E2TG 12/9/2020 - The Best I Can - No Good Fool Mix (Minor Key Remix)

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We have reached the penultimate Featured Friday Recap Post - Songs 36-45:

36. "Oh Oh Oh" by Eckhardt And the House

Up first today, a great new single from The Netherlands. The music is meant to have a late 70s - early 80s vibe and was inspired by a documentary about Edward Snowden and a German film set in 1984 East Germany.

37. "harlem" by small dogs

Up next, we have the latest single from New York based and recent transplant from London - George Barnett who records as small dogs. Digging this. 

38. "Dance in the Rain" by James Burt

Next up - the first of two songs about rain. First up, we have the debut single from a UK based pop artist. Pop music has and still does mean different things. I like this song quite a bit. An impressive debut.

39. "Rainy Day" by Murdocco

More rain... this track comes from Mariana Murdocco who was born in Uruguay, got her musical start in Barcelona, and is now based in London. The inspirational track features piano and a heavy bass line. 

40. "Stay in Bed" by Julia Van Daam

Stay in Bed is the latest single from Providence, RI native and Boston based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Julia Van Daam. The song delivers a powerful message and asks hard questions about the state of our nation.

41. "Going Down - Ferry Corsten Remix Edit" by Kosmonova

Shifting gears dramatically, we have a pounding, electronic dance number from German DJ Kosmonova - who had some chart hits in the 2000s.

42. "Criminals, Cannibals, and Animals" by Sam Seibert

Up next, some hard rock via Delaware based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sam Seibert. 

43. "County Lines" by Ventrelles

Up next, we have a new single by the Manchester band Ventrelles - led by Phil Knox who formed the band after returning to Manchester after living in Chicago for a time. 

44. "End is Near" by Ferko, Rostany, Vic Villian

Next - we have our second track in this week's playlist which came to us via The Eastern European Music Academy. Ferko is based in Glasgow but originally from Budapest, Rostany is a three-piece EDM band from Belarus - their band member Vic Villian contributes to this track which like the track we featured yesterday from Karo Glazer and Zsud - is featured on  2020 Compilation put out by the Eastern European Music Academy.  

45. "Season's End" by Facing Mountains

And finally, we have a track from the debut EP by Dutch composer Xander Slikker who is performing as Facing Mountains.  Currently based in North Macedonia, the music here is a lovely mix of chamber-pop/folk and indietronica/folktronica. This was a direct artist submission, and I was pleased that Xander actually listened to an earlier playlist and dug the music of my friends The Smoking Flowers. Great stuff. 

Tomorrow - we wrap up this very long and very diverse Playlist with songs 46-55
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 8/26/2020 - Powerless - Cocoon Mix (Thanks Remix)

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My power was off for about seven hours yesterday evening - so I didn't get to do my usual prep work for today's post (which you don't really know about but anyway), so time is tight today... bear with me. 

Reminder: All Featured Friday Playlist songs can be heard on our Spotify Playlist (up until the new list goes live - the following Friday).  Most shuffle songs can be heard on the video playlist (substitute songs used if the actual song is not available on that platform - if possible)

Today, we recap the nexr segment of the Featured Friday Playlist (songs 23-29)

23. "Enter the Animal" by Biomechanimal

First up in this segment, we have the latest single from UK based electro-industrial band Biomechanimal. This hard driving song has been a staple of the band's live shows for some tome. 

24. "Start over Again" by Paul Gillings

Former World Harmonica champion and singer-songwriter Paul Gillings with a track from his new electric blues album Invisible Prison.  

25. "Melting" by A Shoreline Dream

Colorado-based shoegaze/post punk band A Shoreline Dream - return to E2TG with the 2nd single and title track from their new album.

26. "Locked in the Panopticon" by Reardon Love

Next up, we have a UK artist with an 80s new wave feel.  Cool stuff.

27. "We Share the Same Stars" by The Sea at Midnight

Next up, we have the recent single from L.A. based The Sea at Midnight - led by Vince Grant.  The band's eponymous album is due later this fall. 

28. "Wake Me Up When This Year's Over" by KC Beck

Austin based singer-songwriter and army veteran KC Beck echoes what many of us are feeling about 2020 - on his new single. 

