E2TG 5/10/2022 - Moving Onward - Crawling Mix (Baba Yaga Remix)

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Today's Ear to the Ground radio show is up on the archive at wxnafm.org.  HERE is the direct link to the broadcast archive.

6:00am Sonny Boy by Owsley on Owsley (Giant)

6:01am Where Do I Belong by Sara Syms on Where Do I Belong – Single (Sara Syms)

6:05am Waiting on the End of the World with You by Alec Lang on Waiting on the End of the World with You – Single (Alec Lang)

6:08am The Heart of the Woman You Love by Bobby Corbin on The Heart of the Woman You Love – Single (3892878 Records DK)

6:13am Sleepwalkers by John Calvin Abney on Sleepwalkers – Single (Black Mesa Records LLC)

6:17am No One Has What We Have by Levi Parham on Sure, Okay, Great. (Wesley Levi Parham)

6:20am The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance by A Little Farther West on The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance – Single (Town & Country Records)

6:23am Bun E. Carlos by Silver Lake 66 on Bun E. Carlos – Single (Silver Lake 66)

6:28am Only the Killer by valorie miller on Only the Killer Would Know (Blackbird Record Label / Indie AM Gold)

6:33am Trust Fund Troubadour by Mick Mullin on Trust Fund Troubadour – Single (Mick Mullin)

6:35am Sea Isle City by Post-Skeleton on Sea Isle City – Single (Friend Club Records)

6:41am Child’s Play by Jack Shit on Child’s Play – Single (Devil’s Tower Records)

6:45am Treading Water by Dude Safari on Treading Water – Single (Dude Safari)

6:49am Demigods of Bedlam by Ponderosa Glee Boys on Demigods of Bedlam (Human Records)

6:56am Penhelion by Tone Ranger on Desert Rose (Animalia Music)

Today's shuffle is after the jump:

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/29/2022 - Strange Days Indeed - Crazy Man Mix (Room Somewhere Remix)

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Today's Ear to the Ground radio show is up on the archive at wxnafm.org. HERE is the direct Link. 

6:00am Sonny Boy by Owsley on Owsley (Giant)

6:02am Stay Awake by Andrew Leahey & The Homestead on Stay Awake – Single (Mule Kick Records)

6:07am Belly Up by Jason Erie on Tiny Fires (Wirebird Records / Erie St. Music)

6:11am Here We Go Again by The Waterboys on All Souls Hill (Cooking Vinyl Limited)

6:17am Deep Fake by Sour Ops on Deep Fake – Single (Sour Ops)

6:20am Under the Moon by Muddy Moonshine on Are We There Yet? (Secret Entertainment)

6:24am Paper Tigers by Andy Bilinski on Songs from a Cabin in the Woods (Great Laurel Record Co.)

6:31am Misnomer by Lenox Hills on Golden Town – EP (Lenox Hills)

6:36am Witch (Radio Edit) by Luianna on Witch (Radio Edit) [Radio Edit] – Single (1933245 Records DK2)

6:39am Treasure Chest by Nero Simon and the Sunsetters on Treasure Chest (Islamorada)

6:44am Last Night, He Woke up Screaming by John Howard on Look – The Unknown Story of Danielle Du Bois (John Howard)

6:50am Give It Up (feat. River Ezra) by Jon Worthy on Give It Up – Single (Jon Worthy Music)

6:53am Palindrome by Willie Dustice on What a Tease (Willie Dustice)

6:58am Redemption by Bernadett Nyari on Redemption – Single (Spinnup)

Today's random daily shuffle is after the jump...

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 9/29/2021 - Something Goes Here -

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Poster by Mark Gerking

If you are going to be in the Nashville area on Wednesday October 6, please come out to The 5 Spot.  I will be hosting my first show in nearly two years, and it is going to be a great one.  Bill Bloomer is an American ex-pat living in France and currently on tour in the US. Bloomer first came to our attention with the release of his 2018 album Jubilee. Boasting a remarkable backstory and the songs to back that up, he quickly became a favorite here at E2TG.  His 2019 release Bounty further solidified that status.  We are thrilled to have him for a rare Nashville appearance. 

