E2TG 3/16/2021 - Lessons in Lack of Understanding - Live Forever Mix (Cold Hearted Remix)

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A recurring theme in my thoughts of late has been my lack of understanding about why some people do the things they do or act the way they do. It can be innocuous things or serious things... 

I think of my self as a pretty open minded person. I am not one who thinks everyone needs to believe, think, or act like I do... but there are some things that I just don't understand. 

For example - when a lane in ending and clearing marked that it is ending and people ride that lane until the last minute... and I mean when there is no traffic and no apparent reason not to just get over. 

Or the opposite - like happened today - multiple lanes and someone forces there way into your lane (not an aggressive driver trying to weave in and out of lanes to speed (that is another matter) but someone who is trying to get into a lane they will eventually need to be in for a split (which I get) but who is miles away from the split and who insists on getting over right at that moment. 

Another thing I don't understand: people who seem to devote a significant amount of time and energy to actively hating a band or a style of music or whatever. Or even worse, devotes that time and energy to hating on people who like something they don't like. 

There are plenty more examples - I guess what it comes down to is that I don't understand the benefit these actions offer.  There are definitely actions I don't like or that I would never do - but which I do understand why people do them.  But what I am talking about are thinks that make no sense to me... 

But - here is the rub. If I try, I can turn my confusion into a lesson in tolerance and acceptance. What I mean is - it is easy to practice tolerance and acceptance if something really doesn't bother me. The trick is to practice that same level of tolerance and acceptance of something that does cause be discomfort.  So, the next time someone rides the lane that is ending for no apparent reason - after I get annoyed - I will try to accept  that their action provided some benefit (real or perceived) to them. 

Finally, I feel the need to make the point that there are some behaviors that go beyond acceptance and tolerance. And in those cases, the trick is to recognize those things and to know those lines. That is what muddies the waters and makes it a constant practice and a contact conflict. 

The Featured Friday Playlist recap rolls on with songs 19-24:

19. "Culture Shock Treatment" by Round Eye

First up today, we have the title track from the new album by this Shanghai freak punk band. The album was produced by Mike Watt and mixed by Bill Stevenson.  It is out now digitally and out on vinyl in May. This is wonderful music. 

20. "Give Me a Reason" by Michael Ross

Next up, we have the new single from this Las Vegas musician and artist who has been performing as part of residency in Vegas for the last four years.  

21. "Vivant Tenebrae" by Drown in Sulphur

Well, this segment of music is nothing if not diverse.  We abruptly transition into the latest single from this Italian death metal band. Great stuff. 

22. "Murakami's Ghost" by Josh Machiz

Next up, we have first solo single from veteran Philadelphia musician Josh Machiz. The nearly nine minute track is based upon the Murakami short story, The Mirror. It is the first taste of his solo album due later this year.

23. "Monday Morning Drive" by Nature's Neighbor

Next up, we have a lovely song. This is the first single from the new album by this indie band that formed in Chicago in 2010. Really beautiful music. 

24. "Don't Trip" by Kairo Beats (feat. Sam Swancott)

We close out this segment of music with a new collaboration between a singer-songwriter from Swindon and an EDM songwriting duo made up of producer Jordan Hendon and songwriter/vocal engineer Chiarna Deller.  A cool way to wrap up this incredibly diverse segment of music. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Word of Advice Mix

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Okay. I am back after an unexpectedly long weekend.  Fresh on the heals of the failed GOP Tax Cut for the Wealth (under the guise of a healthcare bill)...  as we celebrate, we must keep pushing forward. My (naive?) hope is that Democrats can seize this opportunity to work with reasonable Republicans to improve the ACA. I hold out hope (naive?) that a single-payer system is still a possibility at some point. Meanwhile, we must keep up the pressure to demand an independent investigation into the ties of the current administration to Russia.

I have tried very hard not to lose real relationships over political differences - even vast ones. But, I have to admit, it disturbs me greatly to see people still posting misleading and debunked memes about President Obama and his family. He was President - his record will speak for itself. I don't particularly care if you like him or not. How about telling me what it is you like about the current President? His many, many trips to his privately owned resorts at taxpayer expense? His administration repeatedly misleading the American people?  His broken promises?
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Warning: "I love Nashville for live music" blurb upcoming:  On a Sunday night (last night), for $5.00 (or $7.00), a decent crowd (which included some really awesome people) gathered to see some songwriters make music.  Beginning with Joshua Black Wilkins (solo) playing songs from his forthcoming album Rogue, followed by Sally Jaye (backed by Anna Joy Harris on fiddle), followed by Jon Latham with a (loud) full-band set that included a powerhouse cover of Springsteen's "Darkness on the Edge of Town", and ending with Zach Schmidt (with a full-band that included 2/3 of Buck 'n' Stuff) playing some old and new songs included the live debut of his new electric guitar.   The quality of the songwriting and playing was remarkable.  This was a nifty cross-section of the incredible pool of talent existing in Music City these days.  And a good example of why I cannot think of anywhere else I would rather be at this point in my life.

Hey - we got some more "Music City" connected songs - so let's move on...

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Domino Rope Bridge Mix

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Posting late because we had a Holiday Luncheon at work...

Well, my bluetooth worked like a charm this morning and then crashed after that... ug!

EARIE ALERT:  Just one "Earie" today and I'm doing it outside of the shuffle.

I'm calling this one the "XXX Award" - not for the reasons you might think...

So, if you have been reading E2TG over the last few years, this award will not be a surprise.  If you are new to the site, and you don't know about this award winner... well.... step right up.

In 2012, Big Wilson River was a Featured Artist (when I had such a thing). They broke up shortly after that (not because of that - I don't think)... Band leader Darrin Bradbury went solo and hit the road eventually landing in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Nashville - where he met folks like Tim Carroll, Tim Easton, and even Todd Snider.  (Not in the Wal-Mart parking lot, in Nashville - bad sentence sorry)...   I got a heads up that he was coming to Nashville, and I started checking out his solo work, and I was fairly well blown away.  In 2014, there was about a six week run where there was a Darrin Bradbury song in my shuffle about every year. He released several collections of songs/albums.  We finally met in person in May of 2014, and there was a time when I would see Darrin perform his songs at least two or three times every week.

By the end of 2014, it was clear that his star was on the rise, and I named him my Artist of the Year,  (The first solo act to win the award which used to be called Band of the Year - and still may be some day).  2015 saw Darrin live up to the promise, I (and others saw) - plus the release of The Story of Bob (with a familiar looking face on the cover).  2016 was a year of big changes.  Elmwood Park: A Slightly Melodic Audio Book was one of the best of the year, and Darrin toured quite a bit including some dates opening up for Margo Price.  He started the year with an awesome residency at The Basement East.  I can't wait to see what 2017 has in store.  Today is Darrin's birthday, and I am proud and honored to call him a friend.  If by any chance you haven't checked out Darrin Bradbury.... go do it  now!  The "XXX Award" is being presented today to Mr. Darrin Bradbury.

Only six songs in the shuffle because there was a 10 minute song and a couple of 4+ minute songs. It's all good,,,

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Waiting For the Fall Mix

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Well, we've made it to the end of another work week.  Sending good Father's Day wishes to all of the fathers and father figures. With special thoughts to those experiencing loss and/or pain when it comes to their fathers.

Week 3 of the Don Gallardo Residency at The 5 Spot.  Seriously folks, he has two more weeks. You do not want to miss seeing him.  The Cordovas opened the night, and they absolutely destroyed! They traded instruments, they harmonized... the music recalled a bunch of different bands (The Dead, The Band, The Everly Brothers and more) but it was all their own, too.

Don Gallardo and How Far West sounded amazing.  His forthcoming album, Hickory, will be a must hear. Pre-Sale begins July 8. The album drops July 22.

After that, I ended up at The Station Inn to witness the album release for Irene Kelley's latest bluegrass album, These Hills.  Heard some amazing music and met some really cool folks.  In a bit of a Nashville moment, Kelley's producer/guitar player was playing the guitar that was raffled off during Music City Roots on Wednesday night.  Glad to see and hear that the winner was someone who knew what to do with it.

