Humor in dark times. Tricky business. Topical humor to make a point is a time-honored tradition - irony, sarcasm, black humor - but these days in the instant gratification world - the subtlety can often be missed or misinterpreted. Humor can be seen as inappropriate. Many of us use humor as a defense mechanism. Like I said, tricky business.
But what of those who get caught admitting something or saying something offensive or stupid and then say, "I was kidding" or "It was sarcasm" when all evidence indicates they were not kidding and they were not being sarcastic. So, it becomes even trickier.
And what of escapist humor to take a break from fighting systemic racism or holding police accountable for their actions or trying to resist a would-be dictator. Will some, she this humor as poorly timed or accuse you of not taking things seriously enough? Maybe. Should you alter your behavior? Maybe or maybe not.
I think it is worth thinking through every tweet, every Facebook post, every comment and considering the possible implications and interpretations. Ask yourself, who is your intended audience and your potential audience and do either of those groups need to hear what you have to say. Do they need to hear it in this way, in this format, in this context. What is it you are trying to say and do your words adequately convey your message This is messy and complicated, and you may feel as if your free speech has been curtailed. Has it been? Is self-reflection and self censorship a bad thing? We hear censorship, and it sounds and is bad. Is self-censorship even a thing? Censorship denotes government suppressing free speech - surely, considering and weighing ones owns words is not that.
More later....
Now to Part 3 of our Featured Friday Playlist Recap - songs 14-19 (tomorrow 20-25)
14. "When You Don't Fight" by Darlin' Brando
First up, we have the lead track from Also, Too... the new album from Darlin' Brando. Darlin' Brando is singer-songwriter Brandon Goldstein. He was born and raised in Virginia - spent time in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, and Nashville. In Nashville, he recorded 8 of the songs on this album at The Bomb Shelter with a band he played at places with the American Legion. Our friend Adam Kurtz (heard earlier in the playlist) plays pedal steel on the album. A.J. Croce sings on one track. This track is a duet with Darlin' Brando's new wife, playwright Edith Freni.
15. "The Quiet Earth" by The Academy of Sun
The Academy of Sun is a psychedelic post-punk outfit from Brighton that formed nine years ago. This is the title track of their new album.
16. "The Clearing" by Pharamcose
Pharmacose is an alternative rock band from Jacksonville, Florida. This is the new single off their new EP Prescription Fiction Vol. 1.
17. "Codeine Veins" by Ja-Mali
Ja-Mali is a young hip-hop artist. This is his third overall release. Dig it.
18. "100 Times" by Dives
Dives are a trio from Vienna Austria that play surf-garage pop. They met at a Girls Rock Camp. This is their new single, and it is pretty cool.
19. "Release Me - Easteria Remix" by Monsieur Minimal
Next up, we have a disco dance remix of the March 2020 single by Greek alternative artist Monsieur Minimal. A cool way to end this segment of the playlist.
Featured Friday Playlist
Tuesday Morning Shuffle
"Only a Game" by Patricio Johnson (from You Gotta Be Quick Around Here)
Our first listen to this 2019 album from this Nashville based singer-songwriter. Cool stuff.
"Five Long Years" by Joe Beard (from Wayback Machine)
From Mark Hummel's album, Wayback Machine - the last two tracks features blues legend Joe Beard.
"Step Back (Take a Look Around)" by Skaciety featuring Laila K (from single)
A 2015 track. Skaciety would later become The Long Game - thus the video from The Long Game.
"Imago" by Tomorrow's Eve (from Mirror of Creation III - Project Ikaros)
An album we featured in 2018 - from German progressive metal band Tomorrow's Eve.
"Hero" by Angela Easterling (from single)
Next up, we have a single released in May dedicated to the individuals on the front line fighting against the virus that has devastated so many lives. Angela Easterling is joined by her common law husband and regular collaborator Brandon Turner here. We featured Easterling's Common Law Wife several years back.
"Dig a Hole" by Triggers & Slips (from The Stranger)
And we close with a track from a featured album from 2019 - from Salt Lake City's Triggers and Slips led by Morgan Snow. The band was scheduled to play this year's Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown V in April - and Snow played the virtual festival.
