Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 4) (songs 19-22):
19. "Nude (Feat. Tommy Cash)" by Boys Noize
First up, a new collaboration between a DJ/Producer from Berlin and an Estonian avant-garde artist.
20. "The Hideaways" by Cole Scheifele
Next up, we have a Colorado folk-artist with the title track to his new album.
21. "Star Guide" by Art Schop
Art Schop is Brooklyn based rock artist Martin G. Walker. We previously featured his single Farm on Mars. The new album is out and this is the title track.
22 "Chuck Will's Widow" by Amy Ray
And, we close this segment with the new single from 1/2 of Indigo Girls who is joined here by War and Treaty and Michelle Malone on this great song.
We move on into the home stretch of our Featured Friday Recap... songs number 25-30:
25. "La tête pleine" by Kaky
French rapper Kaky just released the Room 404 EP. This is the lead track. We previously featured a single released ahead of the EP. I really love the sound of this music. Great stuff.
26. "Falling" by Jordy Benattar; Tyler Simmons
Next up, we have the breezy new single from Canadian actress and musician Jordy Benattar. Really nice.
27. "Stay (It Will Get Better)" by Bonsche
Next up, we have a single from German EDM musician, producer, and audio engineer. The song is dedicated to the LGBQIA+ community.
28. "Weather the Storm" by Kaleigh
Los Angeles based actress, model, and musician Kaleigh just released her debut full-length. The theme here is coming of age. Cool tune.
29. "Salami" by Pretty Happy
Next up, we have a recent single from this post-punk band based in Cork. I dig this a lot.
30. "Talledega" by Ventruss
We close this segment with a recent single from this metalcore band based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. You can almost smell the engines and burning tires.
Heading into the end of another week. Enjoying nice weather in Nashville.
We wrap up our recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist (songs 27-31):
27. "Armor - Radio Edit" by Fernweher
First up, we have a lovely new song from this Italian born artist who is now based in Manchester UK.
28. "friendly fire" by Madeleine Mayi
Next up, from the album 2/14 - released on 2/14 - we have the second track on the album. Great sound.
29. "Barren King" by Manntra
Manntra is a folk-metal band from Croatia. This is the first single ahead of their album. It is the tale of a pirate king cursed to sail the sea forever. For East Nashville readers, think a much, much darker Tom Mason. I liked this a lot.
30. "Aquarius" by Rory K
Next up, we have the latest single from this New York based rapper. His father was the singer and guitarist of the Irish band Black 47. I dig this track and look forward to hearing more.
31. "Voyage de nuit" by Kaky
And we close with a great track from French rapper and electro artist Kaky. This single is the first taste of the debut EP Room 404 due next month. The track is in French, and I don't know what he is saying, but I dig the vibe and sound.
As I mentioned the other day, as I do every year, I take stock of E2TG and what I might do differently. One question that always comes to me and that I always struggle with is should I focus of featuring less music but be more in-depth or do I continue to cover as much music as I can - even if that means I can only write a little about each song/album/artist.
Of course, I had plans for this year that due to 2020 never came to fruition, but overall, I am happy about how things have worked out. The Featured Friday Playlist has gained followers and I have gotten so hear so many great new artists.
Initially, I thought I might just list the shuffle songs with no exposition and only focus on writing about new songs - but to be honest, I was never comfortable with that approach. I do know that longer reviews, interviews, etc. would be great, but right now, I am just not in the headspace to do those. Maybe that will change as we slowly emerge from this crisis - whenever that slow emergence begins.
Some aspects of what I do have become harder - and it is really minor annoyances. Like tagging of Facebook. I like to tag featured artist on Facebook - 1. to let the artist know I wrote about them and 2. so that interested readers can check out the social media pages of the artists featured. It has, however, become more difficult and burdensome to tag pages on Facebook. To me, it used to be easier - now sometimes you have to use the exact format of how the page URL is named or Facebook brings up the artist's personal page first instead of the artist page - AND it won't let a page tag a personal page.
The other thing which I posted about on Facebook is that it has become harder and harder to figure out where a band or artist is from. I am not sure if that is intentional for some reason I don't understand, but it is something I like to know and share.
Any way, just being transparent about my process. E2TG will be entering its tenth year soon, and it has survived this long by adapting to the changing circumstances and by my posting on a consistent basis.
We continue on with our Featured Friday Recap... songs 14-16
14. "I Just Want U Here" by Xelfiy
Up first, we have a direct artist submission that actually came in right as I was putting together this week's playlist. The e-mail was so genuine, and the song really caught me. Xelfiy is a young artist - I don't know much about him but this song is dedicated to his late father. Dig it!
15. "Tunnel" by Plastic Barricades
Next up, we have a track from the recently released Self-Theories by this duo who are based in London and Paris. Really interesting sound.
16. "Lonely Landslide" by Perfectparachutepicture
And closing out this short segment, we have the newest single from the UK band known affectionately as PPP. Really nifty alt-rock. A great addition to the playlist.
Tomorrow - we wrap up with weeks playlist. Songs 17-19
I, like a lot of people I know, are feeling a variety of emotions today about the appointment of an unqualified judge to a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court mere days before the election.
My words today are a reminder to vote, if you haven't. In Tennessee, we have until October 29 to early vote - take advantage of that opportunity. If you don't early vote, election day is one week from today - make a plan and vote.
If you are angry - vote angry. Just vote. You may be demoralized or depressed or scared - all valid emotions but vote anyway - vote your conscience and vote from a place of hope and love - even as you are feeling contradictory emotions.
Don't let anything stop you from voting. If you, like me, are in a "Red State" which seems likely to vote for certain people - still vote. I believe as young people become part of the voting population and as demographics change - the state will change - be an inspiration to those future voters - do teach them that voting doesn't matter.
Since I brought up "Red States" and "Blue States", I need to say, I do not want to ever hear another U.S. President use those terms. In my opinion those terms should be reserved for the maps on television on election night. Using them as absolutes, just further pushes the American people apart. Every state is populated by people who hold a variety of positions on a variety of issues. Not to mention that demographics across a state can vary. It is hard to think about at a time when our divisions seem so stark and so wide, but we have to envision a path where we go back to finding common ground and negotiating our difference to find a common solution.
Onward -
Our recap of this Week's Featured Friday Playlist continues with songs 16-20
16. "More Than an Icon" by The Plastic Pals
Our favorite Swedish twin guitar psychedelic garage paisley powerpop band back with a new single. We have been following this band for a while, and they are awesome.
17. "Ooh Child" by A.J. Croce
Nashville's A.J. Croce just released this song ahead of his covers album By Request - due out next February. This is a cover of a 1970 song by Chicago soul group The Five Stairsteps. Croce is the son of the legendary Jim Croce.
18. "Precipice Forgiveness (Flow is On)" by Raveis Kole
Next up, we have a really incredible sonic experience courtesy of the bicoastal duo Raveis Kole. Their new release is called 3D Immersive which as the title suggests promises intense and immersive auditory experience. This opening track begins with Middle Eastern sounds and goes on the encapsulate the duo's diverse range of influences. I highly recommend checking this out.
19. "Blindfold" by Cellarscape
Our friend Paul Terry who is known for his innovative film music work as well as his band Cellarscape who we have featured previously via his album Exo Echo - is back with a new single. Great to hear some new music from an old favorite.
20. "Lookout Mountain" by Andrew Weiss and Friends
And we close out this segment of music with the title track from the new EP by Long Island native Andrew Weiss and his friends. Solid songwriting and a great sound. A nice place to leave off our recap until tomorrow.
Over the last couple of days, there does seem to be something happening in this country. Is it the start of a change? I don't know. I am, I think, I cautious optimist. I like to see the best in situations and in people, but I also tend to question and doubt that optimism.
As I said in my long rant on Tuesday's post, I have observed that people who have been silent are beginning to speak up and speak out. These are concrete anecdotal examples - not a scientific survey. Whether is was the use of tear gas and rubber bullets on peaceful protesters and religious aid workers to clear the way for a craven photo-op, the George Floyd video tape, the many instances of unnecessary, cruel, and violent attacks by law enforcement officers on American citizens, or some combination of all of these and more, I feel like maybe a sleeping and heretofore silent majority is beginning to stir. But, Americans are fickle people. So, it is important what happens next.
While, I am aware that so-called copaganda (not sure of the spelling since it isn't a real word), being used to divert attention from the many egregious acts, I also know that in some cases, positive actions by law enforcement officers toward protesters are brave acts of defiance to a commander and chief who has blood lust. Discerning the difference is a challenge, but it is important I think to recognize and acknowledge the latter. I know there are some that oppose any mention of positive actions (the National Guard laying down their shields), officers taking a knee or walking beside protesters. But, I tend to disagree. Yes, we need to keep calling out and exposing the violent and unconstitutional actions, but I don't think it is a one or the other situation.
