E2TG 2/11/2020 - New Release Highlights - Random Notes - Cardboard Suitcase Mix (Bullet-Proof Bandanna Remix)

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As I am still struggling to find time to do everything I want to do, I thought I would take some time to highlight some recent and upcoming new releases of interest.  As always, the complete list can be found at the bottom of every daily post (and it is updated constantly).

Some of this music has been added to my phone for inclusion in the daily shuffles, some has been included in the Featured Friday Playlist....

Recent Releases:
2/07 - Chicago Farmer - Flyover Country (LP) 

Sixth full-length album. Recorded with Band of Heathens.  I understand that Darrin Bradbury will be opening some dates for Chicago Farmer.

2/07 - The Flyin' A's - No Holds Barred (LP)

Austin Texas based husband and wife duo release their fourth full-length album featuring an all-star cast of Austin musicians. 

2/07 - Christopher Paul Stelling - Best of Luck (LP)

I caught Stelling at the ANTI- Records showcase at AMA this past fall, but his association with E2TG goes back to 2012 when he was a featured artist for November/December in that year. At that time, he was living in New York City, and I believe he was closely associated with some of the other New York bands we were featuring - like The End Men, The Disappointment, and The Gypsy West. 

 2/07 - Sammy Brue - "Teenage Mayhem" and "Crash Test Kid" (singles)

Some new music from the teen sensation. The full album is due out in June, but he released the title track and another single on Friday.  Sounding great. He first gained attention portraying a young Justin Townes Earle on an album cover and video, but he has flourished on the strength of his songwriting and relentless pursuit of music. 

 This week:

2/14 - Grant Peeples - Bad Wife (LP)

Excited for this release.  I have been a huge fan of Grant Peeples since meeting him at the first Wild Ponies Happy Hour I ever attended back in 2014?.  For his latest album, he has recorded songs by female songwriters (including Telisha Williams of the aforementioned Wild Ponies).

 2/14 - Kalee Smyth - "Bring Our Love Down" (single)

Great to hear new music from Kalee Smyth.  The full album drops in March.  As a member of The Western Shore, she played the first ever "E2TG Presents" show at The Building. For this new album, she has assembled a team with some majorly impressive credits ( including Kasey Musgraves, Usher, The Band Perry, George Jones, Diana Krall, and Hank III)

Later:

5/08 - Brian Wright and the Sneak-Ups - Lapse of Luxury

Super stoked to have a release date for the new Brian Wright album (E2TG Artist of the Year 2016). I got a preview of this music at his residency last year, and I have been so excited for this news ever since. 

In my rush to get things done and do everything and be everywhere, I have had uninvited thoughts fill my brain, so I have to speak to those voices, and I hope maybe someone else who needs to hear this will hear it.  The dilemma/conundrum/catch-22 in which I often find myself is that if I go out to every show I want to (and even then have to miss two or three others), then I don't get much writing done and I start to feel irrelevant.  But, if I stay in more often and miss a bunch of shows to get writing done, then I feel irrelevant because I am not going out.   Today, I just need to say, that nothing I do or don't do, nowhere I go or don't go - none of that makes me irrelevant. I am relevant even if I don't go out and even if I don't write. I write and go out because I love doing those things - not to make myself relevant.

I also need to say, that I should not compare myself to anyone.  I often judge myself harshly for not getting enough done (ignoring the fact that I have two radio shows, a music blog, a full-time job, and more). I give myself hell for resting, for relaxing, for goofing off, for whatever... I should stop that.*

*I have to say, I have improved in all of this greatly in the last few years, but I still need the occasional reminder.

    Featured Friday Playlist

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - No Mystery Mix

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So - in reference to my long pre-shuffle post yesterday, music is what sustains me when the world gets me down. Music has saved my life. Music is not just important to me, it is vital to my existence.

On top of all of the other worldly problems, I am troubled by the devaluing of music by our culture. Technological advancements which should be (and in many cases are) a boon to the goal of getting music out to the people - has - like many parts of society - fallen into the hands of a few "power" players - who exploit the true creators to line their own pocket.

