Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Have a Nice Flight Mix

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Much on my mind, as we muddle through this post-fact, post-truth, post-decorum, post-civility, post-shared humanity, post-(you-name-it) world. Look, corrupt politicians are  nothing new. But, it does seem like in the past, there was at least some effort to conceal that corruption and often when it was exposed, it had real consequences. Nowadays, it seems like corruption is worn like a badge of honor, and it is at best denied or at worst accepted.

Also thinking about social media and Facebook in particular.  People tend to use this platform in many different ways. I still contend that all technology is neutral, that is only through man's use of the technology that it becomes good or evil. That being said, I have friends who use Facebook solely to share political posts, those who use it (almost) exclusively to promote their music, those who post humorous posts, those who post pictures of children, grandchildren, or pets, etc.  I think all of those are fine. There is, though, one phenomenon that I just don't get....   There are some people who feel th need to chime in and comment on things that really don't have any thing to do with them. I'll give a hypothetical example:  A friend posts something on my wall that is basically on inside joke or a reference that makes sense to only a small group of people.  Some people will jump in and make irrelevant comments. Another example, a celebrity passes away, and people are posting remembrances of that person and what they and/or their work meant to them. There is always that person who feels the need to add either by comment or post, "Eh, I never was a fan" or "I don't know who that is but...."  I guess it's a pet peeve of mine, but if a post doesn't directly address you or you have nothing meaningful to add, then just let it go.

To be honest, the only time I have "un-friended" AND blocked someone was for this very thing.  They were a friend who I had not really interacted with at all for several years. Someone important to me made a heartfelt post about something and this person (who did not know the original poster at all) jumped in and made a totally insensitive comment basically discounting the original poster's experience. Since I was the only link between the original poster and the person making the comment, I felt responsible for their behavior and so I deleted them as a friend and blocked them.

There is something maybe important in all my ranting, but I'm not sure what it is... something about how divided we are as a nation and the amount of incivility that exists in that divide....

Well, it's Monday when we jump in with our Music City Monday shuffle - songs with some connection to Nashville, Tennessee....

Topical Thursday Morning Shuffle - Old Bones Mix

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Well, we sure do live in interesting times.  Interesting is an interesting word.  It can be positive, negative, or neutral... or even ironically.  Time will tell, how "interesting" these times are, but from this up-close perspective, it sure is interesting.  #Comey #DumpTrump #Resist #Persist
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So, last month, as you may know, E2TG turned six years old.  It has been quite a ride to be sure.  To celebrate, I created a 450 song "retrospective" playlist of music that have been featured in some way on this blog.  That is basically 450 different artist - with allowances that some may be crossovers (solo acts vs. bands they were in/ people in two or more bands etc.)  It has been fun revisiting all of the great music. I have lost touch with some of these fine folks and in some cases, I cannot find updated information, but they were all a part of getting me to this point, and while I am not entirely sure that I know where "this point" is, I do know that a whole bunch of good stuff is happening and has happened because I started writing this blog. My point being that every step along the way was important, and I am grateful of ALL of the awesome music I have encountered.  Today's shuffle spans the six years pretty effectively - picks up on some rare cuts from the past, and well - rocks.  In many cases, I could not find a video of the particular song today, but I think I got at least something to represent each artist.

Let's shuffle!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - He Tried Mix

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Vive Le France!  That's my commentary for today.

This coming Wednesday, Jon Latham and his band were scheduled to play week 2 of the E2TG Residency, however, as some of you may know, Jon has had some pretty major health issues and will not be able to perform. The show will go on.  Jon's hand-picked openers - two of his favorite local songwriters, Nick Nace and Kristen Englenz will be opening as planned, and then some of Jon's friends will be stepping up to fill the bill.  The night will be about Jon, and we will have news about a benefit that is in the works for him.  We're gonna make it a night of music that Jon would approve.


Alright - it is Monday, and that means we are spinning tunes from the Music City Monday playlist... songs with some connection to the Nashville... Let's Go!

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - You, You Know I'm Right Mix

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I had a good time last night at The Basement East.  I got to see performances from two people I was first introduced to at the Safety Harbor Song Fest way back in late March - Chris Gelbuda and Daphne Willis.  It was the soft EP Release Show for Willis - whose new EP, Get It, will be released on Friday. 

Opening the show was Kyshona Armstrong.  She actually played the first Safety Harbor Song Fest in 2014.  She plays some wonderful acoustic soul music and was backed by an outstanding band.  I really enjoyed her set, and I will be on the lookout for more opportunities to see her again.

Daphne Willis played next back by yet another outstanding band.  I am always hesitant to assign genres when the artist/band does not.  I will say there is a real pop instinct to her music.  The overwhelming impression is energy, enthusiasm, and a very clear understanding and appreciation for the way her music sounds.  Chris Gelbuda, who co-produced her new CD, joined her for a couple of songs, and then was the next on the bill.

I found out after the set that Gelbuda and his band only got the chance for minimum rehearsal time before the show, but I can honestly say, that did not come across. Gelbuda is an accomplished producer (he produced the latest hit single for Meaghan Trainor) and a professional songwriter.  I was very impressed by the caliber of his songs. 

