E2TG 3/31/2021 - March Goes Out Like a... - Hey Captain! Mix (Bad Remix)

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And just like that we are already a quarter of a way through 2021.  A hundred or so thoughts just went through my head when I thought about where we are at  this juncture.  So, I guess I will ask my reader - how and where are you in  the context of hope vs. anxiety? (hope that things are improving and the light may be visible vs. anxiety that some are moving too fast toward a return to some sort of normalcy). 

I guess there seems to be a great divide even among those who formerly were on the same page in terms of the pandemic.   I think I am stuck somewhere in the middle of hope and anxiety.  I do see that light (which might be an on-coming train) but I also see the stark reality that a significant percentage of people are refusing to be vaccinated - and I am not just talking about some anti-vax fringe... And I fear that will slow recovery. I am also concerned that some are rushing to reopen - but that anxiety also fuels my anxiety about what reopening will look like for me personally.  What I mean: going out to see live music was always a social event and a reprieve from the normal anxieties of life. So, seeing live music -  with less social engagement and with more anxiety of how to behave and how to be safe - isn't so appealing to me. 

I just want to fast-forward to some future state when a new normal has been established and I know exactly how to behave and what to expect. 

We move along in our Featured Friday Recap. Today: Songs 24-29

24. "The Knockout Artist" by Cathal Coughlan

First up, we have a recent single and track from the new album by Irish indie legend Cathal Coughlan (Microdisney, The Fatima Mansions).  A stirring track and a great way to start out this Wednesday. 

25. "Voyeurs Who Offer Nothing" by Nick Hudson

  Next up, we have the lovely lead track from the new 3-song single from Nick Hudson (The Academy of Sun). The principal song is called "Come Back When There's Nothing Left". The third track on the single is a cover of Oingo Boingo's "Not My Slave". 

26. "No Miento" by Coque Tornado

Next up, we have the brief and atypical lead track from El Toledano by this hard rock band from Madrid. The band has a really interesting sound that combines a variety of influences into something unique. As I said, there are probably more typical examples of the band's sound - although they are very diverse - but this lovely piece caught my ear late on the Thursday night I was putting the Playlist together. 

27. "Guilty Pleasure" by What If Elephants; Flara K

Next up, some delicious indie pop confection from Montreal based band - the latest single from their forthcoming Relationship Status EP. Great stuff. 

28. "Talk With You" by Remington Super 60

Next up, Norwegian band Remington Super 60 return to E2TG with the lead track from their recent album Nouvelle Nouveau. A great opportunity to reconnect with this band - we first featured last year. 

29. "Angel Follows Me Out" by Gallery 47

And finally, we close out this segment of music with a lovely new single from this UK folk-pop band.  A wonderful way to prepare out way to finish off our recap tomorrow. 
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Break Down and Cry Mix

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Today another reminder about the Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown IV - happening next Friday and Saturday April 26 and 27 at The 5 Spot.  If you are on Facebook, go head and mark that you are GOING. Here's the Event Page.

Now, it is Wednesday and time to dive right into the Wild Wednesday Shuffle.  I believe this one lives up to the name. New songs, classic songs, and who knows maybe some new classics.

Let's go!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Lost in the Shuffle Mix

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TFW the President of the United States cannot meet the basic standards of human decency let alone the qualification of the job of President of the United States of America.... when will this madness end?
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A couple of notes:

1. Even though I am focusing on the "New Music" playlist for at least the next month, I have decided to keep Wild Wednesday intact.  It is a good opportunity to dig into the subbasement of my phone's memory to pull out gems which might have slipped by.  These may be "new music" or "Nashville based" or #E2TG related, or they may be classics from my collection or unusual recent discoveries (that don't fit the other categories)

2.  My phone seems to be dying.  I have ordered a new phone which means I will be transferring the music to that device when it arrives.  In my experience, transferring the songs is fine, but I will likely lose all my playlists. If that is the case, I will begin by rebuilding my new music playlist to the best of my ability (and I may take that opportunity to thin out some older songs from that list).  If for some reason, I don't have time to set up the playlist, expect Wild Wednesday shuffles until I get that done.

Now, back behind the curtain... here's the shuffle!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Shout Mix

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So on International Women's Day, I am thinking about all the rad women in my life.

