Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Ruptured Spleen Mix

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Guess what!  It's Wednesday - time to get wild...

I am a little short on time - so let's go!

Topical Thursday Morning Shuffle - Say What I Have to Say Mix

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So - I'm gonna let today's shuffle do the talking...

but, I do want to report on another long but excellent night of music at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.

D.L. Duncan continued his month-long residency playing some great blues-based music. First playing accompanied by a snare drum - and then by a full-band including a wonderful horn section.  Duncan was joined for several songs by the legendary guitarist Jack Pearson.

The late show featured several favorites of mine beginning with Taylor Alexander - back by Jess Perkins on pedal steel, then Rocky Bottom, the always incredible Rayvon Pettis, and The Big Dumb - featuring Javi Jones and Anna Joy Harris.  I had never seen Javi in this setting, and I have to say I loved it.

Tonight, the Smoky White Devils wrap up their residency with guest Ted Drozdowki's Scissormen (next Thursday will be the 25th Anniversary of Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau.)

Onward to Topical Thursday on E2TG.  I really should write this disclaimer and save it and copy and paste each week... but here goes...

I selected a topic (its a a very loose topic) and I went through my list of songs and picked out songs that fit (seemed to fit) or at least struck me in the moment of selection as fitting the topic. I created a playlist with those songs, and every Thursday I randomly shuffle up songs from that playlist. At some point, I may change the topic.

Rule/Disclaimers:  I do not expressly state what the topic is nor do I explain why a particular song fits.  I am not in any way implying nor should you infer that the songs' writers would intend or necessarily approve of their song being applied to this topic. All connections are (or were) in my head. I also will not confirm nor deny if you  try to guess the topic.  Just sit back - enjoy and let you own mind make the connections (or not);

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Always Carry a Purse Mix

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A few things on my mind:

1. My mind has been on my parent's home state of Louisiana and the devastating flooding which has affected several different parts of the state. One of my cousins had to be rescued from her home and essentially lost everything.  One story out of many.

2.  Reflecting on my post yesterday about seeing so many good friends and how their dreams are coming true, and realizing that in the midst of all this, there are people who are struggling to hold on to their dreams (or struggling just to get by and survive)... which got me thinking of the unprecedented growth that Nashville has seen over the past few years, and that while some people have thrived and benefited from that growth, others have suffered.  No answers to any of it, just thoughts.

3.  On a completely different note, Facebook told me that one year ago today, the E2TG Facebook Page hit 300 likes.  Today, the count stands at 834 and countig. I am humbled and mystified and grateful for all of the support.

4.  I feel like I need to acknowledge that there is another (at least one) music blog/website whatever that uses Ear to the Ground has their name.  From what I can tell, we started at about the same and apparently, just coincidentally came up with the same name.  It isn't really that big a deal yet, but as I look to expand and grow my site, I see the need to address it.  As you have probably noticed, I have been heavily emphasizing the "E2TG" designation.  This will likely continue and eventually the E2TG title may replace "Ear to the Ground" on-line and in print.   This blog will always be "Ear to the Ground" as long as it continues.  And for the record, if you are talking about "E2TG", it is pronounced, "Ear to the Ground". :-)

5.  Three events tonight that I want to highlight. I do not think I can physically do all three but not saying it is not possible...  1. Scott Miller (6-8) at The 5 Spot.   2. Steve Poltz with special guest Megan Palmer!!!! at City Winery. (7-?)  3.  The star-studded tribute to Ryan Adam's Cold Roses album at The Basement East. (8-?)

Todays Wild Wednesday shuffle contains several songs from new and newish releases (and future releases).  Plus some of the usual "Wild Wednesday Wackiness".

Country Fried Rock - Offers a Sweet Compilation for a Great Cause

Okay, here is the deal.  I love musicians.  I'm not a musician, but I love music and  despite what a few people think, music isn't music with out musicians. So, I do what I can to support musicians.  I'm not wealthy so I can't often drop tons of money to support bands I love. One of the reasons I started this blog was as a way to give back to the bands and songwriters and singers and guitarist and bassist and drummers and cellists and (well you get the point) who have enriched my life. 


Unfortunately, we have lost too many great people too soon to suicide.  Suicide is always a complex issue.  Often mental illness and addiction are involved.  These are complex problems.  So complex that many of us who have been touched by it feel powerless to help.


Right now, you can help.  Our friend Sloane Spencer who runs the always amazing Country Fried Rock show has curated this awesome compilation which is available now at Noisetrade (the widget is below). Because it is at Noisetrade, the compilation is free, but because it's at Noisetrade you can leave a tip.  You should (but maybe don't) do that anyway, but this time you really should.  All proceeds - that's 100% - are going to go toward Nuci's Space 

Nuçi’s Space is a non-profit health and music resource center in Athens, GA. The aim of the organization is to prevent suicide by providing obstacle free treatment for musicians suffering from depression and other such disorders as well as to assist in the emotional, physical and professional well-being of musicians.

So, it's a great cause, and an amazing compilation and yeah.





I'll leave you with a video montage of some of the great musicians we've lost to suicide:

Jim Ellison of Material Issue

Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse

Stuart Adamson of Big Country

Owsley (Will Owsley)

Phil Ochs

Kurt Cobain of Nirvana

Michael Hutchence of INXS

Robert Quine (Lou Reed, Tom Waits, Brian Eno, Richard Hell)

I could go on....  Go get a great compilation, skip a Venti Starbucks or two and donate to this great cause.