Unfortunately, I had to leave before the last act on the bill was done, but Sonia Leigh - playing with much of the band that accompanied Daphne Willis - sounded great.

On to the mid-week shuffle for your listening pleasure...

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - The Show Must Go On and On and On and On Mix

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Rain is falling steadily over Nashville.  It's a cool, dreary kind of day.  I'm already dreading the long dark winter season. 

We have some cool tunes for you this morning to help cope with the dreariness...

Featured Friday Music Shuffle - Dog Days Mix

Here we are at the last Featured Friday Music Shuffle for July.  Next Friday, we will be shuffling up a whole new crop of Featured Artists. 

Another opportunity to remind you to vote for your favorite Featured Artist to be Band of the Month for July.  The poll is on the left sidebar near the top.  One vote per computer or something like that.  Vote now!  Polls will close next Tuesday around midnight.


First up this morning is actually one of our Featured Artists for June. Toward the end of the polling period for Band of the Month, I realized that I had inadvertently left Dean Fields off of the poll. So, I have added him to the poll for July.  This morning I decided to add one of his songs to the final featured Friday shuffle.  Forever Never Knowing  is an infectious indie pop song from his outstanding Under a Searchlight Moon EP.

Next up we have FallsStart with their catchy, hard rocking song, Happy Song. The song is featured on the band's forthcoming EP Our Summer. Which is due out August 10.

Next up we have a band from Burlington, VT doing a cover of a piece written by the guy who used a slingshot to defeat a mighty giant.  From their whimsical set, Lawrence Welks Does God: Psalms we have 11. In the hands of LW&OB2X, David's Psalm is set to a disco beat caustic, pleading vocals. HALLELUJAH!

And finally, we have a track from Wolf and Cub with the a song from their double A-side Shut Me Out/Got Nothing Coming 7" with Got Nothing Coming.

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Historic Print (L): Tennessee Centennial Exposition, Nashville, Tennessee, 1897 / The Henderson Litho. Co., , 20 x 24in Historic Print (L): Tennessee Centennial Exposition, Nashville, Tennessee, 1897 / The Henderson Litho. Co., This is a museum quality, reproduction print on premium paper with archival/UV resistant inks. Date: c1896. Subject:  Tennessee Centennial and International Exposition (1897 : Nashville, Tenn.) Exhibitions--Tennessee--Nashville--1890-1900. Centennial celebrations--Tennessee--Nashville--1890-1900. SOURCE: Library of Congress

No Voter Suppression Here!

VOTE NOW!  We're going back to the previous method which means the Band of the Month poll is located on the sidebar.  It also means one vote per computer (you can vote for more than one band).

Also, we're adding a new way to vote.  Please comment below with the name of your selection for Band of the Month. 

As always, be sure to check out all of the bands, even if you're just here to support your favorite band/kid brother/spouse/neighbor.  Here is a condensed voting guide.  Remember details of all of our Featured Artists are located to the left.

Why should I vote for:

Lawrence Welks and Our Bear to Cross:  Because they are doing the Lawd's work...

Justin and the Salty Dogs: Because they are salty.

Brian Bergeron: Because he's Mr. Nice.

Big Wilson River: Because Don Ryan told you to.

The Raindoggs: Because you love Tom Waits and you love Snoop Dogg, and you never thought to put them together.

Francis Bowie:  Because you are intelligent and you love pop music.

The Shake: Because maybe a win will convince them to get back together.

Vinyl Thief: Because they have vinyl in their name.

Wolf and Cub: Because they come from "down under" and probably have those cool accents.

FallsStart: Because they originated in Hawaii, and you've always wanted to go there.

Dean Fields: Because you want to help assuage my guilt for leaving him off the June Band of the Month Poll.

That's it: Go Vote!

Don't Forget Band of the Month Poll Closes Saturday!

Go VOTE

To help you decide - Here are the top five so far!

Tied for 5th Place 

Tipi Valley

And Big Mosey

3rd Place

Skeletons in the Piano

2nd Place

Jo Wymer/Jo Wymer Band

and leading going into the stretch

Killing Kuddles

Also send some love and votes to the rest of the featured artists

Shayfer James

The Riverbreaks

Elephant Goes West 

and

Dogs of Oz

And I totally suck so bad.  I just realized that I left Dean Fields off the Band of the Month Poll.  I am so sorry, and why didn't anyone tell me this!!!!!

I am going to add him to the July Band of the Month Poll!

Speaking of which I've about narrowed down the ten Featured Artists for July, and it's a great group - so stayed tuned.

As way of an apology here's a Bonus Dean Fields Video:

Featured Friday Music Shuffle - Penultimate Mix

It's Friday!  Time to shuffle up some of our Featured Artists of the Month.  And another chance to plug our Band of the Month poll.

