E2TG 1/19/2022 - Don't They Know - Lethargy Mix (Tennessee Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Running late - so sorry no explanations - just enjoy the video playlist and check out the Featured Friday Playlist if you haven't already. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - That's Tru Life Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!



Somehow this topsy-turvy weather of late seems to be right in sync with the topsy-turvy state of this nation, and both of them are making me sick....

But, I press on...

It is Wednesday - mid-week, and this is the day, we at E2TG set aside to get "wild". Wild is in quotation marks because.. well, we basically do what we do every day just drawing on songs from a larger pool - namely every song saved to my phone's memory.  The results are predictably unpredictable.

Let's just jump right to it!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Something Else Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook! 

I'll be honest, the constant barrage of insanity coming from the (occasional) occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, is exhausting.  It's not just daily, it's like several times a day - behavior that would not be acceptable from any adult human being let alone the POTUS.... the latest (well probably not the latest, I just have the heard to look up the actual latest) threatening the broadcast licenses of a major news organization because he doesn't like what they are reporting. How can anyone- regardless of political ideology accept this?  This is why I insist that my posts here are not political. Granted there is a lot politically that the right does that I don't like or agree with, but the actions and words of the current head of the executive branch go so far beyond "normal" partisan issues. But, hell, I don't think I even know what "normal" is any more.

BUT! I cannot let exhaustion deter me. I must take care of myself, but then I must keep on resisting and persisting. We all must.
*********************************************************************************

Ah - but music - my solace. Oh man, last night's Songhoy Blues show at The Basement East was incredible. Probably among the best shows I've seen this year. So much positive energy.  It was also great hanging a bit with some of my fellow WXNA DJs  - which doesn't happen often enough for me.  Also, seeing some other friends.  It was hard not to dance and smile, and I have to say I failed miserably at not doing those things.

Now, it is mid-week, and I am semi getting used to my new phone (although I am also researching third party music player apps). Wednesday, we always get "Wild" at E2TG, and today is no exception.  Let's shuffle:

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Lost in the Shuffle Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook! 


TFW the President of the United States cannot meet the basic standards of human decency let alone the qualification of the job of President of the United States of America.... when will this madness end?
********************************************************************************

A couple of notes:

1. Even though I am focusing on the "New Music" playlist for at least the next month, I have decided to keep Wild Wednesday intact.  It is a good opportunity to dig into the subbasement of my phone's memory to pull out gems which might have slipped by.  These may be "new music" or "Nashville based" or #E2TG related, or they may be classics from my collection or unusual recent discoveries (that don't fit the other categories)

2.  My phone seems to be dying.  I have ordered a new phone which means I will be transferring the music to that device when it arrives.  In my experience, transferring the songs is fine, but I will likely lose all my playlists. If that is the case, I will begin by rebuilding my new music playlist to the best of my ability (and I may take that opportunity to thin out some older songs from that list).  If for some reason, I don't have time to set up the playlist, expect Wild Wednesday shuffles until I get that done.

Now, back behind the curtain... here's the shuffle!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - History and Hell Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


My take:  For a nation that is built upon the idea of freedom, the most patriotic thing one can do is to exercise that freedom in whatever way one deems necessary.  I saw video of people shouting obscenities during the National Anthem at men who choose to respectfully and silently protest by kneeling during the National Anthem.  I have to ask, who was being disrespectful?   And these people who are shouting obscenities are being inflamed and encouraged by the President of the United States.  These are difficult and discouraging times, but I do feel some hope that the resistance is growing and the investigations are deepening...

Well, it's the last full week of September.  It is officially Autumn -and yet the temperature is going to be near 90 the first part of this week...

And, it is Monday - which means Music City Monday on E2TG.  It's no secret that Nashville is experiencing an incredible period of growth.  And there are pains associated with that growth.  There is the fear of losing somethings that make Nashville distinctly Nashville. There are traffic woes and parking woes and cost of living woes.

I never know how the shuffle will play out any given day - that's part of the fun of using the random shuffle feature... but I purposefully front-load my playlist with a mix of old and new music from people who have been in Nashville longer than I have to those who are recent additions to our fair city.

My hope is that the newcomers will pay attention to the voices of the long-timers.  The history of Nashville and its music matters. The best local artists, in my opinion, recognize this and then thoughtfully and purposefully add their voices to that history.