VIDEO PLAYLIST
NEW AND RECENT RELEASES
This Week
6/?? - Learn to Fly - "Broken Nation" (single)
6/20 - David Starling - "Cowards" (single)
6/22 - Highway Women - "Shake the Dust" (single)
6/22 - Remington Super 60 - "Still Near" (single)
6/26 - The Special Pillow - World's Finest (EP)
6/26 - Dedicated Men of Zion - Can't Turn Me Around (LP)
6/26 - Serratone - "Groovy Lucy" (single)
6/26 - 8 Floors Up - "Roman Bones Make Good Glue" (single)
6/26 - The Speed of Sound - "Glide on By" (single)
6/26 - Fellow Hollow - "Where can I buy fresh berries at night?" (single)
6/26 - Scenius - "Darkest Lines" (single)
6/26 - Melissa D. - Little Girl (EP)
6/26 -TJ George - Fragmented Soul Vol 2 (EP)
6/26 - Dead Method - "Babylon" (single)
6/29 - Sofia Talvik - Paws of a Bear - Unplugged (LP)
6/?? - Mighty Brother - The Rabbit. The Owl (Double LP)
Last Week
6/15 - The Bustermoon - Mareena Roots (LP)
6/16 - Carlos Severe Marcelin - Impressionist (LP)
6/17 - DIVES - "100 Times" (single)
6/18 - Monsieur Minimal - "Release Me (Easteria Remix)" (single)
6/19 - Darlin' Brando - Also Too... (LP)
6/19 - Dolour - The Royal We (LP)
6/19 - The Microdance - Our Love Noire (LP)
6/19 - Mendoza Line - We're All In This Alone (reissue) (LP)
6/19 - Jenny Reynolds - Any Kind of Angel (LP)
6/19 - DeLeo - Mythomania (EP)
6/19 - Buildings and Food - "Streetlights" (single)
6/19 - Maria Matiss - "More Than Heaven" (single)
6/19 - Leon Majcen - Back 'Til I'm Gone (LP)
6/19 - Raveis Kole - “Help One Another (We All Can)” (single)
6/19 - Kids Love Surf - "Oyo" (single)
6/19 - Sylvettte - "Kelpius" (single)
6/19 - Patrick Ames - "Reawakened" (single)
6/19 - The Asteroid No. 4 - "The After Glow" (single)
6/19 - The Academy of Sun - The Quiet Earth (LP)
6/19 - Brett Ryan Stewart - "It's Alright to Grow Old" (single)
6/19 - Lady Couch - "Foolish and Blue" (single)
Next Week:
7/03 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - None of Your Business (EP)
7/24 - Even As We Speak - Adelphi (LP) 7/24 - The Wild Blue - Anonymous Future (EP)
7/24 - The Danberrys - Shine (LP)
7/24 - Ted Russell Kamp - Down in the Den (LP)
7/31 - The Jason Daniels Band - Downloads from the Universe (LP)
7/31 - Shishi - Mafitishei (LP)
7/31 - Vee VV - "Ugly Freedom (Toka Remix)" (single)
8/07 - The Furious Seasons - La Fonda (LP)
8/07 - Jason Molina - Eight Gates (LP)
8/07 - Steven Bruce - Same Time, Same Place, Same Station (LP)
8/21 - Eric Bolander - "Window" (single)
8/21 - Liar,Flower - Geiger Counter (LP)
8/28 - The Northern Belle - We Wither, We Bloom (LP)
8/28 - Special Moves - Little Help (LP)
8/28 - Debbie Lagrange - "La chanson des moustiques" (single)
8/31 - Andre Salvador & the Von Kings - Last Night From Glasgow (LP)
9/04 - India Ramey - Shallow Graves (LP)
9/25 - Buildings and Food - Up Down Strange Charm (LP)
10/16 - Malin Pettersen - Wildhorse (LP)
Recent:
5/15 - Special Consensus - Chicago Barn Dance (LP)
5/15 - Zach Aaron - Fill Dirt Wanted (LP)
5/15 - Secret Emchy Society - The Chaser (LP) 5/15 The Room in the Wood - We're the Martians, Now (LP) 5/15 - Wicked Messenger - "Golden Eyes" (single) 5/15 - Lazerine - "There's Nothing in It" (single) 5/15 - Klashing Black - Thoughts on the Matter (EP)
5/15 - Aimee Steven - "Darling" (single)
5/15 - Wolfhounds - "Can't See the Light" (single)
Is this the beginning of the end? Watching history unfold... waiting. Stay alert. President Pence will not be a good thing either... Resistance is NOT futile.
