E2TG 2/7/2022 - Music City Monday - Suicide Weather Mix (Sunday Women Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

Another Monday and another Music City Monday.  Let's go!

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 10/11/2021 - Music City Monday - Doin' Fine Mix (Free to Breathe Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 2) (songs 9-12)

9. "Learn to Lose" by LadyCouch

First up, we have a track from the recent and long-awaited debut album from the Nashville band led by Allen Thompson and Keshia Bailey. 

10. "OK I'll Believe Ya" by Microwave Mountain

Last week, we featured the first of five songs and videos in five days by the Nashville band led by Jamie Timm.  This week, we have the fifth song. 

11. "Strong" by Charles Wesley Godwin

Up next, we have the second single from the forthcoming album by this singer-songwriter and West Virginia native. The album, How the Mighty Fall, is due out next month. 

12. "Half-Life Wilderness" by Glass Dove

And, we close out this segment with the title track from the new album by this synth rock/indie pop artist from Nashville. 
 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 10/8/2021 - Featured Friday - My Worries Mix (Human Condition Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

We reached the end of another week, and that means a new Featured Friday Playlist. A bit on the short side this week as I have not had a lot of time to dig into my submissions.  The list, though short, is packed full of great music. Enjoy and as always support your favorite independent artists. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 9/22/2021 - Fishing for Truth - No More Mix (What I Want Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

It is becoming obvious that this week is not going to be good for blogging like I want to... 

So - below is the next segment of our Featured Friday Playlist recap - please check out the songs.  Sorry I don't have time to write short summaries of each song/artist, but there is some great music so check it out. 

Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 4 - short version) (songs 30-36):

30. "Here We Go Again" by The Right Here

31. "Past is Prologue" by Shakespeare & the Blues

32. "Illusion Turns to Dust" by Lost Weekend

33. "Primrose" by Mums Favourite

34. "Charlatans" by Derision Cult

35. "Maggie" by Seafoam Green

36. "Gold" by Red Clay Revival 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 9/17/2021 - Featured Friday - Calumet Queen Mix (All in All Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2/5/2021 - Featured Friday - Favorite Goodbye Mix (Dada Bois Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

The Featured Friday Playlist is back!   I am mostly likely going to change up how I present the music on the playlist, but the most important thing is give it a listen.  I always try to pick a diverse collection of new and recent music.  I am sure there will be things you will like, and some that won't be your cup of tea. It's all okay.  If you feel inclined - please follow the playlist.  

By the way, I sort of (but just sort of) lied earlier this week. I said I was just going to move forward and not worry about "catching up" on what I missed while I was out. That is basically true, but this week's playlist does include a few choice tracks that came out during my January time away.  I am also not going to worry about explaining what is brand new and what has been out a couple of weeks.  If it comes to me, I will say something.  

And I am overexplaining again. 😀

As usual it is a collection of old friends and old favorites plus some new (to me) music.  

Enjoy!
 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 1/1/2021 - Featured Friday 2021 #1 - New Way of Life Mix (Feminine Walk Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

Posting the new Featured Friday Playlist and recapping the first ten songs.  

Consider this a bonus post.  The first "real" post of 2021 is coming Monday. 

 

    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 11/27/2020 - Featured Friday - Make a Mess Mix (Dark Castle Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

Quick post today. This week's Featured Friday Playlist is a little shorter than it has been in recent weeks. Partially due to the holiday and partially due to me being behind. 

Down below, we will featured the first sevn songs on the playlist.  We will feature the rest next week in this space:

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 10/30/2020 - All Hallow's Eve Eve - The Wrong Side Mix (Creep(y) Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

A convergence of happenings... still in a pandemic (and into a new wave), the U.S. elections are coming Tuesday, tomorrow is Halloween (and a full moon!), we fall back on the clocks, and I don't know, I'm sure there is more.  