Rounding out the bill, we have a full-band set from Nashville's own Stuffy Shmitt  who recently released the Deluxe Edition of his 2020 album Stuff Happens (called More Stuff Happens). When I first met Stuffy - at The 5 Spot - I wasn't sure what to think. A few years later, I am still not sure what to think, but I know he is one of the best songwriters around. His magic is that his offstage (and sometimes onstage) persona will get you totally off your guard and then he will devastate you with his music. Like Bloomer, his songs come directly from his life experience.  Stuffy always puts together a top-notch band made up of some of the best that Nashville has to offer. 

Most of the information is on the poster or at the Facebook Event - here. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 8/26/2021 - Wednesday - Un-Natural Mix (Lost at Sea Remix)

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Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 3 - the middle) (songs  26-31):

26. "Mr. Anyone" by Posh

First up, we have the new single from the Italian band Posh - who formed in 2001 but who remained silent for the last decade before reemerging in 2021.

27. "Music For Typewriter" by Meilir

Next up, we have the new single from Welsh experimental musician Meilir who is a classically trained pianist. Here, he switched his piano for a typewriter.

28. "Hailey" by MammaBear

Atlanta's MammaBear are up next with the third single form their album Free Radicals. 

29. "The Whip" by Aidan & the Wild

Next, we have the latest from this indie/acoustic artist from the Netherlands who is joined here by Mercel Sophie.

30. "Be Who You Really Want to Be" by Richard Turgeon

Next up, we have a track from Campfire Songs from San Francisco based, self-described "Dad Rock" singer-songwriter Richard Turgeon. 

31. "All About Love" by The Belle Sounds

And, we close with the title track from the new EP by this Austin based indie-pop band. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST 
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/22/2020 - Longer Days - Almost Pure Mix (Takes Time Remix)

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Just a reminder - due to the holidays, we are stretching this week's Featured Friday recap over the next two weeks (Monday-Wednesday each week) - which is good- because this week's Playlist is jam packed with music.   Today - songs 25-32:

25. "Ritual" by Genus Ordinis Dei

First up today, we have the opening track from Glare of Deliverance - the new concept album from this Italian symphonic death metal band. The album tells the story of Eleanor - a young woman persecuted for crimes of witchcraft by the Holy Inquisition. 

26. "Long Cold Night Walk" by Victor Jones

Next up, we have our second listen and the title track from the new album by this L.A. based chamber rock artist. A really lovely song - perfect for the longest night of the year.

27. "Screaming Through the Noise" by The Room

Next up, we have something special.  This is a live recording of a song which was originally included on the 2012 debut album Open Fire - by this melodic rock band from the Southeast of the UK.  The song was written about vocalist Martin Wilson's son Josh and his struggles with childhood cancer. Sadly, Josh recently passed away at age 20, and the band have released this recording (from a 2018 performance in France) as a tribute.  All proceeds from the song will go to Phillis Tuckwell Hospice who cared for Josh. You can download the song - here

28. "Snollygoster Goon" by The Lickerish Quartet

Next up, we have the first single from the upcoming 2nd EP by this band that features band members of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Slash’s Snake Pit, Finn Brothers, Alice Cooper, Air & Beck - and all formerly of Jellyfish. 

29. "Thin Disguise" by Davy Williamson

Next up, we have the debut single from this Wilmington, NC based hard rock multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. The song deals with Williamson's personal demons and is offered as a message of healing and hope.

30. "Keeping My Distance" by Rylan Brooks

Next up, we have the first single from If Wishes Were Horses (due in March) from the outlaw country duo of Nate Rylan and Chris Brooks.  The album was recorded in Nashville with an all-star line-up that includes Guthrie Trapp, Eddie Bayers, and Michael Spriggs to name just three - the band was directed by Dean Miller. 

