E2TG 3/01/2021 - Music City Monday and More - Signals Mix (Big Sleep Remix)

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Time marches on (pun intended and sorry about that).  It is March which means we are rapidly approaching the one year anniversary of the Nashville tornado and the lockdowns. All of that seems so long ago now - like a lifetime ago. I am happy to see Nashville's COVID statistics improving and the vaccine rollout starting to pick-up steam. There still seems to be a lot of confusion, inequities, and inconsistencies.. but at least progress is being made. I worry about subsequent spikes as precautions are laxed, but I hope that concern ends up being unfounded. 

There is still much division and uncertainty and strife in the world, but I feel more hopeful now. I also have to acknowledge that I am exhausted. But, I know the need to remain active and diligent continues. I also know that the fact that it is a choice for me is a function of privilege. 

All that is on my mind on a kind of dreary first day of March. 

Our Featured Friday Playlist Recap continues on with songs 11-16:

11. "Annie" by Becca Mancari

The first single from the forthcoming EP (Juniata - March 19) by this Nashville based singer-songwriter. 

12. "Sin City" by The Barefoot Movement

A nifty cover of the Gram Parsons/Chris Hillman song by the Nashville band that is quickly becoming an E2TG favorite.

13. "Anchor" by John Keathley

Next up, we have the fantastic new single from this Nashville based singer-songwriter. The track was produced by our old friend Josh Waters of the Rock and Roll Basement.  

14. "Witchpunkrockstar - Heavy Mental Mix" by My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult

Abruptly, up next we have a track from the newly released compilation of previously unreleased remixes from the gothic rock legends. The Chicago band began in 1987. These remixes are by band member Buzz McCoy. 

15. "Hold You Tonight" by Stephen Flatt

Next up, we have the lead single from the forthcoming (April 16) debut album (Cumberland Bones) from Nashville based singer-songwriter and great-nephew of Lester Flatt. A really wonderful song. 

16. "Numb" by NT 

And we close with the debut single from this Bay area artist with diverse influences and fresh vision of quality modern pop music.  A great way to close out this segment of music. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 11/24/2020 - The End is Near? - Roll Me Under Mix (The Worst Thing Remix)

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So with Thanksgiving approaching here in the US, I am trying to focus on the things for which I am thankful.  I am thankful for E2TG and all our readers - regular and occasional.  I am thankful for the incredible talented people I have been able to meet because of E2TG. I am thankful for the true friendships I have formed through music. I am thankful for the unique opportunities which came to me as a direct or indirect result of E2TG - including becoming a radio host/DJ, emceeing shows etc. 

In this time of uncertainty, I am thankful for relative comfort and safety and I wish the same for everyone. 

It is Tuesday, and due to the holiday this week, this will be our penultimate Feature Friday Recap post for the week - Songs 17-22:

17. "Blue Cherry" by Magic Wand

Up first is a dream-pop duo who are based in L.A. Chris and Dexy Valentine first met via MySpace when one was in L.A. and the other was in Nashville. I dig their sound. 

18. "Love or Hatred" by Tucker Land

Next up, we have the single from the forthcoming new album by this band who are based in Saskatoon. Two of the members of the band Leslie Stanwyck and Johnny Sinclair were part of the power pop band The Pursuit of Happiness who had a huge hit in 1988 with "I'm An Adult Now".  The current band has a very nice alt-country sound. I am digging this track and look forward to hearing more. 

19. "The Party" by The Last Morrell

Next up, we have a groovy new track from the debut album - Sarcasm - by this UK artist. When I say "groovy", I mean this track grooves with a Stevie Wonder song all while painting an increasing picture of a seemingly inescapable party. Great stuff.

20. "Stranger" by Pale Moon

Next up, we have a lovely new single from this indie-folk duo who are based in Barcelona. This is the first single from a forthcoming new album which was recorded in a remote part of the Spanish countryside. 

21. "Do It With Love" by Starry Skies

Next, we have the title track from the new album by this Glascow based whose members come from Scotland, England, and Australia. Their previous album was recorded the studio of Belle and Sebastian's Stevie Jackson. Very cool sound.

22. "Only A Friend - Live" by Picturehouse

And, we close out this segment of music with the lead track from 1999 - Live in Dublin. Picture House was originally active from 1996-2004 before reforming in 2014. This live recording captures the band at their peak. A great ending for this segment of music.

Tomorrow - we wrap up this week's Playlist recap and prepare for a day of giving thanks and then a new Playlist on Friday.

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG - 3/2/2020 - Magnolia Roads Hoedown Update - Music City Monday - Airwaves Mix (Happiness Remix)

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Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown V - April 25 (Hoedown Preparty April 24)

Super-excited for the Fifth Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown. This year will be an all-day affair at The 5 Spot on Saturday April 25, and a Hoedown Pre-party on Friday April 24 at Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge.  There have been some changes since the last time I teased this event. Check out the posters below - lots of E2TG favorites in the line-up this year. I am going to be co-emceeing on Saturday. 

Much more to come!

Music City Monday Shuffle: 

Today's shuffle - down below, is our weekly Music City Monday Shuffle.  The idea for this shuffle sprung from the same place as my new radio show - Greetings from Nashville - which can be heard Thursday's at 6am on WXNA- Nashville. 

    Featured Friday Playlist
In case you missed it on Friday, we have a new Featured Friday Playlist up on Spotify.  Follow, listen, buy the music if you dig it. 

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - No Mystery Mix

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So - in reference to my long pre-shuffle post yesterday, music is what sustains me when the world gets me down. Music has saved my life. Music is not just important to me, it is vital to my existence.

On top of all of the other worldly problems, I am troubled by the devaluing of music by our culture. Technological advancements which should be (and in many cases are) a boon to the goal of getting music out to the people - has - like many parts of society - fallen into the hands of a few "power" players - who exploit the true creators to line their own pocket.

The people I know who make music - mostly do so because they have to - not in absence of other skills but it is a drive. A model has to be developed that adequately rewards the creators. The so-called music business is a microcosm for the rest of society. The gap between the haves and the have-nots.

I do not have a solution, but I think there is one out there. The question is - what will motivate those who are benefiting from the current system?

So, for most of us - who love music- the call is to act on whatever scale we are able. Go to shows, buy merch, buy music in a physical format - even if you mostly listen to electronic formats, if there is a tip jar for the band - use it. Share music!  Social media companies intentionally limit the reach of artists and others - to encourage "boosted" posts. It even happens to E2TG - once my Facebook page like count reached a certain level - fewer people saw my posts. I don't make a dime from E2TG, so it doesn't make sense for me to pay to boost my posts. The only way to combat this is from everyone to share posts. _ I don't just mean E2TG (although that would be nice), but also posts by your favorite bands.

It has been a rough week in many ways - my spirit is low and my temper has been short. I'm combating all that with music and creativity.

It is Wednesday, and that is the day, we do what I call the "Wild Wednesday" shuffle.  A shuffle derived from all the songs saved to my phone.  Let's see what happens!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Who'd've Known Mix

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No April Fool's Day jokes here at E2TG..,

Here we are at the beginning of another month. It is easy to despair in these times. Very easy to despair.  I still believe that as Martin Luther King, Jr said,  "...the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice."  It can be easy to doubt this when your focus is too narrow.

A  few years ago, when we were seeing several positive developments (i.e. the affirmation of same sex marriage), I predicted that we would see counter reaction. I'll be honest, I never expected the reaction to be as powerful as it has been, but I still believe it is just a reaction to the overall progress. 

This does not lessen the need to continue to fight and resist.


Well, it is Monday, and we have another super-cool "Music City Monday)  featuring some of my favorite musicians (some of whom are among my favorite people).  Let's shuffle!