But, yes, I am feeling some hope. And I am happy that at least in some places the protests are growing and the violence is lessening. While I would not consider telling a Black person how to protest, I was concerned about nefarious players trying to control the narrative.
By the way, I also need to remind my readers that the COVID-19 pandemic is NOT over. In Nashville, the number of new cases is trending up, and any impact from the mass gatherings to protest may not have been shown. There seems to be a unstoppable march toward reopening, and what I have observed is my ventures out, seems to be an attitude of acting as if any danger has passed. It has not. So, be safe, wear your masks if in public, socially distance. I am as ready as anyone for things to go back to "normal", but we are not there yet, and it may be a while.
And on we go, time to review the final four songs from this week's Featured Friday Playlist (songs 23-26).
In summary, I am really proud of these weekly playlists, and I hope you are enjoying them, too. The richness and diversity of the music is something I strive for, and by trusting instinct and a process I use, I have been adding some really cool music. This new process of recapping all week has been working well for me. Time will tell if I can keep it up once I am unleashed back into the world on a regular basis, but for now... on we go!
Tomorrow, we unveil the brand new playlist (follow the Playlist on Spotify)
23. "Three-Fold" by Altar of Eris
The recently released sophomore effort by the Seattle postpunk/darkwave trio Altar of Eris is called Isolation. This is dark, murky, and raw music.
24. "Stanglehold" by Atomic Bronco
Next up, we have a track from Nightflowers by the London based Atomic Bronco. Atomic Bronco was founded by Kyle Nuss - who is an electrical engineer whose past projects have included NBA arenas and the Super Bowl. He is originally from Kansas and moved to the UK to complete his Masters degree at Oxford. The music has a retro feel, but seems modern. I dig it.
25. "Someday Maybe" by The Know
LA based husband and wife from their debut EP wearetheknow. The duo mix a diverse set of influences into a densely packed sound. To me it is like a five feet think, steel-plated wall of sound. Cool stuff.
26. "Beer Lust" by Party Nails
Closing thingsd out with a track from the sophomore album by LA based Party Nails (Elena Belle Carroll). I am liking the groove of this song - mixing atmospheric synth sounds with a strong beat and lyrics that seem a cut above standard electronica songs.
As I mentioned yesterday, I started working from home today. I know that I am extremely fortunate as compared to many people that I know and love.
Like, I am sure most of you, I am overwhelmed by how this virus and the necessary steps taken to try to curtail it have affected nearly every aspect of life as I know it.
For right now, support each other as best you can. Take necessary precautions, don't panic, don't be a jerk, ask for help if you need it, love one another.
I'll be here sending out music as best as I can...
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!
I have a bad tendency to put things in a box - and consider it bad or good - when in reality things are almost always more nuanced and complicated.
Last night, I attended a book signing for John Partipilo's new book Rancho Beyondo - his second book. John is a true visionary artist and journalist (the two don't have to be mutually exclusive). John and the book's designer Beth Inglish talked a bit about John's artistry, and the point was made (and taken - by me at least) of the importance to staying true to your vision as an artist. We are all given many chances to compromise our vision. Advise from well-meaning friends and family, unappointed arbiters of societal norms and literary (or other conventions).
(I need to point out that I am expounding on the words that were spoken - offering my own thoughts - not implying that either John or Beth said these specific things - just that their comments led my mind down these paths). As an artist (of whatever medium) my job is not to help people remain comfortable. I think the Cesar Cruz quote: "Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable". John's photographs are not staged and although he does sometimes photograph musicians, he does not usually capture them on stage but rather in quiet moments.
So, the event last night was at a boutique hotel in East Nashville. This location was the inspiration for my first sentence. From the outside, I probably would consider this spot - fancy, expensive cocktails, pricey rooms (only eight total rooms) - to be part of the problem with all of the changes. But, it was a lovely event and the expensive cocktail I had was delightful. And the hotel seems really interesting (out of my price range but interesting). John Partipilo in discussing his book - which contains images of ordinary and extraordinary people and situations.
John said that he loves Nashville and reflected on his responsibility to report everything he sees. It struck me, because it is so easy to reflect on all the changes and just to see the negatives or just bemoan the losses. Through John's lens, it is possible to see the glorious shades of grey (literal and figurative) that as a whole create the Nashville of 2020.
The crowd that gathered included some heavy-hitters from all walks of Nashville life, and also some of the people who appeared in the book (in some case both in one person).
I kind of got side-tracked from my thoughts about art. The line between art and commerce are sometimes razor thin (or at least seem to be). I know, I see musicians struggling with making the art they want vs. trying to make some sort of viable living doing what they love and often what they are best suited to do. It is easy to sit on the outside and say, "always keep art pure, stick to your vision, don't compromise", but it isn't that simple and it is not fair to put that simplification on others. I do know, however, that the pure pursuit of art (or as pure as possible) is important and needed in the world. I guess I don't have an answer, but I am grateful for this book signing in a fancy, boutique hotel with delicious, expensive cocktails for triggering all of these thoughts in my head.
Featured Friday Playlist Final day to check out this week's list
Thursday Morning Shuffle:
A timely statement from Steve Earle, a few live cuts and more...
"City of Immigrants" by Steve Earle (with Forro in the Dark) (from Washington Square Seranade)
"All of us are immigrants"
"Oklahoma Blues (live)" by Watermelon Slim (from Traveling Man - Disc 2 - The Depot)
The inimitable Watermelon Slim with our first listen to his forthcoming double live album.
"The One" by Bridge 19 (from In the Afterglow)
"Hot Cha (live)" by They Might Be Giants (from Flood Live in Australia)
One of my favorite albums, Flood, turned 30 years old back in January. This is from a live performance of the album released for free by the band (I don't think it is still available).
"Don't Do It (live)" by Mrs. Henry (from Mrs. Henry Presents The Last Waltz)
Another track from that The Last Waltz tribute by L.A. band Mrs. Henry. We have some new, original music from them.
"Shootin' For The Moon" by Sonny Landreth (from South of I-10)
"Showboat" by Josh Ritter (from Gathering)
VIDEO PLAYLIST
Recent and Upcoming Releases:
Recent: 1/07 - The Singing Butcher - "Top 40" (single) 1/08 - Luis Mojica- Shaman Food (LP) 1/10 - Palm Ghosts - "Wide Awake and Waiting" (single)(E2TG First Impression) 1/10 - Mary Bragg and Drivin' N Cryin' - "Don't Walk Away" (cover) (single) 1/10 - Them Airs - "Food Pyramid" (single) 1/10 - Lilly Hiatt - "Brightest Star" (single) 1/10 - Strange Majik - "Lo-Fi Hi" (single) (E2TG First Impression) 1/10 - Dean Fields - "Armadillo" (single) 1/10- Chicago Farmer - "All in One Place" (single) 1/10 - RB Morris - Going Back to the Sky (LP) 1/10 - Guided By Voices - "Volcano" (single) 1/10 - Sunshine Boys - "Infinity Girl" (single) 1/11 - Dolour (Shane Tutmarc) - "The Snake Eye" (single) 1/12 - Francesco Mariano - "Nine Lives" (single) 1/13 - Lauren Anderson - "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" (cover) (single) 1/14 - Drive-By Truckers - "Thoughts and Prayers" (single) 1/16 - Margo Price - Stone Me (single) 1/17 - Mark Hummel - Wayback Machine (LP) 1/17 - Jonny Polonsky - "The Weeping Souls" (single) 1/17 - Them Airs - Union Suit XL (LP)(E2TG First Impression) 1/17 - Innocence Mission - See You Tomorrow (LP) 1/17 - David Dondero - The Filter Bubble Blues (LP) 1/17 - MONO INC. - "Warriors" (single) 1/17 - Damen - "Americana" (single) 1/17 - The Singing Butcher - "Circus Girl" (single) 1/19 - Merrill Beach - "Geen"/"Marimba" (single)(E2TG First Impression) 1/21 - Broads and Milly Hirst - "Happisburgh" (single) 1/22 - Davis Raines - Turquoise and Silver (LP) (E2TG First Impression) 1/24 - Kailey Nicole - Kailey Nicole (LP) 1/24 - Mrs. Henry - Live at the Casbah (LP) 1/24 - Aeronautical Pioneer - "Hop High" (single) 1/24 - Three Rivers Project - Confluence (LP) 1/24 - MONO INC. - The Book of Fire (LP) 1/24 - Dispel - Lore (LP) 1/24 - The New Nostalgia - "Nothing is New" (single) 1/24 - The Heliocentrics - "Burning Wooden Ship" (single) 1/24 - Electric High - "Harder to Justify" (single) 1/24 - J. Luke Cloutier - Drown (LP) 1/26 - Nik West - "Tears" (single) 1/28 - Motihari Brigade - Power from Below (LP) 1/29 - Remington Super 60 - NEW EP (EP) 1/31 - Eric Brace and Last Train Home - Daytime Highs and Overnight Lows (LP) 1/31 - Nick Pagliari - Midway (LP) 1/31 - Black Paisley - "Dreams" (single) 1/31 - Jolie Holland - Esconidida (Vinyl Reissue) (LP) 1/31 - John Dennis - Mortal Flames (LP) (E2TG First Impression) 1/31 - Emma Hill - How Could I Have Been So Wrong (EP) 1/31 - Ryan Sobb and the Dead Mall - Concrete Feelings (LP) (E2TG First Impression) 1/31 - Alexander Hacke (Einsturzende Neubauten) + Danielle de Picciotto (Crime and The City Solution) - The Current (LP) 1/31 - Drive-By Truckers - The Unraveling (LP) 1/31 - Kristen Englenz - "Rebound" (single) 1/31 - Damen - "Disco" (single) 1/31 - Tinsley Ellis - Ice Cream in Hell (LP) 1/31 - The Singing Butcher - "Coming Home" (single) 2/01 - Glenn Jones - Ready for the Good Times (LP)
2/02 - Karabas Barabas - Degenerate National Anthem (LP) 2/04 - Mayflower Madame - "Vultures" (single) 2/05 - Joseph Mooradian - "We all Work Too Much"/"Dash My Dreams" (single)
2/07 - Palm Ghosts - Wide Awake and Waiting (EP) 2/07 - Emily Zuzik - "Trouble" (single) 2/07 - Chicago Farmer - Flyover Country (LP) 2/07 - Surrija - "Barcelona" (single) 2/07 - The Flyin' A's - No Holds Barred (LP) 2/07 - Harry Stafford - "She Just Blew Me Away" (single) 2/07 - Christopher Paul Stelling - Best of Luck (LP) 2/07 - HMS Morris - "Babanod" (single) 2/07 - Tiny Fighter- "Strangest Thing" (single) 2/07 - Wynnm - "Fire on the Moon" (single) 2/07 - The Golden Cage Society - Mira (Mini EP) 2/07 - Alienbaby Collective - "Degenerate Moon" (single) 2/07 - Eric and the Anti-Vaxxers - Timeshare Girlfriend (EP) 2/07 - Sammy Brue - "Teenage Mayhem" and "Crash Test Kid" (singles) 2/07 - Lucille - "Kerikeri" (single)
2/07 - Jon Magnusson - Always a Rebel (Live in Studio Silverräven) (single)
2/07 - Thomas Passon - "Über" (single)
2/07 - BisonBison - "Hover" (single)
2/07 - BisonBison - Hover (LP)
2/14 - Grant Peeples - Bad Wife (LP) 2/14 - The Heliocentrics - Infinity of Now (LP) 2/14 - Johanna Kuvaja - "Back for Good" (single) 2/14 - Sarah Reynolds - "I Need Love" (single) 2/14 - Afterimage - "Six Seconds" (single) 2/14 - Kalee Smyth - "Bring Our Love Down" (single)
2/14 - Harry Stafford - "She Just Blew Me Away" (single)
2/14 - Kid Be Kid - "Blood" (single)
2/16 - Kas Havoc - "Light'em Up" (single)
2/18 - David J - "I Only Hear Silence Now" (single) 2/19 - Paisley Fields - "Ride Me Cowboy" (single)
Tomorrow:
2/21 - Sarah Morris - All Mine (LP) 2/21 - Kindergarten - Iphigenia (Reissue) (LP) 2/21 - Hot Club of L.A.- Cinema Swing (LP) 2/21 - MUUK - Balbuceo (LP) 2/21 - Aaron Beckum - Songs from a Triangle Room (EP) 2/21 - Every 13 Days - Étant Donnés (Reissue) (LP) 2/21 - Seablight - High-Rise Mannequins (EP) 2/21 - Various Artists -Typical Girls Vol. 5 (LP) 2/21 - 12xPretty - 12xPretty (LP) 2/21 - Arkane Skye - "Don't Ask Me Out" (single)
2/21 - Easy - "Crystal Waves" (single) Upcoming:
2/22 - Charlotte Eagle Sings - Embracing the Old Ways (LP)
2/28 - Kristen Englenz - Ingenue (LP) 2/28 - Close Lobsters - Post Neo Anti... (LP) 2/28 - The Heliocentrics - Infinity of Now (LP)
2/28 - Scenius - "Glass Rain" (single)
2/29 - Jimmy Who and the Night Creatures - Tinker's Blues (EP)
3/?? - Strange Majik - 20/20 (LP)
3/04 - Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion - Chameleon (LP) 3/06 - Surrija - "Sylvette" (single) 3/06 - Dean Fields - While the Baby Was Sleeping (LP) 3/06 - Broads and Milly Hirst - Ollust (LP) 3/06 - The Mastersons - No Time for Love Songs (LP) 3/06 - Ghostwood Development Project (Feat. Kool Keith) - "Gulley" (single)
3/06 - The Mystery Plan - Ballad of JC Quinn (LP)
3/09 - Marco Bonvicini - "Colors" (single)
3/13 - The Flatmates - The Flatmates (LP) 3/13 - Kleenex Girl Wonder - Ponyoak (20th Anniversary Edition) + BLP (demos and out-takes) (LP) 3/13 - Sandwick - Reconstruct (LP) 3/13 - Foley and the Fire - "Springsteen on the Radio" (single) 3/13 - Kalee Smyth - The Ceiling (EP)
3/13 - Sha Davis - Songs I Wrote When You Left (EP)
3/13 - The Losing Touch - "Through the Night" (single)
3/13 - Gerry Gareau - Feet Off The Brakes (EP)
3/18 - Marco Bonvicini - Colors (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)3/27 - Lilly Hiatt - Walking Proof (LP)
3/20 - Jon Hassell - Vernal Equinox (reissue) (LP)
3/20 - Kid Be Kid - Lovely Genders (EP)3/27 - Mayflower Madame - Prepared for a Nightmare (LP) 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)4/03 - Surrija - Surrija (LP) 3/27 - Watermelon Slim - Traveling Man (Double Live LP)
4/03 - Chip and the Charge Ups - Lightning in Our Veins (LP)
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)
4/13 - Pilotcan - No More Shan Goodbye (LP)4/17 - Paul Burch and WPA Ballclub - Light Sensitive (LP)
4/24 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "I'm Gonna Break Your Heart" (single)
5/08 - Brian Wright and the Sneak-Ups - Lapse of Luxury
5/31 - Debra Power - That's How I Roll (LP)
6/05 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "None of Your Business" (single)6/12 - Sammy Brue - Crash Test Kid (LP)
7/03 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - None of Your Business (EP)
To be honest, every since we got the news Saturday night about David Olney, that has been the most on my mind. I did want to check in about a couple of live music shows that I caught over the weekend.
Friday night, I caught another Tim Carroll Rock N Roll Happy Hour at The 5 Spot. He does this every Friday from 6-8:30 (with no breaks) and done so for several years. I was trying to remember the last Friday he missed, and I had to go back to somewhere around 2014. The remarkable thing is that the show is all originals (I think "Uncle John" which he does sometimes is a traditional song), and every show is different. Friday's show featured several of what I consider "classic" Tim Carroll songs plus some new ones. It is all good, all loud, and a great way to spend a Friday evening.
Saturday, I headed back to The 5 Spot for another rock and roll show. This one featured Hannah Fairlight Group, Nashville Non Prophets, and The Truehearts. Hannah Fairlight Group rocked hard. Nashville Non Prophets featuring Mitch Laney came out with a high energy assault and never let up. The Truehearts remain a favorite of mine. They rock, but in a more subtle way and together it was a great show.
I posted my review of Sunshine Boys opening for Juliana Hatfield at Basement East.
Sunday Night was the CD Release Show for John Dennis' Mortal Flames. I referenced that show in my piece on David Olney yesterday. To expound, just a little because I am short on time. John Dennis' Mortal Flames is a concept album about Life and Death and everything in between. It is a bit about our immortality being tied to the light we leave with others. It is heavy at time, but it is ultimately a life affirming work, and I suspect it will be among my favorites of 2020 when the year is said and done.
*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.
But first, Americana Fest is approaching like a runaway train. The Festival keeps getting bigger and bigger. Now there are official showcases starting on Tuesday. Lots of free parties, impromptu shows, unofficial events,
For readers not in the Americana world, Americana is kind of a catchall term for a variety of differing musical styles and genres all tightly or loosely connected to American roots music. Think country, folk, blues, soul, bluegrass, and rootsy sounding rock and roll. From what I understand, the event started as more of a business conference with a few night time showcases, but the showcases now dominate the week (it also used to be more of a long weekend event, but it is practically a week long event now). For sure, there is still a conference for folks still interested in that.
Anyway, enough about that - let's get to this Friday shuffle!
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*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.
And just like that it is Thursday! Man this week is flying by!
We are less than three weeks from the start of the E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency:
*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.
I am back! I had a great time at Muddy Roots. I will have a lengthy recap/overall observation about this weird, wild, and wonderful festival that is not 10 years old!
For now, I will just leave it at - it is a great music festival, it is a wonderful social event, and it is a hell of a lot of fun.
Onward,
We are finally ready to announce our second act for Week 5 of the E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency. It is... MICROWAVE MOUNTAIN!!!!! You may recall that MM was set to play last year, but unfortunately had to drop out due to some scheduling conflicts. I am so thrilled to have on-board. Week 5 with The Big Dumb and Microwave Mountain is gong to be a trip! Don't miss it (or any of our four other weeks).
We also have had some artist shifts to the previously announced schedule - so here is the FINAL LINEUP!
Now, we need to jump back into our first shuffle in over a week! Let's go!
Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!
*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 even included.
Made it back to Dee's last night for Madison Guild Monday for the first time in a while. Hosted by Tom Schreck. Schreck opened with a full band set which he calls Tom Schreck Escapes. As always great to see Tom play. His cover of "I Will Survive" was especially tasty. Tommy Womack was next with a surprise solo set. He will be back at Dee's Friday with a full band. He has a new single which is extremely timely. Next up, a shared set from two of my long time favorites Kiley Connell and Drew Kohl. They were followed by the always impressive Connor Rand who had Nicole Boggs join him for a few songs. Excellent stuff. By that time, I was exhausted and I had to bow out before Nicole Boggs and the Reel played. Hate that.
I have a busy week of great live music ahead and lots to do otherwise. Plus it is way to hot. But, anyway - Music! Today we dive back into the Trending playlist and we have some cool tunes for a hot day.
We are back! A ton of new music already added to get to and a ton of new music not yet added. Things are heating up around here with Muddy Roots coming at the end of this month and Americana Fest coming next month, and then the E2TG Fall Residency. Whew! All I can say is strap yourself in and enjoy the ride, I know I will!
Okay! I loaded a bunch of new songs into the playlist last night. I think only one song made it into today's shuffle - but expect some awesome new music coming up. In the meantime, we have some awesome music that we have been featuring. I have to make it quick today - so get ready!
A fun night out. First up, the EP release show for Megan Palmer and Rayvon Pettis. Ryan Sobb opened the show with a solo set followed by Mercy Bell performing with Trace Faulkner.
Next up was Rayvon and Megan backed by a killer band: Griffin Winton, Bob Lewis, Jonathan Beam, and Aaron Shafer-Haiss. They performed the seven songs from the EP - 3 written by Rayvon and 3 written by Megan - plus an R.E.M. cover. Then they played a couple more songs, Rayvon Pettis' excellent Michigan Mansions and one of my all-time favorite songs, Megan Palmer's Knife Twister.
After that, I headed to the Inglewood Lounge. I am not sure why I took me so long to get to this cool spot right on Gallatin Rd. Last night, it was Luella and Kevin Gordon playing duo style. It was my second time seeing them in this format, and it was fantastic.
Okay - only six songs in the shuffle today - thanks in part of a relatively pain-free commute and an eight minute song. Let's get to it!
Last night, I hung out at Dee's in Madison. Saw Chuck Mead - as part of his Honky Tonk tour of Nashville in support of his new album. His special guest was Carlene Carter. Interesting to me, Chuck did a version of "Houston" - as song written by Lee Hazelwood and popularized by Dean Martin. Wednesday night, I saw Rickie Lee Jones do the same song (it is on her latest album). Interesting because one might not expect crossover between a Rickie Lee Jones show and a Chuck Mead show. After that, I hung around for Lady Couch - who were fantastic as always. Saw lots of friends and had a good quality hang with Ryan Sobb - all in all not a bad night.
Now, we have one last shuffle for the week! Let's get to it!