The people I know who make music - mostly do so because they have to - not in absence of other skills but it is a drive. A model has to be developed that adequately rewards the creators. The so-called music business is a microcosm for the rest of society. The gap between the haves and the have-nots.

I do not have a solution, but I think there is one out there. The question is - what will motivate those who are benefiting from the current system?

So, for most of us - who love music- the call is to act on whatever scale we are able. Go to shows, buy merch, buy music in a physical format - even if you mostly listen to electronic formats, if there is a tip jar for the band - use it. Share music!  Social media companies intentionally limit the reach of artists and others - to encourage "boosted" posts. It even happens to E2TG - once my Facebook page like count reached a certain level - fewer people saw my posts. I don't make a dime from E2TG, so it doesn't make sense for me to pay to boost my posts. The only way to combat this is from everyone to share posts. _ I don't just mean E2TG (although that would be nice), but also posts by your favorite bands.

It has been a rough week in many ways - my spirit is low and my temper has been short. I'm combating all that with music and creativity.

It is Wednesday, and that is the day, we do what I call the "Wild Wednesday" shuffle.  A shuffle derived from all the songs saved to my phone.  Let's see what happens!

Topical Thursday Morning Shuffle - Tell Me Lies Mix

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So.... the chief lawyer for the country is not only a racist, ableist, transphobe, and homophobe, but he is also apparently a liar/perjurer and possibly a traitor.  Nope, nothing to see here...

and then there is this... (with a straight face)

1. The failure of the Yemen raid is Obama's fault.
2. The failure of the Yemen raid is the military's fault.
3  The success of the Yemen raid is Trump's accomplishment.

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I had a rare opportunity to see six different Earie award winners perform last night - beginning at The 5 Spot with D.L. Duncan - beginning his month-long residency.  He was joined by the incredible blues keyboard player, Al Hill.

Next, I headed to The Country for the inaugural Writer Crush Wednesday which featured rounds from Tom Schreck and Connor Rand, Andrew Adkins and Joe Nolan, and Lindsay Ellyn (who created the event) and Taylor Alexander.  Really fun night.

Tonight, I am hyped to see John Doe at The Basement with Jon Latham opening.


I am changing my title of Thursday's posts to Topical Thursday.  Just because.  My topic (or theme if you will) continues into this new month, and I added a bunch of songs to the mix.

Disclaimers:  The topic is not revealed. The connection of the songs is tenuous and times and not explained.  It may not be the actual content of the song that fits it into the theme - it may just be a possible interpretation of the title.  And as always, the views expressed or implied do not necessarily reflect those of any of the artists.

Let's Go!

Theme Thursday Morning Shuffle - Save the World Mix

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Warning: Long rant ahead...

Some facts (real facts not alternate facts):  I am the parent of a child with disabilities who has benefited from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  The IDEA (in case you do not know - which I did not until it become relevant to me) is a complex (and wonderful) federal law. To keep it simple, one of the things that the law requires is that all students with disabilities (physical, intellectual...) be provided the opportunity to learn in the least restrictive environment - which means kids with disabilities cannot simply be locked away out of sight in a basement - as they often were before this law was enacted.

Now, this President who openly mocked an individual with disabilities while campaigning (and don't even try to throw the ridiculous spin at me that tries to say he did not) has nominated for Secretary of Education someone who openly opposes many of the provisions of the IDEA and who during her confirmation hearing appeared to not even know what the IDEA was.

Furthermore, this President's nominee for Attorney General in testimony before Congress in 2000, while seeming to praise the "intent" of the law, bemoaned the fact that the law requires school systems to give students with disabilities "special treatment".  This "special treatment" is actually what the law intends. Qualifying students with special needs have a Individualized Education Program (IEP) which is developed by a team that includes educators, specialists, and parents. The idea, to put it simply, is that "special" plans/programs are needed to assure all students are given the best opportunity available.  Honestly, in a perfect world, every student should have some sort of IEP - because all kids learn differently... but that is another topic.

