E2TG 6/18/2020 - Do Not Despair - First Light Mix (So You Say Remix)

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There are positive signs and signs that are alarming.  Do not despair. I believe we are on the right path. As we march forward toward November and January, expect the other side to get desperate and lash out - often in destructive and frightening ways. But, do not despair, just keep fighting and marching and pushing forward. Let our progress gain momentum and become an unstoppable force!

I am going to work on some submission "guidelines for E2TG" - not hard and fast rules that must be followed - I hope I am never self-important enough to do that, but rather some tips about how best to reach me, how I feature music, how I don't, and things like that.  I have some ideas, but I need to organize my thoughts.  One thing though, I do love personalized e-mails that show that the person writing has actually read my blog. BUT, I do not expect every submission to do that - again, I try not to have an inflated sense of my own importance.

I strive very hard to have E2TG be an unique as possible.  I am aware that hundreds or thousands of sites and blogs are sent the same music - so some music I feature will likely be featured on many other sites. My quest to be unique then has to come from the variety and from featuring some local artists whose music may or may not be going to all those sites and blogs.   How am I doing?



It is almost time for a new Featured Friday Playlist, but we have our final three songs to feature today.  Be sure to check out the whole playlist before the new one posts tonight around midnight.

13. "Little Lion" by Teghan Devon

First up today, we have the title track from the new EP by Boston area singer-songwriter Teghan Devon .  The songs were written while Devon was grieving the loss of her life-long best friend - a golden retriever named Sarge. A beautiful record - that was originally scheduled for release in March but was pushed back due to the pandemic. 

14. "Stop and Rewind" by Mile Me Deaf

Next up, we have a track from the new album Ecco by Austrian synth-driver, psych band Mile Me Deaf. The music has a very strong pop vibe. I dig it. 

15. "Pandemic" by Luciano Illuminati

And, we close this week's playlist with a track from Terra Vision 2020 - a very timely album filled with topical songs from this most unusual year. Luciano Illuminati is an indie/alternative artist from Virginia Beach, Virginia. 

    Featured Friday Playlist

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Big Bang Boom Mix

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Well, first off, I have to say that night 2 of the Brian Wright and the Sneak-Ups Residency at The 5 Spot somehow manged to top the first week. Guest Audley Freed (The Black Crowes, etc.) sat in for a couple of songs - including a killer version of "Cortez the Killer".  Brian Wright and his incredible band put on a great rock n roll show. From the exaltation of "Glory Hallelujah" to the emotional gut punch that is "Heavy Metal Shed Kids" - it was one of the best live shows I have experienced in a good while.  Brian Wright has been a favorite of mind since I first heard his music.  When he plays solo, it can be amazing. Full-band - it is something else entirely. And this new band (Wade Cofer, Jon Latham, Matty Apples, Jimmy Matt Rowlan, Rob Crowell, Sally Jaye, and Kristen Englenz) is just out of this world.  They still have two weeks to go, and I can wait to see where they take it from here.

Next, more about the Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown IV.  As if the music artists we've already mentioned were not enough, the nights will also include a community canvas and more.  The silent auction, which I previously mentioned, and which benefits the Ben Eyestone Fund of the Musicians Health Alliance, is going to have many incredible items. The auction will be done all on-line - so even if you can't make it to the shows, you can still participate. I will be posting the links when they are available.  One of the items comes from Wilco, an autographed poster book and more...signed poster, signed toy, scarf, bar towel, CD and pin.

Now, let's get to today's shuffle.  It is Wednesday, and I think this shuffle lives up to the "Wild" designation. Besides being wild, it is also filled with excellent music (both new and not as new).  Let's go!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - 50,000 Watts 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)

If you have read The Drift, please consider writing a review on Amazon. If you haven't read it, you can get your own copy through Amazon or if you are in Nashville, you can get them from me.

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  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
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)
E2TG September 2018  (coming soon!)


Busy day, and I am a little short on time, so I won't blather on - we'll just jump straight into the Wild Wednesday Shuffle. New songs, old songs, red songs, blue songs, on a train, in the rain....

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Wimpy Whine 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 - July2018.  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
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)


Well, I guess Americana Fest is officially and unofficially underway.  Had a blast last night, emceeing a show at Radio Cafe with the always delightful Amelia White and her Blue Souvenirs (Sergio Webb, Parker Hawkins, and Justin Amaral - plus Dave Coleman sitting in for a few songs, Mark Huff - who I think is sounding the best I have ever heard him lately. His great band including the twin guitar attack for Dave Coleman and Braden Land. I've been a fan of Dave Coleman for years. I've only recently "discovered" Braden Land - but I have been impressed.  I don't know and didn't catch the name of Huff's rhythm section, but they were great.

In addition, the show featured two U.K. up and comers. Robbie Kavanagh and Demi Marriner. who were both wonderful. They have several dates during Americana Fest, and I'm hoping to catch them again.  This show met two of my criteria for my hopes for AMA 2018 - I heard new music, and I saw some out of town friends. I am grateful beyond words for Amelia White and Mark Huff for letting me be a part of this event.

After that show, I headed to The Basement East to join the Better Together show already in progress.  This was my fourth year in a row attending this event - which somehow manages to top itself. Even though I missed several things/people I would have loved to have seen, the time I was there was worthwhile.  I got to hang with some out of town friends, meet some people - including Amilia K. Spicer whose music we have featured here. And Great Music - as usual - Chuck Mead and his Grassy Knoll Boys - stretch the definition of Americana to its breaking point - backing guests like Drivin' n Cryin' doing The Clash, Steve Poltz doing "Sympathy for the Devil", Allen Thompson doing "Get Up, Stand Up", and Mead himself doing "Peace Love & Understanding".  But the musical highlight was Aaron Lee Tasjan - looking fabulous by the way - doing a solid rendition of Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman". The crowd was initially stunned but then totally into it. 

Whiskey Wolves of the West closed the night with lots of guests and more great music.  Plus, the guy who plays Blaze Foley in the new movie did a couple of great songs backed by the one and only Charlie Sexton.

More to come.  By the way, this will likely be the last shuffle of the week, I am taking the rest of the week off for AMA, but look for some special posts. Tomorrow, I will tell you all about some of the great stuff going on this weekend - specifically we have some details about the all day party going on at Dee's Saturday - by our friends at Magnolia Road.

Meanwhile, we have a "Wild Wednesday" shuffle - so let's get wild!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Places and People Mix

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I'm a little pressed for time - so let's jump right into the shuffle.  On Wednesday, we shuffle all the songs I currently have stored on my phone. This can be... well - let's just shuffle! You'll see...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Five More Minutes Mix

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Well, I'm running a bit late today, and for some reason, I am really tired. So, I'm going to power through this shuffle.  I created a special playlist of artists I wanted to highlight for the end of the year for my "Earie Awards".  Step right up!

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...

Earie Tuesday Shuffle - The Penultimate Mix

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Look, I'm as ready as any of you to put 2016 behind me, but I have a little unfinished business.  Besides, all of the great music put out and discovered was one of the best parts of an otherwise crappy year.  So, I have the final batch of "Earie" Awards to hand out, and then later today, I will unveil the Band/Artist of the Year Award for 2016.

First off, one outside the shuffle.

The "Rockified Country" Award goes to Saint Luke's Drifters. I first met Mitch Laney of the band at a Richie Owens show a while back.  Then, I saw his band play a show with Richie.  Their sound reminds me at times of Jason and the Scorchers or the early Georgia Satellites when Dan Baird was a part of that band. But, they have some really unique qualities. I think they do country music better and more purely than either of those bands. And, when they rock, they bring it. Their live shows always yield awesome covers to go along with their original songs - like ones on their 2016 release Trials and Tribulations.  The album was mixed by Eric Ambel (who by the way I got to briefly meet during Americana Fest this year).

Now let's do the final shuffle of 2016 for real, ya'll,,,

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - Salted Joints, Cannibalism, and Andre the Giant Mix

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Another week... this is gonna be a weird one.  But, whatever...

Friday:  Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour - always a good time. 
Cross the river to The Country for The Tangled Hearts and Saint Luke's Drifters each providing a different take on a rockin' country sound.

Saturday:  So, I have been reading this book called Outlaw: Waylon, Willie, Kris and the Renegades of Nashville by Michael Streissguth.  (Thanks Pat and Kelsie). It is a very interesting book not just about the origins of the Outlaw Country movement but also about what Nashville was like in the late sixties and early seventies.  I am drawing some interesting parallels to what I have been observing in Nashville in recent times.  Anyway, Saturday night on the stage of Douglas Corner, Peter Cooper, David Olney, Tommy Womack, and Chris Gantry played an in-the-round show (swapping songs and stories).  Peter Cooper writing is referenced several times in Streissguth's book,  David Olney is mentioned in a quote from Rodney Crowell (and he shared a story that referenced that time period), and Chris Gantry's name came up several times in the book, and he, too, shared some stories from those days.  The songs, of course, were out of this world, and it was a pretty magical night.

Onto the shuffle:

Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Palindromatic Mix

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Pardon my English, but screw 1,000 posts.  1001 is where it is at... plus it is a palindrome.

