E2TG 9/1/2020 - There is No Try - Seis Ausente Mix (Crammed & Jammed Remix)

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There is so much heaviness in the world today, and so much rancor. People are angry - I think some is justified and some is maybe not, but that is all perspective maybe... But, the discord from comment sections of news articles and social media posts is spilling out into the streets - often with tragic results. I abhor violence - no matter what or who perpetrated the violence - which is not to say that all violence is equal or that sometimes violence may be justified - but I still abhor it. 

But, none of that was my point, my point is that there is so much heaviness - so much at stake in elections and swaying public opinion and trying to contain COVID-19 in the face of mass indifference.. but I digress again....

My point is that there is so much heaviness and any attempt at levity or of reprieve seems at best lazy or at worst - disrespectful of those suffering.  I like joking around at a funeral... but then again, I know that after my father died, we had to have some moments of laughter as part of the healing. So, finding a brief reprieve is not lazy or disrespectful - especially if it helps prepare you for the battle to come. 

Laughter and music are part of my finding a reprieve from the heaviness...

Today, we cover songs 15-19 of this week's Playlist:

15. "Streetlight" by Dan FrieseFirst up today, we have a track from Jane Songs - the first album by this singer-songwriter from Eugene, Oregon. Sounds great. 

16. "Have the Sun Lick Your Mind" by Marble Mammoth
Next up, we have the new single from this Swedish indie/psych band. Digging it,

17. "We Wither, We Bloom" by The Northern Belle
From Sweden, we head to Norway, and the title track to the new album by The Northern Belle. A definite 70s influence here, and I am a big fan already. 

18. "That Wave" by Calm and Concise
Next up we have track by this fascinating multi-genre duo of Brian Montoya (singer-songwriter and producer) and Pragmatic (producer/poet). They vibe here is positive, and I am happy to have this song in this week's playlist. 

 
19. "That Place, That Face, That Moon" by Q&A (Tony Quarrington & Zoey Adams)We close this segment of music with some wonderful jazz/big band. influenced music via the Canadian label Sonic Peach Music - from the duo - backed by top Canadian musicians in a very classy and elegant arrangement. A fine ending to this part of the playlist.

 
    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2/27/2020 - Random Notes - This Bad Mix (Rodeoin' Remix)

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Random Note from Across the Universe:

Today's Greetings from Nashville is streaming at wxnafm.org.  Here is the direct link to the show.

Tomorrow is New Release Friday.  I am very excited that Kristen Englenz's new album Ingenue is being released! 

Also, be on the look out, we will be premiering a new single and video from Brett Ryan Stewart.

As usual, lots of great live music in Nashville tonight. I wish I could do it all.  It is the last night of the Nick Nace Residency at Tennessee Brew Works. The last night of the Anana Kaye and Irakli Gabriel Residency at Bowery Vault, and the first (second?) ever show by Dirt Reynolds (Chris Watts, Ryan Dishen, Jason Paradise, Drew Kohl) at The 5 Spot with Matt Woods and 2018 E2TG Band of the Year The Big Dumb!

    Featured Friday Playlist
It is the last day to check out this current Featured Friday Playlist.  A newly minted list will be up tomorrow!

E2TG 2/11/2020 - New Release Highlights - Random Notes - Cardboard Suitcase Mix (Bullet-Proof Bandanna Remix)

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As I am still struggling to find time to do everything I want to do, I thought I would take some time to highlight some recent and upcoming new releases of interest.  As always, the complete list can be found at the bottom of every daily post (and it is updated constantly).

Some of this music has been added to my phone for inclusion in the daily shuffles, some has been included in the Featured Friday Playlist....

Recent Releases:
2/07 - Chicago Farmer - Flyover Country (LP) 

Sixth full-length album. Recorded with Band of Heathens.  I understand that Darrin Bradbury will be opening some dates for Chicago Farmer.

2/07 - The Flyin' A's - No Holds Barred (LP)

Austin Texas based husband and wife duo release their fourth full-length album featuring an all-star cast of Austin musicians. 

2/07 - Christopher Paul Stelling - Best of Luck (LP)

I caught Stelling at the ANTI- Records showcase at AMA this past fall, but his association with E2TG goes back to 2012 when he was a featured artist for November/December in that year. At that time, he was living in New York City, and I believe he was closely associated with some of the other New York bands we were featuring - like The End Men, The Disappointment, and The Gypsy West. 

 2/07 - Sammy Brue - "Teenage Mayhem" and "Crash Test Kid" (singles)

Some new music from the teen sensation. The full album is due out in June, but he released the title track and another single on Friday.  Sounding great. He first gained attention portraying a young Justin Townes Earle on an album cover and video, but he has flourished on the strength of his songwriting and relentless pursuit of music. 

 This week:

2/14 - Grant Peeples - Bad Wife (LP)

Excited for this release.  I have been a huge fan of Grant Peeples since meeting him at the first Wild Ponies Happy Hour I ever attended back in 2014?.  For his latest album, he has recorded songs by female songwriters (including Telisha Williams of the aforementioned Wild Ponies).

 2/14 - Kalee Smyth - "Bring Our Love Down" (single)

Great to hear new music from Kalee Smyth.  The full album drops in March.  As a member of The Western Shore, she played the first ever "E2TG Presents" show at The Building. For this new album, she has assembled a team with some majorly impressive credits ( including Kasey Musgraves, Usher, The Band Perry, George Jones, Diana Krall, and Hank III)

Later:

5/08 - Brian Wright and the Sneak-Ups - Lapse of Luxury

Super stoked to have a release date for the new Brian Wright album (E2TG Artist of the Year 2016). I got a preview of this music at his residency last year, and I have been so excited for this news ever since. 

In my rush to get things done and do everything and be everywhere, I have had uninvited thoughts fill my brain, so I have to speak to those voices, and I hope maybe someone else who needs to hear this will hear it.  The dilemma/conundrum/catch-22 in which I often find myself is that if I go out to every show I want to (and even then have to miss two or three others), then I don't get much writing done and I start to feel irrelevant.  But, if I stay in more often and miss a bunch of shows to get writing done, then I feel irrelevant because I am not going out.   Today, I just need to say, that nothing I do or don't do, nowhere I go or don't go - none of that makes me irrelevant. I am relevant even if I don't go out and even if I don't write. I write and go out because I love doing those things - not to make myself relevant.

I also need to say, that I should not compare myself to anyone.  I often judge myself harshly for not getting enough done (ignoring the fact that I have two radio shows, a music blog, a full-time job, and more). I give myself hell for resting, for relaxing, for goofing off, for whatever... I should stop that.*

*I have to say, I have improved in all of this greatly in the last few years, but I still need the occasional reminder.

    Featured Friday Playlist

Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Runnin' and Tryin' Mix

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Last night's Music City Roots: On the Road was a total East Nashville experience. Held at The Basement East - with special guest host Derek Hoke, and featuring four of the best artists/bands in on that side of the Cumberland River.

Little Bandit opened the show. Led by Alex Caress, Little Bandit has quickly become one of my favorite bands. I was admittedly late to the party, but I'm happy to be here. Alex's voice and the wit and heart in his songs shines. My friend, Jamie Timm (of Microwave Mountain) joined on guitar and sounded fantastic.

Next up was Elise Davis. This was, I believe, my first time seeing Davis (at least outside of a tribute show), and I was impressed by her songs and her voice. I definitely want to hear more.

Next up was E2TG Artist of Eternity - Darrin Bradbury making his third appearance as a guest (fourth overall appearance - he did an original and hilarious take on the Vietti Chili song his first time there) used the occasion to give MCR listeners/viewers a peek into his loud music past. With an awesome band - Laur Joamets on guitar, Cameron Carrus on bass, and Matty Apples on drums - Bradbury played a solid mix of older and newer songs with an a markedly rock approach. Songs like "Exile on Myrtle Beach" and "New Ownership Blues" were given new arrangements which made me think of Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue era.

Finally, Allen Thompson closed out the night with a very large band  (I think I counted twelve people on stage) including a horn section and backup singers. It was a rollicking set that garnered a standing ovation.

Everyone joined ATB on stage for the jam of the Stones "You Can't Always Get What You Want".

All in all a wonderful night of music. There was decent crowd which I can't help thinking would have been bigger but for the fact that half of East Nashville is in Austin for SXSW.

Tonight, I'm heading to The 5 Spot for Tim Carroll's weekly throw-down and then sticking around for Maxwell Putnam's CD release show for his new album Ode to a Tinhorn with guests Justin and the Cosmics (who we played earlier in the week) and Mark Fredson.

By the way, I don't do a whole lot of cross promotion, but in case any E2TG readers don't know, I co-host a weekly two-hour radio show called Double Shot with Joe and Sue (me being Joe and my dear friend Sue Havlish being Sue) on WXNA - Nashville's Community Radio Station. It's on 101.5FM in Nashville and can be streamed world-wide at wxnafm.org or via the TuneIn app. Double Shot hits at 11am Central Time (currently Daylight Savings Time)  on Saturday.

Well... it is Friday and let's see what we have to feature today!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Life's on that Phone Mix

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In this day and age, I am always happy when things in the news inspire me and give me hope. That is happening today, and just for this moment, I am pleased.

Remembering Stephen Hawking who is now up in the stars.

*********************************************************************************

In case you missed it:  #E2TG premiered a new song by Lottie this morning.  Check out "Pretending" HERE 

Meanwhile, the week reaches its mid-point, and that means it is time for Wild Wednesday Shuffle... reminder, this is where we shuffle all the songs in my phone memory and see what transpires...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Self Confidence Mix

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Well, after talking about all of the consecutive nights I went out to hear live music, it all kind of caught up with me... I started feeling a little not great, so I decided to stay in last night and just rest. But, it did give me time to reflect on the incredible place in time and life and the world where I find myself.  The incredible talented people I interact with on a regular basis - some well-known, some not, but all talented. As a long-time fan of music, I am beyond grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded.

Well, it is Tuesday and time to dig back into the New Music playlist and see what is "Trending" on E2TG....

Rare Saturday Shuffle - Heart of a Saturday Afternoon Mix

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Well, it's been a little while. Thanks for bearing with me during my brief time away. I will be back to regular posting on Thursday, but I thought I would take a few minutes on this Saturday to listen to some songs from my "New Music Playlist".  I shuffled up the playlist while I did some errands, and I ended up with 17 tracks. I will be rather brief, but if you hear or read about something you like - be sure to dig deeper and shoot me a line if you have any questions.

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....

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Drafty Aisles Mix

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This is my last day to post about the WXNA Fall Pledge Drive, but the drive itself continues through Sunday.  So, if you haven't made a donation, you have just a couple more days to get on board.  You can call 615-933-9962 or go to wxnafm.org it's easy as pie. You can make a one-time donation or set up an automatic monthly bank draft. If you give just $6.00 a month (or $72) - or more - you will receive a WXNA coffee mug.  Everyone who donates will receive a limited edition WNXA heart sticker. What are you waiting for?

Well, we made it the end of another week. This is actually the last full week of blog posts in November.  Next week, I will be posting Monday through Wednesday before taking off for Thanksgiving.  The week after that, Friday is the 1st of December!   That means it is almost time for the 3rd Annual Earie Awards.  Wow!

Well, today is Friday so let's see what songs/bands/albums we are featuring....

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Leave the Rest Mix

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Another reminder to donate to WXNA during this week's Fall Pledge Drive!  If you donate at least $72.00 (that's just $6 a month as a recurring payment), you get a spiffy WXNA coffee mug, and more importantly, you get the satisfaction of knowing you helped keep Nashville's Best Radio Station on the air! 

Well, the sun is shining and my mood is much improved. I'm not sure if it's the sun or the fact that I got some things done last night (or both). 

Anyway, it is Tuesday, and we have a shuffle into what is trending at WXNA . Between adding some new music to the playlist and cleaning up some of the previously played songs that never got deleted, the list stands at 415 songs. 

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Bruised Orange Mix

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Kind of a gloomy day in Nashville, and Daylight Savings Time is approaching which means it will get darker earlier. 

The world is pretty dark, too, to be honest, but music is my light, and we have some good stuff today to fight the darkness.

Here's today's shuffle of our "new music" playlist.  "new" as defined by me to fit my intention for this playlist.

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Mad Dog Wine Mix

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Hey all - I got to be quick.  I spent my lunch hour at the Southern Festival of Books - checking out Jon Byrd - so I didn't get to finish this post.

It's Friday - here is what we are featuring today:

Topical Thursday Morning Shuffle - Sanctified Mix

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Well, I managed to keep my phone alive for one last day before the new phone arrives.

It's kind of big deal for E2TG when I change phones.  The blog is based upon the songs and playlists I shuffle on my phone during my morning commute.  Every time, I change phones I wonder how the new music player will work.  And I worry that the new "upgrade" of whatever will decide that everyone streams so why have a way to play your own music.  Or what if it doesn't support playlists or what if I somehow lose all of the music...  Yeah, I worry a lot.

Anyway, this could be the last shuffle on the old phone. And the last from the current "New Music" playlist which stands at 465 songs after today's songs are taken off..

Anyway, it's been a hell of a bad week and music and work have kept me busy. 

In the shameless self-promotion category, I have been furiously working all week on the final details of publishing my novel, The Drift.  I've been trying to write the text for the back cover of the book.  For some reason, I really struggle with writing about myself and my work in this way. Type, backspace, type, backspace, undo, cut, type, paste, backspace, undo, new file, type, reread, get up and walk around, backspace, type, type, save, reread, get up again....


It's shuffle time - let's go!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Off the Beat 'n' Path Mix

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You know, I am generally a pretty optimistic guy. I mean, I don't think I'm Pollyanna about it, but I do tend to look for the bright spot in things or at least the light at the end of the tunnel (that is hopefully not an on-coming train.)

Lately though, it is not easy to maintain optimism. It's not just the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue... I actually think he is more of a symptom (although a potentially fatal symptom) of a large problem.  I often hear the suggestion that we are part of an empire in decline. And maybe we are... maybe we have been for some time. There were certainly warning signs at various points of my life.

As someone who is deeply passionate about music (and art and creativity of all kinds), it is very hard to see incredibly talented people - who pour their souls into their art and who make vital and beautiful things - struggle to find an adequate platform for their work.  And then to read about a junk culture flash-in-the-pan figure getting signed to a record label... I just don't know.  It's easy to lay blame on the record companies... or on Spotify or whatever... but I think this all goes to a deeper problem in our society - where as a whole, we don't value truth or beauty or substance...

For the most part, I try to focus upon the communities of which I am a part that do value those things... and I do my part to put truth and beauty and substance into the world...


To that end... it is Wednesday... I call it Wild Wednesday... but really it's like classic E2TG day... from the beginning, I hoped to place new and under-heard music alongside some of my all-time favorites and recent discoveries (of older music) and oddball choices that stretch and challenge genre boundaries...   Eventually, things got so big that I needed to create specialized playlists for new music or Nashville music or whatever... but I am glad that I can have one day a week to shuffle all of the music I have on my phone and see what madness ensues....

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle - Like a Cash Machine Mix

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Whew... it's been quite a week. Thanks for hanging with me as my schedule has been off...  We seem to be back on schedule. 

Enjoyed some fine Nashville music last night at The Family Wash.  Nellie Clay, Megan Palmer, and Russell Thompson - all backed by an amazing band made up of Adam "Ditch" Kurtz on pedal steel and guitar, Aaron Shafer-Haiss, and Jonathan Beam.

Today's E2TG "Earie" Award is called the "Hall of Fame" Award.  It recognizes long-time E2TG favorite artists who made significant achievements in 2015.

1.  The End Men - I was first introduced to The End Men around January 2012.  They immediately caught my attention and have been a favorite band of mine ever since.  2015 saw the release of their latest album, Terms and Conditions which found the band's sound enhanced by the addition of a sax player.  They still melt faces.  In addition, they had a successful European tour and partnered with the the comic book East of the West for a song/comic collaboration of epic proportions.




2. Valued Customer - Valued Customer have been on my radar since at least October 2012 (maybe earlier).  They are one of the most creative and unique bands I have ever encountered. Combining wildly inventive experimentation, classically trained musicianship, and some pretty deep Eastern spirituality.  The diversity of their musical knowledge and tastes puts me to shame. Although, their next album hugecup is not due until next year, the band treated us with byugecup which are b-sides from the new album - which blew me away.




To the shuffle:

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle - Lost in the Stars Mix

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So...  yeah.... it was almost 80 yesterday in Nashville - on November 4. Don't worry, though, we are sure to have freeze in the near future.  That is autumn in Nashville. I'm not sure if it is the volatile weather or allergies or what, but I have really not felt all that great this week.  But, life goes on, and so do the Ear to the Ground Morning Music Shuffles.... 

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - Blues in King Mix

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As June turns into July...  another cool night of music in East Nashville - this time at The Building.  Ariel Bui, Emma Berkey, Todd Henkin (all local) and Alexandra Scott from New Orleans did a outstanding round, Dylan Lee Johnston did a short set, and #E2TG Artist of the Year Darrin Bradbury closed out the evening. 

Speaking of Bradbury, my show alert of the week is for Thursday night at The 5 Spot. Darrin will be opening for Austin Lucas starting around 9:00.  Should be a fine night, and I am off work Friday so....

I got to take in a couple of shows last week and talk some to Julie Christensen, and I wanted to send out a reminder/alert to her Pre-Order campaign for her new album with her incredible band Stone Cupid.  Here is the link.  You can Pre-Order the album and there are some fine options for merchandise and exclusives. Julie has a long, rich history with many of the best artists of the modern era, and I had the great pleasure to see her and her band play an amazing set at one of the final nights of the original Family Wash.  If you are in Nashville, her next band show is coming up at the end of this month, and I will have more details later.

Now to our first shuffle of this new month...

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - Ice Cream, Candy, Balloons, and Magicians Mix

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Today's Shuffle has Ice Cream, Candy, Balloons, and Magicians... What could possible go wrong?  Answer: Nothing, but the results may not be exactly what you expected...