E2TG 5/3/2022 - Darkness - Not Nice Mix (Find a Reason Remix)

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Today's Ear to the Ground radio show is up on the archive at wxnafm.org.  HERE is the direct link to the broadcast.

6:00am Sonny Boy by Owsley on Owsley (Giant)

6:02am Ballad of a Straw Man by Los Colognes on Ballad of a Straw Man – Single (Los Colognes)

6:06am Life In a Bubble by NIGHTHAWK on Life In a Bubble – Single (Rosebud Ridge)

6:11am Obvious to Me by Jai Agnish on Obvious to Me – Single (Jai Agnish)

6:17am New Days by The Lickerish Quartet on Threesome, Vol. 3 – EP (Stranger Danger Records and Tapes)

6:22am Slips Away (feat. Jason Schwartzman) by POP ETC on Slips Away (feat. Jason Schwartzman) – Single (POP ETC Records)

6:26am This Better Be Good by Peter Donovan on This Better Be Good (Red Parlor Records)

6:31am Heartworn Hopeless Highway by Billy Woodward on Heartworn Hopeless Highway – Single (Backslider Brand Records)

6:35am Healing Time by Gina Sicilia on Unchange (VizzTone)

6:39am Look at All Them Cows by Family Shiloh on At the Cold Copper Rance (C-Side Recording Company)

6:41am Filament and Spark by Sound&Shape on Disaster Medicine (CEN)

6:47am No One’s Left a Trace Like You Before by Bentley Browning on Pop Anthemica (Bentley Browning)

6:50am The Portal by Tony Jay on The Portal – Single (Mt.St.Mtn.)

6:53am Navigating Grief and Loss in a Pre-Apocalyptic Landscape by Drowningman on Later Day Saints – Single (Friend Club Records)

6:56am Thought 1 by Armagos on Gratitude (Armagos)

6:57am Orewoet by Lotte Pen on Pelgrim (Revanche Records)

Today's random shuffle is below the jump. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 8/24/2021 - Tuesday's With E2TG - La L'amour Mix (Lotus Eaters Remix)

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Rolling into a busy week both day job wise and music wise.  Let's jump right in to today's post... 

Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 3) (songs 20-25):

20. "The Ashtangas" by ChiefMaster WinGuru

22 year old Chicago rapper - from the new EP  The Real Rap is Back.

21. "One for Lewis" by Penelope Antena

From the second album by the Belgian/French singer-songwriter.

22. "Wrong" by Zava

Next up, we have the new single from Kansas City pop artist Zava - who performed at Kansas City Pride this past weekend.

23. "The Gallery" by Lindsay Jarman

Next. the title track from the debut album by Atlanta-based singer-songwriter.

24. "Living The Nightmare" by Bumsy and the Moochers

Next up, we have the new single from this six-piece Chicago-based ska band. 

25. "Termite City" by Harry Stafford

And, we close out this segment of music with another single from the forthcoming Bone Architecture album by Manchester's Harry Stafford (Inca Babies) and Brazilian guitarist Marco Butcher who is now based in North Carolina. 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 8/9/2021 - Music City Monday - Seachlight Mix (Dirty Girl Remix)

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Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 2) (songs 13-18):

13. "What If I" by Mikaela Finne

We start this segment of our recap with the second single from the forthcoming Time Stands Still album (due August 27) from this Swedish outlaw country singer-songwriter.

14. "Whatachoo" by Caitlin Rose

A new single from Nashville's Caitlin Rose celebrating the 10th anniversary of her classic Own Side Now album. 

15. "Trick of The Light" by Ike Reilly

Next up, Chicago-based singer-songwriter and leader of the Ike Reilly Assassination returns to E2TG with his latest single.

16. "Psychophant" by The Raging Nathans

Next up, we have a track from the new 7" release Bring Me the Head of Betsy DeVos by this Dayton, Ohio punk band. 

17. "Drinking Bleach" by The Wind Ups

Northern California band created during last year's lockdowns by Jake Sprecher (Terry Malts, Smokescreens, Jonathan Richman) with a track from the forthcoming debut EP Try Not to Think (due August 27).

