E2TG 8/24/2020 - Music City Monday - Brightest Star Mix (Rain Remix)

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This morning, we send love and light to the family and friends of Justin Townes Earle who passed away yesterday at the age of 38.  I know some of my friends knew him well and worked with him over the years, and along with his family, they are especially on my mind and in my heart today....

Today, we review the next group of songs from this week's Playlist (songs 9-15):

9. "Precious Cargo" by Ben Arthur

We start off this segment of music with another new song from E2TG favorite Ben Arthur (singer-songwriter, podcaster, and award-winning host of Songcraft Presents). This is, I suppose, another track from his forth-coming new album.  The new season of his Song-Writer Podcast is streaming now most places you listen to podcasts. 

10. "Free Advice" by Cindy

Next up, we have the title track to the new album by San Francisco band Cindy. The album is out on Mount Saint Mountain Records. Cool sound. I dig it.

11. "Married Man" by Gina Sicilia

Next up, we have a brand new single from East Nashville favorite Gina Sicilia. The song was produced and co-written by Cody Dickinson. The horns and strings were recorded in Memphis, and the vocals were recorded in Nashville by Dave Coleman. Wonderful song. 

12. "Soy un Clon" by Drollery

Next up, we have some punk rock sounds from south-east Spain. The EP CAERBANNOG is the band's debut, and it falls into the punk 'n' roll genre that is gaining in popularity in Spain - with the sound and energy of punk rock with attention to musicality than some traditional punk. 

13. "In My Own City" by Pozzi

 We have been featuring Pozzi in recent Playlists, and his album Tyrant is finally out. This track really hit a note with me. Although, he is singing about his city, Los Angeles, I sometimes feel like a tourist in my city - Nashville. 

14. "Sum Total of Insolent Blank" by Santa Sprees

Santa Sprees is an Anglo-Japanese band who have nine releases under their belt. The latest, of which this is the title track, is a 43 track album, to be honest, I am still figuring this band out, but I am really digging everything I have heart. A great addition to the shuffle. 

15. "Pass By (Stripped) [Live]" by Swim

A stripped-down acoustic take on one of the singles by this New York band.  A wonderful song and a great way to close out this segment of music. 

We'll be back tomorrow with the next segment of this week's Featured  Friday Playlist.  

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/16/2020 - Music City Monday in the Time of COVID-19 - Thing of Beauty Mix (Randy Rhodes' Flying V Remix)

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Music im the time of COVID-19....

As we settle into this new normal, it seems as if nearly every aspect of our daily lives is disrupted. The virus and the efforts to contain it are having major effects on many peoples livelihoods and lives.  E2TG is a music blog, so my focus, but I want to make it clear that I am not dismissing what many, many people outside of music are going through.

We are all faced with difficult decisions. I mentioned last week that my favorite regular hang out made the decision on Thursday to close for at least a month.  This was not an easy decision, and it would have been understandable if they had chosen not to do so.  On Sunday, the Metro Nashville Health Department and Mayor - declared a health emergency and asked music venues to close and restaurants to reduces capacity.  A group of downtown honky-tonks decided to file suit to remain open.

Now, I have friends who make a living playing music on Broadway, however, I do find it interesting that one small venue made the decision to shut down voluntarily - while other (larger) venues are fighting in court to stay open.  To me, it is further evidence that the tourist parts of Nashville are not really a part of our community. Maybe that is harsh, and I do acknowledge that many Nashvillians work and perform at these venues.

I don't know - I think trying to reduce the number of deaths, trying to protect vulnerable parts of our community is important and I applaud those who are doing their part, and to the best of my ability I want to support those folks.  I will share again the GoFundMe for The 5 Spot. 

Many artists are starting to do virtual shows on-line with venmo, paypal etc for tip jars. Check those out.  If you hear your favorite artist doing a show - consider a tip - even if you aren't able to tune in.  As I mentioned before, buy merc, buy physical copies of music (even if you plan to keep listening on a streaming service).  Find a way to support these independent artists and venues at least to the extent you would if the venues were open.  And for goodness sake, stay in if you are able, practice all of the guidelines if you do have to go out.

Music is my primary community, and I hope my community sticks together and supports each other through this time.  Meanwhile, E2TG will keep doing what we do. Enjoy.

    Featured Friday Playlist

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - One Man Show Mix

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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.


