E2TG 9/8/2020 - The Return - Plea Insanity Mix (Two Slugs Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

Well, I am back after the long holiday weekend (Labor Day for those out of the US).  Below, we continue our Featured Friday review - with a double dose - since there was no post yesterday and we still have to finish by Thursday. Plus a shuffle below the jump. 

COVID-19-wise I am struggling. Numbers are looking better locally, but I am concerned about a long-feared second wave - especially if people slack off on precautions - which seems to be happening. Meanwhile, I am coming to terms with the fact that "normal" as I knew it before the pandemic may not exist whenever this thing does end.  Some venues have closed and some friends are moving away (back home). Meanwhile, a lot of people are "getting back to normal"... but I am not able to visit my mother in her independent living facility, but as long as everyone can party and hold mass gatherings on Broadway, I guess every thing is okay... *sarcasm*.  

I am struggling to find peace and direction and meaning, and for that I am relying - as I tend to do on music. 

With the holiday, we need to get back on schedule - so we will cover songs 9-18 today! There are some fantastic songs in this segment of the playlist. Check it out!

9. "I Love You (Don't Laugh)" by Andre Salvador and the Von Kings

Next up, we have a track from the self-titled album by the Brooklyn based indie rock combo led by Tim Cheplick. Really digging this album so far. Check it out. 

10. "Me and These Jeans" by Becky Warren

New music from Nashville singer-songwriter Becky Warren is a reason to celebrate. The military veteran's breakout 2016 debut War Surplus lead to a stint opening for The Indigo Girls. She followed up with Undesirable in 2018.  This is the first taste from her new album The Sick Season which is available for pre-order now. 

11. "Heavy Load" by Great Peacock

Next up, we have another single from the forthcoming Forever Worse Better (October 9) by one of Nashville finest bands. 

12. "Shine Like a Friend" by John Calvin Abney

Tulsa singer-songwriter John Calvin Abney may be known to some for backing John Moreland, but don't sleep on his incredible songwriting. This is the first taste from his forthcoming Familiar Ground album which is due out November 20. 

13. "Nyack" by Annie Dressner

Next up, we have a track from the brand new album by UK-based, NYC raised singer-songwriter Annie Dressner. The album, Coffee at the Corner Bar, is excellent. She has a large following in the UK, and I am happy to have this song in my weekly playlist. Check her out. 

14. "Stitch in Time Saves Nine" by Parker Lee

We previously featured the track "Drunk" by this band from North Yorkshire.  Now their EP Scrundle is out, and we another track from that release. Great stuff.  

15. "Big Big Bad Bad John" by Rob Clarke and the Wooltones

Next up, we have a track from this band from Liverpool. The album is called Putting the L Back in Wooltones. It is out on the Kool Kat label. I am hearing some wonderful Brit-pop sounds here -with a little psych. Really enjoying this. 

16. "Love After Midnight" by Jonathan Plevyak

Next up, we have the new single from Nashville based pop-rock singer-songwriter Jonathan Plevyak. The Baltimore native evokes nostalgic memories of summers past in this cool song. 

17. "Frantic Mind" by The Star Prairie Project

Next up, we have a new single from the mind of Nolen R. Chew Jr. - who hails from Star Prairie, Wisconsin and who works with producers and musicians from LA to London.  Really digging this track. 

18. "Happening Now" by Social Gravy

We close out this long segment of music with a track from this Los Angeles based alt-rock duo. The duo features Belarusian musician Vee Borduokov and British producer and songwriter Brad Kohn.  A nice way to close out this segment of music. 

Tomorrow songs 19-22

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 8/27/2020 - Blah Blah Blah - City Hippie Mix (Lower Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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

It sure seems like every single day there is something going on in our country that needs to be discussed. I never intended E2TG to be a current events or political blog - I have felt compelled to write about certain things from time to time, but I don't want you to take my silence here for approval or acceptance of the unacceptable. I vacillate between hopeful and hopelessness, and I ponder the path forward with so many people seemingly having dropped even the pretense of common human decency. 

But, it is too easy to let writing about these things overwhelm the blog, and I do not want to do that.  For me, E2TG (and more generally music) has been a refuge from the troubles of the world. Although, I have always loved topical and message songs, even in those cases, the melodies and the instruments, and the beats and all  - are a shelter from the storms of life. 

