E2TG 11/8/2021 - Music City Monday - Mona Lisa Mix (Chi Sei Remix)

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Heading into a short week - with a couple days off work at the end following a weekend filled with music. 

Friday - I checked back in with Tim Carroll's Rock and Roll Happy Hour and caught part of the 8th Anniversary of the Strictly Eighties Dance Party.   Saturday night was the annual Last Waltz tribute show - one of those events where I knew more people on stage than off.  The songs are all classics and the musicians and singers were all incredible. It would have been hard for it to not be great, and it still exceeded expectations.   Sunday, I caught Slowforce (Megan Palmer and Bob Lewis) along with what was billed as a solo set by Stuffy Shmitt but which was actually Stuffy and Tom Mason doing a set of classic blues and folk songs.  A really fun way to wrap up the weekend.

Reminder - please check out the Featured Friday Playlist. 

And finally, today's Music City Monday Shuffle is after the jump. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 10/4/2021 - Music City Monday - Every Sunset Mix (Have You Ever? Remix)

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Have you locked down your plans to be at The 5 Spot on Wednesday for E2TG Presents Bill Bloomer and Stuffy Shmitt?  Make sure you have your vax card (or negative test - within 72 hours) and your photo ID. Plus the $10 cover.  Then show up before 6pm, grab a drink, and enjoy what promises to be a fantastic evening of songs. 

Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 2 - Where from here?) (songs 10-15):

10. "It's a Wonderful Lie" by The Great Leap Forward

First up, we have another track from Revolt Against the Age of Plenty by Manchester band The Great Leap Forward - the first album in nine years from Alan Brown (Big Flame). 

11. "Endless Greed" by Lucy Frantic

Next up, we have the debut single from this rock trio from Finland. 

12. "All About You" by The Super Moons

Next up, we have the lead off track from Real Life Heroes - the debut album by this Scottish who have released an EP and five singles (including this one) since 2018.

13. "Eyes of the Storm" by Ali Dineen

Next up, via Spirit House Sessions - we have a single from New York City based artist Ali Dineen.  The b-side is a cover of a Judee Sill song - which I dig on a lot of levels. 

14. "Rain Days" by Chris Fox & the Beasts

 Next, we have the title track from the debut release by this band based in New Jersey and the Catskills. 

15. "Touch Me Like a Teddybear" by Tom Rodwell

And, we close this segment of music with a new single from this English artist, presently based in New Zealand. A cool tune to close us out. 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 8/6/2021 - Featured Friday - Busted World Mix (Peeno Remix)

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Before we get to our Featured Friday Playlist, we have a new non-Spotify single to feature - from E2TG favorite Mighty Joe Nolan.  The Detroit native and long-time Nashville singer-songwriter, journalist, podcaster, and much more - just released his tribute to drive-in movies on Bandcamp - just in time for the relaunch of Bandcamp Fridday - where the platform waives their fees.  

Here is some more about this new single: "Back to the Drive-In" is the second single off Mighty Joe Nolan's upcoming plague-times song cycle, American Guillotine. "Back to the Drive-In" celebrates the unexpected revival of "movies in cars" with this rock 'n' roll tribute to B movies and American summertime culture.

"I went to my first drive-in movie when I was a little kid in Detroit. We saw Peter Pan and Escape from Witch Mountain. But when you're a kid the drive-in isn't just about movies. It's also about the swingsets and see-saws, the concession stand - we even had a fireworks show during the intermission of the double feature. Drive-ins coming back during the pandemic was a weird and hopeful thing during a miserable time. The song is a tribute to monster movies and sci-fi films, but it's also filled with lots of visceral memories from my earliest experiences of 'movies in cars.'"

