I continued to be overwhelmed by the constant terrifying news that dominates my social media feeds and headlines. Injustice, rising tide of fascism (this is not hyperbole - they are not even trying to hide it any more), division, anger, fear, death... I am missing the solace of seeing my friends almost every night and hearing live music while seeing said friends. I fear for the future, but I know that fear is not a place to rest. Anger is an energy, but it is up to me to focus my anger. In the meantime, I have always believed in the power of love to conquer hate and fear and evil. It is a hard belief to cling to when it is so tempting to answer hate with hate - and mind you - anger is not the antithesis of love - hate and fear are the antithesis of love. Anger can be an expression of love if channeled properly.
At the same time as all of that, I need to acknowledge that despair and hopelessness are reasonable feelings these days. For me, though, I can't afford to stay there. I also do not have the capability to stay serious and focused and angry 24/7 and I do not think I am alone. I can either choose to shame myself or others for needing a break or I can accept it, take the break, and come back stronger.
Last thing: I have to find my own voice and my own outlets of action. What is the right action for someone else may not be right for me - and that can be for numerous reasons. I just need to say that because I have a bad habit to looking at others' actions and judging myself for not measuring up. It is good to take stock of my abilities and resources (time and money) and ask myself if I am doing enough, but to judge my own work by what someone else does - without taking into account differences in time and money etc is unfair.
TL;DR: I choose to attempt to manifest love in all I do. Love can be expressed by anger.
Today, we wrap up the Featured Friday Playlist as we prepare the way for a whole new Playlist debuting tomorrow. As always, we saved some great stuff for the end of the playlist. We finish up with songs 24-28:
24. "Room 33" by Mcclendon
We kick things off with the title track from the debut EP by Nashville based singer-songwriter Mcclendon. After playing in country/folk bands beginning in his native Oklahoma - with his brother, Mcclendon decided to go his own way and pursue his own music. I am digging this.
25. "Blur" by Dark McGwire; Focus3Dots
Next up, we have another solo debut. Dark McGwire is the alter-ego of Dame Crawford of The Wylde Bunch - a Grammy award producer/artist. The music runs the gamete from funk to folk and many points in between. The name of the album is Wyldebunch Presents Dark McGwire. Check it out.
26. "A Girl Too Far" by Red Eye
Red Eye is an Anglo-Spanish songwriter. This new single is amazing. When I say I save some good stuff for the end of the Playlist... I mean it. This sounds like a cover - in that it has a familiarity that many great songs have upon first listen.
27. "Moving Tangle" by Outwave
Italian alternative rock band Outwave just released their debut album, "The Storm". This was the lead single. I'm digging this.
28. "You Don't Know" by ASM
We close out this week's playlist with the latest single - from the forthcoming (Friday) album Blue Cocoon by the European trio ASM (A State of Mind). The cinematic hip-hop, soul, funk band members met in high school - one is Candaian, one German, and one English. We have previously featured them on an earlier playlist.
Okay,I have been thinking again - I know, I know - this is dangerous territory... but anyway, I feel like I am as fired up as anyone for real and substantive change. I also know that removing Trump and flipping the Senate are vital to making the change I want to see happen.
Now, I have friends and family who are strewn across the political spectrum - I think not as a line but as a plane. Far right, far left, moderate AND right leaning on economic policies but left leaning on social policies (now I realize for some this is an oxymoron but bear with me). I also know people who are basically apolitical but who react against extremism on either side. I know limousine liberals and poor, white "conservatives" who worry about their guns and "the gays'.
So, here is where I am left confused. And, I guess this question is for the most left-leaning of my readers. It seems to me (or I perceive) that when the world starts tilting left - and more and more of the apolitical and centrists on either side start to move in a direction that I find hopeful, there are some from the far left - who start pushing a far-left agenda that serves to alienate these potential allies.
Now, I know all about and to a great extent share the concerns about the neocons. As a relatively young person, finding my political footing and forming my opinions, I was disillusioned by then President Clinton signing the Defense of Marriage Act - to name just one example. And, yes, I wish the Democrats of that day would have fought harder for LGBT+ rights, and I also recognize the political reality of the time. Winning the majority of Americans to support LGBT+ rights - which is a fight still on-going took time (is taking time). Supporting "Civil Unions" while tacitly opposing gay marriage was on the one hand weak and cowardly, but it was a popular position. And, we lived to fight another day and now marriage is legal. We have fights that continue and some we thought we won that we are fighting again.