Oh yeah, it is Friday, and we have another Featured Friday Playlist here at E2TG.  I continue to be blown away by the amount of music being released. We have to end this pandemic and get my musician friends back on the road touring so this poor music blogger can rest... just kidding, but I do want my friends to get back to it. 
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 10/06/2020 - Middle Part of the Title - Take it Easy Mix (Cutless Cruiser Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

My absentee ballot has officially been received by the Davidson County Election Commission.  I am urging all people with a conscience and a shred of basic decency to vote in this election if you are eligible. Make a plan. You may not like your choices but among the choices we have - the choice is clear.  Literally, lives and freedom and our country are all at stake. As with many of you, I know people who inexplicably still support this malignant narcissist and evil minions who support him. For now, I am going to stop trying to figure them out. It is just imperative that everyone who opposes this insanity vote.  I don't care if you are in a deep red state (like I am), a deep blue state, or a purple state - vote. We need this election to be a complete and unquestionable repudiation of the unprecedented attack on our democracy.  After Biden is elected - my far left friends and my centrist right friends can and should hold him and his administration accountable. But, before that - let's get him elected. 

I voted for myself but I voted also as a voice for my daughter who has intellectual disabilities (and all people with disabilities) who deserves a President who doesn't mock people like her and appoints people who want to take away their right to an education. I voted for my LGBTQ+ friends and family whose freedoms are under attack.  For people of color, for immigrant children who were ripped from their parent's and put in cages. For the world that my grandchildren and their grandchildren will inherit - which is in dire need to action to combat climate change - and not a President who rolls back decades of environmental protections.  

I am angry and I am scared, but I am fighting. 

Our recap of this week's Playlist rolls on. Songs 13-16 includes some better known artists with important things to say, a fun quarantine song from fun singer-songwriter, and some reggae to found it all out. 

13. "The New OK" by Drive-By Truckers

Surprise! A new album by Drive-By Truckers inspired by 2020. This is the title track - as usual Patterson Hood and company do not pull any punches. A great song that just had to make its way into my Playlist.

14. "Quarantine Blues" by Steve Poltz

Steve Poltz got his start (or at least first became known) co-writing songs with Jewel. He is an extremely funny and perceptive person who is always a joy to see live. My first time seeing him live was as an unexpected guest at a Darrin Bradbury residency at The Basement East a few years back. Poltz had been stranded in Nashville by weather. He later moved here (at least part time) and I have been fortunate to see him several times since then.  I love this song. 

15. "Times Like These" by Steve Earle

The Spotify release of Earle's RSD single (with "The Devil Put the Coal in the Ground"). The song is a chilling vision of the state of the nation. A song for our times. 

16. "My Teacher" by Kouatchou

And we close things out with a change of pace. Kouatchou was born in Cameroon and is now based in the UK.  This is the kind of uplifting music that I need right now.  Part of a double A single with a song called "Change" - this is a great way to close out this segment of music. 

Tomorrow - songs 17-20....
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 9/29/2020 - Muddling Through - Isle of Hope Mix (Life is a Movie Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

Muddling through... Interesting phrase... basically to do a somewhat decent job either with little effort or with little planning or without the proper tools. To me these are different concepts. Maybe I expend a great effort, but I don't plan and I don't have the tools I need. Or maybe, I plan but then don't extend the effort.  Or I plan and extend effort but don't have the proper tools... I muddle through and what needs to get done gets done - maybe in a half-assed kind of way. 

I don't think I like the expression, to be honest, especially in the context of 2020. To me it is too judgmental (or maybe that is just what I am reading into it). I think many of us are doing amazing work just staying somewhat sane and not completely falling apart. By pre-COVID standards - maybe we aren't excelling, but I am here to say, that's okay. 

So, I am getting through... but I am not going to say I am muddling through.  Onward!

Today our recap takes us to songs 11-14.... I am loving this week's Playlist:

11. "Talk to Me" by John Lensing

First up today, we have a really cool track from this singer-songwriter currently based in Denver. His music has elements of alt-folk and bedroom pop. It is rich and lovely. I dig it. 

12. "68th in Orbit" by Mt. Doubt

Next up, we have a track from the brand new album, Doubtlands by this Edinburgh-based band. This is their third album - with the sound evolving to this album which makes a powerful statement of band arriving. 

13. "September" by Lydia Loveless; Laura Jane Grace

One that I'm playing just because I want to... we recently featured Lydia Loveless playing with our friend Benchmarks. Now, she has released Daughter - her new album, and it is amazing.  On this track, she is joined by Against Me!'s Laura Jane Grace.  The intersection of punk and roots music which has been happening in the Mid-West for many years, is one of the most exciting things happening in music. Bands and artists like Two Cow Garage, Austin Lucas, and Lydia Loveless have an authenticity in both worlds and are creating memorable and important music. 

14. "Dig Deep" by Magnolia Bayou

We close out this segment of music with a track from Strange Place - the new album by Southern Mississippi based rock band Magnolia Bayou.  They are heirs to the long tradition of great music emerging from the swamps and bayous of that part of the Deep South. 

Tomorrow - 15-18...
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 5/10/2020 - Music City Monday - A Comeback of Sorts - Songbird Mix (Genius Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

And I am back!  Sorry for the extended and unexpected hiatus - it could not be helped, but I am happy to be back.

Last Wednesday, just before everything went down, I started a blog post - including a shuffle.  I didn't get to finish it, but here it is in all of its unfinished glory! Lost Shuffle!

Moving on.  Even though I was out of blogging commission, I have managed to keep up with the Featured Friday Playlist.  All the more reason to "Follow" the Playlist on Spotify and check back every Friday (usually updated sometime after midnight).

This week's list included some favorites and at least one new name to us.

New and recent music from Adrian + Meredith (from their Live at The 5 Spot Release), Tom Schreck - from his recent album Schrexit, Brian Wright & the SneakUps (from Lapse of Luxury), Marchelle Bradanini (aka Ponyboy - but releasing her first music under her own name), our old friends Sci-Fi Romance, Nashville singer-songwriter Paul Nelson, Cup, Eli Cook (who played our Residency in 2018), and Watch Clark.

By the way, apologies to everyone who has sent me music in the last couple of weeks. In some cases, I responded, but I didn't know I would be out as long as I was.  Be patient, and for those who had time sensitive submissions - I am truly sorry.

Let's get right to today's shuffle - after the jump!

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/30/2020 - Music City Monday - The Castle Mix (End of the Day Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

Yesterday, the news came out that John Prine was hospitalized and his condition critical with symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. This was after his wife Fiona had been previously diagnosed with the virus.  Today, an update: Fiona has recovered from the virus and John is stable. I continue to send all good thought and love to them and to all who are suffering.

Country music artist Joe Diffie passed away yesterday, the day before it was Alan Merrill who wrote, "I Love Rock and Roll" (among other songs).

There still seems to be a disconnect in taking the virus seriously enough. I went to the grocery yesterday, and I observed people in masks but also people who let their young children run around and touch everything within reach. Many churches have stopped holding services, but a few mega churches are defying the requests to do so.

Some people are mostly self-isolating but then getting bored and visiting friends and not staying 6 feet apart.

It appears that we are just in the early stages of this - as bad as it has been - and we face a long couple of weeks before we reach the peak and an even longer couple of months before this ends.  I urge everyone reading this to stay safe and take care of each other at a distance as best you can. We live in a hyper-connected world - technologically speaking. Rather than using that technology to spread contention and dissent, use it to spread love and light.  If you hear bad information being spread (whether by an individual or a government entity) combat by sharing good information.

The economic impact is very real and is affecting people of all kinds. But, protecting lives, I think must come first. Err on the side of caution. I don't think any of us will regret that.

Yesterday, E2TG band of the year, Ryan Sobb and the Dead Mall released an incredible video for their song, "Still Waiting".  The video was directed by the insanely talented Maxwell Sebastian.
Enjoy!  Then, check out the Music City Monday shuffle for even more Ryan Sobb.