The song's stripped-down sound - like all of the tracks on American Guillotine - reflects the album's isolated production during various levels of social distancing. The single's spare arrangement shouts out vintage hip hop as well as 1950s rock 'n' roll, and Nolan's singular gift for lyric writing brings the cinematic setting flickering to life: 

 

Also out today on Bandcamp, a new album from bassist Cameron Carrus who recently moved from Nashville to Brooklyn.  Odd is a collection of instrumentals with some special guests like Adam Kurtz, Julia Blair, and Rich Ruth.  Check it out below:

    Featured Friday Playlist

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Strong Jawed, Strong Willed Mix

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And just like that, the weekend is over... time for another Music City Monday! 

Let's not waste any precious time, and get right to it!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Fight Me Mix

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It is now less than two weeks until the Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown IV.  As part of this year's hoedown, there is a silent auction - which is going on now.  There are several amazing items up for bid, and you do not have to be present at the Hoedown to participate or win.

HERE is the link to the on-line auction. Remember all proceeds go to the Ben Eyestone Fund at the Music Health Alliance. So get bidding!

Now, we head back into the Music City Monday shuffle.  It was a good one!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Say it With Flowers Mix

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Hey!  I'm back!  I almost forgot how to do one of these shuffles...

We have an exciting week coming up - culminating in a really awesome video premiere on Friday. So stay tuned. 

To kick things off, we have a spectacular Music City Monday - all songs with some connection to Nashville (aka Music City USA).

Let's get right to it!

E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency Preview Shuffle - Month of Thursdays Mix Pt.4

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TOMORROW!  It's getting closer!  The Grand Finale of the E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency will take over The 5 Spot beginning promptly at Six O'Clock.  Here is the line-up in order of appearance:

Shane Tutmarc will open with a short set of songs promptly at six. Tutmarc is now an East Nashville institution, but he got his start in the Pacific Northwest - leading the band Dolour. whose membership included Robin Pecknold later of Fleet Foxes and members of Portugal the Man and other bands.   Tutmarc moved to Nashville in 2010. He has opened for Wanda Jackson. Most recently, he has been performing under the moniker Solar Twin. 

Joanna Barbera: A native of New Jersey, Barbera's spirit has lead her all over the world before arriving in Nashville. Her music reflects her exploration of spiritual paths.  Her latest release Imago is a favorite of mine from last year. A song from that release, "When the Rain Comes" was prominently featured in the CBS series Criminal Minds. Her music is emotive with a great sound and wonderful songs, if you have not heard Joanna Barbera live, you want to make it The 5 Spot tomorrow, 

Eli Cook:  Eli Cook took up the guitar as a teenager in the Blue Ridge foothills of Virginia.  He cut is teeth playing and singing in churches and at revivals. His music takes a firm foundation of blues greats like John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Fred McDowell and others and updates it with influences from bands like Soundgarden, Clutch, and Rage Against the Machine.  His latest album is called High Dollar Gospel. It is another favorite of mine from 2017.  Cook has shared stages with the likes of B.B. King, Johnny Winters, Robert Cray, Gary Clark Jr, and most recently Robin Trower. He is in town from his home in Charlottesville, Virginia home, and you do not want to miss this rare opportunity to see him live in the intimate confines of The 5 Spot.


Bee Taylor: I was first recommended to Bee Taylor's music a couple of years ago.  When I went out to see her live, I wondered why he had taken me so long to catch on to her. Possessing a powerful voice and an intense spirit, Taylor's music has been described as a combination of Tom Waits and Amy Winehouse. Bee Taylor's incredible band features the immeasurable talented Cody Brooks  (Taylor is also a part of Brook's band).  Her set promises to be an all-out throw-down to help close out this awesome month of music.

I hope you will be there if you can!

We have our final "Month of Thursdays" shuffle - featuring artists from tomorrow's show.

E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency Preview Shuffle - Month of Thursdays Mix Pt.3

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Okay - I have been keeping quiet over here recently about things going on in the world and our nation. AND, I NEVER wanted or intended E2TG to be a place for me to express my "political" opinions.  HOWEVER, I feel the need to speak up on somethings. To me, this is not political.  As I have said many times, it is fine to disagree about policies and philosophies around solving real or imagined "issues".  Despite my beliefs placing me firmly on the left of many political issues, I do believe our system works best when people of all political stripes can work together to arrive best solutions. (Unfortunately, that idea seems quaint and idealistic in today's climate).  Strong, principled conservatives and liberal/progressives are important to us as a society.

