E2TG 7/19/2021 - Over a quarter of a century by one - Man in Mask Mix (The Big One Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 2) (songs 16-23):

16. "Cataclysm" by Toshio Band

First up, we have a new track from this Brooklyn based neo-noir band for an imagined anti-hero cowboy film. Cool track. 

17. "Only Physically" by Saca

Next up, we have a recent single from this melodic pop-rock band from Czechia. 

18. "Break Even" by 1st Base Runner

Next, the new single from this Austin-based singer-songwriter. 

19. "Hostage" by Milwin

Next up, we have the latest single from this DJ and producer from Sweden. 

20. "Forgiveness is Nothing Like I Thought It Would Be" by Steve Dawson

Next up, we have a track from the forthcoming solo album by the lead singer of the Chicago band Dolly Varden. Great song. 

21. "Hear Your Voice" by Mark Elliott

Next up, we have the latest single from this Nashville based singer-songwriter. 

22. "Slime Zone" by SNAILS

Shifting gears dramatically, we have the latest from this internationally know bass music DJ and producer. I dig this one. 

23. "Time to Get Away" by CoCo Zandi

And we close out this segment of music with the new single from the forthcoming solo debut album by Alexander Beggins - 1/2 of the duo Wild Child - under the name Coco Zandi. A great track and a wonderful way to close out this second part of our Featured Friday recap. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/7/2020 - Music City Monday - Things Change Mix (Cold as Hell Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

December 7, 1941 is a date which will live in infamy.  That was 79 years ago - when the Japanese attacked United States ships at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Over 2,000 Americans died that day. It was  the event that cause the U.S. to finally enter World War II. 

The likelihood is that more that number will die today from COVID-19. And although it may be fair to say the two things are not really comparable - I think it is worth noting that Pearl Harbor prompted a swift and sure response from the U.S. Government and that the majority of Americans supported those actions. 

I think it is reasonable to believe that this time in our history will be one that will live in infamy.  History will judge the lackluster response of the government and the lack of leadership that helped create a lack of a unified response. And how all of that contributed to many of those who have died of COVID-19.  

No American politician or government official caused the COVID-19 pandemic just as no American politician or government official caused the attack on Pearl Harbor, however, the American response to Pearl Harbor had been as poor and mismanaged and muddled as the response to COVID-19 - the subsequent events and history would be much different. 

We have a long way to go on this week's Featured Friday Playlist - so let's pick right up with songs 16-25:

16. "New Failures" by Ten Ton Hammer

First up, we have the title track from a new EP from the hardcore band that formed in Philadelphia in 2014.  They recorded this EP under quarantine from different locations across the country.  A raucous start to this segment of music.

17. "The Minit" by Fred Abong

Fred Abong is best known as the bassist for Throwing Muses.  He returned to music in recent years - having spent the time away as a Humanities professor.  His new release is called Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

18. "Nothing From Nothing" by A.J. Croce

Next up, we have the lead track from A.J. Croce's forthcoming covers album, By Request. The Nashville based singer-songwriter and musician - takes on the 1974 Billy Preston song. 

19. "City" by American Merit

Next, we have the debut single from Texas based rock band American Merit. The band has several singles planned for this month.

20. "Unbury Me" by Crows As Shepherds

Next up, we have some alternative metal from Spain. This is the first single from the forthcoming debut full-length album.  Great stuff.

21. "Old Calendar" by Paul Yoon

Next up, we have a track from the new album by Houston, Texas based singer-songwriter Paul Yoon.  A really lovely song filled with genuine emotion.

22. "Let's Call It Love" by Bailey Bigger

Next, we have the title track to the debut EP by Arkansas based singer-songwriter Bailey Bigger. The EP was produced by Bruce Watson.  The 20 year old songwriter has already drawn comparisons to John Prine and Courtney Marie Andrews.

23. "Boomerang" by Pet Envy

Next, we have the recent single by the Nashville based indie band Pet Envy.  I dig it. 

24. "Titles and Frames" by Un Rodo Cora

Next up, we have the title track to the fifth album by the Stockholm based collective whose members have roots in the US and India.  A great song.

25. "Bad Karma" by Gray Bouchard and the Dedications

We close this segment of music with a recent single from Massachusetts based Gray Bouchard of Salem Wolves along with his band The Dedications.  The track is a cover of a recent release by The Devil's Twins.  A great way to end this segment of music.