My larger point - at this moment in history - where conversations are finally happening, where momentum is turning, where people are listening and speaking up who have thus far, turned a deaf ear and remained silent. There seems to be a few ways to proceed. We can take some small victories, build partnerships and support, defeat Trump, flip the Senate and then start the long fight for some of our bigger goals. Or, we can push for all the most radical changes - many of which I support - but in doing so, alienate and then criticize our new potential allies and drive them back to the right - lose the elections and see even more progress be wiped away.
Are there other possibilities? Of course... and I open to those who disagree or who have a different view of things than the one I presented, but that is where my concern lies today.
Now for Part 4 of our Featured Friday Recap (Songs 20-25). We will conclude our recap tomorrow night:
20. "Lovesick Kisses" by The Microdance
A track from the latest album, Our Love Noire, by the London based alt-rockers, The Microdance. The album was tracked in LA and may be the bands most varied album to date.
21. "Mareena Roots" by The Bustermoon
Next up, we have the title track from the recent album by this folk n' roll band from Genoa, Italy. I really like the sound of this band.
22. "One Heart (Cognificent)" by Carlos Severe Marcelin, Alicia Jo Rabins, The Poseurs
Next, we have the first of two pandemic related songs. This one is a collaboration on many different levels. It is the brainchild of Portland, Oregon based artist Carlos Severe Marcelin. The track features a spoken-word piece by Alicia Jo Rabins, a verse by Portland band The Poseurs, and a chorus recorded by friends, family, fans, and musicians from around the country recorded on their phones and submitted. It is a remarkably complex and fascinating recording.
23. "Help One Another (We All Can)" by Raveis Kole
Next, we have another song written and recorded under quarantine - also from the Pacific Northwest - this time Washington state. Ravies Kole is a songwriting duo made up of Laurie Raveis and Dennis Kole. A lovely and uplifting song in the 70s pop tradition.
24. "Sasha Goes Too Far/ It Could Be The Nights" by The Mendoza Line
Not precisely a new release but rather a new reissue (a 20th Anniversary reissue at that) from The Mendoza Line who formed in Athens, Georgia in the 1990s before moving to Brooklyn. Peter Hoffman and Timothy Bracy were the principal songwriters in the band. The reissue features three newly released recordings from the era. The original recording of one of the new tracks was recently discovered by producer and musician David Barbe.
25. "Mythomania" by Deleo
And closing out this portion of our recap, we have a interesting track from French alt-rockers Deleo. The song has a dirge-pop feel. A nice was to end this segment of music.
Dennes Dale "D." Boon, who died at age 27 in 1985 would have been 62 years old today. The guitarist, singer, and songwriter with the legendary Minutemen was outspoken, innovative, and is greatly missed.
Double Nickels on the Dime remains a desert island disc for me and one I return to over and over.
The Long Haul
The COVID-19 news yesterday was sobering if not unexpected. The projected death tolls - some of which rely on drastic actions being taken - which in many places are not being taken a- are staggering.
Like many of you, I suspect, I feel myself growing restless even while knowing this period is just beginning. The great need, I feel, is compassion and care for our fellow man.
I will not put others at risk to relieve my boredom, restlessness, or to fulfill a want. When I go out, I will follow the guidelines not only for my own safety but mostly for the safety of others - including loved ones with whom I may come in contact.
Reach out by phone or electronically if you need help. The next two weeks, at least, are going to be bad and frightening. Hang in there. Talk about your fear and any other feelings with someone safe.
Featured Friday Playlist
Wednesday Morning Shuffle
Rolling along with another short, fun shuffle...
"Sagamore Bridge" by Terry Klein (from Live at KOOP)
A live album released at the end of 2019 by Austin, Texas based songwriter Terry Klein. Acoustic performances recorded for Austin radio station KOOP.
"Julien Dans L'Ascenseur" by Miles Davis (from Ascenseur Pour L'Echafaud)
From the soundtrack to the Louis Malle film. If you've seen Birth of the Cool - the Miles Davis documentary - you know that this soundtrack was an artistic achievement of epic proportions.
"Screen Savior" by Tape Deck Mountain (from 21st Century Loosers: The Best of 2009-2019)
Another track from the retrospective compilation by the Nashville based band.
"When the World Doesn't Love You" by Stuffy Shmitt (from Twelve Songs)
More goodness from the inimitable Stuffy Shmitt.
"I Choose" by Insane Jane (from A Green Little Pill)
Check out the video playlist for an extended live recording by this seminal Atlanta based rock band.
VIDEO PLAYLIST
Recent and Upcoming Releases:
Recent:
2/01 - Glenn Jones - Ready for the Good Times (LP)
2/02 - Karabas Barabas - Degenerate National Anthem (LP) 2/04 - Mayflower Madame - "Vultures" (single) 2/05 - Joseph Mooradian - "We all Work Too Much"/"Dash My Dreams" (single)
2/07 - Palm Ghosts - Wide Awake and Waiting (EP) 2/07 - Emily Zuzik - "Trouble" (single) 2/07 - Chicago Farmer - Flyover Country (LP) 2/07 - Surrija - "Barcelona" (single) 2/07 - The Flyin' A's - No Holds Barred (LP) 2/07 - Christopher Paul Stelling - Best of Luck (LP) 2/07 - HMS Morris - "Babanod" (single) 2/07 - Tiny Fighter- "Strangest Thing" (single) 2/07 - Wynnm - "Fire on the Moon" (single) 2/07 - The Golden Cage Society - Mira (Mini EP) 2/07 - Alienbaby Collective - "Degenerate Moon" (single) 2/07 - Eric and the Anti-Vaxxers - Timeshare Girlfriend (EP) 2/07 - Sammy Brue - "Teenage Mayhem" and "Crash Test Kid" (singles) 2/07 - Lucille - "Kerikeri" (single)
2/07 - Jon Magnusson - Always a Rebel (Live in Studio Silverräven) (single)
2/07 - Thomas Passon - "Über" (single)
2/07 - BisonBison - "Hover" (single)
2/07 - BisonBison - Hover (LP)
2/13 - Little Triggers - "Bang" (single)
2/14 - Grant Peeples - Bad Wife (LP) 2/14 - The Heliocentrics - Infinity of Now (LP) 2/14 - Johanna Kuvaja - "Back for Good" (single) 2/14 - Sarah Reynolds - "I Need Love" (single) 2/14 - Afterimage - "Six Seconds" (single) 2/14 - Kalee Smyth - "Bring Our Love Down" (single)
2/14 - Harry Stafford - "She Just Blew Me Away" (single)
2/14 - Kid Be Kid - "Blood" (single)
2/14 - Chris Maxwell - New Store No. 2 (LP)
2/18 - David J - "I Only Hear Silence Now" (single)
2/19 - Paisley Fields - "Ride Me Cowboy" (single)
2/19 - Tom Cridland - "The Laws of Success" (single)
2/21 - Sarah Morris - All Mine (LP) 2/21 - Kindergarten - Iphigenia (Reissue) (LP) 2/21 - Hot Club of L.A.- Cinema Swing (LP) 2/21 - MUUK - Balbuceo (LP) 2/21 - Aaron Beckum - Songs from a Triangle Room (EP) 2/21 - Every 13 Days - Étant Donnés (Reissue) (LP) 2/21 - Seablight - High-Rise Mannequins (EP) 2/21 - Various Artists -Typical Girls Vol. 5 (LP) 2/21 - 12xPretty - 12xPretty (LP) 2/21 - Arkane Skye - "Don't Ask Me Out" (single)
2/21 - Easy - "Crystal Waves" (single)
2/21 - Blue Lucas - "Train Station" (single)
2/21 - Stumbleine - "Supermodels" (single)
2/21 - Jesse Blake Rundle - "The Death of a Soldier" (single) 2/21 - Whitney Shay - Stand Up! (LP)
2/21 - 100 Mile House - "Test the Timber" (single)
2/22 - Charlotte Eagle Sings - Embracing the Old Ways (LP)
2/24 - Jon Magnusson - "Set Me on Fire (Live Silverraven Sessions) (single)
2/28 - Kristen Englenz - Ingenue (LP) 2/28 - Brett Ryan Stewart - "All or None" (single)
2/28 - Close Lobsters - Post Neo Anti... (LP) 2/28 - The Heliocentrics - Infinity of Now (LP)
2/28 - Scenius - "Glass Rain" (single)
2/28 - Jeffrey James - East London (EP)
2/28 - Charmless i - "Long Time Coming" (single)
2/28 - Gallary 47 - "I Wish I Was" (single)
2/28 - Xirita - "Don't Go" (single)
2/28 - Son of David - "Carry On" (single)
2/28 - Harry Stafford - "Painted Ocean" (single) 2/28 - Strange Majik - "World On Fire" (single)
2/28 - MUUK - Balbuceo (LP)
2/29 - Jimmy Who and the Night Creatures - Tinker's Blues (EP)
3/04 - Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion - Chameleon (LP)
3/04 - Iron Mike Norton - "Help Me Make It Through the Night" (single)
3/06 - Surrija - "Sylvette" (single)
3/06 - Dean Fields - While the Baby Was Sleeping (LP) 3/06 - Broads and Milly Hirst - Ollust (LP) 3/06 - The Mastersons - No Time for Love Songs (LP) 3/06 - Ghostwood Development Project (Feat. Kool Keith) - "Gulley" (single)
3/06 - The Mystery Plan - Ballad of JC Quinn (LP)
3/06 - Brian Wright and the Sneakups - "Patrick's Crossing" (single)
3/06 - Jonny Polonsky - Kingdom of Sleep (LP)
3/06 - Tiny Fighter - "Perfect Game" (single)
3/06 - African Head Charge - Drumming is a Language (LP)
3/06 - African Head Charge - Songs of Praise - reissue (LP)
3/06 - African Head Charge - Churchical Chant Of The Iyabinghi (LP) 3/09 - Marco Bonvicini - "Colors" (single)
3/09 - Terry Presume - I Got Nothing to Lose (EP)
3/13 - The Flatmates - The Flatmates (LP)
3/13 - Kleenex Girl Wonder - Ponyoak (20th Anniversary Edition) + BLP (demos and out-takes) (LP) 3/13 - Sandwick - Reconstruct (LP) 3/13 - Foley and the Fire - "Springsteen on the Radio" (single) 3/13 - Kalee Smyth - The Ceiling (EP)
3/13 - Sha Davis - Songs I Wrote When You Left (EP)
3/13 - The Losing Touch - "Through the Night" (single)
3/13 - Gerry Gareau - Feet Off The Brakes (EP)
3/13 - Ayla Brook and the Sound Men - Desolation Sounds (LP)
3/13 - The Academy of Sun - "The Parts That Need Replacing" (single)
3/13 - Sunday Morning - Consequences of Love (EP) 3/13 - Rosemary Fossee - "Tu me manques" (single)
3/13 - BYSTS - "Spread Out" (single)
3/18 - Marco Bonvicini - Colors (EP)
3/20 - Matt Wilson and His Orchestra - When I Was a Writer (LP) 3/20 - Chris Moyse - Bitter Ballads and Cynical Prayers (LP)
3/20 - Samuel Boller - Kingdom of the Sun (LP) 3/20 - The Blam Blams - "Isabella" (single) 3/20 - Jon Hassell - Vernal Equinox (reissue) (LP)
3/20 - Kid Be Kid - Lovely Genders (EP)
3/20 - Toni Sauna - Dead Flour (single)
3/20 - Ender Bender - "Star Killer" (single)
3/20 - Strange Majik - 20/20 (LP)
3/20 - I YA TOYAH - Code Blue: Reloaded (LP)
3/23 - Sofia Talvik - "Meanwhile in Winnsboro" (single)
3/24 - Mighty Brother - "Naked Winter" (single)
3/27 - Mayflower Madame - Prepared for a Nightmare (LP)
3/27 - The 81s - 2 Things and 118 Others (LP)
3/27 - Mayflower Madame - "Swallow" (single)
3/27 - Alienbaby Collective - F I S H B O W L / T E R R E S T R I A L (Double EP) 3/27 - Mairena - "Weird All the Time" (single) 3/27 - Lucille - Come on,Fly (LP)
3/27 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "Money" (single)
3/27 - Ben Reel - The Nashville Calling (LP)
3/27 - 100 Mile House - Love and Leave You (LP)
3/27 - Watermelon Slim - Traveling Man (Double Live LP)
3/27 - Lilly Hiatt - Walking Proof (LP)
3/27 - Porcelain Pink - "Sideways" (single)
3/27 - The Ocelots - Started to Wonder (LP)
3/27 - Harry Stafford - Gothic Urban Blues (LP)
This Week:
4/01 - HMS Morris - "Poetry" (single)
4/02 - I Am A Rocketship - "My Nature" (single)
4/03 - Chip and the Charge Ups - Lightning in Our Veins (LP)
4/03 - Surrija - Surrija (LP)
4/03 - Stumbleine - Sink Into the Ether (LP)
4/03 - Neutrals - Rent Your House (EP)
4/03 - Clwb Fuzz - "No Heaven" (single)
Upcoming:
4/08 - Zilverbacks - The Dark Hores; At A Time When Time Was Irrelevant (LP)
4/09 - Ellison - "Sing" (single)
4/10 - Eliza Gilkyson - 2020 (LP) 4/10 - Dan Montgomery - Smoke and Mirrors (a phonographic memory) (LP) 4/10 - Pokey LaFarge - Rock Bottom Rhapsody (LP)
4/10 - The Dream Syndicate - The Universal Inside (LP)
4/13 - Pilotcan - No More Shan Goodbye (LP) 4/17 - Paul Burch and WPA Ballclub - Light Sensitive (LP)
4/16 - Destijl - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (LP)
4/17 - Aimee Stevens - "Hell is a Teenaged Girl" (single)
4/24 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "I'm Gonna Break Your Heart" (single) 4/24 - Ben Bostick - Among the Faceless Crowd (LP)