31. "A Modern Man's Way to Improve" by Royal Horses

Next up, we have the title track from the debut album by this band from South Mississippi. The album is a love letter to the music that defined the New South.  The album was an official Record Store Day release and is now available on streaming platforms. 

32. "A Range of Light" by Forester
 

And we close with the title track from the second album by L.A. based electronic indie band Forester. A lovely song and a great way to close out this diverse set of music. 
 

    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 6/16/2020 - California Darkland Twilight Moon - Green Mix (Odyssey Remix)

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You know what I hope for from the next President. Sure, to begin to undo some of the damage that has been done and to move us back in the right direction, but more than all that, I want a President who won't be saying and doing stupid and dangerous things EVERY SINGLE DAY.  I want a President that at least pretends to speak to all Americans. A President who rebuilds our ties with our allies and not with corrupt dictatorships.  I want a steady hand.  I expect that there will be times I will not agree with the next President and will need to speak up, but I want to go back to a time when upheaval and turmoil were not daily reality.

I got to spend some time outdoorts hanging out with some good friends (at a distance), the first time I had just hung out like that in a good while. The weather was perfect and it was wonderful. I see that I need to start coming out of my comfort zone (safely).

I am still concerned about the return of live music as I knew it - when it will happen, how it will happen, and if I will feel safe enough to go.  It still seems surreal that so much was stripped away in such a short period of time.

BUT, COVID-19 is not over, we haven't beat it.  In some places, we are seeing a spike in cases, and in my observation many people are acting like it is over. Wear a mask, stay in when you can, avoid crowds.

We have four more songs to feature from this week's playlist!

Featured Friday Recap Part II (Songs 5-8)

5. "Our Future is California" by Cursive is Code

I am fortunate to get to feature a lot of music here on E2TG - and to get to hear music that I might not otherwise get to hear.  And every once in a while, I come across music that just connects to me in a way that it hard to explain and even harder to write about. I remember the first time I heard Grimm Generation.  It was music that sounded like what music I might make might sound like - if I made music.  I got to know Jason P. Krug through writing about that band. Then, when Grimm Generation imploded, Krug released an amazing solo album, and I knew I had to name him E2TG Artist of the Year. He was the one that inspired me to create Artist of the Year Nashville and Non-Nashville. Things have been quiet music-wise since that 2016 album The Zen of Losing, and that is why I am so excited that Krug has a new band - along with his significant other Julie Kay and some other Connecticut musicians - and some new music. We featured an earlier single a few weeks back. This latest single really connected with me, and it reminded of why I fell in love with Krug's music in the first place.  

6. "Darklands" by Tayls, Heaven Honey

Tayls has been on my radar for awhile, but I feel like I just recently really started to connect. They have been releasing some single collaborations with other Nashville bands, including this one with Heaven Honey. I didn't know much about that band before hearing this track, but I want to know more now. I am very excited about the variety of music being made in Nashville these days. While I am tempted to say that this doesn't sound like Nashville music, the fact is - more and more (at least in my orbit)- music that doesn't sound like Nashville is becoming the norm. Which is not to suggest that there is anything overly familiar about this music - on the contrary - I would say that it is the uniqueness of Tayls' music - and I'm guessing Heaven Honey as well - that makes it distinctively Nashville (circa 2020).

7. "Magic Moon" by Eric Bolander

The last few years have definitely marked a renaissance of sorts in Kentucky music. Sturgill lead things off for sure. The exciting thing is that in his wake has come a line of unique and talented musicians carving their own path. This is the brand new single from Eric Bolander from Lexington, Kentucky.  It is the first single from his forthcoming third album (due in August). I love this song, and I can't want to hear more from him, and I want to go back and check out his first two albums. 