I have been thinking about my tendency to be a bit of a contrarian but I sometimes wonder if it is intentional or just a part of my DNA or if it matters. Just an example... I have been a fan of roots music of some kind almost as long as I have been interested in music - but I have also had a pretty wide-open attitude toward music.  Especially, over the last five or six years, a lot of "Americana" music has come my way, and many of my favorite artists and bands fall somewhere along the spectrum of sounds that fall under that wide umbrella, however, at the same time I have actively took steps to keep from being pigeon-holded as an Americana music blog. Now, there is this voice that says, maybe if you focused on just Americana you would have a bigger base of readership.  Maybe, I don't know. But, somehow, I think if I had put such limitations on my self, I would have tired of this thing and quit blogging a long time ago.  

The fact is - although I love a good folk song and a great folk song can move me to tears, I need my punk, post-punk darkwave, electronica, hip-hop, rock, hard rock etc. music to s sustain me.  Think of it as a balanced diet.  

Onward!

Today, we wrap out of recap of this week's Feat. Friday Playlist! Tune in tomorrow for a brand new list... a bunch of new music is on the way... (Songs 30-37 today)

30. "Drunk" by Parker Lee

In typical fashion, we save some cool music to round out our weekly playlist. This segment of music begins with the lead off single ahead of the Scrundle EP due out on September 4 by this indie band from New Yorkshire. I really dig the sound of this track. 

31. "Fire in the Rain" by The Hengles

From the UK, we cross the channel and head to Amsterdam for the new single from The Hengles. The band's members have been active in music since the 80s and 90s. They came together as The Hengles in 2015. "Fire in the Rain" was supposed to be released as the band's eighth single in June, however, with the lockdown, they took the opportunity to strip the song down and basically reinvent the song. For anyone who ever wondered how to set a fire in the rain... 

32. "Moonlight" by Viewfinders

Next up, we have a track from this Denver, Colorado based indie rock band. This was a direct artist submission that caught my attention and my ear. Cool stuff.  

33. "Niin kuin se ennen oli" by Bad Sauna

Bad Sauna are a relatively new rock band from Finland - recently signed to the All That Plazz label. I really like this song a lot. Substantive music that rocks sufficiently. 

34. "Evolution" by Julian Shah-Tayler

Aka The Singularity, Julian Shah-Tayler is based in L.A. by way of Leeds. The music has a fascinating electro rock/new wave sound. The Singularity has had a great deal of success with film and television placements. If you note a touch of Bowie or Depeche Mode or The Cure - it might be becauser Shah-Tayler is part of successful tribute bands to all three artists. He has worked with some huge names as well as co-founding the Art Angeles charity which teaches music to underprivileged kids in Watts. 

35. "Quimeras" by La Cigarra 

Via the Columbian label Discos Infante, we have this relatively new project from the mind of producer Mateo Esquivel.  I know very little about this band/project - translated the information was imaginative and beautiful, and I absolutely love the music. 

36. "Trials - Origin Mix" by Dissonance

Following an only slightly intentional pattern, we close out this week's playlist with some heavier sounds - first we have a track from the Dallas, Texas based darkwave band Dissonance. Dissonance featuring vocalist Cat Hall began in the early 90s and revived in 2015. This is the second of three maxi singles being released by the band this summer. 

37. "Slaves to the System" by The Veer Union; Defending Cain
 

We close with some socially conscious hard rock from The Veer Union based in Vancouver, B.C. - this is the first single ahead of a quarantine themed EP set for release early next year. Here they team with Defending Cain - a hard rock band from West Virginia. Interesting that we close with darkwave from Dallas and hard rock from West Virginia a good reminder to let go of geographical stereotypes when it comes to music. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2019 Recap - Part 3 - Daylight Mix (Island Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

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


Beach Notes (explained - sort of)

One thing I want to do with the revamp of E2TG is to write about my experiences in the (East) Nashville music community, and I want to do so while finding a specific "voice" in telling these stories.   Over the last couple of months, I have been teasing the concept of "Beach Notes" on my Facebook page. Basically short - stream of consciousness, observations. Why "Beach Notes"?  Well, I have my reasons.  Basically, it goes back to Darrin Bradbury's song "Exile on Myrtle Beach" which may not entirely be about the South Carolina community.  That's all I will say for now.