29. "Prelude To a Dream" by Eito

We close this segment of music with a track from the recent single by Pittsburgh based battle MC Eito - whose music mixes grime, boom bap, and house. A great way addition to the playlist and great wrap up for this segment of music. 

Tomorrow - we wrap up our recap of this week's Playlist with songs 30-37. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 7/2/2020 - Ain't That America - Brain Damage Mix (No Show Blues Remix)

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Well, here in the States it is Fourth of July weekend. I think for many reasons the holiday will be different this year and maybe it should be different for some time to come. Rather than an excuse to swell with pride and celebrate, maybe - just maybe - we should use the time to reflect on where our nation has and is falling short and what we can do about it.

Here in Nashville, the number of COVID-19 cases has surged, and we are reverting to Phase 2 of the reopening plan. This is not surprising to me as I have seen so many people acting as if the pandemic is over. As for me, I never moved to Phase 3.  I am mostly staying put. I just wish, people could put their selfish interests aside, and I wish we had competent leadership. I want to go visit my Mom. I want to see live music again. But, most importantly, I don't want any more people to fucking die.

Independence Day - what we need is an Interdependence Day because guess what - unless you are living totally off the grid - raising all your own food, making all your own clothes - then you are interdependent and that involves people working together for a common good.

So Happy Interdependence Day!  I need you and you need me. Let's do this thing together for everyone...



By the way, I am off work tomorrow, and I normally don't post on my days off work, but what the heck, all the rules don't apply in 2020.  Not only will be be premiering he new Featured Friday Playlist, but we also have a very special Video Premiere - from an old friend - just in time for the 4th of July.

And now, it is time to complete our recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist.  Remember tomorrow, a brand new playlist premieres. Follow and/or tune in for all the details.

The thing I love about these playlist is the depth of the music featured.  I haphazardly order the songs when I create the playlist - around midnight on Fridays, and I tend to start with artists I am most closely associated with - E2TG and/or local favorites.  After that, it is really pretty random.  Nonetheless, It is cool to recap these playlist the way I have been and to find gems throughout.  Of course, I dig all the music - I mean, I am the one who picks the songs, but there are some that really resonate with me more than others, and it is fun to see where those songs turn up.

Now, songs 21-25:

21."World's Finest" by Special Pillow

The Special Pillow mark their 25th Anniversary with a new EP called World's Finest, and we have the title track. They are from Hoboken, New Jersey and their music has a psych pop feel to it. This was my first time hearing their music, and I am a fan. 

22. "Roman Bones Make Good Glue" by 8 Floors Up

8 Floors Up is the project of Danny Cawley - a veteran and survivor of the UK music scene. He formed his first band at age 17. They were managed by the ex-manager of the Stone Roses. Moving around England while fighting his personal demons, his story is one of perseverance and should provide hope to those who struggle. The music will appeal to fans of UK indie music of the last couple of decades, and I like it very much.

23. "Groovy Lucy" by Serratone

Next, we have the latest single from this three-piece rock band based in Manchester. This is hard-hitting and riff heavy music. Cool stuff. 

24. "Clayton Jones Is Gonna Be Big" by TJ George

Shifting gears (we do that a lot here at E2TG), we have a wonderful song from this singer-songwriter from Columbus, Ohio singer-songwriter.  It is taken from his new EP, Fragmented Soul Vo1. 2 - which is a follow up to his 2014 release. I was not really surprised to find that several of my Facebook friends were already on board with his music. 

25. "Babylon" by Dead Method

Released at the tail end of Pride month, "Babylon" is a powerful alternative pop song that celebrates and elevates all outcasts and outsiders. The band is based in Cardiff, and this track provides a groovy close to this week's list. 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2/25/2020 - Mardi Gras - Boy Sit Down Mix (Hey You Remix)

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Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Lent, and all that....

Growing up Catholic, I remember the big deal of deciding what to "give up" for Lent. You wanted to pick something hard, but not too hard to give up for 40 days. It seemed like it was generally something not so good for you - like sodas or chocolate. I also remembered the debates - so Lent represents the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, but it is only technically 40 days if Sunday's are excluded, and if Sundays are excluded that meant you could partake in our chosen sacrifice on the Sundays in Lent. It seemed like it was always our Protestant friends who scoffed at this "loophole".  

But, in my (albeit) limited understanding - the sacrifice - and indeed any fasting - is supposed to serve a spiritual purpose - to clear away things that keep you from focusing on what is important. And I do think such time is vital and sadly often neglected (present company definitely not excepted). Whether the thing you are focused on is the pending death and resurrection of a savior or something else, I am of a mind that there has to be more meaning to this life than just base survival and the quest for material comforts. 

So, I am not sure that I am going to "give up" anything this Lenten period - except maybe negativity or something like that, but I do hope to spend this time reflecting on what is important to me. As for how any of this relates to E2TG, well, E2TG is important to me and music is important to me. I guess I want to reflect on how I can best reflect those loves in how I conduct myself through this blog every day. 

Pre-Lent Thoughts: 

 Yesterday, after work, I was listening to some music from my phone - and the thought occurred to me that I really want E2TG to be more spontaneous and natural. I don't yet know what that means or what it looks like, but I will let you know.  Nevertheless, I heard a track from Hey Tom - the Tom House Tribute album by Brock Zeman, and I was reminded of what an amazing album it is and what a wonderful songwriter Tom House is.  I also heard a track from the forthcoming Chris Moyse album - which is fantastic, and I was struck about the amazing work being done by so many of my friends. 

    Featured Friday Playlist

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Sea Waiting Mix

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That was the week that was....

It's Friday!  A gloomy day in Nashville.  I've been reminded again of the incredible selection of live music going on just about every single night in many different size venues featuring all kinds of talented performers.

Last night, I went out to Dee's to see the amazingly talented Lisa Oliver Gray joined by Will Kimbrough on guitar.  These two have been important parts of the Nashville music community for many years.  The first time I saw Will Kimbrough live was over 30 years ago with his band Will and the Bushmen.

It's time for our last shuffle of the week.  And our first of February!  This is Featured Friday - which MAY include the newest of the new but also some other less recent submissions and some miscellaneous acquisitions to my personal collection of music.

Let's go!

2018 E2TG Earie Awards - # 6 - Recap June 2018

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HOLIDAY SHOPPING ALERT!!!!: The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)


I'm back, finally.  Since Friday, I have listened to and started posts, but due to some extracurricular activities on my part, I haven't been able to finish the posts.  So, I'm just going to press on and post them one at a time as I finish them.  We will start with our 6th "Earie" post and our recap of June 2018.  In June, E2TG celebrating seven years with a Residency at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.

Let's get right to the shuffle!

2018 E2TG Earie Awards - # 5 - Recap May 2018

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HOLIDAY SHOPPING ALERT!!!!: The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

I was out of the office yesterday, so let's jump back into our Earie Awards and our Recap of 2018. We are now up to May 2018.  E2TG began its eighth year during the month of May, and we had some cool artists and tunes to feature that month. Let's go!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Addicted to the Rhythm Mix

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All of this happened a long time ago when the world was a very different place. Of course, none of us knew that at the time.
(From The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres) Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)


I am a bit overwhelmed with everything going on the world and in my more narrow world and in my life personally.  There always seems like there is too much that must, should, and/or could be done. I get overwhelmed when I see all these things around me and I don't know where or how to begin.  The thing is, I know it always just starts with doing one good, just, kind thing and then one more and so on.

I am trying to prepare for a move, in just over a month.  Last night, I looked at everything that needs to be done before I move, and I was overwhelmed.  But then I just started doing something. It might not be the best or most important thing, but it was something that needed to be done.

I didn't write E2TG for seven plus years all at once, I did it one day at a time.

Just some thoughts on this dreary Wednesday in Nashville.

Now, because it is Wednesday - we have a shuffle that comes from all of the songs saved to my phone's memory card.

Let's go!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - What Will You Do? Mix

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All of this happened a long time ago when the world was a very different place. Of course, none of us knew that at the time.
(From The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres) Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed three - January - March 2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 (NEW!)


