Today's Holiday Themed Ear to the Ground radio show is up on the archive at WXNA
6:00am Sonny Boy by Owsley on Owsley (Giant)
6:02am Cocktail for Christmas by India Ramey on Cocktail for Christmas – Single (India Ramey)
6:05am I’ll Be Home for Xmas by Modesty Blaise on I’ll Be Home For Xmas – Single (From Lo-Fi to Disco!)
6:08am Christmas Just Ain’t Christmas Without You by Tom Schreck on Christmas Just Ain’t Christmas Without You – Single (Tom Schreck)
6:14am Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by The Highway Women on Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Single (Heart Songs Corporation)
6:17am Winnebago by Ghost Town Remedy on Winnebago – Single (Never Nude Records)
6:20am A Long December by Mary Bragg on A Long December – Single (Tone Tree Music / Mary Bragg)
6:24am A Memory of Snow by Sofia Talvik on A Memory of Snow – Single (Makaki Music)
6:30am Fairytale of New York (feat. Lillie Mae) by James Ethan Clark & The Renegades on Fairytale of New York (feat. Lillie Mae) – Single (James Ethan Clark & The Renegades)
6:35am Santa Claus Is Leaving by Ro Halfhide on Santa Claus Is Leaving – Single (All Systems Go!)
6:38am Peace & Love, Merry Christmas by David Woodard on Around the Power Pop Tree (David Woodard)
6:41am The Light of Christmas Day by Ranchers for Peace on Joy To the Ranch – Single (O-V Sonic Recordings)
6:46am My Favorite Things by Kim Collins on A Kim Collins Christmas – EP (Devil’s Tower Records/Bandaloop Music)
6:49am Santa’s Bringing Coal by Jeff Tuohy on Santa’s Bringing Coal – Single (Head Bitch Music)
6:52am Feeling More Like Christmas by Glass Cabin on Feeling More Like Christmas – Single (RIG Entertainment)
6:57am The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting) by The Fundamental Sound on Lofi Christmas (Sonora Music Co.)
Today's Shuffle is below the jump. This will be the last post of the week. So have a very Merry Christmas if you celebrate and if not have a happy winter solstice and a great rest of the week.
As I dig out from the last month - and the last 14 months (maybe longer), I find myself not having too much to say. I feel like this is a time for reflection and for reexamining habits and patterns to see what still makes sense and what doesn't. It feels like this reflection needs to take place either internally or in a one-on-one setting - not via a public post... Music - though - remains a constant, and we have some good music to talk about today...
Our penultimate Feature Friday recap for the week - songs 16-19:
16. "Bach o Flodyn" by KIM HON
Adding to our growing list of recent Welsh rock, we have the latest single from KIM HON. The song was written after watching a Robert Johnson documentary and attempting to emulate his riffs... it may not be Robert Johnson, but an excellent song is the result.
17. "For My Animals" by American Culture
The second single and title track from the forthcoming album on HHBTM records. American Culture are a basement core band from Denver, Colorado. The album was recorded pre-COVID and delivered to the record company at the beginning of the pandemic. Look for it soon, and check out the video for the track "Pedals" was recently premiered.
18. "Another Life" by Hadda Be
Next up, we have the new single from this London/Brighton based postpunk/indiepop band. It is from their forthcoming Another Life album (due April 30). I dig it.
19. "Let's Go" by Peter Donovan
We close with the first release on Envoy Records - a new indie label with offices in L.A. and Seattle. This is a split single featuring the two label owners. We will have the other part of the split single tomorrow - today we have a wonderful songs from Peter Donovan. Donovan is a Seattle based singer-songwriter who has released music with All the Real Girls - working with members of Death Cab and Portugal the Man.
One day at a time - it is a cliché I guess, but honestly it is a good way to live life. Grief and stress can be overwhelming - especially when you are trying to imagine days, weeks, months, and even years ahead. So, you focus on getting through today - sometimes you have to break the day into hours, etc.
For me, as it has been for as long as I can remember music provides healing - it doesn't have to be "healing" music. Sometimes it is silly or loud or aggressive or pretty or complex or simple music.