Just to clarify, to comments from the AG nominee should be alarming to any parent of a child with disabilities because they point to possible interpretations or modifications of the law which would undermine the intent of the law and set our education system back to some very dark times for the children who benefit from the IDEA.

This is just one, more personal, reason that I am breaking from my usual non-political comment policy. This is not political. The IDEA has long held wide-spread bi-partisan support (although the fight for full funding is another issue).

RANT OVER!

I had a good time at the opening night of Brian Langlinais' Residency at The 5 Spot. Lynn Taylor and The Bar Flies opened the night.  Really good music from a couple of Louisiana natives.  After that, I was physically pretty wiped out and had to retreat home which means I, regretfully, missed a show at The Basement which included 2016 E2TG Artist of the Year Brian Wright. From all accounts, I missed a great one - which I already knew...

Now, let's get to the music.   It is Thursday and we return to our relatively new Theme Thursday shuffle. Contrary to what I said last week, I have decided to keep going with our (unstated) January theme.  I still have songs in that playlist and it seems to be more relevant every day, Disclaimers continue... some songs are included only for their title (as it COULD be interpreted) and some for their subject matter. The interpretations are mine alone, and the inclusion of any song/artist is not intended to suggest that they or their songs have anything to do with my theme.
One more tidbit of information, I created this playlist solely out of the songs already on my phone at the time it was created.

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - I Don't Care Mix

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My sincere hope is that a large number of people saw John Moreland on Colbert last night and became instant fans. I realize that the possibility of seeing Moreland at The 5 Spot or the backyard at Fond Object may be less likely, but in my opinion this is important music that needs to be heard. One thing I try to do (both for myself and others) is just appreciate that someone discovers great music for themselves and not worry about when they made that discovery.  For me, I am glad I discovered John Moreland's music when I did (which was somewhat before anyone who discovered him last night and somewhat after a lot of my songwriter friends).

Let's move on into the shuffle:

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - Now You See the Light Mix

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By the way, the #E2TG Facebook Page is approaching 500 "Likes".  I would love to reach that milestone by the end of the year.  If you have not done so, give us a "Like".  Limited time offer: We will waive the normal $0.00 Annual Fee!

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Sending Birthday wishes to 2014 Ear to the Ground Artist of the Year, Darrin Bradbury who just wrapped up his first ever West Coast tour. 

The 2015 "Earie" Awards roll onward. 

TODAY'S AWARD:  The "Middle-Aged America" Award The Premise: No premise - just an inside joke.

The Award goes to:  Drew Kohl and Taylor Alexander
Young America was a band from Georgia that had a long run. They released an EP early in 2015 shortly before deciding that with two members in Georgia and two in Nashville, it was no longer viable to continue as a group.  The award goes to the two members of Young America who are now living in Nashville.  Time flies when you are having fun, thus my joke about Middle-Aged America...

Drew Kohl:  Drew is a super talented singer, songwriter, and player.  He released Sweetheart, an EP filled with songs that explore different aspects of the theme of Love, earlier in the year, and he has been touring and playing throughout the year, sharpening his sound.  His trademark is his high-lonesome bluegrass inspired songs which often feature mind blowing sustained vocal notes.

Taylor Alexander:  Taylor has been recording his solo album which is due in 2016.  He is a regular performer on Lower Broadway, and he often backs up other musicians.  He and fellow "Earie" award winner, Lindsay Ellyn frequently perform as a duo (which I have dubbed: #Tindsay - which Taylor hates so let's make that hashtag trend!).  He has an impressive repertoire of classic country tunes and his own compositions have a classic country feel to them.

Congrats, Taylor and Drew!  The "Earies" march on for the rest of December culminating in the naming of the 2015 #E2TG Artist of the Year.


By the way, before we jump into the shuffle, I had the great opportunity to head out to the Stone Fox in West Nashville last night to see Chris Scruggs and the Stone Fox 5 play some amazing classic country music.  They will be there every Sunday throughout December and most of January.  Highly recommended.

Shuffle:

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle - What We Want to Be Mix

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Okay - posting late.  Life happens sometimes.  Here's some stuff:

Coming soon, the 1st Annual #E2TG Awards 2015 - which I am calling The Earies (tagline: The Earies, it sounds strange, but it's not really).  Watch for this beginning after Thanksgiving.

Last night, an awesome show at The original Basement.  Actual Wolf  killed it with the kind of band that really only happens in Nashville  (Adam Kurtz, Jerry Pentecost, Paul Niehaus, Stephanie Dickinson with Nellie Clay joining on bgvs)    After that 14 year old wunderkind Sammy Brue had the audience enraptured with his incredible songs.

Really proud that my review of Dan Penn at City Winery in on the front page of No Depression right now.  Check it out, if you haven't.  Nodepression.com

Shuffle (short descriptions)

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - Too Far From the Limb Mix

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And now, we reach the mid-point of the work week... tonight in Nashville is the final week of Kevn Kinney's residency at The 5 Spot.  Warner Hodges and Chuck Mead are the guests, and word has it that Dan Baird, Joe Blanton, and Brad Pemberton will be on hand as well... should be a fun show!

Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Tic Toc Tac Toe Tap Tip Top Mix

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 It's Friday and it's also the last day of May!  

Let's put this month to rest with some awesome tunes...

Pre-Shuffle:

"Moorie" by Great Divide
"Bridge by the River" by Nikki Sue and the Bad News
"Wish I Could Stand or Have" and "Chardonnay" by Game Theory
"Bloodhound" by Jeanette Lynne
"Tear You Up" and "Come In" by Decades
"Drenched" by Wanting
"Tickin' Bomb" by Shovels and Rope




 Shuffle - after le jump... la jump????  The Jump!

Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Illustrious Illusions Mix

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'Tis a rainy Friday in Nashville, Tennessee.  Fortunately, the rain let up for my daily walk up the hill to higher ground. Even more fortunate, I got to listen to some killer tunes, and as always, I want to share them with you.


Pre-shuffle:

"Please" by The Vespers (awesome Nashville band who will be playing May 25th at the Eastside Hootenanny.  Those Darlins will also be on the bill that day because this is Nashville and that's just how we roll)

"Hello It's Me" by Todd Rundgren (The classic song from 1972)

" Singing Sunrise" by JENNY (who have a new album, Love and Politics out now)

"Hail Hail" by Shovels and Rope (the awesome South Carolina band from a Noisetrade tour sampler for their summer jaunt with the equally awesome Dawes - who we will hear from later in the mix)

"Rewind" by Kopecky Family Band (more good stuff from the Nashville band who were recently featured in the NY Times)


SHUFFLE - after the JUMP

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - Simultaneous Mix

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ICYMI - Go check out the new Video from the Cosmonauts - our post about it is here:

Also, with just days to go, you can still vote for the Ear to the Ground Band of the Month.  Go HERE to vote. Remember you can vote as often as you want.  Right now, And the Giraffe are leading, but it is still wide open.  So vote now!

To the shuffle:

First up, we have a band we featured back in May when they released their stunning album The Ghost of John Henry. They are back with a new song called Just to Win the Fight  which features Vance Kotrla on 12 and 6 String Guitar, Banjo, Bass and Vocals.  Check it out!

Next up, we have Nashville based Americana recording artist, Derek Hoke, with a song from his most recent record, Waiting All Night,  Lonely Street is the kind of Country song that breaks and warms your heart at the same time.  I can't speak for anyone else, but I know I've walked that Lonely Street many a time.

 

Next we have Land of a Thousand Words which was the second single of Scissor Sisters' second album Ta-Dah.  The song is a twangy ballad reminiscent of early Elton John (who collaborated on the album if not this song).  

 

We close out this shuffle with the song, Hollowpoint Blues  from the album Shovels and Rope by Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent who record under the Shovels and Rope name. They hail from South Carolina and blue a ragged style of honky tonk music that is all their own.

 

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