Beach Notes 12-3-2019 $2 Tuesday

It promised to be a good one. I mean $2 Tuesday's are all good (or at least I can't remember one that wasn't), but this one - well, I knew (or at least knew of) everyone playing, and I would get to meet Mark Cline Bates whose album King of the Crows was among my favorites of 2019 and hear him perform.  

The night got off to an auspicious start - Jon and Adrienne were already there when I got there. I caught up with Jon and our talk turned to the intersection of punk rock and Americana music. As it does.  It was good to catch up. 

Serious conversations about the challenges of life and aging and ailing parents. A math professor originally from Holland told a joke in Saxon. (Yeah, it was that kind of night).  The 5 Spot is always a good place for people watching.  You see all kinds of people there. As an observer of human behavior, I like to see how people behave. Go figure. 

The music was top-notch - which almost goes without saying.  Mark Cline Bates, Stephie James, Clark Paterson, host Derek Hoke, and Jon Byrd and a particularly potent version of Byrd's Auto Parts (David Conrad, Justin Amaral, Leo Grassl, Diego on Trombone, and Nick Beaudoing (of Runner of the Woods) on accordion.)  With Tim Hibbs holding down the 1s and the 2s spinning $1 finds from a New York trip. We were all singing along at some points, and I had to tell a younger person what "Back on the Chain Gang" by The Pretenders was. 

$2 Tuesday is about the music and the community and the $2 Yazoos, and it is about expecting the unexpected.   Once again, I think how cool it is to live where I do and how cool it is that Derek Hoke started and has continued this weekly tradition for so long. 

Now - let's jump back into our recap of 2019!

 

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Humankind Mix (Not My War 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.

Okay - This will be my last shuffle until next Tuesday.  Big doings this weekend, and Monday is a holiday from work.  So, let's go!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Slow Learner Mix (C Sharp 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.

The E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency wraps up tonight!

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia (SUCCESS!)

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo (Album Release Show)  
(SUCCESS!)
October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie (SUCCESS!)

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes (SUCCESS!)

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb (TODAY!!!!)

This is it!  The E2TG 8th Anniversary will wrap up its 5 week run at The 5 Spot with performances by The Big Dumb and Microwave Mountain. I am so stoked for this show.  The Big Dumb, you may recall, are the reigning E2TG Band of the Year, and Microwave Mountain are one of the best bands working in Nashville.

I took an unexpected day off yesterday, so for today's Wild Wednesday shuffle - we are going to pull from the "New Music" playlist.  Don't worry, it is pretty wild as it is.

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Good Old Days Mix (Big City Twist 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.

The E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency is almost over!

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia (SUCCESS!)

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo (Album Release Show)  
(SUCCESS!)
October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie (SUCCESS!)

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes (SUCESS!)

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb (Six Days Away!)


Huge thanks to everyone who came out last night, to Josh Gray and Meghan Hayes and their incredible bands, and to The 5 Spot.  We have one more week of the E2TG Residency to go.  Next Wednesday, we will have The Big Dumb and Microwave Mountain!  It's going to be an epic night!

I am a bit short on time, so let's dive into the Trending Thursday shuffle!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Do the Damn Thing Mix (Sex Riot 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.


The E2TG 8th Anniversary is underway!

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia (SUCCESS!)

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo (Album Release Show)  
(SUCCESS!)
October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie (SUCCESS!)

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes (Tomorrow!)

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb (Next Wednesday!)


I hope to see everyone tomorrow night at The 5 Spot.  It is going to be a great show - once again, some of Nashville's finest will be backing out our two featured artists.  It's an early show, so come after work and we will have you home or to your next show by nine!

Pushing forward!  I have some first listens in the shuffle today!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Sunshine Soul 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.


I hope you will catch the final three weeks of the E2TG Residency if you are able.  It will mean a lot to me and to the artists.

The E2TG 8th Anniversary is underway - Next Show October 2!

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia (SUCCESS!)

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo (Album Release Show)  
(SUCCESS!)

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie (TOMORROW!)

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb

Time is short and a ton of songs to get to  - let's shuffle!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Freaked Out Fly 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 underway - Next Show October 2!

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia (SUCCESS!)

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo (Album Release Show)  
(SUCCESS!)

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie (JUST 5 DAYS AWAY!)

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb

First of all a semi-major non-announcement:  I have been giving a lot of thought to a revamp of E2TG. The main reasons are to 1. Make the site better and 2. Shift around some things to hopefully free up some time.