One thing taking an unexpected extended leave from E2TG has given me - is a chance to once again reevaluate where I am and where I want to be. About the only decision I have made is that there is nothing to be done but to move forward. If I try to "catch up" on the music I missed in January - I will just keep getting further behind. I have been slowly working my way through e-mail and have begun to update my future release lists. Honestly, I mainly use that for my own purposes - but if you check it out - you might find out about an upcoming release you didn't know about.
I uploaded a bunch of music to my phone last night (my memory card is almost full - I need a bigger card - which are now cheaper than what I paid for the one I have.
Well, here in the States it is Fourth of July weekend. I think for many reasons the holiday will be different this year and maybe it should be different for some time to come. Rather than an excuse to swell with pride and celebrate, maybe - just maybe - we should use the time to reflect on where our nation has and is falling short and what we can do about it.
Here in Nashville, the number of COVID-19 cases has surged, and we are reverting to Phase 2 of the reopening plan. This is not surprising to me as I have seen so many people acting as if the pandemic is over. As for me, I never moved to Phase 3. I am mostly staying put. I just wish, people could put their selfish interests aside, and I wish we had competent leadership. I want to go visit my Mom. I want to see live music again. But, most importantly, I don't want any more people to fucking die.
Independence Day - what we need is an Interdependence Day because guess what - unless you are living totally off the grid - raising all your own food, making all your own clothes - then you are interdependent and that involves people working together for a common good.
So Happy Interdependence Day! I need you and you need me. Let's do this thing together for everyone...
By the way, I am off work tomorrow, and I normally don't post on my days off work, but what the heck, all the rules don't apply in 2020. Not only will be be premiering he new Featured Friday Playlist, but we also have a very special Video Premiere - from an old friend - just in time for the 4th of July.
And now, it is time to complete our recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist. Remember tomorrow, a brand new playlist premieres. Follow and/or tune in for all the details.
The thing I love about these playlist is the depth of the music featured. I haphazardly order the songs when I create the playlist - around midnight on Fridays, and I tend to start with artists I am most closely associated with - E2TG and/or local favorites. After that, it is really pretty random. Nonetheless, It is cool to recap these playlist the way I have been and to find gems throughout. Of course, I dig all the music - I mean, I am the one who picks the songs, but there are some that really resonate with me more than others, and it is fun to see where those songs turn up.
Now, songs 21-25:
21."World's Finest" by Special Pillow
The Special Pillow mark their 25th Anniversary with a new EP called World's Finest, and we have the title track. They are from Hoboken, New Jersey and their music has a psych pop feel to it. This was my first time hearing their music, and I am a fan.
22. "Roman Bones Make Good Glue" by 8 Floors Up
8 Floors Up is the project of Danny Cawley - a veteran and survivor of the UK music scene. He formed his first band at age 17. They were managed by the ex-manager of the Stone Roses. Moving around England while fighting his personal demons, his story is one of perseverance and should provide hope to those who struggle. The music will appeal to fans of UK indie music of the last couple of decades, and I like it very much.
23. "Groovy Lucy" by Serratone
Next, we have the latest single from this three-piece rock band based in Manchester. This is hard-hitting and riff heavy music. Cool stuff.
24. "Clayton Jones Is Gonna Be Big" by TJ George
Shifting gears (we do that a lot here at E2TG), we have a wonderful song from this singer-songwriter from Columbus, Ohio singer-songwriter. It is taken from his new EP, Fragmented Soul Vo1. 2 - which is a follow up to his 2014 release. I was not really surprised to find that several of my Facebook friends were already on board with his music.
25. "Babylon" by Dead Method
Released at the tail end of Pride month, "Babylon" is a powerful alternative pop song that celebrates and elevates all outcasts and outsiders. The band is based in Cardiff, and this track provides a groovy close to this week's list.
Humor in dark times. Tricky business. Topical humor to make a point is a time-honored tradition - irony, sarcasm, black humor - but these days in the instant gratification world - the subtlety can often be missed or misinterpreted. Humor can be seen as inappropriate. Many of us use humor as a defense mechanism. Like I said, tricky business.
But what of those who get caught admitting something or saying something offensive or stupid and then say, "I was kidding" or "It was sarcasm" when all evidence indicates they were not kidding and they were not being sarcastic. So, it becomes even trickier.
And what of escapist humor to take a break from fighting systemic racism or holding police accountable for their actions or trying to resist a would-be dictator. Will some, she this humor as poorly timed or accuse you of not taking things seriously enough? Maybe. Should you alter your behavior? Maybe or maybe not.
I think it is worth thinking through every tweet, every Facebook post, every comment and considering the possible implications and interpretations. Ask yourself, who is your intended audience and your potential audience and do either of those groups need to hear what you have to say. Do they need to hear it in this way, in this format, in this context. What is it you are trying to say and do your words adequately convey your message This is messy and complicated, and you may feel as if your free speech has been curtailed. Has it been? Is self-reflection and self censorship a bad thing? We hear censorship, and it sounds and is bad. Is self-censorship even a thing? Censorship denotes government suppressing free speech - surely, considering and weighing ones owns words is not that.
More later....
Now to Part 3 of our Featured Friday Playlist Recap - songs 14-19 (tomorrow 20-25)
14. "When You Don't Fight" by Darlin' Brando
First up, we have the lead track from Also, Too... the new album from Darlin' Brando. Darlin' Brando is singer-songwriter Brandon Goldstein. He was born and raised in Virginia - spent time in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, and Nashville. In Nashville, he recorded 8 of the songs on this album at The Bomb Shelter with a band he played at places with the American Legion. Our friend Adam Kurtz (heard earlier in the playlist) plays pedal steel on the album. A.J. Croce sings on one track. This track is a duet with Darlin' Brando's new wife, playwright Edith Freni.
15. "The Quiet Earth" by The Academy of Sun
The Academy of Sun is a psychedelic post-punk outfit from Brighton that formed nine years ago. This is the title track of their new album.
16. "The Clearing" by Pharamcose
Pharmacose is an alternative rock band from Jacksonville, Florida. This is the new single off their new EP Prescription Fiction Vol. 1.
17. "Codeine Veins" by Ja-Mali
Ja-Mali is a young hip-hop artist. This is his third overall release. Dig it.
18. "100 Times" by Dives
Dives are a trio from Vienna Austria that play surf-garage pop. They met at a Girls Rock Camp. This is their new single, and it is pretty cool.
19. "Release Me - Easteria Remix" by Monsieur Minimal
Next up, we have a disco dance remix of the March 2020 single by Greek alternative artist Monsieur Minimal. A cool way to end this segment of the playlist.
Featured Friday Playlist
Tuesday Morning Shuffle
"Only a Game" by Patricio Johnson (from You Gotta Be Quick Around Here)
Our first listen to this 2019 album from this Nashville based singer-songwriter. Cool stuff.
"Five Long Years" by Joe Beard (from Wayback Machine)
From Mark Hummel's album, Wayback Machine - the last two tracks features blues legend Joe Beard.
"Step Back (Take a Look Around)" by Skaciety featuring Laila K (from single)
A 2015 track. Skaciety would later become The Long Game - thus the video from The Long Game.
"Imago" by Tomorrow's Eve (from Mirror of Creation III - Project Ikaros)
An album we featured in 2018 - from German progressive metal band Tomorrow's Eve.
"Hero" by Angela Easterling (from single)
Next up, we have a single released in May dedicated to the individuals on the front line fighting against the virus that has devastated so many lives. Angela Easterling is joined by her common law husband and regular collaborator Brandon Turner here. We featured Easterling's Common Law Wife several years back.
"Dig a Hole" by Triggers & Slips (from The Stranger)
And we close with a track from a featured album from 2019 - from Salt Lake City's Triggers and Slips led by Morgan Snow. The band was scheduled to play this year's Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown V in April - and Snow played the virtual festival.
VIDEO PLAYLIST
NEW AND RECENT RELEASES
This Week
6/?? - Learn to Fly - "Broken Nation" (single)
6/20 - David Starling - "Cowards" (single)
6/22 - Highway Women - "Shake the Dust" (single)
6/22 - Remington Super 60 - "Still Near" (single)
6/26 - The Special Pillow - World's Finest (EP)
6/26 - Dedicated Men of Zion - Can't Turn Me Around (LP)
6/26 - Serratone - "Groovy Lucy" (single)
6/26 - 8 Floors Up - "Roman Bones Make Good Glue" (single)
6/26 - The Speed of Sound - "Glide on By" (single)
6/26 - Fellow Hollow - "Where can I buy fresh berries at night?" (single)
6/26 - Scenius - "Darkest Lines" (single)
6/26 - Melissa D. - Little Girl (EP)
6/26 -TJ George - Fragmented Soul Vol 2 (EP)
6/26 - Dead Method - "Babylon" (single)
6/29 - Sofia Talvik - Paws of a Bear - Unplugged (LP)
6/?? - Mighty Brother - The Rabbit. The Owl (Double LP)
Last Week
6/15 - The Bustermoon - Mareena Roots (LP)
6/16 - Carlos Severe Marcelin - Impressionist (LP)
6/17 - DIVES - "100 Times" (single)
6/18 - Monsieur Minimal - "Release Me (Easteria Remix)" (single)
6/19 - Darlin' Brando - Also Too... (LP)
6/19 - Dolour - The Royal We (LP)
6/19 - The Microdance - Our Love Noire (LP)
6/19 - Mendoza Line - We're All In This Alone (reissue) (LP)
6/19 - Jenny Reynolds - Any Kind of Angel (LP)
6/19 - DeLeo - Mythomania (EP)
6/19 - Buildings and Food - "Streetlights" (single)
6/19 - Maria Matiss - "More Than Heaven" (single)
6/19 - Leon Majcen - Back 'Til I'm Gone (LP)
6/19 - Raveis Kole - “Help One Another (We All Can)” (single)
6/19 - Kids Love Surf - "Oyo" (single)
6/19 - Sylvettte - "Kelpius" (single)
6/19 - Patrick Ames - "Reawakened" (single)
6/19 - The Asteroid No. 4 - "The After Glow" (single)
6/19 - The Academy of Sun - The Quiet Earth (LP)
6/19 - Brett Ryan Stewart - "It's Alright to Grow Old" (single)
6/19 - Lady Couch - "Foolish and Blue" (single)
Next Week:
7/03 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - None of Your Business (EP)
7/24 - Even As We Speak - Adelphi (LP) 7/24 - The Wild Blue - Anonymous Future (EP)
7/24 - The Danberrys - Shine (LP)
7/24 - Ted Russell Kamp - Down in the Den (LP)
7/31 - The Jason Daniels Band - Downloads from the Universe (LP)
7/31 - Shishi - Mafitishei (LP)
7/31 - Vee VV - "Ugly Freedom (Toka Remix)" (single)
8/07 - The Furious Seasons - La Fonda (LP)
8/07 - Jason Molina - Eight Gates (LP)
8/07 - Steven Bruce - Same Time, Same Place, Same Station (LP)
8/21 - Eric Bolander - "Window" (single)
8/21 - Liar,Flower - Geiger Counter (LP)
8/28 - The Northern Belle - We Wither, We Bloom (LP)
8/28 - Special Moves - Little Help (LP)
8/28 - Debbie Lagrange - "La chanson des moustiques" (single)
8/31 - Andre Salvador & the Von Kings - Last Night From Glasgow (LP)
9/04 - India Ramey - Shallow Graves (LP)
9/25 - Buildings and Food - Up Down Strange Charm (LP)
10/16 - Malin Pettersen - Wildhorse (LP)
Recent:
5/15 - Special Consensus - Chicago Barn Dance (LP)
5/15 - Zach Aaron - Fill Dirt Wanted (LP)
5/15 - Secret Emchy Society - The Chaser (LP) 5/15 The Room in the Wood - We're the Martians, Now (LP) 5/15 - Wicked Messenger - "Golden Eyes" (single) 5/15 - Lazerine - "There's Nothing in It" (single) 5/15 - Klashing Black - Thoughts on the Matter (EP)
5/15 - Aimee Steven - "Darling" (single)
5/15 - Wolfhounds - "Can't See the Light" (single)
