E2TG 4/14/2022 - So-So Thursday - Wide Open Skies Mix (12 Angry Men Remix)

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Today's Greetings from Nashville radio show is up on the archive at wxnafm.org.  HERE is the direct link to the show... and below is the playlist:

6:00am Greetings from Nashville by Jason and The Scorchers on Still Standing (EMI/EMI Records (USA))

6:02am Smoke Alarms by Electric Sadness, Sean Quinn & Tim McNary on Smoke Alarms – Single (Salt Lamp Records)

6:05am Here (In Your Arms) by Mt Vice on Here (In Your Arms) – Single (2616318 Records DK2)

6:08am The Comeback Kid by Dolour & Shane Tutmarc on The Comeback Kid – Single (Dolour)

6:13am Jimmy Carter by Volk on Jimmy Carter – Single (Romanus Records)

6:17am Pull Me In by Palm Ghosts on Dead Stars – EP (Ice Queen Records)

6:23am Meadowlands Fair by Jason Erie on Tiny Fires (Wirebird Records / Erie St. Music)

6:31am Invisible Pictures by Jeremy Ivey on Invisible Pictures (Anti/Epitaph)

6:36am Midnight Sun by Paul Zografi on Midnight Sun – EP (Zografi Music)

6:39am I Love You by Jon Worthy on Give It Up – Single (Jon Worthy Music)

6:45am Death Don’t Have No Mercy by Gina Sicilia on Unchange (VizzTone)

6:51am Sign of the Times by Andrew Leahey & The Homestead on Sign of the Times – Single (Mule Kick Records)

6:57am Searchlight (Live) by Jack Silverman on Live at the 5 Spot (Centripetal Force)

 

Today's shuffle is below the jump...

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2-26-2020 - GFN #3 - More - Pearly Gates Mix (Coney Island High Remix)

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Greetings from Nashville Episode 3:

The third edition of my new WXNA show, Greetings from Nashville will hit the airwaves at 6am tomorrow morning.  I hope you will tune in to 101.5FM if you are in Nashville proper, or wxnafm.org wherever you are.  If you won't be awake between 6 and 7, you can catch the show on our archive.  Episodes 1 and 2 are up now, Ep. 3 will be up shortly after the live broadcast ends. 

I have a good show lined up - with darker, more noisy tracks to start the show (from today back to the mid 1980s) - segueing into some more songwritery music and more.  I am continuing to feature some of my favorite local music.

 If you have an independent Nashville band from say 1980 to now, that you think I need to cover, e-mail me at gfnonwxna@gmail.com.

More: 

• Meanwhile, the next Double Shot falls on Leap Day, February 29, and in that spirit, we are playing songs about leaping, jumping, hopping etc. 

• Piggy-backing on some of my recent writing, I have been focusing my thoughts on what is important. It is sometimes easy to say what is important, but then, the way one spends ones time and money tells a different story.  As we, the collective "we", are being pulled in so many different direction, and as there are voices (internal or external) which try to dictate our priorities. I am reminded to follow that still, small voice which provides a true north.  For me, that north includes creative discovery and cultivating new friendships. 

Anyway, onward!

   Featured Friday Playlist

Wednesday Morning Shuffle:

A delightful mixed bag today. Some old friends, some 2019 submissions, and some obscure and not-so obscure gems. 

"Coney Island High" by The Everymen (from New Jersey Hardcore)

New Jersey band. The video is a performance of this song from their final show in 2017.

"Petty Tom"  by From Carbon (from Existence)

Manchester band from their 2019 release.

"The Ace" by Bill and Colleen Cade (from Bill and Colleen Cade)

Father and Daughter duo from Texas. A beautiful song. Sadly, Colleen Cade passed away in a car accident shortly after this album was released. 

"El Camino Real" by The Luckies (from East of Eden)

Canadian band from their 2019 album.

"Pearly Gates" by The Men (from Tomorrow's Hits)

Brooklyn punk band led by Mark Perro from their fifth studio album released in 2014.

"In the Corner" by Paul Zografi (from Big Hotel)

Local favorite. He has some new music either out or coming out soon. 

"Give in to You" by Jennifer Lyn and the Groove Revival (from Badlands)

North Dakota blues/rock band. From a 2018 release. 

"Rolling Along" by The Mavericks (from Brand New Day)

2017 album by the band that formed in Miami and who are now based in Nashville. 