4/24 - Kyle Lalone - Somewhere In Between (EP)
4/?? - I Am A Rocketship - Ghost Stories (LP) 4/01? - Ten Penny Gypsy - Fugitive Heart (LP)
5/01 - BOAT - Tread Lightly (LP)
5/01 - Laura Cortese and the Dance Card - Bitter Better (LP)
5/08 - Brian Wright and the Sneak-Ups - Lapse of Luxury
5/20 - Town Meeting - Make Things Better (LP)
5/22 - Victor Wainwright and the Train - Memphis Loud (LP)
5/31 - Debra Power - That's How I Roll (LP)
6/05 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "None of Your Business" (single)
6/05 - People Without Shows and Inkswell - Plasma Platter (LP)
6/12 - Sammy Brue - Crash Test Kid (LP)
6/19 - Darlin' Brando - Also Too... (LP)
6/?? - Mighty Brother - The Rabbit. The Owl (Double LP)
7/03 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - None of Your Business (EP)
*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.
So, I have created a Spotify Playlist that highlights some of the music featured on E2TG in 2019. I tried to pick one song for each artist. The playlist is currently over 10 hours long - which means we got to feature a lot of music this year. I will be finalizing the playlist over the long weekend and will use it for my December shuffles - recounting some of my faves of the year. I think I will also start phasing in some of the new features of E2TG v3.0 which will fully go live in January. For now, I am going to stay with Blogger but I may move to a new platform later.
Any way, let's close out this short week with a long Wild Wednesday shuffle that definitely lives up to the name...
Another fun $2 Tuesday hosted by Derek Hoke at The 5 Spot in East Nashville. There are always a variety of wonderful musical choices in Nashville any given night, but if you ever find yourself in Nashville on a Tuesday, I can heartily recommend $2 Tuesday. $2 cover, $2 draft beer from local brewery Yazoo. Always a great line-up of music (including host Derek Hoke - who is always fantastic), DJ Tim Hibbs spinning tunes between sets. Last night, I caught the $2 Tuesday debut of local songwriter Bobby Corbin and his band The Corduroy Boys (at least for last night). I met Corbin several months back - I think at a $2 Tuesday maybe????, and I have seen him play solo before. I was really impressed.
Asheville band Dyado were next, and I dug their sound.
Derek Hoke was next with his regular band of Steve Latanation and Mark Robertson.
In the late spot, it was The Caprice Classics - who I think qualify as an East Nashville supergroup. Led by Joe V. McMahan, whose name we have been mentioning quite a bit lately - most recently in association with Josh Hyde's new album, with Paul Niehaus, Jon Radford, and Adam Bednarik (The last two were part of the band Luella and the Sun with McMahan and singer Luella). The band tore through a fiery set of obscure blues tunes and originals.
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)
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.
Well, I guess Americana Fest is officially and unofficially underway. Had a blast last night, emceeing a show at Radio Cafe with the always delightful Amelia White and her Blue Souvenirs (Sergio Webb, Parker Hawkins, and Justin Amaral - plus Dave Coleman sitting in for a few songs, Mark Huff - who I think is sounding the best I have ever heard him lately. His great band including the twin guitar attack for Dave Coleman and Braden Land. I've been a fan of Dave Coleman for years. I've only recently "discovered" Braden Land - but I have been impressed. I don't know and didn't catch the name of Huff's rhythm section, but they were great.
