E2TG 3/28/2022 - Music City Monday - Covington Mix (Cerulean Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2/28/2022 - Music City Monday - Closing Jam Mix (Talking Dogs Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

It is Monday and time for another jam packed Music City Monday Shuffle - below the jump....

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 9/20/2021 - Music City Monday - Sweet Krazy Mix (Coal Train Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

Hard to believe it, but Americana Week is here. The return to a live event will different - proof of vaccine or negative test will be required, I expect - but don't know - that there will smaller crowds in general. But, there is still going to be a lot happening - and one event, I am particularly excited about is the Magnolia Roads - American Roots Saturday & Backyard Campfire Sessions.  I will be teaming up with the incredible Emily Hansen of Magnolia Roads to co-emcee the event which boasts 20+ musical acts on two stages - including several E2TG favorites - like Jon Latham, Allen and Keshia of LadyCouch, The Natchez Tracers, Renee Wahl & The Sworn Secrets, Chip Greene, Mike Younger, David Newbould, The Minks, Don Gallardo, Tim Easton, Amelia White, Ted Russell Kamp, and more. 

The show goes from 11:30am until 8pm at Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge.  The schedule and details can be found  here - stop by or hangout all day. 

Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 2 - what comes after the first part) (songs 16-22):

16. "Reaches of the Universe" by Coyote Man

Chicago based Progressive, instrumental band with the lead track from their new album. 

17. "Happy Place" by Louise Cappi

From the new album. Hope, whose title took on new meaning in the wake of Hurricane Ida. Louise Cappi is based in New Orleans. 

18. "Underneath Your Spell" by Ewan MacFarlane

Single from the forthcoming debut solo album by the Glascow music legend. 

19. "Burning House of Love" by Jesse Dayton

Austin Texas singer-songwriter Jesse Dayton with a cover of the X song. 

20. "Come Back Jimmy" by Matthew James Adkins

Michigan's Matthew James Adkins returns to the playlist with a track from his just released album Stoned on My Own. 

21. "When The Lights Went Out" by Bailey Tomkinson

Next up, the latest single from the UK-based singer-songwriter. 

22. "The Ballad of K69996 Roma" by Nick Hudson

And finally, Nick Hudson (who E2TG may know from Academy of Sun) just released his new EP K69996roma, and we have the lead and sort of title track to close out this segment of the Playlist. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

#2TG 8/27/2021 - Featured Friday - Ice Cream Phoenix Mix (Good Enough Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

    

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 8/20/21 - Featured Friday - Field Notes Mix (Hungover Eyes Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

Some highly anticipated, high profile (at least in the E2TG world - I don't know much about the other worlds) releases this week.  As Darrin Bradbury approaches his 100th time being tagged on E2TG. 

You know the drill - follow our Playlist on Spotify AND support the artist in more direct and meaningful ways as well. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 8/6/2021 - Featured Friday - Busted World Mix (Peeno Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

Before we get to our Featured Friday Playlist, we have a new non-Spotify single to feature - from E2TG favorite Mighty Joe Nolan.  The Detroit native and long-time Nashville singer-songwriter, journalist, podcaster, and much more - just released his tribute to drive-in movies on Bandcamp - just in time for the relaunch of Bandcamp Fridday - where the platform waives their fees.  

Here is some more about this new single: "Back to the Drive-In" is the second single off Mighty Joe Nolan's upcoming plague-times song cycle, American Guillotine. "Back to the Drive-In" celebrates the unexpected revival of "movies in cars" with this rock 'n' roll tribute to B movies and American summertime culture.

"I went to my first drive-in movie when I was a little kid in Detroit. We saw Peter Pan and Escape from Witch Mountain. But when you're a kid the drive-in isn't just about movies. It's also about the swingsets and see-saws, the concession stand - we even had a fireworks show during the intermission of the double feature. Drive-ins coming back during the pandemic was a weird and hopeful thing during a miserable time. The song is a tribute to monster movies and sci-fi films, but it's also filled with lots of visceral memories from my earliest experiences of 'movies in cars.'"