"The Sun" by Chris J. Connolly (from Moving Maps)

Long Island based singer-songwriter from his 2017 album.

"flaring up" by ricky mirage (from pop goes the sun)

Chicago based artist -  from a 2015 release which came to me via a recommendation by Aaron Lee Tasjan. 

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)

1/17 - Simen Lyngroth - "Morning Light" (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)

2/13 - Little Triggers - "Bang" (single)

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)

2/14 - Chris Maxwell - New Store No. 2 (LP)

2/18 - David J - "I Only Hear Silence Now" (single)

2/19 - Paisley Fields - "Ride Me Cowboy" (single)

2/19 - Tom Cridland - "The Laws of Success" (single)

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)

2/21 - Blue Lucas - "Train Station" (single)

2/21 - Stumbleine - "Supermodels" (single)

2/21 - Jesse Blake Rundle - "The Death of a Soldier" (single)
2/21 - Whitney Shay - Stand Up! (LP)

2/22 - Charlotte Eagle Sings - Embracing the Old Ways (LP)

2/24 - Jon Magnusson - "Set Me on Fire (Live Silverraven Sessions) (single)

E2TG 1/9/2020: 2019 Artist of the Year and more - Good Times Mix (Revolution Remix)

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Beach Notes 1-8-2020

The first ever Decline of Southern Civilization was a success.  Musical performances by Slump Test (Ben Douglas, Twon, and Ryan Dishen), Jibber Jabber, and Stuck Lucky, plus the comedy stylings of Shakes.  Plus, Slump Test opened with a theme song for the show featuring guests Joe Lekkas and some of the Nashville Horns (include Diego on trombone).  Lots of good punk rock music. Met two people, a young bass player new to town from Monterey, California - it was his birthday and a DJ from Australia who plays punk, post-punk, and garage on a station very similar to WXNA (she was with Nashville and Australia musician and DJ Anne McCue). I believe it is going to be a monthly thing, and I can't wait until the next one.

Slump Test (photo by Me)

2019 E2TG Artist of the Year (Golden Earie Award - Part 1)

My decision to make some changes to E2TG for 2020 and my thoughts and thinking about that led me to change how I approached the end of 2019.  From deciding not to hand out or at least name tons of Earie Award winners to my approach to the Artist and/or Band of the Year. Honestly, I think this decision will vary every year based upon circumstances.

In the history of E2TG (8 and a half years or so), we have never awarded Band/Artist of the Year to the same person*.  (*Ugggy won Band of the Year with Valued Customer and then Artist of Year solo (but he had to release new music every month for a year to accomplish that).  Well, that is about change. When I looked over 2019 (where there were a ton of great releases and a bunch of new music from people I adore), at first I was unsure of what I was going to do, but I kept coming back to one person.  If you read E2TG, this will likely not be a surprise. On January 14, 2019, he officially announced that he had signed with ANTI Records.  His year was one of changes and challenges. In midst of all that he released an album which I named as my favorite album of the year on WXNA's website. He completed his first ever tour of England and Norway (in spite of an intense dislike of flying). He toured with some big names in the Americana world, and he had a triumphant showcase at Americana Music Festival.  Of course, I am talking about Darrin Bradbury who released Talking Dogs and Atom Bombs in 2019.

Regular readers know of his importance to this blog. He was our Artist of the Year in 2014 - the year he began to be established in Nashville (he arrived in November of 2013). He champions other songwriters (I can scarcely count the number of people I have met directly or indirectly because of Darrin).  On a personal note, I made a friend when I met Darrin. But it is this most recent year, and the future which earned him this year's Artist of the Year title.  Since, I have been naming Artist/Band of the Year, the award has always represented a recognition of the accomplishments for the year just ending and the promise of the year just starting.  Based upon the post Talking Dogs... songs that I have heard, I am excited to see what comes next for Darrin Bradbury.

                                          Talking Dogs and Atom Bombs Album Cover                    Darrin Bradbury (Facebook Profile Picture)


Here is today's shuffle from all the songs on my phone....

E2TG 1-8-2020: New Face ingénue Decline - Red Dress Mix (Call Me If You Want To Remix)

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I am back!  We have some information to pass along, and a shuffle of new and older music. And more!

