As with many people, my mind is consumed with thoughts of what has happened and is happening in Ferguson, Missouri and what it says about us as a nation - as human beings.... I am not one of those who thinks he has all the answers... in fact there are just a few things I think I know.... repeated and systemic injustice creates situations where violence flourishes. Violence and Hate are never the answer. Peace and Love always are the answer. Justice must proceed peace. We are one world and one people. We really need to work on losing this idea of them vs. us.
Coincidently, we begin today's random shuffle with a cover of Gil Scott-Heron song, but not the one I've seen others posting today...
So, I've been thinking a lot about the concept of incongruity, and I have this theory that incongruity is a concept made up by those who cannot or will not see that everything and everyone is connected. And that what we experience as an incongruity means that we cannot presently see the way things are connected. Sometimes, it helps me to think that I am the one thing that connects these seemingly
incongruous things. Hint: that thought though helpful is not the truth.
Keep this in mind (or don't) as you experience today's shuffle
Indie Nashville Imprint Signs Exciting New Deal With Esteemed Distributor
There must be something in the water down in
Nashville that has lead to the recent rise in buzzing talent in
Tennessee’s “Music City.” One of the best examples of this is Jeffery Drag Records,
a young label that has consistently released quality, southern-fried
jams for the last three years. What began as a vessel for co-founders Adam Moult and Mike Gicz to release cassettes for their band Bad Cop has expanded to include Natural Child, Useless Eaters, Turbo Fruits, and Pujol. And now, Jeffery Drag has signed a distribution deal with the highly coveted Frenchkiss Label Group (FKLG).
Frenchkiss creator Syd Butler
feels that JDR will be a welcome addition to his company’s roster.
“We're incredibly excited to have Jeffery Drag coming aboard the
Frenchkiss family and to see them grow as a label as they continue to
put out a steady stream of extremely high-energy rock records,” says
Syd. In joining with the FKLG, Jeffery Drag will gain a worldwide
digital retail presence, a team of seasoned industry veterans who will
help them expand their label's business as well as roster, and a family
of labels that will support and nurture the JDR team.
The recently executed deal will position Jeffery
Drag Records within the Frenchkiss Label Group family of independent
labels. FKLG specializes in a “handshake mentality” when it comes to
music distribution, emphasizing the nurturing and connecting of label
communities in order to grow an imprint’s visibility. This professional
ideology, coupled with their recent partnership with The Orchard, gives Frenchkiss a solid and experienced foundation that aims at delivering and streamlining distribution.
Good morning from Nashville. Once again, congrats to Vinyl Thief - our Band of the Month for July. I try not be too political in this forum, but for the record, it has been many years since I have eaten at that certain fast food establishment that everyone is talking about these days, and I that will not change anytime soon. When I eat patently unhealthy food, I prefer it without the hate... *puts soapbox away.
As you know, if you are a regular reader, I live in Nashville and write about the music I like. Since December (or so), I disproportionate number of bands I've written about have come from the New York/New Jersey area. There are number of reasons for this, mainly that I have received the most support, encouragement and enthusiasm from that music community. Also, there is some damn fine music coming out of that scene.
That being said (and as I've mentioned before), at the time I was first being turned on to the depth and breadth of music out side of the Top 40, I "discovered" the Nashville music scene. I have been a fan, friend and supporter of Nashville's diverse music scene for over 20 years. And while, it was never my intention or desire to write a blog solely devoted to Nashville music, I am grateful when I have the chance to do so.
So I am pleased that again today, I had a Nashville band come up on my morning shuffle - let's get to it.
Daniel Pujol who records under just his last name, makes good, loud ROCK music. I had the good fortune to see the band play Grimey's for Record Store Day this year, and it was one of my highlights of the day. His latest release called, United States of Being (on Saddle Creek), dropped in June. Today's song, though comes from 2011's Nasty, Brutish, and Short. Battles is a nifty rocker.
Next up, we have San Francisco based, Aoede. Aoede has recently come to my attention via the power of social media, and I've been enraptured by the beautiful, haunting Pop music. The song today is called Does Your Heart Ever Stop Feeling and you can find it on Skeletons of the Muse which was released in April.
Could not find Does Your Heart Ever Stop Feeling on YouTube so check out Aoede singing the National Anthem!
And finally, we have a song from Jack Ashford and His Funk Brothers from the album of the same name. The Funk Brothers were legendary Motown session players, and according to one source have played on more number one songs than the Beatles, Elvis, The Rolling Stones and the Beach Boys combined. The song today is called Black Jack and it's funky.