THIS IS NOT A WARNING!  ACT  NOW!  Secure your plans to kick off the E2TG Residency in style with Ben Arthur and Conrad y Skordalia this Wednesday at 6:00pm.  Book the babysitter, make your excuses for the boss, send your regrets for all of the conflicting events.

Seriously, this is going to be a fun five weeks, and I hope you can make some or all of them!


The E2TG 8th Anniversary is now only TWO 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

Time for the Music City Monday shuffle! Only eight songs in the shuffle today (due to a couple of longer songs).  Let's get to it!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Om Airwaves Mix

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And, we are back!  It's another Monday and time for another Music City Monday shuffle - celebrating the music of Nashville and the people who have and do make it.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Drunk and Unknown Mix

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As promised, I am going to kick into a higher gear in telling you about the Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown IV - coming at the end of this month.

The show runs two consecutive nights at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.  I am thrilled to be a part of this and to work with the awesome Magnolia Roads! 

Both nights are a benefit for the Ben Eyestone Fund at the Musician's Health Alliance. There are some incredible silent auction items.

I will you to the Facebook event for all the details. 

Today, I wanted to focus in on Friday night April 26 (right after Tim Carroll Rock n Roll Happy Hour)

The lineup for the first night includes FunkyJenn and the Fringe Benefits, Don Gallardo and How Far West, Chris Wilson and The Heresy, and The Truehearts!

Tomorrow, we will focus on Saturday April 27 - which will begin at 6:00pm and go until late. The night two headliner is the one and only Lady Couch!

Event details HERE.

Now, it is Monday and we have another top-notch Music City Monday shuffle.  Let's hit it!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Boys with Guitars Mix

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All of this happened a long time ago when the world was a very different place. Of course, none of us knew that at the time.
(From The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres) Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - Junly2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018 NEW!
E2TG July 2018 NEW!


I said on Friday that last week was the last full week of shuffles in August - I guess technically since Friday is the 31st, this may be the last full work week in August, however, I do have a training out of the office on Thursday which will likely mean no shuffle that day, so technically, I was correct.

In any event, it is a new week, and time for another Music City Monday.  Music City Monday shuffles come from an ever-expanding Spotify playlist dedicated to music from Nashville's past and present.

Let's just get right to it.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Caves of Ice Mix

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All of this happened a long time ago when the world was a very different place. Of course, none of us knew that at the time.
(From The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres) Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed three - January - March 2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018


Well, it's time for another Music City Monday playlist.  We have another good one today, so let's get to it!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Let the Wheat In Mix

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JOIN US!  Thursday will be the GRAND FINALE of the E2TG Residency!  Let's make it a party!  We have wall-to-wall great music.  JUST ADDED!:  Shane Tutmarc is going to play a short set starting promptly at six p.m. (So make your plans to arrive early!).  Joanna Barbera will be up next, followed by the incredible Eli Cook - coming in from Charlottesville, VA with his unique blend of blues and alternative rock.   Finally, Bee Taylor will be closing things down with a rocking set with her incredible band.

It all goes down at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.  A low $5.00 Cover. Must be 21 or over and have a valid ID.


It is time to start another week!  The last week of June. Monday means we shuffle up a playlist that features a wonderful cross-section of Nashville artists from yesterday and today. Let's shuffle!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Protection of the People Mix

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I'm on what I believe is my longest run of live music nights since my birthday a couple of years ago. I have gone out the last five nights (and six of the last seven) and seen some incredible music and hung with some awesome people.

I last reported on Thursday night's Music City Roots.  So, let me pick things up on Friday:

Pylon Reenactment Society at the Basement was even better than the high expectations I had. A couple of local bands opened - Dancers and Lylas. Both were wonderful. Pylon Reenactment Society brought the energy and the fun and the audience which was mixed between people my age or older and younger folks responded. The joy from both sides of the stage was palpable.

Saturday started at The 5 Spot where David Olney once again proved why he is one of the most respected songwriters in Nashville (and elsewhere).  To a good crowd which included several music luminaries, Olney stormed through a two hour set that included a nifty cover of Buddy Holly's "Everyday".

After that, I headed back to the Basement for Jon Latham's birthday show. I arrived in time to catch the end of Darrin Bradbury's set. I also saw great sets from Little Bandit (Alex Caress solo) and Brian Wright.  Then Jon's band (less Sean Quinn who was out of town) took the stage and as per their usual - rocked the house.  The set included a Fugazi cover embedded into "Kimberly Met Billy" and ended with a cover of Tom Petty's "Even the Losers" during which Latham invited people onto the stage (which included yours truly).  A wonderful night - celebrating a wonderful man.