Last night, I made it back into town in time to head over to The Basement (OG) where Mike Grimes himself was running New Faces night.  It was a great night with performances by E2TG favorites Josh Gray and Jason Erie and the first ever live performance by Dirt Reynolds - which is the new band led by Chris Watts which features Jason Paradise on guitar, Ryan Dishen on drums, and our old friend Drew Kohl on bass.

Tonight is the premiere edition of a new series at The 5 Spot - featuring punk rock music and other similar types of music.  Slump Test will be heading up a great line-up - including Jibber-Jabber and Stuck Lucky.  Shakes will be emceeing the event and is sure to have some words to say about the last Slump Test show that I saw which found Ben Douglas shedding his shirt.

We finally have the cover art, album name, and the release date to report for Kristen Englenz' new album.  ingénue will be out 2/28/2020.  I can't wait!

Before we go any farther, I wanted to give a shout out and a special Earie Award to the bands who played this year's E2TG Residency.  The residency was late this year (September and October), and it almost didn't happen, but it did, and I am grateful for everyone who came out and supported live music in Nashville.

Thanks and an Earie to Ben Arthur, Conrad y Skordalia, Don Gallardo and How Far West, Ryan Sobb and the Dead Mall, The Truehearts, Jason Erie, Josh Gray, Meghan Hayes, The Big Dumb, and Microwave Mountain.  And course I can't forget The 5 Spot - thanks and an Earie to you, too.

I am still getting organized for 2020. I will have more Earie awards to give out tomorrow and Friday. 

Look forward to a "Featured" spotify playlist, a listing of new and forthcoming albums, upcoming show alerts and more. Coming soon to an E2TG near you.  Today's shuffle is taken from all the songs saved to my phone.   

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Day After Tomorrow Blues Mix

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Time moves on... we are half way through the first month of 2019.  I continue to be overwhelmed with a lack of free time + too many commitments + a need for quiet reflective time + anxiety + cool music events to go to + procrastination + existential crises + political and social upheaval + cat memes + social awkwardness +did I mention lack of free time? + money concerns + did I mention cat memes? + not knowing how to end a list of things that seems endless..... whew!

Breathe!  I am right here, right now. I am doing what I am doing - which is writing this blog - and just for this moment, this is what I am supposed to be doing.

It is Wednesday and time to shuffle up all the songs saved to my phone memory card and see what comes out of it!

Let's go!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Just Like Frank Sinatra Mix

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It's Day 3 of the WXNA Fall Pledge Drive.  If you have not already done so, please consider donating to WXNA today!  wxnafm.org or 615-933-9962 whenever the station is on the air (like early morning to late night every day).  They have a rad coffee mug if you donate at least $72.00 (that's just $6.00 per month if you set up a monthly bank draft).

It's Wednesday and we get "Wild" on Wednesday... well, our shuffle comes from every single track saved to my phone memory, and the results can get pretty "wild"... 

I added about 200 tracks the other night, and a couple of them show up today...

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Space Jam Mix

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Well, we've reached the end of another week and another month of shuffles...

Temperatures have cooled off in Nashville - it actually is beginning to feel like Fall.

There is much to mourn, there is much in the world that needs to change- and which will only change if people of good conscience fight for that change.

There is also much good in the world, much beauty, and a great need to help share that good and beauty.


It's Friday, and on Friday E2TG plays songs from the "New Music" playlist which is currently just under 500 songs long - and includes songs received as recently as this week and songs added many months ago.  Perhaps I will move some of the older songs off the playlist... maybe.  Most of what I feature on E2TG will be new to someone who reads. 

I am feeling more comfortable being me and doing what I do. I still have a tendency to want to please everyone, but I have learned that when I try to do that I usually end of pleasing no one - least of all myself.

That last is true on so many levels about so many different parts of my life.

Let's just shuffle- 'cause that is one thing that I do...

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - I Saw the Crescent Mix

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Okay - it's Wednesday. It's been a very busy week, and things do not seem to be slowing down any time soon.  But, it's all good.

Wednesday, we shuffle up every single song in my phone's memory and see what happens. So, these may be newer songs, random songs that don't fit another classification, "stragglers" from prior featured albums, things I don't remember adding to my phone, classics, favorites, and assorted goodness.  We call it "Wild Wednesday".  For one, the results can be pretty wild, but mainly, "wild" as in "wildcard".

Let's jump!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Piano on His Chest Mix

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Blah... it's been a hard week, but it is finally Friday.


Next Wednesday should be interesting downtown... I think some presidential candidate is coming to Nashville.  Funny, I thought we just had an election...

Well - last night was good for my soul.  First at The 5 Spot - The Mark Robinson Band were as entertaining as ever and they really seemed to push themselves to some pretty exciting new directions.   And then, I finally got to see Smoky White Devils.  I think supergroup fits.  They rocked the house with some groove heavy sounds. The bands members' credits include: The Mavericks, Raging Fire, The Movement, Dolly Parton, Lynyrd Skynrd, George Clinton, and Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau to name just some.

I left The 5 Spot and headed to The Family Wash to catch Nashville newcomer Rosa Pullman, Sally Jaye, and Megan Palmer.  Collaborations of all three women occurred through the night.  Sally Jaye was incredible.  Her band included her husband E2TG Artist of the Year Brian Wright - who I always enjoy seeing play.  Megan Palmer played some of my favorite songs of hers, and knocked it out of the park with her emotional song about her cancer diagnosis and recovery.

Much to recommend tonight - BARK are going to be a Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge.  Plus there is another show which is come up in the shuffle.  I will hanging with my daughter, and we will see what we are able to do.

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Everything Turns to Dust Mix

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Alrighty then, I am back after a long weekend.  As usual, I got a lot done and feel like I could have done more.  Saturday night, I took in Jon Latham, Josh Morris, and Sean Quinn at The Country.  Excellent music, and good times.

Sunday, it was Stone Cupid (trio with Julie Christensen, Chris Tench, and Sergio Webb) at Studio 62 on Main Street in East Nashville. Always good to see and hear them play.

Meanwhile, the surreal disaster that is our current administration in the US continues to defy... well fill in the blank.. common sense, decency, legality, reality.  A "campaign"rally - a month after inauguration... filled with at least 13 factually questionable statements... including an allusion to an attack "last night" against Sweden which never happened.

Here's the deal, writing this blog, I have inadvertently posted things that turned out to be incorrect. I once (based upon a wikipedia article) stated that a noted producer co-wrote a song. When I was corrected, by the writer of said song, I immediate edited my post to include the correct information (while leaving the incorrect information struck out) and I apologize for the error.

In contrast, when this administration is called out on misstatements, they double down, the shift blame, or they respond in some bizarre fashion that leaves their followers to believe the lie to be the truth. (i.e. many supporters of the current administration still believe the "media" is covering up an attack on Sweden).

Oh and let's not forget the non-stop attacks on the free press - who dare to ask "hard questions" and challenge untruths.

Okay, okay. I'm done for now.  The above views are my own and should not be associated with any artists featured on my page.

**********************************************************************
Before we leap ahead into the Shuffle... I would like to present a video from The Suitcase Junket. I first saw The Suitcase Junket - a uniquely talented one-man band - a couple of years ago at The 5 Spot.  He has a brand new album - his label debut coming soon, and today, we have a video from that album for the song, "The Next Act". Check it out below, and keep listening to E2TG for more from the album which is called, Pile Driver.

Today is Tuesday and we have our "Trending Tuesday" shuffle forthcoming....after the jump...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Love Bump Mix

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My question for today...  If there is any possibility (not to mention what now seems a probability) that American interests have been compromised by illicit contact with the Russian government, should not any American (regardless of ideological leanings) be interested in knowing the truth?  Asking for a friend...

BIG NEWS TIME!

Well, the cat is almost/partially out of the bag....  In celebration of and as a thanks to everyone, E2TG will be hosting the early show every Wednesday in May!  I will have a different co-host each week - I am finalizing the lineup and crossing i's and dotting t's, but I am super excited about these 5 shows.  Expect to hear much more soon!

It is Tuesday and we have some trending music to get you through these early week blues... (NOTE: Some days, I can find every single song in the shuffle on You Tube - some days, not so much.  I think I found three of the actual songs and in one case, I could not find any videos at all for the artist.... plus the embed is still not working.. I mean - WTF?  Ah well, enjoy!  Great music!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - The Trip Mix

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So, Super Bowl ads portraying the current and past struggles and accomplishments of immigrants are "anti-Trump"... hmm... meanwhile, it is becoming increasingly clear that, not only is a white supremacist in the White House, but he is actually the one calling the shots.

Moving on - for now - took in some excellent music over the weekend.  Friday night - enjoyed another outstanding Tim Carroll Rock n Roll Happy Hour with Reeves Gabrels -  who currently plays guitar with The Cure and who played for many years alongside David Bowie - added his unique and distinct musical voice to the show.   After that, I headed to the Basement for a pretty darn stacked lineup that included Reuben Bidez, Tim Easton, Don Gallardo, and a full-band set from Rayvon Pettis.

Saturday - faced with a myriad of choices, I trekked to Brentwood for Joanna Barbera's CD Release show with Megan Palmer opening.   Then, I made my way to The Basement East in time to catch a rousing set by Chuck Mead and the Grassy Knoll Boys - part of Honky Tonk Saturday.

Sunday was spent working and resting and working and watching some game...

Time for Music City Monday - music from or connected to Nashville..

Feature Friday Morning Shuffle - Crumbs Mix

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First all thanks for the support and kind words following my "rant" yesterday.  I am going to keep my off-topic portion of the blog post short and sweet.

There is a white supremacist in the White House who has been given unprecedented power over domestic and international affairs. - Yes I have posted this before, but I will continue to say it until it is not the case.

Today is Friday and we shuffle up some tunes from the "New Music" playlist which includes mostly music sent to or given to me by artists, publicists etc. These are all somewhat "new" releases, but I don't really have a set time period to when I take albums/songs off this playlist.  Anyway, it is a good one, so let's jump in.

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - The Good Life Mix

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Okay - we are back after an extended weekend to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., and to think about the fights which are still going on and progress made and miles yet to go...

Since we last were together, I got to take in Crackerboots with my daughter for my birthday.  Then Sunday night after his 3rd and Lindsley show was postponed, Darrin Bradbury and friends took over Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge.  It was a really great night of music with Jon Latham, Rayvon Pettis, Sally Jaye, Jeremy Ivey, and Mr. Bradbury himself.  Darrin's band included Laur Joamets who just 24 hours before had backed Sturgill Simpson on his incredible SNL performance (if you still have not seen that - go look that up NOW and then come back).  His guests included Margo Price.  It was all in all a typically stellar night of music in Nashville (well Madison).

Let's get to the shuffle - which is a little extended due to a (scheduled) detour I had to make on the way to work. This is a Trending Tuesday shuffle - heavily weighted to Nashville artists (past or present).

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - The Whole Picture Stank Mix

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Running a little behind today.

How about some outside the shuffle "Earie" Awards

1.  The "Strong Spine"Award goes to Zachariah Red who released his album Backbone back at the beginning of the year.  He won a preemptive "Earie" in 2015 on the basis of "40 Miles" the first single. The album was most excellent and deserving of an "Earie" all it's own.

2. Backbone was mastered by Timothy Ryssemus who released his own album under the Ricca Vita name. Ricca Vita - the album - was one of the freshest and most unique-sounding records of 2016. It is electronic music - but what struck me about it (and I think maybe Ryssemus benefited from working with singer-songwriters like Zach Red in this regard) was the focus. Electronic music can tend to lose me sometimes, but that was not the case with this record.  So, I will give Ricca Vita the "Breath of Fresh Electronic Air" Award.

3.  The "These Days" Award for 2016 goes to Charlie Hager. Yeah, it is the title of one of his songs (of which we premiered the video), but these days, America needs a voice like Charlie Hager.  Plain spoken, honest, songwriting of the highest caliber. If you are looking for bells and whistles - go elsewhere. But, before you go, take a good honest listen to Charlie Hager's songs. His album American Saga is one you may not have heard, but it is one you really need to hear.

4. Our final "Earie" of the day is the "Happenstance Award" (you do know I just make these award names up off the top of my head don't you?). The award goes to Dingzui - a Nashville band who released Analogue in 2016. If not for a chance encounter at a David Olney show at Bobby's Idle Hour, there is a chance, I might would have missed out on hearing this album, and that would have been a shame. You have to hand it any band who titles songs "Graceland" and "The Tennessee Waltz" (neither of these are cover songs) and manages to pull it off which a couple of really excellent songs. The album is great, and since you may not have been at that David Olney show, I'm giving you a chance to not miss out.

To the shuffle:

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Put it Back Mix

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It's Monday again... less than two weeks until Christmas, and less than three weeks left in 2016.