I think it is ridiculous that 17 years into the 21st Century, we are still fighting for equality for all people. I am grateful for the people who remind me to check my privilege. Privilege - male privilege, white privilege, etc - this is a real thing. It's not a liberal talking point, As a person who benefits from more than one type of privilege, what is important is that I consciously consider that privilege when I am acting and speaking.  This may mean that I listen rather than talking or it may mean that I choose my words more carefully when I do speak.

Last night, I got to see Bee Taylor for the first time at The Basement East - as part of Whiskey Jam.  We had become acquainted on Facebook and it was great to finally meet her. I am now a huge fan. Wonderfully soulful music.

After that I headed to The 5 Spot for $2 Tuesday.  Several great acts, I saw Kristen Ford for the second time - awesome one-woman band - she uses loops to great effect. Fun.  Derek Hoke and band sounded great as always, and it is always wonderful to see Andrew Leahey and the Homestead kick ass.

On we go - into Wednesday.  This is always one of my favorite shuffles on the week.  The other days, features randsom shuffles for specially curated playlists.  Wild Wednesday is a shuffle of every single song in my phone's memory.  This means, on any given Wednesday, you may hears songs that do not fit the other day's playlist.  Or songs that inadvertently were left off of a playlist.

Enough blabbing - let's get on with the shuffle -

Theme Thursday Morning Shuffle - Enough is Enough Mix

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Okay, I'm back. Took a day off to recuperate from something...

There are so many shameful things being said and done by the current administration in Washington that it can be overwhelming to anyone (left or right) who has any shred of decency or sense. And that is the point... things like making up the "Bowling Green Massacre" and a fictional radical Islam attack on Atlanta - these are not slips of tongue they are deliberate attempts of obfuscate and distract.  Making wild claims like that the media is covering up/failing to report terrorists attacks and then when pressed producing a list of attacks which includes many that were widely reported by the press - this is a purposeful tactic.

Meanwhile, the majority in Congress are silencing those who speak out against a racist Attorney General nominee while voting in goose step... er, I mean lock step to rubber stamp the most egregious and unqualified of this regimes nominees.  

Meanwhile, a white supremacist who was neither elected or vetted still seems to be running the show in the White House which is now using our tax payers money to promote the business interest of the President's daughter.

I am going to stop until this madness is ended. #Persist #Resist

In much better news, East Nashville's own Aaron Lee Tasjan will be making his television debut on Conan O'Brien tonight and he will be accompanied by none other than 2016 E2TG Artist of the Year Brian Wright!  There is going to be a viewing party (emphasis on PARTY) at the Basement East Pub tonight - as we cheer them on and shed a few tears of joy.


It is Thursday, and we continue with my "Theme" which began in January and continues.  On one level, this "theme" Thursday is just a new mechanism to feature music from my phone memory card.  On another, it is my attempt to find songs that fit (somewhat/kind of/sort of) a predetermined but undefined theme.  As I said, I do not intend to imply nor should you infer that the writers/performers of these songs meant for these songs to have a meaning that would conform with my theme. Sometimes, the title phrase just triggered a thought or I made some wild logical jump to decide to include the songs in this playlist.

Theme Thursday Morning Shuffle - What Do You Know About Revolution Mix

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I have a really big announcement coming soon!  It's going to be huge! The best announcement ever. People are saying so, smart people. It will probably be the biggest announcement ever made. It will make all those other announcements look tiny in comparison...

Theme Thursday returns just in the nick of time. For those who missed our first two editions, each month I will create a playlist of songs somehow (in my warped mind) related to a theme of my choosing that will not be revealed. Each Thursday, I will shuffle songs from that playlist, and offer, without direct explanation of how or why these songs fit the unnamed theme.  By the way, this is the last Thursday of January so expect a new theme next Thursday.  You may think you have figured out my theme, but I will neither confirm nor deny. And, I do need to offer the disclaimer that I do not intend to imply that the singers or writers of these songs adhere to any belief system implied or inferred by the undisclosed theme.  In some cases, it is just the title (or even a line) that fits my theme or it may be the subject (as interpreted by me) or it may be both or it may be some more esoteric reason.

In any case, it's a cool collection of songs, and that is never a bad thing...

