E2TG - 8th Anniversary Residency - Week 1

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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.


TOMMOROW NIGHT IT ALL BEGINS!

The E2TG 8th Anniversary is now only ONE DAY AWAY!  

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb

Doors open around 5:30pm. Music should get underway no later than 6:15 and finish up no later than 8:30.  The 5 Spot is 21+ and you must have a valid ID to enter - no exceptions.

Come out for a great night of music and to help kick off these five weeks of shows.

After the jump, more information about our featured artists for Week 1!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Sleepless in Nashville Mix

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Honestly, I try to keep my commentaries at least semi-cordial - not that the current administration does that not even necessarily deserves it, but there have been so many straws.  Seriously, how more reprehensible can this administration be?  I can't believe this will go on for four more years.  I just can't.  About "covfefe" - you know if you are someone who cares about other human beings - then this year has been horrendously painful. You got to get your laughs when you can. Every once in a while, I will visit the Facebook page of one of the handful of "T-Rump" supporters I am friends with  (I generally do well with muting these posts from my newsfeed). Anyway, I wanted to check in to see what they were saying about "covfefe" - and there is actually a  (now debunked) piece that claims the "word" is a translation of an Arabic term meaning We Will Stand or some such.  By debunked, I mean the original article has some convoluted Google Translation that seems to indicate the meaning. It is based upon a false use and reading of Google Translate. Which means, even if the president intended to use it in this way, he was basing the usage on a erroneous source (not the first time there).  But, it got me thinking about a bigger issue... let's say the translation had been correct and that had been the intent of the "Tweet"... imagine if it had been President Obama who had tweeted an Arabic term - can you even imagine the outrage from the right?  Ugh!  Look, I don't care about weird tweets, I worry about the damage being done to this nation's reputation and standing in the world.  Honestly, I would be among the first to tell you that the Democratic party is less than ideal, and I hope they will improve and make some adjustments in policy and strategy, BUT,  the situation now is so dire that I feel even some options I previously viewed as odious are looking better,,,,,
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Anyway, it's Friday and we have some Featured tunes for the day!  I love that even my "New Music" playlist is so diverse. It's easy to get pigeonholed and I have worked hard to keep E2TG as wildly inclusive as possible, and the variety of submissions I get reflects that I am succeeding on that count - at least.

Shuffle!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Time Square Mix

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#tfw someone who has no knowledge or concern about history nonetheless makes ignorant and offensive comments about history...
Hey ho!  It is May - which means that E2TG turns six years old this month!  As I hope you already know, we will be throwing a month-long party to celebrate.  It all begins this coming Wednesday May 3 with Mark Robinson Band taking to The 5 Spot stage.  There are sure to be surprises.  I will be reading a short section from my forthcoming novel.  Beer koozies will be given away.  Drinks will flow, and the music will be smoking.  All for a $5.00 cover.  5:30pm doors 6:00 showtime.  Be there so you don't have to lie about it later!

Upcoming shows:

May 10 - Jon Latham (Full Band) and special guests

May 17 - David Olney (Band) and Sergio Webb (Band)

May 24 - Cafe Rooster Night with Sally Jaye, Brian Wright, Darrin Bradbury, and Jon Latham

May 31 - Amelia White and the Blue Souvenirs with special guest FuzzQueen (from Washington D.C).

Okay - it is Monday when we explore Nashville connected music from the past and present....

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Blow the Man Down Mix

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There is a reason why E2TG is by and large a positive place. First of all, every day we are reminded that there is way too much negative energy in the world. I certainly have my share sometimes.  The fact is for a good part of my life, music has provided solace in dark times and it continues to do so. This is one of my contributions to the world and I want it to be a positive one.  Here are some songs from (more or less) recently released album that I am featuring on a Friday.  Peace!

Extra Special Earie Shuffle - The Purge: Anchovy Mix

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Well it is 2017, but here at E2TG we still have some unfinished business to complete for 2016.  So, I'm taking advantage of a couple of days off to award my final group of Earie Awards.  Tomorrow, I may or may not have a few more, but I will definitely be awarding Band/Artist of the Year.  Remember, unlike last year, the Artist/Band of the Year may or may not have already received an Earie this year, so you will have to stay tuned.  Betting lines are open... void where prohibited.

