E2TG 5/25/2020 - Music City Monday - Hobo Bill Mix (Little Caney Remix)

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We are back after an extended weekend.  I remain skeptical about the reopening, and I fear that many people are acting like the pandemic is over when it is not.

I am choosing to stay in most of the time, and frankly, it is less stressful for me to do so than to go out and worry about myself and others.  That is just for me. And to be honest, staying in IS beginning to wear on me - especially seeing so many people getting out.

I think what makes me angry is that the people who refuse to wear masks and practice social distancing (and this can be seen all over the country) make it more difficult for me to consider easing back out.  Not to mention how polarized this all has become.  I fear being out in a mask and being attacked by someone without a mask. I don't know if that is a reasonable fear, but I have heard about such things and so my fear is real even if it is unreasonable.

We are living in strange times, and it does not help to have a President who purposefully spreads misinformation and seems to relish in the division and chaos. So, I am restless and reluctant and fearful.  On the other hand, I do better than some at keeping to myself, and I am trying (not always with success) to stay connected via social media and the like.

Ah....Onward!

Continuing our review of our Featured Friday Playlist (songs 7-12)

7. "Life During Wartime" by Nichole Wagner

Austin, Texas singer-songwriter from the EP Dance Songs for the Apocalypse.  This is a really cool cover of the Talking Heads classic. The EP also includes covers of Sia, Rilo Kiley, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, and Neil Young.

8. "Sunrise" by The Mouse Outfit (feat. One Only)

New track from the Manchester Hip Hop collective that we featured extensively last year. 

9. "Pray for Me, Pray for You" by Glass Cabin

New single from a new Nashville based duo project featuring Jess Brown and Dave Flint. 

10. "One Day At a Time (Baby)" by Jake Stopar

Recent single by this Chicago based singer-songwriter. Stopar is the guitarist for the Chicago band The North and Wells Band. 

11. "Runes" by BYSTS

Next, we have the latest single  (from a forthcoming new album) by the L.A. duo. Dark and loud and really awesome music. 

12. "Not Me. Us" by Ethan Gold

And, we close today's recap with this single from the L.A. by way of S.F. singer-songwriter with his call for unity in these divided times. 

Tomorrow songs 13-17....

    Featured Friday Playlist

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Fight Me Mix

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It is now less than two weeks until the Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown IV.  As part of this year's hoedown, there is a silent auction - which is going on now.  There are several amazing items up for bid, and you do not have to be present at the Hoedown to participate or win.

HERE is the link to the on-line auction. Remember all proceeds go to the Ben Eyestone Fund at the Music Health Alliance. So get bidding!

Now, we head back into the Music City Monday shuffle.  It was a good one!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Any Day Now Mix

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So, I have a serious question... with mounting evidence of collusion with the Russians to alter the results of the U.S. Presidential Elections and  the clear indications of officials lying about it, is there not anything that can be done to minimize the damage this administration can do before this matter is fully investigated and adjudicated? I'm thinking about long-term things like the Supreme Court nomination....
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Man - allergies or whatever really laid me low last night.  (knock on wood), I am feeling better today.

Today is Wednesday - the day we shuffle up ALL of the songs stored in the memory on my phone. I call it Wild Wednesday.  Today we have some recent releases and some older releases.

Let's see where this shuffle takes us.

Throwback Thursday Morning Shuffle - Old Time Feeling Mix

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I need to report on last night's music.  Scott Miller at The 5 Spot was so far beyond amazing.  He was accompanied by Bryn Davies on upright bass.  Miller was a member of the Knoxville band, The V-Roys.  He (fairly) recently moved to Virginia to help tend to his parents and their cattle. His songs are moving and rocking and touching. His stage presence is humorous.  Bryn Davies is brilliant!

After that I walked over to The Basement East for the second in a series of Ryan Adams album tributes by some East Nashville artists.  It was a really entertaining show.  Once again, Jon Latham lead the band (which included Andrew Leheay, Rob Crowell (Deertick) and others) and introduced the guest (Allen Thompson, Peyton Parker, Sean Quinn, Carolina Story, Brian Ritchey, and many more).  Plus some cool folks did some non-album R.A. songs before the album part of the show including the always awesome Don Gallardo.  Thanks to a particular drummer friend for the ride back to my car.


Just before I headed to work this morning, I received word that a friend, who I have known for almost my entire life, had passed away.  This was heavy on my mind as I drove and walked to work and listened to the following songs... It is throwback Thursday.

Throwback Thursday Morning Shuffle - Big Brass Bed Mix

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For Nashville Events and more - check out our friends at Fighting the Nashville Blues...


