E2TG 3/14/2022 - Music City Monday - By a Woman Mix (Ahead, Behind Remix)

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It is the start of another week, and that means it is time for a Music City Monday shuffle...

As you may or may not know or remember, I have a massive playlist of Nashville music* past and present and every Monday, I hit shuffle on that playlist and see what comes up... here is what came up today. 

*Music made by people who live or have lived in Nashville (whether or not the music itself was made in Nashville or before or after the person/band was based here).

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/13/2021 - Music City Monday - Keeping My Distance Mix (Out of Place Remix)

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The year is winding down.  Coming up tomorrow on Ear to the Ground radio, I will be presenting part 1 of my year-end special featuring some of my favorite music released in 2021. 

Then, Thursday, I will be presenting the 2nd Annual Seasons Greetings from Nashville holiday spectacular. (okay, fine, I didn't call it that last year but whatever). Some great holiday tunes by Nashville artists past and present. 

Next Tuesday, will be the first annual Ear to the Ground holiday special - some of the great new holiday releases which have come my way. 

Now, it's time for today's Music City Monday shuffle 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

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

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    Featured Friday Playlist

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

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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 7/30/2021 - Featured Friday - The Hustle Mix (Dark Clouds Remix)

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Another Friday means a brand new Featured Friday Playlist... let's get to it... The recap begins below the jump... 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/14/2021 - Music City Monday and More - Magnolia Mix (Wide Awake Remix)

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We begin our short week at E2TG. I will be off Thursday and Friday - so I'm extending the recap of the Featured Friday Playlist through next week - so look for about four songs per day on the recap. 

Featured Friday Playlist recap Part 2 (songs 6-9):

6. "Smashing" by Xelfiy

We start off this segment of music with the latest release from this young, independent hip hop artist, who we first featured late last year. A cool track. 

7. "Resolutions" by Garrett Wieland

Next up, we have a track from the just released second album, What Keeps The Heart Afloat from this Texas songwriter. This song is about new beginnings and was written on New Years Eve.  

8. "Sawed in Half" by Pearls & Bones

Next up, we have a track from the album Cool Uncles by the alternative hip-hop band based in Toronto and Montreal.  The band formed in 2012 and employs a variety of divergent styles to create their sound. This lyrically brutal, musically pleasant track was inspired by the film Kill Bill. 

9. "Drug My Soul" by Soda Cracker Jesus

And, we close out this segment of music with the second single from this Seattle based project of musician Regan Lane - who has been an active part of the Northwest music scene for many years.  A great track to take us out today.  

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 7/21/2020 - Noise Control - Big Day Mix (Bole Remix)

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I think maybe I wrote about this before, but I not sure - or if I did, I am not sure what I said, but I have thinking lately about all of the noise in the world today. Obviously, I deal with music, but it is more than music... people are clamoring to be heard and seen. And, some people are better than others - right?  I mean, there are "influencers" who get hundreds of thousands of view and "likes" for what appears to be pretty ordinary pictures and video. And, I know there is a whole subculture, I don't understand about all of this - like a video of someone opening a box having millions of views - while a video of a beautiful, power song is lucky to have a couple of thousand.

We are in the age where anybody can make music or videos or post pictures and immediately, potentially be seen by a massive audience. And so everyone, professionals and rank amateurs shout into the void to be heard. And by shout, I mean post and repost and share and tweet and go live... and some days, I feel like I am just another voice shouting into the void.

I don't know. I would love for more people to read my posts and be moved by what I write and discover new music. And, I do know it happens, but it feels like it is rare. And, I know I am not "savvy" and that if I were my "numbers" would be greater, and blah, blah, blah. 

Look, I don't know what conclusions can be drawn from this rambling assemblage of words... maybe it is just more noise. I suppose, if any thing, my posts are more to say to the artists, I hear you and your music has moved me in some way. Maybe, that is why - though I don't have millions of readers, I have been able to make real connections with a lot of musicians.

It is just another week in this crazy year, and I am still on lockdown - even though not everyone is. And, I don't see an end in sight - I really don't. But, I am okay. Not great. But okay. 


Today, our Featured Friday recap continues with songs 16-21...

16. "Tom T. Hall T-Shirt" by Graham Bramblett

We start things off with a fantastic song from a Nashville based songwriter.  Bramblett is originally from Dallas.  Spent some time here writing on Music Row - got burned out and moved to Minneapolis.  He returned to Nashville energized and this is the lead track from his new album The Great Inbetween.

17. "Turning Back the Pages" by Telepathic Teddy Bear

Telepathic Teddy Bear is a Mexican based, Berklee trained songwriter and producer who  we have been covering for a number of years now.  This is his latest single from a forthcoming new album. I remain as captivated as ever by his music. 

18. "Keep on Driving" by Geoff Gibbons

Next up, we have a new single from Vancouver based singer-songwriter Geoff Gibbons. The song is a yearning for the freedom that the open road always promises.

19. "Android Hellscape" by Giant Monsters on the Horizon

Next up, we have some electronic/synthwave music from St. Louis. I really dig the sound of this track - my introduction to this band.  It is from their album Live from Night City. The term is read about this album is retro-futrism, and I think that fits for me.

20 "All Tomorrows" by Anita Ramona

Anita Ramona is a stylist, designer, photographer, and illustrator, who has embraced music in recent years. She is based in Romania. By the way, in searching my e-mails, I say that she had contacted a few times - as long ago as last July. I say that just to say, I get a lot of submissions, and it bothers to know that I probably miss some great stuff, so if you are reading this and have sent me music, please keep trying.  Anyway, I am really glad, Anita Ramona kept trying and that I finally listened. More great electronic music - of a very different variety than the previous track. 

21. "Lockdown" by Thrillsville

This segment of music ended with a run of electronic music that serves to show how diverse that genre can be. Thrillsville is a Los Angeles based darkwave artist, and this song - obviously inspired by the world situation is brutal and angry and powerful. A great ending to this segment of music - and one that will carry us into tomorrow's segment. 

Tomorrow - our recap continues starting at song #22.

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG - 8th Anniversary Residency - Week 2

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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 even 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 

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

Today we spotlight on Week 2 of the E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency!

By  the way, no shuffle today because my phone died.

2018 E2TG Earie Awards - # 6 - Recap June 2018

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HOLIDAY SHOPPING ALERT!!!!: The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)


I'm back, finally.  Since Friday, I have listened to and started posts, but due to some extracurricular activities on my part, I haven't been able to finish the posts.  So, I'm just going to press on and post them one at a time as I finish them.  We will start with our 6th "Earie" post and our recap of June 2018.  In June, E2TG celebrating seven years with a Residency at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.

Let's get right to the shuffle!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle- Big Damn Baby 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, it's the end of another, albeit short, week of work.  Heading into the weekend (aka the calm before the American Fest storm).  My final bit of advice for anyone coming to AMA for the best time is to pace yourself. Also, if there is something you REALLY want to see at a smaller venue like The Basement or Station Inn (for example) - than plan to get to that venue early and stick it out. Otherwise, there is a good chance you won't get in - especially if it is a really popular artist (or there is a really popular artist after the show you want to see). Have fun, hit up the parties, and say hello if you see me around.

We close with our usual Featured Friday shuffle. A few first listens today. Let's shuffle!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Salty Truth and Funk 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
E2TG April 2018 (NEW!)


In case you missed it, Friday, we premiered a new song, "Gloria" by Nashville singer-songwriter Benjamin Jason Douglas from his album First World Blues which is being released this coming Friday.  Check it out HERE !


Last night, I kind of bounced around a little.  I got to see Jon Latham, Don Gallardo, Darrin Bradbury, Ryan Sobb, and others at a tribute to Big Star, Replacements, and R.E.M at Basement East.  Some takeaways, I really dug William Matheny and his band's opening set of originals (they also - along with Robbie Crowell - provided the backing band for the rest of the night.  Don Gallardo and Jon Latham are awesome always.  I love all Darrin Bradbury's but punk rock Darrin Bradbury is tops in my book. Ryan Sobb is someone to watch. I left Basement East a little early and headed to Dee's for Madison Guild Monday in time to catch a young singer-songwriter I recently met.  Bobby Corbin has a great voice and writes really good songs.  Check him out if you see him around town.

Time for a Trending Tuesday shuffle - let's just get right to it!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Mean All the World 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 wanted to bring to your attention an upcoming show that might otherwise slip under your radar.  If you are in Nashville and free this coming Sunday (July 22), I recommend you head to Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge in Madison around 7pm.  Joe Goodkin (a Chicago songwriter who we have featured on E2TG) will be making a rare Nashville appearance, and some of my favorite Nashville songwriters are joining him (Joe Nolan, Tom Schreck, and Connor Rand).  I want to make sure I take maximum credit for my small role (with minimal effort) in getting these folks together for this show.  I think it will be a good one.

On to our "Wild Wednesday" shuffle:

The music in my phone's memory is a hodge podge of all sorts of things:  current and past E2TG featured artists/bands, older (and more recent) albums from my personal collection, music I have downloaded for various sources - just for fun, music given to me by various people that was not specifically intended to be featured on E2TG, and maybe some other things.   On Wednesdays, I hit shuffle on all those songs and see what comes up.  It's really interesting (to me at least) in that each shuffle has it's own "personality" or flavor. And, I never know what is going to come up.  I call Wednesday's "Wild" not because the list of songs is necessarily wildly eclectic (just sometimes) but because each shuffle is like a wildcard - you never know what it will be. 

Let's go!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Always Resist 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)

Last night, I made it out to Madison Guild Monday for the first time in a while.  Such a fun event - always hosted by a songwriter - last night it was Nick Nace.  I was late and missed Sean Quinn and some others, but I did get to see Chris Moyse, J.R. Wyatt, Nick Nace, and Jon Latham. Plus, I got a chance to hang with some wonderful people.  It was Kristen Englenz's birthday, and I figured out it was my half birthday.  

Well, yesterday was Music City Monday, but as we head into Trending Tuesday, we have a very heavily Music City-centric shuffle.   Let's just get to it!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Bitter End Mix

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All good things must come to an end, and this Thursday, we bid a fond adieu to the E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency.  Eli Cook is heading to Nashville from Charlottesville, VA to lay down some of his signature blues-infused rock songs, Bee Taylor (who designed the cool posted above) brings her awesome band to rock your world, and Joanna Barbera is going to captivate you with her gorgeous songs.  All that, and I have a few copies of The Drift for sale.  As if all of that was not enough, get to The 5 Spot early - right at six long-time Nashville favorite and Seattle native Shane Tutmarc will join us for a short set to get things kicked off in style.  6pm sharp, $5 cover, 21+ (bring valid ID), and be prepared to party.

I am running late. I had to leave work early and I kind of lazed around this afternoon. So, here is a late edition of the Tuesday morning shuffle! Quick and to the point!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Daisy Shotgun Mix

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This is just a couple of days away!   Make your plans now!

Check out Rayvon Pettis on Spotify
Check out Clark Paterson on Spotify 
Check out Griffin Winton (of The Big Dumb) on Spotify


Once your plans for June 7 are set - go ahead and mark your calendar for the rest of the E2TG Residency!

June 14 - We have Ben de la Cour opening, plus The End (Brooklyn) making a rare Nashville appearance, and Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus. 

June 21 - Brian Milligram will open for Microwave Mountain and The Coalmen. 

June 28 - Joanna Barbera opens for Eli Cook (Virginia) and Bee Taylor.  

These shows will be the most fun you are legally allowed to have before the sun goes down!  

I plan to have copies of my novel, The Drift, available for sale, and I will be reading short passages each week. 

