E2TG 4/27/2021 - Tuesday's In Nashville - Damage Case Mix (InfraStatic Remix)

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As we approach the 10th anniversary of E2TG - Ear to the Ground, I have been reflecting on the balance of constantly moving forward vs. taking time to reflect upon the past.  I see artists who deal with this struggle in different ways: some artists/bands remove all traces of their early work from the internet while other artists find ways to "celebrate" their earlier work. 

Overall, I support an artists right to deal with their earlier work however they see fit, but I would offers some thoughts to consider: 1. There is a certain type of music fan, who is interested in digging into the overall arc of an artists career. This type of fan isn't going to necessarily judge an older album as being inferior to the later work - but rather see it in the context of an artist find his/her/their voice.  2. Even if  you ultimately decide to remove an album from the internet - that is not to say some intrepid music blogger night not dig up an MP3 from some remote sub-sub folder and bring it to light. So, be prepared to accept this with humility.  3. Consider keeping the music in your own archives because what is embarrassing today might be the source of personal nostalgia in a few year.  I especially gear these unsolicited bits of advice to younger artists but I think it is relevant to anyone. 

Of special note, when you or someone else is digging into the musical past - there are often complicated or painful things which may come up - bands that broke up under contentious terms, relationships that ended badly, tragic deaths.  Especially the first two scenarios, I think it is similar to the questions surrounding an artist whose reputation has been sullied by words or actions. The eternal question of can you appreciate the art while reviling the person who made the art.  Can you appreciate the output of the band regardless of how things ended for the band members... 

In looking back over ten years of E2TG, there is a fair share all of the above and more. As a music blogger, I have to decide should I featured a song, an artist, or band - whose circumstances have changed - i.e. the work of a previous married couple... it is easier when it is a celebrity couple like Richard and Linda Thompson vs. people who one has come to know personally. 

In my mind, all of that uncomfortableness is part of the work in examining the past - which overall is important work. 

Anyway, onward... 

Featured Friday Recap Part 3 (Songs 17-21):

17. "Quarantine Blues" by Tombstones in Their Eyes

L.A. based psych-shoegaze band Tombstones in Their Eyes return with an new album called Looking for a Light. We first featured this band back in 2018, and it is great to have their heavy rock sounds back on E2TG. 

18. "Not the Same" by Recreation!

Next up, we have the first of two tracks from the French label Chinese Man Records - Dig It! series.  First up, we have a track from this electro, hip-hop, groove band from France. Great track. 

19. "Hasta Siempre" by SupaChill, Mary May, Nuffsaid

Our second track from Chinese Man Records and their Dig It! series comes from SupaChill who combines hip hop, rap, and salsa.  Joined here by Mary May and Nuffsaid.  Dig it! I do!

20. "Sweetness and Pain" by Sarah McQuaid

Next up, we have a recent single from the forthcoming album and video series, the St. Buryan sessions from this UK based singer-songwriter. A stunning a capella song. Really lovely and a fascinating project. 

21. "Cruel" by Atomic Bronco

And we close out this segment of music with the first taste of the forthcoming EP Spectrum from this UK-Based US slacker rock band.  I love this sound of this one. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - The Champ Mix

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I'm gonna make this relatively quick. I am actually going out for lunch *gasp*

Have a Happy Thanksgiving (unless you are from Canada - in which case I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving last month or from somewhere that doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving - in which case have a happy Thursday).

Today, we get "Wild" and shuffle up from the playlist of all the songs on my phone....

Musique qui est nouveau Monday Morning Shuffle - It Takes a Pillage Mix

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Well... we finally got some cooler weather here in Nashville.

The world continues to be a pretty screwed up place, and I struggle to find the line between staying aware of all that is going on and maintaining my sanity.

This Saturday night, two E2TG Artists of the Year appeared on the Grand Ole Opry stage (backing up Elizabeth Cook) - Jon Latham (2015) and Brian Wright (2016).  I say this just because I am really proud of those guys - not just for this but for all that they are doing.