ICYMI - I posted my review of Taylor Alexander's new EP, Real Good At Saying Goodbye.  You can read it HERE.

Also, just a reminder, the next Double Shot with Joe and Sue show will be broadcast tomorrow morning beginning at 11a.m. (Central Time) (for 2hrs).  The theme is "We've Got You Covered" (cover songs). This show was prerecorded.  We will be back live next Saturday June 25 when the theme will be "Our Favorite Years".  We can be heard at 101.5 FM (in Nashville) and streaming at WXNAfm.ORG .

On to the shuffle.... Featured Friday edition

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Heads Explode Mix

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Don't Forget! #E2TG 5th Anniversary Extravaganza May 18 at The 5 Spot in East Nashville!


Writing and posting late today. I've been at a work conference all day, and then stopped by Charlie Bob's to see Jon Byrd and eat some $.50 tacos and drink some $2 Little Harpeth.

Tomorrow could be iffy, as I am back at the conference all day, but I will post if I can.

Let's jump into the Trending Tuesday Shuffle - because Patrick Kinsley is filling in for Derek Hoke tonight at $2 Tuesdays, and he and A Fistful of Dollars are playing a set.  If you can't make it out tonight, you can and should come out and see them on May 18 when they are playing the E2TG 5 Year Anniversary Extravaganza (hey I'm getting good at these subtle self-promotion deals).

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Till Your Well Runs Dry Mix

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Hey ho!  It's Trendy  Trending Tuesday at E2TG.  This will have to be a quick one.  Lots of music and not much time.

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - Steal Away Mix

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Welcome to 2016, #E2TG Style!  Well, the "Earies" are over, and no more "Red Cup" songs to be played.  We are back to a good old fashioned Morning Music Shuffle...

First a brief recap of the what has transpired since I last posted, and a sneak peak of what is to come.

New Year's Eve Eve - I headed to The Family Wash to see Wild Ponies  open for Don Gallardo. It was an amazingly Nashville-typical night of awesome music.

I posted a mega-Video Playlist "Earies" wrap up.  New Years Eve, I headed to the legendary Exit/In to ring in the new year - no frill style with some good friends and cool music.  Aaron Lee Tasjan and his killer band which included #E2TG Artist of  the Year Jon Latham knocked it out of the park (or some other sports metaphor).  Chris Knight was awesome, and he really could have cared less about midnight.

New Year's Day was a Friday which meant a trip out to The 5 Spot to ring in 2016 with another outstanding Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour. 

After that, I kind of dug in and did some writing - the results of which will be out soon.

Tonight!  Tonight!  The month-long Darrin Bradbury Residency kicks off at The Basement East.  The kick off should be out of this world amazing.  With 2014 Artist of the Year Bradbury being joined by 2015 Artist of the Year Jon Latham and Artist of the Always Aaron Lee Tasjan.  Darrin will be backed by an amazing band.  Seriously, this is a "Don't Wanna Miss" event.

Now onto the shuffle...

Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Just the Same as Dyin' Mix

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"Being afraid of living is just the same as dying."  This line from Two Cow Garage seems like one of the most important for me to remember today.  More about Two Cow Garage and last night's other great music is few...

First, the next 2015 E2TG "Earie" Award:

The premise:  "Kids these days."  I write those words, but how did I mean it?  Was it said with exasperation, as it has been said for generations?  Well, in this case, that is not how it was meant. We live in a time of incredible possibilities - really!  Just thinking about music (keep in mind, I know next to nothing about the recording, mixing, mastering etc. process), the potential for DIY recording, distribution etc. seems pretty amazing.  But of course, availability of technology is just a part of the equation.  It is when and where ripe and fertile minds meet this "new" technology that things start to get exciting.  The driving force for me when it comes to music is the constant search for something new.  E2TG has always been (in part) a balancing act between incredible new music being made all over the globe  and maintaining a health appreciation and passion for the music that made the new music possible.  It's about connections. Right?  Yes!  Some "kids" these days are using the tools of the day to make some really cool music, and sometimes, this exciting new music is forged by an appreciation of music way older than those who are making it.

