E2TG 6/24/2021 - It's a Summertime Thing (with apologies to Chuck Prophet) - Throwing Two's Mix (Ambulance Blues Remix)

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We wrap up this two week-long Featured Friday Playlist recap... I always like to end each playlist on an interesting note... So Part 8 (songs 28-29):

28. "Biba Love" by Electrobuddha

First up, we have a fantastic recently single from this Scottish band with Psych disco tendencies and a sound that combines seemingly incongruous influences that shouldn't work but does. 

29. "Rock 'n' Roll Kills" by Razorbats

And we end with some straight ahead rock and roll from Norway - from the album Mainline Rock 'N' Roll. A wonderful sense of melody and a great way to close out this Featured Friday Playlist. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 5/19/2021 - The Art of Randomness - Ghost on the Roof Mix (Walnuts Remix)

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Since before the beginning of E2TG, the random shuffle has been a thing I do. I like letting the phone or playlist pick the songs (after I have created said playlist).  I have also noted over time - that with randomness, one may discern what seem to be patterns.  For example, an artist or album coming up multiple times in a week - against the odds.  Or running into someone one night, and having their song come up the next morning (I know they think I did that on purpose). Or an artist coming up just before a big show...  

If I am honest, though, there are times when I really want a song or album to come up in the shuffle and it just doesn't.  It is frustrating but it is rare.  If I am going to trust in randomness, I have to do so absolutely - at least in this type of situation. 

The next segment of this week's Featured Friday Playlist is next (28-34):

28. "Flow" by Mojave Grey

First up, we have the new single from this California band (based between L.A. and Joshua Tree) led by Zander Bleck and featuring Michael Pozzi (who we have previously featured recording as Pozzi).  It is a unique form of desert rock. 

29. "Elevator" by Goodge

UK producer combining hip-hop and jazz. 

30. "Have a Good Time" by Ender Bender

New single from the L.A. artist currently based in Rome. 

31. "Secondhand" by Gasleben & Electric Friends

32. "So We Begin" by Pikefruit

33. "Fast Car" by Chartelli

Second single from the Vancouver based artist. 

34. "Bluebird, Hollywood... Domino" by The Gorstey Lea Street Choir

We end this segment with a nifty tune from this UK band who are preparing their next album. Great sound. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 9/2/2020 - Middlin' - Get Lucky Mix (Swallow Remix)

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So, I grew up entirely in Middle Tennessee - which is I guess the mid-south?  It is not the deep south but it is the south.  However, my hometown had a university which brought professors from all over and also some industry which brought managers and such from "up North".  So, the kids I went to school with were a combination of people "from" my hometown and "from" other places. All that to say, I don't know if my upbringing was typical of anything... 

I do know that as I got older, I started to question things I had previously believed. I applied critical thinking and experience (my experiences and those that other people shared with me), and I tested - on a subconscious level - where my believes made sense in the light of new evidence. Some held up - at least in some way, and others were rejected. And yes, maybe some were too difficult to give up even if the evidence did not support them. This has been my way. I don't know if the willingness/ability to do this was inherent in me or something I was taught... I do know my early education was probably atypical for a medium/small town in the mid-south. From kindergarten until fourth grade, I attended an elementary school that was part of the county system but also connected to the university. Looking back, it was a pretty progressive education. 

A recurring theme in posts from friends who grew up in the south and who are now progressives is that ones background is not an excuse for racism or homophobia or bigotry of any kind. Bad beliefs can be cast aside in favor of better beliefs. So, holding onto to racists ideas is a choice. Racism is definitely not a genetic predisposition (I believe) and if it is a learned behavior - then it can be unlearned and we can be retrained. 

All this came to my mind when the phrase "fair to middlin'" came to my mind and my wondered in my head - if this was an expression most people know - or if it is a regional colloquialism.  In case, you don't know - if someone asks how are are doing - if you are just "okay" not good and not bad - you can say you are fair to middlin' - which basically carries the same meaning is "just okay". 

Anyway, I guess this week, I am 'fair to middlin'...  

Today, we featured songs 20-24 from this week's playlist:

20. "Our Summer" by Special Moves

We kick off this segment of music with a track from the new album by the Olympia, Washington based indiepop/DIY project of singer-songwriter Joshua Hoey. A great track to start of this segment of music. 

21. "Desire is a Mess" by I LIKE TRAINS

We have been featuring the recent singles from this Leeds based band - their new album KOMPROMAT is out now, and it sounds fantastic. The band formed in 2004.

22. "Defender" by The Agency

Next up, we have a new track from the collective from Newcastle upon Tyne. They have been called an English Velvet Underground for the 21st Century. 

23. "Fight the Flames" by Caterpillars

Next up, we have a track from the recently released third album by the Dallas, Texas based indie-rock band.  I dig their sound.

24. "Truth" by Certain Animals

We close out this segment of music with the latest single from this Dutch band that mixes strong 60s and 70s influence with more modern influences like Tame Impala. A great way to close out this segment of music. 

Tomorrow - we wrap up this week's Featured Friday Playlist - time is going way too fast.  

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 7/23/2020 - Whatever - Obsolete Mix (Drug for That Remix)

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Today, we wrap up our recap of this week's jam-packed and highly diverse Featured Friday Playlist - just in time for a new list - which will premiere tomorrow! Now songs 28-33

28. "Underwater with You" by The Spiritual Leaders

First up today, we have the latest single from the Irish three-piece rock band from their Albania Away EP.  A great start to this final segment from this week's list.

29. "Lone Sleeper"  by Inner Skin

Next up, we have a new single from the Italian rock band Inner Skin. Great stuff.

30. "Side by Side" by Sienne

Next up, we have the latest single from the Liverpool band. This is the third single from a so-far untitled debut EP.  The band's first single premiered at a Liverpool vs. Manchester United match in January. 

31. "Say the Word" by The Allergies; Andy Cooper; Marietta Smith

The list takes a decidedly funky turn with the latest single from Bristol band The Allergies - who collaborate with Andy Cooper (Ugly Duckling) and Marietta Smith (Smith and the Honey Badgers). A great summertime song. 

32. "This Side of Luv" by KEYS

Another summery tune - this time out of Cardiff, Wales. The latest single - from a collection of songs recorded to four track tape during lockdown. 

33. "Secrets & Lies" by Raz & Afla

Some political dance music closes out this week's playlist from the London-based duo of Raz & Afla. Music to keep you moving and thinking. 

I have been very pleased with how this week's list has played out - some old friends and hopefully some new friends.  Tomorrow - a whole new list. Stay tuned.

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 7/14/2020 - In Praise of The 5 Spot - The Charm Mix (Arrows of Time Remix)

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I am a bit short on time, but here goes. For the last several years, The 5 Spot in East Nashville has been my home away from home. It is simply put, my "Cheers" where everybody knows my name and they are always glad I came... or whatever. The best people, the best music. It is my place, and I am not alone in feeling that,

Back in March, before the mandatory shutdowns and before PPP, The 5 Spot voluntarily decided that to close was in the best interest of their patrons and employees. It was, I am sure, not an easy decision. I contrast this to the venues who are suing the city for being ordered to close and who have operated contrary to current regulations with no regard for the safety of their customers and employees.

Recently, The 5 Spot has unveiled a (in my opinion) top-notched live streaming system. Tim Carroll's Rock n Roll Happy Hour was one of the first.  Last week, they added a liquid light show to the mix. Derek Hoke played a Tuesday set with band - a much needed balm - as I have missed $2 Tuesday so much.

Afton Wolfe also had his release show virtually from The 5 Spot.

To me, the work The 5 Spot has done shows their commitment to the music and to finding a way forward into this uncertain future. Kudos to Todd Sherwood and everyone at The 5 Spot.


Our review of the Featured Friday Playlist continues now with songs 11-15

11. "Summer Road" by Mighty Brother

From the recently released double album The Rabbit. The Owl. Mighty Brother are a indie rock band from New Orleans. This songs has an Avett Brothers feel to it, but the band's music covers a lot of ground. I really like this song. 

12. "Iztac" by Joseph C. Krause

Not to be confused with our old friend, Joseph R. Krauss, Joseph C. Krause is a collaborative media artist from Detroit. This is the title track from his latest EP, and it is about a dreaming snow leopard from the Mexico City Zoo. The EP is filled with electronic music, sound design, and poetry. It is whimsical and fun. Joseph C. Krause is legally blind and gay, and I am a brand new and very big fan. 

13. "The Fever" by Slump Test

Another track from the self-titled debut album album by Nashville punks Slump Test. Ryan Dishen handles the lead vocals on this track. While there has been plenty to be bummed about these last several months, I am sad that we have missed the last three (soon to be four) Decline of Southern Civilization shows. I am very glad, though, that I caught the March show - which ended up being the last in-person The 5 Spot show before the shutdown. 

14. "Wander Feeler" by Easy Love

I love this song so much!  Easy Love is the solo project of Summer Twins drummer Justine Brown. This is the title track to her new album which was recorded in one week in January 2019.

15. "Master of Flow" by Glife

And why not do a sonic 180, and close this segment of music with a veteran hip hop artist from Salt Lake City. I don't know enough about hip hop to vouch for the song title, but this track does seem to flow extremely well.  

I think we covered sufficient musical ground today. Tomorrow Songs 16-20

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 7/9/2020 - Not Sure What to Say - Aegis of Song Mix (Halloween Remix)

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Way too much on my mind... I long for a simpler, quieter time, but now, it all seems so cacophonous and loud. People are shouting in righteous anger - some are shouting for justice and rights which have been denied for decades or centuries.  Others are shouting for other reasons - less clearly justified to me, but nonetheless, there is a lot of shouting.  Every day brings at least one new "breaking" atrocity from the current president. And, we are all - justifiably (I think) angry.

In Nashville, there wee 688 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours - another new record. Cases are on the rise in several states, and yet, I see people who seem to be living their lives as if nothing is going on. And, so, for those us who are taking this seriously, there seems to be no end in sight. There is a void of leadership on this issue and apathy if not outright disdain for taking precautions  from the masses.

I don't know - I think I need to listen to some music... let's go!

And, we have reached the end of our review of the Featured Friday Playlist from 7/3/2020. A brand new playlist will be up tomorrow.  You can still check out this week's playlist until the new one posts.  We have the final three songs to review. Songs 17-19.  As usual, I saved some of our best music for the end.  Also, please follow E2TG Featured Friday Playlist on Spotify so you don't miss anything!

17. "Laura Jones" by Matthew Frederick

We start things off with a wonderful song by a singer-songwriter from Wales. Frederick fronts the band Climbing Trees.  This is his brand new single. 

18. "Typhoon" by Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards

Next, we have the second Featured Friday appearance for Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards - it is the latest single ahead of the July 17th release of their new album Bitter Better. Cortese is now  based in Belgium, and the album was recorded ahead of the quarantine. 

19. "Contradictions" by Petter Carlsen

And we close out this segment and the playlist with another returning artist. The Norwegian singer-songwriter is back with another track from his forthcoming new album The Sum of Every Shade.  

I hope you enjoyed listening to this week's playlist at least as much as I love bringing it to you.  Tune in tomorrow for a brand new list.  We already have 36 minutes of music on deck - and that is before tomorrow's new releases and any last minute adds. It looks like next week's list could be a long one!

    Featured Friday Playlist