My hope is that the long-time Nashville artists and residents, will open their ears to the voices and songs of the newcomers. Some amazingly talented people are moving here everyday - trying to find their place.  They bring with them their own history and stories that will help shape the Nashville of tomorrow.

The fact is, the old Nashville is not coming back. But, as to exactly what new Nashville is going to be is still being written. I hope both the newcomers and long-timers will contribute and help make that new Nashville the best it can be.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Bend with the Breeze Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Well, it is officially Americana Fest week in Nashville. Looking forward to seeing some out of town friends this week, and of course, seeing and hearing some amazing music. I'm going to try to avoid stressing out too much over all the great shows I will miss because it is logistically impossible to make them all.

I am excited to announce my first ever guest writer.  Look for some AMA reviews and commentary from Collins de la Cour.  I'm really excited to take this next step with E2TG.

Tonight, I have some pre/non-AMA shows.  Meanwhile, we are expecting a couple of days of wind and rain from Irma. So far I have gotten good reports from friends and family in Florida.


Meanwhile, it is Monday. On Monday we focus in on Nashville, the Music City... new stuff, old stuff - it's just all more or less connected to Nashville.  Let's Shuffle!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - A T.V. Remote and Coffee That's Been Laced Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Hey! Running short on time... so let's jump right into the Wild Wednesday Shuffle...

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Whiskey and Cocaine Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Enjoyable weekend - got to see some cool music. Friday - the always fantastic Rock and Roll Happy Hour at The 5 Spot with Tim Carroll.  After that I headed out west to catch some of Joe Maynard (Maynard and the Musties) with Mark Robinson sitting in on guitar.

Saturday - first it was the one year anniversary show of Double Shot with Joe and Sue.  Then I got to fill in on Nashville U with Gina and her guest Rayvon Pettis.  I got to spin some Nashville music.

Saturday night was the CD Release Show (Nashville edition) for Dan Montgomery's new album GONE.  Dan's band was incredible.  Julie Christensen, Sergio Webb, and Chris Tench opened the night (and played some new songs), and BARK were awesome as always.

Happy to see some video  of and to read some reactions to  Aaron Lee Tasjan at Bonnaroo.

Monday we always play songs with some connection to Music City, and we call it Music City Monday - go figure.  Here's today's shuffle...

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Strange Cars Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


I don't know anymore... I mean, I feel like the people who understand that what is going on with this administration is not okay, not normal, and horrible for this country - already know. Those who are know and who are in positions to do something about it and are not - they are complicit. Those who don't know - are willfully ignoring facts that are clear as a bell... Sometimes continuing to speak out seems fruitless, but I am not going to stop.
*******************************************************************************

May 17! I sure hope, if you are in Nashville, you will come out for a one of a kind experience. I am still pinching myself that David Olney and Sergio Webb are each playing full band sets as part of the Sixth Anniversary of Ear to the Ground.  Still not convinced? There will be more beer koozies to give away and I will be reading another short section of one of two novels-in-progress.  Although, seriously if the first part of this announcement did not convince you, but the second part did - you need to go do some research about Sergio Webb and David Olney.

It is Friday!  We've (almost) survived another week. It's time to see what the shuffle would have us feature today...

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Word of Advice Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


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?
******************************************************************************

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...

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - It Runs Together Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Watching with interest the testimony from the FBI Director to Congress. This are surely historic and terrifying times.

Friday night - took in a bunch of great music and celebrating St. Patrick's Day in a very traditional way. Tim Carroll Rock n Roll Happy Hour with Luella - always a great way to start a Friday.

Ben de la Cour, Clark Paterson, and Patrick Kinsley and A Fistful of Dollars were all wonderful.

I spent the rest of the weekend trying to catch up on some things.

Well - it is Monday and time for some Music City Monday tunes.  All artists with a connection to Nashville, Tennessee.  Go!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Weya Heya Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Hello.  It is Tuesday.  Here at E2TG, we have a thing called Trending Tuesday. It's kind of like the "Trending Topics" thing on Facebook and Twitter, but there are no Kardashians or Real Housewives of Madison or anything like that.  Basically, we have a playlist called "New Music" which is generally made up of  fairly recent songs/albums (some more recent than others) on which we have
decided to highlight.  It's fun.  Come along!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - The Good Life Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Okay - we are back after an extended weekend to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., and to think about the fights which are still going on and progress made and miles yet to go...