$5.00 21+ (bring a valid ID - even if you are old like me). The 5 Spot is located in East Nashville at 1006 Forrest Avenue.  Doors should be open by 5:45pm or so.  Come early - we are jam packed with great stuff so we will aim to get started by 6:15 or so. 



Now, let's jump into this Trending Tuesday shuffle and see what it has in store for us!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Letters and Trains Mix

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My novel, The Drift is out now!  Paperback or Kindle (Buy the paperback and get a Kindle version for just $.99)

E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency is coming in June to The 5 Spot!

Week 1:  Clark Paterson, The Big Dumb, Rayvon Pettis

Week 2: The End Men, Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus, Ben de la Cour

Week 3:  Brian Milligram, Microwave Mountain, The Coal Men

Week 4: Joanna Barbera, Bee Taylor, Eli Cook

Well, I'm back after a long weekend. I am actually working from home today so my shuffle was not during my commute as usual but I did have a shuffle and it was a good one.

We missed Music City Monday, but we do have a few Nashville artists in the shuffle:

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Solitaire Mix

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Well the E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency Line-up is set and June is rapidly approaching. 

Details!

Week 1:  Clark Paterson, The Big Dumb, Rayvon Pettis
Week 2: The End Men, Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus, Ben de la Cour
Week 3:  Brian Milligram, Microwave Mountain, The Coal Men
Week 4: Joanna Barbera, Bee Taylor, Eli Cook


Meanwhile, it is Friday, and we have a kind of short but sweet Featured Friday Shuffle. I'm short on time so let's get to it!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Dog Man Don't Mix

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Last night was Week 2 of the Bradbury, Latham, Nace residency at The 5 Spot.  Jon and Darrin did solo sets, and Nick Nace did a full band set. Highlights for me were Jon doing the original version of "Major Key" which I had never heard - it was incredible. Darrin doing "Junkie Love" which I had not heard in a while - which included a cute, if reluctant sing-a-long.  Darrin is promising awesomeness next week - so make your plans to attend Next Wednesday night at 6pm at The 5 Spot.

(I  need to update the poster)

Ben de la Cour opened the show - he sang a new song - which was fabulous.  I am thrilled to announce that after some intense and brutal negotiations, Ben will be the special guest opener of Week 2 of the E2TG  Residency in June (June 14).   Here is the rundown in case you've missed it:

Week 1:  Clark Paterson, The Big Dumb, Rayvon Pettis
Week 2: The End Men, Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus, Ben de la Cour
Week 3:  Brian Milligram, Microwave Mountain, The Coal Men
Week 4: Joanna Barbera, Bee Taylor, Eli Cook

I am stoked about this line-up and I hope you will make plans to attend some or all of these shows. I think it represents a great cross-section of the music that has made E2TG what it is, and I am honored that these talented folks are willing to perform.

Well - it is Thursday, and that means we dig back into our New Music playlist for "Trending Thursday" - let's shuffle!

Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown III - Part 2 (Don Gallardo)

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In case you missed yesterday's post or just need a recap. The Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown III is happening here in Nashville this coming weekend. For it's third edition, the hoedown has expanded to two nights. It kicks off Friday at Dee's with Dee's own Daniel Lawrence Walker kicking things off.  That pre-party will fill the entire night at Dee's and feature some of my favorite artists and some new favorites. The hoedown continues on Saturday at The 5 Spot - where the show will start early and go late with some more great roots acts - including some who will be familiar to E2TG readers.  Details and the second featured artist after the jump...

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Diamond Feast Mix

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Another week bites the dust... it's been a challenging one, to be sure.

I'm very excited about all of the awesome new music that has come my way, and I am cooking up some exciting things. Keep coming back!

I do need to let you know that posting will be sporadic at best over the next two weeks.  I will try to dart on with some updates just to keep things interesting. In the meantime, I hope you will check out my past posts for any you may have missed.  Thanks in advance for your patience.

Now, let's get to today's "Featured Friday" shuffle of songs from the "New Music" playlist.