Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Hey Lawdy Mama Mix (Moose 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.


So, I have created a Spotify Playlist that highlights some of the music featured on E2TG in 2019.  I tried to pick one song for each artist. The playlist is currently over 10 hours long - which means we got to feature a lot of music this year. I will be finalizing the playlist over the long weekend and will use it for my December shuffles - recounting some of my faves of the year.  I think I will also start phasing in some of the new features of E2TG v3.0 which will fully go live in January.  For now, I am going to stay with Blogger but I may move to a new platform later. 

Any way, let's close out this short week with a long Wild Wednesday shuffle that definitely lives up to the name...

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Spike Driver Mix

Tweet #E2TG


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

I'm back after an unintentionally extra long, long weekend.  So much going on in the world. And, right now, I don't feel able to even begin to comment effectively.  Life is interesting. Life can be hard. Life can be unexpected. Life is a constant lesson being learned. Sometimes grace (for want of a better word) comes from unexpected places and people. It is easy to focus on all of the negatives - whether it is the state of the world or the state of our own lives, whether it is forces beyond our control or our own human fallibility.

It is Wednesday and as per our regular schedule, I have shuffled up all of the songs currently residing on my phone memory card. The results are "wild" which is why I call Wednesday shuffle's "Wild Wednesday".  Things start off in a decidedly experimental vein before moving into standard (if awesome) song structures.

Let's shuffle!

Earie Wednesday Morning Shuffle - The Meridian Mix

Tweet #E2TG

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

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.

Twas the Night Thursday Morning Shuffle - Later Like Dig Mix

Tweet #E2TG

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


Here we go.... Only 5 more shuffles (including this one) in 2016.

First up:  A pair of well-deserved "Earies" (there will be one more embedded in the shuffle)

1.  The "Outcast" Award goes to Leland Sundries and comes as we received word that they recently signed a publishing deal with Mother West Records.  This New York band released their latest album Music For Outcasts this year, and I got to attend their Nashville release show at the Family Wash -where they tore it up.

2.  The "Key Chain" award goes to Amelia White.  Not only was the "motel key chain" among the best merch of the year, her latest album Home Sweet Hotel was one of the best albums released in 2016. This is one that seems like it has been out for some long that it almost slipped by me, but I do remember attending the CD release show (also at the Family Wash) earlier this year.  Amelia White is one of those performers that I never get tired of seeing live. Her fluid backing band, The Blue Souvenirs, are always on point and always feature some of this town's best musicians.


Well, this is our penultimate shuffle before we break for Christmas, so here is a holiday mix - chex cereal optional.

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - No Bees in the Breeze Mix

Tweet #E2TG

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

This has been a pretty rough week, to be honest... I haven't been feeling particularly wonderful, but it is Friday, and for right now, I am feeling pretty okay.

Last night was one of those nights that really make me glad to live in Nashville. Zach Schmidt, who is one of the best people I know and a great songwriter/artist, too, held his CD Release party at imogene + willie over in 12th South. It was a wonderful, candlelit backyard party. A great atmosphere and an amazing line-up of performers including: Hugh Masterson, Becca Mancari, Jon Latham, Charlie Whitten, Joshua Black Wilkins, Brian Wright, Aaron Lee Tasjan, and more. Schmidt closed the evening with a full-band set. His album, The Day We Lost the War is out, and worthy of attention.

Another album that is out (as of today) is Aaron Lee Tasjan's Silver Tears.  Tasjan who has been on an unstoppable upward trajectory since I became aware of his music may have just hit the hyper-drive. To celebrate the new album, he is, as I write this, conducting bus tour #12barblues and making stops (and performances) at 12 venues in and around Nashville.  It all culminates tonight at 3rd and Lindsley.  Brian Wright opens tonight's show and joins Tasjan on stage.

If all goes as planned, there will likely be no shuffles next week, but look for some posts from the highways...

By the way, not that I pay attention to things like this, but... as I am writing this, E2TG is 17 page views away from October 2016 being the highest page view month ever. Thanks for everyone who is reading.

On to the music shuffle....