Tune in tomorrow, when we have ten more songs to recap. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/22/2020 - Music City Monday - Great Today Mix (Whose Army? Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Just a friendly reminder that holidays don't all hold the same meaning to everyone. I think it is appropriate to celebrate such days as you see fit, but I recommend thought and consideration before pushing your feelings about it onto others.

Father's Day is a good day for fond memories of father's both living and dead - or to be celebrated. For some people. Other people did not have present or caring fathers, others still are dealing with a recent loss and since every one grieves in different ways and on different schedules - Father's Day can be hard. Others are feeling separation.

This was the first Father's Day without my father in the world...

The fact is, in recent years, holidays in general have been hard. So, I find my way of dealing with them - sometimes I am more successful at it than others.  But, there can be tremendous pressure to answer repeated inquiries about how my holiday was or what I did or even pointed questions if certain societal expectations were met. This pressure often starts days or week's prior to the holiday and can continue for days after.

So, all I ask, is be aware of this when talking to other people about holidays.

We have a lot of songs to cover this week so, today, we will feature songs number 8-13 from the Featured Friday Playlist:

8. "Somewhere Far Away" by Nate Lee

 Nate Lee is an award winning bluegrasss mandolin player and teacher. He is a member of The Becky Buller Band and members of that band join him on his new album Wings of an Jetliner. This is music that pushes the genre of bluegrass interesting new directions while remaining rooted in the traditions.

9. "Call My Name" by Eli Gauden

Eli Gauden is a Norwegian singer-songwriter discovered Americana music while studying in the U.S.  Back in Norway, she has continued to hone her craft. This is the title track to her new EP which was recorded in Bergen. 

10. "The After Glow" by The Asteroid No.4

The Asteroid No.4 are a psychedelic rock band based in San Francisco. They formed in Philadelphia in the latter half of the 1990s.  This is the first single ahead of the band's tenth studio album, Northern Songs, and was written, recorded, and mixed by the band. 

11. "Cryin' Eyes" by Steven Bruce

Next up, we have the debut single for the forthcoming (August 7) debut album by this country rocker from Fredericksburg, Virginia. The band is made up of all Virginia musicians.

12. "I am Sundress (She of Infinite Flowers)" by Liar, Flower

Next up, we have the latest single from Liar, Flower - a duo featuring KatieJane Garside and Chris Whittingham (who previously recorded as Ruby Throat). The pair have been living on a boat raising their young daughter for the last few years. The album reflects their life of isolation. KatieJane Garside began her career as a alt-girl and Riot Grrl with the bands Daisy Chainsaw and QueenAdreena. 

13. "Afande" by Skinshape, Idd Aziz

And finally for today, we add a little World music to this week's playlist. Skinshape is William Dorsey and Idd Aziz is a Kenyan singer. The music on this track - from Skinshape's Umoja album - features a hybrid Nigerian/Ghanaian afrobeat groove. 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/15/2020 - Music City Monday - Care of Dreamers Mix (Johnnybag Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


I'm going to pick up the Featured Friday Playlist recap tomorrow - because this week's list was shorter than usual, and because I forgot to write it last night...

Some good news from the Supreme Court today regarding LGBT+ rights.  I understand that there was some bad news on another front, but I have not had time to dive into that so I won't comment and just celebrate a victory for human rights.

Well, let's get right to the Music City Monday Shuffle!

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/30/2020 - Music City Monday - The Castle Mix (End of the Day Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Yesterday, the news came out that John Prine was hospitalized and his condition critical with symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. This was after his wife Fiona had been previously diagnosed with the virus.  Today, an update: Fiona has recovered from the virus and John is stable. I continue to send all good thought and love to them and to all who are suffering.

Country music artist Joe Diffie passed away yesterday, the day before it was Alan Merrill who wrote, "I Love Rock and Roll" (among other songs).

There still seems to be a disconnect in taking the virus seriously enough. I went to the grocery yesterday, and I observed people in masks but also people who let their young children run around and touch everything within reach. Many churches have stopped holding services, but a few mega churches are defying the requests to do so.

Some people are mostly self-isolating but then getting bored and visiting friends and not staying 6 feet apart.

It appears that we are just in the early stages of this - as bad as it has been - and we face a long couple of weeks before we reach the peak and an even longer couple of months before this ends.  I urge everyone reading this to stay safe and take care of each other at a distance as best you can. We live in a hyper-connected world - technologically speaking. Rather than using that technology to spread contention and dissent, use it to spread love and light.  If you hear bad information being spread (whether by an individual or a government entity) combat by sharing good information.

The economic impact is very real and is affecting people of all kinds. But, protecting lives, I think must come first. Err on the side of caution. I don't think any of us will regret that.

Yesterday, E2TG band of the year, Ryan Sobb and the Dead Mall released an incredible video for their song, "Still Waiting".  The video was directed by the insanely talented Maxwell Sebastian.
Enjoy!  Then, check out the Music City Monday shuffle for even more Ryan Sobb.

    Featured Friday Playlist

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Calvary Hill Mix (Teenage Bliss Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

  *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.

The E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency is almost over!

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia (SUCCESS!)

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo (Album Release Show)  
(SUCCESS!)
October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie (SUCCESS!)

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes (SUCCESS!)

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb (Two Days Away!)


We are gearing up for the grand finale of the E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency.  I am very excited for this one.  I hope you can make it out!

I got to see one of my musical heroes last night. Mike Watt brought his Missingmen  to the legendary Exit/In.   It was a very fun show - lots of Minutemen song plus some choice covers.   Great night overall - with Nashville band Look What I Did  opening, followed by Memphis band Joecephus and the George Jonestown Massacre.

We have a Music City Monday shuffle - so let's get to it!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Timeless Crawling Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Well, we are in the midst of a heatwave. Heat index is expected to be over 100 the next two days. I don't have much in the way of relief to offer, but I do have some cool tunes. Get it cool... Sorry, the heat is getting to me.

Anyway, it's Monday, and we have a  sweet Music City Monday shuffle - so let's go!

"Buddha Blues" by Will Kimbrough

Will Kimbrough doesn't seem to know the term idleness. When he isn't producing albums (like the Steve Poltz album we have been featuring), he is backing people like Emmylou Harris (and playing on at least two albums we have been featuring - ESOEBO and Peter Rogan's latest albums).  And somehow, he found time to record and release his own album.  I Like It Down Here was released earlier this year, and it is a worthy addition to an impressive discography.  I have been a fan of Kimbrough's music for over 30 years going back to his band Will and the Bushmen. Our lives intersected in the 90s through our daughters, and I ran into his last week at the CD Release party for Amy Speace's new album (oh yeah, he played on that one, too!)

"Joy, the Mechanical Boy" by Self

Nashville had a thriving music scene in the 1980s - with bands like Jason and the Scorchers, Walk the West, Royal Court of China, Raging Fire, In Pursuit, Shadow 15, The Movement and more playing great live shows and flirting with national success.  By the early 90's, that scene had pretty much dissipated  - some folks moved on to songwriting, some moved away, and a few kept plugging away.  By the mid/early 90's, Music City was due to for a revival, and to a great extent that revival came by way of Matt Mahaffey and his band Self.  Mahaffey helped form Spongebath Records (with Seth Timbs, and Rick Williams), and that label became a center for music not only in the Murfreesboro/Nashville area, but for the entire South. This is the opening track from the second album by Self called The Half-Baked Serenade which was released on Spongebath in 1996.

"Little Old Town" by Eric Brace, Peter Cooper, Thomm Jutz

This years' Riverland album by the trio of Eric Brace, Peter Cooper, and Thomm Jutz was a kind of concept record about Mississippi - the river and the state. Little Old Town - from their previous release Profiles in Courage, Frailty, and Discomfort is also about a river - in this case the Stones River and about a town that now lies beneath.  

"One I Love" by Kevin Gordon

Next up, we have a track from Kevin Gordon's modern classic album Gloryland. One of Nashville's best. 

"Diana" by Little Bandit

Next up, we have another track from Breakfast Alone from Little Bandit. I absolutely love this album, and I really hope we have new music from Little Bandit soon!  

"Crawling At Your Feet" by Aaron Lee Tasjan

Aaron Lee Tasjan has released some new songs recently from Karma for Cheap Reincarnated.  This is a track from Karma for Cheap.  Aaron Lee Tasjan is one of the best things happening these days both in terms of music and in terms of his humanity.

"Child of the Wind" by Michaela Anne

Next up, we have a single from the forthcoming Desert Dove album which will be released on September 27  on Yep Roc Records. Great to hear this new music from singer-songwriter Michaela Anne. 

"This Girl of Mine" by The White Animals

Next up, we have another track from 3000 Nights in Babylon by one The White Animals.  This band were on the front edge of the 80s Nashville scene that I mentioned earlier. 