In addition, the show featured two U.K. up and comers. Robbie Kavanagh and Demi Marriner. who were both wonderful. They have several dates during Americana Fest, and I'm hoping to catch them again. This show met two of my criteria for my hopes for AMA 2018 - I heard new music, and I saw some out of town friends. I am grateful beyond words for Amelia White and Mark Huff for letting me be a part of this event.
After that show, I headed to The Basement East to join the Better Together show already in progress. This was my fourth year in a row attending this event - which somehow manages to top itself. Even though I missed several things/people I would have loved to have seen, the time I was there was worthwhile. I got to hang with some out of town friends, meet some people - including Amilia K. Spicer whose music we have featured here. And Great Music - as usual - Chuck Mead and his Grassy Knoll Boys - stretch the definition of Americana to its breaking point - backing guests like Drivin' n Cryin' doing The Clash, Steve Poltz doing "Sympathy for the Devil", Allen Thompson doing "Get Up, Stand Up", and Mead himself doing "Peace Love & Understanding". But the musical highlight was Aaron Lee Tasjan - looking fabulous by the way - doing a solid rendition of Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman". The crowd was initially stunned but then totally into it.
Whiskey Wolves of the West closed the night with lots of guests and more great music. Plus, the guy who plays Blaze Foley in the new movie did a couple of great songs backed by the one and only Charlie Sexton.
More to come. By the way, this will likely be the last shuffle of the week, I am taking the rest of the week off for AMA, but look for some special posts. Tomorrow, I will tell you all about some of the great stuff going on this weekend - specifically we have some details about the all day party going on at Dee's Saturday - by our friends at Magnolia Road.
Meanwhile, we have a "Wild Wednesday" shuffle - so let's get wild!
Generally speaking, my knowledge of Nashville's music communities began with the rock scene in the 1980s - Jason and the Scorchers, Walk the West, The Questionnaires, Raging Fire, The Movement, In Pursuit, Bill Lloyd, Webb Wilder, Shadow 15, Royal Court of China and others. I was aware of Waylon, Willie, and Kris and their music, but I did not know the story of their early days in Nashville. A couple of years ago, for my birthday, my friends Pat and Kelsey bought me two books. One was "Outlaw: Waylon, Willie, Kris and the Renegades of Nashville" by Michael Streissguth. It is a great book and very informative about how this songwriters defied the conventions of the country music establishment and made it work. I was a fascinating peek into a moment of Nashville music history, and I was also able to draw parallels to the East Nashville songwriting community today.
Last night, in East Nashville, I had the joy of seeing Kris Kristofferson perform - at The Basement East (Night 2 of his sold out 3 night stand). Backed by Merle Haggard's band The Strangers (with Ben and Noel Haggard performing some of their late father's music). The band sounded great and the younger Haggards are talented and engaging. Kristofferson is 83 years old. The joy he showed performing was palpable. His songs were as powerful as ever. "Sunday Morning Coming Down", "Me and Bobby McGee", "The Pilgram" - it was incredible hearing this songs live done by the man who wrote them. Being so close to the stage, and the realization of the history and the stories...
Moving into Year 8 of E2TG - we have our usual "Wild Wednesday" shuffle- where you never know what you might hear... Off we go!
Overall, I'm just trying to mosey into 2018 (except for work, where I have been slammed). Last night, I had my first night out of the new year... of course, I was at The 5 Spot, where I saw East Nashville's favorite Pirate band, Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers. Mark Robinson joined them on-stage for one song, and sat in on part of another song from his barstool.
Next, week - E2TG dives fully into the new year, but for today, we have another "wild card" shuffle (from all the songs on my phone memory card).
Today on my mind is balance. It's something I very strongly believe in, and something I am shitty at practicing. Work/play, political engagement/creating and cultivating beauty, pride/shame, spending/saving... I tend to live in extremes, and based upon my observations, I do not think I am necessarily unique in that regard. To those on the front line of the resistance, my wish and hope for you is to find balance. To those consumed with fear and vitriol, my wish for you is to experience the beauty and wonder that is around us and to find love and compassion within that wonder and beauty. To myself, my wish is to figure all of this out - even if it is just for a moment.
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Whenever I allow myself to think about these things, I wonder if my diverse taste in music is off-putting to some people. I know, in the end, it really doesn't matter, but I do think about it. Fact is, as much as I love certain styles/genres of music, the thought of limiting myself to a single style/genre is wholly unimaginable.
