Tune in tomorrow morning at 6am on WXNA wxnafm.org or 101.5FM in Nashville to hear a special edition of Greetings from Nashville - as we celebrate Nashville legend Mac Gayden and his work as a songwriter, producer, band member, session musician, and solo artist.
A long daily shuffle follows - after the jump below.
Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 4) (songs 17-19):
17. "Shelter" by Joakim Daal
Up first today, we have the debut single by this Finnish-American singer-songwriter based in Helsinki.
18. "Big Shot" by The Roomsounds
Next up, we have a track from Good Company (due out Friday) the new album by this Dallas based band.
19. "Cocoon" by Annie Booth
And we close this brief segment of music with the lead single from the forthcoming second album Lazybody (due out Novemeber 19) by this Scottish singer-songwriter.
We are approaching the official (and symbolic) end of summer with some cooler temperatures here in Nashville.
Let's go with some September 1 music!
Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 4 - the penultimate post) (songs 21-24):
21. "Until the Summer Ends" by I Am Boleyn
First up today, we have the new single from a synth-pop artist who divides time between London and Stockholm. I Am Boleyn grew up in St. Petersburg, Russia, went to Oxford to study history, and has been writing songs since she was young.
22. "Don't Follow Where They Lead" by Ed Ryan
Formerly of the 1970s power pop band The Rudies, Ed Ryan just released his 4th album on the Kool Kat Musik label, and we have the title track.
23. "Nite Vibes" by Joey Joseph
Cincinnati based Joey Joseph (Pomegranates) just released his sixth album in five years, and we have the title track. A cool, glam/disco vibe here. Cool stuff.
24. "Never Go Home" by Payton Howie
And, we close this segment of the playlist with the new single from country singer Payton Howie. An ode to summer fun.
We wrap up this two week-long Featured Friday Playlist recap... I always like to end each playlist on an interesting note... So Part 8 (songs 28-29):
28. "Biba Love" by Electrobuddha
First up, we have a fantastic recently single from this Scottish band with Psych disco tendencies and a sound that combines seemingly incongruous influences that shouldn't work but does.
29. "Rock 'n' Roll Kills" by Razorbats
And we end with some straight ahead rock and roll from Norway - from the album Mainline Rock 'N' Roll. A wonderful sense of melody and a great way to close out this Featured Friday Playlist.
Well, I am officially off-kilter from all of the madness. I feel good that it took me this long... that's a joke... I've been off-kilter for a long, long time- but this morning, I forget to reset my weekly alarm for my radio show and thus missed the show - that is the first time that had happened. I am usually almost obsessive about checking and rechecking my alarm - but I am physically and emotionally exhausted this week. I am going to just accept that I needed the sleep and forgive myself for messing that up.
In any event, it is Thursday and we still don't have an official winner in the Presidential election. As I said yesterday, regardless, we have work to do as a nation, but I am not at all certain we are eager or even willing to do that work. It seems much easier to point fingers and place blame.
I do have to also acknowledge something I read - it is unfair and unkind to call for unity without also acknowledging the on-going inequality. I think - all of us need to take deep look inside. On a brighter note, it was good to see the gains at the state and local level for people of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. Change has to start in our local communities and neighborhoods - and I mean real change - where we listen to our neighbors and respond with kindness - even if it is a tough love version of kindness.
Social media can be a tool for organizing for that change, but I do not think it can be the forum. I believe this for several reason - the presence of agitators (or trolls if you will) who sow the seeds of acrimony and sabotage efforts at civil discourse, the ease in which hastily written words can by misconstrued - I have seen people who are on the same side of an issue argue in comments section because one misconstrued a comment by another or missed sarcasm or irony. And listen, I am a big fan of sarcasm, but I think one should be cautious using it in a public setting. We live in a strange time - where what is to me an absurd notion - is to someone else a viable theory.
Enough - we have music!
Today - we wrap up our recap of this week's Playlist and can I point out again how good this week's list turned out - just take a look at the amazing songs that show up today to close out the list... Songs 25-29
25. "Dark Room" by Evan Isaac
We start things off with a new single from Pittsburgh based singer-songwriter Evan Isaac - from his forthcoming album Dogwood Dignitaries Listen to the Baby. Really cool sound. I look forward to hearing more.
26. "Choices We Make" by Richard X. Heyman
Next up, we have the brand new single from power pop icon Richard X. Heyman - of The Doughboys. Heyman's solo career began in the late 80s. This is a fantastic song.
27. "Quite Alright" by Wheeler Del Torro (feat. Sidney Washington)
Next up, a powerful song featuring producer, musician, and DJ Wheeler Del Torro and singer Sidney Washington. This is the original track from a collection of remixes by Doug Gomez and Paul Adams. A wonderful addition to the Playlist.
28. "I Walked Away" by Strays Don't Sleep
Strays Don't Sleep are up next with their second release the EP A Short Film for a Long Story. The EP comes 15 years after the first album by the ambient folk band based in Nashville and featuring Matthew Ryan and Neilson Hubbard. Damn this is a great song.
29. "Hammer Hall" by The Wake
Columbus, Ohio based The Wake are back with their first album in 25 years -Perfumes and Fripperies. If I had heard this prior to reading the press release, I might have been convinced I was hearing a great lost bit of 80s goth awesomeness. It is vintage sounding in all the right ways. And a great way to close out another fantastic Featured Friday Playlist.
Tomorrow - we are back with another brand new Featured Friday Playlist. By the way, thanks to everyone who is Following the playlist on Spotify. If you aren't, please consider it, thanks.
Today - our recap of the Playlist continues with songs 17-20...
17. "I'm Okay" by Melting Mallows
Up first, we have the new single from Belgian band Melting Mallows. The band is a 100% DIY band. There music catchy pop/rock. I dig it.
18. "Doorway" by Lefthnd
Next up, we have the lead track from ad mausoleum - the debut album from Richmond, Virginia producer and songwriter Scott Lane who goes by the name Lefthnd. The album features several members of the Richmond music community including members of Butcher Brown - the band perform the new theme song for ESPN's Monday Night Football. Digging this album.
19. "Mode for Titan" by Josh Werner
Next up, we have another debut album - this from bass player Josh Werner - whose impressive credits include work with Lee "Scratch" Perry, Ghostface Killer, Sly and Robbie, and Wu Tang Clan among others. The album was co-produced by Bill Laswell amd released on his M.O.D. Reloaded label. Cool, free jazz, and a wonderful addition to the playlist.
20. "Better Days" by Rick Hromadka
We close out this shuffle with the title and lead track from the new album from singer-songwriter Rick Hromadka of the band Maple Mars. This has a great psychedelic pop sound that I really dig.
Tomorrow - we wrap up our recap with songs 21-24...
I am a bit short on time, but here goes. For the last several years, The 5 Spot in East Nashville has been my home away from home. It is simply put, my "Cheers" where everybody knows my name and they are always glad I came... or whatever. The best people, the best music. It is my place, and I am not alone in feeling that,
Back in March, before the mandatory shutdowns and before PPP, The 5 Spot voluntarily decided that to close was in the best interest of their patrons and employees. It was, I am sure, not an easy decision. I contrast this to the venues who are suing the city for being ordered to close and who have operated contrary to current regulations with no regard for the safety of their customers and employees.
Recently, The 5 Spot has unveiled a (in my opinion) top-notched live streaming system. Tim Carroll's Rock n Roll Happy Hour was one of the first. Last week, they added a liquid light show to the mix. Derek Hoke played a Tuesday set with band - a much needed balm - as I have missed $2 Tuesday so much.
Afton Wolfe also had his release show virtually from The 5 Spot.
To me, the work The 5 Spot has done shows their commitment to the music and to finding a way forward into this uncertain future. Kudos to Todd Sherwood and everyone at The 5 Spot.
Our review of the Featured Friday Playlist continues now with songs 11-15
11. "Summer Road" by Mighty Brother
From the recently released double album The Rabbit. The Owl. Mighty Brother are a indie rock band from New Orleans. This songs has an Avett Brothers feel to it, but the band's music covers a lot of ground. I really like this song.
12. "Iztac" by Joseph C. Krause
Not to be confused with our old friend, Joseph R. Krauss,Joseph C. Krause is a collaborative media artist from Detroit. This is the title track from his latest EP, and it is about a dreaming snow leopard from the Mexico City Zoo. The EP is filled with electronic music, sound design, and poetry. It is whimsical and fun. Joseph C. Krause is legally blind and gay, and I am a brand new and very big fan.
13. "The Fever" by Slump Test
Another track from the self-titled debut album album by Nashville punks Slump Test. Ryan Dishen handles the lead vocals on this track. While there has been plenty to be bummed about these last several months, I am sad that we have missed the last three (soon to be four) Decline of Southern Civilization shows. I am very glad, though, that I caught the March show - which ended up being the last in-person The 5 Spot show before the shutdown.
14. "Wander Feeler" by Easy Love
I love this song so much! Easy Love is the solo project of Summer Twins drummer Justine Brown. This is the title track to her new album which was recorded in one week in January 2019.
15. "Master of Flow" by Glife
And why not do a sonic 180, and close this segment of music with a veteran hip hop artist from Salt Lake City. I don't know enough about hip hop to vouch for the song title, but this track does seem to flow extremely well.
I think we covered sufficient musical ground today. Tomorrow Songs 16-20
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)
Last Wednesday, I started this posted, and then some things came up in my life which kept me away for over a week and half. I am going to offer this shuffle without commentary so I can move forward.
More to come.