8. "Perpetual Twilight" by Crooked Heart

We close today's recap with the title track from the new album by Grand Rapids, Michigan based post hardcore/alternative band Crooked Heart. This is a sprawling, noisy soundscape. A great addition to the playlist. 

(Tomorrow songs 9-11)

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/4/2020 - Ain't Exactly Clear - Forward On Mix (Find Yourself Remix)

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Over the last couple of days, there does seem to be something happening in this country.  Is it the start of a change? I don't know. I am, I think, I cautious optimist. I like to see the best in situations and in people, but I also tend to question and doubt that optimism.

As I said in my long rant on Tuesday's post, I have observed that people who have been silent are beginning to speak up and speak out. These are concrete anecdotal examples - not a scientific survey. Whether is was the use of tear gas and rubber bullets on peaceful protesters and religious aid workers to clear the way for a craven photo-op, the George Floyd video tape, the many instances of unnecessary, cruel, and violent attacks by law enforcement officers on American citizens, or some combination of all of these and more, I feel like maybe a sleeping and heretofore silent majority is beginning to stir.  But, Americans are fickle people. So, it is important what happens next.

While, I am aware that so-called copaganda (not sure of the spelling since it isn't a real word), being used to divert attention from the many egregious acts, I also know that in some cases, positive actions by law enforcement officers toward protesters are brave acts of defiance to a commander and chief who has blood lust. Discerning the difference is a challenge, but it is important I think to recognize and acknowledge the latter. I know there are some that oppose any mention of positive actions (the National Guard laying down their shields), officers taking a knee or walking beside protesters. But, I tend to disagree. Yes, we need to keep calling out and exposing the violent and unconstitutional actions, but I don't think it is a one or the other situation.

But, yes, I am feeling some hope. And I am happy that at least in some places the protests are growing and the violence is lessening. While I would not consider telling a Black person how to protest, I was concerned about nefarious players trying to control the narrative.

By the way, I also need to remind my readers that the COVID-19 pandemic is NOT over. In Nashville, the number of new cases is trending up, and any impact from the mass gatherings to protest may not have been shown. There seems to be a unstoppable march toward reopening, and what I have observed is my ventures out, seems to be an attitude of acting as if any danger has passed. It has not. So, be safe, wear your masks if in public, socially distance. I am as ready as anyone for things to go back to "normal", but we are not there yet, and it may be a while.


And on we go, time to review the final four songs from this week's Featured Friday Playlist (songs 23-26).

In summary, I am really proud of these weekly playlists, and I hope you are enjoying them, too. The richness and diversity of the music is something I strive for, and by trusting instinct and a process I use, I have been adding some really cool music.  This new process of recapping all week has been working well for me. Time will tell if I can keep it up once I am unleashed back into the world on a regular basis, but for now... on we go!

Tomorrow, we unveil the brand new playlist (follow the Playlist on Spotify)

23. "Three-Fold" by Altar of Eris

The recently released sophomore effort by the Seattle postpunk/darkwave trio Altar of Eris is called Isolation. This is dark, murky, and raw music. 

24. "Stanglehold" by Atomic Bronco

Next up, we have a track from Nightflowers by the London based Atomic Bronco. Atomic Bronco was founded by Kyle Nuss - who is an electrical engineer whose past projects have included NBA arenas and the Super Bowl. He is originally from Kansas and moved to the UK to complete his Masters degree at Oxford. The music has a retro feel, but seems modern. I dig it. 

25. "Someday Maybe" by The Know

LA based husband and wife from their debut EP wearetheknow. The duo mix a diverse set of influences into a densely packed sound.  To me it is like a five feet think, steel-plated wall of sound. Cool stuff. 

26. "Beer Lust" by Party Nails

Closing thingsd out with a track from the sophomore album by LA based Party Nails (Elena Belle Carroll). I am liking the groove of this song - mixing atmospheric synth sounds with a strong beat and lyrics that seem a cut above standard electronica songs. 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2/28/2020 Part 2 - Ingenue - Featured Friday - Flowers Dead Mix (Bloodless Husk Remix)

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In case you missed it, we premiered the new song and video from Brett Ryan Stewart earlier this morning.  You can check it out HERE!