Burning the candle at both ends...  so, last night, I went home after work, and I feel asleep (after having not slept much the night before), and I work up just before 7:00.  I looked at the time and immediately jumped up - still groggy and thinking that I had fallen asleep on the couch and slept through the night, and that I was now way far behind getting ready for work.  After a bit, my head started to clear, and although I had to get ready fairly quickly for Stone Cupid at The High Watt, I was not actually too far behind.  Needless to say, I had to punt on all of the other awesome stuff happening last night.  Stone Cupid (the full band!!!!) were incredible.  Julie Christensen is a force of nature, and man they can all play.

Stone Cupid at The High Watt 5/25/2016 

Photo and effects by: Joe Wolfe-Mazeres

Thankfully, I am now well-rested and ready to take on the last day and a half before a three day weekend!

It is Thursday which is when we throw it back... E2TG style...

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....

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - You, You Know I'm Right Mix

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I had a good time last night at The Basement East.  I got to see performances from two people I was first introduced to at the Safety Harbor Song Fest way back in late March - Chris Gelbuda and Daphne Willis.  It was the soft EP Release Show for Willis - whose new EP, Get It, will be released on Friday. 

Opening the show was Kyshona Armstrong.  She actually played the first Safety Harbor Song Fest in 2014.  She plays some wonderful acoustic soul music and was backed by an outstanding band.  I really enjoyed her set, and I will be on the lookout for more opportunities to see her again.

Daphne Willis played next back by yet another outstanding band.  I am always hesitant to assign genres when the artist/band does not.  I will say there is a real pop instinct to her music.  The overwhelming impression is energy, enthusiasm, and a very clear understanding and appreciation for the way her music sounds.  Chris Gelbuda, who co-produced her new CD, joined her for a couple of songs, and then was the next on the bill.

I found out after the set that Gelbuda and his band only got the chance for minimum rehearsal time before the show, but I can honestly say, that did not come across. Gelbuda is an accomplished producer (he produced the latest hit single for Meaghan Trainor) and a professional songwriter.  I was very impressed by the caliber of his songs. 

Unfortunately, I had to leave before the last act on the bill was done, but Sonia Leigh - playing with much of the band that accompanied Daphne Willis - sounded great.

On to the mid-week shuffle for your listening pleasure...

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - Vapor Trails Mix

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Okay - first off - I have sort of put the Ear to the Ground Events back up.  It is a work in progress.  I need to do some formatting and stuff.  I will continue to work on it and hopefully improve it.

Let us jump directly into the shuffle... it's another good one....

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - Holy Roller Coaster Mix

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We've made it to the mid-week, and believe it or not, we are right at the mid-month mark for July. Lots of stuff on the horizon. 

By the way, the #E2TG Facebook page is about to reach another milestone in terms of number of followers (300)!  If you haven't done so, and feel so inclined, give us a "Like" (the link is above as it is everyday).  Something special awaits our 300th "Like".

Shuffle....

Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Another Planet Mix

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Sad to hear the news yesterday that Billy Zoom the legendary guitarist of Los Angeles band X was diagnosed with bladder cancer.  Happy, though, to report that a GoFundMe campaign to help him out has almost been completely funded after just one day.  If you want to help push it over the top, here is
the link.
We reached the end of another work week, and we have a pretty interesting shuffle to close things out...

By the way, a couple of songs in the shuffle today prompt me to issue the reminder that I repeat every so often.  Each morning's shuffle is randomly selected by my music player from a Playlist that I create and maintain. 

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle - Pain in the Butt Mix

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Let's jump right into the shuffle... some music for a  rainy Thursday morning here in Nashville....

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - Lock the Door and Unplug the Phone Mix

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Be sure to check out my review of Drew Kohl's new EP, Sweetheart.

When I hit shuffle this morning, there were 985 songs in my active playlist. Based upon statistical averages, the number of combinations for the first 10 songs to come up in a random shuffle of those songs, is... well, I don't know, but it's probably a pretty big number.  And yet, on any given shuffle, only one combination actually did come up, and here it is...

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - Devil's Toolbox Mix

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 Good morning from cold and wet Nashville where we currently have flurries flying around (or as we call it, a blizzard).  Hope everyone had a lovely December 25th.  

Band of the Year voting took off over the long weekend. We currently stand at over 1,400 votes counted and The Disappointment holds about a 150 vote lead over second place Skeletons in the Piano.  Still time to vote (voting officially ends at 11:59:59 p.m. on Sunday December 30.  Any votes received after the cutoff will not be counted.   Vote here!

Today's shuffle after the jump:

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - Any Day Now Mix

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Good morning from chilly Nashville.  A cold drive and walk into today marvelous sights and sounds, plus a pretty cool random shuffle of the whole sound card....(Update: yeah, yeah, it's not morning any more... the day just kind of jumped on me... *sigh*

Shuffle after the jump: