E2TG - How are you? - Wahoo Mix (paperboy Remix)

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So, I realized that I have reported on how I am doing, but I don't think I have asked how you are doing?  I know a lot of people are struggling on several different levels. But, what about you?

How are you coping?  Are you coping?  What do you need?

All sorts of confusing information and differing opinions, but today, I just want to know, how are you?

    Featured Friday Playlist

Tuesday Morning Shuffle

Short on time today, but we have a nifty little shuffle.

"Graham Smith is The Strongest Man Alive" by Kleenex Girl Wonder (from Ponyoak 20th Anniversary Edition)

From the 20th Anniversary of their classic album.  Graham Smith is the sole constant member of this indie rock band that formed in the suburbs of Chicago. 

"Wahoo" by John Paul Daniel (from All is Well)

A track from the 2016 album by the singer-songwriter and folk artist from Kingston Springs, Tennessee.

"paperboy" by Pat Power (from Original Nature EP)

Our old pal, Pat Power (Valued Customer) with a track from a 2017 EP. This track is not on YouTube (that I could find), so I found another Pat Power track.

"North GA Blues" by Nathan Bell (from Er Gwaetha Ped a Phopeth)

A live recording from a tour in Wales by the singer-songwriter from Middle Tennessee.

"I Don't Love You Back" by Stuffy Shmitt (from Industrial Love)

And we close with a track from the 2012 album by the inimitable Stuffy - the shuffle really loves his music and so do I . 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

NEW AND RECENT RELEASES

This Week

5/20 - Town Meeting - Make Things Better (LP)

5/22 - Victor Wainwright and the Train - Memphis Loud (LP)

5/22 - Lazaris Pit - Conifers (LP) 

5/22 - Beauty in Chaos (feat. Steven Seibold) - "Almost Pure" (single)

5/22 - Ethan Gold - "Not Me. Us" (single)

5/22 - Nichole Wagner - Dance Songs for the Apocalypse (EP)

5/22 - Adam "Ditch" Kurtz - Storms of Steel (LP)

Last Week

5/10 - Brett Ryan Stewart - "Let Her Know" (single)

5/11 - Sofia Talvik - "Broken (Steel Guitars in Heaven)" (single)

5/11 - Jonny Polonsky - "Sign in the Window" (single)

5/11 - Scott Howard - The Language of Clouds (LP)

5/12 - Kory Quinn & Co. - The Blueroom (LP)

5/15 - Special Consensus - Chicago Barn Dance (LP)

5/15 - Zach Aaron - Fill Dirt Wanted (LP)

5/15 - Secret Emchy Society - The Chaser (LP)
5/15  The Room in the Wood - We're the Martians, Now (LP) 
5/15 - Wicked Messenger - "Golden Eyes" (single)
5/15 - Lazerine - "There's Nothing in It" (single)
5/15 - Klashing Black - Thoughts on the Matter (EP)

5/15 - Aimee Steven - "Darling" (single)

5/15 - Wolfhounds - "Can't See the Light" (single)

5/15 - THË FŪÑŻØÑË® - "THË WËŁŁ (W/ MEKAGHOUL)" (single)

5/16 - The Electric Grandmother - Relaunch (LP)

Next Week:

5/29 - Mick Hayes - My Claim to FAME (LP)
5/29 - G.F. Patrick - One Town Over (LP)

5/29 - Jack Stafford - "Background Worry" (single)

5/29 - Ryan Dishen - Whiskey for the Road (LP)

Upcoming:

5/31 - Debra Power - That's How I Roll (LP)
6/01 - Bessie Smith - Get in Union (LP) (from the Alan Lomax Archives)

6/05 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "None of Your Business" (single)

6/05 - People Without Shows and Inkswell - Plasma Platter (LP)

6/05 - Short Haired Domestic - "A Song in Latin... A Song in Hindi..." (single)
6/05 - Turkeyfoot - Promise of Tomorrow (LP)

6/05 - Delta Maid - Katie (LP)6/11 - Luciano Illuminati - Terra Vision 2020 (LP)

6/05 - Skanger - "Condolences" (single)

6/12 - Sammy Brue - Crash Test Kid (LP)

6/12 - Andrea & Mud - Bad News Darlin' (LP)

6/12 - Teghan Devon - Little Lion (EP0

6/19 - Darlin' Brando - Also Too... (LP)

6/19 - Dolour - The Royal We (LP)

6/20 - David Starling - "Cowards" (single)

6/26 - The Special Pillow - World's Finest (EP)

6/26 - Dedicated Men of Zion - Can't Turn Me Around (LP)

