E2TG 4/6/2022 - Ready for Something - Guitar Memory Mix (Old Demons Remix)

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Last night, I finally got around to loading a bunch of music into my phone. I now have over 10,000 songs in my phone music player.  These include music submissions to E2TG, a few albums from my personal collection, and some random music downloads from over the years. Plus an assorted mix CD or two or three.  I think at least one or two in today's shuffle came from last night's upload. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 8/19/2021 - Thursday - Nine Lives Mix (re-up Remix)

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Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 5 - the finale) (songs 33-38)

33. "Woman (Lover, Lover)" by Brother Earl and the Cousins

First up today, we have a track from the debut EP by this L.A band.

34. "How It's Supposed to Be" by Mike & the Nerve

Next up, we have a single from a new punk band from Gainesville, Florida. 

35. "Everyday Love" by Singing River

Next, we have a single from the new project featuring Mikey James - the former drummer of Longwave. 

36. "You're the Summer" by Ritual Cloak & Autumn Juvenile 

Next up, we have the stunning first taste of a collaboration between an electronic post-rock duo from Cardiff (yes Wales again) and a comedian, writer, and spoken word perform.  This is a fantastic track. 

37. "Oh Ballerina" by Traitrs

Next up, a fantastic new single from this Toronto based post punk/darkwave duo - the first taste of a forthcoming album.

38. "Hey Edna" by Old Tom & the Lookouts

And we close with a first taste of the forthcoming second album by this Boston-based indie-folk band. The song and the album deal with the important issues around mental health. 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 7/19/2021 - Over a quarter of a century by one - Man in Mask Mix (The Big One Remix)

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

16. "Cataclysm" by Toshio Band

First up, we have a new track from this Brooklyn based neo-noir band for an imagined anti-hero cowboy film. Cool track. 

17. "Only Physically" by Saca

Next up, we have a recent single from this melodic pop-rock band from Czechia. 

18. "Break Even" by 1st Base Runner

Next, the new single from this Austin-based singer-songwriter. 

19. "Hostage" by Milwin

Next up, we have the latest single from this DJ and producer from Sweden. 

20. "Forgiveness is Nothing Like I Thought It Would Be" by Steve Dawson

Next up, we have a track from the forthcoming solo album by the lead singer of the Chicago band Dolly Varden. Great song. 

21. "Hear Your Voice" by Mark Elliott

Next up, we have the latest single from this Nashville based singer-songwriter. 

22. "Slime Zone" by SNAILS

Shifting gears dramatically, we have the latest from this internationally know bass music DJ and producer. I dig this one. 

23. "Time to Get Away" by CoCo Zandi

And we close out this segment of music with the new single from the forthcoming solo debut album by Alexander Beggins - 1/2 of the duo Wild Child - under the name Coco Zandi. A great track and a wonderful way to close out this second part of our Featured Friday recap. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 7/2/2021 - Featured Friday - Hi, Society Mix (Fly Boy Remix)

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We head into the holiday weekend with a brand new Featured Friday Playlist.  This week's list is considerably shorter than last week (just over half as long) but it is jam packed with great music from old friends and favorites and new favorites (and hopefully some new friends). As always, if you are so inclined, you can follow the Featured Friday Playlist on Spotify.

The usual disclaimers apply:  1. Support the artists you love financially to the extent you are able. 2. Our list should not be considered a ranking of any kind. There is always a combination of intention and randomness in how the songs are ordered on our playlist. 

Also, I'll add a new one - if you discover a "new to you" artist through E2TG and our Featured Friday Playlist- let us know. 

The first 13 songs are recapped below - we will recap the remaining songs next week (we are off on Monday).

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

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

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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 11/3/2020 - E-Day - Turning Wheel Mix (Goodnight Remix)

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Well... here we are... on the precipice... of what, I don't know... this does feel like a tipping point.  The only thing I have left to say is if you are reading this and you are registered and eligible to vote and the polls are still open in your area and if you haven't vote - do so.  A lot of "Ifs" and an awkward sentence but you get my point. 

I think I always have some anxiety on election day, but I have never felt like this in my life. The stakes are high. I have voted. I don't plan on watching continuing coverage. I will likely check in, and otherwise keep myself busy or distracted. 

The thing is - I don't know what the path forward looks like - regardless of the outcome. I do think one path is much more hopeful than the other - but no matter what - we have a long, difficult journey ahead. 

One last thing I have to say... in the past, I have understood the perspective of people who say - both sides are the same. I may not agree, but I do understand.  Over, at least, the last nearly 30 years, the vote for President has been a vote for Center Right vs. Center Left. All that being said, I do not understand those who are saying that today. I think the choice today is as stark and definite as it can be - and not because Joe Biden is a far left candidate but because the other choice is fascism and dictatorship. 