The song's stripped-down sound - like all of the tracks on American Guillotine - reflects the album's isolated production during various levels of social distancing. The single's spare arrangement shouts out vintage hip hop as well as 1950s rock 'n' roll, and Nolan's singular gift for lyric writing brings the cinematic setting flickering to life: 

 

Also out today on Bandcamp, a new album from bassist Cameron Carrus who recently moved from Nashville to Brooklyn.  Odd is a collection of instrumentals with some special guests like Adam Kurtz, Julia Blair, and Rich Ruth.  Check it out below:

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 7/16/2021 - Featured Friday - Artvertisement Mix (Carninal Shapes Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

It is Friday, and we have a ton of new and recent releases in our brand new Featured Friday Playlist.  Thanks to all who are following along.  Just a reminder, every Friday, we post a new playlist and we spend the time in between recapping the music.

Of note:  E2TG favorite Jon Byrd has released Me & Paul his new EP with pedal steel master Paul Niehaus. 

This week also brings the title track from the forthcoming new album from Darrin Bradbury.  If you don't know Darrin Bradbury - welcome to E2TG - we are happy to have you here. 

Here is the mind-blowing new video via ANTI- Records 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/25/2021 - Featured Friday - Counting Roaches Mix (Wild Horses Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

As I expected, after a week off, we have a 65 song 4+ hour Featured Friday Playlist - and it is jam-packed with great music.  So, strap in... I have something in mind to get us through the next week, but as usual, we will start with the first segment - this time 15 songs - down below the jump.

Usual disclaimers and stuff - follow the Playlist on Spotify.  If you hear music you like, support the artist in a meaningful way - off of Spotify (buy music and/or merch, spread the word, follow on social media and/or sign up for e-mail lists, see the band live if  they come to your town...)

On we go!

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 5/7/2021 - Featured Friday - Pizza & Drugs Mix (Take Good Care Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

A busy week for new music, and that means a jam packed Featured Friday Playlist.  If you want, you can check out the whole list which is embedded just below or you can follow along all week as I recap the list in five segments.  Part 1 is down below the jump covering the first 15 songs. 

It is also a good time to tell you that much of the music featured here is available on Bandcamp and that today Bandcamp is waiving revenue sharing to put more of the proceeds of purchases directly in the hands of the artists you and I love.  If you love independent music like I do, support the artists in the most direct way you are able. Bandcamp is one of the better avenues. 

 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 4/9/2021 - Featured Friday - Deanna, Deanna Mix (My Price Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

It is Friday and time for another E2TG Featured Friday Playlist.  As usual, it will take us through next week to recap the playlist for you... We kick off with the first 10 songs below the jump.  You can check out the Playlist on Spotify - where you can follow the Playlist if so inclined. 

My usual disclaimer: Supporting artists means paying for music to the extent  you are able: sites like Bandcamp provide many opportunities to support the artists you love. Spotify is a great way to share and discover music, but they do not adequately support artists. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 1/27/2020 - Music City Monday - Show preview and more - I'm Okay Mix (One Dead Peckerhead Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

Show alert:

Chicago’s Joe Policastro Trio will be headlining the 9:30 PM show at The SpringWater tonight. More information at  http://www.thespringwater.com/events 

Hailed by Downbeat for its “deft analysis of choice repertoire” and by the Chicago Reader for its “diversity of approaches to all kinds of source material,” the JPT is a Chicago-based alternative jazz trio led by bassist Joe Policastro and features guitarist Dave Miller and drummer Mikel Avery. While firmly rooted in jazz, the band’s open-minded, inclusive nature draws upon a wide array of musical styles and sources while still keeping the aesthetic of an acoustic trio intact. Their fourth album, Nothing Here Belongs, focuses on the band’s original music, whereas previous releases, West Side Story Suite (2013), POPS! (2016), and Screen Sounds (2017), highlighted the trio’s ability to remake unlikely songs in its own raw, highly idiosyncratic fashion.  

Random Notes:

A quick behind the curtain (pay not attention to the man) - I am still experimenting with the new features of E2TG.  Expect some changes periodically has I fine-tune things. 

Featured Friday Playlist  (It is called Featured Friday because that is when the list for the week updates and the name is a homage to our Featured Friday Shuffle). It is available every day on E2TG for viewing and playing. Thanks to those who have followed the playlist.   The way I have been managing the list is by creating a private playlist called E2TG on-deck. As I hear about releases, I add them to that playlist. Then on Thursday night/early Friday, I check for new releases and tweak the on-deck list. I delete out the songs from the  current Featured Friday playlist and add the songs from the on-deck playing to that one. Then I delete out the songs from the on-deck playlist and start over. I try to keep the list around an hour - but I don't have a fixed number of songs. 

As with all of E2TG, I try to heavily weigh the list to "under the radar" picks, but depending on the week - so better known artists of interest may appear. 

The new release listing is and will always be a work-in-progress. I mostly add from e-mail submissions - sometimes if I see a social media post, I will sent the link to myself to add later. Please feel free to send me new release information (singles, EPs and LPs) to e2tgmusic@gmail.com.  

In the current world, the release date can be tricky. I add to the list as it is reported to me, I know sometimes albums will be added to Spotify before or after the announced date. 

I will working on adding some links and some more "First Impressions". Time is still a challenge, but I will keep plugging away. 

Today, we have a great Music City Monday shuffle - please check that out below!

E2TG 1/20/2020 - Goodbye to a Legend - Music City Monday Mini Shuffle - Pop Tart Mix (Newark Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

I have been sitting here staring at my computer trying to think about what I wanted to say about David Olney...

In case you have missed the news, David Olney passed away on Saturday - on stage at the 30A festival. By all accounts, it was a graceful and peaceful exit befitting the man himself. 

It has hard to imagine how my life worked out that I had the true blessing that my orbit crossed with such a legend.  I owe that almost entirely to Mary Sack - his long-time manager and my friend. I send my love and thoughts to Mary and of course to David's family and many friends and fans. 

David Olney came to Nashville in the early 1970s - as part of the wave of songwriters influenced and inspired by the burgeoning "Outlaw" movement. Whatever you think of "Outlaw"country in the modern sense of the term, the original outlaws were all about carving their own path outside of the control of the Music Row establishment. The Exit/In was a center and West Nashville was their stomping grounds. Among this group, Olney quickly gained respect and admiration for his songwriting prowess. 

In the 1980s, Olney was best known as a a rocker and leader of The X-Rays. That group signed to Rounder Records and made a  notable appearance on Austin City Limits (which is available on YouTube).  After the X-Rays ended, Olney began a storied solo career that would last the rest of his life.  I know the term is overused, but David Olney really was the total package. Obviously a great songwriter, he was also a consummate entertainer, a poet, an actor, and so much more 

Although, I was aware of David Olney for some time, I first began seeing him on a regular basis about five years ago. His live shows were always spectacles. He surrounded himself with great musicians: Daniel Seymout, Justin Amaral, Sergio Webb, and Ward Stout. But, at the heart of his performances was the man himself. At one larger than life and down to earth. 

There are many who are better qualified to write his biography, but I wanted my readers who didn't know him to have some sense of who he was. 

Some of the highlights of my interactions with David Olney:  

In 2017, he agreed to appear as part of the first ever E2TG Residency. Thanks to Mary Sack, this show marked his reunion with the great guitarist Sergio Webb - after about a year and half of not performing together. I had the pleasure to introduce him. I have no idea what I said, but from the pictures I used big hand gestures. 

A year later, David took part in a reading event that I help to put together. He read some of his sonnets which were incredible and a haiku or two. He and Rod Picott both expressed that they were initially uncomfortable standing on stage without a guitar in hand, but I think they both enjoyed,  Leading up to that show, David said that I had one of the "great names in Rock n Roll", which is something I will never forget. 

A humorous moment was the time that David went to Bobby's Idle Hour for a show that was scheduled at The Family Wash.  He made it on time and played a hell of show - as always. Both those venues are gone and now so is David.  

I remember running into David a few years back at the Southern Festival of Books - this was right after he survived a frightening fall down the stairs at his home. He was in a neck brace, and all he could talk about was how bad he felt that he had to drop out of a show that was scheduled for that night. 

As is often the case when things like this happen, I thought I would have many more opportunities to interact with David Olney in this world. I take solace in knowing that his legacy will live on in the artists whose work he inspired and the people whose lives he touched. 

Last night, I went out to the John Dennis CD Release Show, and John - who didn't know David personally - did a great job acknowledging his passing. Anana Kaye and Irakli Gabriel opened the show by playing some songs they had been writing with David Olney. It was a beautiful moment. John Dennis' own set - playing his album in its entirety - likewise brought up heavy feelings. 

I do have to acknowledge that losing David Olney about a month after losing my father has had an effect on me. My father's passing was far less sudden and so in some ways, it has been harder to access my feelings. Somehow, the sudden loss of someone I didn't know well but whose spirit and art touched my life, has allowed me access a lot of feelings about my father's passing. Yet another gift from this great man who is gone too soon, but who is also very much still with us.

E2TG 2019 Recap - Part 13 - Kidney Stone Mix (Supermarket Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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


Well, we have reached he final post for 2019!  And Part 13 of our 2019 Recap.  Still more recaps to come. Stay tuned.

Happy New Year!

E2TG 2019 Recap - Part 12 - Turned 21 Mix (Bruce Songs Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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


Back from the holiday for another edition of our 2019 Recap.  Hope everyone is well.  Right now, it looks like we will wrap up our 2019 Recap next week (I'm off Tuesday and Wednesday).  Then, the following week, I will be off Monday and Tuesday.  I am thinking I will reveal the 2019 Artist/Band of the Year on those days and maybe some special programming.  Look for the new E2TG v3.0 to slowly be revealed starting the following week.

Music City Monday Shuffle - Synchronicity Mix (Breakfast Remix)

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.

It is time for the WXNA Fall Pledge Drive!  Please help support this independent, free-form, listener-supported, community radio station today.  You can call (615) 933-9962 that's (615) 993-WXNA or you can visit wxnafm.org   There are some fantastic "Thank You" gifts this time around, but more important, you will doing you part to getting great radio alive and well in Nashville.


Now, we are back in time for Music City Monday - exploring some of the music that makes Nashville Music City USA!

Let's go!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Alabama 1981 Mix (Thomas Wolfe Remix)

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.


On we go,  back at it for another week of E2TG. I am hard at work developing a plan for my proposed "reboot" of E2TG scheduled for early 2020.  I have some good things in mind.

Now, let's get on with the Music City Monday shuffle!

Featured Friday Morning Non-Shuffle- Darrin Bradbury Talking Dogs and Atom Bombs - An Apropos Metaphor 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.

The E2TG 8th Anniversary is now only FIVE DAYS 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


Look for a MAJOR announcement about one of our shows coming very soon!

Today is a big day at E2TG.  It is release day for Talking Dogs and Atom Bombs the new album and ANTI- Records debut for Darrin Bradbury.  I decided I could not let this momentous occasion go by without making a big to-do about it. So here is that big to-do!

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!