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Subpoenas Ain't Setups Mix

Tweet #E2TG

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


Man oh man, there is a lot of hatred and anger and fear and incivility in the world, and thanks to the power of social media/the internet, it is literally in our faces 24/7.

I'm a simple-minded man, and my solution is always music which heals and has the power to unite and to calm a troubled heart, mind, and soul.  Peace. Please try to be kind - even to those who do not treat you kindly. Try... at least try.

Hey... The awesome Drew Kohl will be releasing his new EP which is called New Rain one week from today.  You can take a listen over at No Depression.

We have reached the end of another work week... Here is the Featured Friday Shuffle for today...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - May Be Strong Mix

Tweet #E2TG

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

Man there is a lot of ugliness coming to the surface in the world today... but maybe, just maybe, it has to be sucked out in order to be expelled. One can hope. And I do... hope that is. In the mean time, I mostly stick to writing about music. I hope that is okay with you...  

Had a good time recording a Double Shot show last night which will air on Saturday October 22.  Meanwhile, our next live show is coming up with coming Saturday - the 15th.  This is on the mighty WXNALP- Nashville.

We've arrived at Tuesday.  We shuffle some tunes from our "New Music" playlist - these are mostly songs that I acquired either directly from the artist or from a publicist. Some are brand new, some are a bit older.  Once again, a pretty cool mixture of music... dig...

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Wicked Turns Mix

Tweet #E2TG

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


Well... We've reached mid-week. The weather in Nashville is spectacular, and I have a ton of songs to get to so, I will make it brief.'

Tonight - The 5 Spot - Amelia White Residency wraps up with Reckless Johnny Wales, Julie Christensen, a killer band, good friends, drinks, food, and fun! 6pm.

Wild Wednesday follows:

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - The Sun's Alive Mix

Tweet #E2TG

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

Well - about seven and half hours of live music last night...  Mark Robinson Showband and Rhythm Revue with guests David Olney and RB Morris was as spectacular as I expected.  With bullhorns, Robinson's always amazing guitar playing, and the whole company doing "Stagger Lee"  duet style with Olney (with bullhorn) and Morris trading vocals.

After studying the schedule and weighing the options some of which involved multiple trips across the river and back, I decided to just set down roots at The Basement East for AMA night. I had a little time before that, so I joined some friends to catch Tim Carroll, Luella, Cameron Carrus, with David Strayer on drums.  It was like a partial reunion of the old Fran's Eastside days.

When I finally made my way to The Beast, I ran into more friends and got to meet the one and only Mojo Nixon!  I have heard at Americana to enjoy what you decide to do and not overthink the things you are passing up.. so in that spirit.... Bottle Rockets were incredible and they brought out special guest Eric Ambel for a couple of songs.  Next up was Grant Lee Phillips who I had never seen live before.  I really dug his set.   Next was John Paul White with special guests The Secret Sisters.  I have not really had the chance to dig into White's recent work, but I was really impressed by this set.  I was starting to fade a bit during his set, but it did not have anything to do with the music.

I managed to drink some water and move a little and then moved closer to the stage for Brian Wright's night closing set.  He had Aaron Lee Tasjan playing guitar and a great band backing  him, and it was every bit as good a set as I could ever imagine. His special guests were Ladie Gun Club, and the sit included the band gathered around one mic - like they do on the Opry...  Wright's set closing, "Glory Hallelujah" was everything you want a closing number to be.

So, tonight... I am trying to wrap up things at work - so the shuffle post may be quick... Jill Kettles and Rodney Metroyer are hosting  an unofficial AMA event this afternoon with Marvin Etzioni, Brian Langlinais (remember that name as the shuffle proceeds) and more.  Bloodshot Records is throwing a party in the back yard of The Groove record store - with Lydia Loveless, Bottle Rockets, Robbie Fulks, and Cory Branan.  Plus, Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour has been moved up one hour.  But, my night will be centered on The Station Inn. WXNA is hosting tonight's AMA showcases (and tomorrow night, too). Tonight, I will be hanging out with Richie Owens and Howard Yearwood from Wagon Wheel, and one of my tasks is to get to introduce Syd Straw! and talk about WXNA!