Words cannot express how much I loved this morning's shuffle. Wait a minute, I'm a writer, so yes, words can express how much I loved this morning shuffle:

First up is Dean Fields with Forever Never Knowing from his release entitled Under A Searchlight Moon. Forever Never Knowing is indie folk pop at best.  Bottom line, it's just a well written and wonderfully executed song. It's a love song that doesn't slip into sentimental silliness (but what's wrong with that, I'd like to know).  Dean Fields is soon going to moving from Richmond, VA to Nashville, and I look forward to seeing him around town soon!

  

Killing Kuddles is currently leading in our Band of the Month poll.  He brings a grungy, punk spirit to a folk troubadours' heart (or maybe it's the other way around).  In Vegas, from his Waking Up Older EP, I hear shades of early X, it's a fun little number and damn good song.

 Couldn't find a video for Vegas so here's another Killing Kuddles song

Then there is Shayfer James. Weight of the World from his Counterfeit Arcade album was my introduction to this amazing New Jersey artist. With a carnival-like sound and uniquely emotive vocals, Shayfer, like Don Ryan and Elephant Goes West, draws from what must be a verdant garden of Waitsian magic located somewhere in the Garden State. The thing is, it is very easy to pick the fruit, but it takes a master baker to know what to do with it. Shayfer James is a master chef, and I can't wait for the next batch of tasty treats to come out of his kitchen....  Damn, I made myself hungry!

   

And we close out this shuffle with Jo Wymer who is currently holding down the number two spot in our Band of the Month Poll. This powerful bluesy rock singer/songwriter makes sings classic sounding original songs.  I hear that she is coming to Nashville in September, and I for one, can't wait.  This Ain't Love (Love and War) is another stand-out track on her fabulous Living With Scars album.

 

I couldn't find a video for This Ain't Love so here's a live clip of Jo performing a P!nk song from a show she opened for Corey Glover (Living Colour)

Some Videos from Featured Artist - just cause

 

 

 

Featured Artist for June - Page Finished + other stuff

At long last, I have completed (sort of) the Page for the Featured Artists for June 2012.  The page is linked on the sidebar to the right or you can just click on the underlined "page" link earlier in this sentence.


Here's a video from one of our featured artists:  Dean Fields

Here's another: Shayfer James covering Leonard Cohen

In other news, the May Band of the Month poll is still going on.  South of Ramona have a big lead, but it's still anyone's game. The Joy of Painting and Sci-Fi Romance could easily mount a 11th hour charge.  Stay tuned, and more importantly, if you haven't done so, please vote now.  The poll is located on the left sidebar.  If you need a refresher course on who these bands are - here's the link to the the poll announcement --- (link)


Our friend's The End Men have completed their late Spring European tour, and they'd love to tell you all about it.  Hit them up on Facebook or on their website.  They are also about to head into the studio to record the follow-up to their amazing EP Build it Up.  Personally, I cannot wait.  If you are anywhere near the NYC area, or if you will be on June the 16th, The End Men will be playing the annual Northside Showcase at the Trash Bar hosted by their friends and ours, The Gypsy West.  Here are the details.

Here are The End Men performing live from this past March:

Finally, a really cool band that I am just now (and belatedly) getting into, Cupla, are taking a stand against Bullying with a new song and video called My Stand.


Here is a presser about the project:

Media Contact: Janet HansenEmail: conbriopr@gmail.comMake a Statement, Take Your Stand With Cupla to Stop Bullies(Nashville, TN – May 30) Bullying is a deadly global issue. It’s a social illness that can be cured and the British Columbia rock band, Cupla, is taking a stand to make it stop. The band is going into the studio the first week of June to work with Grammy-winning producer, Eric Tingstad, to cut their single, “My Stand.” To accompany the single, Cupla is creating a video with messages from people around the world to end the pain of senseless social behavior that has reached epic proportion. Cupla is asking people of all ages everywhere to send in still photos holding a written message to be used in a promotional video supporting, “My Stand.” Let your voice be heard and send photos in jpg format to billy@cupla.ca or bobby@cupla.ca by June 30, 2012. “My Stand” is slated for release this summer, along with the supporting video which will be sent to media outlets worldwide. When people take a stand for love we can put an end to senseless behavior that has devastating consequences, and often deadly outcomes. Add your voice, make a statement and help stop bullies once and for all.

That is all.  Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and I will see you tomorrow with my Morning Shuffle.

Featured Artists for June 2012

As previously stated, I am working on a Page which will give you more details about each of our 10 Featured Artists for June 2012. In the meantime, I wanted to tell you who they are:

In no particular order:

1. Big Mosey (Brooklyn, NY)
2. Dean Fields (Richmond, VA - soon Nashville, TN?)
3. Elephant Goes West (NY/NJ)
4. Jo Wymer/Jo Wymer Band (Freehold, NJ)
5. Killing Kuddles (Atlanta, GA)
6. Skeletons in the Piano (Saratoga Springs, NY)
7. Shayfer James (NJ)
8. The Riverbreaks (Washington, DC)
9. Tipi Valley (Swansea, UK)
10. Dogs of Oz (Nashville, TN)

So you can Google away or wait for me to get off my butt and finish the Featured Artist Page.

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