E2TG 8/11/2020 - Intention - Bitter End Mix (Vacancy Remix)

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I said something on my radio show last week about being intentional and related that to the excuse I sometimes hear (and sometimes have used) when I feel I have fallen short in some way... "Well, it was intentional".  We say that as if it excuses our action or inaction. As if it makes everything okay... but to me it should be considered an admission rather than an excuse - as in, I was not being intentional in my actions and so I (fill in the blank).  To me, this realization is a wake-up call to be more intentional in how I live my life, I am not going to lie - this is not easy - the habit of floating through life with out thought or concern - is hard to break. And such a life may even be appealing. 

I mean, who doesn't want a life of ease and not worries - I think there is a song from The Lion King about it... "every time that I farted...".   But, here is the deal, as I see it, we are seeing a reckoning coming for some long-term injustices and transgressions. Whether it is  "Me, Too" or Black Lives Matter or LGBTQ+ rights or something else... if some has ingrained bad habits surrounding any of these things - in the words we use, in the way we act - then unless we act with intention, we will continue to follow these bad habits and the "excuse" - "It was not intentional" will no longer be an excuse but a confession that we have fallen short of what we could be if we took the time and effort to be intentional. 

Now, we have songs 14-18 of this week's Featured Friday Playlist... 

14. "Lonely Without You" by Cayucas

First up today, we have a new single from this band from Santa Monica - whose name comes from a sleepy little down in San Luis Obispo County. It was released ahead of their new album Blue Summer which is due out in September. 

15. "Creole Girl" by Vincent Cross

Next up, we have a track from an amazing new album by Irish born, New York based singer-songwriter Vincent Cross.  The album is called The Life and Time of James "The Rooster" Corcoran - which is a biographical album about a colorful ancestor of Cross' who was a gang leader and champion of the Irish working class in 19th century Manhattan. Musically, the album draws on the music of the time place of Corcoran's life. 

16. "Cryin' Eyes" by Steven Bruce

Next up, we have a track from Same Time, Same Place, Same Station - the debut album by this singer-songwriter from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Bruce was a founding member of Whiskey Revival. This is a stunning debut, and I look forward to hearing much more from him. 

17. "You Turn Me On - Jim Sclavunos Remix" by Jonny Polonsky 

We have featured Chicago-born, New York based artist Jonny Polonsky before. Here he gets the remix treatment from No Wave legend Jim Sclavunos - who has been a member of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds since 1994 and was a member of Teenage Jesus & the Jerks. Sclavunos was also an early member of Sonic Youth for their first album and a one-time member of The Cramps.  

18. "King of Suburbia" by Polymer 

We close out this segment of music with the new single from Sydney-based rock band Polymer - from their forthcoming debut album Zealot's Box. A great way to close out this part of the playlist. 
Tomorrow songs 19-23... 
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - For Heather Mix

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Well, it sure is good to be back....

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Like many people, my uneasy mind is centered on the events that occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend.  I am sickened and saddened by so much. The senseless violence, the hate, the tepid response of the President... so much.  Denouncing Nazis and White Supremacists should be something that most Americans can agree upon and unite around, but it appears that is not the case. So many on the Right echo the response of the President and deflect with false equivalency or blame Obama (apparently for daring to be black and President for eight years).  Are there hate groups that are not Nazi's and White Supremacists? Sure. But that is not the topic today. As I have been saying on a regular basis since January, the current administration has placed people who hold the same views as those who lead the protests in Virginia into positions of power within the government.  Those people support this current President and believe they have his tacit approval for their actions. They seem to be correct. While I am happy that some Republican leaders are opening critical of the President's initial response (for the record, I am aware that he made some sort of speech today, but I have not had a chance to hear or read his words), but until and unless they use their positions to deal with this existential threat to our country and way of life, they are complicit in what is happening.

I do not have many solutions today. Except, I know I must speak out against fascism in any way I can, that I must work to free myself from the power of hate and fear, and that I must try my best to be a force for good in the world.

As I often write, there are many complex issues facing this country and this world. For many of this issues there is room and indeed benefit from health debate and compromise... fighting and speaking out against fascism and white supremacy is not one of this issues. A lot of good people in Germany in the 1930s remained silent. They did not actively support Hitler and the Nazis, but in their unwillingness to speak up and fight against that evil, they were complicit. I will not be complicit with the dark forces at work in our nation today.

I offer music as the only thing I know to help right now... This is for Heather Heyer.  If we allow the Nazi's to win, here name will be just the first of many victims. We cannot and must not let that happen...
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I am glad to be back, and I really needed the break on many different levels.  In clearing my head, I have a vision for E2TG going forward that I will work very hard to make real. I have given much thought and I think it is important that E2TG be what is supposed to be.  My goal is simply to do my part to help connect music with music lovers. I do so primarily through the use of my morning shuffles. I will occasionally do other types of posts, but that is not primarily what I do. I need to keep my focus and keep finding new ways to do what I do better. More on this soon.

I was fortunate to get to spend one wonderful day in Athens, Georgia at Athens Popfest. I sure wish I could have stayed longer, but what a day!  I got to see E2TG faves, The Foresters tear things up in their festival set. The band and some friends (including members of Discount Ravioli - who I have also written about - and Atticus Floyd who I have also written about) got to join The Apples in stereo on stage at the Georgia Theater.  The video showed it for the wonderful moment it was.

I also got to see another band we have featured here - The Veldt for North Carolina. Live - the completely blew me away - maybe one of my favorite live performances of the year.

Well, it is Monday and I am now short on time - so let's get to the Music City Monday shuffle....

Topical Thursday Morning Shuffle - Ain't Democracy Wonderful Mix

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Busy, busy...   Went out to see Jon Byrd and Byrd's Auto Parts at The 5 Spot. Really great set. Cool tunes, a great band. Wendy Newcomer joined Byrd to sing a few songs.  Great hang. Talked a little to Don Gallardo who shared some updates about his next album. This makes me really excited.

It is Thursday - time to head back to my Topical Thursday playlist of songs that thematically or titular-wise fit a loosely defined and unexplained topic of my creation.  The connections are in my mind only and really this is mostly an excuse to play some really cool tunes.  Read what you want into my selections, but I do not mean to imply that any of these artists mean for their songs to be interpreted how I did.

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Blow the Man Down Mix

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There is a reason why E2TG is by and large a positive place. First of all, every day we are reminded that there is way too much negative energy in the world. I certainly have my share sometimes.  The fact is for a good part of my life, music has provided solace in dark times and it continues to do so. This is one of my contributions to the world and I want it to be a positive one.  Here are some songs from (more or less) recently released album that I am featuring on a Friday.  Peace!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Blue Valley Mix

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Weird weather coming this weekend - warm, storms, cold, ice... and that is just Saturday...

Just a note about the Earies and the coveted Artist of the Year award.  Last year, I held off awarding an Earie to the ultimate winner, Jon Latham until the Golden Earie (Artist of the Year).  I thought about doing that again, but since I have not decided on an Artist of the Year yet and with several in contention, I have decided to forgo that.  So - what that mean is that just because someone wins an "Earie" does not mean they are out of contention for the Artist of the Year award.  Thanks for playing and stay tuned.  All will be made clear as mud.

By the way, the preceding announcement may or may not have anything today with today's post.

It is Friday.  Shuffling from our "New Music" playlist.

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Factory of Fantasies Mix

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Okay... so the bluetooth issue is getting annoying.  Last night, I cleared some cache thing that seemed to help, but no, this morning bluetooth kept shutting down again. Open to suggestions.

Anyway, I did power through for our Trending Tuesday shuffle - on a cold raining morning in Nashville....

Cheers!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - May Be Strong Mix

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Man there is a lot of ugliness coming to the surface in the world today... but maybe, just maybe, it has to be sucked out in order to be expelled. One can hope. And I do... hope that is. In the mean time, I mostly stick to writing about music. I hope that is okay with you...  

Had a good time recording a Double Shot show last night which will air on Saturday October 22.  Meanwhile, our next live show is coming up with coming Saturday - the 15th.  This is on the mighty WXNALP- Nashville.

We've arrived at Tuesday.  We shuffle some tunes from our "New Music" playlist - these are mostly songs that I acquired either directly from the artist or from a publicist. Some are brand new, some are a bit older.  Once again, a pretty cool mixture of music... dig...

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Jump Back Down Mix

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Well, yesterday I wrote about the finale of Mark Robinson's Showband and Rhythm Revue Residency at The 5 Spot.  Well, the show certainly lived up to my expectations (and then some!).  Master levels musicianship, world-class vocalists, and Mark Robinson - who is a consummate bandleader.  Such a fun night.

Well, this week has kind of flown by in a hurry... it is Friday and time for Featured Friday on E2TG.

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - The Sun's Alive Mix

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Well - about seven and half hours of live music last night...  Mark Robinson Showband and Rhythm Revue with guests David Olney and RB Morris was as spectacular as I expected.  With bullhorns, Robinson's always amazing guitar playing, and the whole company doing "Stagger Lee"  duet style with Olney (with bullhorn) and Morris trading vocals.

After studying the schedule and weighing the options some of which involved multiple trips across the river and back, I decided to just set down roots at The Basement East for AMA night. I had a little time before that, so I joined some friends to catch Tim Carroll, Luella, Cameron Carrus, with David Strayer on drums.  It was like a partial reunion of the old Fran's Eastside days.

When I finally made my way to The Beast, I ran into more friends and got to meet the one and only Mojo Nixon!  I have heard at Americana to enjoy what you decide to do and not overthink the things you are passing up.. so in that spirit.... Bottle Rockets were incredible and they brought out special guest Eric Ambel for a couple of songs.  Next up was Grant Lee Phillips who I had never seen live before.  I really dug his set.   Next was John Paul White with special guests The Secret Sisters.  I have not really had the chance to dig into White's recent work, but I was really impressed by this set.  I was starting to fade a bit during his set, but it did not have anything to do with the music.

I managed to drink some water and move a little and then moved closer to the stage for Brian Wright's night closing set.  He had Aaron Lee Tasjan playing guitar and a great band backing  him, and it was every bit as good a set as I could ever imagine. His special guests were Ladie Gun Club, and the sit included the band gathered around one mic - like they do on the Opry...  Wright's set closing, "Glory Hallelujah" was everything you want a closing number to be.

So, tonight... I am trying to wrap up things at work - so the shuffle post may be quick... Jill Kettles and Rodney Metroyer are hosting  an unofficial AMA event this afternoon with Marvin Etzioni, Brian Langlinais (remember that name as the shuffle proceeds) and more.  Bloodshot Records is throwing a party in the back yard of The Groove record store - with Lydia Loveless, Bottle Rockets, Robbie Fulks, and Cory Branan.  Plus, Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour has been moved up one hour.  But, my night will be centered on The Station Inn. WXNA is hosting tonight's AMA showcases (and tomorrow night, too). Tonight, I will be hanging out with Richie Owens and Howard Yearwood from Wagon Wheel, and one of my tasks is to get to introduce Syd Straw! and talk about WXNA!

Also, Aaron Lee Tasjan is at Cannery Ballroom, Zach Schmidt is at ACME, and and and....

Featured Friday shuffle ahead...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Ain't Got Time To Spare Mix

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It is almost September, and I am starting to get anxiety about all of the great music at Americana Fest that I will have to miss (because I am just one man without the ability to manipulate time and distances).  Truth is, though, I am still have a lot of weekly anxiety over the same issue.  Truth is, though, it is a pretty rad problem to have.  Truth is, though, I have other things I could (and maybe should) be worrying about, but this problem is more pleasant to deal with.

Let's see what the old shuffle has brewing for this Tuesday morning....

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - A Different Breed Mix

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And suddenly it is Tuesday.... At E2TG Tuesdays are the day we look at what is "trending"... no memes or celebrity gossip - just cool tunes of a generally recent vintage... shall we?

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - Just Like My Mama Said Mix

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To be sure, I see a bunch of great live music here in Nashville, and I probably miss at least as many if not more than I get to see.

Last night was one of those great shows that I did get to see, and it was a show that made me really happy that I live in Nashville. It was the Aaron Lee Tasjan Release Show for In the Blazes at The Basement (the original one) last night.  Zach Schmidt opened the show back by Adam Kurtz on pedal steel.  Zach Schmidt looks like a Country music star should look, and he has the songs and voice to back up the look. He is the real deal, and he easily kick the ass of any one of those "bro-country" posers, but he is probably too nice a guy to do that.

Aaron Lee Tasjan is a one of a kind artist, and he seems destined to as hugely famous as he deserves to be.  Seeing him live under any circumstances and in any configuration (band or solo) is always a must-see event.  When he assembles the kind of band he did last night, the show is one for the ages.  Backed by drummer Aaron Shafer-Haiss, legendary bassist Keith Christopher, the always amazing Brian Wright and Jon Latham on guitars, and on two songs backed by vocal powerhouses Sally Jaye and Sarah Potenza - Tasjan's incredible songs were delivered with precision and power.

In short, the night was a demonstration of what I love about this city.  Great songwriters, talented players, mutual admiration, and incredible music.  The Basement was packed out and everywhere I looked were awesome songwriters and players taking it in.

In the Blazes is hands down one of the best records of the year, and you should definitely check it out.

We have a shuffle to put out....

Friday Morning Music Shuffle -

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I wanted to share some news with all of my Ear to the Ground readers.  I am going to begin covering live shows at awesome Nashville venue 3rd and Lindsley for No Depression. Don't worry, #E2TG will continue to be the same hot mess that it always is, and you will also be able to read my reviews over at NoDepression.com and see that I can actually clean up when it is required (I hope).  Seriously, I am excited about this opportunity and I know that all of you have helped me to reach this place. So, thanks!  Hot Mess of Cool Tunes follows....

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle - Another Magic Mart Mix

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Kiely Schlesinger, Lindsay Ellyn, and Jon Latham at Two Old Hippies 1/21/2015

Had a great time watching three of my favorite songwriters trade songs yesterday evening in The Gulch.

Reminder, TONIGHT: Darrin Bradbury and the Fran's Eastside Super High Band will be starting off a great night of music at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.  Be there! 9:00p.m. $5.00.

Shuffle....

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - If You Don't Know Mix

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Getting back on schedule...

ICYMI:  Check out my review of Dale Watson and Rosie Flores at Exit/In.

If you are in Nashville this evening, head on over to City Winery Nashville. A great night of music is on tap with #E2TG Artist of the Year Darrin Bradbury kicking things off at 8:00 sharp so don't be late. $5.00 to hear some really great people make really cool music.



Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - Fifty Amp Fuse Mix

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A short but very sweet shuffle as Nashville gears up for coming arctic blast... We've reached mid-week, let's do this damn thing!

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - Sunflower/Locomotive Mix

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I am not a morning person.  It seems important to say that because I post a daily Morning Shuffle which features music I listen to between 6:45 a.m. (or so) and 7:15 a.m. (or so).  I just wanted you to know that I don't do a morning shuffle because I am a morning person, but rather by current necessity, I have to be up and about by this time, and being a non-morning person, I need a soundtrack of cool music to keep me moving....  This is my soundtrack for Monday morning January 5, 2015.

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - Stumps Mix

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A great Monday night at The Basement with Sadler Vaden opening for American Aquarium.

Sadler Vaden has a great gig - playing guitar for Jason Isbell, and he makes some pretty awesome music on his own, too.  Opening for American Aquarium at The Basement in Nashville, Vaden was backed by a fellow Isbell bandmate on keyboards, Steelism's drummer, and the bass player for Sheryl Crow, and they heated up a cold, dreary Monday night.

Headliners, American Aquarium were the artist with most tour dates in 2014 according to Bandsintown app.  I understand they are expected to play even more dates in 2015.  They have a new album, Wolves, due out in February, and they treated a sold out Nashville crowd with a healthy dose of their signature high energy Alt-Country/Rock and sad songs.  If this ends up being the last live music I see in 2014, it was a heck of a way to end the year!


This year seems to be winding down.  It has been a year of changes and challenges and growth of the kind I thought I was incapable of experiencing let alone surviving.  I have good feelings about 2015, and I hope you will join me for what is sure to be an interesting year.  There are tons of new albums on the immediate horizon and as always new and old music to be discovered/rediscovered. This is the last proper shuffle of 2014, but I think maybe the year isn't over yet.  There may be a surprise shuffle and maybe even a "Band of the Year" post coming up.  Peace!

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - Mambo and Lasso Santa Mix

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This is the last morning shuffle of the week, I am taking a few days off wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a joyous time...