Also, Aaron Lee Tasjan is at Cannery Ballroom, Zach Schmidt is at ACME, and and and....

Featured Friday shuffle ahead...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Girl Mouth Mix

Tweet #E2TG

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


Well... here we are... I know there were some pre-Americana shows around town last night, but tonight things officially begin.  Unfortunately, due to circumstances yada yada, I will be severely limited in my ability to attend daytime events during the week, and as a caveat as I post recommendations, please understand, I will not necessarily be able to attend every one (although I would like to).  Today - I have two recommendations:  1.  The Green Room Music hosts an AMA Party at Fond Object beginning at 3:30 with some familiar names like Ben de la Cour, Tim Easton, Anne McCue, Amy Speace, Kevin Gordon and more.  If you can make any of that, you should!  2. The Beast hosts Better Together: Americana Fest Eastside Kickoff Party - brought to by the Guitartown and Sin City  (who put on last year's shindig that was for me one of the highlights of the whole fest). Hard to imagine, but they just may have outdone themselves this year.  Aaron Lee Tasjan and Friends (lots of familiar names are friends with ALT), Chuck Mead and Friends (Chuck Mead has some really cool friends, too), and Lee Ann Womack and her All-Star band.  They are holding back some big names, and there are tons of people in town. I really would not recommend missing this if at all possible.  8:00p.m. is the start time, but I would plan to arrive early - this one will reach capacity (I do believe).  Included with Wristband/AMA credentials.  Rumor has it that Darrin Bradbury will be spinning tunes in the Pub before the show along with Basement East booker extraordinaire Terry Rickards.

Much more to come...

It is Tuesday - let's check out what the ol' shuffle says is trending at E2TG....

Trending Tuesday Morning (and Afternoon) Shuffle - 5 Long Years Mix

Tweet #E2TG

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

Reporting in late with a shuffle that began this morning and stretched into this afternoon.

First, some reminders.  Tomorrow do not miss Amelia White with special guests Megan Palmer and Don Gallardo - The 5 Spot at six pm.  Thursday: Mark Robinson Showband with Davis Raines and Tiffany Huggins Grant - same place and same time.  Some alternative suggestions for Thursday:  If you are down Franklin way, be sure to check in to the Legendary Kimbro's Picking Parlor to see a superb line-up with Ben de la Cour and Marvin Etzioni (The Mandolin Man, Lone Justice).   If you are not at Mark Robinson's show or down in Franklin at Kimbro's, I hope it because you at the O.G. Basement to see Beau James and J.R. Wyatt.  Later on, you can head (or stay) at The 5 Spot for Sara Syms, Bird and Bear, and a new band debuting called Bell Dive. Alternatively, you can head over to Phat Bites in Hip Donelson and check out Furious Primates and others for a show that had to be moved due to the surprising and sad news of the abrupt closing of FooBar. Friday: After Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour - head up down Main Street to The Family Wash for a triple bill that features E2TG favorites BARK along with Ned Hill of Ned Van Go, and Alvin Youngblood Hart's Muscle Theory.  Whew!  Is the weekend yet?

Let's get to that shuffle....

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Impossible Mix

Tweet #E2TG

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


And just like that it is Friday!

Well, week 2 of Mark Robinson's Showband and Rhythm Revue Residency at The 5 Spot sure lived up to my expectations!

The core band of Robinson, Daniel Seymour, and Rich Schell were phenomenal. They powered through original and classic tunes.  I really dug guest #1, Mark Huff.  Great songs and that Beatles cover was so good!  Guest #2 was the legendary Webb Wilder.  Wilder played songs from the last couple of albums plus some really interesting and wonderful cover selections. I first saw Webb Wilder play live close to 30 years ago, and it great to see him still making great music and here backed by this incredible showband.  Robinson's run continues next Thursday with the one and only Davis Raines and the awesome singer/songwriter Tiffany Huggins Grant.

Let's just right into Feature Friday Shuffle - from the special "New Music" playlist.

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Skinny Jeans and Bad Hair Mix

Tweet #E2TG
Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Okay... here we go. The good thing about starting you work week on Wednesday is that you suddenly find yourself at Thursday!  First things first.