Theme Thursday Morning Shuffle - Straight to Hell Mix

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Hey all, I am short on time so my comments will be brief.  But, I am unveiling a new feature today.  Theme Thursday. Each Thursday I will shuffle songs especially selected for a theme which will change monthly.  I am not going to reveal the theme and I do need to say that in some cases the content of the songs fits the theme and sometimes it is just the title phrase which may or may not be interpreted as intended in the song. I don't know how else to explain that. Basically, in some cases, I selected the song for the theme based solely upon a possible interpretation of the title (which may or may not be the intended interpretation).  In any event, if you figure out the theme - please know that any songs inclusion does not imply the artists intent or agreement with my theme topic). Whew!  It will all be clear as we go on, or it will not.

Throwback Thursday Morning Shuffle - Don't Tell Andy, Don't Tell Aunt Bee Mix

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I logged on to Facebook this morning to read about the passing of Chris Porter and a band mate in an auto accident last night on their way home from a show. Another band member was in serious condition last I heard.  I did not know Chris well, but several of my musician friends did, and my heart goes out to all who are feeling this loss today. And to all my touring musician friends, be safe.

What comes to my mind is a $2 Tuesday show earlier this year. I was really tired, and I had about decided to pack it in before the last act played. Jon Latham said, you really don't want leave, and he told me that Chris and his band were going to play. So, I stayed, and Porter did an amazing kickass rock and roll set that woke me up good and proper.  I am really glad I stayed.
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Really dug the second night of Crackerboot's Residency at The 5 Spot. Luella, Bill DeMain and company sounded amazing.  It was great to see and hear Ben de la Cour and William Lee who opened.

Throwback Thursday shuffle is up next...

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Get Used to It Mix

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We have arrived at mid-week which means it is time for the next incarnation of the Crackerboots Residency at The 5 Spot. Last week was awesome - so come on out. This week's guests are Ben De La Cour and William Lee.

On Wednesday, all bets are off... Music City? Yes! Trending? Yes Throwback? Yes Featured? Yes None of the Above? Yes.  Wild Shuffle - now!

Throwback Thursday Morning Shuffle - Hurricane in My Pocket Mix

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So, Americana Fest 2016 is winding down... what's that? It's just Thursday morning... oh good god!

Night 2:  After work, I made about a fifteen minute pit stop at my home to change clothes and grab a bite before heading to The 5 Spot to catch Renee Wahl and The Sworn Secrets open up Amelia White's Residency. Renee is one my absolute favorites, and I could listen to her all day long.  Next up, Ted Russell Camp played a few and then joined the Blu Souvenirs for Amelia White's set. This week, Amelia was joined by Jon Byrd for several songs, and this is a combination I definitely want to hear more often.

As that show was ending, I headed across the river to The City Winery Nashville. There was a large East Nashville-centric contingent in the audience for Darrin Bradbury's Official Americana Fest Showcase debut. He was backed by a killer band - Derek Hoke, Megan Palmer, Cameron Carrus, and Matty Alger.

If I may... So, Darrin and I often recall the night we first met in person (at Bongo East) - he had just recently moved out of his car and into an apartment (which he would soon have to vacate after coming home from a tour and finding a bullet hole in his wall), and I was entering a new and uncertain phase of my life. But, last night I was recalling and even earlier time.  As I have mentioned, I had written about Darrin's old band - Big Wilson River a couple of year previous to all of this, but they were in the process of breaking up, and I didn't connect with Darrin at that time.  In November of 2013, my friend and fellow music blogger David Horton sent me a message and said that Darrin Bradbury was moving to Nashville, and that I should look out for him. Around that same time, a friend on Facebook posted something about how there weren't any "pure" songwriters like John Prine/Guy Clark etc.... these days... while today, I would have many examples to give him - I just didn't at that time.  But, after David Horton's message, I went on-line and checked out Darrin's music.  One of the first things I listened to was a (now unavailable) collections called The Almost Great Crepes (Demos).  As I listened, I immediate knew that my friends observation was dead wrong. I began writing about Darrin - a lot, and after our initial meeting, in the first six months or so after that, I probably saw him play on average 3 or more times a week. I heard "True Love" and other songs more times than I could count, and I knew I was in the presence of greatness - even when I was watching him with 10 or 12 other people in some sketchy venue.  Yesterday, Darrin played a song at The Country Music Hall of Fame and (finally back to my original post) had an official AMA Showcase at The City Winery (a decidedly unsketchy place), and I watch a whole group of people experience his music for the first time, and you know what, they got it! The same way I got it almost three years before. And they got it because Darrin Bradbury owned the moment - as he usually does regardless of the venue or the number of people).  His performance of "Elmwood Park" was, I think, a watershed moment for him - and all of the record labels that passed on his latest album should be kicking themselves hard.   "Elmwood Park" is the title track to Darrin's latest album which was recently released by Cafe Rooster Records.  I know I am gushing just a little, but I had goosebumps watching the performance last night - even hearing "True Love" for probably the 900th time.