So, last night was the first of five weeks of  Campfire Propaganda's residency at The 5 Spot in East Nashville. It was a wonderful celebration of songs and songwriters.  Tim Easton, who is always wonderful, the awesome Megan Palmer, guests from Oklahoma - John Calvin Abney and Levi Parham), Nellie Clay, and Darrin Bradbury.  For the rest of the Thursday's in October 6p.m. to 8p.m. The 5 Spot is the place to be...

Feature Friday Music Shuffle - Swim to Japan Mix

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Here we are at the end of the work week! 

I had such a massively fun time last night at The Basement East.  Two shows, six full band sets, seeing and hanging out with some of my favorite people.  Music-wise: Nancy Terzian and the Leg Men, Stone Cupid featuring Julie Christensen rocked the early show.  Lauren Farrah, Raelyn Nelson Band, Darrin Bradbury leading Hot Garbage (which included Margo Price on Drums and Andrew Leahey on Guitar), and Brian Wright closed the night with four very different but all incredible sets.

Onward, we have our second installment of the newly repurposed Featured Friday... enjoy!

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - A Few of My Favorite Things 2013 Mix - Part Three

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We continue our 2013 Year in Review via shuffle with another great mix of music.  Today, I thought I would focus on the various ways that new music comes to my attention.  Why? Because inquiring minds want to know even if they do not know that they want to know.

Shuffle ho!

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - A Few of My Favorite Things 2013 Mix - Pt. One

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It's here... time to begin our look back at the year which was 2013.  In true E2TG style, for the remainder of 2013 we will shuffling up a special playlist which includes some of our favorite songs from the past year.  I'll let the song speak for themselves, but we will be highlighting some of our favorite E2TG related albums of the year as we move along.

About Band of the Year.  After two successful Band of the Year polls (by page view numbers, Band of the Year and Band of the Month polls dominate our statistics page for most viewed), so it is only after careful consideration that I've decided to forgo the Band of the Year poll for 2013.  Basically, it comes down to the fact that I would rather see independent bands cooperating and collaborating than competing.  We had some memorably good fun with some of our polls - especially the first annual Band of the Year poll and the legendary February 2012 Band of the Month poll that came down to a dogfight between MAKAR and The End Men.  As time went by, and I began featuring more and more bands, the idea no longer seemed to be in the spirit of this site.  

I will be naming the third annual Band of the Year within the next couple of weeks.  Meanwhile, enjoy yourself as we relive this year that almost was.  If you feel so inclined, share some of these posts with your friends near and far.


Before we jump into the first of our Favorites' shuffles for 2013, I need to rectify something....


#E2TG Hall of Fame (Notable Omissions):

More names will be added to the Hall of Fame in early 2014 - and my progress on the completion of the Hall of Fame page has hit some unexpected delays, but I've became increasingly uncomfortable knowing that two of my favorite E2TG artists have not been added to the Hall as of yet. 

1.  Ubiquity Machine/Howard Rabach  - In using the tagging feature to determine our Hall of Fame, one thing I failed to take into account were the many fine bands/artists you came to prominence in the months when E2TG was still housed on the now defunct Posterous site.  Howard Rabach was one of the first readers of the blog to step out of the shadows.  His band, Ubiquity Machine, was one of our early Bands of the Week. The band finished second in our first annual Band of the Year poll, and he has remained a good friend of Ear to the Ground ever since.  UM has been kind of dormant of late, as Howard has been doing some freelance stuff.  Check out his Facebook page here. So it is with great pleasure, that I usher in UM/HR to a spot of honor in our Hall of Fame.



2. The Grimm Generation - Another thing I failed to take into account in my tagging system of Hall of Fame eligibility is the variant tagging which sometimes occurs. Blogger places a 200 character limit on tagging so sometimes I have to shorten band names - like leaving the "The" off.  That is the only explanation I have for The Grimm Generation not being in our top 20 tagged artists. Still this unique and frankly awesome collective from Connecticut (headed up by the amazing Jason Krug and Carmen Champagne), are well deserving of a prime spot in our Hall of Fame.  Hell their latest album, The Big Fame even has "fame" in the title. They have consistently made music which I love and which seems timeless in its wonderfulness.



Now... let the 2013 Shuffles begin

Friday Morning Music Shuffle - In the Basement Mix

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"Sometimes words have two meanings...."

Ah hell - we have a jam packed Mix of music so let's get down to it.... 

After the jump....

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - In any Language Mix

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First off, let me be the first (okay not the first by far) to say that the notion that Nashville is a great town for music is not hype. I don't get out as often as I would like, but it seems like every time I do - amazing things happen.  Now, I don't think I am that lucky a guy (although pretty lucky all things considered) nor do I think my mere presence inspires such awesomeness to occur. Therefore, my conclusion has to be that remarkable, amazing, and awesome music happens all the time in Nashville (East, West, and all points in-between).

