E2TG 8/03/2020 - Music City Monday - An Elephant Mix (Good Stuff Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Here is to everyone fighting the good fight - whether that fight is for equal justice and rights for all people or just a fight to stay afloat and alive during these challenging times.  Whether the fight is one of words and action against injustice or one of personal internal struggles in the face of unprecedented challenges.  

You are not alone, and there are those of us who may not on the front-lines everyday, but please know that we have your back.  

At times, I am overwhelmed by the evil and indifference, apathy, and even acceptance of evil. But, I am okay, and so I must push through those feelings - acknowledge them sure - but push through. 

I don't always know exactly what to do or say in every situation and surely these are complicated times.. but standing for what is right and what is just in never complicated (unpopular and dangerous sometimes - sure - but never complicated).  

Recapping this week's Featured Friday Playlist: Today, we have songs 8-12:

8.  "Don't Wanna Let You Down" by Jon Worthy

A true story of the first month of the pandemic. This new single is Worthy's first self-produced and self-mixed single. A great song.

9. "Moons of Titan" by Jon Hassell

Next up, we have the jazz pioneer - trumpet player and composer - who worked to integrate ethnic traditions with electronic music.  His new album - Seeing Through Sound - is a follow-up to his 2018 Listening to Pictures album - considered part 2 of his pentimento series.

10. "Pieces of Me" by Ben Arthur

Next up, we have the latest single from long-time E2TG favorite Ben Arthur - who kicked off our 2019 8th Anniversary Residency. He is host and creator of the Song/Writer podcast which features a prose story followed by a song written in response to the story. 

11. "Lovely Melancholy" by Ten Penny Gypsy

Next, we have another track from the new album Fugitive Heart - by award-winning Arkansas country duo Ten Penny Gypsy.  This album - like their last was produced by Anthony Crawford.

12. "Hold on Hope" by Tayls 

We close out this segment of music with the latest single from Nashville's Tayls - led by Taylor Cole (former front man of Chilaxy and current drummer of Creature Comfort).  The next in a series of cover singles - this is their take on the 1999 Guided by Voices song.

Tomorrow - songs 13-17...

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/29/2020 - Music City Monday - This Very Second Mix (Pirate Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Well, here we go... COVID-19 cases are going up rapidly in places that opened up too soon, and yet many people are acting as if the pandemic is over. I have seen posts from people talking about quarantine and other measures in the past tense. It is rather infuriating. Believe me, I want all of this over as much as the next person.  Never mind (for a minute) live music, I have not been able to visit my mother since March. And, yet I see pictures all over social media of people socializing in large groups with no masks and no social distancing.

I blame the federal response - the President and Vice-President for making this a political issue and for not leading by example. I blame ignorance and willful ignorance and selfishness. And, I am pissed.

One only has to look at the numbers in other parts of the world to see what a colossal fuck up this has been.

Look, I always try to take a measured approach with offering my opinions on thinks. I have always believed in trying to see and understand the opposing viewpoints. But, on this issue, I am done. I have multiple friends and family who are at risk, I have friends who have lost loved ones to this disease.  So, when I see crowds of tourists on Broadway in Nashville crowding together without a single mask present, I am sorry, but my ability to be calm and measured has been worn away.

Wear a damn mask!




Friday, we unveiled a brand new Featured Friday Playlist, and we recapped the first five songs. Today, our recap continues with songs 6-10.

6. "Can't Turn Me Around" by Dedicated Men of Zion

We start things off with the title track from the debut album by the family sacred soul band from Eastern North Carolina. Recorded in Memphis by Bruce Watson of Fat Possum Records.  The band was "discovered" by the fine folks at Music Make Relief Foundation. 

7. "Arc Light City" by The Blam Blams

Next up, we have the latest single from Nashville's premier glam band, The Blam Blams.  The Blam Blams make classic sounding music with a fresh and modern twist. Also, Happy Birthday today to Rob of The Blam Blams. 

8. "In God's Country" by Tayls

Next up, we have the latest in a series of covers by the Nashville band Tayls - led by Taylor Cole.  This time out it is a 1987 single from Irish band U2 from the The Joshua Tree album.  A really cool cover of a song I am very familiar with,

9. "The Best Kiss ... I'll Never Have" by Maxximo

Next up, we have a pop single from this gay Mexican immigrant living in New York. The b-side of the is a cover of The Judds' Dream Chaser. A great addition to our final Featured Friday Playlist of Pride Month.  

10. Professor Pinkhair's Philanthropic Philanderings" by Carrus & Kurtz

Finally today, we have some more ambient pedal steel and bass music from The Genius of Carrus & Kurtz.  This is from the recently released Volume 2 which is subtitled It Is Important That Everything Is Important. Both Cameron Carrus and Adam Kurtz have released solo albums since the lockdown. This was from a productive three hour recording session in the midst of quarantine. 

Tomorrow - Tracks 11-15.

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2019 Recap - Part 9 - Shine On Mix (Toxic Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Time is short!  Here is the Shuffle for today!



"Do the Damn Thing" by Tino Drima (from Suitin' Up)

"Can't Get Enough of You" by Reckless Johnny Wales and His Trans Genre Orchestra (from End It With a Love Song)

A year with new Reckless Johnny is a good year.  This time, he is in a bit of a romantic mood. 

"Ghost" by Rod Picott (from Tell the Truth Shame the Devil)

So pleased to get to cover Rod Picott's excellent album this year.  One of Nashville's absolute finest. 