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TONIGHT! E2TG Sixth Anniversary Residency at The 5 Spot: Week 3- David Olney (Band) + Sergio Webb (Band) 6pm $5.00 Be there!
Also, a reminder, Pledge Week for WXNA continues. Today, there are several opportunities to have your pledge matched. All donations receive a #TeamWXNA Sticker (limited edition - only for Spring Pledge Drive donations). A $60 donation will get you a WXNA bandanna! (That is just $5.00 per month if you make a recurring pledge). wxnafm.org
It is Wednesday, and on Wednesday things get "Wild' here at E2TG....
Here is this morning's shuffle of the all of the songs stored in my phone's memory.
Good day, hepcats! Had a blast seeing Matt Phillips and The Philharmonic out at Charlie Bob's last night. The band sounded fantastic and it was great hearing how much Matt's sound has evolved since I saw him last year at Music City Roots (which was awesome, too by the way). I hope he makes it back to Nashville for a more extended visit.
Lots on the horizon, trying to keep all those juggles balled... no wait, that is not it...
It's Tuesday! Time to find out what we have "Trending" on E2TG.
Another week... this is gonna be a weird one. But, whatever...
Friday: Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour - always a good time.
Cross the river to The Country for The Tangled Hearts and Saint Luke's Drifters each providing a different take on a rockin' country sound.
Saturday: So, I have been reading this book called Outlaw: Waylon, Willie, Kris and the Renegades of Nashville by Michael Streissguth. (Thanks Pat and Kelsie). It is a very interesting book not just about the origins of the Outlaw Country movement but also about what Nashville was like in the late sixties and early seventies. I am drawing some interesting parallels to what I have been observing in Nashville in recent times. Anyway, Saturday night on the stage of Douglas Corner, Peter Cooper, David Olney, Tommy Womack, and Chris Gantry played an in-the-round show (swapping songs and stories). Peter Cooper writing is referenced several times in Streissguth's book, David Olney is mentioned in a quote from Rodney Crowell (and he shared a story that referenced that time period), and Chris Gantry's name came up several times in the book, and he, too, shared some stories from those days. The songs, of course, were out of this world, and it was a pretty magical night.
Got to make this quick - I'm running late. Saturday is another one of those impossible choices (musically-speaking in Nashville): The Foobar is holding a multi-act afternoon show that features: Jeff Shepherd, Year of October, Susie Oleson, and Adrian + Meredith, and more! Intersecting with the Adrian+Meredith part of the show will be some other awesome options: David Olney returns to Bobby's Idle Hour, Jon Latham opens for The Whistles and The Bells at The Basement. Aaron Lee Tasjan returns to Nashville for a full band show - and his band include the also recently returned Brian Wright at Soulshine Pizza, and then later on Zach Schmidt + Patrick Kinsley & A Fistful of Dollars open for Cataline Crime at The 5 Spot. And probably tons of other cool stuff... get out and do something... you cannot go wrong with any of these selections...
Tonight: Tim Carroll Happy Hour 6-8:30 at The 5 Spot, and later on Kevin Gordon and his band are at The Family Wash. If you have tickets, Those Darlins are playing their final show (a sell out) at The Basement East.
Happy Festivus! Stay tuned for the traditional airing of grievances and feats of strength.
You know, even though I have been featuring some holiday/Christmas/Winter/Red Cup themed music for the last few days, I honestly have not been in the spirit of the season. Maybe it the fact that it is almost 70 in Nashville and tornados are possible later today or maybe it is just the realities of current life. However, last night, I attended the Ornaments Christmas Show (it was actually their 14th performance this season) which featured the music of Vince Guaraldi from A Charlie Brown Christmas. The night also featured Holiday music from Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers and a Tuba Christmas. There was so much great music and great vibes present that I found myself- wholly against my will caught up in the Spirit.
