Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Name and Game Mix

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To be perfectly honest, I have been a crappy mood most of this week - maybe it is post-eclipse let down or mercury retrograde or something else. Fortunately, I have lived with my brain for long enough to know that this feeling will pass, and to take anything my brain tries to tell me with at least one grain of salt.

The world is a mess.  Time, motivation, and inspiration rarely seem to be in alignment (meaning, I will be inspired and/or motivated to do something when I am busy with some obligation and then when I have some free time - the inspiration and motivation cannot be found). Right now, I'm just battling through and putting one foot in front of the other.

Anyway, it is Friday.  On Friday, we play songs from the "New Music" playlist... I added over 150 songs to that playlist last night (about a third from one album!).  The playlist is up near 500 songs and it may be time for a couple of weeks of just "New Music" shuffles to make some headway.  Today, only one of those 150+ additions made it into the shuffle - along with some fairly recent additions and some that have been hanging around for a bit.  All in all, a really cool shuffle... enjoy!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Smells Like Steel Reserve Mix

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Well... if you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a country with a delusional lunatic in charge, you don't have to wonder anymore... For those who cannot look past their biases and party loyalty to see the current situation for the insanity it is... you, too, will be remembered.
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Well! The E2TG 6th Anniversary May Residency at The 5 Spot is just a day away!  If you are in Nashville, I hope you can make it out.

It Tuesday, and that means "Trending Tuesday" here at E2TG. We spin songs from our "New Music" playlist  Let's see what comes up today!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Downslide Mix

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Sleight of hand.  Misdirection. Distraction. The con men all use these tricks to keep the "marks" from seeing what is really going on.  Do not be mislead.  Keep your eye on the ball. Focus. Resist.

Meanwhile, here is a song from 2013 #E2TG Band of the Year - The End Men which is sadly relevant once again.



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Okay. Last night, I headed out west - West Nashville that is... my first time at Betty's Grill. Probably my first show that far out west since Stone Fox closed. Pretty cool DIY venue.

A pretty cool line-up of rock and roll music - as the kids call it. Local band Sad Baxter opened the night with some grungy, thumping sounds. I dig them a bunch.  I had previously seen them backing up Bill Eberle at Andrew Leahey's CD Release show last August.

Next up was The Regrets from Brooklyn.  I had previously posted one of their tracks from a Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen compilation (btw, I don't remember all this stuff - the search box is my friend). I dug their music and expect to hear much more. The Regrets are currently on tour with another Brooklyn and MCFK related band, NO ICE who played next.

NO ICE is lead by Jamie Frey.  They are a six piece band and they pretty much freaking rock. The band includes Sam Braverman of Logan X* (whose latest release we are spinning these days). About NO ICE - great songs, great energy. I had posted about them before - also from a MCFK comp - but man I am a fan now for real.

*It was great to finally meet Sam in person. He played me an unreleased Logan X song which sounds amazing.  Look for new music from Logan X coming soon.

Closing the night was another local band, The Mumzees.  They are very young (of course - most bands are very young to me....). The lead singer was wearing a The Fall t-shirt - which was a good sign, and wow!  I don't get out to "punk" shows very often, and so, it is nice to be reminded that the
"kids" are still alright. It was loud and distorted and aggressive (at times), and it was awesome.

All in all, a nice change of pace for me, and nice to get out to a show - after spending most of the week working on stuff.

It's Friday - let's get right to the Featured Friday shuffle...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Right Below the Shoulder Mix

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I have been thinking lately about the Will Kimbrough song, "Less Polite" (see right below).  Generally, I do believe in civil discourse about political differences. But honestly, lately, it is getting difficult. Don't get me wrong I am willing to have serious and civil discourse with anybody - across the political spectrum - as long as the starting point of that discourse is about how to get rid of this evil and un-American budding dictatorship.  I am frankly disgusted and appalled that more people on the right - of which I know there are some basically decent people do not stand up to this assault on our way of life.

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Meanwhile, it is the final day of February 2017.  And it is a Tuesday when we present "Trending" tracks from our "New Music" playlist.  Shall we?

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.

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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...

