E2TG 5/21/2021 - Featured Friday - Under My Skin Mix (Stop for a Minute Remix)

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Can you believe it is Friday?!  Actually, I kind of can... but anyway, it is time for another Featured Friday Playlist.  This week's list is a little smaller (we'll see how it goes but I am thinking about trying to avoid the extra long playlist for the foreseeable future).  But, a lot of that depends on the how much great new music is being released.  And I sure don't want that to slow down.  

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2/25/2020 - Mardi Gras - Boy Sit Down Mix (Hey You Remix)

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Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Lent, and all that....

Growing up Catholic, I remember the big deal of deciding what to "give up" for Lent. You wanted to pick something hard, but not too hard to give up for 40 days. It seemed like it was generally something not so good for you - like sodas or chocolate. I also remembered the debates - so Lent represents the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, but it is only technically 40 days if Sunday's are excluded, and if Sundays are excluded that meant you could partake in our chosen sacrifice on the Sundays in Lent. It seemed like it was always our Protestant friends who scoffed at this "loophole".  

But, in my (albeit) limited understanding - the sacrifice - and indeed any fasting - is supposed to serve a spiritual purpose - to clear away things that keep you from focusing on what is important. And I do think such time is vital and sadly often neglected (present company definitely not excepted). Whether the thing you are focused on is the pending death and resurrection of a savior or something else, I am of a mind that there has to be more meaning to this life than just base survival and the quest for material comforts. 

So, I am not sure that I am going to "give up" anything this Lenten period - except maybe negativity or something like that, but I do hope to spend this time reflecting on what is important to me. As for how any of this relates to E2TG, well, E2TG is important to me and music is important to me. I guess I want to reflect on how I can best reflect those loves in how I conduct myself through this blog every day. 

Pre-Lent Thoughts: 

 Yesterday, after work, I was listening to some music from my phone - and the thought occurred to me that I really want E2TG to be more spontaneous and natural. I don't yet know what that means or what it looks like, but I will let you know.  Nevertheless, I heard a track from Hey Tom - the Tom House Tribute album by Brock Zeman, and I was reminded of what an amazing album it is and what a wonderful songwriter Tom House is.  I also heard a track from the forthcoming Chris Moyse album - which is fantastic, and I was struck about the amazing work being done by so many of my friends. 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2019 Recap - Part 12 - Turned 21 Mix (Bruce Songs Remix)

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Back from the holiday for another edition of our 2019 Recap.  Hope everyone is well.  Right now, it looks like we will wrap up our 2019 Recap next week (I'm off Tuesday and Wednesday).  Then, the following week, I will be off Monday and Tuesday.  I am thinking I will reveal the 2019 Artist/Band of the Year on those days and maybe some special programming.  Look for the new E2TG v3.0 to slowly be revealed starting the following week.

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Humankind Mix (Not My War Remix)

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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 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!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Copycat Mix (Hey America! Remix)

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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 ever included.



Stepping further into the week, we have another Trending Tuesday Shuffle for you... hope you enjoy!

John Dennis: Photo: Kelsey Ann Thomas

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Slow Learner Mix (C Sharp Remix)

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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 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)

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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 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!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Our Last Stand Mix

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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 ever included.


The E2TG 8th Anniversary is underway - Next Show 10/16/2019!

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

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

Short on time... bear with me

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Sweet and Fizz Mix

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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 ever included.

I am back!   I had a great time at Muddy Roots.  I will have a lengthy recap/overall observation about this weird, wild, and wonderful festival that is not 10 years old!

For now, I will just leave it at - it is a great music festival, it is a wonderful social event, and it is a hell of a lot of fun.

Onward,

We are finally ready to announce our second act for Week 5 of the E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency.  It is... MICROWAVE MOUNTAIN!!!!!  You may recall that MM was set to play last year, but unfortunately had to drop out due to some scheduling conflicts.  I am so thrilled to have on-board. Week 5 with The Big Dumb and Microwave Mountain is gong to be a trip!  Don't miss it (or any of our four other weeks).

We also have had some artist shifts to the previously announced schedule - so here is the FINAL LINEUP!

Now, we need to jump back into our first shuffle in over a week! Let's go!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Loaded and Rollin' Mix

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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 ever included.



Moving onward.  Time is a bit short - so, let's just jump right into our Trending Tuesday Shuffle!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Life Without Parole Mix

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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 ever included.



People often make comments about me going out to hear music all the time, and I usually reply that I don't go out as often as you think I do, but this week is definitely an exception. 