Today is release day for several albums, EPs, and singles.  (Check out the Release listing below).  On of the new album releases that I have been anticipating for several months is Ingenue by Kristen Englenz.  We have already had the chance to listen to a few singles, but now the whole album is out in the world.  In addition to be being a phenomenal songwriter and singer, Kristen is one of my favorite human beings - which makes me doubly happy for her to have this album out.

 Long time readers, will recall that E2TG first connected with Englenz back in 2017 when she played our residency - as a guest of Jon Latham (who ended up hospitalized and unable to play), I became a fan that night, and it has been a joy to see her growth in the nearly 3 years since.  Check out Ingenue wherever you listen to music, and more importantly, if you dig it, buy it!

Kristen Englenz also kicks off the newly updated Featured Friday playlist! Also on the playlist: that new song from Brett Ryan Stewart that we premiered this morning, plus new music from Katie Pruitt, Harry Stafford, Close Lobsters, Little Triggers, Thomas Passon, Stumbleine, FM Thread, Jeffrey James, Jesse Blake Rundle, Sluka, Gallary 47. The No Ones, Charmless i, and The Heliocentric.

Check out the playlist below, and please follow our Featured Friday Playlist. A new list is posted every Friday. 

As always, we remind you to buy CDs and LPs, see your favorite band live, buy merch, etc.

Following/Saving/Downloading on Spotify is not equal to owning the music (CD, Vinyl, or download)

    Featured Friday Playlist

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - No Tell Motel Mix

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  *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.


Hard to believe but the E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency is just over a month away!  We have some cool stuff lined up - here is some details!

Long-time E2TG favorite Ben Arthur will be in town from New York. I am not sure if this will be his first performance in Nashville, but it is a rare treat.  Ben is the creator of a new podcast called Songwriter which airs as part of Acoustic Cafe. The show matches a prose writer with a songwriter. Ben will be playing songs from his forthcoming album Perspective which we have been previewing here at E2TG.  Joining Ben will be favorites Conrad y Skordalia.  Since relocating from New York to Nashville David Conrad and Rebecca Weiner Tompkins have stayed busy both playing their own music and backing some of Nashville's finest.  This night should be an especially literary-flavored show.


Preview of the other shows coming soon....

Please note a change in the previously announced line-up.  Don Gallardo will be joining The Truehearts for Week 3 on October 9 and Josh Gray will now be with Meghan Hayes for Week 4 on October 16.  We still can't tell you the second act joining The Big Dumb for our finale on October 23, but it is going to be good!   Make your plans now to attend all five weeks! 


Last night was a fun night at The 5 Spot - with Slump Test - a punk band featuring Ryan Dishen, Ben Douglas, and Isaac Anthony.  Really dug their sound.  After that was the comedy stylings of Shakes Hostettler, followed by Big Evil (the band we have been featuring of late - with Ben de la Cour, Chris Watts, Joe Lekkas, and Pete Pulkrabek.   Closing the night My Politic - which features Jen Starsinic (who we played on this week's Music City Monday shuffle) on violin.

Tonight, I am heading to The Basement to see Sad Baxter and Summer Cannibals (a band from Portland, Oregon that features a cousin of mind who I don't know).

Next week, I am taking time off work.  I will be heading to Muddy Roots next weekend, and I am sure I will have plenty to say about that. 

Now, on with the shuffle!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - A Drunkard's Dream Mix

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*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 even included. 