James McMurtry was up next, and he was as incredible live as he has been the other times I have seen him.  "Choctaw Bingo" "Painting By Numbers" etc.  Incredible.

After his set, we headed back across the river and back to The 5 Spot to catch the tail end of Tim Easton's Showcase and to hear his duet with Megan Palmer who also crossed the river.

I am running on fumes today, and I have a full night ahead of me.  It all begins at 5:00pm at The 5 Spot for the fourth week of The Mark Robinson Showband and Rhythm Revue Residency which happens to be an official AMA event this year.  Mark and his incredible band - Daniel Seymour and Rick Schell will be joined by David Olney and RB Morris - two of the absolute best poets/songwriters I have ever heard. I know there is a lot going on - but seriously this is one that I am not going to miss.

After that, my plans are kind of still up in the air - as I am overwhelmed by choices.  I will alert you that Austin Lucas is playing ACME Feed and Seed at 7pm and that Jon Latham will be singing a song or two with him.  Also, Brian Wright showcases at The Basement East at Midnight. After seeing him destroy with ALT and Friends on Tuesday, I am thinking this is going to be an epic night. Green Room Music Source is hosting an AMA Showcase night at the American Legion Post 82.  Tommy Womack is heading a non-official night at Mad Donnas. Other non-official shows at Douglas Corner.  Official shows all over town - including John Moreland, Wanda Jackson and more at 3rd and Lindsley... and far to many other things to mention. Which is why I am overwhelmed.

It's Thursday - let's throw things back with a shuffle that is part Americanaesque and part not Americanaesque.

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - Rattle Snakes Confusion Mix

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Welcome to the working week....   Heading into an unusual week - I am off Wednesday - before that I have a busy week, after that I have a busy week.  Wednesday will probably we busy, too.

Friday night, I saw two Jon's at The Family Wash. First Jon Byrd and then Jon Langford. Very different sets, but both offering unique and interesting takes on Country music.  In between, I got to spend a little time with some East Nashville friends at my friend Bob's birthday bash.

Saturday night, Human Radio at The 5 Spot (they are in the shuffle today so more later about that), and then to the Wash again for Lisa Oliver Gray's birthday show. The amazing singer had a killer band that included Tommy Womack and Ross Rice (of Human Radio) among others.

Tonight, back to the Wash again for a stellar night of music featuring Brock Zeman with Blair Hogan and Darrin Bradbury featuring Megan Palmer.  Starts at 7:00 - you do not want to miss it.  Later, Brian Wright is playing the Basement with a killer band and with Lilly Hiatt and Jesse Lafser opening.

On to the shuffle....

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - Kicked Around Mix

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Monday!  It is AMA week in Nashville... which means it is like a typical music week in Nashville on steroids. Welcome everyone visiting our fair city this week. 

The week got off to a rousing start with East Nashville Songwriters Club in loft at Mad Donnas on the East side.  Sammy Brue pretty much blew everyone away with a late addition opening slot.  He was followed by the regularly scheduled Brian Johannesen, Joshua Black Wilkins, and Kristina Murray who all absolutely killed!

Tonight is the Kevin Gordon CD Release Show at City Winery Nashville with Sarah Potenza opening and lots of special guests.

Let's get this week started right with a shuffle...

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - Yacht Mix

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Last week, one of the daily shuffles was heavily weighted toward Blues music.  Today, things turn more in a Country direction.  Of course this is Ear to the Ground, so it's never cut and dry...