Earie Wednesday Morning Shuffle - The Meridian Mix

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I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. We are back for the final three shuffles of 2016, and the final "Earie" awards for 2016.  I hit a bit of a panic late last week when I realized how quickly the end of the year was approaching and I kept remembering people who deserved "Earie" awards.  I will go ahead and say (as I did last year), I know I am probably going to fail to give some people "Earies" who really should get one. I blame my lack of organizational skills combined with my muddled mind. Truth is, if I have posted your music in 2016, I really dig your music. Deal?

To help things along, I created an end of year playlist that is heavily weighted with potential "Earie" winners - along with a few who have already won an award. I am going to shuffle from this list for the rest of the week/month/year.

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Kay Pasa Mix

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According to my Facebook memories, the Blogger/Blogspot version of E2TG is 5 years old right about now. (For the first 6-7 months, the blog was hosted on the now defunct site Posterous).  Just thought I would mention that.

Embedding the "Earie" Awards in the shuffles has worked well for the most part. Expect some non-embedded "Earies" as we move forward.  Also, just to address it... sometimes, a "non-winner" may tend to stand out which is not my intention.  I have a very clear (if unstated) concept of the "Earies" and it does not necessarily have anything to do with the quality of the music. Basically, I don't include music that I don't like on E2TG.  That being said, I may be spreading the awards out more thinly going forward so... if your favorite band doesn't win one day, keep tuning in.

It is Tuesday and we have some "trending" music from our "New Music Playlist"...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - The Sprinklers Wept Mix

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Well, it is election day here in the US.  I say, go vote.  E2TG will remain a safe space from politics today.  Not because this election is not important.  I think it is. Not because I am apolitical. I'm not.  I just think right now, there is enough political "stuff" around - if you are seeking that out, I think you will find it.  I believe in love and I believe in music. And if you think by saying "I believe in love" that I am being "political" then you may have identified the problem....  Be good to each other. Not just today.

We have some music from our newly reconstituted "New Music" playlist. Let's do this!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Get Used to It Mix

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We have arrived at mid-week which means it is time for the next incarnation of the Crackerboots Residency at The 5 Spot. Last week was awesome - so come on out. This week's guests are Ben De La Cour and William Lee.

On Wednesday, all bets are off... Music City? Yes! Trending? Yes Throwback? Yes Featured? Yes None of the Above? Yes.  Wild Shuffle - now!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - What is Not Lost Mix

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I've decided to tell you a bit more about Buck 'N Stuff because, well, Buck 'N Stuff.  First of all, they do not have any recorded music yet, but there is some live performance documentation in the form of videos. Including this one:



About the band:  Members: Bass: Buck 'N Stuff Bass Player - has been known to play a giant fiddle (but not with Buck 'N Stuff) and is alleged to have once overheard two junkies talking through a motel wall in New Orleans.  Drums: Buck 'N Stuff Drummer - is a strict adherent to Maritime Law and is rumored to be a Cat Lover.  Guitar/Vocals: Buck 'N Stuff Guitarist/Singer - when not playing in Buck 'N Stuff usually can be found sitting behind a twangy table (pro-tip: Do not place drinks on the Twangy Table- word has it that Twangy Table players are kind of sensitive about this). Also does instructional videos about how to properly prepare chicken wings.

Tonight - I will be at Tim Carroll Rock 'N Roll Happy Hour at the world famous The 5 Spot, and then heading to The Beast for a tribute show to both Nebraska and Nashville Skyline featuring a whole bunch of really cool people - many of whom have been played on or featured by E2TG.

Tying all of this together as only E2TG can, today is release day for "How We Lost the War" by Zach Schmidt. This is one you really need to check out.  Schmidt made his Music Roots debut on Wednesday. He is one of the folks for which the Buck 'N Stuff Guitarist/Singer sometimes plays Twangy Table.  And, he will be singing at the tribute show tonight.  See how I did that?

It is Friday - we have some featured songs in the shuffle:

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Fake French Cafe Mix

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Well, I am back after an extra extended weekend. I was supposed to be back yesterday, but I had to see a man about a tooth. OUCH!