I do want to take a second to once again thank every one who reads, reposts, shares, comments, "likes", and otherwise supports me in making E2TG happen.  I am encouraged by the fact that December, November, and October 2016 were the 1. 2. and 3. best months for page views in the entire 5 1/2 year history of this blog.  In fact, December 2016 blew every previous month out of the water. I am humbled and filled with gratitude, and I am looking for a new year of opportunities and great music.


First, a couple of non-shuffle "Earies" to give out:

1.  The "After I Died" award goes to Bashful Hips. This often enigmatic and unique artists released  the awesome "After I Died, I've Never Felt So Alive", I was fortunate to be able to make it to the CD release show earlier this year.  Bashful Hips also had the opportunity to play shows and tour with some of his favorite artist.  For my part, I am grateful to have his cool and original sounds in my shuffle.

2.  The "Treeline is Not a Limit" award goes to Tim McNary.  McNary is another of those artists (like Ben de le Cour and Josh Morris) who I wrote about back in the early days of the blog and then reconnected with in a very coincidental way.  His album, Above the Trees was one of my favorites of the year, and I always love seeing McNary live. He has a wonderful, rich voice that brings his song to life.


Now to the shuffle - since I didn't commute anywhere this morning, I listened to tunes while I tried to do some organizing around here....

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Wild Living Mix

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Greetings from the end of the working week...  Last night, a really great night of music at The Basement East.  Harrison Whitford, who I have been impressed with since the first time I saw him - opened.  His music has really matured (I think that is the word I am looking for) since I first saw him nearly a year and a half ago.  Not that it was immature. Just that he has grown as an artist since then.

Next up, reigning (or about a month more) E2TG Artist of the Year, Jon Latham absolutely destroyed with a full band set that included Andrew Leahey and Sean Quinn on guitar and Raun Schultz on drums. Moving through songs from his debut, Real Bad News and newer songs including songs from his forthcoming album, Lifers.  As he always does, Latham commanded the stage.

And what can I say about Bobby Bare Jr.. Joined by Harrison Whitford on guitar - Bare Jr ripped through an incredible set that included some old favorites plus a new song he wrote for the forthcoming Guided By Voices album, an older GBV song, and he closed with a rip-roaring version of "Cover of the Rolling Stone".

It is Friday and we have a shuffle from our "New Music" playlist.  Let's jump in...

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Be Easy and Free Mix

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I need to be a little brief... my "new" phone came in, so the transition process has begun. The good news is that it will solve some of the issues I have been having.  It may just take a bit to get the music all squared away... deciding if I do a straight dump of everything or do some culling of older "remainders" from albums I featured a long time ago... Either way, the time consuming part will be rebuilding the playlists. Wish those were my biggest problems...

Tonight, the finale of the Crackerboots residency.  If you haven't made it out to this point, you would make an effort. You will not be disappointed. If you have made it out, I don't need to tell you...   Peter Cooper opens.  The late show features several bands including the always amazing Don Gallardo!

Wednesday, we get wild and free with some music from covering all sorts of genres, eras, geographic locations, and more...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Wabi-Sabi Mix

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Here we go... it's Tuesday... I'm a little short on time so... let us jump right into the shuffle... from the "New Music" playlist...

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.

Trending Tuesday Morning (and Afternoon) Shuffle - 5 Long Years Mix

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Reporting in late with a shuffle that began this morning and stretched into this afternoon.

First, some reminders.  Tomorrow do not miss Amelia White with special guests Megan Palmer and Don Gallardo - The 5 Spot at six pm.  Thursday: Mark Robinson Showband with Davis Raines and Tiffany Huggins Grant - same place and same time.  Some alternative suggestions for Thursday:  If you are down Franklin way, be sure to check in to the Legendary Kimbro's Picking Parlor to see a superb line-up with Ben de la Cour and Marvin Etzioni (The Mandolin Man, Lone Justice).   If you are not at Mark Robinson's show or down in Franklin at Kimbro's, I hope it because you at the O.G. Basement to see Beau James and J.R. Wyatt.  Later on, you can head (or stay) at The 5 Spot for Sara Syms, Bird and Bear, and a new band debuting called Bell Dive. Alternatively, you can head over to Phat Bites in Hip Donelson and check out Furious Primates and others for a show that had to be moved due to the surprising and sad news of the abrupt closing of FooBar. Friday: After Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour - head up down Main Street to The Family Wash for a triple bill that features E2TG favorites BARK along with Ned Hill of Ned Van Go, and Alvin Youngblood Hart's Muscle Theory.  Whew!  Is the weekend yet?

Let's get to that shuffle....