E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency Preview Shuffle - Month of Thursdays Mix Pt.3

Tweet #E2TG

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


Okay - I have been keeping quiet over here recently about things going on in the world and our nation. AND, I NEVER wanted or intended E2TG to be a place for me to express my "political" opinions.  HOWEVER, I feel the need to speak up on somethings. To me, this is not political.  As I have said many times, it is fine to disagree about policies and philosophies around solving real or imagined "issues".  Despite my beliefs placing me firmly on the left of many political issues, I do believe our system works best when people of all political stripes can work together to arrive best solutions. (Unfortunately, that idea seems quaint and idealistic in today's climate).  Strong, principled conservatives and liberal/progressives are important to us as a society.

All that being said, there are things being done which I feel transcend political ideologies and partisan differences. It is possible to have any number of opinions about immigration and border security AND have compassion for the fate of families and children.  It is possible to lean to the right on social and economic issues and speak out against vile and inhumane words and actions from those who (theoretically) share your political beliefs.

I am prompted to write today - when I would much rather be talking about music and events - by last nights actions by the former Trump campaign manager (I am not going to even mention his name).  On television, while a story was being shared about a child with Down's Syndrome, this vile creatur said, "Wah-Wah" (reported as "Womp-womp" but whatever).  Keep in mind, he was campaign manager for someone who openly mocked a disabled reporter. Someone whose Attorney General opposed the principles of IDEA - a federal law that provides for children with all sorts of disabilities to have the best education possible in the least restrictive environment.  Prior to this law, many of these children were either denied education or "warehoused" in substandard, hidden rooms.  This same person's Sec. of Education nominee could not answer basic questions about IDEA in her confirmation hearing (and was still confirmed) and has rescinded 72 guidance documents related to children with disabilities.

I am the parent of a child with disabilities, and while that makes these issues more on the forefront for me - it is not the reason the actions above are repulsive to me - that is because I a person with compassion (or at least I try to be).  Because of my daughters disabilities, I have had the pleasure to meet many children with disabilities and their families. They are, in many cases, the most refreshingly honest and warm and kind people I have ever met. Children with Down's Syndrome, children with many different conditions and diagnoses, often possess a spirit and vitality that should be a lesson to all of us. Despite the hardships, the stares, the subtle or not subtle cruelty, they often possess unconditional love. Anyone - who mocks and otherwise harms  - these children should be called out and defended by everyone with a heart. Unfortunately, even these cruelties are framed as a left vs. right debate.  They are not. They are simply put a wrong vs. right debit.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

TOMORROW NIGHT!  The E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency continues.

We have a great line-up:  Brian Milligram, Darrin Bradbury, and The Coal Men will present some of Nashville's best music.  It is an early show at The 5 Spot, so you will have time to get to some of the later events of the night or to get home before dark.

One week from tomorrow, we close out the month of shows with our finale - featuring Eli Cook, Bee Taylor, and Joanna Barbera. 

I would also like to remind you that my new novel, The Drift is available via Amazon.com.  I will have a couple of copies of the novel for sale (more are ordered but will not arrive in time for tomorrow.  I will have a sign-up sheet if you would like to be notified when books are available for sale.   I can also have books shipped directly to you for a small shipping fee. 


Every Wednesday in June, we have been shuffling up songs from a special playlist featuring artists still to come at the E2TG Show. Let's jump!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Big Backyard Mix

Tweet #E2TG

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


So, one idea I'm trying out, is on days when I don't shuffle from my "New Music" playlist (for example: Music City Monday or Wild Wednesday). I am going to feature some of the new music that has come my way.

Since today is Wednesday - and that is the day, I shuffle from all of the tracks saved to my phone, I thought I would features the brand newest music - in fact in came through my inbox just 36 minutes ago.  How about a preview of "Scatter Me" by the new band TC(and sign)I  (I still can't figure out how to type an "ampersand" without it messing up my HTML code.  This is a new project featuring Terry Chambers and Collin Moulding of XTC! They have released an EP called Great Aspirations. This is the lead track:




Now - on to our shuffle:  It's Wild Wednesday, so let's get Wild!