E2TG 9/30/2020 - September's Over - Intensive Care Mix (Dust Remix)

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Today, our recap takes us from song 15-18 of the Playlist.  We will finish up our recap tomorrow with songs 19-21

15. "Malibu '79 Long" by Cayucas

Santa Monica based band Cayucas just released Blue Summer - their fourth album. They call it their Smile Sessions.  And on this fantastic track, you can practically smell the sunscreen and salt air. 

16. "Wildebeest" by The Roogs

Next up, we have a track from the self-titled debut album by Los Angeles based The Roogs.  Courtney Davis and Steve Gerdes represent one half of the seminal goth/tribal/industrial band Fourwaycross who were active from 1984 to 1991 and again from 2015-2018.  I am digging this.  And to Facebook on my phone, no am I not trying to search for The Roots. 

17. "Astronomica" by of1000faces

Next up, we have the title track from the new album (the first in a trilogy) by Chicago based artist of1000faces - which is the project of Matt Walker - best known for his drum work with Morrissey, Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, and Filter. Cool stuff. 

18. "Butterfly" by KnightressM1

And we close out this penultimate section of the playlist with our second listen to this San Francisco based power rock trio - led by violinist, pianist, vocalist and composer Emily Palen - joined by drummer Rob Ahlers (Kristin Hersh, 50Footwave) and bassist Uriah Duffy (Whitesnake). Their new album Dreams and Devastation is out now.

         

    Featured Friday Playlist

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Primitiv Mix

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The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed nine - January - September 2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

JUST ADDED!  August and September 2018 Playlists!

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (NEW!)
E2TG September 2018  (NEW!)
E2TG October 2018  (Coming Soon!)

WXNA thanks you  — our generous listeners — for helping us not only meet but exceed our fundraising goal for our fall pledge drive. Your support will help make sure this station continues to grow and thrive. We are so grateful that you are the people in people-powered radio.


Day 2 of my 3 day work week....   I went out last night for Madison Guild Monday at Dee's.  Mark Robinson, Grace Adele, Davis Raines, Megan Palmer with Bob Lewis, Conrad y Skordalia, and Maynard and the Musties all played excellent sets. Lots of cool folks in attendance. All in all a fun night.

It's Tuesday - so let's see what is trending at E2TG this fine mid-November day...

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Wriggle and Bounce Mix

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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)

The world is sometimes (and lately more often than not) a maddening, depressing, frustrating, painful, troublesome, messed-up ball of confusion. But, today is my daughters' birthdays and they are a light in this sometimes dark world.  And music makes me happy or makes me think or makes me cry or makes me move or sometimes all of those at once. 

Let's get right into our shuffle. It is Thursday, so we are going to find out what the shuffle function says is "trending" around here:

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Are You Having Fun Boys and Girls? Mix

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Reminder the Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown III kicks off tonight with a pre-party at Dee's.  Details and feature on Taylor Kropp (plus links to the first four parts of my preview and features on other artists can be found HERE.

Among the artists performing tonight at Dee's is Allen Thompson.  I went out (for the first time in over a week) last night for the last night of Allen's residency at The 5 Spot.  Maxwell Putnam opened -and as usual he was awesome.  Allen played with a ten piece band that he dubbed Lady Couch.  The band included Jack Silverman, Clint Maine, and Lilly Winwood, and the Nashville Horns. They played a loose, fun set of originals and choice covers. Pretty awesome for an early show (it would have been awesome regardless of the time).

Now, it is FRIDAY!  We have a very mixed bag of music to "Feature".  So sit back, as we take the week out in style.

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Heart Grow Fonder Mix

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I had a good time last night representing WXNA at the BriteHeart Birthday Bash last night.  

BriteHeart’s mission is to engage, connect and empower citizens for positive change through voting and civic participation. BriteHeart connects individuals with organizations and organizations with resources.

#GetCivic

They had some great musical guests including Bill Eberle - whose new album is in our rotation.

The event was held in the East Nashville space of Helping Our Music Evolve - H.O.M.E..

This is a great new organization:

"HOME is a nonprofit community of music creators and music lovers. We’re here to help you with all things music-related. Whether you are a musician, producer, or music-biz professional, we have the space, resources, and networking opportunities you need to build your team and grow your career."

I also want to give a shout out to another organization that was represented at the event last night. Girls Write Nashville empowers youth in Nashville through mentorship, songwriting, production, and artistic community.  The organization was founded by Georgia English and Jen Starsinic.  I got to listen to some of the music - the music was impressive - made more so by reading that the youth making the music are in sixth and seventh grade.

Well - this difficult week is finally winding down... we have time for one final shuffle of the week.  This one features some of the fine, fine music that has come our way in recent weeks and months.

Dig!

Mondo Monday Morning Shuffle - Leaned in Close Mix

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I guess this is what they call the home stretch.... As we head into the final week of the Earie Awards for 2017 (as well as the final week of shuffles for 2017), I find myself reflecting on the year that is winding down.  On many, many levels, it was a difficult year, but I remain bolstered by the incredibly wonderful people I have come to know and the incredible variety of amazing music that has come to my attention just because I started writing this blog.

The highs of this year were high and the lows were low, and I prepare to enter 2018 with much uncertainty as to what it will bring. I have been pondering some tweaks to E2TG for the coming year - something I have done periodically over the six and half years of this site. I'm not sure what those will be. Certainly there are things that don't work like they used to  (like my inability to embed my video playlists). I guess, I'll just say - stay tuned.

Let's jump right into the shuffle and the Earies for Monday December 18, 2017....

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Air and Water Mix

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Here's the WXNA Rocktoberfest is this Saturday October 28.  The fun starts at 10:15 and continues until about 4:30.  There will be WXNA DJs, Rock n Roll face painting, a food truck, beer, activities for kids, a costume contest, and LIVE music:

Queeens of Noise, Allen Thompson, Western Medication, Kyshona Armstrong, Ornament, and a closing set put together by Paul Burch - a Chuck Berry tribute featuring the amazing Kevin Gordon and Garry Tallent (E Street Band) and more. 

I will be on the air from 11-1pm and then I'll be around the rest of the afternoon. 

Rain or Shine - but hoping for shine.  $5.00 Suggested donation to benefit WXNA!


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Last night a distinctly Nashville show - Amelia White, Sally Jaye, and Megan Palmer in a collaborative round backed by the awesome Sergio Webb.   A fun hang with lots of friendly faces.

Back to the "New Music" shuffle...  Let's do it!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Friday Toast in a German Kitchen Mix

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I've said this before... but it comes back time and again.... the reason E2TG has endured for almost six and a half years is because I post just about every day, and I post even when I really don't feel much like posting.  I think it is my nation to constantly think about the what, why, and hows of whatever it is I am doing.  E2TG has definitely evolved over the years - although the basic premise is still the same. "Hey I heard some cool tunes on my way to work, let me tell you about them." 

I do think about what I can do to reach more people - not for my ego (okay - a little for my ego) but mostly to help spread the word about some of the lesser known music that I love. Over the years, I have seen people I wrote about begin to reach a larger audience and get more wide-spread recognition. When that happens, I am proud - not that I feel in any responsible for the success. I have always viewed the artists and bands I write about as a "family" of sorts. These are my people, and over the years there have been triumphs and stumbles, celebrations and mourning. Things have also grown which means my "family" is so large that I lose touch with people sometimes, but I always love hearing about what is up - even if it's not music related. I see people I have written about excelling in all areas of life, and I, too, people struggling. Just as I have excelled and struggled at times.

I am generally a pretty upbeat guy, but I do get down sometimes too.... and I have bouts of self-pity sometimes. 