About three years ago???? I was introduced (by Papa Tune's - of course) to a young band of brothers from Connecticut called The Foresters.  At the time, I think only one of the brother was a teenager - the rest were pre-teens.  I made a joke that their average age was 10 3/4 but that their amps go up to eleven. (or something like that). The Foresters were a pop punk band - formed after the three brothers, named Nork, attended a Green Day concert and asked for a received instruments.  The early music was really good power, pop punk. Over the past couple of years, The Foresters have released a couple of EPs, recorded with and as several different side projects. The influences have expanded and diversified and the music has gotten more complex and better.  The band's latest album, Sun Songs, finds the band reaching a new plateau - while the possibilities remain endless. A couple of years ago, the band were given the Hope For the Furure award by the Couch by Counchwest Music Festival. Well, the future is now, and The Foresters appear poised to find out what happens next - which at this moment is a 2015 "Earie".  Actually, special mention for this award needs to go out to all of the artists on the band's homegrown record label, Dord Music Group.

Congratulations to The Foresters - you are the 2015 "Kid These Days..." Award winners.

Last night was a quintessiential Nashville live music night - with some great shows going on in different venues.  Me, I hung out at The Five Spot.  Early, was a show featuring Fats Kaplin, Kristie Rose, Paul Burch, and more.  Later, I was introduced to my new favorite band.  They are called Red Collar from Durham, NC. They are a high energy, punk influenced band.  Austin Lucas - who I saw for the third time this year was as amazing as ever, and Two Cow Garage who I saw for the second time this year (and who barely made it due to mechanical issues) blew me away as they did the first time I saw them.

Tonight, I'm excited to see Jon Latham opening up for the legendary Malcolm Holcombe at The Basement (not East).

Now, we have a Featured Friday shuffle to close out the post-holiday work week.

Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle - For Money or Against Your Will Mix

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And so it goes, and we reach the end of another work week here at #E2TG.  Heading into the weekend just ahead of Thanksgiving here in the United States. There is  a ton of great music happening this weekend at different venues.  Choose your poison and get out there. 

Among the shows coming up today and tomorrow (and no I cannot make it to all of these):  Today: Joey Kneiser of Glossary is releasing a new record, and he will play this evening at Grimey's.  Will Kimbrough is also he releasing a new record, and he will be playing The Basement at 7:00 with Nellie Clay opening. Today is Tommy Womack's birthday, and we will playing around 9:00 at The Family Wash. Also tonight, the East Nashville Underground: A Magical Reunion is going on at The Basement East.  Plus there is the weekly, Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour at The 5 Spot. Plus probably tons of other stuff.

Tomorrow night: One of this blog's favorites Mark Robinson Band will be playing an early show at The 5 Spot (6:00 start).  Joey Kneiser will be playing that venue after that.  Meanwhile, over at the Family Wash - Knoxville poet and songwriter R.B. Morris will be playing.  Plus the aforementioned East Nashville Underground event continues at The Beast.  and More...


We have a Featured Friday Shuffle that I am really happy about today... let's take a gander...

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - In the Middle of the Land Mix

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We are back after an unexpected day off... my late fall cold finally caught up with me.  Before I succumbed to it, I got to take in an awesome show at City Winery.  Songwriting legend (and I do not use that term lightly here) Dan Penn celebrated his 74th birthday with a nearly 2 hour solo acoustic show performing many of the amazing songs that he was written and co-written over the course of his incredible career.  Hint: If you don't know who Dan Penn is, I guarantee that you have heard many of his songs.  Read my reflections on this show here.

Dan Penn wrote his first hit song when he was still in high school.  Sammy Brue is just 14 years old, and he is widely regarded as one of the best songwriters around.  He will be making a rare Nashville appearance tonight at The Basement (the original) with Actual Wolf (who I saw during the Campfire Propaganda residency at last month). Actual Wolf will be back by a fine collection of local players.

Today's shuffle went down like this....

Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Old Soul Mix

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The end of the work week is at hand.  Sunny skies and cooler temperatures are not a bad thing for mid-November. 

We have a short but diverse collection of songs to round out the week - it ends with a five song run of awesome Nashville music.

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...