Last night, I spent my evening at The 5 Spot.  First for The Flying Buffaloes CD Release show. Kyshona Armstrong opened the show with a powerhouse performance. I have been familiar with her for some time, I saw her once at The Basement East and she performed at a WXNA Event, but I was working the event and missed her set.  Backed by a killer band - including two amazing backup singers, Kyshona torn the roof off the joint!  Ross Livermore performed next. His was another name that was familiar to me, and I think maybe I had seen him solo before, but it was wonderful in a full band setting.  He even did a song called "Reggie" which happens to be my Dad's name. 

You may recall The Flying Buffaloes when we premiered their song "Hey ;) is for Horses"back in 2017. They have a new album, and they celebrated in style with a high energy set - playing their new album.  Amazingly, this was my first time seeing them live, and I was blown away!   It was fun to watch how well they work as a unit - trading instruments and lead vocals.

After that, I stuck around.  My friend Crystal has been hyping the band Wayne Graham for a while now, and they were playing the late set.  Wayne Graham is the band name, and before you ask, no one in the band has that name. They just got back from a European tour.  Nashville band East Kin opened. Another band whose name I knew, but who I had not seen before. I really enjoyed their loose style of kind of jam band rock. 

Wayne Graham (who are from Kentucky)  lived up to Crystal's recommendations. A really great set of music.  They have an easy, casual style - backed by great songs and some amazing playing.  I am hooked.

On to the shuffle! 

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Say it With Flowers Mix

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Hey!  I'm back!  I almost forgot how to do one of these shuffles...

We have an exciting week coming up - culminating in a really awesome video premiere on Friday. So stay tuned. 

To kick things off, we have a spectacular Music City Monday - all songs with some connection to Nashville (aka Music City USA).

Let's get right to it!

E2TG Election Day Special: Liberty and Resistance

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If you didn't vote early, PLEASE VOTE TODAY!  There is no excuse for not voting.  Here's a link to some Tennessee-specific information.  GOVOTETN.  I've heard that Lyft and Uber are offering free rides to the polls, and I know people who are volunteering to drive people.  I honestly believe this may be the most important election of my lifetime.

A little less than two years ago, I made the decision that I had to speak out about things that I saw happening in this country. I never thought I would use E2TG to express political opinions, but there came a time when I could not remain silent.

This is not a time to be dismayed, this is punk rock time. This is what Joe Strummer trained you for. - Henry Rollins.

I believe that it was music that first woke me up politically. Punk rock and folk music - protest singers, singing protest songs... and then, on November 9, 2016, I gathered with some friends for an already schedule show at The 5 Spot. On that day, we all knew we had some dark times ahead, but on that night, I knew that good people were going to fight back and that music was going to play a big part in the resistance.

Today, we have two new releases - especially written and released for today. I am happy to share them with you.  To be honest, I have a lot of apprehension about today's elections. I don't know what the outcome will be, and to be honest, it is extremely disheartening that these races are even as close as they are. But, I know one thing for sure, whatever happens today - here in Tennessee and across the nation - the fight is just starting and I am in for the long haul.

We have one song in a punk rock vein and another more folk oriented. Music after the jump.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Out in the Rain 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!)

SAVE THE DATE!!!!!  Thursday, November 15, 2018 - We have a pretty cool event in the works.  More to come!


Another work week is upon us...

The world seems pretty sucky right now.  Votes are being suppressed and stolen, the free press is under attack, the government is trying to erase trans people.  For god's sake if any of these things bother you, VOTE!  Early voting is going on or starting soon in most places. VOTE early, vote on November 6. VOTE.  If you have the ability, convince other like-minded people to vote, offer to take someone to the polling place.  I am hopeful of a Blue Wave, but fearful that something will stand in the way...  If it doesn't happen, I am truly afraid for what will happen to this nation.

I have been saying for almost two years, I am not someone who wants to get political.  I believe that differing political opinions should be celebrated. I don't believe that what is happening now is political. Children in cages, white supremacists being emboldened, the rule of law being trashed, reporters being targeted and murdered.... These are not things that either conservatives or progressives should support.

God, I need some music now!  Here's a nifty shuffle of artists connected to Nashville, Tennessee.

E2TG Song Premiere: Flying Buffaloes - "Hey ;) is for Horses"

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Man, it seems like forever since I've posted anything but a shuffle, but how about a brand new song premiering today.  Flying Buffaloes are a Nashville band, and their forthcoming album is called Taking Off.  The single we are premiering today is cleverly titled, "Hey ;) is for Horses" (the emoji is intention and apparently essential.  Clever right? But clever isn't going to get you onto E2TG... well, it might depending on my mood, but it's not going to get you a song premiere.  What I am trying to say is that the clever titled helped convince me to give it a listen, but it was the song itself that won me over.  I think it's a great song, and a wonderful addition to the current awesome Nashville vibe.  You can judge for yourself at the end of this post.  After the picture and the jump, I will share a bit more about the band and the song.