Made it back to Dee's last night for Madison Guild Monday for the first time in a while. Hosted by Tom Schreck.  Schreck opened with a full band set which he calls Tom Schreck Escapes.  As always great to see Tom play. His cover of "I Will Survive" was especially tasty.  Tommy Womack was next with a surprise solo set.  He will be back at Dee's Friday with a full band. He has a new single which is extremely timely.  Next up, a shared set from two of my long time favorites Kiley Connell and Drew Kohl. They were followed by the always impressive Connor Rand who had Nicole Boggs join him for a few songs. Excellent stuff. By that time, I was exhausted and I had to bow out before Nicole Boggs and the Reel played. Hate that.

I have a busy week of great live music ahead and lots to do otherwise. Plus it is way to hot. But, anyway - Music!  Today we dive back into the Trending playlist and we have some cool tunes for a hot day.

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Second Chance Confessions Mix

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People often ask me (not really) why I do random shuffles for E2TG. I mean, it is my blog, I could painstakingly "curate" a list of 8-10 songs and then post them every day. Why leave it up to the shuffle function to pick which songs pop up?

Never mind that if I picked the list every day, I would spend hours second guessing and obsessing over which new album I was neglecting etc. The main reason for my using the random shuffle is that I believe in the "magic" of randomness.  Over the last eight years, I have seen so many weird coincidences and cool connections pop up in a shuffle.  There's even one today - watch for it.

It has been a busy week, and it's not over. Last night, I stopped off on the way home to catch Nick Loss-Eaton of Leland Sundries doing a solo set at Tennessee Brew Works. You may recall, I had a Leland Sundries song in the shuffle yesterday (I had completely forgotten about Nick playing - until the event popped up on my phone) - see what I mean about randomness?  Anyway, it was a good time. Hung out with Collins de la Cour (who does the music booking there) and Ted Drozdowski (who sat in on a song with Nick).

A quick trip home and then it was off to City Winery to catch a show for a review I am writing.  Look for that review very soon.

Now, let's get to the shuffle.

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - 20th Century Bitch Mix

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Today - June 4 marks the 3rd Anniversary of Nashville's independent, community-oriented, listener supported radio station, WXNA, officially hitting the airwaves. It has been a heady three years, and I need to point out that the stations founders worked for five years to make it happen.

Happy Birthday WXNA!

It is Tuesday, and time to dive right into our Trending Tuesday playlist!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - The Game Mix

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Well, we've reached the end of another week of shuffles - here at E2TG.

Reminder: Monday is a holiday here in the States, and I am taking Tuesday and Wednesday off from work - so no new shuffles until Thursday - May 30! Enjoy yourselves everyone!

Let's go!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Blackpool Pier Mix

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Last night's CD Release show for Meghan Hayes - Seen Enough Leavers was a real celebration.  Things started out with short sets from some amazing local writers:  Megan Palmer, Fawn Larson, Kira Small, Meg Braun, and Kristen Englenz.  Followed by Meghan Hayes - who was backed by an incredible band - featuring Megan Palmer, Annie McCue, Justin Amaral, and Cameron Carrus.  She was joined on a song each by Mando Saenz and Tim Carroll.

The music was wonderful, and the joyful spirit - celebrating an album that is one of my favorite of the year so far.


By the way, I realized after posting, that yesterday marked the 8th anniversary of the start of E2TG. I remain humbled and overwhelmed by the incredible friends I have made along this journey and the wonderful music that I probably would never have heard if I had not started this blog. 


Now, it's time to move back into the our new music playlist and today's "Trending Thursday" shuffle!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Used High Heels Mix

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Nashville is changing rapidly.  It has been for several years now.  Cool old places are closing down and being replaced which much less cool places or being abandoned altogether.  It can be disheartening sometimes.

My roots here are deep, and I am not leaving anytime soon. So, what am I to do?

Fortunately, I am still reminded on a regular basis that Nashville is a great city for original, independent live music.  Take last night, I headed to Dee's in Madison - caught the tail-end of some fine world-class bluegrass (which happens every Monday), and then caught some awesome songwriters for this weeks edition of the Madison Guild Monday.