"Josh Gibson" by Coyote Motel (Ted Drozdowski) (from Coyote Motel)

Ted Drozdowski takes things in a new direction with the first of two albums released by his new Coyote Motel project. 

"360 No Scope" by Ghost Town Remedy (from 360 No Scope - single)

We got the chance to premier this fun video from a great Nashville rock band. 

"Nothing To Do With You" by Charlie Hager (from Truth and Love)

Charlie Hager may have moved to Vegas, but make no mistake - this is a REAL Nashville album.  He remains an important part of the community here. 

"Ginger Ale and Lorna Doones" by Amy Speace (from Me and the Ghost of Charlemagne)

Sometimes I get lucky and get invited to CD release parties and sometimes I get really lucky and that party is for the new album by the one and only Amy Speace. 

"State of Mind" by Eye Said So; Taeryn Rayne (from Eye Said So)

"Who Cares" by David G. Smith (from Who Cares)

"Shine On" by Steve Poltz (from Shine On)

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Trending Tuesday Morning Morning Shuffle - Shit Gone Wrong Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

  *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.

Still counting down to the E2TG Residency

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


Well Americana Week in Nashville if officially underway. After recording a future episode of Double Shot - I stopped off at Dee's. When I walked in there was a guy on stage playing a sitar. He eventually played a cover of Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box" It was cool.  Got to hang with cool folks, caught a set from Darrin Bradbury and a full-band set by Ryan Sobb (a preview of what to expect on October 2) and Darrin joined in as they did Darrin's song "Myrtle Beach".  A weird, wild, fun start to a week of cool music and cool friends.

Let's shuffle!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Back Then Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Really rushed for time - but enjoy this shuffle (see the video playlist which closely mimics the songs I heard (some are not yet available).

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Magnolia Flash Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


We are back.  I was a little under the weather yesterday, so no Music City Monday shuffle...

Today, we dig back into the Trending/New Music playlist. 

It's a good one, so let's dig right in...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Used High Heels Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


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!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Kickin' Ass Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Friday!  The gloom and drizzle and rain and gloom have returned. I think my cold seems to be following suit, but I am fighting.

Let's get right to the Featured Friday shuffle!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Demagogue Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Time is short, so I am going to get right to it.  It is Tuesday - let's check out our Trending Tuesday shuffle!  Sorry to have to be so short-winded today.

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - White Riot Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Happy International Clash Day!




My favorite radio station WXNA has several Clash-themed shows today.  Plus, tonight at Grimey's WXNA DJs will be spinning Clash and Clash-related tunes, and there will be a special performance by Nashville's favorite Clash tribute band - Tommy Gun - featuring Tommy Womack!


Meanwhile, Nashville legend Jason Ringenberg celebrates the release of his new album at The 5 Spot - kicking off a month-long residency.   Later, Amelia White - celebrates the release of her new album at Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge with Sally Jaye and guest Will Kimbrough.


The volume of great new music coming out already this still fairly new year has been staggering.  Just the music I have to feature is incredible. So, let's dive into the Trending Thursday Shuffle!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Not Dead Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Rolling on, we come to another Trending Tuesday Shuffle - from our new music playlist.

We have another good, eclectic shuffle.... so, let's get to it!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - One Setback at a Time

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!



I'm back. I had a training away from my office which made it impossible to get the shuffle posted yesterday.  So, we are back with our Trending Thursday. 

We have our usual mixed bag of music and mayhem.  Let's shuffle!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Sue was a Charmer Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Sometimes I have random thoughts about society and life and I think, gee, I wish I had a place to share these thoughts besides as  Facebook Status Updates. Then, I remember, hey! I have a blog that I post to every day.  That being said, please feel free to skip my self-indulgent rambling ahead.

*START SELF-INDULGENT RAMBLING*

Lately, there is something I have been pondering. Namely, why so many people seem to devote so much energy to music, movies, books, art, celebrities that they don't like. (For this purpose, I am excluding criticism of current government leaders - however, there is possible still some relevance). I have seen instances were an article appears about a particular band or artist or whatever, and rather heated debate ensues between those who like said artist and those who despise said artist. What is interesting to me is not the debate or posts themselves but the amount of thought and attention that goes into the comments of those who don't like... nee hate... the said artist. Like they offer detailed explanations that demonstrate a deep familiarity with the said artists work. And it seems clear that they devote a significant amount of time, energy, and head-space to the despised artist's work. And, they seem invested in trying to convince fans of said artist that they are "wrong." 

Don't get me wrong, I encourage anyone to listen to music before  dismissing an artist or album whole cloth, but I just can't understand. There are certainly bands and artists that I really do not like. I gave a listen and decided it just wasn't my thing. I don't feel compelled to "straighten out" people who actually like them. I have neither the time, energy, or inclination to dissect and analyze all the reasons I don't like their music. I get if a professional journalist is tasked with this, but as an amateur and more importantly, as a music fan, I don't understand it. There is more good music being produced than I can possibly take in (and arguably I spend more time than the average person listening to new music). If I spend time on the bands I hate, I would have even less time for the bands I love.

And yes, I do recognize the irony of using time and blog-space to even write about this. 

*END SELF-INDULGENT RAMBLING*


Speaking of new music!  I loaded even more new music into my phone last night - including a couple I am really excited to feature coming up soon.

Today is Thursday and it is time to dive back into the "2019 Trending Playlist" of the newest of the new arrivals at E2TG,