2018 E2TG Earie Awards - # 5 - Recap May 2018

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

I was out of the office yesterday, so let's jump back into our Earie Awards and our Recap of 2018. We are now up to May 2018.  E2TG began its eighth year during the month of May, and we had some cool artists and tunes to feature that month. Let's go!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Wild Women 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)

If you have read The Drift, please consider writing a review on Amazon. If you haven't read it, you can get your own copy through Amazon or if you are in Nashville, you can get them from me.

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  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.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)
E2TG September 2018  (coming soon!)

SAVE THE DATE!!!!!  Thursday, November 15, 2018 - We have a pretty cool event in the works.  More to come! I can tell you this isn't really an E2TG event.  It is connected to my novel, The Drift, and we have some super cool guests lined up.  Announcement soon!


This week, many are learning (hopefully) that rhetoric has consequences and that elections matter.  VOTE if you are tired of so-called leaders who incite violence through their words.

I took an unexpected day off yesterday - so no Wild Wednesday shuffle. I listened to some tunes but didn't get around to posting anything.

So, it's back to the "New Music Playlist" with a couple of first listens and some recent favorites. Let's go!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Trying Not to Barf 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)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  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.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)

Well another Americana Fest is in the books.  Once again, it was a wonderful experience (and there are so many ways to experience it). It is overwhelming, but when you accept that you can't do everything and just enjoy what you can do, it all works out.  I am still recovering and have not yet processed everything, but I can say, it was great to meet some out of town friends, see and hear some E2TG favorites - including four past E2TG Artist/Band of the Year winners: Brian Wright, Darrin Bradbury, Jon Latham, and Ladies Gun Club. I also saw some potential 2018 artist/band of the year contenders.

It's time to get into the shuffle. It's Monday, so we dig into our Music City Monday playlist to get a random shuffle of great artists who do or have called Nashville home.  Let's go!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Black Blue and Gold 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)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  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.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)

I am grateful to have been asked to emcee this awesome event TONIGHT at the Radio Cafe in East Nashville.  Amelia White, Mark Huff - both backed by great bands, plus a couple of red hot UK singer-songwriters. All that and you get to hear my witty repartee. The Radio Cafe is a casual, laid back, comfortable room. Doors open at 7:00 and the cover is just $5.00. 

My Americana week got off to a great start. First Sue and I recorded a future Double Shot - with the incredible Mark Robinson behind the boards. Next, I headed to Dee's for Madison Guild Monday hosted by Nick Nace.  Jaimee Harris opened the night - with great songs and a great voice, Mercy Bell was next, followed by Nace, Chris Moyse, VOLK, and special surprise guest Darrin Bradbury.  It was a wonderful night of great music and hanging with great friends. Jaimee Harris and Mercy Bell were "new to me" (I am pretty sure), and a got to see a couple of out of town friends - so my plan for Americana is going peachy so far...

Today is also the 17th Anniversary of the attacks on New York and Washington. My over -riding memory of that day was the feeling of fear and uncertainty. Waiting for/dreading what was going to happen next. I'm convinced that this nation has been suffering from PTSD since 9/11/2001.

It is Tuesday - and we have a sweet shuffle from our "New Music" playlist. Let's go!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Hound and Half Moon 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)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - Junly2018.  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.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018 NEW!
E2TG July 2018 NEW!


I am back.  I had a training out of the office yesterday - so no shuffle. Today is Friday and it is the last day of August. Plus, it is the start of a three day holiday weekend here in the U.S.  I am looking forward to a visit to my hometown tomorrow and a trek to the Muddy Roots Festival just north of there on Sunday.  The festival is going on all weekend and has some great acts covering an increasingly wide range to musical styles. Sunday's killer line-up includes Nashville-related folks like Smoky White Devils, Joshua Black Wilkins, and Sarah Shook and more.  Plus X, Meat Puppets, The Dead Boys, and much more.  twelve hours of great music.  I will be helping out Smoky White Devil's early in the day, and then hanging some at the WXNA tent. If you are at Muddy Roots - come see me.

It is Friday and we have some "Featured Friday" tunes to...um... feature. Let's shuffle for one last time this week and this month.  Then, I will see you in September.