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/9/2020 - Music City Monday - Dream Dreamer Mix (Flat Out Gone Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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



I realized that I failed to include the Tornado Relief Resources in my blog post on Friday. This is an on-going need that likely will not be going away anytime soon. The need is far-reaching across the city and across the state. Communities, businesses, people are affected.

The Nashville Scene has this list of volunteer opportunities. 

Here is The Scene's list of how to help and where to get help

Here is a Resource Guide from WXNA


There have been and are going to be numerous benefits shows going on in the days and weeks to come. I wish I had the ability to link to everyone.  For now, I will stick to the "Check Your Local Listings"

Some general things:

Double check before you donate. Unfortunately, there are scammers out there.

If you choose to volunteer, I recommend going through a organized effort - like Hands on Nashville.  If you drive to one of the affected areas - be mindful of where you park - do not block roads - even if there appear closed at the time of your arrival.

If your home is damaged, don't make hasty decisions about seeing - again, there are vultures waiting to take advantage of the situation.

Give what you can, do what you can do, and don't feel guilty about what you can't do.

It does seem like the last 3 months or so have been filled with loss and difficulties. It does have an impact that can be or seem to be cumulative. A small difficulty can feel like it will do you in (following on the heels of bigger losses). So, again, a reminder to talk to someone - get help if you need it, and for goodness sake be good to yourself and to each other.

Tonight, is the celebration of life for David Olney.  One of those losses, many of us have experienced. It is a "Celebration", and I intend to celebrate his life and his art - which moved me so much. But, it will likely also be another reminder of what we have all lost.

Now on to the Music City Monday Shuffle!

    Featured Friday Playlist

Music City Monday Shuffle:

A nice fun list for a Monday morning - overcast and warm...

"Dream Dreamer" by Aaron Lee Tasjan (from Karma for Cheap)

First of two tracks from ALT. 

"Teenager's Lament" by Loudon Wainwright III (from Years in the Making)

Man, Wainwright captures teen angst pretty well. 

"Devil's Hand" by Jonell Mosser and John Hall (from Little Black Dress)

From the same album that played on Greetings from Nashville.  Again, ask Sue to tell you a Jonell Mosser and John Hall story if you find yourself beside her at a bar.

"Stay Calm, Get Low" by Becky Warren (from War Surplus)

"The Killing Floor - Live" by Walk the West (from Return to Elliston Square Live at Exit/In 2008)

Untitled by Justin and the Cosmics (from Hangin' Out in My Body)

The untitled final track from the classic album that gave Justin Collins his social media handle. 

"Whatever Keep You Love Around" by The Singing Butcher (from The Butcher Papers)

Our last track to feature from The Butcher Papers, but we have some new music from Timothy George.

"Flat Out Gone" by The Bluefields (from Pure)

From the debut album... new music is on the way, and some can be heard on the band's website. 

"The Rest is Yet to Come" by Aaron Lee Tasjan (from Karma for Cheap)

"Our Lady of the Well" by Mary Bragg (from Our Lady of the Well - single)

Single from last year by the singer-songwirter.

"Cowboy Jack Clement's Waltz" by Todd Snider (from Cash Cabin Session, Vol. 3)

Recent release from Todd Snider - recorded by the famous Cash Cabin. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Recent and Upcoming Releases:

Recent:
1/16 - Margo Price - Stone Me (single)
1/17 - Mark Hummel - Wayback Machine (LP)
1/17 - Jonny Polonsky - "The Weeping Souls" (single)
1/17 - Them Airs - Union Suit XL (LP) (E2TG First Impression)
1/17 - Innocence Mission - See You Tomorrow (LP)
1/17 - David Dondero - The Filter Bubble Blues (LP)
1/17 - MONO INC. - "Warriors" (single)
1/17 - Damen - "Americana" (single)
1/17 - The Singing Butcher - "Circus Girl" (single)

1/17 - Simen Lyngroth - "Morning Light" (single)

1/17 - 100 Mile House - "Worth the Wait" (single)
1/19 - Merrill Beach - "Geen"/"Marimba" (single) (E2TG First Impression)
1/21 - Broads and Milly Hirst - "Happisburgh" (single)
1/22 - Davis Raines - Turquoise and Silver (LP) (E2TG First Impression)
1/24 - Kailey Nicole - Kailey Nicole (LP)
1/24 - Mrs. Henry - Live at the Casbah (LP)
1/24 - Aeronautical Pioneer - "Hop High" (single)
1/24 - Three Rivers Project - Confluence (LP)
1/24 - MONO INC. - The Book of Fire (LP)
1/24 - Dispel - Lore (LP)
1/24 - The New Nostalgia - "Nothing is New" (single)
1/24 - The Heliocentrics - "Burning Wooden Ship" (single)
1/24 - Electric High - "Harder to Justify" (single)
1/24 - J. Luke Cloutier - Drown (LP)
1/26 - Nik West - "Tears" (single)
1/28 - Motihari Brigade - Power from Below (LP)
1/29 - Remington Super 60 - NEW EP (EP)
1/31 - Eric Brace and Last Train Home - Daytime Highs and Overnight Lows (LP)
1/31 - Nick Pagliari - Midway (LP)
1/31 - Black Paisley - "Dreams" (single)
1/31 - Jolie Holland - Esconidida (Vinyl Reissue) (LP)
1/31 - John Dennis - Mortal Flames (LP) (E2TG First Impression)
1/31 - Emma Hill - How Could I Have Been So Wrong (EP)
1/31 - Ryan Sobb and the Dead Mall - Concrete Feelings (LP) (E2TG First Impression)
1/31 - Alexander Hacke (Einsturzende Neubauten) + Danielle de Picciotto (Crime and The City Solution) - The Current (LP)
1/31 - Drive-By Truckers - The Unraveling (LP)
1/31 - Kristen Englenz - "Rebound" (single)
1/31 - Damen - "Disco" (single)
1/31 - Tinsley Ellis - Ice Cream in Hell (LP)
1/31 - The Singing Butcher - "Coming Home" (single)
2/01 - Glenn Jones - Ready for the Good Times (LP)

2/02 - Karabas Barabas - Degenerate National Anthem (LP)
2/04 - Mayflower Madame - "Vultures" (single)
2/05 - Joseph Mooradian  - "We all Work Too Much"/"Dash My Dreams" (single)

2/07 -  Palm Ghosts -  Wide Awake and Waiting (EP)
2/07 - Emily Zuzik - "Trouble" (single)
2/07 - Chicago Farmer - Flyover Country (LP)
2/07 - Surrija - "Barcelona" (single)
2/07 - The Flyin' A's - No Holds Barred (LP)
2/07 - Christopher Paul Stelling - Best of Luck (LP)
2/07 - HMS Morris - "Babanod" (single)
2/07 - Tiny Fighter- "Strangest Thing" (single)
2/07 - Wynnm - "Fire on the Moon" (single)
2/07 - The Golden Cage Society - Mira (Mini EP)
2/07 - Alienbaby Collective - "Degenerate Moon" (single)
2/07 - Eric and the Anti-Vaxxers - Timeshare Girlfriend (EP)
2/07 - Sammy Brue - "Teenage Mayhem" and "Crash Test Kid" (singles)
2/07 - Lucille - "Kerikeri" (single)

2/07 - Jon Magnusson  - Always a Rebel (Live in Studio Silverräven) (single)

2/07 - Thomas Passon - "Über" (single)

2/07 - BisonBison - "Hover" (single)

2/07 - BisonBison - Hover (LP)

2/13 - Little Triggers - "Bang" (single)

2/14 - Grant Peeples - Bad Wife (LP)
2/14 - The Heliocentrics - Infinity of Now (LP)
2/14 - Johanna Kuvaja - "Back for Good" (single)
2/14 - Sarah Reynolds - "I Need Love" (single)
2/14 - Afterimage - "Six Seconds" (single)
2/14 - Kalee Smyth - "Bring Our Love Down" (single)

2/14 - Harry Stafford - "She Just Blew Me Away" (single)

2/14 - Kid Be Kid - "Blood" (single)

2/14 - Chris Maxwell - New Store No. 2 (LP)

2/18 - David J - "I Only Hear Silence Now" (single)

2/19 - Paisley Fields - "Ride Me Cowboy" (single)

2/19 - Tom Cridland - "The Laws of Success" (single)

2/21 - Sarah Morris - All Mine (LP)
2/21 - Kindergarten - Iphigenia (Reissue) (LP)
2/21 -  Hot Club of L.A.- Cinema Swing (LP)
2/21 - MUUK - Balbuceo (LP)
2/21 - Aaron Beckum - Songs from a Triangle Room (EP)
2/21 - Every 13 Days - Étant Donnés (Reissue) (LP)
2/21 - Seablight - High-Rise Mannequins (EP)
2/21 - Various Artists -Typical Girls Vol. 5 (LP)
2/21 - 12xPretty - 12xPretty (LP)
2/21 - Arkane Skye - "Don't Ask Me Out" (single)

2/21 - Easy - "Crystal Waves" (single)

2/21 - Blue Lucas - "Train Station" (single)

2/21 - Stumbleine - "Supermodels" (single)

2/21 - Jesse Blake Rundle - "The Death of a Soldier" (single)
2/21 - Whitney Shay - Stand Up! (LP)

2/21 - 100 Mile House - "Test the Timber" (single)

2/22 - Charlotte Eagle Sings - Embracing the Old Ways (LP)

2/24 - Jon Magnusson - "Set Me on Fire (Live Silverraven Sessions) (single)

2/28 - Kristen Englenz - Ingenue (LP)
2/28 - Brett Ryan Stewart - "All or None" (single)2/28 - Close Lobsters - Post Neo Anti... (LP)
2/28 - The Heliocentrics - Infinity of Now (LP)

2/28 - Scenius - "Glass Rain" (single)

2/28 - Jeffrey James - East London (EP)

2/28 - Charmless i - "Long Time Coming" (single)

2/28 - Gallary 47 - "I Wish I Was" (single)

2/28 - Xirita - "Don't Go" (single)

2/28 - Son of David - "Carry On" (single)

2/28 - Harry Stafford - "Painted Ocean" (single)
2/28 - Strange Majik - "World On Fire" (single)

2/28 - MUUK - Balbuceo (LP)

2/29 - Jimmy Who and the Night Creatures - Tinker's Blues (EP)

3/04 - Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion - Chameleon (LP)

3/04 - Iron Mike Norton - "Help Me Make It Through the Night" (single)

3/06 - Surrija - "Sylvette" (single)

3/06 - Dean Fields - While the Baby Was Sleeping (LP)
3/06 - Broads and Milly Hirst - Ollust (LP)
3/06 - The Mastersons - No Time for Love Songs (LP)
3/06 - Ghostwood Development Project (Feat. Kool Keith) - "Gulley" (single)

3/06 - The Mystery Plan - Ballad of JC Quinn (LP)

3/06 - Brian Wright and the Sneakups - "Patrick's Crossing" (single)

3/06 - Jonny Polonsky - Kingdom of Sleep (LP)

3/06 - Tiny Fighter - "Perfect Game" (single)

3/06 - African Head Charge - Drumming is a Language (LP)

3/06 - African Head Charge - Songs of Praise - reissue (LP)

3/06 - African Head Charge - Churchical Chant Of The Iyabinghi (LP)

This Week:

3/09 - Marco Bonvicini - "Colors" (single)

3/13 - The Flatmates - The Flatmates (LP)
3/13 - Kleenex Girl Wonder - Ponyoak (20th Anniversary Edition) + BLP (demos and out-takes) (LP)
3/13 - Sandwick - Reconstruct (LP)
3/13 - Foley and the Fire - "Springsteen on the Radio" (single)
3/13 - Kalee Smyth - The Ceiling (EP)

3/13 - Sha Davis - Songs I Wrote When You Left (EP)

3/13 - The Losing Touch - "Through the Night" (single)

3/13 - Gerry Gareau - Feet Off The Brakes (EP)

3/13 - Ayla Brook and the Sound Men - Desolation Sounds (LP)

3/13 - The Academy of Sun - "The Parts That Need Replacing" (single)

Upcoming:

3/18 - Marco Bonvicini - Colors (EP)
3/20 - Matt Wilson and His Orchestra - When I Was a Writer (LP)
3/20 - Chris Moyse - Bitter Ballads and Cynical Prayers (LP)

3/20 - Samuel Boller - Kingdom of the Sun (LP)
3/20 - The Blam Blams - "Isabella" (single)
3/20 - Jon Hassell - Vernal Equinox (reissue) (LP)

3/20 - Kid Be Kid - Lovely Genders (EP)

3/20 - Toni Sauna - Dead Flour (single)

3/20 - Ender Bender - "Star Killer" (single)3/27 - Mayflower Madame - Prepared for a Nightmare (LP)
3/20 -  Strange Majik - 20/20 (LP)

3/27 - Mayflower Madame - "Swallow" (single)
3/27 - Alienbaby Collective - F I S H B O W L / T E R R E S T R I A L (Double EP)
3/27 - Mairena - "Weird All the Time" (single)
3/27 - Lucille - Come on,Fly (LP)

3/27 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "Money" (single)

3/27 - Ben Reel - The Nashville Calling (LP)

3/27 - 100 Mile House - Love and Leave You (LP)4/03 - Surrija - Surrija (LP)
3/27 - Watermelon Slim - Traveling Man (Double Live LP)

3/27 - Lilly Hiatt - Walking Proof (LP)

3/?? - Harry Stafford - Gothic Urban Blues (LP)
4/01? - Ten Penny Gypsy - Fugitive Heart (LP)

4/03 - Chip and the Charge Ups - Lightning in Our Veins (LP)

4/03 - Stumbleine - Sink Into the Ether (LP)

4/09 - Ellison - "Sing" (single)

4/10 - Eliza Gilkyson - 2020 (LP)
4/10 - Dan Montgomery - Smoke and Mirrors (a phonographic memory) (LP)
4/10 - Pokey LaFarge - Rock Bottom Rhapsody (LP)

4/10 - The Dream Syndicate - The Universal Inside (LP)

4/13 - Pilotcan - No More Shan Goodbye (LP)
4/17 - Paul Burch and WPA Ballclub - Light Sensitive (LP)

4/16 - Destijl - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (LP)

4/17 - Aimee Stevens - "Hell is a Teenaged Girl" (single)

4/24 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "I'm Gonna Break Your Heart" (single)
4/24 - Ben Bostick - Among the Faceless Crowd (LP)

4/24 - Kyle Lalone - Somewhere In Between (EP)

5/08 - Brian Wright and the Sneak-Ups - Lapse of Luxury

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

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

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

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

E2TG 1/20/2020 - Goodbye to a Legend - Music City Monday Mini Shuffle - Pop Tart Mix (Newark Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

I have been sitting here staring at my computer trying to think about what I wanted to say about David Olney...

In case you have missed the news, David Olney passed away on Saturday - on stage at the 30A festival. By all accounts, it was a graceful and peaceful exit befitting the man himself. 

It has hard to imagine how my life worked out that I had the true blessing that my orbit crossed with such a legend.  I owe that almost entirely to Mary Sack - his long-time manager and my friend. I send my love and thoughts to Mary and of course to David's family and many friends and fans. 

David Olney came to Nashville in the early 1970s - as part of the wave of songwriters influenced and inspired by the burgeoning "Outlaw" movement. Whatever you think of "Outlaw"country in the modern sense of the term, the original outlaws were all about carving their own path outside of the control of the Music Row establishment. The Exit/In was a center and West Nashville was their stomping grounds. Among this group, Olney quickly gained respect and admiration for his songwriting prowess. 

In the 1980s, Olney was best known as a a rocker and leader of The X-Rays. That group signed to Rounder Records and made a  notable appearance on Austin City Limits (which is available on YouTube).  After the X-Rays ended, Olney began a storied solo career that would last the rest of his life.  I know the term is overused, but David Olney really was the total package. Obviously a great songwriter, he was also a consummate entertainer, a poet, an actor, and so much more 

Although, I was aware of David Olney for some time, I first began seeing him on a regular basis about five years ago. His live shows were always spectacles. He surrounded himself with great musicians: Daniel Seymout, Justin Amaral, Sergio Webb, and Ward Stout. But, at the heart of his performances was the man himself. At one larger than life and down to earth. 

There are many who are better qualified to write his biography, but I wanted my readers who didn't know him to have some sense of who he was. 

Some of the highlights of my interactions with David Olney:  

In 2017, he agreed to appear as part of the first ever E2TG Residency. Thanks to Mary Sack, this show marked his reunion with the great guitarist Sergio Webb - after about a year and half of not performing together. I had the pleasure to introduce him. I have no idea what I said, but from the pictures I used big hand gestures. 

A year later, David took part in a reading event that I help to put together. He read some of his sonnets which were incredible and a haiku or two. He and Rod Picott both expressed that they were initially uncomfortable standing on stage without a guitar in hand, but I think they both enjoyed,  Leading up to that show, David said that I had one of the "great names in Rock n Roll", which is something I will never forget. 

A humorous moment was the time that David went to Bobby's Idle Hour for a show that was scheduled at The Family Wash.  He made it on time and played a hell of show - as always. Both those venues are gone and now so is David.  

I remember running into David a few years back at the Southern Festival of Books - this was right after he survived a frightening fall down the stairs at his home. He was in a neck brace, and all he could talk about was how bad he felt that he had to drop out of a show that was scheduled for that night. 

As is often the case when things like this happen, I thought I would have many more opportunities to interact with David Olney in this world. I take solace in knowing that his legacy will live on in the artists whose work he inspired and the people whose lives he touched. 

Last night, I went out to the John Dennis CD Release Show, and John - who didn't know David personally - did a great job acknowledging his passing. Anana Kaye and Irakli Gabriel opened the show by playing some songs they had been writing with David Olney. It was a beautiful moment. John Dennis' own set - playing his album in its entirety - likewise brought up heavy feelings. 

I do have to acknowledge that losing David Olney about a month after losing my father has had an effect on me. My father's passing was far less sudden and so in some ways, it has been harder to access my feelings. Somehow, the sudden loss of someone I didn't know well but whose spirit and art touched my life, has allowed me access a lot of feelings about my father's passing. Yet another gift from this great man who is gone too soon, but who is also very much still with us.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Lit Up Like a Halo Mix (Just a Glimmer Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.

The E2TG 8th Anniversary is underway - Next Show 10/16/2019!

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia (SUCCESS!)

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo (Album Release Show)  
(SUCCESS!)
October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie (SUCCESS!)

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes (Two Days Away!)
October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb

Week 4 of the E2TG Residency is happening Wednesday night October 16 - with Josh Gray and Meghan Hayes providing the musical entertainment.  Gray and Hayes each released wonderful new albums in 2019.  Josh Gray's Songs of the Highway covers his move to Nashville in the context of these complex times in which we live.  Meghan Hayes' Seen Enough Leavers deals with heartbreak and loss in wonderfully artistic and healing way.   They will both be backed by full bands with come hot local players.   Don't miss it!

Now, it is time for another Music City Monday shuffle!