"Our long national nightmare is over..." There is a huge sense of relief - with an acknowledgement that there is still much work to be done. President-Elect Biden's words of unity are welcome and necessary to begin the healing work ahead. However, with the current president's refusal to concede and the continued destructive rhetoric from his followers and enablers - I am reminded of the song by The Chicks...
That being said, I am most excited about the possibility of politics being something I "keep up with" but not obsess over. And, on that note, let's get to today's music...
But, first - we have some sad news to report- Bones Hillman - best known nationally as the bassist for Midnight Oil for many years - but known here in Nashville for his work with Tim Carroll, Anne McCue, and Julie Christensen's Stone Cupid - passed away over the weekend after a battle with cancer. Sending love to all who knew him and mostly to his family.
Today, we pick back up with our recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist with songs 11-16:
11. "Until There's Nothing But Air" by Andrew Leahey & the Homestead
First up today, we have the new single from some E2TG and East Nashville favorites. Another great song from Andrew and the band.
12. "2020" by Son of Bazerk (ft. Michael "Kidd Funkadelic" Hampton)
From our old friends at True Groove record... a new single featuring the hip hop legends Son of Bazerk (Tony Allen aka Son of Bazerk) introduced Chuck D and Flava Flav to each other in the early 80s. For this timely new single, they are joined by Funkadelic guitarist Michael "Kidd Funkadelic" Hampton. A hard hitting song for hard hitting times.
13. "Tear It Down" by Amy Ray
Next, we have the brand new single from Amy Ray (1/2 of Indigo Girls). Ray has written a powerful, a soul-searching examination of the racism that reminds deeply rooted in our nation and in our society. It is the same kind of soul searching need by the nation and by many of us who grew up in the South (in particular).
14. "Late Bloom" by Graber Gryass
We have been talking about and featuring Memphis band bluegrass band Graber Gryass for some time - well, their album slipped by me last week - so this week we have the title track. Great stuff.
15. "Straight to Heaven" by F. Scott and the Nighthawks
Next up, we have a fantastic song - the title track from the new EP by Toronto based outlaw band - F. Scott and the Nighthawks. This was my introduction to the band, and I am already hooked. They have a second EP set for release in 2021 (date TBD).
16. "No Justification" by Loud Apartment
And we close out this segment of music with a track from the second album by this funk fusion band from NYC. The album was produced by the legendary Bill Laswell - who also plays on the album. This is an amazing album - definitely check it out.
Made it through another weekend. Honestly, I am trying to keep my spirits up, but it is hard - when I am seeing our country rolling headlong into fascism and dictatorship, when a virus - which has been controlled in other parts of the world is raging out of control - due to a disinterested government and people.
And, when the most important things have been stripped away...
Music - as it does - sustains me, but even live music has been taken away - for now - but with no end to the now in sight.
The election seems so far away and the inauguration even further - and I have fear and uncertainty about the security of the election and whether the results will be accepted or not by the people currently in power...
Ah, but even without live music - there is a ton of music to keep me going...
Our recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist continues. We pick up at song #9 and continue through song number 15.
9. "Broke Down in the Fast Lane" by Red's Blues
We start this segment of music with the title track from the brand new album by Sacramento based blues band Red's Blues. We featured an instrumental track from this album last week. Today, we have a song that showcases the powerhouse vocals of Beth Grigsby-Reid.
10. "Seventeen" by elkyn
Another new release that we previewed last week... beech - the new EP from 22 year old UK singer-songwriter Joseph Donnelly who records as elkyn. Wonderful stuff.
11. "The Soul Singer" by The Waterboys
Using my prerogative, to featured a brand new single from one of my all-time favorite bands. I have been a fan of Mike Scott and The Waterboys for over 35 years, and they have continued to make music while constantly exploring and expanding on the sound. I am really digging this new single.