Wild Wednesday shuffles often showcase the diversity of my musical interests, and today is actually a pretty decent example of that. The good thing about this format is that it is relatively easy to move past what doesn't interest you. My challenge, though, is to step outside of your comfort zone - even if just for a second and give something radically different a try. This is something I have been trying to do myself - because in spite of my diverse taste in music, I am aware that I have blind spots and long-held biases around certain artists and genres. But, if I give something a legitimate shot - at worst the nature of my bias will be confirmed, and at best, I may expand my tastes into a whole new arena.
Okay - today I am mostly going to let my shuffle speak for itself... but I was thinking last night about something I wrote yesterday and something I've heard repeated,,, for many of us, as we observe what is happening in the world - in Washington. As we are horrified and angry and yes at times amused (Bowling Green Massacre), we are left to the great mystery - why are there still people supporting this administration. Or more importantly, why/how are there people who actually think it is going well. The conclusion I came to is two-fold. First of all, they are seeing the world through a filter that makes things look very different than what I am seeing. Am I also looking at the world through a filter? Sure, I imagine we are to a certain extent. But, in most cases, that filter has limits. In most cases, it is possible to find some common ground of agreement - but in recent times - and this did not start by any means with the election of the current President - that ability to find any common ground has seemed elusive. So, whereas I may view a speech or a talk show appearance or a tweet - as dangerous or delusional or dishonest, someone viewing through a different filter - may see it as brave or refreshing or brutally honest.
The second thing is the proliferation of extremist propaganda outlets disguised as news sources. There is a meme going around that attempts to provide guidance in this area, and although some may argue with the placement of certain outlets on that chart, the basic premise is pretty hard to dismiss. Add to that the logarithms employed by sites like Facebook but make it less likely that you will see posts that go against your worldview. To my friends on the left (and this is to me as well), maybe - just maybe - I should read some of those far right sites - just to understand what kinds of information is being fed to those friends of ours who still support this President. Not to forgive or excuse or justify - just to try to gain some understanding...
Then, we need to find away to fight back against extremist of all kinds and shapes and the powers that shape and control those extremists...
Moving on... Had a blast at the first ever WXNA night at Kay Bob's Grill and Ale last night. They are doing this every third Wednesday. From 5-11pm a percentage of sales goes to WXNA!
ICYMI - My review of the new album from Sean Quinn and the Tremblers was posted this morning. You can read it HERE.
Now for Theme Thursday,.... usual disclaimers apply - just songs that loosely fit a predetermined theme (unexplained). Some times - the connection is just a title that makes me think of something that fits the theme. Also, I do not mean to ascribe any motives political or otherwise to any of the artists/songs
Stumbling into a chilly mid-week and finally completely back into the swing of things. I gonna try to have a better attitude today, so nobody screw with me, okay? :-) Anyway, cozy mix of totally random song selections from an arbitrary play-list.
ONE:
(note: if you search Insane Jane on You Tube there is another band that comes up. From the little I could stand to watch, it appears that they suck. Accept no substitutes!) (click to purchase and download A Green Little Pill by Insane Jane) Insane Jane was a incredibly awesome late 80s/early 90s Atlanta band. Lead singer Yellow belted out powerful vocals and the band ripped it live. Once I... is the lead off track from their 1991ish album A Green Little Pill. It definitely shows off the sound that made them a great band. Like way too many great bands of that era, they never made it big and it all ended way too soon. Unfortunately, I never got to see one of their legendary Atlanta live shows, but I did see them in front of way too few people in a hole in North Nashville, and even then without the energy of a crowd they still killed it.
TWO:
(click to purchase and download Skylarking by XTC) XTC just totally rules. Okay. Skylarking is a great album. Okay. Check out the lovely Ballet for a Rainy Day, and be prepared to crave fruit.
THREE:
(click to purchase and download the 10th Anniversary Remaster of Musicforthemorningafter by Pete Yorn)
Life on a Chaincomes from the 10th Anniversary Remastered version of Pete Yorn's debut album musicforthemorningafter. It's a good example of early 21st Century alternative pop music.
FOUR:
(click to purchase and download Fox Confessor Brings the Flood by Neko Case)
Neko Case is just freakin' cool. She has one the most distinctive voices in Alternative-Folk music today. Star Witnesscomes from her excellent 2006 album Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. Her band New Pornographers are pretty awesome, too, but you already knew that.