Really enjoyed night one of Amelia White's September Residency at The 5 Spot.  Jesse and Noah opened with some new songs, some old songs, and a nifty Donovan cover. Amelia White and the Blue Souvenirs were awesome as always - Parker Hawkins, Fran Breen, Paul Neihaus, and Dave Coleman. We really are spoiled here in Nashville by all the great players. Amelia debuted some new songs in addition to playing some of my favorites. She threw in an awesome cover of "Silver Wings" - a song by the late Merle Haggard that I was introduced to by The Knitters.

Tonight, Mark Robinson's September Residency at The 5 Spot continues.  The band will include Rick Schell and Daniel Seymour, and the special guests will be Mark Huff and Webb Wilder!  Seriously, do not miss this show if at all possible!

Since, I missed Trending Tuesday, and since I have an overabundance of "new music", I am going to forgo Throwback Thursday for this week only and present a rare Trending Thursday shuffle... enjoy!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Viva La Vita Mix

Tweet #E2TG

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

Let's recap last night in live music (or at least the part I took in):  The Mark Robinson Showband Residency got off to a stellar start.  Mark Robinson is truly one of my favorite performers to see live. He delivers every single time.  Guests Ted Drozdowski, Richie Owens, and Nick Kane were amazing, and when all four took the stage together, I thought the stage was either going to levitate or explode from all of the great guitar. I even added assistant guitar tech to my resume. Okay, all I did was hold a light for Richie Owens, but who doesn't embellish on resumes?

After the show ended, a group of us headed a few blocks over to The Basement East for the Louisiana Flood Benefit.  Lot's of awesome Louisiana music performed by an extraordinary line-up of musicians.  Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra was the first act I saw (I missed the first act of the night).  Better Than Ezra (the long-running New Orleans band has a foundation that does tons of amazing things in the Pelican State.  All proceeds from last night's show went to that foundation to be earmarked for flood relief.  Details about the foundation can be found here.  Chuck Mead lead an all-star band (including Fats Kaplin on accordion) including the Cajun music standards "Diggy Liggy Lo" and "Joli Blon" plus the "faux" but essential Cajun song by Hank Williams "Jambalaya". Next, the phenomenal Will Kimbrough who as then joined by Emmylou Harris!!!!!  Emmylou sounded soooo good.  Next up was Robyn Hitchcock and Emma Swift. I've been seeing Robyn around the neighborhood a bunch recently (which feels really weird to say), but this was the first time I have seen him perform in a while. Fantastic stuff!   Next up Chase McGillis with a band billed as The Mini Meters.  Doing Meters covers which had everyone moving.  Patrick Sweany was up next, and he was as incredible as always. He brought up Kevin Gordon for a couple of songs and then gave up the stage  for Gordon and his band to close out the night in fine style. The vibe and the people and the music were all incredible and made for a magical night.

It is Friday!!!!!!  Tonight, Tim Easton is celebrating the release of his new album American Fork with an outdoor show at Fond Object (6:00pm). The weather is about perfect.  Ariel Bui and Erin Rae and the Meanwhiles open the night.

Time for some featured Friday music:

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Buy Her Coffee Mix

Tweet #E2TG

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

Wow, we've reached the last day of August.  We are approaching Labor Day weekend in the USA. Here in Nashville, the live music possibilities for the coming days is mind-blowing and overwhelming. Bottom line, get out and see some live music.  For tonight, my eye is on The 5 Spot for the Grand Finale of David Olney's 4 out of 5 Wednesday Residency.  Recommended if you want to hear one of the best songwriters this town (known for songwriters) has ever seen. A man praised by his peers who have included Townes Van Zandt, Rodney Crowell, and more.  Also, recommended if you want to hear top rated musicians and the occasional burst of dramatic poetry.

After David Olney, I will be sticking around for a late show line-up that includes Jon Latham, Don Gallardo, and Stuffy Shmitt.  Birmingham's The Burning Peppermints open the night.

And the great music continues throughout the rest of the week and weekend.

Now, it is Wednesday.  After slogging through the first two days of the work week, we reach mid-week and feel the need to get "Wild"!