I have some ideas, but nothing is set.  One thing I am interested in is looking into some collaborations of various kinds that make sense in a mission oriented kind of way (look at me using important sounding words!).  So, if you are reading this and have any interest in collaborating with E2TG - let me know.  The changes would likely begin with the new year - more or less. 

I am also considering finding a new virtual home for E2TG, so if you have suggestions on that front, let me know.

Anyway, in the meantime, we have classic E2TG work to be done. Let's get to the Friday Shuffle.  Once again, I worked late adding new songs to the playlist and none of those showed up in today's shuffle.  But, some really cool stuff did show up! Let's go!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Ketamine Taxi 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 underway - Next Show October 2!

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia (SUCCESS!)

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo (Album Release Show)  
(SUCCESS!)

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie (NEXT UP!)

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb

Thanks to everyone who came out last night, and a big thanks to Ryan Sobb and Don Gallardo and their bands for making it a great night!  Next week, we will do it again, with full band sets from Jason Erie and The Truehearts!  We would love to see you there!

Now, on with the shuffle!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Daylight Waves 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 underway - Next Show October 2!

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia (SUCCESS!)

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo (Album Release Show)  
(TOMORROW NIGHT!!!!!!)

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


Tomorrow night! I hope you will join us at The 5 Spot at 6pm for Week 2 of the E2TG Residency.  Sets from Ryan Sobb and his band and a special album release show from Don Gallardo and How Far West with special guest Lilly Winwood! 

In replacing my phone, I didn't lose any of the songs for my shuffle, but I did lose my "New Music/Features/Trending" playlist- so I had to try to recreate it. Don't quite done, but I think we have a pretty good list. Let's go!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Young and Stupid 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 8 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


I owe you all a full-recap of Muddy Roots and of AmericanaFest. Right now, I am running head-long into the E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency - which begins one week from tomorrow!!!!!

I had an extra long commute due to traffic and stuff, so we have 13 songs in the shuffle today. I've been too chatty of late - so I am going to try to keep it short and sweet.  Let's go!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Keeping Up 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 first official day of the Americana Fest is in the books. As has become my habit, I went to the Basement East for the Better Together kickoff event. It was packed and I saw so many friends from out of town and in town. The music - as always - was top-notched - this year honoring the City of Memphis - with songs from Memphis, associated with Memphis, and about Memphis. The list of performers included some of the hottest tickets on the AMA line-up and many of my friends.

Sleep is optional during AMA week, but I got a couple of hours. 

Tonight, Broken Jukebox Media is hosting an unofficial showcase at The 5 Spot - the night includes several artists we have featured at E2TG (Broken Jukebox is one of my major sources of new music).  After that, I will head to Dee's for another unofficial event - this hosted by Nick Nace and featuring a full-band set from the one and only Jon Latham and a lot more.

On with the shuffle - It is Wild Wednesday, but once again, I am sticking with our New Music playlist because I have so much new music to get to... It's still kind of wild!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Little Kitty Pile 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.



Fun show at The Basement last night. Nashville's Sad Baxter opened - we have featured them several times on Music City Monday. 

Followed by Summer Cannibals from Portland, Oregon - led by my cousin Jessica Boudreaux. 

Both high energy, rocking sets.

Well, this is it!  Last shuffle before I take a bit of break.  Look for a post on Monday (if all goes as expected). 

Next weekend, I am off to Muddy Roots and hope to have some cool stuff to share about that experience.

Now, here is a Featured Friday shuffle to close things out!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - A Drunkard's Dream 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 even included. 


Made it back to Dee's last night for Madison Guild Monday for the first time in a while. Hosted by Tom Schreck.  Schreck opened with a full band set which he calls Tom Schreck Escapes.  As always great to see Tom play. His cover of "I Will Survive" was especially tasty.  Tommy Womack was next with a surprise solo set.  He will be back at Dee's Friday with a full band. He has a new single which is extremely timely.  Next up, a shared set from two of my long time favorites Kiley Connell and Drew Kohl. They were followed by the always impressive Connor Rand who had Nicole Boggs join him for a few songs. Excellent stuff. By that time, I was exhausted and I had to bow out before Nicole Boggs and the Reel played. Hate that.

I have a busy week of great live music ahead and lots to do otherwise. Plus it is way to hot. But, anyway - Music!  Today we dive back into the Trending playlist and we have some cool tunes for a hot day.