First a quick recap - the incredible run of live music last week continued: Friday: Erin Rae, Tim Easton, and Ariel Bui.  Saturday: Ted Drozdowski, Gina Sicilia, and Jon Langford.

Back at the live music tonight as Amelia White's Residency kicks off with Jesse and Noah opening, and an awesome band backing Amelia White - that is at The 5 Spot.  ICYMI- here is a link to my preview of the September Residencies at The 5 Spot.

Later at The 5 Spot - Broads and Brews Comedy Show benefiting Thistle Farms with tarot card readings, comedy, and music by Joanna Barbera and more.

On to the Wild Wednesday shuffle (shortened by technological glitches)

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Let Your Freebird Fly Mix

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Hey, it is Friday, ya'll!

Last night, I attended a house show with performances by Kent Eugene Gooslsby and Micah Schnable (Two Cow Garage).

I really love Kent Goolsby's songs and hearing him sing with his wife Anna Leigh was wonderful.

If you have seen Two Cow Garage live, you know how awesome they are, but if you have not seen Micah Schnable solo... He writes brutally honest songs about the human condition, and although he and I look very different on the outside, his writing and performing are so direct and personal, that I cannot help but "get" every word his sings.

A really fun night.

Well, we have a Featured Friday shuffle that I listened to as I slugged my way into the office for this final day of a brutal work week... Here in Nashville, we got this little hint of a tease of autumn weather, and to be honest, I fell for it - even though logic and historical evidence should have told me that it is still August... well, summer is back and with it the heat and humidity.  Sweating is inevitable.

Throwback Thursday Morning Shuffle - A Poet, A Pawn, and a King Mix

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Week 3 of the Rod Picott residency at The 5 Spot in East Nashville was last night.  Brian Ritchie (solo and not the guy from Violent Femmes) opened.  Really loved his songs and his voice.   Over the course of this residency, I have gone from being a casual fan of Mr. Picott (who I first saw at Americana in (I think) 2012) to being a huge fan.  He was backed by Tim Blankenship on drums, Duane Blevins on bass, and Sergio Webb on guitar.  As he tends to do, Sergio Webb worked some kind of voodoo magic with his instrument that blows me away every time.  Rod Picott's songs are wonderful.

A highlight for tonight is the CD Release for Don Gallardo's Hickory album which has been out overseas for some time but is finally getting released stateside.  An amazing line-up with Caleb Caudle, Matt Haeck, and Lani Ford opening. No cover with door prizes by sponsor Good People Brewing Co.

You know, I have been getting so much music sent my way recently (and I am not AT ALL complaining) that I was seriously thinking about suspending Throwback Thursday in favor of adding another "featured music" day (name not determined)... but then today's shuffle came up... and I'm like, nah, it's all good.

Throwback Thursday Morning Shuffle - How We Wonder Mix

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Less than two weeks until the E2TG 5 Year Anniversary Extravaganza!

Last night was a great night of music... 

It began with the opening night of the RB Morris residency at The 5 Spot with Jon Byrd opening.  Two super-talented songwriters/singers backed by amazing bands.  Next week, RB Morris' guests will be Lowell Levinger aka "Banana" of The Youngbloods and Tim Lee 3!  The following week 2/3 of Tim Lee 3 (aka BARK) will be part of the Ear to the Ground Anniversary show!

After the early show, I headed to The Country for Drew Kohl's 1 Year Anniversary show for his record, Sweetheart.  You may recall that I reviewed that album last year. The bill also included Kiely Schlesinger and Taylor Alexander.  Seeing all those folks and running into Jon Latham, I was reminded of an epic night in the fall of 2014 when I first heard all of those folks for the first time. 

Now, it is time for Throwback Thursday.  You know, when I started Ear to the Ground, I was struggling to get my hands on new music to feature, and so it was by necessity that I had tons of old songs (classics/rarities/whatever) in my playlist.  Today, I could probably keep a pretty decent sized playlist going with just new releases being sent my way.

So, you may ask, why keep loading old songs into your playlist?  It is pretty simple really. I believe that all music is connected in some way.  By playing both new and old songs, helps me to put new music into context and brings the connections into sharper focus.

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - In My Room Mix

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Good morning. It was a cold one here in Nashville. 