Since we last were together, I got to take in Crackerboots with my daughter for my birthday.  Then Sunday night after his 3rd and Lindsley show was postponed, Darrin Bradbury and friends took over Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge.  It was a really great night of music with Jon Latham, Rayvon Pettis, Sally Jaye, Jeremy Ivey, and Mr. Bradbury himself.  Darrin's band included Laur Joamets who just 24 hours before had backed Sturgill Simpson on his incredible SNL performance (if you still have not seen that - go look that up NOW and then come back).  His guests included Margo Price.  It was all in all a typically stellar night of music in Nashville (well Madison).

Let's get to the shuffle - which is a little extended due to a (scheduled) detour I had to make on the way to work. This is a Trending Tuesday shuffle - heavily weighted to Nashville artists (past or present).

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - All the Lonely Boys Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Another long, awesome night at The 5 Spot last night.  Fats Kaplin and Gang were amazing as always.  Guests were Dominic and Rachael Davis.  There was music and magic and magical music.

The late show was the Collins Family Christmas Extravaganza which was a fund raiser for the Standing Rock protesters. Christmas music and good times that ranged from the sacred to the slightly deranged. My kind of night.

Reminder: Saturday is the Get Behind the Mule Benefit and Tom Waits Tribute at The 5  Spot. I probably screwed up the name, but you know... Tons of cool people and a good time will be had by all - I expect.

By the way, SHEL, who I mentioned are headlining Nashville Sunday Night at
3rd and Lindsley (with Don Gallardo opening) were at The 5 Spot last night for Fats Kaplin.

Earie update:

So here is the rundown.  Before this post, I have awarded 20 Earie Awards in 2017.  Some of the winners show up in this shuffle and we have a couple more to award...  Let's do it...

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Gardens of Stone Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Here we go.  I have a few more "Earies" to give away embedded below.  Remember, just because I do not award an "Earie" in one post does not necessarily mean the artist/band will not win one. Just saying. 

Also, a note.  For the first time in recent memory, there is some lobbying/interest in the Artist of the Year Award. What I can tell you is that I have not reached a decision about that yet. Some names are being thrown around by myself and others, and for sure, there are several worthy candidates - including some dark horses.  Stay tuned.

Monday brings out Music City Monday shuffle - let's do it!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - When the Darkness Takes Control Mix

Tweet #E2TG


Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Hey ho!  It is the last day of my work week.  I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving or if you are outside the US I hope you have a great Thursday.

Since it is Thanksgiving time, I want to take second to say that I am extremely thankful for you - my constant reader, and I am thankful for all of the blessings that my obsession with all things music-related have brought into my life. I can truly say that the course of my life has been altered because I decided to start writing Ear to the Ground in May 2011. It is just about inconceivable for me to try to imagine my life without the people I have met directly or indirectly because of E2TG. So Thank You all!

Let's take this week out in style and get wild on a Wednesday!  Shuffling from the entire list of music on my phone.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Sat on My Hand Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Did you miss me?  Let's see if I remember how to do this whole shuffle thing.

I had a great time in Memphis (briefly) and Mississippi last week.  A couple of interesting musical things of note.  I left Nashville on the day before Halloween and listened to a shuffle of all of the songs on my phone.  Randomly, along the way, I think at least three songs which arguably could be considered Halloween songs came up in a row.  Then, just as I was arriving in Memphis, Dan Penn's version of his song, "Memphis Women and Fried Chicken" came on.  Later, when I was about to cross the border into Mississippi, a song by Tim Lee 3 (Tim and Susan Lee used to live in Mississippi) came up.  By the way, today is Tim and Susan's 35th anniversary - so a big E2TG Happy Anniversary shout out to them.

After visiting Oxford and Holly Springs, I spent a couple of nights in Clarksdale.  Stayed at a cool place called the Shack Up Inn. Took in some local blues music and visited the Delta Blues Museum and other sites.

I am officially on my new phone, and all of my music has been transferred.  I have not yet completely recreated all of my playlists, but I did complete the Music City Monday playlist - so that seems like a great way to dive back into this thing....

By the way, E2TG can be considered a "safe space" from political rhetoric this week.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Lovin' Me Again Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Blargh... nothing like a nasty stomach bug to put the kibosh in plans... I'm feeling better... just a little queasy sometimes.. but I will push on and no details will be offered.

Jumping into the new week just some random tidbits... I am going to be getting a new phone soon and will eventually be moving all the songs to it and recreating playlists. Fortunately, the old phone is still functional, so I can continue to use it during the transition. Also, I am plotting a vacation, and I am hoping to post some missives from the road. More to come...

It is Monday in Music City (and other places)... here are some tunes with a Nashville connection...

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Wicked Turns Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Well... We've reached mid-week. The weather in Nashville is spectacular, and I have a ton of songs to get to so, I will make it brief.'

Tonight - The 5 Spot - Amelia White Residency wraps up with Reckless Johnny Wales, Julie Christensen, a killer band, good friends, drinks, food, and fun! 6pm.

Wild Wednesday follows:

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Shake Shake Shake Like a Rattlesnake Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Okay... trying to catch my breath after Americana Fest... here is a quick wrap up.  Friday, I did get off work around 2:00 and made it to Drifter's in time to catch the end of Marvin Etzioni's set - which was wonderful.  Next up was Brian Langlinais who absolutely killed it was an amazing band that included Jim Hoke, Jonell Mosser, and Ron Eoff among others. Great swampy - Louisiana/Tennessee music...

After a quick trip to Fanny's House of Music with Jill Kettles and Alexander Wright (2Ton Bridge), I made my way to The 5 Spot to catch the first hour of Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour - which started early for AMA.  Off to WNXA to pick up the banner and fliers and ran into my friend Karen and Gabrielle Louise - who I have been posting about - great to get to meet her.   Off to The Station Inn for a magical night - of introducing bands and telling people about WXNA.  My highlight was getting to meet and introduce Syd Straw and to hear her sing some of my favorite songs of hers. "Think Too Hard", "Chasing Vapor Trails", "String of Pearls", and "Golden Dreams"... Another big highlight was hearing Tyler Childers and wondering why I was just discovering this incredible songwriter????  He brought the house down.  Great playing from 10 String Symphony, Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, and The Lonely Heartstring Band.

Saturday, I had a nice breakfast/brunch with a bunch of fine folks and then made to the Cafe Rooster launch party at Little Harpeth - and to catch some of the festival's MVPs like Darrin Bradbury, Jon Latham, Aaron Lee Tasjan etc. before I had to scoot.  Sad that I was prevented from seeing Jon Latham, but happy of the reports of a packed house and an (as expected) kick ass set.

Final reflections:  The term Americana music  may bring to mind bad pop/rock bands that add a banjitar and don Western wear... Or some other loathsome thing... but my take for this year is that the Americana Music Association opened their doors to some of my favorite people (who also happen to be the best musicially - in my opinion)... The big umbrella seemed a little bit bigger this year, and I had an amazing time - even while missing out on ton of things due to lack of cloning and stuff.. As I posted last week - the festival started with covers of The Who, Blondie, and The Pogues - as it turned out - that beginning did seem to set the tone for a festival with some memorable and rocking moments.

With Americana Fest over, I headed back to The 5 Spot for a more typical East Nashville night at my favorite watering hole... caught the tail end of Sunday Night Soul (which I had heard good things about) and was blown away. Next up, a party put on my the good folks at Cosmic Thug Records (a label formed by super-producers Adam Landry and Justin Collins along with long time E2TG favorite Pony Boy.  In typical East Nashville fashion, the show featured Carey Kotsionis, Lilly Hiatt, Pony Boy, Emma Swift and Robyn Hitchcock, T. Hardy Morris, Tristan, Justin and the Cosmics, and Smoking Flowers.  Everyone was incredible.  Pony Boy and Emma and Robyn each did Dylan covers. Lilly Hiatt was amazing as always, Tristan was next level good plus brought up Caitlin Rose. T. Hardy Morris was incredible guest John McCauley (Deer Tick)... Robbie from Deer Tick played a variety of instruments (keys, bass, drums) with several different artists. Justin and the Cosmics left nothing on or off the stage in an electrifying performance.   Among the people who crowded the club were Bobby Bare Jr., Lucinda Williams, and many more great artists.  Yep - pretty normal night on the East side.

Whew!  On to the shuffle: Music City style!