E2TG 12/21/2021 - The Long and the Short of It - God(d) of Thunder Mix (Staring at the Sun Remix)

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Today's Holiday Themed Ear to the Ground radio show is up on the archive at WXNA 

6:00am Sonny Boy by Owsley on Owsley (Giant)

6:02am Cocktail for Christmas by India Ramey on Cocktail for Christmas – Single (India Ramey)

6:05am I’ll Be Home for Xmas by Modesty Blaise on I’ll Be Home For Xmas – Single (From Lo-Fi to Disco!)

6:08am Christmas Just Ain’t Christmas Without You by Tom Schreck on Christmas Just Ain’t Christmas Without You – Single (Tom Schreck)

6:14am Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by The Highway Women on Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Single (Heart Songs Corporation)

6:17am Winnebago by Ghost Town Remedy on Winnebago – Single (Never Nude Records)

6:20am A Long December by Mary Bragg on A Long December – Single (Tone Tree Music / Mary Bragg)

6:24am A Memory of Snow by Sofia Talvik on A Memory of Snow – Single (Makaki Music)

6:30am Fairytale of New York (feat. Lillie Mae) by James Ethan Clark & The Renegades on Fairytale of New York (feat. Lillie Mae) – Single (James Ethan Clark & The Renegades)

6:35am Santa Claus Is Leaving by Ro Halfhide on Santa Claus Is Leaving – Single (All Systems Go!)

6:38am Peace & Love, Merry Christmas by David Woodard on Around the Power Pop Tree (David Woodard)

6:41am The Light of Christmas Day by Ranchers for Peace on Joy To the Ranch – Single (O-V Sonic Recordings)

6:46am My Favorite Things by Kim Collins on A Kim Collins Christmas – EP (Devil’s Tower Records/Bandaloop Music)

6:49am Santa’s Bringing Coal by Jeff Tuohy on Santa’s Bringing Coal – Single (Head Bitch Music)

6:52am Feeling More Like Christmas by Glass Cabin on Feeling More Like Christmas – Single (RIG Entertainment)

6:57am The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting) by The Fundamental Sound on Lofi Christmas (Sonora Music Co.)

Today's Shuffle is below the jump.  This will be the last post of the week. So have a very Merry Christmas if you celebrate and if not have a happy winter solstice and a great rest of the week. 
 

 

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E2TG 9/9/2020 - Cilantro - These Rocks Mix (Tiny Spark Remix)

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So, I was thinking about being objective when it comes to music. It is not always impossible, but also, I do not think it is often preferable.  Here is what I mean. In my opinion music can be and should be a very personal thing. It is why I try not to criticize types of music that aren't my thing - except to say that I don't like it and perhaps to explain why. But, I try not to aim that criticism at people who do like that particular style of music - nor do I try to take on an air of superiority for what I like or don't like. I am, admittedly human (not always easy to admit), so I do fall short - so don't dig back and use my own words against me. 

I guess it comes down to personal taste and all the factors (nature vs. nuture) which influence what we like and what we don't like. Take cilantro, some people like it and some people hate it, and at least in some instances, there appears to be a genetic reason. I tend to think all matters of personal "taste" may be similarly derived. Maybe not all genetic, but perhaps other factors. 

There is a prevalent idea that the music we first heard at a particular age - like 14 or so - has a lasting impact on us. I know that music I that meant something to be at an early age, still holds an appeal to me even if my overall tastes may have changed. I cannot objectively explain why I like that music - maybe when others seem to hate it - I may even understand where the other people are coming from (and I may feel embarrassed about my affinity) - but that affinity is there (and for the record, there is  no reason for me to feel ashamed). 

So, I can't (nor do I want to) objectively analyze the songs that are foundational for me. I would rather described how they make me feel or what memories they evoke or where my head was when I first heard them. To me - that - and not some technical analysis on the weakness of the lyrics or the derivatve nature of the music - is what is important.  Yes, band B may have ripped off band A's sound - but the fact is, I heard band B when I was fourteen years old and not band A - and so I am linked to band B. I may grow to appreciated band A and maybe even acknowledge what band B did - but my link to band B remains intact. 

So, if I cut myself some slack for "ctinge-worthy" music from my youth that I still like, then I have to also cut other people slack for their tastes - even if I don't understand it. A song or a band may be linked into their subconscious. Then again, it maybe a case of cilantro.   

Today - we feature songs 19-22 from this week's Playlist:

19. "Everything is Alright" by Dirk Powell

First up today, we have a good one - the lead track from the new album, When I Wait For You" by producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and sideman Dirk Powell. The album features a stellar array of guests including Rhiannon Giddens, Sara and Sean Watkins, and more. Dirk Powell is based in Louisiana where he is involved in the Cajun and Creole music scenes. He owns his own studio on the banks of Bayou Teche. His earliest musical influences are from his native Kentucky, and he combines all of those influences with his original vision to make some compelling music. 

20. "By You Now" by Leila 

Next up, we have the new single from this Pennsylvania based singer-songwriter who blends soul, jazz, and indie pop into a wonderful sound. 

21. "You Are" by COY Swede; Matthew Titmouse

We switch things up, with our next track - the latest single from Stockholm based EDM producer, songwriter, and musician COY Swede (aka Thom Maximus) joined here by ocalist Matthew Titmouse. The song deals with loss. It is a great addition to the playlist. 

22. "Just Another Dance Song" by YEWO

This segment of music wraps up with a track from this eclectic band from Hungary.  I was sent three tracks - all very different, and I went with this dance/disco flavored song. It is a lot a fun, and I really dig the sound. I love getting new music from all over the world. 

Tomorrow - we wrap up this week's Playlist (yes - already!) 

         

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