My point is that I love what I do and I really have no desire to stop. It heartens me when people appreciate what I do and lets me know. It seems kind of petty to expect that, and I try to avoid expectations, but it is appreciated when it happens. And, E2TG has taken me places I could not even have imagined. So, even on days when I don't feel it as much as I would like, I keep on... and man oh man, the cool music I get to listen to really helps a ton!

It's Tuesday - let's see what is "trending"

Musique qui est nouveau Monday Morning Shuffle - It Takes a Pillage Mix

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Well... we finally got some cooler weather here in Nashville.

The world continues to be a pretty screwed up place, and I struggle to find the line between staying aware of all that is going on and maintaining my sanity.

This Saturday night, two E2TG Artists of the Year appeared on the Grand Ole Opry stage (backing up Elizabeth Cook) - Jon Latham (2015) and Brian Wright (2016).  I say this just because I am really proud of those guys - not just for this but for all that they are doing.

Disheartened to see all the "Me, too" posts on Facebook from friends and people I admire. I have always believed in the basic goodness of people... and counted bad behavior as an aberration. Sometimes, I begin to doubt that.  This is one of those cases... I have a many female friends involved in  entertainment and sexual harassment and worse seems to be an almost universal experience. And it's not just the entertainment industry.  I wonder sometimes what percentage of men have done this, and what percentage have witnessed it and not spoken up. Am I in that latter group... sadly I know I am. This has to change. We need to talk about this and we need to denormalize (is that a word?) this behavior. I'll admit, I still have questions about what things I need to do or stop doing.  I need to admit that I have those questions and start conversations to get the answers.


In other news, if you wish me Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays or Season Greetings... heck if you say anything to me out of kindness, I am okay with that and I appreciate it.  If you say you are praying for me or sending good thoughts or sending positive energy or anything meant to offer support, I am okay with that and I appreciate it. I think the "War on Christmas" is a lie perpetuated by the far right to divide people.  That's my feeling.  Throughout this "holiday season" try to treat people with kindness, try to think of those who are alone and lonely this time of year in particular, try to give more than you receive.  Do that (or at least try) and you are okay in my back not what if or what you celebrate. 

Ug.... a lot on my mind, and I didn't really intend to write any of that, but it's what came out....

The "New Music" playlist is just under 400 songs, but I have more ready to be added.  Let's shuffle:

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Kingfishers and Snipes Mix

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Taking a short break from discussing the current insanity from the current resident(s) of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue... to take on maybe an even more controversial topic....

Americana.  As you may know by now, here at E2TG, I don't care much about genres or classifications of music. But, I do recognize that for some artists who are finding their place in a still relatively new landscape of the music business, it can make a difference in trying to find the right representation or the right people to approach or whatever...

While similar issues may come up about rock or country or pop or whatever, I think that Americana is it's own "beast".  According to the Americana Music Association, Americana is not a genre. In fact, it can encompass several different genres like country, folk, blues, even bluegrass, soul, rock...

Still, some "Americana" radio stations treat it like a genre - telling artists they are "too (fill in the blank) to be Americana."  Sue and I did our AMA themed show last year called it, "It's Americana is we say it is".  It was tongue-in-cheek.  Look, the Americana Fest each September is a blast (basically Nashville's live music scene on steroids - with lots of industry parties and showcases and the like). From an outsiders perspective, the decision on what is or isn't Americana can seem pretty arbitrary. An artist may be "too blues" for Americana - but a more established (and arguably) blues artist can be honored by the association.  This is not to mention the pop bands who had a fiddle or other "roots" instrument to their lineup and are suddenly "Americana" (especially if they achieve some level of success or notoriety).  But, I am not cynical about it all... (maybe because I am not a musician  trying to find my place).  There is a ton of great music being made and put out into the world.  I'm gonna try to hear as much of it as I can, and I am going to not worry about things that really don't matter to me.  To my artist friends, keep being you, keep doing your thing. If you are accepted as "Americana", wonderful. If not, keep on moving and let it go.  

So ends my (likely) simplistic take on what is a big deal for some artists...

Today is Tuesday when we jump back into the "new music" playlist and see what's hot on E2TG.  I will leave it up to you to decide (or not) which, if any, of these are "Americana".  To me it's all great music.

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.

Manic Monday Music Shuffle - Dadaism Mix

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Welcome to Monday, the beginning of the last week of the month of June - which means it is the beginning of the last week of the first half of the year.

Program alert: I will be traveling a bit this week - so there is a good chance that there will be no posts on a couple of days this week - which makes our quest to feature as many of our "new music" playlist songs as we can while we can.

Let's get to it!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Unintentionally Wild Mix

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When it comes to the current political climate, the one thing we can all agree on is ______.  Is there anything that goes in that blank? Anything at all?  that Trump goes to his Florida resort very often? No? We can't agree on that?  That he plays golf much more than Obama did?  No?  That the possibility of Russian involvement in our elections is troubling? No? Really?  I don't know... surely something goes in that blank?
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Had a good time at Dee's last night.  A collective of artists known as the Backyard Bitches performed - all amazing songwriters and singers.  Sally Jaye, Amy Speace, Amelia White, Rose Pullman, Megan Palmer, Wild Ponies, and more.  As always, Dee's is a great hang.

One of my favorite albums of last year was Gabrielle Louise's If the Static Clears... Nashville - you have two opportunities tonight to see her perform.  She will be down at The Basement for New Faces Night, and then over at The 5 Spot for $2 Tuesday.  I highly recommend you check her out.


Plans are coming together for tomorrow night's Week 2 of the E2TG Residency.  As I posted yesterday, Jon Latham is going to be unable to perform due to some serious health issues. We will miss him and are sending all good thoughts his way.  We want to make sure this is a show that would meet with his approval.  I think we have that covered.  A fellow E2TG Artist of the Year - Darrin Bradbury will be filling in - and we have some more guests.  Kristen Englenz and Nick Nace - who Jon selected to open will play first, and then we will continue with more great music.

Okay - so it is Tuesday, and that means Trending Tuesday.  Well, about three songs into the shuffle - I realized that some of the songs were not actually from my "New Music" playlist (turns out I was shuffling from all Songs somehow).  I made the adjustment, but we have a couple of wildcard selections in the shuffle.  Not complaining.. just explaining....

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Apathy and Sentiment Mix

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Whew! I am kind of exhausted, and I am behind on about everything, but I am mostly having the time of my life.  So, excited for the May Residency at The 5 Spot which kicks off Wednesday May 3 with The Mark Robinson Band!  This is going to be a great month of music, and I know I will have a blast, and I think you will too.  If you are reading this, and you are in or will be in Nashville on any given Wednesday in May, I hope you will come on out and say hey.

It's our final shuffle of April - where did the time go!

It's Feature Friday time....

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Squish Mix

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Today, I am thinking about something I wrote way back when this current administration was brand new. As time goes by, and things seemingly get worse and not better, it has come to my mind again.  The tendency to dismiss or distance once self from acquaintances or friends or even family members who support this current administration is understandable. And, I have not criticism or disagreement with anyone's decision in this regard, however, regardless of how we choose to handle individual and specific relationships, the fact is that as a nation - we must find someway to understand the thinking of those die-hard supporters. And it is a complex thing.. which I cannot even begin to address here. But, address this - we must. As important as it is to stand up for what I believe and to stand up for people who are genuinely and correctly frightened by current events - and all of that IS important. I think it is necessary to attempt to see what led some people to a different world view.
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Well last night, I unveiled the featured artist for the second week of the E2TG 6th Anniversary - May Residency at The 5 Spot. It is 2015 Artist of the Year, Jon Latham who will be rocking the house with a full band set. If you haven't seen Jon and his band, get ready. It will be loud and it will be awesome!

If you are in Atlanta tonight, Nashville's own Benchmarks will be playing at Vinyl with long time E2TG favorite Killing Kuddles.


It is Tuesday, and here at E2TG that means we dig into our "New Music" playlist and find out what is "Trending"