Last night, I headed to The 5 Spot again.  Early show featured awesome sets from Bill Eberle, Becky Warren, and Jen Starsinic -three of Nashville's finest. 

The late show featured Chad Mason, Evan Jenkins, and the return of Hugh Mitchell (a long time favorite of mine who is back in Nashville).  Great music and great hangs with awesome people.

To be honest, I am exhausted right now, but it has been fun beyond measure.

On to our Music City Monday Shuffle!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Both Greasy Mix

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Sending all good thoughts to Texas. Do what you can to help.

Every so often, I look at where I am and think about where I may be going and how to get where I want to be...

That statement can apply to many aspects of my life, but for the purposes of this blog, I am specifically thinking about E2TG.   First of all I have to say that this blog has already far exceeded whatever expectations I may have had when I began it.  The most important measures are the incredible people I have met and gotten to know.

There is a sense, at least I feel it, that things have to always strive to be bigger and more. Whether it's Facebook "Likes" or page views or more festival attendees or move to bigger venues or whatever... and there is nothing inherently wrong with that, but there is also a reality that I see - that bigger is not necessarily always better (it isn't necessarily worse either) - sometimes bigger is different and the better or worse is relative to your particular point of view...

There was a thought in all this, but I think it got lost some in the web of my mind. E2TG has definitely grown over time - although just by pure numbers it isn't a completely steady growth (up then down then up)... it has definitely changed but not radically. I know that not everyone who used to read this regularly still does but I also know that new readers show up almost every week. I sometimes get big ideas and then can't find the time (or something else) to carry through.  I think about changing to get more readers but I quickly lose interest because usually the ideas I get run counter to everything I want E2TG to be. I might go further if I stuck to one genre or style of music and covered it more thoroughly or if I posted lists or went negative*.  But none of those of things I really want to do.

*The topic of negative reviews has come up more than once recently.  I need to say that I am not against critics writing negative reviews. A well written slam can be great reading, and if I happen to disagree it can force me to think more about why I disagree. The thing is - negative reviews can also be just another tool for increasing viewership. Which is fine, but it's just not what I want to do. I can barely cover all the really good music out there, and I choose not to spend time on music I don't really care about. Again just my choice. Furthermore, E2TG has always been mostly about under-the-radar artists, and when I look at what these artists are up against, I would rather look for the positive.  I do think constructive criticism is important to keep an artist growing and I hope those voices continue to get heard.

Bottom line, I am just me. I do this for the love of the music and to keep my fingers moving across the keyboard. I keep my Ear to the Ground, and I am constantly amazed and thrilled by what I hear.

It's Monday and we delve into the Music City Monday shuffle (songs with some sort of connection ot the city where I live):

Joe's Birthday Week - Tuesday Night 1/12/2016

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Ug!  I had a doctor's appointment this morning and a busy day, and I'm heading back out for the fourth night of my birthday week - so I am going to have to punt on the shuffle today.  Sorry.  All the songs (which were really awesome) will go back into the hopper for another day.

Here is a recap of last night's musical adventures...

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - Simultaneous Mix

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ICYMI - Go check out the new Video from the Cosmonauts - our post about it is here:

Also, with just days to go, you can still vote for the Ear to the Ground Band of the Month.  Go HERE to vote. Remember you can vote as often as you want.  Right now, And the Giraffe are leading, but it is still wide open.  So vote now!

To the shuffle:

First up, we have a band we featured back in May when they released their stunning album The Ghost of John Henry. They are back with a new song called Just to Win the Fight  which features Vance Kotrla on 12 and 6 String Guitar, Banjo, Bass and Vocals.  Check it out!

Next up, we have Nashville based Americana recording artist, Derek Hoke, with a song from his most recent record, Waiting All Night,  Lonely Street is the kind of Country song that breaks and warms your heart at the same time.  I can't speak for anyone else, but I know I've walked that Lonely Street many a time.

 

Next we have Land of a Thousand Words which was the second single of Scissor Sisters' second album Ta-Dah.  The song is a twangy ballad reminiscent of early Elton John (who collaborated on the album if not this song).  

 

We close out this shuffle with the song, Hollowpoint Blues  from the album Shovels and Rope by Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent who record under the Shovels and Rope name. They hail from South Carolina and blue a ragged style of honky tonk music that is all their own.

 

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