18. "Your Name" by Mothgal

And, we close this segment of music with the second single by this Nashville-based Australian-American duo.  We featured their debut single previously. A great song to close us out. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 4/7/2021 - Seconds - Highway Mix (For Your Life Remix)

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Today's good news:

1. I got my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine this morning - four hours out, I feel okay.

2. E2TG Favorite (two-time Artist of the Year)  Darrin Bradbury just released a new single! It is so good.

Moving on, we have more of this week's Featured Friday Playlist (songs 37-46):

37. "Stuck in the Blue" by Numb Tongues

First up today is a recent single from this funky punk band from Toronto. Nice. 

38. "Love Poem" by Andrew Lessman

Next up, we have a lovely instrumental from L.A. based drummer Andrew Lessman. 

39. "O, A Weird Flower" by Nikolas Schreck

Next up, we have the title track from the recent album by this German composer. The album was released on the Spring Equinox. This is great stuff. 

40. "Please Tell Me" by Kathryn and the Overbytes

Next up, we have the debut single from this band from Australia. I dig it. 

41. "House on the Hill" by Seafoam Green

Next up, we have the recent single from this Irish duo from their forthcoming album Martins Garden which was produced by Tyler Greenwell of Tedeschi Trucks Band. 

42. "Tomorrow is Today" by Henry Chadwick

Next up, we have a really lovely new single from Santa Cruz native Henry Chadwick who grew up around recording studios and who puts that background to great use. 

43. "Downtown" by Paul Cafcae

Next up, we have a recent single from this Canadian singer-songwriter whose sound combines rockabilly, blues, and indie rock.  I like this song a lot. 

44. "Love Potion No. 10" by The Silver Devils

The new single from this San Diego band upgrades The Clovers' "Love Potion No. 9". This one connected with me right away. 

45. "New Mexico Way" by John Vento

Next up, we have the wonderful new single from this Pittsburgh based singer-songwriter. Great stuff. 

46. "God or Machine?" by Indifferentmonkey
 

And we close out this segment with a stunning new single from this UK band. It is from their forthcoming album Inner Lockdown. Check it out. 
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/30/2021 - Inward Gaze - Cinnamon Mix (Behave Remix)

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One thing occurred me - thinking back on yesterday's post. Thinking about the immensity of the issues faces the world and the country and the state and the city... is that the best place to start making changes is with ourselves.  One thing I learned in a previous part of my life is that if something is bothering your about someone else's behavior is to look at where you may have a similar behavior in your own life. It isn't always easy - because your own behavior may be quiet different but often if you take the time and make the effort to look - you will something somehow related to that bothersome behavior that you can work on in yourself. And that is often more productive since it is next to impossible to change other people's behavior. 

Today - we move on in our Featured Friday recap - with songs 18-23:

18. "Looking Through the Glass" by Kieran Mercer

First up, we have the new single single from Canadian singer-songwriter Kieran Mercer - who released his debut EP in 2016.  This is his first independent release.

19. "Noyalain (Burn)" by Lisa Gerard; Jules Maxwell

Next up, we have the first single from the forthcoming (May 7) album Burn. Lisa Gerrard  is a founding member of the band Dead Can Dance.

20. "I Wanna Be a Teenage Boy" by Zoe FitzGerald Carter

Next up, we have a new track from this Bay area songwriter and memorist. This song (from the forthcoming album Waterlines) manages to be fun and intriguing, and it is worth a close listen.  

21. "The City's Coming Down" by The New Ravis

Next up, we have a song born out of the mental health strain of the last year - from this indie duo from Galway. Really strong addition to the playlist. 

22. "Collide (Bury My Heart)" by Golden Streets of Paradise

Next up, we have the lead track from the new 3 song mini-EP from this Cleveland, Ohio duo.  Really digging this. 

23. "Taming Monsters" by Stefan Prigmore

And, we close with a powerful track from the full length debut album by this Texas singer-songwriter. An excellent album - check it out. 

  

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/28/2020 - Music City Monday, Music City Strong - High Feeling Mix (Always Will Remix)

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The 2020 hits keep coming - and not in the good sense of hits.  By now, most of you not from Nashville have read or heard about the Christmas morning bombing in downtown Nashville. The good news is that I and everyone I know is okay. The bad news is the damage and destruction to historical buildings and buildings where people live and work. Temporarily, a lot of people were cut off from technology and communications.  

There is a lot not known. It appears to be the work of one man. His motive is the stuff of speculation but regardless - the city must once again try to come together and get through this.  

Now, we return to our recap of the Featured Friday Shuffle with songs 41-47:

41. "The Infinity Line" by of1000faces

of1000faces returns to the E2TG playlist with the title track from the new album. This is the solo recording project of Chicago based Matt Walker (drummer and producer) whose credits include Morrissey, Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, and Filter. 

42. "Can't Let It Go" by No Trombones (feat. Sakari)

Next up, we have the new single from Montreal based No Trombones featuring vocals by Chicago native and L.A. based Sakari. A great addition to the playlist.

43. "Our Year" by Jane and John

Next up, we have a single from this UK based duo that formed during quarantine. Jane and John are the middle names of C.J. Wadsworth who had never been in a band before and M.J. Hibbett who claims to be an "international rock star" who is best known for "Hey Hey 16K" which was a number one hit in IT departments if not on the charts. 

44. "Shame" by Tristan Wood

Next up, we have the title track from the new EP from this emerging singer-songwriter based in Seattle. Tristan was part of the HIGHSCHOOL Nation tour in 2018.

45. "it's u not me" by Dafna

Next up, we have opening track from I LOVE YOU - the new album from this Boulder, Colorado based singer-songwriter. I dig the sound.

46. "The Power of Love" by The Autumn Killers

How about a cover?  Up next, we have a cover of the Frankie Goes to Hollywood hit via this rock band from South Wales. The  track is included in Acoustic and Autumnised - the new EP which features new arrangements of all the songs from the band's debut EP Dance Floor Mayhem plus this track. 

47. "Blue" by Fellow Hollow 

And, we close this segment of music with the opening track from Violet Paper Wings by this Columbus, Ohio based duo of Andrew Gavin Williams and Luke Elliot Fleeman.  A great tune to close out this part of our Playlist. 

Tomorrow - our penultimate recap post for this week songs 48-54
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/21/2020 - Music City Monday - Hungry Fires Mix (Great Tornado Remix)

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Our Featured Friday Playlist Recap picks back up with songs 17-24:

17. "Nocturnal" by Black Needle Noise (feat. Helena Mamich)

First up today - we have the latest single from legendary producer John Fryer's Black Needle Noise project - here he is joined by Croatian-Australian soprano Helena Mamich.

18. "The Man" by Society 1 (feat. DMC)

Next up, we have a collaboration between L.A. band Society 1 (led by Lord Zane) with special guest DMC (as in Run DMC).  This hard hitting track sounds like a match made in...well - maybe heaven isn't the right word here... but this is damn good.

19. "Working Class Hero" by MANCHO

Chicago musician, producer, and music educator Marshall Greenhouse records as MANCHO, and he just released his cover of the classic John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band album - which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. MANCHO calls his version Plastic Oh No (2020).

20. "44HH" by Makoto San

French label Chinese Man Records introduced a new series of releases meant to highlight new artists.  The series is called DIG IT! and the first single came out earlier this month, and this is it.  Cool stuff.  The second is out now as well.

21. "All Right" by The Sacred

Next up, we have some hard rock from Nashville! The Sacred are a four-piece band - this was my introduction to them, and I dig it. The band have been crowd-sourcing their debut album.

22. "Mercury in Retrograde" by Departure Lounge

Next up, we have the first single from the forthcoming reunion album by this UK band - whose initial run was from 1998-2002. Peter Buck of R.E.M. plays on the new album Transmeridian which is due out next year.

23. "Cancel Cult" by Pushing Veronica

L.A. band Pushing Veronica believe rock and roll should have a message and that the message should be loud. This new single features a video that includes imagery from A Clockwork Orange. 

24. "Save My Heart" by Madisyn Whajne

And we close out this segment of music with the title track from the debut album by this Canadian First Nations singer-songwriter. An impressive debut, and a great sounding record.

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 9/17/2020 - Something, Something -Am I A Fool Mix (Good Company Remix)

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I have been thinking a lot about perception vs. reality lately. I thinking I am coming to some very interesting conclusions, but I am still struggling with some aspects. As soon as I get my thoughts organized enough, I will share that here. It kind of goes back to my post about cilantro the other day, but I have taken in a few steps further. I think it is clear that two people can experience the same thing (sight, sound, feeling, smell, taste) and their experience be totally different. But, then how do you define what the "true" experience really is? Any those the directions my mind is going... more to come. 

We've reached the end of another Featured Friday Playlist - as always we saved some great music to take us out.  Tomorrow, we will be back with a brand new Playlist - it is shaping up to be a big one - stay tuned.  Now, here are songs 22-27:

22. "Killing the Dead" by Brian Cullman

We start of this segment of music with a track from Winter Clothes, the new album, by veteran NY musician and Paris Review correspondent Brian Cullman. The album was a cooperative effort with the late Jimi Zhivago - a long-time friend and collaborator. Zhivago sadly passed away during production. It took Cullman a year to get back to completing the album. This is wonderful stuff. 

23. "Shade" by Atta Boy

Atta Boy are a Los Angeles based indie/Alt-Americana band that released their first album in 2012 on summer break from their first year of college. The members have continued making music on both coasts, and now they have come back together to released their second album - eight years later. 

24. "Every Day Is A Black Day From Today - Radio Edit" by Blink

This is the first release of "new" material from the vaults of the Irish band Blink. This song was recorded during sessions for the band's 1998 album The End is High and was meant to be included on the soundtrack to the film The Butcher Boy. The song didn't make either the album or the film, but it is out now, and it seems perfect for 2020. Look for a full album of archived material in the winter.

25. "For the Wretched of the Earth" by Once Upon a Flatline

Theatrical, post-hardcore - New York band Once Upon a Flatline are up next with a powerful new single. It is always good to have some really hard stuff to spice up the Playlist - when it is also fun - it is a bonus.

26. "Lost" by SLD

In the penultimate position of this week's Playlist - we have some nifty power pop music from the Brooklyn band SLD (Sounds Like Digging).  The band builds their songs as a response to songs by some of their favorite artists - the result is original music that feels familiar on an emotional level. Great stuff. 

27. "Hate Speech" by HMO 

We close things out this week with some heavy-hitting hip-hop music from the South Coast of New South Wales.  HMO is an MC, musician, and producer - whose music is inspired by funk, soul, reggae, and blues music.  A great ending to a great week of music. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 9/15/2020 - Mid-Week Mayhem - Dash My Dreams Mix (Shine and Shine On Remix)

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This week has been going fast or slow or something, I don't know. I'm kind of disjointed and feel like the ground is a bit shaky.  This is another reminder that we are in highly unusual times filled with a lot of uncertainty and upheaval and change. It is okay to feel shaky and unsure and disjointed and confused. It is not okay to give up.  Step back, unplug from wherever you are plugged-in, pamper yourself, get rest or stay up all-night, get busy, be productive, be lazy. 

Whatever you need to do - but do it safely. Be kind to others. .Register to vote. Then make a plan on how you are going to vote. Mail, early voting - however you can do it. 

Don't take anything for granted but don't spend too much time worrying about things that haven't happened. 

All of the above is meant for me, and whoever else needs to hear it... on we go!

I miscalculated, I have been featuring four songs a day this week, but I should have been featuring five - so we will feature six songs today and tomorrow - to wrap up this week's playlist.  Today songs 16-21

16. "Good News" by Petter Carlsen

Petter Carlsen hails from the far northern part of Norway - above the Arctic circle.  This is the fourth single from his forthcoming new album The Sum of Every Shade.  I believe we have featured at least two of the previous three singles - I tried to go back and look, but anyway...  I have really been enjoying his music, and I look forward to the album release. 

17. "I Saw a U.F.O." by Victims of The New Math

Next up, we have a track from the Phoenix, Arizona based Victims of New Math which is a recording project of Thomas Young. The music is influenced by Guided by Voices and Big Star and the song was inspired by an episode of the new Unsolved Mysteries. I dig this a lot. 

18. "The Weeping Souls - Alain Johannes Remix" by Jonny Polonsky

Jonny Polonsky returns to the playlist with this remix from Alain Johannes who has collaborated with Chris Cornell, PJ Harvey, and more. Polonsky has a rich history which includes some incredible collaborations of his own. 

19. "Downstairs Sunday" by A Shoreline Dream

A Shoreline Dream (from Barnum, Colorado) return to E2TG with their latest single taken from their recently released Warming album.  They are becoming regulars here on E2TG - and their fantastic sounding shoegaze/post-punk sound is a big reason why. 

20. "Endicott" by Leron Thomas

There is a lot to unpack in this incredible new release. Leron Thomas was a major contributor to Iggy Pop's Free album from last year. He is a trumpeter, composer, and vocalist. This song was inspired by the Kid Creole and the Coconut's song of the same name.  It is absolutely wonderful, and I am really glad I got clued into this release. 

21. "Record Collector" by Brophy's Law

Brophy's Law are based in Copenhagen but the band hails from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Denmark.  Here - this lead single from their forthcoming True Stories album is about a young man in a cult record shop. A truly great way to close out this segment of music. 

Tomorrow -we finish up our recap with the last six songs on the playlist.  As usual, we saved some good ones for last. 
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 9/15/2020 - In Other News - Desperate Mix (Downpour Remix)

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Fun Fact: I write the Featured Friday recaps the night before and at that time, I usually add the post subtitle (i.e. "In Other News"). Sometimes I know what it means - sometimes it just pops into my head and I either write about it, ignore it, or change it in the morning. 

I guess I was thinking about the big things dominating the news cycles - elections, pandemic, wildfires... and I was thinking about on the news when the anchor says in other news... I don't watch television news so I don't know if they still say that or if they do - what other news they are covering. Besides pop culture and celebrity gossip... local stories... is there anything going on that isn't partially connected to the election or the pandemic or the wildfires - and even those have overlap. 

Question: Is good news an oxymoron?  I remember the feel good stories at the end of news broadcasts... in the midst of tragedy and violence and suffering, those stories made you feel good, but where they "news" in the strictest sense of the word.  I mean, I guess a war ending or a pandemic being stopped would be good news- but those are really just conclusions to bad news. I'm not being negative or pessimistic, but I legitimately wonder if there is anything such thing as "good news".  Probably so, and I probably am being negative and pessimistic.  

Today, we featured the next four songs from this week's Playlist.  Songs 12-15:

12. "Feel That I'm Falling" by Tom Galloway

We start off today's recap with the latest single by Nashville-based songwriter Tom Galloway.  I really dig this song. Check it out. 

13. "Apple Tree" by Conrad Deadly

We cross the pond for the single from UK based singer-songwriter (and model) Conrad Deadly. He brings an interesting musical background with diverse influences to create something unique. 

14. "Before the World Broke" by Andrew Weiss and Friends

NYC based singer-songwriter Andrew Weiss and his friends have two new standalone singles out with an EP called Lookout Mountain due in October. A timely and really wonderful song. 

15. "Never Die!!!" by Salem Wolves

Massachusetts based psychotronic rock band Salem Wolves pull out three exclamation marks!!! on the title track from their new EP.  A great sound - I just "discovering" this band, but they have apparently been tearing up around New England for some time. A great way to close out this segment of music.

Tomorrow - we pick up with our recap with songs 16-19...
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 8/14/2020 - Featured Friday - Opening Night Mix (Roses Remix)

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It is Friday, and that means it is time for another Featured Friday Playlist!  This week's list is slightly shorter than recent weeks but it is jam packed with wonderful music - as usual, our selections come from all over the world, cross almost every conceivable genre.  Because the list was short, there are some special treats in this week's list that might otherwise not have made the list. I hope you enjoy and please follow the list on Spotify if you are so moved. 

We recap the first six songs after the jump, and we will recap the rest of the list all next week in this space. 

Peace out!
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 4/03/2020 - Featured Friday - Not Too Hip Mix (Genius Remix)

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It is Friday and that means a brand new Featured Friday Spotify Playlist. You can check it out below or listen and follow the playlist on Spotify.

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 1/24/2020 - Featured Friday - Popeye's Beard Mix (Half Life Remix)

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Well, we made it to the end of another week which means it is time to refresh the E2TG Featured Friday Spotify Playlist.  This week's playlist features some brand new releases and some songs that have just made their way into my consciousness.  We have new music from David Dondero - one of our countries best songwriters, Zander Schloss - punk rock icon turned troubadour, Davis Raines - a highly regarded Nashville songwriter, Jen Starsinic - one of my favorite local writers, June Star - an Americana band from Baltimore MD, Ryan Dillaha - a Michigan based singer-songwriter, Mono Inc - Goth Metal band from Germany, Sunshine Boys - Chicago based power pop band that I saw last Saturday, Michael Zimmerman - surprise release from the Nashville based multi-instrumentalist who I first met as part of Nelson Zimmerman and Quinn, Party of Shine - a new hard rock band featuring Jeff Johnson of Jason and the Scorchers, Rebecca Turner - New Jersey based singer-songwriter, 12xPretty - Electro-pop outfit from Victoria BC, Electric High - hard rock/metal band from Bergen Norway, Mrs. Henry - new live album from the L.A. based band who did the Last Waltz tribute we have been featuring, Kailey Nicole - Nashville (by way of Vegas and L.A) singer-songwriter, and Three Rivers Project - electronica/synthwave project.  Check out the playlist below and please follow the playlist on Spotify if you would like. 

Also, check out the Release listing - we have a handful of albums coming out today (including some from our playlist) and some new additions to our list.   

And the shuffle is down below!

E2TG 2019 Recap - Part 9 - Shine On Mix (Toxic Remix)

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Time is short!  Here is the Shuffle for today!



"Do the Damn Thing" by Tino Drima (from Suitin' Up)

"Can't Get Enough of You" by Reckless Johnny Wales and His Trans Genre Orchestra (from End It With a Love Song)

A year with new Reckless Johnny is a good year.  This time, he is in a bit of a romantic mood. 

"Ghost" by Rod Picott (from Tell the Truth Shame the Devil)

So pleased to get to cover Rod Picott's excellent album this year.  One of Nashville's absolute finest. 

"Josh Gibson" by Coyote Motel (Ted Drozdowski) (from Coyote Motel)

Ted Drozdowski takes things in a new direction with the first of two albums released by his new Coyote Motel project. 

"360 No Scope" by Ghost Town Remedy (from 360 No Scope - single)

We got the chance to premier this fun video from a great Nashville rock band. 

"Nothing To Do With You" by Charlie Hager (from Truth and Love)

Charlie Hager may have moved to Vegas, but make no mistake - this is a REAL Nashville album.  He remains an important part of the community here. 

"Ginger Ale and Lorna Doones" by Amy Speace (from Me and the Ghost of Charlemagne)

Sometimes I get lucky and get invited to CD release parties and sometimes I get really lucky and that party is for the new album by the one and only Amy Speace. 

"State of Mind" by Eye Said So; Taeryn Rayne (from Eye Said So)

"Who Cares" by David G. Smith (from Who Cares)

"Shine On" by Steve Poltz (from Shine On)

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Little Kitty Pile Mix

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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.



Fun show at The Basement last night. Nashville's Sad Baxter opened - we have featured them several times on Music City Monday. 

Followed by Summer Cannibals from Portland, Oregon - led by my cousin Jessica Boudreaux. 

Both high energy, rocking sets.

Well, this is it!  Last shuffle before I take a bit of break.  Look for a post on Monday (if all goes as expected). 

Next weekend, I am off to Muddy Roots and hope to have some cool stuff to share about that experience.

Now, here is a Featured Friday shuffle to close things out!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - No Tell Motel Mix

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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.


Hard to believe but the E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency is just over a month away!  We have some cool stuff lined up - here is some details!

Long-time E2TG favorite Ben Arthur will be in town from New York. I am not sure if this will be his first performance in Nashville, but it is a rare treat.  Ben is the creator of a new podcast called Songwriter which airs as part of Acoustic Cafe. The show matches a prose writer with a songwriter. Ben will be playing songs from his forthcoming album Perspective which we have been previewing here at E2TG.  Joining Ben will be favorites Conrad y Skordalia.  Since relocating from New York to Nashville David Conrad and Rebecca Weiner Tompkins have stayed busy both playing their own music and backing some of Nashville's finest.  This night should be an especially literary-flavored show.


Preview of the other shows coming soon....