"Damian" by Sad Baxter

Next up, we have another track from Weirdy.  I just found out Sad Baxter is playing with my cousin's band (Summer Cannibals from Portland, Oregon) next week at The Basement. 

"Heartbreak" by Rayvon Pettis; Megan Palmer

Next, we have our first listen to Nothing Is Sweeter - the new joint effort from Megan Palmer and Rayvon Pettis.  Pettis takes the lead on this track.  Two of my favorites together!

"Timelessly" by Jim Hoke

And, we close things out with a track from the latest album by the multi-talented Jim Hoke - The Floating Zone was released last year, and it is really a tour-de-force for this musician/arranger/songwriter.  

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Rambunctious Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Friday night, I took in some live local music, and once again, had my faith in this town bolstered.

First was my regular Tim Carroll Rock n Roll Happy Hour. Although it may seem obligatory or routine, it is worth reflecting on what Tim Carroll and The 5 Spot offer each week. 2 1/2 hours of original rock and roll music with no cover in a wonderfully welcoming setting.

Carroll is a prolific songwriter who is constantly adding new songs to his already impressive line-up, meaning that no two shows is alike. 

Next, I headed over to the Mercy Lounge for Blackfoot Gypsies, Lady Couch, and The Hollow Roots. That night, I reflected on the fact that it had been approximately 32-33 years since I first saw live music in that building (The Cannery complex). Back then, I often saw local or regional bands like Walk the West the West, Questionnaires, or Guadalcanal Diary play to enthusiastic audiences.

Some highlights worth noting:  I was not familiar with The Hollow Roots, but they had a great sound and a great energy. I would love to see them again. 

Lady Couch (as they do) absolutely tore it up.  They are one of my favorite local bands and it was great to see a significant number of people experiencing their music for the first time (and in many cases falling in love with it).   The Band comes immediately to mind when seeing them.  So many talented people on one stage, pulling off this massive, seamless sound. Maybe this was a paired down Lady Couch? with just ten-eleven people on stage.

Blackfoot Gypsies have definitely paid their local dues, and it was great to see them headlining at a larger venue to a large and enthusiastic crowd.  The band is so tight and so fearless, even an equipment malfunction is handled with grace and bass/drum groove that kept everyone moving. It was a truly Nashville night of music, and I, for one, was impressed.

Speaking of Nashville, it is Monday and time dive night into the Music City Monday shuffle.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Om Airwaves Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!



And, we are back!  It's another Monday and time for another Music City Monday shuffle - celebrating the music of Nashville and the people who have and do make it.

Music City Monday Shuffle - Thankful for the Small Things Today Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Back in the early 1990s, before blogs and social media, I used to change my outgoing answering machine message every day.  On January 14, 1993, I used a portion of this song from the self-titled debut album by Cracker. Since then, it has become a (not exactly annual) tradition.  Twenty six years after the first time I used this song, here is "Happy Birthday to Me" by Cracker.  I remain, "Thankful for the Small Things Today".

I will be celebrating tonight at the Radio Cafe with a show featuring Ryan Sobb, Jeremy Ivey, and Darrin Bradbury.  Three of Nashville's finest - a great way to spend the evening.


We have our weekly Music City Monday shuffle.  This is a good one!  Let's get to it!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Blame it on Midnight Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

All of this happened a long time ago when the world was a very different place. Of course, none of us knew that at the time.
(From The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres) Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)


Whew!  It feels like the calm before the Americana storm.  This is Americana Fest week in Nashville. I got to bed early last night - for likely the last time this week. I am working on keeping a positive attitude.  The things that don't matter: 1. missing something 2. somebody thinking I'm not going to the "cool" events 3.  Trying to outdo other people or myself with endurance. 

Things that matter:  1.  Seeing as many out of town friends (including those I've never met in person)  2. Discovering "new to me" music.  3.  Supporting friends - when I'm able. 4. Having a good time 5. Not making myself sick (like last year).

Announcement:  I will helping to host an event coming up tomorrow night at The Radio Cafe featuring E2TG favorites Amelia White and Mark Huff - plus a couple of up and coming UK artists. Doors at 7 - music at 7:30 - $5.00 cover.


What better way to start the week in Nashville that is just like any other week in Nashville - except more intense - than with a "Music City Monday" shuffle. Covering music both new and old by a cross-section of the talented folks who have and/or do call Nashville home.