Hosted by Ryan Sobb, the night featured E2TG Artist of the Year (2017), Rayvon Pettis, the always amazing Jeremy Ivey, Bob Lewis and Megan Palmer - trading songs and backing each other, the wonderful Tommy Womack and Lisa Oliver Gray, Rayvon's talented sister Grace Pettis (filling in for the ailing Anna Joy Harris), and then Ryan Sobb.  Sobb's songs are witty and heartfelt - he is one of my favorite writers these days.  Then, Ryan did a  stunning cover of Tommy Womack's epic, classic "Alpha Male and the Canine Mystery Blood" - which knocked my socks off.

This was what Monday nights can look like in the Nashville area - if you know where to look.

On to the Trending Tuesday shuffle!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - The Art of Drifting Mix

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It's getting real and it's getting really close!  The Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown IV is just a couple of days away.  Make you plans.  The 5 Spot in East Nashville is one of my favorite places in town, and it will be a great place to get away from all of madness going on around Nashville this weekend. You will find two nights of original music from 13 great acts, a silent auction, a great cause (The Ben Eyestone Fund of Music Health Alliance), a community canvas project, and much more.   It all kicks off at 9:00pm on Friday April 26.


Now, for today's Wild Wednesday Shuffle - I decided to use our "Trending"/new music playlist - just to make some more room in that playlist - because we have so much great music. Plus, I was off work last Friday and I likely won't be doing a regular shuffle this Friday. Still, as I said last week, thanks to the awesome variety of music I have been receiving, our this shuffle is pretty darn "wild".

Let's go!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Rolled off the Tongue Mix

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Fun night at Madison Guild Monday.  Lots of great sets: Steve Noonan (who I had seen on Saturday), Milan Miller, Rob McNurlin, Conrad y Skordalia, Maynard and the Musties. Loved Linda McCrae's cover of "Ashes to Ashes" on Banjo (loved all her music but that cover just knocked me out), Luella and Kevin Gordon doing a set of Gospel songs was transcendent. Some good hangs. I'm dragging a bit today, but it was worth it.

As promised, our preview of the Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown IV continues.  Saturday's line-up is stacked. The music starts early and goes until very late.

Here is the schedule: 

6:00-6:20 Jenny Van West
6:25-6:45 Bryan Haraway
6:50-7:10 Jason Daniels
7:15-7:35 Mike Younger
7:45-8:30 Jeff Mix & The Songhearts
8:45-9:30 Arkansas Dave
9:45-10:30 Rich Mahan Band
10:45-11:35 Bonnie Blue
11:50 Silent Auction winners announcement
12midnight-1:15 Lady Couch 

Stay tuned for more information on the Silent Auction.  There are some very special items that will be up for bid.  All proceeds will go to the Ben Eyestone Fund of the Musician's Health Alliance - which provides vital health care services and resources to people in the music industry.

We jump back into our Trending playlist.  I have a ton of new music to add and I am trying very hard to keep this playlist under 500  songs, so we either have to feature as many as we can or I will need to start moving some older songs out of the playlist.

Let's go!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Summer Wine Mix

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Whew!  It's the end of another week.  I am still struggling with not feeling great, and I ready for the up and down temperatures to give us a break for at least a few days.

Next week, I am going to jump headlong into promoting the Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown IV - which will be happening April 26 and 27 at The 5 Spot.  There are all sorts of sponsors, a silent auction, and other cool stuff. The shows are a benefit for the Ben Eyestone Fund at Musician's Health Alliance. The music is jam packed with great bands - including many E2TG Favorites. I am super stoked to a part of this year's "Hoedown".  Make your plans now!

Now, let's get right to the Featured Friday shuffle!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Cardboard Suitcase Mix

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I'm not going to lie, it's been a rough week.  I am so glad it is Friday.  I've had a lot to talk about, but I haven't had the time or energy to do it. So, expect me to unload at some point.

As always, though, music is my solace.  We have an interesting shuffle to close out this week and to close out the month of March.  Let's dive in!