Please note a change in the previously announced line-up.  Don Gallardo will be joining The Truehearts for Week 3 on October 9 and Josh Gray will now be with Meghan Hayes for Week 4 on October 16.  We still can't tell you the second act joining The Big Dumb for our finale on October 23, but it is going to be good!   Make your plans now to attend all five weeks! 


Last night was a fun night at The 5 Spot - with Slump Test - a punk band featuring Ryan Dishen, Ben Douglas, and Isaac Anthony.  Really dug their sound.  After that was the comedy stylings of Shakes Hostettler, followed by Big Evil (the band we have been featuring of late - with Ben de la Cour, Chris Watts, Joe Lekkas, and Pete Pulkrabek.   Closing the night My Politic - which features Jen Starsinic (who we played on this week's Music City Monday shuffle) on violin.

Tonight, I am heading to The Basement to see Sad Baxter and Summer Cannibals (a band from Portland, Oregon that features a cousin of mind who I don't know).

Next week, I am taking time off work.  I will be heading to Muddy Roots next weekend, and I am sure I will have plenty to say about that. 

Now, on with the shuffle!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Reckless and Helpless Mix

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A bit rushed today... let's get right to the Trending Thursday Shuffle!  Enjoy!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - If We Try Mix

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Back at it for one last day.  Contemplating the Revolutionary War era airports and whether or not it is appropriate to celebrate a democracy that seems to be on the verge of becoming a dictatorship.

Looking forward to some cool music tonight.  A couple of Kerrville New Folk Award winners Justin Farren and Aaron Smith will be a Tennessee Brew Works early and then Jeremy Ivey, Darrin Bradbury, and Matthew Paige will be at The Basement later.

Then, on to the weekend!

First, I have a big announcement!   E2TG will be celebrating our 8th Anniversary at The 5 Spot in East Nashville over four consecutive Wednesdays starting September 25 - October 16, 2019.  Go ahead a mark you calendars.  Full schedules, graphics, and Facebook Events are coming but for now, I can tell you that our special guests will include:

Ben Arthur (from New York)
Conrad y Skordalia
Jason Erie
Don Gallardo
Josh Gray
Meghan Hayes
Ryan Sobb
and
The Truehearts

You will not want to miss any of these shows!

Now, it's time for our Featured Friday Shuffle!  Dig it!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Wrong Number Mix

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Moving on - I have a bunch more music to add to the playlist, so we need to make some room.

Let's just move into the shuffle without much ado about nothing...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Animal Bribery Mix

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I know for a while, I posted occasional rants/comments on the state of things - always with the caveat that I never intended or wanted E2TG to have a political agenda.  As events unfolded beginning on or before January 2017, I felt compelled to say something. None of that has changed, but I have more or less stopped posting things on here. To be honest, I have been feeling completely disheartened.  I am not someone who thinks everyone should believe as I do, and I recognize that when it comes to political opinions and social issues - many of them have shades of gray which somehow get distilled down to black or white positions.

That being said, when it comes to neo-nazis, white supremacists, mocking disabled people, science, housing children in deplorable conditions, calls to execute LGBT+ people, working hostile foreign governments to influence elections, freedom of the press - I believed that the majority of people regardless of political persuasion could be counted on to close ranks and stand united.  This has proven not to be true. The callousness, the bald-face lies, the lack of compassion or even basic human decency is horrifying, and I feel helpless.

I am equally frustrated by the reticence of the House Democrats to take decisive action.

In the face of all this, when I see Democrats infighting and people saying they won't support this candidate or the other, I am doubly frustrated. I understand wanting to support the candidate or candidates who most closely match your values and beliefs. but can we not agree that any candidate put forth would be an improvement over what we have. Ideally, the primary is the time to support your best candidate and to convince others of your party to support that candidate. That can be done without demonizing the other candidates. Withing running them down and providing fodder for the general election if your least favorite candidate wins.  I say, get a democrat elected and then fight like hell to convince them to always do the right thing.


Anyway, this has all taken a toll on my mental health, and to be honest, it should - the United States has children being held under deplorable conditions and some of those children are dying  - meanwhile representatives of our government are arguing in court against having to provide basic care to these children. And, frankly if this doesn't have an effect on you, please look into why that is.

I don't have any solutions, but I felt I needed to get this out in writing.  None of this is okay.
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Enough - for now - on with the Trending Tuesday Shuffle!