Last night, it was an incredible night of music at The Basement.  Nashville people (or anyone who finds themselves in Nashville on a Tuesday night) get yourselves down to The Basement (under Grimey's New and Pre-Loved Music) for New Faces night. Local and in-town artists of the Indie persuasion take the stage. Grimey curates, mans the soundboard... There was so much goodness last night, and I will definitely be back. I posted a bit about it over on Facebook. Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray were phenomenal.  They played at least two songs which will be on their next album - set for a spring '14 release - which were both really great.  Fun night...


Today's shuffle commences after the jump...

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - Stalagmite or Stalactite Mix

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I am so tired today.  So, I am going to make it short, sweet, to the point, and hopefully interesting - because we have some great music today..



(part of my morning walk -

so you can imagine me as you are reading

and listening to the morning mix)

 

 

MUSIC AFTER THE JUMP

Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Conjuring Mix

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Hey ho! It's Friday! What could be more perfect?

 

 

Music after the jump

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - Maybe Partying Will Help Mix

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A few items of interest... KALPA - the new Valued Customer album is due out today. We are still awaiting it's arrival with bated and baited breath.

Gabriel Redding is on the penultimate day of his record breaking run across America to raise money for Alzheimer and Dementia patients. Get your donate on (click on his name for details).

Our great old friends, The End Men are headed out on a mini-tour to Ohio.  If you are in these area's be sure to check them out. Seriously, do it, and tell them Ear to the Ground sent you.  Annabel's - Akron on 7/18;  Buzzbin -  Canton on 7/19; and the Stone Tavern -  Kent on 7/20.

Now, let's get to the Morning Mix of Music.

After the JUMP

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - Chili Isn't Chili Mix

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Ready Set Go... well, I'm going to be out and about the rest of this week.  I MAY sneak in an entry or two.  In the mean time, I will leave you with another fine, fine mix of music...

PRE-SHUFFLE:

1. "Chili" by Dog Without Warning (Did I mention the latest Dog Without Warning record is bad ass? Well, it is.  My shuffle mode has been digging this song and so have I.)
2."Oh Darlin'" by Mystery Twins (Happy to present another song from this Nashville-based musical side project. - two members of The Clutters)
3. "Infatuation" by Dog Without Warning (Did I mention that the latest Dog Without Warning record is really, really bad ass?  Well, it really really is! This song is one of my favorites from the 'Bark' EP.  Oh who am I kidding, all of the songs on 'Bark' are my favorites.)
 4. "The Escape" by SkyBurnsRed (more music from this hot UK band).
 5. "Sorry, But I'm Yours" by Ben Shive (Another awesome track from this unique Nashville Singer/Songwriter)
6. & 7. "Is There Anybody Out There?" and "Nothing Stays the Same" by Human Face (Really digging the Brit-Pop feel of this band)
8. "What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding" by Steve Earle (covering Elvis Costello (doing a Nick Lowe tune)) (A live and loud version of the Nick Lowe classic. Trivia, Earle's son Justin Townes is in the band for this song) 
9. "Bring Me Backwards" by Ellis Paul (Man oh Man, I dig this song.  Came to me via the latest Feel Bad for You mixtape)

and then we transition into the Shuffle with one of the strongest cuts on the excellent new EP by Tipi Valley

SHUFFLE AFTER THE JUMP!

Wednesday Morning Music Non-Shuffle + Shuffle - Nothing Gold Mix

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Did I happen to mention that I like irony and coincidence and the amazing tendency of life to throw unexpected curve-balls and how that can be a great joy if your mind and heart are open to receive what ever life has to offer?  No? Well, I do.

So, I write a music blog, and I live in Nashville, Tennessee. If you've been paying attention, you will have realized I am pretty open-minded when it comes to music. I generally hate genre labels, and even though I tend to think that most mainstream music sucks (I'm an old punk what can I say), I will acknowledge when something mainstream strikes my fancy.

All that being said, I'm constantly amazed and pleased by all of the incredible Country and Countryish music being made all over the world.  Honestly, as far as I'm concerned you can call it Americana, Alt-Country, Roots Music or whatever you want. From Michigan to New Mexico to California to Europe, there is great music being made that owes a direct or indirect nod to The Carter Family, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Hank Williams Sr and so many more legends.  It may carry with it a Punk rock spirit or a pinch of something else....

Ah, I've done on long enough.  Let's get to the business at hand.  

Nikki Sue and the Bad News are about to release their first full-length album, Nothing Gold.  The album will be released May 23 (digital only for now) with a release party scheduled for the 24th at the Clash Bar in Clifton, NJ.  I have been given the great honor of getting an early listen.  My thoughts (random and otherwise) commence after the JUMP