12. "Same Old, Same Old" by No Party for Cao Dong
Next up, we have a really cool new single from the Taiwanese rock band No Party for Cao Dong. The band made a big splash touring the UK last year, and this new single hits hard.
13. "Girl in the Mirror" by Abigail Fierce
Next up, we have a new track from a 19 year old singer-songwriter and actress from Los Angeles. This is a lovely song about negative self-image and not liking the person who confronts you in the mirror. Abigail plays Wendy in the Hulu series Love, Victor.
14. "Heaven Sent Delinquent (Electric Single Mix)" by Shawna Virago
Next up, we have a new single from transgender pioneer solo artist Shawna Virago. Virago has been performing as an out trans artist since the early 90s. Musically, she is associated with both punk and anti-folk music. This is a powerful song about escaping from small-town prejudice.
15. "Ma jolie petite fille" by Michot's Melody Makers
We close this segment of music with a track from the new Cosmic Cajun music album from Michot's Melody Makers. Michot is Louis Michot of the Lost Bayou Ramblers. The album was recorded live at the Saturn Bar in New Orleans' 9th Ward last December.
I like to think I was never racist. I like to think that I grew up sheltered from racial inequality, but that I over the years, my awareness has grown. I think to think I have always known that systemic racism existed and that somehow, the world knew how I felt about that.
To be fair, I think on some abstract/conceptual level I did know, and that I tried to stand on the side of justice and equality.
But, what I am realizing is that I didn't understand systemic, institutionalized racism on any sort of gut level, and to be honest, I don't think I am there yet. But, I am listening and learning so that I can be an effective ally. It is up to me to learn. It is not up to anyone to teach me.
Social media is actually a great way to open a dialogue - you just have to push through the noise and try not to react the canned responses. Go behind and dig underneath the misleading narratives, the catch-phrases that may tend to elicit a visceral response. If someone posts an image or a meme or a post that says "Defund the Police" and your initial reaction is that that is too radical (I invite you to do some research into what that may mean and what it may look like in your own community).
If you post Black Lives Matter and someone (relative, classmate, ex co-worked) responds with "All Lives Matter' - fight the urge to defriend them or just to get in an argument. Take a breath and start a dialogue, but before you do that, make sure you understand why you are saying what you are and try to understand (not accept or agree with) but to understand their reaction. You may have an uncle or classmate who is a "lost cause", but by engaging and having the conversation you may reach someone else... or you may just reach that uncle or classmate - who knows.
I believe that we are at a pivotal moment. I have been trying to learn, and I feel like there are something I understand better - and others where I still have work to do.
The problem that has exploded into the national consciousness did not begin with George Floyd or even with Rodney King. It is truly endemic in our society and so change will be difficult, but we can push forward and we can use this moment in time to change the direction. I recognize that past efforts of "reform" have ended in failure and in shifting the problem around. And so, we must remain vigilant and we must push on.
That is where I stand today.
We continue the review of our Featured Friday Playlist with songs #7-11. (Tomorrow songs 12-16)
7. "Mister Rat and Mister Flea" by David Olney
Many have wondered what the late David Olney would have to say about the COVID-19 pandemic. Well, we have this glimpse in a song from his archives about an earlier pandemic known as The Plague.
8. "Kite" by Megan Palmer
A brand new single from a Nashville favorite. Megan is a wonderful songwriter and a beautiful singer. This track was recorded with her husband Jason Quicksall with drums by Aaron Shafer-Haiss.
9. "Kids" by Anti-Corn League
Next up, we have a track from Love it Or Leave it by this garage, bedroom pop band from outside of Pittsburgh. They follow a diy aesthetic, and I have to say this track sounds fantastic. It is the right measure of noisy and catchy.