This weekend, the 11th Annual Get Behind the Mule - Tom Waits Tribute and Benefit was Saturday at The 5 Spot.  Great music, great time. I even got to emcee some. Lots of highlights.  Julie Christensen and company, Furious Primates, The Coal Men (who joined forces with Carpetbaggers 615, Tommy Womack, David Olney, Sarah Potenza, and so many more.

Sunday night:  Don Gallardo opened for SHEL. As you may know, Don Gallardo is one of my favorite Nashville artists, and he had a killed band with him.  SHEL - who I seem to see about once a year - brought stellar musicianship and a great stage presence for a really fun set of music.

Let's jump into the Music City Monday shuffle. Still having some technical issues with my bluetooth on my phone, but I powered through as best I could...  A few double shots.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Choo Choo Mix

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Another work week is upon us.  Monday.

A few interesting events coming up (off the top of my head):  Scott Miller (The V-Roys, etc.) will be making a rare early show appearance in Nashville Wednesday at The 5 Spot.  6:00pm.  Later that night, an all-star cast will be recreating Ryan Adams sixth studio album, Cold Roses - that show is at The Basement East.

Thursday night: Sergio Webb and Nathan Bell will be at The Family Wash at 8:30pm.

There are tons of other great things happening around Nashville every night this week and pretty much every week.  The ones I mentioned just came to my mind.


We call it Music City Monday - because we shuffle up songs from our locally oriented playlist... songs connected to Nashville, Tennessee aka Music City USA.

Here is today's shuffle:

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Ninety Nine and One Half Days Mix

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Hey! Lots on the horizon... keep checking back with us - in fact check back every day (at least once) and tell your friends to check back...

In case you missed it, The Grey A released their latest single this morning, and E2TG was on the case...

I will soon be making a big announcement about the Ear to the Ground 5th Anniversary Show (May 18 at The 5 Spot in East Nashville). 

Today is Tuesday - where we take a look and listen to what is Trending over here at E2TG....

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Rosebud, Too Mix

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Quick recap, I continued to lay a little low - still dealing with a lingering cold, and working on song selection for the forthcoming "Double Shot with Joe and Sue" (still no confirmed start date).

Friday:  First, it was good to see a large and vibrant crowd for the weekly Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour  (one of this town's best weekly events in my opinion).  I left there a little early and headed to Bobby's Idle Hour on Music Row for the Darkhorses of East Nashville - a collaborative round featuring the amazingly talented trio of Julie Christensen, Amelia White, and Sergio Webb.  Trading off songs and backing each other, produced several magical moments.  If they come through your town, do not miss it.


So, as I promised Friday, it seemed like a good time to shake things up here at E2TG - just a little bit.  Inspired by the success of Featured Friday, I have decided to have a "theme" playlist every for every day of the week.  The large #E2TG playlist had gotten very large and getting bigger. By having smaller playlist each day, it may provide more opportunities to feature different artists.  We shall see.

So, without much more ado, we begin this new chapter with the debut of Music City Monday - featuring music with connections to Nashville.  As you will see, this playlist features both current artists/albums and classics covering over half a century.  Non-Nashville artists: Do not be concerned, there will be many opportunities throughout the week for me to feature your music.

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - Shortnin' Bread Mix

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Once again, I am back with another Morning Music Shuffle! 

I was a little under the weather - so no shuffle yesterday....

So, here is a recap of some live music I experienced since the last post:

Friday - After venue hopping on Thursday, I decided  to stay put in one place (not that there weren't ample opportunities to venue hop), and it was nice because there was so much great music in one spot (Bobby's Idle Hour).  Three rounds of three singer-songwriters featuring: Round 1: Joe Nolan, Renee Wahl, and Daryl Dasher; Round 2: Jeremy Nash, Lindsay Ellyn, and Sadie Hart; Round 3: Jeremy Staubus, Lori Kelley, and Lori's sister Michelle Nielson (in town from Iceland).

Saturday - Another one venue night (Douglas Corner) for Charlie Whitten (who has been featured on E2TG), Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau, and Ted Drozdowski's Scissormen. 

Two wonderful night's of music with wonderful company at two venerable Nashville institutions.

#ICYMI:  The WXNA Radio Show that I am hosting with Sue Havlish, Double Shot with Joe and Sue,  has a Facebook Page for you to like.  After you "Like" that page (if you want to), it might be a good time to double check to make sure you have liked the Ear to the Ground Facebook page (link up top).  Hope to be able to announce the date of our first show, soon.

Now to the shuffle: