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 2/4/2020 - Featured Video "Stand a Chance" - Red Pits Mix (Sycamore Canyon Remix)

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Excited this morning to feature a new video from an old friend. Charles Hager may be based in Las Vegas now, but we still consider him part of the Nashville family. The song comes from his latest album Truth and Love which we featured at the end of 2019.

Charlie Hager is a singer/songwriter from Nashville, Tn. He credits the majority of his musical abilities to his father, James Bernard, a longtime West Virginia bluegrass player from the 1940's to his death in 1981. His writing styles and influences come mostly from Texas based singer/songwriters from Billy Jo Shaver, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and J.J. Cale. In his youth, Charlie, decided to not attend a large high school in Nashville and instead moved out the the Tennessee countryside to a small rural high school in Trousdale County which instilled his small town values. After graduation and a few years at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, he decided to join the U.S. Marine Corps and travel the world and for the first time started playing and writing. In 1991, he returned to Nashville and began playing local venues in the area. In the summer of 1993, he was married and had 3 children. During this time his music was placed on a back burner. In 2011 and after a divorce, Charlie returned to the Nashville music scene and with the help of some of his musical friends began playing regular shows and writing songs again. In 2016, American Saga, his first album was released. It was received well by the media. During 2016 and 2017 Charlie played with his band at numerous venues around Nashville and on several radio stations live in both Nashville and Knoxville. Also, he began working on his sophomore album, "Truth and Love".
E2TG Premiered the video for "These Days" from American Saga. That post is our most viewed post ever.
In July of 2018, he relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada because of his work with a production company. He is also working on establishing himself on the west coast. For more information visit: https://www.charliehager.com/
VIDEO CREDITS Directed by Alex Hopkins Director of Photography Francis Myron Calara Love.Live. Productions 2019 Simple Equations Media, LLC Flour Sack Cape Records Greenland Studios BMI


Verse 1 Don’t you realize we always go down this road When there’s a problem we just lose control. It seems like we would recognize the cause. If we’re going to stand a chance to stand a chance at all.
(Chorus) If we’re going to stand a chance to stand a chance at all. We need to hang on, we got to be strong Each and every time something good goes wrong. If we’re going to stand a chance at all.
Verse 2 I know it ain’t easy but we have to make sure there’s time For our hearts to teach our stubborn minds. And we can’t worry when we’re about to fall. If we’re going to stand a chance to stand a chance at all
(Chorus)

    Featured Friday Playlist

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Jump Back Down Mix

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Well, yesterday I wrote about the finale of Mark Robinson's Showband and Rhythm Revue Residency at The 5 Spot.  Well, the show certainly lived up to my expectations (and then some!).  Master levels musicianship, world-class vocalists, and Mark Robinson - who is a consummate bandleader.  Such a fun night.

Well, this week has kind of flown by in a hurry... it is Friday and time for Featured Friday on E2TG.

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Imitation Soul Mix

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After three weeks of having a tooth pulled, having a really bad sinus infection (worst one I have ever had), and then Americana Fest, I did some recording for Double Shot with Sue last night - tonight's agenda is laundry and catching up on stuff.  If you can, you should definitely head over to the High Watt for Brian Ritchey, Jon Latham, and Smoking Flowers.

Looking ahead, Amelia White and Mark Robinson each wrap up their residencies for September on Wednesday and Thursday.  White's guest is Reckless Johnny Wales and in band guest Julie Christensen.   Robinson's has a expanded Showband with amazing vocalists and writers Jonell Mosser and Vickie Carrico.   Both shows are don't miss affairs.

Now, it is Tuesday.  For Trending Tuesday, we are still shuffling from the "New Music" playlist - made up mainly of music I received either directly from artists or through publicists.

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Hipster Girl in the Old City Mix

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There are two parts of everyone of us.... well maybe more than two...

At this point, I can't see beyond this moment... one more time, one more time... it really makes no difference where or why.  There is an ugliness - I guess it has always been there... That ugliness does not discriminate. It really doesn't! Even though it may seem like it does.  The personifications of that ugliness - they discriminate - it is what they do... but the ugliness deep inside does not.  What I mean is that we all have some of the ugliness inside of us - the hate, the fear, the selfishness, the judgments.

Here's the thing... there is much beauty in the world... not just in special places or certain people. It is everywhere.  We all have the beauty inside of us - the love, the courage, the selflessness, the compassion.

The choice we have each day, each moment is to decide which of those we want to show to the world and more importantly which we want to manifest in the world.  Speaking for myself, I make those choices many, many different times every single day. Sometimes, I make what I think is the right choice and I show the world the beauty and I try to manifest that beauty.  Way too often, I fall short and little bits (or more) of the ugliness comes out.

So, today I am thankful when I allow the beauty to be what the world experiences.  But, I also have to thankful when I reminded that the ugliness is there, too.  Because, I  think that forgetting that I have that ugliness inside of me is far more dangerous than those moments when I show the world that ugliness.

Be good to one another -  I will try.

Anyway, I like sharing beautiful music of all kind.

Quick recap, I had a nice evening at The Country.  I was great to see Russell Thompson play for the first time in several months and to be reminded the beauty of his wonderful songs.   It was also great to experience Maynard and the Musties for the first time.  Really loved their sound and their songs.

Now, it is Friday and we shuffle songs from the Featured Friday playlist on Fridays.  Enjoy!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Hashtag Humblebrag Mix

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I really happy with the response and the outcome of the first week of our new "themed" shuffles.  I am especially pleased that each day there was a pretty wide range of musical sounds and styles represented within each theme.

So, we are back with our second Music City Monday - songs (old and new) that are somehow connected to Music City USA - aka Nashville, Tennessee.