10. "Inside the Endless Om" by Johnny Irion (feat. Jeff Bridges, Mikael Jorgensen, Robert DeLeo, The Mother Hips)
Next, we up we have a really cool new release. This one came to us via our old friend Brad Lauretti (This Frontier Need Heroes). Johnny Irion is Lauretti's producer and he has assembled an incredible line-up in a song to honor the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Ravi Shakar. Mikael Jorgensen is from Wilco, Robert DeLeo is from Stone Temple Pilots, and yes, Jeff Bridges is "The Dude". The song was co-written by Irion and John Goodwin who wrote for the Jeff Bridges film "Crazy Heart".
11."Those Were the Days" by TJ Walker, Don Gallardo
We close today's recap with a new release from UK singer-songwriter TJ Walker who is joined here by E2TG favorite Don Gallardo. The song was written by the two when Walker visited Nashville and met Gallardo in a publisher's office. They wrote the song in the few hours before Walker had to board a plane home. Great song!
Sometimes, it all seems to much! Here in Nashville in 2020, we have had the March 3 tornado, the COVID-19 pandemic, the largest blackout in the cities history, and no protests and riots in the streets. I want to call for a time out!
BUT, then I think, relatively speaking I have at most been inconvenienced by all of this. If I am this exhausted, I wonder how those who have been deeply and directly affect must feel. And, then I think about being a person of color in America twenty years into the 21st Century - and how long systemic racism has been allowed to go on. And, I think if I am this worn out, how much people of color feel...
So, yes, I am exhausted and I would love a week or more with no significant news, and I want to be able to safely go out and see my friends and attend live music events. But, until it is safe, I will stay in as much as I can and I will be okay.
And I want there to be peace in our cities, but you know, until tangible changes are made, I understand the unrest.
I also have concerns about the role of right wing groups in instigating the violence in order to discredit the valid protests. And, this is where it gets trick and this is where maybe I don't get to offer my hot takes... Stay vigilant, stay safe, and spread love are the best advise I have to offer.
In spite of it all, this is a music blog, and music has always been a refuge for me through whatever turbulence I have experienced, and so, we will continue our review of this week's Featured Friday Playlist with song 7-12:
7. "Political Funk" by Mick Hayes
From the album My Claim to FAME which was recorded by legendary FAME Studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. I am just discovering Mick Hayes' music, and this album has blown me away. I picked this track partially because the song coincidentally shares its name with a short-lived early 90s Nashville group - that I can't find any proof actually existed. Nonetheless, this is a great song and a great diving in point for this album which is infused with the magic of the studio where it was recorded.
8. "Young Loved and Free" by Audrey and Hugh
From the album Sisterman. There is a recurring theme lately of reconnecting with artists that I wrote about in the past. This is new album is the debut for the duo of Audrey MacAlpine and Hugh Trimble - along with Mason Wheaton. Sisterman was the name they previously used for the band. Totally coincidentally, E2TG wrote about Hugh Trimble a few years back when we covered some of the music he recorded at Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen in New York. Audrey and Hugh are based in Nashville name, and I got turned on to this release by a post of a good friend whose musical taste I respect.
9. "Fixer - Live" by Adrian + Meredith
I am missing Adrian + Meredith, and I am missing live music at The 5 Spot, so I thought I would play another track from Adrian + Meredith Live at The 5 Spot. I love these guys. For this recording they have their big band, and it is great hearing the Nashville horns.
10. "The Deleted History of Us" by Cursive is Code
Another song from our friends from Connecticut. Jason P. Krug and company have hit upon a great new sound that retains the spirit of his previous work (solo and with Grimm Generation). This time there is a funky liveliness that I really dig.
11. "You Got Me" by Bill Lloyd
New music from Bill Lloyd is always a pleasure. His brand new album is a called Don't Kill the Messenger. In the 1980s, Lloyd led the power pop band The December Boys before releasing his classic solo album Feeling the Elephant. In the early 90s, he formed the country music duo Foster and Lloyd with Radney Foster and had some chart success. He was also in a supergroup called The Sky Kings - we covered a recent reissue by them recently. He leads The Long Players - who recreate classic albums, and he has put out a series of albums of the last several years that represent pop songwriting at its best.
12. "With Love, from Quarantine" by Shayfer James
Shayfer James was a "Featured Artist" exactly eight years ago. The New Jersey singer-songwriter came to our attention at the height of our New York/New Jersey obsession. This is a wonderful and timely new song. Great to hear from him and to be able to present it to you.
Tomorrow songs 13-18...
Featured Friday Playlist
Music City Monday Shuffle
"Dirty Dishes" by Becca Mancari (from Good Woman)
Going back to her 2017 album, we have a great track. Mancari has a brand new album due out this month that was produced by Zac Farro of Paramore.
"One Last Question" by Jason & the Scorchers (from Nashville, The Other Side of the Alley: Insurgent Country Vol. 3)
A wonderful Jason and the Scorchers track from that awesome mid-90s compilation released by Bloodshot records - the album also features Tim Carroll, Tom House, Kristi Rose, R.B. Morris, and Dan Baird among many others.
"Woke Up Jake" by Dan Baird (from Buffalo Nickel)
Speaking of the aforementioned Mr. Baird, we have a track from his most excellent solo album Buffalo Nickel - which was the follow-up to Love Songs for the Hearing Impaired.
"One Thing I Know About Love" by Jonell Mosser and John Hall (from Little Black Dress)
Next up, we have one of Nashville finest - Jonell Mosser has been a force on the Nashville music scene for many years, and having seen her live a couple of time this year (and very late last year), I can attest that she is still at the top of her game.
"Freightliner Fever" by Jon Byrd (from Byrd's Auto Parts)
A tribute to truckers and more precisely to trucking songs from the debut solo album by the one and only Jon Byrd.
"Crocodile" by Lori Kelley (from Under Stars and Storms)
And, we close with a long time friend of E2TG, singer-songwriter Lori Kelley from her most recent album. Kelley helped organize and run the Eastside Takeover at Bobby's Idle Hour in 2015 or so, which provided so many memorable Sunday evenings.
VIDEO PLAYLIST
NEW AND RECENT RELEASES
This Week
5/31 - Debra Power - That's How I Roll (LP) 6/01 - Bessie Smith - Get in Union (LP) (from the Alan Lomax Archives) 6/01 - Darwin - "Dance Alone" (single)
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)
6/05 - KDF - "Innocence" (single)
6/05 - Lacey Williams - "Cut N' Curl" (single)
6/05 - Johnny Irion and Friends - "Inside the Endless OM" (single)
6/05 - Skanger - "Condolences" (single)
Last Week
5/25 - The Plastic Pals - "Hangin' in the Louvre" (single)
5/25 - Scarlet Drive - "Not My Problem" (single)
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)
5/29 - Idle Noise - "Ghosts" (single)
5/29 - Altar of Eris - Isolation (EP)
5/19 - Merv Pinny - "I" (single)
Next Week:
6/11 - Luciano Illuminati - Terra Vision 2020 (LP)
6/12 - Sammy Brue - Crash Test Kid (LP)
6/12 - Andrea & Mud - Bad News Darlin' (LP)
6/12 - Teghan Devon - Little Lion (EP)
Upcoming:
6/19 - Darlin' Brando - Also Too... (LP)
6/19 - Dolour - The Royal We (LP)
6/19 - The Microdance - Our Love Noire (LP)
6/19 - Lady Couch - "Foolish and Blue" (single)
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)
7/03 - Matthew Frederick - "Laura Jones" (single)
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) 7/24 - The Wild Blue - Anonymous Future (EP) 7/31 - The Jason Daniels Band - Downloads from the Universe (LP)
8/07 - The Furious Seasons - La Fonda (LP)
8/07 - Jason Molina - Eight Gates (LP)
8/28 - The Northern Belle - We Wither, We Bloom (LP)
10/16 - Malin Pettersen - Wildhorse (LP)
Recent:
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)
5/01 - Miss Rayon - "Small Life" (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 - The Attic Movement - "Truth Be Told" (single)
5/08 - Secret Bad Boy - "It Was Always Too Late" (single)
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)
5/13 - Dru Flecha - "Cama" (single)
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)
I just want to say that I hope you are all doing as well as you can be. I know many of us are far from okay. Some of us are struggling while simultaneously feeling guilty for struggling as we recognize that there are many who have it far worse than we do. I just want to say all of that okay.
If you missed it Friday, below you can check out the current Featured Friday Playlist and below you can check out today's Music City Monday Shuffle...
*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.
Week 4 of the E2TG Residency is happening Wednesday night October 16 - with Josh Gray and Meghan Hayes providing the musical entertainment. Gray and Hayes each released wonderful new albums in 2019. Josh Gray's Songs of the Highway covers his move to Nashville in the context of these complex times in which we live. Meghan Hayes' Seen Enough Leavers deals with heartbreak and loss in wonderfully artistic and healing way. They will both be backed by full bands with come hot local players. Don't miss it!
Now, it is time for another Music City Monday shuffle!
*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.
October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb Well, it's Americana Music Association Festival and Conference week in Nashville. I like to say that AMA week is like any other week in Nashville but on steroids. Or maybe, I need to be on steroids to make it through the week. But seriously, one fun thing is seeing friends from all over the world. The festival has grown just in the last few years - adding tons of venues and official/unofficial events to the mix. Americana represents part of what we play here on E2TG. The thing about Americana is that it is not really a genre. Practically speaking, Americana is whatever the Americana Music Association says it is. But, seriously, it is music of various genres which draws influence/inspiration from American roots based music (country, folk, blues, bluegrass etc.). Anyway, there are several wonderful events that I want to catch and some great artists making rare Nashville appearances. Meanwhile, it is Monday, and I am thrilled to bring back Music City Monday - after a few weeks off .It is my (usually) weekly celebration of the music of Music City - from those who lived or have lived here. We put it all together in a huge, ever growing playlist, hit shuffle, and let nature take its course.
It is time for another Music City Monday! What I love about this particular weekly shuffle is that it serves as a reminder of just how much awesome music has and does emanate from Nashville. It is always a cool combination of friends and legends (and legends who have become friends and friends who are becoming legends).
Another reminder of how cool Nashville is: The WXNA Spring Pledge Drive just finished up, and we thanks to the generous support of the community, we will continue to bring great radio to Nashville.
Another reminder: I took my daughter to Dee's yesterday, we caught the end of Jon Worthy and the Bends playing a very early show (Adelai loves loud rock and roll!) and then we stuck around for a good portion of the Sunday Brunch hosted by Megan Palmer - with Bob Lewis, Jason Quicksall, Annie McCue, Jon Latham, and more.
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)
Last night, I made it out to Madison Guild Monday for the first time in a while. Such a fun event - always hosted by a songwriter - last night it was Nick Nace. I was late and missed Sean Quinn and some others, but I did get to see Chris Moyse, J.R. Wyatt, Nick Nace, and Jon Latham. Plus, I got a chance to hang with some wonderful people. It was Kristen Englenz's birthday, and I figured out it was my half birthday.
Well, yesterday was Music City Monday, but as we head into Trending Tuesday, we have a very heavily Music City-centric shuffle. Let's just get to it!
While I am still smiling, thinking out last week's kick off to the E2TG 7 Year Anniversary Residency, it is time to shift our attention to this week's show. And what a show!
Once again, I going to recommend you get there early - things will kick off around 6:15-6:20 or so with a solo set from an absolute favorite songwriter of mine - Ben de la Cour. His latest album is The High Cost of Living Strange, and if don't have it - well, you need to fix that situation right away. Ben is about to start a big tour of Canada, but he agreed to do Thursday show before leaving.
Whenever people ask me why I keep doing E2TG after seven years, my answer inevitably is about the incredible music I've heard that I might have missed if I didn't do this blog and the amazing people I have met and gotten to know. The End Men are the prototypical example of both of those things. When I first heard their music toward the end of 2011 (the year E2TG started), I was completely blown away. That their is music out there as good as what they were doing that I had not heard, is my motivation to keep my ears to the ground. Over the years, as I have gotten to know Matthew Hendershot and Livia Ranalli, they have become two of my favorite people. Badass musicians and all-around great people. The End Men are based in Brooklyn. I've seen them twice here in Nashville, but it has been a few years, and I am so excited to show them off to some of my favorite Nashville friends.
Rounding out the music will be Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus. If you have never heard psychedelic blues music, you need to witness their set. If you have seen psychedelic blues but have never seen Ted and his amazing band, you are only partially prepared for what you are going to see and hear. If you have seen Ted perform, but not seen his latest incarnation of his band, you are still in for surprises and delights. I have grateful to be able to help Ted celebrate a milestone birthday yesterday, and the celebration will continue Thursday!
All this, and I will reading a short passage from my novel, The Drift. I will have copies for sale, and I will try to do a better job of being near the merch table (this is new to me).
It all goes down - at The 5 Spot on Forrest Avenue in East Nashville at 6:00pm. A low, low $5.00 cover.
Meanwhile, we still have the normal course of E2TG business.... it is Monday - the day when we explore some of the best of what Music City (Nashville, Tennessee) has to offer (past and present - including music by current and former Nashville residents that may or may not have been made here in Nashville).
I am someone who, despite my strongly held political opinions, believes in the value of those who hold differing opinions. What we have lost in recent years is the concept of the loyal opposition. Still, I am not arrogant enough to believe that my opinions are 100% right, 100% of the time, or that those who have different opinions are 100% wrong, 100% of the time.
That being said, I am 100% sickened by the supposed adults personally, viciously, and childishly attacking the teenage survivors of a horrific school shooting. I am 100% disgusted (though not surprised) by the same people who refuse to bake a cake or issue a marriage license to two people who are in love just because they are the same gender, but who have no problem supporting a "president" who has done the things it is clear that the "president" has done.
I strongly believe we, as a nation, need to find our way back to a place where differences can be debated and compromises can be made, but I am increasingly unsure how we can get to such a place.
So, for now, I hope we can get rid of the clear and present danger in front of us (sooner rather than later) and undo the damage that has been done, and that in taking these steps we can find a path to what now seems an impossible destination.
The March for Our Lives across the country and around the world was inspiring. The vileness of some of those who criticized this movement was depressing.
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As usual, when life/the world/whatever gets me down, I turn to music to lift me up. It is Monday, so, I dig into the Music City Monday Spotify playlist to get a sample of just some of the incredible music that has come and is coming from this awesome, frustrating, wonderful city.
Well, we've reached the end of another work week and another week of shuffles. I haven't had a normal five day work week in almost a month, and I am going to be taking some time off at the end of January, first part of February - more on that later....
I've been thinking about E2TG quite a bit. It has been a part of my life for going on seven years. In the beginning, I stated a philosophy and even though much has changed in those seven years, I still try to stick as close to that philosophy. I recognized early one that I could never "compete" with some of major music sites in terms of covering all the "hot" or "hip" or whatever music. So, I set my sights on featuring music you may not be reading about in those brand x blogs. What that has meant has changed somewhat but not entirely. In recent months, I have had the opportunity to feature some artists that would have never thought possible before.
What thrills me more than anything is the diversity of music that I am able to feature and write about. For me, that is more than a philosophy or modus operandi, it is an imperative. Since I first got interested in music, I have had an almost insatiable appetite for more and different music - always aware of the sometimes obscure thread that runs through it all.
With that being said (whatever it was I said), I have a wonderful and diverse set of songs that came up randomly in my shuffle of my new music playlist. Yesterday - there were only six songs in the shuffle - today, we have twelve.