So, vote if you haven't.  If you have, well then I wish you peace and serenity to the extent possible, and if you have any tips for coping with the stress of it all - please let me know. 

Meanwhile, the best thing I can do is to do what I do everyday and that is talk about the music that I am listening to today. 

Let's get back to our recap of this week's Playlist... Songs 15-19...

15.  "Am I Dreaming" by EG Vines

This is the second song by Nashville singer-songwriter EG Vines that we have featured, and I can honestly say that I am a big fan of his music now. The only reason I wasn't before is that I hadn't heard it. There is appropriately enough a dream-like quality to this song - which is nonetheless firmly rooted in everyday life. It is a remarkable song with a verse perfect for today. 

16. "Nothing's Sweeter Than Loving You" by Andy Kahrs

Next up, we have another Nashville singer-songwriter. This is our first listen to Andy Kahrs. This song has a sweet southern soul vibe to it - and Kahrs vocals fit like a glove. I like this song a lot, and I look forward to hearing more. 

17. "Alabama Gone" by Jackson Capps

Our third Nashville singer-songwriter in a row. This is the second single we have covered by Jackson Capps. This one has a bluegrass feel to it. Just a flat out good modern country song. A great addition to my playlist. 

18. "Close Enough for Government Work" by Mike Stinson (feat. Johnny Irion)

This is a perfect song to show up on the blog on Election Day. Singer-songwriter Mike Stinson has ties to Houston and Los Angeles.  He wrote the song "The Late Great Golden State" which Dwight Yoakam covered on his 2003 album Population Me. Stinson wrote this song while in quarantine in Massachusetts. It is a direct response to the President's handling of the pandemic and uses Trump's own words. Stinson worked with Johnny Irion who we have mostly recently heard about for his work with This Frontier Needs Heroes. We also Featured Irion's own music earlier - his tribute to Ravi Shankar - that featured Jeff Bridges. 

19. "When the Devil Knows Your Name" by Ben Arthur

And we close out this segment of music with another track from Ben Arthur's new Collision album. Over the years that we have been covering Ben Arthur's music, one thing that has been crystal clear is his dedication to the craft of songwriting - most obvious in his Songcraft Presents program.  What I am seeing with this release is more evidence that his study and practice at his craft has paid off. The songs here are top-notched. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 9/18/2020 - Featured Friday - Kids These Days Mix (Double L Remix)

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Another Friday means all-new Featured Friday Playlist.  Interesting selections this week - you can listen and follow the playlist from now until next Thursday - just before midnight. 

We will recap the song selections all week starting with the first eight songs below the jump. 

 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 7/3/2020 - Featured Friday - Immortal Mix (Man in Mask Remix)

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In case you missed it, we premiered a brand new video for Andrew Adkins' song "Throw Down Your Guns" earlier today!  You can check it out HERE!

Breaking tradition again to post on my day off work.  It is Friday and we have a brand new Featured Friday Playlist up on Spotify.   This week's list is a little shorter than our previous lists, but it is packed full of great new and recent music.  Check it out and please follow!

Songs 1-4 are featured after the jump.  The rest of the list will be recapped next week in this space.

I hope everyone has a safe holiday weekend.  Wear a mask, practice social distancing, care about your fellow humans, employ critical thinking, love yourself, recognize how much we all need each other, and let's get through all this together.

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 5/22/2020 - Featured Friday - Memphis Loud Mix (Other Steel Remix)

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Today is Friday, and that means it is time for a brand new and all new Featured Friday Playlist of New and Recent Releases.  Remember you can follow, the E2TG Featured Friday Playlist on Spotify.

So, I have been trying to figure what exactly I want to do with this space of the blog - besides my observations on contemporary life.  On Friday, I try to write about the songs in the Featured Friday Playlist, but it is hard to get to them all on Friday - so I thought why not spread that out over the week. For today, I will be providing some info and reflections on the first six songs in the list down below because we don't do a regular shuffle on Friday and then I will cover the rest up here throughout next week.

Right now, I want to highlight a couple of recent releases that aren't on Spotify (yet or at all).

We met Ugggy has a member of Valued Customer who were early favorites of E2TG and eventually were named Band of the Year.  A few years back, Ugggy released new music every month for a whole year and in the midst of that, we named him our Artist of the Year.  Since that onslaught, he has been quite in terms of releasing music, but he has been busy making really interesting art. A month or so back, he released a stunning new song, and I wanted to highlight it here.


Very few artists can be credited with creating genres of music. I have no idea if that is true, but it seems like it might be.  A few years ago, E2TG became aware of The Electric Grandmother who invented the Sit-Com Core genre.  Their early albums referenced and were based upon classic sit-coms.  It is kind of an obsession (not be judgmental here) of the bands principal members Pete and Mary Alice.  We featured their non-sit-com album Cancelled a couple of years ago. That was a concept album about a man whose favorite t.v. cop show was cancelled.  They are back now with yet another concept album Relaunch - which involves Ronald Reagan, the Space Shuttle, and more. I can guarantee you that The Electric Grandmother is like nothing you have ever heard.


Now, given a listen to the Featured Friday Playlist and scroll down to below the jump for the first six songs in the playlist.

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 1/9/2020: 2019 Artist of the Year and more - Good Times Mix (Revolution Remix)

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Beach Notes 1-8-2020

The first ever Decline of Southern Civilization was a success.  Musical performances by Slump Test (Ben Douglas, Twon, and Ryan Dishen), Jibber Jabber, and Stuck Lucky, plus the comedy stylings of Shakes.  Plus, Slump Test opened with a theme song for the show featuring guests Joe Lekkas and some of the Nashville Horns (include Diego on trombone).  Lots of good punk rock music. Met two people, a young bass player new to town from Monterey, California - it was his birthday and a DJ from Australia who plays punk, post-punk, and garage on a station very similar to WXNA (she was with Nashville and Australia musician and DJ Anne McCue). I believe it is going to be a monthly thing, and I can't wait until the next one.

Slump Test (photo by Me)

2019 E2TG Artist of the Year (Golden Earie Award - Part 1)

My decision to make some changes to E2TG for 2020 and my thoughts and thinking about that led me to change how I approached the end of 2019.  From deciding not to hand out or at least name tons of Earie Award winners to my approach to the Artist and/or Band of the Year. Honestly, I think this decision will vary every year based upon circumstances.

In the history of E2TG (8 and a half years or so), we have never awarded Band/Artist of the Year to the same person*.  (*Ugggy won Band of the Year with Valued Customer and then Artist of Year solo (but he had to release new music every month for a year to accomplish that).  Well, that is about change. When I looked over 2019 (where there were a ton of great releases and a bunch of new music from people I adore), at first I was unsure of what I was going to do, but I kept coming back to one person.  If you read E2TG, this will likely not be a surprise. On January 14, 2019, he officially announced that he had signed with ANTI Records.  His year was one of changes and challenges. In midst of all that he released an album which I named as my favorite album of the year on WXNA's website. He completed his first ever tour of England and Norway (in spite of an intense dislike of flying). He toured with some big names in the Americana world, and he had a triumphant showcase at Americana Music Festival.  Of course, I am talking about Darrin Bradbury who released Talking Dogs and Atom Bombs in 2019.

Regular readers know of his importance to this blog. He was our Artist of the Year in 2014 - the year he began to be established in Nashville (he arrived in November of 2013). He champions other songwriters (I can scarcely count the number of people I have met directly or indirectly because of Darrin).  On a personal note, I made a friend when I met Darrin. But it is this most recent year, and the future which earned him this year's Artist of the Year title.  Since, I have been naming Artist/Band of the Year, the award has always represented a recognition of the accomplishments for the year just ending and the promise of the year just starting.  Based upon the post Talking Dogs... songs that I have heard, I am excited to see what comes next for Darrin Bradbury.

                                          Talking Dogs and Atom Bombs Album Cover                    Darrin Bradbury (Facebook Profile Picture)


Here is today's shuffle from all the songs on my phone....

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Downward Spiral and a Uphill Climb Mix

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Okay... Look, as I have been saying and saying... I do not like talking "politics" on E2TG.  Although, my own leanings are decidedly to the left, and I consider myself a progressive, I do recognize that there is room on almost any issue for differing viewpoints, and I believe that (at least in theory) our strength as a nation comes from working together to find common ground - even if the outcome is not ideal for either "side".  I also believe that the false "duality"of our current two party system does not leave room for nuances of opinions.  (i.e. you are either for or against something. No middle ground allowed).  However, where I feel I must speak out is on matters that I believe transcend (or should transcend) "politics".  Right now, there is evil in the world.  The rise of fascist and neo-fascists around the globe, the current situation for minorities of all kinds around the world... threats of genocide.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, look around. The United States should be a global leader in opposing this things, but as things currently stand, we seem to be supporting the oppressors, and we are doing own forms of oppression. It is the rights of all people - especially those who are most at risk that makes me take up time and space out of my music blog to speak out.

Nevertheless, the fact that it is necessary in 2017 to have a march to support science. When did science become a political issue?  (I am aware of the evolution vs. creation debates). When did suppressing scientific research and gagging scientists become okay?
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All right, well, ICYMI, last night, I revealed the details of the final week of the E2TG May Residency at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.  I am so excited to have Amelia White and the Blue Souvenirs helping close out our month.  And, joining them, all the way from Washington D.C. will be Fuzzqueen.  Fuzzqueen is the current incarnation of Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray (who have been featured here for a few years). This promises to be, most likely, our most diverse night of music for the whole month.  Fuzzqueen has suggested that ear plugs are in order.  It will be a great way to end the month!

Meanwhile, it is Monday and we have a wonderful selection of Music City related songs for you...

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - It Runs Together Mix

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Watching with interest the testimony from the FBI Director to Congress. This are surely historic and terrifying times.

Friday night - took in a bunch of great music and celebrating St. Patrick's Day in a very traditional way. Tim Carroll Rock n Roll Happy Hour with Luella - always a great way to start a Friday.

Ben de la Cour, Clark Paterson, and Patrick Kinsley and A Fistful of Dollars were all wonderful.

I spent the rest of the weekend trying to catch up on some things.

Well - it is Monday and time for some Music City Monday tunes.  All artists with a connection to Nashville, Tennessee.  Go!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - The Swirlies Mix

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First of all a quick check-in:  Almost two months in to this nightmare. A white supremacist is still holding a major position of power in the current administration.  Programs that benefit the most vulnerable of our citizens are being cut, the billionaire first family is costing the taxpayers exorbitant amounts of money, the proposed Republidontcare plan will give tax breaks to the wealthy while forcing the most vulnerable to choose between eating and healthcare - if that even is a choice for many.  The administration believes it is okay to make wild accusations without a shred of proof. I could go on.... I haven't even touched on Russia.  How long will this go on, and how much more damage will be done?
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Moving on.  I headed to The 5 Spot last night for the Smoky White Devils' residency show. Cody Brooks and Bee Taylor opened the show.  As I have written, I saw Bee Taylor last week, and I was blown away.  Cody Brooks played guitar with her for that show, but this was my first time seeing him do his own songs. I am a very big fan of these two.  Most excellent - rocking, soulful stuff.  A great start.

Smoky White Devils - well last week I mentioned the incredible combined experience of the members of this budding supergroup. Never mind all that, the fact is this guys rock! The music has elements of southern rock, roots music, blues, country and who knows what else.  What could be a clash of egos instead is a delightful combination of experienced and talented players.  Richie Owens, Peter Keys, Nick Kane with the rhythm section of John Reed and Shakey Fowlkes brought it hard and had The 5 Spot moving more than I've seen in a while at a live show. Word is they have been recording, so hopefully we will have some recorded music soon!  They close out their residency next week, and in two weeks is the anniversary show for Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau. Make Thursday at The 5 Spot part of your plans for the remainder of March.
 
Tonight is St. Patrick's Day.  Be safe and have fun.  If  you find yourself in East Nashville, consider The 5 Spot:  Tim Carroll's usual gig followed by a St,. Patrick's Day show featuring a few E2TG faces - (St.) Patrick Kinsley and a Fistful of Dollars, Clark Paterson, and Ben de la Cour plus The Eskimo Brothers.  Also, Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers will be at The Family Wash.  Everyone else is in Austin - I think.

We have some Featured Friday music that starts now!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Keep On Goin' Mix

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First of all, I need to offer all the kind words and encouragements for my recent run of commentary. Believe me when I say this is something I would rather not do. But, I feel it is something I must do.  I have tried my best to distinguish partisan differences which will always exist and always be up for debate from the far more serious threat to our nation and our way of life. The problem, as I see it, is that the more outrageous the words and actions of the current administration get and the more deafening the silence from many of the leaders of the Republican Party (save for a few brave voices), the more difficult it is to do. It is hard to unwind abuses of power, overt racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and other forms of bigotry from the policies that arise out of those evils. More to the point, when party leaders look past or ignore fascist words and actions for the sake of their agenda - it is hard to not harden your heart to that agenda - which may or may not reflect those despicable characteristics.  We are watching and we are speaking out. Customs agents asking passengers on a domestic airline to "show their papers".  State leaders voting to effectively make political dissent illegal, Executive branch officials asking the intelligence community to discredit the free press and to produce intelligence reports that support their agenda.  An administration that has made up three non-existent terrorist attacks and yet calls America's major media organizations "enemies of the people" and purveyors of "Fake News" which seems to be defined as any news that does not support the agenda of that administration.

So, yeah, I don't see myself stopping writing these relatively brief commentaries any time soon - although I really wish my reasons for doing it would go away and soon.

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I had such a good time last night at the 10th Anniversary celebration for Jon Byrd's album Byrd's Auto Parts. The show - at the Family Wash - featured many of the players on that album.  The second set featured guest spots from David Raines, Amelia White, and Kevin Gordon. The night was a reminder of how great a music town we have in Nashville.

All right - well it is Friday and right now it is about 78 degrees on February 24 in Nashville. On Friday, we go back to our "New Music" playlist and we hit shuffle and see what happens. Here is what happened when I did that this morning....