All that being said, there are things being done which I feel transcend political ideologies and partisan differences. It is possible to have any number of opinions about immigration and border security AND have compassion for the fate of families and children.  It is possible to lean to the right on social and economic issues and speak out against vile and inhumane words and actions from those who (theoretically) share your political beliefs.

I am prompted to write today - when I would much rather be talking about music and events - by last nights actions by the former Trump campaign manager (I am not going to even mention his name).  On television, while a story was being shared about a child with Down's Syndrome, this vile creatur said, "Wah-Wah" (reported as "Womp-womp" but whatever).  Keep in mind, he was campaign manager for someone who openly mocked a disabled reporter. Someone whose Attorney General opposed the principles of IDEA - a federal law that provides for children with all sorts of disabilities to have the best education possible in the least restrictive environment.  Prior to this law, many of these children were either denied education or "warehoused" in substandard, hidden rooms.  This same person's Sec. of Education nominee could not answer basic questions about IDEA in her confirmation hearing (and was still confirmed) and has rescinded 72 guidance documents related to children with disabilities.

I am the parent of a child with disabilities, and while that makes these issues more on the forefront for me - it is not the reason the actions above are repulsive to me - that is because I a person with compassion (or at least I try to be).  Because of my daughters disabilities, I have had the pleasure to meet many children with disabilities and their families. They are, in many cases, the most refreshingly honest and warm and kind people I have ever met. Children with Down's Syndrome, children with many different conditions and diagnoses, often possess a spirit and vitality that should be a lesson to all of us. Despite the hardships, the stares, the subtle or not subtle cruelty, they often possess unconditional love. Anyone - who mocks and otherwise harms  - these children should be called out and defended by everyone with a heart. Unfortunately, even these cruelties are framed as a left vs. right debate.  They are not. They are simply put a wrong vs. right debit.
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TOMORROW NIGHT!  The E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency continues.

We have a great line-up:  Brian Milligram, Darrin Bradbury, and The Coal Men will present some of Nashville's best music.  It is an early show at The 5 Spot, so you will have time to get to some of the later events of the night or to get home before dark.

One week from tomorrow, we close out the month of shows with our finale - featuring Eli Cook, Bee Taylor, and Joanna Barbera. 

I would also like to remind you that my new novel, The Drift is available via Amazon.com.  I will have a couple of copies of the novel for sale (more are ordered but will not arrive in time for tomorrow.  I will have a sign-up sheet if you would like to be notified when books are available for sale.   I can also have books shipped directly to you for a small shipping fee. 


Every Wednesday in June, we have been shuffling up songs from a special playlist featuring artists still to come at the E2TG Show. Let's jump!

E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency Preview Shuffle - Month of Thursdays Mix Pt.2

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The Ear to the Ground Residency at The 5 Spot continues tomorrow night and every Thursday in June. 

This week:

Come on out!  I am so excited about this line-up.  Ben de la Cour is an amazing songwriter.  The End Men are flat out one of my all-time favorite bands and I am so excited to have them in Nashville for the night!  Ted Drozdowski has a 40 year career as a journalist.  He is currently a senior editor at Premier Guitar magazine. A brilliant man and gifted musician - he knows the blues better than anyone I know.  He brings a unique vision to his version of psychedelic blues music - with a brand new power trio - he calls Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus.

I have created a special playlist - to highlight some of the great music still to come this month.  Here is a taste.

E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency Preview Shuffle - Month of Thursdays Mix

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TOMORROW!  The E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency kicks off at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.

The show starts at 6:00pm.  The music should get underway no later than 6:15pm (since we have a ton of great music on tap).  Clark Paterson will kick things off with a full-band set. Followed by Rayvon Pettis and The Big Dumb (including a set of The Big Dumb doing their own music).