It also helps that today will be my last day of work for four days and I get to leave early today!!!!
The "Earies" continue with the "Wind Comes Sweeping Down the Plain" Award.
The premise: I don't think I've ever been to the state of Oklahoma (my parents lived there a short time before I was born). And other than the musical and some college football games, I've never given it much thought. (no offense - I really don't think much at all about anything). In 2015, however, it seems like I kept hearing awesome music from artists who call Oklahoma home.
The Award:
1. I would be severely remiss if I did not give an "Earie" Award to John Moreland. His album, High on Tulsa Heat, was a break-through and definitely among the top tier of best albums of the year. Throughout the year, I was fortunate enough see him perform live a few time, and each and every time, he managed to give me goosebumps and stir my heart and soul. At Americana Fest, Moreland managed to mostly silence a packed out Mercy Lounge and garnered a very rare AMA Showcase encore.
2. Dan Martin. I met Dan Martin at a David Olney residency at The 5 Spot earlier this year, and I got hold of his CD Hoka Hey, and it quickly became one of my favorite albums of 2015.
3. Levi Parham and John Calvin Abney. These two amazing singer-songwriters blew me away when I saw them perform during the Campfire Propaganda residency at The 5 Spot. Actually, I kind of feel like their is a definite psychic link between Oklahoma and East Nashville.
4. Samantha Crain: I saw Samantha Crain perform as part of an incredible round at the Bluebird Café earlier this year. She combines excellent songs with a unique voice. There was some hope that she would make it back to Nashville this month or so, but it did not pan out. Hopefully, we will see her here again in 2016.
Next, we wrap up our Red Cup Season Playlist! Best to everyone no matter what you celebrate and if you are struggling with anything during this season remember you are not alone. Peace!
Welcome to the working week.... Heading into an unusual week - I am off Wednesday - before that I have a busy week, after that I have a busy week. Wednesday will probably we busy, too.
Friday night, I saw two Jon's at The Family Wash. First Jon Byrd and then Jon Langford. Very different sets, but both offering unique and interesting takes on Country music. In between, I got to spend a little time with some East Nashville friends at my friend Bob's birthday bash.
Saturday night, Human Radio at The 5 Spot (they are in the shuffle today so more later about that), and then to the Wash again for Lisa Oliver Gray's birthday show. The amazing singer had a killer band that included Tommy Womack and Ross Rice (of Human Radio) among others.
Tonight, back to the Wash again for a stellar night of music featuring Brock Zeman with Blair Hogan and Darrin Bradbury featuring Megan Palmer. Starts at 7:00 - you do not want to miss it. Later, Brian Wright is playing the Basement with a killer band and with Lilly Hiatt and Jesse Lafser opening.
Okay... this has to be a fast one. I walked over to the Southern Festival of Books during my lunch break (when I usually write and post the blog) to see Julie Christensen and part of Stone Cupid (Chris Tench and Sergio Webb). They killed it as usual.
Last night - quickly - some highlights: Week 2 Campfire Propaganda Residency... guests Ariel Buie and Actual Wolf. Megan Palmer - on keyboard playing a new song and a John Moreland song. Nellie Clay with Actual Wolf, Tim Easton as usual, Brian Wright - fighting jet lag and killing it (with Aaron Lee Tasjan for a couple of songs), Darrin Bradbury and Megan Palmer - Darrin leading his own more of meditation...
Coverfest at Basement East!!! Major props to Terry Rickards for putting this together. Everyone was great, and I don't have time for a full report, but I will just say Los Colognes doing Bob Dylan's Infidels album in its entirety and nailing it and Allen Thompson Band as The Eagles were my absolute favorites (it was all good). The Eagles segment was so much fun!
Also, ICYMI - #E2TG posted the new single from Zachariah Red this morning. Check it out here.
One of the outstanding things about Americana Fest is that it brings people from all over the world who are dedicated to making and appreciating the wildly diverse, enigma that is Americana Music.
Aussie songwriter/singer Imogen Clark came to town for Americana Fest last year, and she was invited back this year. She is still in town and is putting on a release show for her EP Love and Lovely Lies at Twin Kegs II on Wednesday at 7:30. Here is the link to the Facebook Event.