Check out the brand new E2TG Spotify Playlist for April 2018.  I'm eventually going to catch up to present time.

Check back here tomorrow, we have a Song Premiere that I am very excited to bring you.

A lot going on, so I'm just  going to jump right into the Trending Thursday shuffle!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Little Things People Do Mix

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All of this happened a long time ago when the world was a very different place. Of course, none of us knew that at the time.
(From The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres) Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

"If I can just get though this work week, without getting killed or caught..."  (with apologies to Guy Clark.)

Last night, a great night of music at The 5 Spot.  I saw Mike Cullison and his relatively new band The Lucky Dogs. Mike is a great songwriter - we have featured his music here at E2TG. The Lucky Dogs are a great band featuring Michael Ross, Bobby Kent, and more. Great selection of covers and original tunes - including a few written with Mark Robinson. 

After that, I hung around for part of the 2nd ever Pizza Collective showcase. The Pizza Collective is a group of songwriters who meet once a week, eat pizza, and bring in a new song to play for the group. I loved what I heard, and wish I could have stuck around for the rest, but I was way too tired.  Did get to see J.R. Wyatt, Becca Richardson, a great cello player named Zan Berry.  I look forward to catching more of their shows.

I need to tell you about an event coming up Saturday - also at The 5 Spot.  After The Fats Kaplin Gang, stick around for Spoons of Diamond.  It is a tribute to Neil Diamond - feat. the one and only Black Diamond (Nashville's own Neil Diamond impersonator). More importantly, this is a fundraiser - organized by Jason - an employee of The 5 Spot.  I'll let him tell you about it:

"Neil Diamond was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease this year.
Liftware.com is a company that has developed “smart spoons”
that allow people with Parkinson's Disease, Cerebral Palsy and, many other disabilities, the independence of feeding themselves with more confidence.
These spoons, with accessories, cost around $300-$350, depending on the particular disability and, spoon handle needed. They're not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or, majority of private insurance. 
The funds raised will be used to purchase more of these “smart spoons.”
If this device will improve your quality of life, you should have one, no matter your ability to afford one. As someone with Cerebral Palsy, I know firsthand that life with a disability comes with added struggles and, expenses. Also, as a guy who is so completely comfortable with having CP that I go by the nickname of “Shakes,” I can say that the first time to use this spoon was a life changing moment. I can't imagine how it would affect someone who isn't as comfortable with their own disability! Therefore, I find people who would benefit from this technology and,
simply give them one, with accessories.
After all, there's already enough “red tape” and “hoops to jump through” in today's world...and, who doesn't enjoy a nice bowl of soup?
Your friend,
Shakes
gofundme.com/shakes37206"
Shakes gave my daughter, whose diagnoses includes CP, one of the "smart spoons".   This should be a great night for a great cause.

Now, we jump back into the "New Music" playlist.  I am now way, way behind in adding new music to the list, but there is still a ton of music already added. Let's shuffle!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Foghorn Mushroom Mix

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Just two days away!

Week 2 June 14: The End Men, Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus, Ben de la Cour

Here is a little taste of the wacky awesomeness that you can expect this Thursday!  

Later this month!

Week 3 June 21:  Brian Milligram, Microwave Mountain, The Coal Men

Week 4 June 28: Joanna Barbera, Bee Taylor, Eli Cook

Seven years in, and E2TG is still about keeping an ear out for what is out there.... today's "Trending Tuesday" shuffle has FIVE (5) first listens.  Let's jump right in!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Rarest Flower Mix

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My novel, The Drift is out now!  Paperback or Kindle (Buy the paperback and get a Kindle version for just $.99)

E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency is coming in June to The 5 Spot!

Week 1:  Clark Paterson, The Big Dumb, Rayvon Pettis

Week 2: The End Men, Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus, Ben de la Cour

Week 3:  Brian Milligram, Microwave Mountain, The Coal Men

Week 4: Joanna Barbera, Bee Taylor, Eli Cook

Today, We dive back into our New Music playlist.   We have a couple of first listens. It is a pretty eclectic set of songs, so sit back and enjoy the ride!