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Extended 12 inch 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)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - Junly2018.  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.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018 NEW!
E2TG July 2018 NEW!


There is something about Tuesday... I know it is cliche to hate Monday and love Friday.  I don't "hate" Tuesday, but here's the thing.  When it is Monday, there is a faint (if false) sense that if you don't like the week, you can turn around and be back in the weekend.  But Tuesday... well, on Tuesday, you are fully embedded in the week, and that glimmer of (false) hope is gone. There is nothing to do but power through...

At least, here at E2TG Tuesday means we dig into our "New Music" playlist and celebrate some of the awesome music that has been sent my way in the recent and sort of recent past.

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - It's Plain to See 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)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed three - January - March 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.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018 NEW

Hey! I have added a playlist for May 2018.  Remember - these are not May new releases (necessarily) but a cross-section of music we featured in May 2018 here at E2TG.

Today, we jump back into our "New Music" playlist.... as usual, I am way behind getting new stuff adding, but the list is still pretty long and still has a ton of great music.  So, let's go!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - I'm Not Perfect 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)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed three - January - March 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.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 (NEW!)


In case you missed it, last Friday, we premiered a new song, "Gloria" by Nashville singer-songwriter Benjamin Jason Douglas from his album First World Blues which is being released this coming Friday.  Check it out HERE !


Back out to The 5 Spot last night to see three of Nashville's finest:  Erica Blinn and her killer band, Patrick Kinsley and a Fistful of Dollars, and Adrian + Meredith.  A solid night of music with some good hangs.


Well - for me at least - this week has flown by, and here it is Friday.  I'm just going to jump right into our final shuffle of the week - it is Featured Friday - where will shuffle up the "New Music" playlist to see what comes up.  Some of the songs today have been in the "New Music" list for some time, and MAYBE it is time for a refresh of that list, BUT these are all great songs - so who am I to complain?

Let's shuffle!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Letters and Trains Mix

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My novel, The Drift is out now!  Paperback or Kindle (Buy the paperback and get a Kindle version for just $.99)

E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency is coming in June to The 5 Spot!

Week 1:  Clark Paterson, The Big Dumb, Rayvon Pettis

Week 2: The End Men, Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus, Ben de la Cour

Week 3:  Brian Milligram, Microwave Mountain, The Coal Men

Week 4: Joanna Barbera, Bee Taylor, Eli Cook

Well, I'm back after a long weekend. I am actually working from home today so my shuffle was not during my commute as usual but I did have a shuffle and it was a good one.

We missed Music City Monday, but we do have a few Nashville artists in the shuffle:

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Lucky 7 Mix

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On May 15, 2011 - because I didn't have anything better to do - I started a music blog which I called Ear to the Ground. I'm not exactly sure why I did it.  In the years prior, I had begun to share music (including my morning playlist) on Facebook and Twitter, and some people encouraged me to do something more with these posts. I started the blog on a site called Posterous - which later got bought out by Twitter and eventually got killed. So that first post is gone into the ether.  It wasn't all that substantive anyway. Fast forward 7 years, and much in my life has changed. I didn't have much of a plan when I started E2TG (which I would eventually decide to call Ear to the Ground for short), but I can assure you I never dreamed I would still be doing this in the far off year of 2018 nor that I would have met the amazing people I have met and had the incredible opportunities I have been given.

Next month will be the official celebration of 7 years (every Thursday in June) at The 5 Spot, but I didn't want to let this day pass without acknowledging the anniversary.

Week 1:  Clark Paterson, The Big Dumb, Rayvon Pettis
Week 2: The End Men, Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus, plus guest opener TBA
Week 3:  Brian Milligram, Microwave Mountain, The Coal Men
Week 4: Joanna Barbera, Bee Taylor, Eli Cook


Tonight, I am going to see Kris Kristofferson at The Basement East!

The genesis of E2TG was me posting my morning playlist. When I started the blog, I didn't think that was enough for a music blog.... and it may not be, but here I am... and here is my morning shuffle seven years down the road....