6/26 - Serratone - "Groovy Lucy" (single)

6/26 - 8 Floors Up - "Roman Bones Make Good Glue" (single)

6/?? - Mighty Brother - The Rabbit. The Owl (Double LP)

7/03 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - None of Your Business (EP)

7/03 - Paul Nelson - Birmingham Woman (LP)

7/07 - Afton Wolfe - Petronius' Last Meal (EP)

7/10 - Hurricane Ruth - Good Life (LP)

7/10 - Fintan McKahey - "Platinum" (single)7/10 - Nocona - Los Dos (LP)

7/17 - The Bobby Lees - new album (LP)

7/24 - Tawny Ellis - Love Life (LP)
7/24 - Lee Gallagher - L.A. Yesterday (LP)

7/24 - Even As We Speak - Adelphi (LP)

8/07 - The Furious Seasons - La Fonda (LP)

8/28 - The Northern Belle - We Wither, We Bloom (LP)

10/16 - Malin Pettersen - Wildhorse (LP)

Recent:

4/16 - Destijl - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (LP)

4/17 - Paul Burch and WPA Ballclub - Light Sensitive (LP)

4/17 - Le String Noise - Live Album (title ???) (LP)

4/17 - Aimee Steven - "Hell is a Teenaged Girl" (single)

4/17 - Monks Road Social - Humanism (LP)

4/17 - The Academy of the Sun - "The Parts That Need Replacing" (single)

4/19 - Ugggy - "Bicycle Day" (single)
4/20 - Tate and Silas- Rock and Roll (LP)

4/20 - Dopeknife - Breakbeats n' Vandalism (EP)
4/22 - Marco Bonvicini - "Where the Streets Have No Name" (single)

4/23 - The Kecks - "Modern Girls" (single)

4/23 - The Microdance - "Lovesick Kisses" (single)
4/23 - D.G. Adams - "Dangerous" (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)

4/24 - Lazaris Pit - "You Don't Tag Me in Memes Anymore" (single)

4/24 - Goldman Thibodeaux and the Lawtell Playboys - title unknown (LP)

4/24 - Petter Carlsen - "Dogs" (single) 

4/24 - Chris Milam - Meanwhile (LP)

4/24 - Felixity - "Twisted Love" (single)

4/24 - The Kings Pond Shantymen - Hold Your Course (LP)

4/24 - 6TH CROWD - "You're Not An Island" (single)

4/24 - Sean Dampte - "Loose Guard" (single)

4/24 - The Northern Belle - "Gemini" (single)

4/24 - Anna Claire Loftis - Happy on TV (EP)

4/28 - Savannah Pope - "He Sees Me" (single)

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)

5/01 - Cut Beetlez vs Nice Guys - CBNG (LP)

5/01 - Grenon - "Imaginary Friends" (single)

5/01 - Paul Nelson - "Dying to Forget" (single)

5/01 - Felixity - Love Sick (LP)

5/01 - Easy - Radical Innocence (LP)

5/01 - Griffin Winton - "Think of Me" (single)

5/01 - Ender Bender - EQ

5/01 - The Rad Trads - 99 in October (EP)
5/01 - J.R. Wyatt - "I'm Still Here" (LP)

5/01 - Lekan Tellal - "Emptiness" (single)

5/01 - Angela Easterling - "Hero" (single)

5/04 - Black Needle Noise with - "Seed of Evil" (single)
5/04 - Killing Kuddles - "Too Cool" (single)
5/06 - I Like Trains - "The Truth" (single) 

5/06 - CLOUDNiNE - "I Know" (single)5/07 - Julius and Julia - "Why We Are Here?" (single)
5/08 - Brian Wright and the Sneak-Ups - Lapse of Luxury

5/08 - Watch Clark - Backscatter Effect (EP)
5/08 - Scenius - "Held" (single)
5/08 - Filthy Tricks - "Leah" (single)

5/08 - Vision Video - In My Side (single)

5/08 - The Attic Movement - "Truth Be Told" (single)

Wild New Music Wednesday Morning Shuffle - No Ticket Mix

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Alright, I am back after the Fourth of July holiday.  Back to the reality that the United States of America is deeply divided. This divide did not start with the election of the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but it has gotten worse. The thing is, I don't think "united" is the context of the USA means that everyone agrees... the fact is there is a deep and fundamental disconnect between Americans as to how we see the world. Is this the fault of the media or the two party system or the information age?  Probably.  What is the solution? I don't have a clue. The saying goes united we stand, divided we fall.  Many, myself, included, wonder how far the current administration needs to go before the vast majority of Americans will say enough is enough and at least be united on that front?  Does such a threshold exist?  The pessimist in me, says if that mark has not yet been made, then it may not be made.

So...  for my part, just for today, I am choosing love over fear.  I am going to fight as hard as I can for the most vulnerable among us. I am going to #Resist and #Persist for as long as I must - for as long as I breathe.
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As promised, we are continuing to shuffle from the "New Music" playlist.  Wednesday's are normally "Wild Wednesdays" on E2TG, and I think this shuffle is sufficiently "Wild" to qualify.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Downward Spiral and a Uphill Climb Mix

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Okay... Look, as I have been saying and saying... I do not like talking "politics" on E2TG.  Although, my own leanings are decidedly to the left, and I consider myself a progressive, I do recognize that there is room on almost any issue for differing viewpoints, and I believe that (at least in theory) our strength as a nation comes from working together to find common ground - even if the outcome is not ideal for either "side".  I also believe that the false "duality"of our current two party system does not leave room for nuances of opinions.  (i.e. you are either for or against something. No middle ground allowed).  However, where I feel I must speak out is on matters that I believe transcend (or should transcend) "politics".  Right now, there is evil in the world.  The rise of fascist and neo-fascists around the globe, the current situation for minorities of all kinds around the world... threats of genocide.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, look around. The United States should be a global leader in opposing this things, but as things currently stand, we seem to be supporting the oppressors, and we are doing own forms of oppression. It is the rights of all people - especially those who are most at risk that makes me take up time and space out of my music blog to speak out.

Nevertheless, the fact that it is necessary in 2017 to have a march to support science. When did science become a political issue?  (I am aware of the evolution vs. creation debates). When did suppressing scientific research and gagging scientists become okay?
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All right, well, ICYMI, last night, I revealed the details of the final week of the E2TG May Residency at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.  I am so excited to have Amelia White and the Blue Souvenirs helping close out our month.  And, joining them, all the way from Washington D.C. will be Fuzzqueen.  Fuzzqueen is the current incarnation of Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray (who have been featured here for a few years). This promises to be, most likely, our most diverse night of music for the whole month.  Fuzzqueen has suggested that ear plugs are in order.  It will be a great way to end the month!

Meanwhile, it is Monday and we have a wonderful selection of Music City related songs for you...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - hokum Mix

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These are unprecedented times in America.

This is not about ideological differences or political parties.... it is about:

Concentration of power into the hands of a small group of extremists, demonizing "others", attempts to silence the press, attacks on the arts and academia, creating chaos, disregard for checks and balances, immediate suppression of any voices of dissent,  creating a shadow government outside of the bounds of the law. Be vigilant, resist.

Today is Tuesday, and we have music that is "trending" on E2TG (aka music from our curated "New Music" playlist...

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 - Kay Pasa Mix

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According to my Facebook memories, the Blogger/Blogspot version of E2TG is 5 years old right about now. (For the first 6-7 months, the blog was hosted on the now defunct site Posterous).  Just thought I would mention that.

Embedding the "Earie" Awards in the shuffles has worked well for the most part. Expect some non-embedded "Earies" as we move forward.  Also, just to address it... sometimes, a "non-winner" may tend to stand out which is not my intention.  I have a very clear (if unstated) concept of the "Earies" and it does not necessarily have anything to do with the quality of the music. Basically, I don't include music that I don't like on E2TG.  That being said, I may be spreading the awards out more thinly going forward so... if your favorite band doesn't win one day, keep tuning in.

It is Tuesday and we have some "trending" music from our "New Music Playlist"...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Sun's Coming Up Mix

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Okay. I'm a little short on time.  First of all, last night as I posted, I went to see Megan Palmer, Nellie Clay, and Courtney Marie Andrews at The City Winery.  They performed in the round, and it was a really great show.  I have been a fan of Palmer and Clay for some time, but I believe it was my first time seeing Courtney Marie Andrews.  I really dug her songs, and the three songwriters complemented each other nicely.

Tonight, I will be in the WXNA studios to help with the pledge drive. There is some cool stuff (as always) going on at $2 Tuesdays.  Patrick Kinsley and a Fistful of Dollars are playing and promise some new material.

On to the shuffle...

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - A Hole in the Heart Mix

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Well... it hasn't been an easy week, but it is Friday and cooler temperatures have descended upon our fair Music City.  Look for the Athens of the South Festival coming up tomorrow in East Park with great music and art and stuff.  Darrin Bradbury, Adrian + Meredith and more will be there.

A bunch of other things that I can't remember right now.  Get out and see some music, enjoy the weather, be good to each other.. I think that is enough for right now.

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 - What is Not Lost Mix

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I've decided to tell you a bit more about Buck 'N Stuff because, well, Buck 'N Stuff.  First of all, they do not have any recorded music yet, but there is some live performance documentation in the form of videos. Including this one:



About the band:  Members: Bass: Buck 'N Stuff Bass Player - has been known to play a giant fiddle (but not with Buck 'N Stuff) and is alleged to have once overheard two junkies talking through a motel wall in New Orleans.  Drums: Buck 'N Stuff Drummer - is a strict adherent to Maritime Law and is rumored to be a Cat Lover.  Guitar/Vocals: Buck 'N Stuff Guitarist/Singer - when not playing in Buck 'N Stuff usually can be found sitting behind a twangy table (pro-tip: Do not place drinks on the Twangy Table- word has it that Twangy Table players are kind of sensitive about this). Also does instructional videos about how to properly prepare chicken wings.

Tonight - I will be at Tim Carroll Rock 'N Roll Happy Hour at the world famous The 5 Spot, and then heading to The Beast for a tribute show to both Nebraska and Nashville Skyline featuring a whole bunch of really cool people - many of whom have been played on or featured by E2TG.

Tying all of this together as only E2TG can, today is release day for "How We Lost the War" by Zach Schmidt. This is one you really need to check out.  Schmidt made his Music Roots debut on Wednesday. He is one of the folks for which the Buck 'N Stuff Guitarist/Singer sometimes plays Twangy Table.  And, he will be singing at the tribute show tonight.  See how I did that?

It is Friday - we have some featured songs in the shuffle:

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Cocaine and Communion Wine Mix

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Whew!  I am back!  After having my work schedule thrown off for a couple of days, I have been laid up with the yucks for the last few days.  Slowly recovering just in time for the madness that is Americana Music Association Festival to begin in Nashville.  AMA Fest is like a normal music week in Nashville on steroids. The impossible choices, the conflicts, the mad dashes from venue to venue hoping you don't get shut out... Lots of E2TG and personal favorites are playing official and unofficial and semi-official shows.  I will try to sort it all out as best I can, but pretty much - the schedule is one line, AMA even has an app, and you are on your own.

I did manage to catch just one show during my convalescence. On Friday, I felt a little better and wandered over to The Family Wash to catch an awesome triple bill.  Ned Hill (of the band Ned Van Go) was backed by Tommy Womack, and it was wonderful.   BARK rocked the house and it was great to see them.  And Alvin Youngblood Hart's Muscle Theory blew me away. Really great southern, bluesy, music.  They were joined by two special guests - Canadian turned Nashvillian Steve Dawson and the always amazing Audley Freed.  Two incredible but very different guitar players.

Coolness today - Jon Latham had a new song premiere on Country Fried Rock.  And Zach Schmidt had a new song premiere at Bluegrass Situation.

Now,  we have a Music City Monday shuffle to get the week off on the right foot...

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Impossible Mix

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And just like that it is Friday!

Well, week 2 of Mark Robinson's Showband and Rhythm Revue Residency at The 5 Spot sure lived up to my expectations!

The core band of Robinson, Daniel Seymour, and Rich Schell were phenomenal. They powered through original and classic tunes.  I really dug guest #1, Mark Huff.  Great songs and that Beatles cover was so good!  Guest #2 was the legendary Webb Wilder.  Wilder played songs from the last couple of albums plus some really interesting and wonderful cover selections. I first saw Webb Wilder play live close to 30 years ago, and it great to see him still making great music and here backed by this incredible showband.  Robinson's run continues next Thursday with the one and only Davis Raines and the awesome singer/songwriter Tiffany Huggins Grant.

Let's just right into Feature Friday Shuffle - from the special "New Music" playlist.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Wait Here Mix

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ICYMI:  Please see my preview of the upcoming September Residencies at The 5 Spot!

I am short on time so I will jump right into it.  Mondays we take a moment to celebrate the amazing and diverse musical output of the city known for music. No "bro-country" here folks...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Crybaby Mix

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I am back. I was a bit under the weather yesterday.  Time is short - so let's jump right into the Trending Tuesday Shuffle.  First of all disclosure:  I have been receiving so much new music lately that I decided to create a new playlist featuring a bunch of that new music.  I will be using this playlist in place of the Trending Tuesday and Featured Friday playlist for the foreseeable future.  Readers will not detect any changes - but I did want to let you know about the change...