Disheartened to see all the "Me, too" posts on Facebook from friends and people I admire. I have always believed in the basic goodness of people... and counted bad behavior as an aberration. Sometimes, I begin to doubt that.  This is one of those cases... I have a many female friends involved in  entertainment and sexual harassment and worse seems to be an almost universal experience. And it's not just the entertainment industry.  I wonder sometimes what percentage of men have done this, and what percentage have witnessed it and not spoken up. Am I in that latter group... sadly I know I am. This has to change. We need to talk about this and we need to denormalize (is that a word?) this behavior. I'll admit, I still have questions about what things I need to do or stop doing.  I need to admit that I have those questions and start conversations to get the answers.


In other news, if you wish me Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays or Season Greetings... heck if you say anything to me out of kindness, I am okay with that and I appreciate it.  If you say you are praying for me or sending good thoughts or sending positive energy or anything meant to offer support, I am okay with that and I appreciate it. I think the "War on Christmas" is a lie perpetuated by the far right to divide people.  That's my feeling.  Throughout this "holiday season" try to treat people with kindness, try to think of those who are alone and lonely this time of year in particular, try to give more than you receive.  Do that (or at least try) and you are okay in my back not what if or what you celebrate. 

Ug.... a lot on my mind, and I didn't really intend to write any of that, but it's what came out....

The "New Music" playlist is just under 400 songs, but I have more ready to be added.  Let's shuffle:

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Angels in the Architecture Mix

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I think I am well on the road to recovery from Americana Fest.  I've been laying low trying to make sure that I get this crud out of my system.

It is Tuesday.  We call this day, Trending Tuesday (because... well, Trending and Tuesday both start with T... and that sort of thing is cute - apparently).

But seriously, we shuffle up songs from our "New Music" playlist - which features primarily songs that have been submitted to us or songs from long-time favorites. It's all relatively recent - sometimes not yet released. It covers about every genre you can think of and a few you probably have never thought of.. it's all good, and that seems like a good reason to stop writing and get to the songs...

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Dr. Strangelove Dough Mix

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Americana Music Association Fest 2017 rolls on... I think my total sleep for this week is still in the single digits. Maybe the very low double digits...I'm too tired to figure that out.  But no rest for the wicked... and things roll on tonight. Once again, there is way too much going to catch it all, but there are numerous really cool things happening:

Early this evening: The Wild Ponies host their annual Happy Hour - at The Family Wash.  Three years ago, it was at that event that I first me Julie Christensen and Grant Peeples - not a bad day.

Also, Bloodshot Records is holding their party - outdoors at The Groove in East Nashville with Jon Langford and much more, Tim Carroll's Rock n Roll Happy Hour is an official AMA event, if you are from out of town, that is a slice of the real Nashville experience that you should check out, and the fine folks at Green Room Music Source are throwing a party at the American Legion in Inglewood.  Technically, it may be possible to catch at least of part of all of these... I'll leave that to you to figure out.

Later, much to be recommended... Joey Kneiser's showcase is at The East Room, India Ramey is at The Country, and The Basement East has a great lineup that includes Little Bandit, Patrick Sweany, Aaron Lee Tasjan, and E2TG Artist of the Year 2016 Brian Wright.  There is also great music at The OG Basement and other venues across the city. It is probably physically impossible to catch all of these, but you are more than welcome to.make an attempt. Better yet, pick one and then enjoy that show and don't stress over all that you are missing.

Hey - ICYMI, we have an AMA-themed guest blog post from Collins de la Cour.  I love the way she writes, and she has some good things to say.   Check it out HERE.


Well - I have managed to keep up on blog posts during AMA, and today is FRIDAY! This is the day when we post about "featured" music on E2TG.  Let's shuffle!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - A Little Patch of Sunlight Mix

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United States Constitution, 25th Amendment:

Section 4. Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.

Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office.
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Okay - so Wednesday... we shuffle up all the songs on my phone,  and things tend to get "Wild".  For some reason, I always look forward to Wednesdays.  I think it is the unpredictable nature of these shuffles:  new music alongside older songs, friends alongside long-time favorites, songs I didn't even know were on my phone, and revisiting albums that had been featured some time back.

Let's go ahead and jump to it!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Not Many Sides Mix

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Just when I think things cannot possibly get any worse, the "President" (I use quotes because I feel the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue has lost the moral authority to lead this nation) opens his mouth again. A few observations about yesterday's press conference/national embarrassment, the sitting US President used stronger words to denounce the press than he did to denounce fascists, racists, and white supremacists.  He placed that same group of hatemongers on the same level as those who actively (and, yes, sometimes violently) oppose them.  He did not name the victim of the fascists/racists/white supremacists but he could take the time to plug his business interest in Charlottesville.

At this point, it seems safe to say that those who still support this man will not be swayed from that support by anything. Yesterday, was metaphorically speaking - shooting someone on 5th Avenue - and while I hope he did lose some votes, it is clear that there are many who still support him.

Also, while I applaud the Republicans on the right who have denounced the President, that applaud is muted until I see action to backup that denouncement.

It seems pretty clear to me that we have a fascist executive branch that is working towards totalitarianism.

I will repeat that - yes I hold primarily leftist views - but I do respect the opinions of those on the right. I believe this nation is best when all sides work together. But when it comes to the people who want to wipe out whole groups of people and who use the symbols of hate and genocide proudly, there is not room for compromise and there are only two sides and there is not moral ambiguity as to which side is evil.

I cannot wait for the day when I do not have to write about things like this in this forum, but that day is not today.
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We have reached mid-week and Wednesday is when we let things get "Wild" at E2TG.  I shuffle up all the songs currently on my phone and see what happens. I think the term"wild" fits today's shuffle pretty well.....

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Right Now Mix

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Like many people, I am overwhelmed with emotions about the state of our nation and the state of the world.  I don't know what to do about the divisions which seem to grow wider everyday.  It disturbs me greatly that many on the right, who I sincerely believe are good people who I happen to disagree with, can somehow not bring themselves to simply and precisely denounce racism and pro-Nazi sentiment.  From my friends on the right, all I have seen is deflection, false equivalency, and silence. I believe that our nation's potential is best realized when we work together, seek out common ground, and learn to compromise when it is possible.  Unfortunately, we seem to be moving farther apart of from this ideal every day.  As I said yesterday, denouncing Nazis and white supremacists should be one point that the majority of Americans can come together.

I never intended to write about "politics" on E2TG.  I don't want to do it. If it is normal political stuff, I would not do it.  There is nothing normal about what is happening here.  Is this the beginning, the middle or the end of the American empire? Or will we be able to pull out of this mess we are in?

I look around and I see beautiful people who are living their lives the best they can. I see people following their dreams or giving up, I see people excelling or struggling, I see people facing the worst that life has to offer with dignity and grace.  I see beauty in people and in nature. I also see ugliness - not physical ugliness but spiritual ugliness, and I think there is beauty somewhere inside all of that ugliness, but how do we access it?

On another thought, I recently posted a photo of my self from around fifth, sixth, or seventh grade. People comment how little I have changed - which I was not able to see, but for me, the overwhelming feeling that the photo evoked was a wish to be able to go back in time and tell that boy how wonderful and beautiful and perfect he is. It makes me sad that I was often unable to see that them, but it makes me grateful that I can see it now.

It is hard to not run away from all of the ugliness in the world (and I recognize the privilege I having that option as a possibility), and I recognize that I need balance. I must face down the ugliness, but I also need to know when I should take a break.

A bunch of scattered thoughts.
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Music does heal - especially when the words ring true.  Tommy Womack and Lisa Oliver-Gray's words rang true for me last night. It was a joy to be around people who share my passion for music and to take in the incredible creative force.


Well, it is Tuesday and we have some "Trending" songs from our "New Music" playlist.... A  few really long songs - so only six songs by four different artists, today.