (LP)

6/04 - Pastel Coast - Sun (LP)

6/11 - Soda Cracker Jesus - "Drug My Soul" (single) 

6/11 - Afton Wolfe - Kings for Sale (LP)

6/11 - Florel Daze - "Holes" (single)

6/11 - Larry Mindel - "Whisper the World Away" (single)

6/11 - Late TV - "Night Tennis" (single)

6/11 - Muscle Vest - Live Laugh Loathe (EP)

6/11 - Mothgal - "Better Now" (single)

6/11 - Christina Larocca - "The New Normal" (single)

6/11 - The Stars of Disaster - In the Trough of the Wave (LP)

6/11- Garrett Weiland - What Keeps the Heart Afloat (LP)

6/11 - Supermutt - Sinner's Boast (LP)

6/11 - Poggy - No More I (EP)

6/11 - Rafa - "Lullaby" (single)

6/12 - Merv Pinny - "When I See Your Face" (single)

6/15 - Chris Connelly and Monica Queen - The Birthday Poems (LP)

6/15 - The Attractor Beams - "Only" (single)

6/18 - Thomas Comerford - Introverts (LP)

6/18 - Alexandra Hainsworth - "Lose it With Me" (single)

6/18 - Rocket Report - Overmorrow (LP)

6/18 - Dreampark - "Time Machine" (single)

6/18 - Neker - Slower (LP)

6/18 - The Wind-Ups - Try Not to Think (LP)

6/18 - Keeley - Brave Warrior (EP)

6/18 - Silly Boy Blue - Breakup Songs (LP)

6/18 - Sunbourne Rd. - Manners maketh men (LP)

6/18 - The Catenary Wire - Birling Gap (LP)

6/18 - Doctor Lo - Claiborne Avenue (LP)

6/18 - Michelle & Jason Hannan - Cheater's Waltz (LP)

6/19 - Willie Durisseau - Creole House Dance (EP)

6/21 - BOI - Coron O Chwin (LP)

6/21 - Arms & Armour - Into This Wide Unknown (EP)

6/22 - Shiffley - Aperitif (EP)

6/23 - AP Tobler - "Eye for an Eye" (single)

6/24 - Bad Sauna - "Kaikki kotona" (single)

6/25 - L.S. Underground - The Grape Prophet (LP - Reissue)

6/25 - Massage - Still Life (LP)

6/25 - Lights by the Sea - "Eleanor" (single)

6/25 - Brent Seavers - BS Stands for Brent Seavers (LP)

6/25 - Ender Bender - New Era (EP)

6/25 - Cat Dowling - "Freedom" (single)

6/25 - Mikaela Finne - "Outlaw Women" (single)

6/25 - Routine Faces - Us vs. Them (LP)

6/25 - Jack Grace Band - What a Way to Spend the Night (LP)

6/25 - Sunshine & The Blue Moon - Born 2 Boogie (LP)

6/25 - Hilary Scott - Kaleidoscope (EP) 

6/25 - Sir Orfeo - Millefleur (LP)

E2TG 6/29/2021 - Last Tuesday of June - pots+pans mix (Nosferatu Remix)

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I think strange times are here to stay maybe... maybe times have always been strange but we are seeing more clearly or maybe we aren't seeing clearly at all... 

In some ways, it can feel like we are living in a post-Covid world, but it is clear from even a passing glance at the news that Covid is still here... and the Delta variant is a concern.  It is especially concerning because I fear that it will be hard to go back from where we are even if that becomes necessary. I mean, I know some people will but... for many... I wonder.

These are my thoughts when I would rather be contemplating trips and seeing friends and hearing as much live music as I possible can... 

Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 4) (songs 29-34):

29. "Know Me Better" by Natalie Duque

Los Angeles based artist from her recently released Gemini EP.

30. "Way Back Home" by Bastian Per

Next up, we have the epic title track from the 2nd album (a concept album) from this progressive metal band from Argentina. 

31. "Cheater's Waltz" by Michelle Hannan; Jason Hannan; Howard Parker

Next up, we have the title track from the recently released country/folk concept album by husband and wife duo Michelle and Jason Hannan along with their band's multi-instrumentalist Howard Parker.  They are all part of the Maryland based One Blue Night.

32. "Pilot" by Stephanie Erin Wittmer

Next up, we have the title track from the debut EP by this L.A. based Americana singer-songwriter. 

33. "Selected" by Rocket Report

Overmorrow is the debut release from this Manchester band featuring veteran musicians Jon Russell and Mark J. Stagg along with guitarist Robert McCullough.  The project came together remotely last year. 

34. "pots+pans" by Shiffley

We close this first segment of music with Brooklyn-based synth-rock band Shiffley from their recently release Aperitif EP. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/28/2021 - Skipping Stones - Eye for an Eye Mix (Shape Shifter Remix)

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So, this week, we are going to try something different.. because the Featured Friday Playlist is so long and my time is limited this week - we are going to forgo our usual shuffles for this week only and we will have two segments per day of our Featured Friday Recap.  This should allow us to get through the list more easily.  A ton of great music in the Playlist, so it will be good.  Enjoy!

Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 2) (Songs 16-23):

16. "Eye for an Eye" by AP Tobler

First up today, we have latest single from this 15 year old grunge poet from San Jose, California.  Her new EP is due out just after her 16th birthday. 

17. "That Chitty Bang Majik" by The Gorstey Lea Street Choir

Next up, we have our second track to featured from this UK band. I have become a big fan in a short time.  Great stuff. 

18. "Claiborne Avenue" by Doctor Lo

Next up, we have a fantastic New Orleans inspired title track from the new album from the singer-songwriter formerly of the jam band God Street Wine. This is a fantastic song, and I can't wait to dig deeper into the album. 

19. "A Minor Hoolie" by Chirs Connelly (feat. Monica Queen)

The Birthday Poems album is out now (we previously featured an earlier single). The album is based upon the relationship between Scottish poet George Mackay Brown and his muse Stella Cartwright. This is an album worth checking out in its entirety.  

20. "Face On the Rail Line" by The Catenary Wires

Next up, we have a track from the just released new album from the iconic UK indie-pop band. I love this album. 

21. "I Wanna Go" by Wild Earp

Dyin' for Easy Livin' - the new album from this Chicago based country/western band is due out July 9.  This is the latest single. 

22. "Kaikki kotona" by Bad Sauna

We have previously featured tracks from the debut album by this Helsinki based band. Now, we have their brand new summer single. This is a band that has really caught my attention. 

23. "Pennywise" by Harri Larkin

And, we close with the latest single from this UK alternative pop funk trio who will be releasing Beach City in July.  A great way to jump out of the playlist recap for now. 

(more Featured Friday songs after the jump)
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/25/2021 - Featured Friday - Counting Roaches Mix (Wild Horses Remix)

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As I expected, after a week off, we have a 65 song 4+ hour Featured Friday Playlist - and it is jam-packed with great music.  So, strap in... I have something in mind to get us through the next week, but as usual, we will start with the first segment - this time 15 songs - down below the jump.

Usual disclaimers and stuff - follow the Playlist on Spotify.  If you hear music you like, support the artist in a meaningful way - off of Spotify (buy music and/or merch, spread the word, follow on social media and/or sign up for e-mail lists, see the band live if  they come to your town...)

On we go!

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/24/2021 - It's a Summertime Thing (with apologies to Chuck Prophet) - Throwing Two's Mix (Ambulance Blues Remix)

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We wrap up this two week-long Featured Friday Playlist recap... I always like to end each playlist on an interesting note... So Part 8 (songs 28-29):

28. "Biba Love" by Electrobuddha

First up, we have a fantastic recently single from this Scottish band with Psych disco tendencies and a sound that combines seemingly incongruous influences that shouldn't work but does. 

29. "Rock 'n' Roll Kills" by Razorbats

And we end with some straight ahead rock and roll from Norway - from the album Mainline Rock 'N' Roll. A wonderful sense of melody and a great way to close out this Featured Friday Playlist. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/23/2021 - Midweek Situation - Emerald Green Spring Mix (Hope in America Remix)

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Hitting my mid-week stride... this Friday, the new Featured Friday Playlist will cover two weeks of new releases plus other recent submissions we may just be getting to... We are currently wrapping up the current playlist which we originally posted on June 11.  

Featured Friday Playlist recap (Part 7) (songs 25-27):

25. "Lullaby" by Rafa 

First up, we have a new single from this Australian singer-songwriter - born of Dutch and Colombian parents - inspired by the birth of his first child. Rafa is joined by Syd Taylor of Stereo Jane. 

26. "Ain't so Kind" by Supermutt

Next up, we have the lead track from the new album by this rock and roll band from New Jersey. Great stuff. 

27. "Creepy Crawlie" by Muscle Vest

And we close this short segment with the lead track from the new album by this noise rock band from London.  A cool way to close us out. 

We wrap up the Featured Friday Playlist recap (which has spanned two weeks) tomorrow - with the final two songs. 

 
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/22/2021 - Oops, oh well - Lite Jive Mix (Fade Away Remix)

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Digging headlong into a new week, and getting back into the swing of going out to shows while trying to find some sense of balance while struggling with my FOMO issues. 

Anyway, let's go!

Featured Friday Playlist recap (Part 6) (songs 22-24):

22. "She Got a Thing" by Seth Michael

Latest single from this Nashville based singer-songwriter originally from Georgia.

23. "Holes" by Florel Daze

New single from Australian artist Ben Donnelly who records as Florel Daze. 

24. "No More I" by Poggy

We close this short segment of music with the title track to the new EP by UK based singer-songwriter Mary-Anne Hatton (aka Poggy)
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/21/2021 - Music City Monday & More - God & The Devil Mix (Static Swell Remix)

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We are back after a few days off - trying to get back in the swing of things...

Featured Friday Playlist recap (Part 5) (songs 18-21):

18. "FLIP" by Erin Coburn

First up, we have a recent single from this Kentucky based singer-songwriter who combines trap with 90s  flavored rock into an original sound. A great way to jump start our return from a couple of days off.

19. "Underclass Heart" by GAZ Price

Next up, we have a 27 year old singer-songwriter from the UK with his most recent single. 

20. "Better Now" by Mothgal

Next up, we have a Nashville based American-Australian pop duo of Courtney Wray and Alex Tomlins. This is their first release. 

21. "The New Normal" by Christina LaRocca

And, we close with a new single from L.A. based Renaissance woman Christina LaRocca with a song she started before the pandemic which took on some added meaning over the last year and a half. A great song to close out this segment of music. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/16/2021 - Let's Go! - Sue Mix (State of Mind Remix)

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As I previously posted, I am taking a few days off - so this will be the last post until Monday.  This week's Featured Friday Playlist recap will continue into next week. 

Featured Friday Playlist recap (Part 4) (songs 14-17):

14. "Here at Last" by Jane and John

First up, we have a track from this UK alt-pop duo that formed during the lockdowns with part of their most recent double A-side single. 

15. Heartbreak Hotel" by Late Night Feelings

Next, we have the title track to the debut EP from the project of singer-songwriter Karan Naik - who grew up in New Jersey but who is currently based in Austin, Texas.  It is the first taste from the forthcoming debut album by Late Night Feelings. 

16. "It's for Fun (That's All We're Living for)" by The Forty Nineteens

Next from their latest album, New Roaring Twenties - we have a track from this California garage rock band.

17. "Crack and the One Armed Baby" by Punk as a Doornail

And we close with a fun track from this long-running punk rock duo from California that featured drum and the skatar (a skateboard guitar) to create their sound which has evolved from pure noise to incorporate a variety of influences with out losing any of the edge. 
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/15/2021 - Counting Down - Medicine Mix (MIA Remix)

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All my life, I have been no good when I am anticipating something. Like, if I have somewhere to go at 8, I can be okay most of the day, but then at some point, I become consumed with getting ready or at least thinking about getting ready, I am tend to avoid doing things that I would more than likely have time to do.   

The same with a trip - when I have a trip coming up, and I have a hard time concentrating on anything else... and it is not like I am over prepared for the trip - I still procrastinate getting packed or whatever.... 

When I was a kid - Christmas, birthdays were the same thing - or if I ordered something - I could never put it out of my mind and then be surprised when it arrived -  no - if the order form said 6-8 weeks, I knew exactly when six weeks was and from week six to week eight I was constantly on the look out.

So yeah, I'm getting ready for a trip....

Featured Friday Playlist recap (Part 3) (Songs 10-13):

10. "Close" by Playyard

Latest single from Santa Barbera bases alt-pop duo. 

11. "Whisper the World Away" by Larry Mindel

New single from the UK folk/jazz singer-songwriter who released his debut album back in December. 

12. "The Music" by The Stars of Disaster

Track from a the new album by this Pittsburgh based band. 

13. "Night Tennis" by Late TV

We close this segment with a groovy track from this London-based four-piece band who combine art-pop and jazz among other influences.  The song is about the back and forth of a complicated date. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/14/2021 - Music City Monday and More - Magnolia Mix (Wide Awake Remix)

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We begin our short week at E2TG. I will be off Thursday and Friday - so I'm extending the recap of the Featured Friday Playlist through next week - so look for about four songs per day on the recap. 

Featured Friday Playlist recap Part 2 (songs 6-9):

6. "Smashing" by Xelfiy

We start off this segment of music with the latest release from this young, independent hip hop artist, who we first featured late last year. A cool track. 

7. "Resolutions" by Garrett Wieland

Next up, we have a track from the just released second album, What Keeps The Heart Afloat from this Texas songwriter. This song is about new beginnings and was written on New Years Eve.  

8. "Sawed in Half" by Pearls & Bones

Next up, we have a track from the album Cool Uncles by the alternative hip-hop band based in Toronto and Montreal.  The band formed in 2012 and employs a variety of divergent styles to create their sound. This lyrically brutal, musically pleasant track was inspired by the film Kill Bill. 

9. "Drug My Soul" by Soda Cracker Jesus

And, we close out this segment of music with the second single from this Seattle based project of musician Regan Lane - who has been an active part of the Northwest music scene for many years.  A great track to take us out today.  

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/11/2021 - Featured Friday - Longer Short-Sighted - Cemetery Blues Mix (8:30 Remix)

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So, here is the deal.  This week's Playlist is a little shorter than the past few, and I am going to be out next Thursday and Friday, so I'm extending this Playlist over the next two weeks. Stay tuned and follow the Featured Friday Playlist.  

Short-Sighted People in Power (Deluxe Edition)

One of my favorite releases of 2020 was Short-Sighted People In Power by Nashville's My Politic. The duo just announced a deluxe edition of the album which can now be pre-ordered on vinyl.  This edition includes two new songs, and you can get a digital download now if you pre-order HERE

One of the new songs, "Driving Around", adds a local touch to the album while maintaining the consistency of the theme and the concept.  You can check it out below

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/10/2021 - Stuff Goes Here - Record Collector Mix (End of My Rope Remix)

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Winding down another week. 

Had a fun night out hearing live music and seeing people - including seeing more people who I haven't seen in over a year.  

Featured Friday Playlist recap Part 5 (The Finale) (songs 33-38):

33. "Neon (feat. Lori Sky)" by Bilbosa 

First up, we have the new single from this collective from Italy - joined by singer originally from Ireland and now based in Scotland. 

34. "Distance" by Pastel Coast

Next, we have the new single from this French dream pop band. 

35. "Specchio Di Venere" by Moonchy & Tobias 

Next up, we have a track from the recently released 4th EP from the collaboration between vocalist Pat Moochy and multi-instrumentalist Todd Tobias. 

36. "Alma" by Fotis Delinikolas

Next up, we have the title track from the recent prog metal album from Greek composer and guitarist Fotis Delinikolas

37. "Sentiment" by Ventruss

We have a new single from this metal band from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Crushing.

38. "Exorcism - Video Series Edit" by Genus Ordinis Dei

We close with the ninth episode of the series Glare of Deliverance (we have featured several parts of this).  Genus Ordinis Dei are a pioneering symphonic death metal band from Italy.  Always good to have this band close out our playlist. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/9/2021 - Trying to Decide What to Say Here - Talk to God Mix (Just Like Hank Remix)

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Featured Friday Playlist recap Part 4 (songs 26-32):

26. "Missing You" by Shutter

First up today, we have a track from the most recent album by this New Jersey based alternative rock band. 

27. "Hidden Drives" by Lanterna

A lovely instrumental track from this Illinois-based project - primarily featuring the music of Henry Frayne. 

28. "Belleville Blues" by Swift Silver

Swift Silver are a duo who have worked together over a decade between Mississippi and North Carolina. Their self-titled debut album, just released, was recorded in Kentucky with brothers Kenny and Hayden Miles (of Wayne Graham). 

29. "Rose + Crown" by AMMO

AMMO is a L.A. based multi-instrumentalist. She is also a rock and roll photographer who grew up in Los Angeles.  

30. "Set You Free" by Soulful Femme

Next up, we have a track from the full-length debut from the Pittsburgh duo of  Stevee Wellons and Cheryl Rinovato. The pair are aided by a college of blues greats. 

31. "Hey Hey" by Ro Halfhide

Next, we have the second single from the forthcoming Paint the Town (Due out July 9) by this singer-songwriter and producer based in Amsterdam.  I dig this song. 

32. "Farm on Mars" by Art Schop

Art Schop is the project of rock musician Martin G. Walker - who was born is the U.K. and currently based in Brooklyn. This wonderful track deals with the harsh realities of colonizing Mars from the perspective of one lonely farmer. A wonderful expansive track to take us out of this penultimate segment of this week's playlist. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/8/2021 - Bustin' Out - Head Shot Mix (Smoko Remix)

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It's funny in a way... some thoughts as things begin to reopen... 

In the midst of the shutdowns and lockdowns, I am pretty sure at some point, I made the emotional declaration that if I got another chance, I would never miss another show (or some version of that) and that I would push through my anxiety and go to new, unknown places. 

I have loved the opportunities to get out and see live music, but it still remains a delicate balance. There is too much going on - even already - to do it all - plus my introvert energy gets used up so easily and recharge time is vital.  Also my anxiety about new, unknown places did not magically go away over the pandemic and in fact - there are new anxieties because everything is new and unknown - at least until it is not. 

So, while I hope to make some improvements - the fact is I will still work hard to strike the right balance, sometimes feel guilty about missing some shows, and forever be grateful for the ones I am able to see. 

Featured Friday Playlist recap - Part 3 (songs 19-25):

19. "Time After Time" by Steven Faulkner

First up today, we have the recent single from UK artist Steven Faulkner.

20. "Fantastic Company" by My Name is Ian

Next up, we have the long awaited new album from Welsh band My Name is Ian. This is the title track from that release which took two years to produce. 

21. "One Woman Man" by The Stars of Disaster

Next up, we have the emotionally powerful new single from Pittsburgh's The Stars of Disaster.  The new album, In the Trough of the Wave, is set for release this Friday. 

22. "Prey" by Javi Paton

I am just going to be honest, and I don't know how I was introduced to this music, and I don't know a whole lot about the artist. But, it is pretty cool. 

23. "If It Makes You Happy" by Rid of Me

Next up, we have a nifty cover of the Sheryl Crow hit from this Philadelphia noise-punk band. 

24. "Grace" by 4 Minutes Later

The story of this band began is 2018 with a tweet promising music coming soon. There were no band members listed, no band images, no tour dates, and no location. Just the promise - which captured a lot of attention. Then the music did come, but the band remained anonymous. With a planned tour postponed, it looks like 2021 will be the year that the band reveal themselves - but first we have this new single - which sound fantastic.

25. "Face On the Rail Line" by The Catenary Wires

And, we close this segment of music with a brand single from the iconic UK indie-pop band from their forthcoming Birling Gap album which is due out June 18. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/7/2021 - Music City Monday - Shallow Graves Mix (Hard Times Fell Remix)

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Back to it after a very nice weekend. 

Featured Friday recap Part 2 (Songs 12-18):

12. "My Father Took Me Everywhere" by Chris Connelly & Monica Queen

First up, we have the first single from the ambitious and inspired new album from Chris Connelly (who has worked with Ministry, Revolting Cocks and more). The album - called My Birthday Poems is due out on June 15 and is a fictionalized account of the relationship between Scottish poet George Mackay Brown and his muse Stella Cartwright.

13. "Don't Look Down" by Doug Kistner

Next, we have a solo single from keyboardist Doug Kistner - known for his work with 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, John Waite, and more. 

14. "Third Street" by Annie Keating

Brooklyn based singer-songwriter Annie Keating just released her new album Bristol County Tides on June 4. This is the lead track from the album. Great stuff. 

15. "Working Man's Dread" by The Contraptionists

Next up, we have the title track from the new album from L.A. based The Contraptionists, who bill themselves as a two-man, one-man band.

16. "Delicate Strong" by Scott Standley

Next up, we have a track from the debut solo album Victoria from this Austin native. The album combines Texas indie with neo-soul. The influences both traditional and modern come from an authentic place, and that shines through on this album. 

17. "Gone" by Desai (feat. Claire Donzelli)

Next up, we have a new single from this sixteen year old singer-songwriter and producer who is based in Washington D.C. Here he teams with fellow indie singer-songwriter Claire Donzelli who a native of Palo Alto, California. The song was written two years ago.

18. "Bewildered" by Ender Bender

And we close with a new single from Rome based, former L.A. resident 

Eddie Olguin who records as Ender Bender.  A great way to take us out of this segment of the playlist. 

         

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/4/2021 - Featured Friday - Battleship Chains Mix (Paper Piano Remix)

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We've reached the end of another week and that means that it is time for another Featured Friday Playlist. 

Thanks to everyone who has followed the Playlist on Spotify - it means a lot.  This week's list is about the same length as last week - I think I have hit upon a good size for the list. Hopefully, the bands and artists will cooperate with their release schedules. (Just kidding).

Let's go!

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/3/2021 - Okay, I Guess - Whisky Pyramid Mix (Baby Remix)

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As I continue to feel my way through this "new normal" and try to reintegrate going out to shows with everything else I do - I am finding sometimes it comes down to a case of what I want to do vs. what I have to do. It seems simple at first - obviously do the things you have to do first and then if you have time do the things you want to do... I think I have lived my whole life (more or less) by this method (or at least tried). (Not to say I haven't blown off responsibilities - because of course I have). 

I guess one of my reflections after 14 months of quarantine is to reexamine thinking like this. I think the first thing I have to do is step back and ask - who has certain things "have" to be done.  Like - I have to eat, sleep, file my taxes, pay my bills, do my day job).  But, I know I also put all sorts of things on my myself and call then "have tos".  And then use them as an excuse to neglect myself and then later bemoan that I am too busy or don't have time to do things I want to do. 

So this reexamination must include how I prioritize things,  how I over-commit myself, and how I fail to either recognize or honor my own needs for rest or recreation or whatever. 

This is an on-going process for me, and honestly, I sometimes get it wrong. Okay - I often get it wrong, but I am trying and hopefully, I am getting better. 

Featured Friday Playlist recap Part 4 (the finale) (songs 30-37):

30. "Heat Death" by Pennies by the Pound

First up, we have the new single from this Finnish band that mixes classic and psyche rock in an interesting way. 

31. "Invisible World" by Tony Steele and The Massacre

Next up, we have a recent single from this Liverpool based band that has undergone massive upheaval since their last release. 

32. "The Fear" by Oui Plastique

Next up, we have some electronica out of Denmark. Cool stuff. 

33. "9 Til 9" by Tom Auton

Next up, we have the latest single from this Welsh singer-songwriter. Dig this a lot. 

34. "Left in the Dark" by Sharone

From Morbid Illusion - the latest album from this Denver-based goth/metal rock artist. 

35. "Mundane" by Fiona Brown

The latest from this Belgian singer-songwriter. A great tune. 

36. "Unbroken" by Arcade Stories 

Next up, we have the second single from this Australian musical project of 

Adam Djensen. 

37. "Within" by Nature of Wires; Machina X

And to close us out of the week, we have this collaboration between UK artists Nature of Wires and Anglo-Burmese duo Machina X. A great way to close out another wonderful playlist. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/2/2021 - Midweek Already? - Evolution Mix (Monotony Remix)

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These short work weeks throw me off every time... It is Wednesday already? I'm glad, but I also have a ton to do this week. Oh well- music!

Featured Friday Playlist recap Part 3 (songs 22-29):

22. "Too Long" by Midsummer

Track from the Nothing Feels Right Anymore EP by this Wisconsin based alternative rock band. 

23. "Bought and Sold" by Oh Condor

From the Emergency Psychic album by this Dayton, Ohio based indie rock band. 

24. "Hummingbird" by Lea Thomas

Latest single from the Japanese-American singer-songwriter who was born in Hawaii and is now based in Brooklyn. 

25. "Home" by Akshit Dhall

Next up - this is not brand new but new to me -(he has a newer single) by this indie singer-songwriter from India. 

26. "What You Really Want" by James Alphonse

Latest single from this Canadian singer-songwriter whose work crosses several genre lines. 

27. "The Wake" by Foolproof

New single from a Canadian three-piece grunge band.

28. "Looking Glass" by Yes Factory

An indie art/pop band from Rockfort, Illinois with a new single that began in their hometown as an acoustic demo, moved to a farm outside of St. Louis for recording, then vocals, strings, and horns were recorded in Leeds UK before being mastered in London. A true international single. 

29. "Optical Wealth" by Cap'n Marble 

Next - part of a recently released double single from the forthcoming debut album by this indie pop/rock band from L.A. 

 

         

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/1/2021 - Short Week, Same Stuff to Do - By Your Side Mix (Something Big Remix)

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I love a three day weekend, but it is a fact that the four day work week that follows always requires the same amount of work as a five day work week... 

Also, your intrepid music blogger got to get on stage for the first time since the E2TG Residency in 2019 and this time in front of a bigger audience. It was at the benefit to help keep the Exit/In open and locally owned and operated which was held at East Park.  I was there representing WXNA, but on stage I was repping all of Nashville's independent radio stations.  

I absolutely love being on stage. One of my earliest memories (or at least I remember being told about it) was reciting the story of The Three Billy Goat's Gruff (from memory) in front of my pre-school class and parents. 

I have a lot of anxiety about a lot of things but for some reason - even Sunday knowing there was a huge crowd did not phase me at all. 

Anyway, lots to get to today. 

Featured Friday Playlist recap Part 2 (songs 14-21):

14. "Get Lost" by Ben Brown

From Sayonara Sorrow - the solo debut album of Austin based singer-songwriter songwriter Ben Brown. Although not as evident on this track - the concept of the album was to record thematically-connected songs too personal and intimate for a rock band setting and tie them together with the often grandiose saxophone stylings of Tim Cappello (best known for his appearance in The Lost Boys film). I really dig this song. 

15. "Wanted Man" by EB

The Parallel Sessions is the new EP from indie singer-songwriter EB (Elisa Bianchi) who was born in Como, Italy and is now based in London. 

16. "Gravity's String" by Graber Gryass

You may not think of Memphis and bluegrass in the same breath but the collective known as Graber Gryass may change that. This is a track from Spaceman's Wonderbox - their new album. 

17. "Dead End Lady" by Toler Gibson

Next, a track from The Days Before - the new album from the California duo of Kenneth Gibson and Gavin Toler. 

18. "Ballad of the Gobsmacked" by Three-Layer Cake

Some genre-exploding music from Mike Pride, Mike Watt, and Brandon Seabrook - from the new album Stove Top. 

19. "Big Worse" by Dude Safari

Next up, we have the third single (and our third to feature) from this Surrey based grunge power trio. I'm a fan. 

20. "Roll That Cotton" by The Kingspond Shantymen

Take A Turn Around The Capstan is the new album from this UK who sing shanties and drinking songs and the like. Really cool stuff. 

21. "Oh Yeah" by Jordana Talsky

And, we close out this segment of music with the new single from this singer-songwriter who uses vocal looping effects in her live performances. A great way to close out this interesting segment of music. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist