Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!
As we approach the 10th anniversary of E2TG - Ear to the Ground, I have been reflecting on the balance of constantly moving forward vs. taking time to reflect upon the past. I see artists who deal with this struggle in different ways: some artists/bands remove all traces of their early work from the internet while other artists find ways to "celebrate" their earlier work.
Overall, I support an artists right to deal with their earlier work however they see fit, but I would offers some thoughts to consider: 1. There is a certain type of music fan, who is interested in digging into the overall arc of an artists career. This type of fan isn't going to necessarily judge an older album as being inferior to the later work - but rather see it in the context of an artist find his/her/their voice. 2. Even if you ultimately decide to remove an album from the internet - that is not to say some intrepid music blogger night not dig up an MP3 from some remote sub-sub folder and bring it to light. So, be prepared to accept this with humility. 3. Consider keeping the music in your own archives because what is embarrassing today might be the source of personal nostalgia in a few year. I especially gear these unsolicited bits of advice to younger artists but I think it is relevant to anyone.
Of special note, when you or someone else is digging into the musical past - there are often complicated or painful things which may come up - bands that broke up under contentious terms, relationships that ended badly, tragic deaths. Especially the first two scenarios, I think it is similar to the questions surrounding an artist whose reputation has been sullied by words or actions. The eternal question of can you appreciate the art while reviling the person who made the art. Can you appreciate the output of the band regardless of how things ended for the band members...
In looking back over ten years of E2TG, there is a fair share all of the above and more. As a music blogger, I have to decide should I featured a song, an artist, or band - whose circumstances have changed - i.e. the work of a previous married couple... it is easier when it is a celebrity couple like Richard and Linda Thompson vs. people who one has come to know personally.
In my mind, all of that uncomfortableness is part of the work in examining the past - which overall is important work.
Anyway, onward...
Featured Friday Recap Part 3 (Songs 17-21):
17. "Quarantine Blues" by Tombstones in Their Eyes
L.A. based psych-shoegaze band Tombstones in Their Eyes return with an new album called Looking for a Light. We first featured this band back in 2018, and it is great to have their heavy rock sounds back on E2TG.
18. "Not the Same" by Recreation!
Next up, we have the first of two tracks from the French label Chinese Man Records - Dig It! series. First up, we have a track from this electro, hip-hop, groove band from France. Great track.
19. "Hasta Siempre" by SupaChill, Mary May, Nuffsaid
Our second track from Chinese Man Records and their Dig It! series comes from SupaChill who combines hip hop, rap, and salsa. Joined here by Mary May and Nuffsaid. Dig it! I do!
20. "Sweetness and Pain" by Sarah McQuaid
Next up, we have a recent single from the forthcoming album and video series, the St. Buryan sessions from this UK based singer-songwriter. A stunning a capella song. Really lovely and a fascinating project.
21. "Cruel" by Atomic Bronco
And we close out this segment of music with the first taste of the forthcoming EP Spectrum from this UK-Based US slacker rock band. I love this sound of this one.
Featured Friday Playlist