I decided to create a Spotify playlist to showcase some of the great music we have in store of you in June. I was listening to some of it last night, and we have some pretty amazing artists and music in store (if I do say so myself).

For the month of June, I will be forgoing our usual "Wild Wednesday" shuffle to feature a very special E2TG Residency Shuffle... Let's get started!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - What Have I Become? Mix

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Well... here we are at the penultimate shuffle of the year, and the penultimate Earie post (not counting the "Golden Earier" posts. 

Reflecting on 2017 some more (although really ready to see it in my rear-view mirror), and I see ups and downs - as with most years. To me there is a fundamental shift that happened this year. Perspective and perception are everything, and so I don't always know when my experience of something  (a year perhaps) is mine alone - or if it is shared. I can say, though, that I have heard enough people talking about this year to know that I am not alone my outlook.  That shift - is not for the best - IMHO, nor is it a permanent shift. Already, I see signs of hope.  It seems like every year, I enter the year filled with some sense of hope that I will do more or better or at least different. This year, I'm not sure I have hope, but I think I do have resolve. I don't make resolutions at New Years - I don't have much luck with those, but I do tend to see the cycling of the calendar as an opportunity to revisit and change things that aren't working. 

This is the winter solstice - the shortest day of the year. Hanukkah just ended, Christmas is coming up as is Kwanzaa. And the end of the calendar year in the west. And so, I send out well wishes to anyone who is reading this - no matter what you do or do not celebrate. In a divided nation and a divided world, I send out thoughts of reconciliation and peace and harmony.

This is just my tiny corner of the internet, but I am so grateful for all of the wonderful people I have met because of it. 

Let's shuffle:

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - History and Hell Mix

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My take:  For a nation that is built upon the idea of freedom, the most patriotic thing one can do is to exercise that freedom in whatever way one deems necessary.  I saw video of people shouting obscenities during the National Anthem at men who choose to respectfully and silently protest by kneeling during the National Anthem.  I have to ask, who was being disrespectful?   And these people who are shouting obscenities are being inflamed and encouraged by the President of the United States.  These are difficult and discouraging times, but I do feel some hope that the resistance is growing and the investigations are deepening...

Well, it's the last full week of September.  It is officially Autumn -and yet the temperature is going to be near 90 the first part of this week...

And, it is Monday - which means Music City Monday on E2TG.  It's no secret that Nashville is experiencing an incredible period of growth.  And there are pains associated with that growth.  There is the fear of losing somethings that make Nashville distinctly Nashville. There are traffic woes and parking woes and cost of living woes.

I never know how the shuffle will play out any given day - that's part of the fun of using the random shuffle feature... but I purposefully front-load my playlist with a mix of old and new music from people who have been in Nashville longer than I have to those who are recent additions to our fair city.

My hope is that the newcomers will pay attention to the voices of the long-timers.  The history of Nashville and its music matters. The best local artists, in my opinion, recognize this and then thoughtfully and purposefully add their voices to that history.

My hope is that the long-time Nashville artists and residents, will open their ears to the voices and songs of the newcomers. Some amazingly talented people are moving here everyday - trying to find their place.  They bring with them their own history and stories that will help shape the Nashville of tomorrow.

The fact is, the old Nashville is not coming back. But, as to exactly what new Nashville is going to be is still being written. I hope both the newcomers and long-timers will contribute and help make that new Nashville the best it can be.

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Which Way to Jump Mix

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To me the biggest danger to as the weeks and months go by, is that the insanity that we are seeing will begin to seem "normal".  It is human nature, I think, to survive regardless of the circumstances. And sometimes to survive it becomes necessary to accept the unacceptable on some level just to make it through the day.  The fact is (I must repeatedly remind myself of this) that there is so much about the current administration that is not normal, is not "okay". From the fact that white supremacists still have a seat at the table of power, to the attacks on the press, to the attacks on science... it is not normal, it is not okay.
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We have reached Thursday... and we continue to work our way through the "New Music" playlist.  Let's jump to it!