I am back after a day off and still recovering from my 8 Day Birthday Week.  I had a total blast, and I am so grateful for everyone who helped me ring in the next 50 years of my life.  In all the tally was: 8 Nights, 7 different venues, between 25-30 acts (depends on how you count them), tons of friends seen, and a bunch of fun had.

Since I last reported:  Friday night, I visited one of my regular haunts and one of the best weekly events in Nashville - Tim Carroll's Rock and Roll Happy Hour at The 5 Spot.  Great time. I was beat after that and I had to call it a night early.

Saturday:  The Country on the west side. For the Zachariah Red CD Release show with Jon Latham opening with Neo Tundra Cowboy and Patrick Kinsley and a Fistful of Dollars also on the bill.  Great performances all around and a wonderful time to be had.

Sunday: Acme Feed and Seed to see Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau.  The band have never sounded better and the atmosphere was pure party - a great way to wrap up the week!

Whew!  With the birthday week over, I enjoyed a day off work, did a pilot/audition tape with Sue Havlish for WXNA (Nashville new community radio station).  Then, I made my way to The Basement East to catch Megan Palmer, Michaela Anne, and Darrin Bradbury for Week 3 of Darrin's residency!  I stuck around to hear Darrin and band kick off the David Bowie tribute in fine fashion.  The Basement East was jam packed and the music was kicking, but my 9 nights out caught up with me and I had to bail fairly early.

On to the chilly morning shuffle filled with some classic and newer tunes.

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - Refuse to Be Your Jodi Mix

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I find myself rushed again... so, let's get to this:

1.  Jonquil Child by Tiffany Huggins Grant which we have been featuring songs off of for a few weeks has been released.  Check it out HERE. I recommend it highly.

2. There is a great FREE SHOW in downtown Nashville today on 5th between Demonbreun and Korean Veterans.  It is the CD Release show for the companion album to the Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.  Lots of cool folks including some of the players from the original classic recordings.  Did I mention it is free?  Details: HERE. Gates at 5:00, Music starts at 6:00

3.  Later on tonight, Two Cow Garage are playing at the Hi Watt with Heathen Sons and Benchmarks.  Benchmarks is the new moniker for Todd Farrell and the Dirty Birds.  Should be a great show.

Shuffle: (It's a good one)....

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle - Rivers of Suggestion Mix

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Just a heads up... there will not be a Morning Music Shuffle tomorrow.  Plan accordingly...  So this will be the last shuffle of the week, and we have a good one...

Friday Morning Music Shuffle - The Thrill is Gone Mix

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Of course, the dominant news of the day is the passing of B.B. King, and my Facebook feed is filled with people from all different genres of music weighing in on the passing of this legend.  King's death comes just days after the death of a much lesser known Blues singer named Captain Luke Mayer at the age of 87 and serves as a reminder that we are losing/have lost so many of the greats of the modern music era. I do not see a need to compare and contrast the  lives and careers of B.B. King and Captain Luke (at least not here and now), just to say how grateful I am that the music will endure.  Which means I am grateful for all the groups and people who are making sure that the music lives on.  And for me that means, the preservationists and historians and traditionalists as well as those who are continuing to innovate to keep all forms of Roots music (no matter how broadly that term is defined) a living breathing thing.


R.I.P. B.B. King and Captain Luke.  Thank you for the gifts of your music.

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - Later Than You Think Mix

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You know the Nashville Conundrum I mentioned a couple of weeks ago?  Well the is a addendum to that conundrum (or something like that).. that is... there are amazing things happening every single night of the week, and (especially if you work a day job), there are nights that you just have to stay in to recharge, refresh, and do some of your own work...  Last night was one of those nights, and yes, I missed some amazing things happening around town, but I am glad that I stayed in, and I got something accomplished...

Case in point, I added a couple of things to my Soundcloud... bits and pieces from my novel-in-progress which you can check out... (there may be some NSFW language/themes, depending where or if you work...)





On to the shuffle:

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - Who Knows? Not Me Mix

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It's apparently some holiday which you should celebrate as you see fit... 

In honor, today's shuffle hits only high points...