Featured Friday Playlist
Wednesday Morning Shuiffle
"You Look Like Rain" by Morphine (from The Best of Mountain Stage - Vol. 7)
"27 Club" by Robert Gay and the Alarms (from How to Make a Memory)
"Welcome Anunnaki" by De Surfures (from De Surfures)
"People Like Us" by Brandy Zdan (from Brandy Zdan)
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)
Last Week
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)
4/24 - 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)
Next Week:
5/08 - Brian Wright and the Sneak-Ups - Lapse of Luxury
5/08 - Watch Clark - Backscatter Effect (EP)
Upcoming:
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)
5/20 - 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)
5/29 - Mick Hayes - My Claim to FAME (LP)
5/31 - Debra Power - That's How I Roll (LP)
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)
6/12 - Sammy Brue - Crash Test Kid (LP)
6/12 - Andrea & Mud - Bad News Darlin' (LP)
6/19 - Darlin' Brando - Also Too... (LP)
6/19 - Dolour - The Royal We (LP)
6/26 - The Special Pillow - World's Finest (EP)
6/26 - Dedicated Men of Zion - Can't Turn Me Around (LP)
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)
7/10 - Hurricane Ruth - Good Life (LP)
7/17 - The Bobby Lees - new album (LP)
7/24 - Tawny Ellis - Love Life (LP)
8/28 - The Northern Belle - We Wither, We Bloom (LP)
Recent:
3/18 - Marco Bonvicini - Colors (EP)
3/19 - Victor DeLorenzo - Tranceaphone (EP)
3/20 - Matt Wilson and His Orchestra - When I Was a Writer (LP) 3/20 - Chris Moyse - Bitter Ballads and Cynical Prayers (LP)
3/20 - Samuel Boller - Kingdom of the Sun (LP) 3/20 - The Blam Blams - "Isabella" (single) 3/20 - Jon Hassell - Vernal Equinox (reissue) (LP)
3/20 - Kid Be Kid - Lovely Genders (EP)
3/20 - Toni Sauna - Dead Flour (single)
3/20 - Ender Bender - "Star Killer" (single)
3/20 - Strange Majik - 20/20 (LP)
3/20 - I YA TOYAH - Code Blue: Reloaded (LP)
3/23 - Sofia Talvik - "Meanwhile in Winnsboro" (single)
3/23 - Horace Green - Live from the Algoma Club (EP)
3/24 - Mighty Brother - "Naked Winter" (single)
3/24 - Eye Said So - "Blue Sunday" (single)
3/27 - Mayflower Madame - Prepared for a Nightmare (LP)
3/27 - The 81s - 2 Things and 118 Others (LP)
3/27 - Mayflower Madame - "Swallow" (single)
3/27 - Alienbaby Collective - F I S H B O W L / T E R R E S T R I A L (Double EP) 3/27 - Mairena - "Weird All the Time" (single) 3/27 - Lucille - Come on,Fly (LP)
3/27 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "Money" (single)
3/27 - Ben Reel - The Nashville Calling (LP)
3/27 - 100 Mile House - Love and Leave You (LP)
3/27 - Watermelon Slim - Traveling Man (Double Live LP)
3/27 - Lilly Hiatt - Walking Proof (LP)
3/27 - Porcelain Pink - "Sideways" (single)
3/27 - The Ocelots - Started to Wonder (LP)
3/27 - Harry Stafford - Gothic Urban Blues (LP)
4/01 - HMS Morris - "Poetry" (single)
4/02 - I Am A Rocketship - "My Nature" (single)
4/02 - Steve Forbert - "Rand" (Pandemic song) (single)
4/03 - Chip and the Charge Ups - Lightning in Our Veins (LP)
4/03 - Surrija - Surrija (LP)
4/03 - Stumbleine - Sink Into the Ether (LP)
4/03 - Neutrals - Rent Your House (EP)
4/03 - Clwb Fuzz - "No Heaven" (single)
4/03 - Weeks Island - Droste (EP)
4/03 - The Mystery Plan - Zsa Zsa (LP)
4/03 - Tiny Fighter - Going Home (LP)
4/03 - Hallows - Subtle (EP)
4/03 - Ferdous - "Counting Stars" (single)
4/03 - Stick Crickets - "Eternal Suck" (single)
4/03 - Borrowed Chords - "Let Me Go" (single)
4/08 - Zilverbacks - The Dark Horse; At A Time When Time Was Irrelevant (LP)
4/06 - Sean Alan - "The Day That Brought the Whole World to Its Knees (single)
4/08 - ex-mothers - arrhythmia (EP)
4/09 - Ellison - "Sing" (single)
4/10 - Eliza Gilkyson - 2020 (LP) 4/10 - Dan Montgomery - Smoke and Mirrors (a phonographic memory) (LP) 4/10 - Pokey LaFarge - Rock Bottom Rhapsody (LP)
4/10 - The Dream Syndicate - The Universal Inside (LP)