And here is a video so you know why you need to get there if at all possible.
Well, it is FRIDAY! Not only that, but I have a three day weekend ahead of me. Some prelims before we get to the Featured Friday Shuffle...
Last night was another absolutely astonishing night of music at The 5 Spot in East Nashville. First, it was week one of David Olney's September Residency. As always, the songs were fantastic and the band was tight. Besides his usual band (Justin Amaral drums, Daniel Seymour bass, and Sergio Webb guitar), Olney was joined by Ward Stout (who played other stringed type instruments). The highlight for me was when Olney played is signature song, "Deeper Well" and wrapped the song around a mind-blowing mashup of Bo Diddley and "Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
The late show at the Spot began with Reno Bo who was joined on guitar by Sadler Vaden (Jason Isbell's guitar player). Then, Jesse Lafser played a spirited set that impressed me greatly. The night ended with a magical jam that features Cordovas and featured Joe Firstman (who was at one time the band leader on Last Call with Carson Daly), Audley Freed (Black Crowes, Sheryl Crow), Steve Gorman (Black Crowes), and the always amazing Brian Wright. Late in the set, Firstman turned over his bass to guest Pat Sansone (Wilco). The band performed an absolutely killer version of Neil Young's "Cortez the Killer", and then Firstman called up another guest, Jewel who joined the band for John Prine's "Angel from Montgomery". An awe-inspiring end to a great night of music.
Other news, Nashville singer-songwriter Kevin Gordon released his new album, Long Gone Time today. You should buy this album, but if you need convincing, you can check out my review which is up on No Depression.
Finally, an update on WXNA, the new low-power community radio station being created here in Nashville. There are just 4 days left to donate and be a part of making this thing a reality. Details below:
Well, I've run on a bit haven't I... we still have a shuffle to present....
Well... another work week is just about done... Since it is Friday, it means it is time for Featured Friday in which we shuffle songs from a smaller subset of our usual playlist. This subset includes mostly songs from albums released this year which have been sent or given to me to include at Ear to the Ground.
I had an enjoyable evening last night - a sort of last minute (day before actually) invite to Amy Black's CD Release Show at The Bluebird Café for her new album, The Muscle Shoals Sessions. The album was recorded down in Alabama and features covers of some of the great music that has come out of Muscle Shoals plus some original songs - inspired by that sound. Black is in the process of moving to the Nashville area, and she is currently touring with a band that features her husband on drums and a talented group of young musicians who are or have attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
I came home to hear the sad news out of Lafayette, Louisiana - yet another mass shooting. This hit close - I have a lot of family in the area, and at least one family member posted that they often see movies in that theater. I also so that a Facebook friend knew one of the victims. I fully expect - after our shared sense of "community" shock, to see a bunch of posts from both sides of political spectrum about this and the far too many other events like this one. My hope is for people of all political stripes to say, "this is terrible, things like this should not be happening", and then have real dialogue about the complex issues surrounding this and all of the other mass shootings. Mostly, my wish for all of us, is that just for today, we treat each other with a little extra kindness.
As you may have gathered if you follow Ear to the Ground, 2015 has been an extremely busy year. I seem to have gotten on some people radar, and I am very grateful for that. With all that, however, comes some challenges, and I move forward - with some exciting things on the horizon, I have discovered the need to get creative in dealing with the volume of new music that comes my way. Historically, my primary thing has been to add music to my playlist and feature it in the shuffle. Recently, I have been writing more reviews (though not as many as I would like to), and I have seen my active playlist continue to grow (it is currently over 1,000 songs) which means that some albums I really want to feature may or may not come up in my shuffle. To that end, I decided to bring back and revamp an old E2TG thing - called Featured Friday. Back in the earlier days of Ear to the Ground, I would "feature" 10 artists/bands every month, and I would create a playlist of their music which I would then shuffle on Featured Friday.
This new Featured Friday, is a playlist that is a subset of my regular playlist, that is limited to newer music that I really want to feature. So this playlist - unlike the regular one, will not include classic and obscure older music or one-offs from compilations, well, let's just do it, and you may see what I mean.
