E2TG 12/30/2021 - Goodbye 2021 - Super Inertia Mix (Midnight Promises Remix)

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Today's Greetings From Nashville is up on the archive at wxnafm.org

 6:00am Greetings from Nashville by Jason and The Scorchers on Still Standing (EMI/EMI Records (USA))

6:02am Daughter of Country by Megan and Shane on Daughter of Country (Megan and Shane)

6:05am 2 U by Full Mood on Redsleep (Cold Lunch Recordings)

6:08am Wildest Dreams by Conrad y Skordalia on The Moment Before Waking (Conrad y Skordalia)

6:12am Two Days from Austin by Kitchn on Two Days from Austin – Single (1168542 Records DK)

6:17am Last Bad Habit by Gina Sicilia on Last Bad Habit – Single (VizzTone)

6:20am Backside (Live) by Walk the West on Live at the Basement East (Walk The West)

6:24am Doesn’t Have to Be a Dream by DeeOhGee on New Way of Life (WDGO Music)

6:26am Bad Dogs and Weed by Dick Aven on Spin So Long (1347936 Records DK)

6:33am I’m a Lunatic Baby by Jon Worthy on I’m a Lunatic Baby – EP (Jon Worthy)

6:38am All Along by Madeleine Besson on All Along – Single (Madeleine Besson)

6:41am Endless Summer by Cameron Carrus on Odd (2079001 Records DK)

6:45am Don’t Say Sorry by Teddy & The Rough Riders on Don’t Say Sorry – Single (Rough Rider Records)

6:49am Setting Sail (Nashville Version) by Swan Dive on Setting Sail EP (Cafe Society)

6:53am Elegy (Redux) by Nashville Ambient Ensemble on Elegy (Redux) [Redux] – Single (Centripetal Force)

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 8/13/2021 - Featured Friday the 13th - Speed Limit Mix (Ice Machine Remix)

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It is a new week - which means a new Featured Friday Playlist.  Please check it out and if so inclined give the Playlist a follow on Spotify.  

As always, if you discover an artist you like - please support them as you are able - buy music and merch, follow/like, share, and see them live when able. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 7/23/2021 - Featured Friday - Chabliss Mix (DOA Remix)

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Time got away from me this week - so I have a ton of e-mails I didn't get to yet, so the Playlist is on the short side, but it should balance out next week...Still - it is a great list! Enjoy!

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 10/23/2020 - Featured Friday - Birmingham 2 Mix (Existential Dread Remix)

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It is Friday, and I am short on time so let's get right to it.  Before we get to our brand new Featured Friday Playlist, we have a couple of new releases to mention.  Both of these releases are out on Devil's Tower Records and available on the Devil's Tower Records Bandcamp page.  Both are live recordings, recorded at the same show last Halloween. The Smoking Flowers host an annual Halloween show at The 5 Spot as a benefit.  I have been to a few - including the show where these releases were recorded. Since, the show cannot go on this year, they decided to release these as a consolation. Check them out. 

The first features the temporary band SHAMONES doing Michael Jackson covers in the style of The Ramones.  The second features a set from The Smoking Flowers themselves doing some choice covers. I have listened and they are high quality recordings (as most of the "live from The 5 Spot" recordings are) - so please check them out!

 

This week's Featured Friday Playlist is jam-packed with great music. I think it is the same number of songs as last week but it clocks in at about fifteen more minutes of music. Our recap starts below the jump...

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/20/2020 - Featured Friday - Live Til We Die Mix (Ain't Going Down Remix)

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Today, Bandcamp is waiving their profit sharing so that artists will receive 100% of all purchases. Consider purchasing music or merch from your favorite artists. Bandcamp was a huge source of music in the early days of E2TG - before I began getting submissions from publicists, and I still regularly get music via that site. I know that many musicians are deeply affected my this health crisis, and every little bit helps.  I understand that Bandcamp's site is being ovewhelmed right now, which is wonderful. Keep trying.

    Featured Friday Playlist

I feel like one of my jobs is to keep the music going, so here is the brand new Featured Friday Playlist. Enjoy and support these and all artists.

Featured Friday Shuffle

Since I am not commuting, I decided to shuffle and listen to the whole Featured Friday Playlist this morning. Maybe I will start doing that every Friday...

"Isabella" by The Blam Blams (from single)

Delighted that their is a new single from Nashville's The Blam Blams. I am very excited about what they are bringing to the Nashville music scene. 

"Rely on Me" by Jon Magnusson (from Live in Studio Silverraven)

Our old friend from Sweden has been releasing these live versions of his songs of late. Here is the latest.

"Code Blue - Remix" by I Ya Toyah, Grendel (from Code Blue Reloaded - Remix Version)

"Live Till We Die" by Chris Moyse (from Bitter Ballads & Cynical Prayers)

One of my favorite local songwriters just released his new album.  It has been highly anticipated and I am glad it is out in the world. 

"Throw it Back" by Trez (from single)

Latest single from Nashville based hip-hop artist. Produced by long-time E2TG favorite Hayden "THC" Coleman. 

"Ain't Going Down" by Strange Majik (from 20/20)

The new album from long-time E2TG favorite Strange Majik is out now. Check it out. He is on bandcamp so consider making that purchase.

"When I Was a Writer" by Matt Wilson and His Orchestra

"Lose Me Head" by Gina Sicilia (from single)

I am blown away by what I have been hearing from the forthcoming new album by Nashville based singer and songwriter Gina Sicilia. Check out her latest single. 

"Best I Can" by Carl Anderson (from Best I Can EP)

Another local favorite who has been releasing some new music of late. Check out Carl Anderson's latest EP today.

"Blood" by KID BE KID (from Lovely Genders EP)

"Steady on Your Knees" by False Heads (from It's All There but You're Dreaming)

False Heads is a high-energy UK band that we featured several years ago. They have been on a steady ascent ever since. Check out this new music from them. They were supposed to make their first trip to the US for SXSW. Maybe when they do come a Nashville stop might be possible.

"Songs I Wrote" by Sha Davis (from Songs I Wrote When You Left)

"Dead Flour" by Toni Sauna, Marek Pedziwiatr, Wildcookie (from Dead Flour EP)

"Who Knows How Long This Will Last" by Dan Tedesco (by Who Knows How Long This Will Last EP)

Digging this - from this Iowa based singer-songwriter. Lovely music. 

"Springsteen on the Radio" by Foley and the Fire (from single)

Nifty new single from this UK band made up of veteran musicians with an impressive list of credits. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

I decided not to do the video playlist today.  The whole point of the video playlist is to provide a way to stream the music in the shuffle. You can do that via the Spotify playlist - above. Enjoy!

Recent:

2/01 - Glenn Jones - Ready for the Good Times (LP)

2/02 - Karabas Barabas - Degenerate National Anthem (LP)
2/04 - Mayflower Madame - "Vultures" (single)
2/05 - Joseph Mooradian  - "We all Work Too Much"/"Dash My Dreams" (single)

2/07 -  Palm Ghosts -  Wide Awake and Waiting (EP)
2/07 - Emily Zuzik - "Trouble" (single)
2/07 - Chicago Farmer - Flyover Country (LP)
2/07 - Surrija - "Barcelona" (single)
2/07 - The Flyin' A's - No Holds Barred (LP)
2/07 - Christopher Paul Stelling - Best of Luck (LP)
2/07 - HMS Morris - "Babanod" (single)
2/07 - Tiny Fighter- "Strangest Thing" (single)
2/07 - Wynnm - "Fire on the Moon" (single)
2/07 - The Golden Cage Society - Mira (Mini EP)
2/07 - Alienbaby Collective - "Degenerate Moon" (single)
2/07 - Eric and the Anti-Vaxxers - Timeshare Girlfriend (EP)
2/07 - Sammy Brue - "Teenage Mayhem" and "Crash Test Kid" (singles)
2/07 - Lucille - "Kerikeri" (single)

2/07 - Jon Magnusson  - Always a Rebel (Live in Studio Silverräven) (single)

2/07 - Thomas Passon - "Über" (single)

2/07 - BisonBison - "Hover" (single)

2/07 - BisonBison - Hover (LP)

2/13 - Little Triggers - "Bang" (single)

2/14 - Grant Peeples - Bad Wife (LP)
2/14 - The Heliocentrics - Infinity of Now (LP)
2/14 - Johanna Kuvaja - "Back for Good" (single)
2/14 - Sarah Reynolds - "I Need Love" (single)
2/14 - Afterimage - "Six Seconds" (single)
2/14 - Kalee Smyth - "Bring Our Love Down" (single)

2/14 - Harry Stafford - "She Just Blew Me Away" (single)

2/14 - Kid Be Kid - "Blood" (single)

2/14 - Chris Maxwell - New Store No. 2 (LP)

2/18 - David J - "I Only Hear Silence Now" (single)

2/19 - Paisley Fields - "Ride Me Cowboy" (single)

2/19 - Tom Cridland - "The Laws of Success" (single)

2/21 - Sarah Morris - All Mine (LP)
2/21 - Kindergarten - Iphigenia (Reissue) (LP)
2/21 -  Hot Club of L.A.- Cinema Swing (LP)
2/21 - MUUK - Balbuceo (LP)
2/21 - Aaron Beckum - Songs from a Triangle Room (EP)
2/21 - Every 13 Days - Étant Donnés (Reissue) (LP)
2/21 - Seablight - High-Rise Mannequins (EP)
2/21 - Various Artists -Typical Girls Vol. 5 (LP)
2/21 - 12xPretty - 12xPretty (LP)
2/21 - Arkane Skye - "Don't Ask Me Out" (single)

2/21 - Easy - "Crystal Waves" (single)

2/21 - Blue Lucas - "Train Station" (single)

2/21 - Stumbleine - "Supermodels" (single)

2/21 - Jesse Blake Rundle - "The Death of a Soldier" (single)
2/21 - Whitney Shay - Stand Up! (LP)

2/21 - 100 Mile House - "Test the Timber" (single)

2/22 - Charlotte Eagle Sings - Embracing the Old Ways (LP)

2/24 - Jon Magnusson - "Set Me on Fire (Live Silverraven Sessions) (single)

2/28 - Kristen Englenz - Ingenue (LP)
2/28 - Brett Ryan Stewart - "All or None" (single)

2/28 - Close Lobsters - Post Neo Anti... (LP)
2/28 - The Heliocentrics - Infinity of Now (LP)

2/28 - Scenius - "Glass Rain" (single)

2/28 - Jeffrey James - East London (EP)

2/28 - Charmless i - "Long Time Coming" (single)

2/28 - Gallary 47 - "I Wish I Was" (single)

2/28 - Xirita - "Don't Go" (single)

2/28 - Son of David - "Carry On" (single)

2/28 - Harry Stafford - "Painted Ocean" (single)
2/28 - Strange Majik - "World On Fire" (single)

2/28 - MUUK - Balbuceo (LP)

2/29 - Jimmy Who and the Night Creatures - Tinker's Blues (EP)

3/04 - Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion - Chameleon (LP)

3/04 - Iron Mike Norton - "Help Me Make It Through the Night" (single)

3/06 - Surrija - "Sylvette" (single)

3/06 - Dean Fields - While the Baby Was Sleeping (LP)
3/06 - Broads and Milly Hirst - Ollust (LP)
3/06 - The Mastersons - No Time for Love Songs (LP)
3/06 - Ghostwood Development Project (Feat. Kool Keith) - "Gulley" (single)

3/06 - The Mystery Plan - Ballad of JC Quinn (LP)

3/06 - Brian Wright and the Sneakups - "Patrick's Crossing" (single)

3/06 - Jonny Polonsky - Kingdom of Sleep (LP)

3/06 - Tiny Fighter - "Perfect Game" (single)

3/06 - African Head Charge - Drumming is a Language (LP)

3/06 - African Head Charge - Songs of Praise - reissue (LP)

3/06 - African Head Charge - Churchical Chant Of The Iyabinghi (LP)
3/09 - Marco Bonvicini - "Colors" (single)

3/09 - Terry Presume - I Got Nothing to Lose (EP)

3/13 - The Flatmates - The Flatmates (LP)

3/13 - Kleenex Girl Wonder - Ponyoak (20th Anniversary Edition) + BLP (demos and out-takes) (LP)
3/13 - Sandwick - Reconstruct (LP)
3/13 - Foley and the Fire - "Springsteen on the Radio" (single)
3/13 - Kalee Smyth - The Ceiling (EP)

3/13 - Sha Davis - Songs I Wrote When You Left (EP)

3/13 - The Losing Touch - "Through the Night" (single)

3/13 - Gerry Gareau - Feet Off The Brakes (EP)

3/13 - Ayla Brook and the Sound Men - Desolation Sounds (LP)

3/13 - The Academy of Sun - "The Parts That Need Replacing" (single)

3/13 - Sunday Morning - Consequences of Love (EP)
3/13 - Rosemary Fossee - "Tu me manques" (single)

3/18 - Marco Bonvicini - Colors (EP)

Today!:

3/20 - Matt Wilson and His Orchestra - When I Was a Writer (LP)
3/20 - Chris Moyse - Bitter Ballads and Cynical Prayers (LP)

3/20 - Samuel Boller - Kingdom of the Sun (LP)
3/20 - The Blam Blams - "Isabella" (single)
3/20 - Jon Hassell - Vernal Equinox (reissue) (LP)

3/20 - Kid Be Kid - Lovely Genders (EP)

3/20 - Toni Sauna - Dead Flour (single)

3/20 - Ender Bender - "Star Killer" (single)

3/20 -  Strange Majik - 20/20 (LP)

3/20 - I YA TOYAH - Code Blue: Reloaded (LP)

Upcoming:

3/27 - Mayflower Madame - Prepared for a Nightmare (LP)

3/27 - The 81s - 2 Things and 118 Others (LP)

3/27 - Mayflower Madame - "Swallow" (single)

3/27 - Alienbaby Collective - F I S H B O W L / T E R R E S T R I A L (Double EP)
3/27 - Mairena - "Weird All the Time" (single)
3/27 - Lucille - Come on,Fly (LP)

3/27 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "Money" (single)

3/27 - Ben Reel - The Nashville Calling (LP)

3/27 - 100 Mile House - Love and Leave You (LP)

3/27 - Watermelon Slim - Traveling Man (Double Live LP)

3/27 - Lilly Hiatt - Walking Proof (LP)

3/?? - Harry Stafford - Gothic Urban Blues (LP)
4/01? - Ten Penny Gypsy - Fugitive Heart (LP)

4/02 - I Am A Rocketship - "My Nature" (single)

4/03 - Chip and the Charge Ups - Lightning in Our Veins (LP)

4/03 - Surrija - Surrija (LP)

4/03 - Stumbleine - Sink Into the Ether (LP)

4/03 - Neutrals - Rent Your House (EP)

4/09 - Ellison - "Sing" (single)

4/10 - Eliza Gilkyson - 2020 (LP)
4/10 - Dan Montgomery - Smoke and Mirrors (a phonographic memory) (LP)
4/10 - Pokey LaFarge - Rock Bottom Rhapsody (LP)

4/10 - The Dream Syndicate - The Universal Inside (LP)

4/13 - Pilotcan - No More Shan Goodbye (LP)
4/17 - Paul Burch and WPA Ballclub - Light Sensitive (LP)

4/16 - Destijl - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (LP)

4/17 - Aimee Stevens - "Hell is a Teenaged Girl" (single)

4/24 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "I'm Gonna Break Your Heart" (single)
4/24 - Ben Bostick - Among the Faceless Crowd (LP)

4/24 - Kyle Lalone - Somewhere In Between (EP)

4/?? - I Am A Rocketship - Ghost Stories (LP)

5/01 - BOAT - Tread Lightly (LP)

5/01 - Laura Cortese and the Dance Card - Bitter Better (LP)

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

5/20 - Town Meeting - Make Things Better (LP)

5/31 - Debra Power - That's How I Roll (LP)

6/05 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "None of Your Business" (single)

6/12 - Sammy Brue - Crash Test Kid (LP)

7/03 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - None of Your Business (EP)

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Hey Lawdy Mama Mix (Moose Remix)

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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.


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...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - The Slouch Mix (Little Rabbit Remix)

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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.


Honestly, just trying to make it through this short work week... I might make it - still up in the air...

Let's get to some fine, fine Trending Tuesday music -

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Poison Water Mix

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In the last few days, I have had more than more conversation about how Nashville's embarrassment of musical riches can be easy to take for granted. On any given night, we can wander out to your favorite neighborhood bar and be likely to see any one or more than one or all of the following: world-class musicians, musicians who have backed up the biggest names in the music business, top-notched songwriters (young and not-so-young).  All of this while mingling with other incredibly talented musicians, songwriters, photographers, journalists, artist managers, publicists, etc - in a totally loose and casual environment.

Saturday - I took my daughter to see Fats Kaplin and Kristi Rose at The 5 Spot - with Wes Langlois, Justin Amaral, and Daniel Seymour. Plus special guests Paul Burch and Kevin Welch. 

Last night, I headed to Dee's in Madison for the weekly Madison Guild Monday - this week hosted by Megan Palmer and featuring the "Backyard Bitches" featuring an incredible line-up of talented songwriters - some backed by equally talented musicians.

Well - just four more shuffles for 2017. This is one of those four - so let's get to it!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Friday Toast in a German Kitchen Mix

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I've said this before... but it comes back time and again.... the reason E2TG has endured for almost six and a half years is because I post just about every day, and I post even when I really don't feel much like posting.  I think it is my nation to constantly think about the what, why, and hows of whatever it is I am doing.  E2TG has definitely evolved over the years - although the basic premise is still the same. "Hey I heard some cool tunes on my way to work, let me tell you about them." 

I do think about what I can do to reach more people - not for my ego (okay - a little for my ego) but mostly to help spread the word about some of the lesser known music that I love. Over the years, I have seen people I wrote about begin to reach a larger audience and get more wide-spread recognition. When that happens, I am proud - not that I feel in any responsible for the success. I have always viewed the artists and bands I write about as a "family" of sorts. These are my people, and over the years there have been triumphs and stumbles, celebrations and mourning. Things have also grown which means my "family" is so large that I lose touch with people sometimes, but I always love hearing about what is up - even if it's not music related. I see people I have written about excelling in all areas of life, and I, too, people struggling. Just as I have excelled and struggled at times.

I am generally a pretty upbeat guy, but I do get down sometimes too.... and I have bouts of self-pity sometimes. 

My point is that I love what I do and I really have no desire to stop. It heartens me when people appreciate what I do and lets me know. It seems kind of petty to expect that, and I try to avoid expectations, but it is appreciated when it happens. And, E2TG has taken me places I could not even have imagined. So, even on days when I don't feel it as much as I would like, I keep on... and man oh man, the cool music I get to listen to really helps a ton!

It's Tuesday - let's see what is "trending"

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Pants in Space Mix

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Okay - false alarm. I'm still on my old phone for at least one more day.  I did get my new phone, and I'm excited about it, but it was not quite ready to go this morning. My old phone is not doing well, but hopefully it will last long enough....

I'm just going to jump right into the Featured Friday shuffle - we have all sorts of things today: a bamboo harvester, a wolf, space pants, pistols, an inflatable duck, and a row boat and more...

Topical Thursday Morning Shuffle - Down by the River Mix

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And then it was Thursday...


Last night, after work, I headed down to The Country to check out Ben de la Cour and Gaelynn Lea (who you read about in Collins' guest post earlier this week). (if you missed it, click the link).

Ben is one of my absolute favorite songwriters.

Gaelynn Lea (who won NPR's Tiny Desk Contest) is nothing short of brilliant. Playing traditional fiddle music and originals using a loop pedal and her unique playing style, she makes otherworldly and music that is at once dark and beautiful.

After that, I headed to Kay Bob's to hang out with some of my fellow WXNA DJs.  Every third Wednesday, Kay Bob's hosts WXNA Night and donates 15% of all sales to the station.  It's a fun hang with good food and a great beer selection.

Then, I crossed the river in time to catch Brian Milligram at The Crying Wolf.  I was reminded about how much I love his music.  Folk-punk delivered with passion. And he can pull off a sad song pretty well, too.

Today being Thursday, we return to our special Topical playlist  - said topic being self-referential and we delve into the history of E2TG.  It's an interesting history (if I do say so myself) covering a wide swath of musical styles. From the beginning, my approach to E2TG has been to write about music that moves me without much regard to the relative notoriety (or lack thereof) of the artists.  To that end, some bands I have written about have gone on to achieve greater notoriety and others have seemingly disappeared - at least from social media.  I take no credit and accept no blame from either. In my estimation, the value of the music itself is not really affected at all by what happens next for the artist. But, that's just my take...

Without further ado, here is the Topical Thursday (E2TG-centric) shuffle....

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Angels in the Architecture Mix

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I think I am well on the road to recovery from Americana Fest.  I've been laying low trying to make sure that I get this crud out of my system.

It is Tuesday.  We call this day, Trending Tuesday (because... well, Trending and Tuesday both start with T... and that sort of thing is cute - apparently).

But seriously, we shuffle up songs from our "New Music" playlist - which features primarily songs that have been submitted to us or songs from long-time favorites. It's all relatively recent - sometimes not yet released. It covers about every genre you can think of and a few you probably have never thought of.. it's all good, and that seems like a good reason to stop writing and get to the songs...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Opening Credits Mix

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Whew! Americana Fest week is (kind of) underway.  Last night was like a pre-pre AMA Fest night. And what a night, it started for me at Betty's Grill to check out Jon Byrd and the awesome pedal steel player Paul Niehaus who played a fun mix of traditional country songs and original tunes (included a couple of Davis Raines songs).  Betty's is a great DIY venue which works very hard at providing a space for a wide variety of great music.

Next, it was off to The Family Wash for Homemade Sin (less Dan Baird - who is undergoing treatment for a form of leukemia).  I have been looking forward to this show since I heard about it, and my expectations were pretty high... and they were wildly exceeded in every respect. First of all, it was yet another reminder of the incredible community that exists around music. Time and again, when I musician goes down to illness or injury or other hardship, it is heartening to see the community rally in support. It belies the common (and IMHO false) narrative of musicians being selfish or self-centered.

There were so many aspects to last nights show that were meaningful to me that I am having a hard time putting them down (at least in time I have to write this).  First off all, it was all just really, really great rock and roll music. Call it roots or Americana or whatever, it was just rock and roll and it was damn good!

Homemade Sin features Warner Hodges (Jason and the Scorchers), Mauro Magellan (Georgia Satellites), and a brand new bass player Sean Savacool.  Joe Blanton is filling in for Dan Baird.

Seeing Warner and Joe on stage together was pretty awesome.  I have been a fan of both of their music for over 30 years.  Warner from the Scorchers and Joe Blanton from The Enemy and Royal Court of China.

Speaking of The Scorchers.  With Dan out, the band have added a few Scorchers songs to their set and last night Jason Ringenberg himself was on hand to sing a few.  When they ripped into the classic Scorchers version of Dylan's "Absolutely Sweet Marie" the usually sedate dinner crowd at The Family Wash exploded and everyone sang along. It was thirty-two years ago this month when I first say The Scorchers live.  Jason still bounces around the stage like a whirling dervish and Warner still slings his guitar effortlessly and deftly.   Other special guests included Elizabeth Cook, Chuck Mead, and Aaron Lee Tasjan (with Jon Latham).

I was happy to get to hang a little with Robert Logue (Royal Court of China, The Shakers) and Chuck Allen (The East Nashvillian) and hear and share stories from back in the day.

One last thing (and this is kind of a hard story to explain so bear with me):  Dan Baird's old band The Georgia Satellites were a big part of the Nashville music scene in the 1980s when I was coming of age. The Satellites are probably best known for their huge hit "Keep Your Hands to Yourself". When I was nineteen years old, I started keeping a journal (I kind of think I was blogging but there wasn't any way to post it back then). The journal was mostly mundane details of my life, stray bits of random writing (fiction etc.), and song lyrics. From the time, I first heard "Keep Your Hands to Yourself" on WRVU (the Vanderbilt student radio station and predecessor to WXNA), I must have included lyrics to that song in my journal dozens of times.  And I watched in amazement as it grew from this local thing to a #2 song on the pop charts.  It was a pretty cool and pretty rare thing since most of the music I listened to was pretty non-mainstream.  So, there was a strange and wonderful feeling when the band launched into that song I got to sing along with Jon Latham and Aaron Lee Tasjan.  And then when Joe Blanton turned his guitar over to Aaron Lee Tasjan... I was just floored. Music for me is ALL about connections and there were so many connections made last night. It was a perfect way to begin a very busy week that promises many great moments.


As I mentioned yesterday, E2TG is going to break some new ground for us this week, as we welcome our first guest blogger - Collins de la Cour who will be covering some select Americana Fest shows for us. Her introductory post is coming later today, and I am blown away by how good it is, and I think you will be, too.

It is Tuesday, and this is the day that we shuffle up songs from the "New Music" which is mostly (fairly) recent music that we have had the chance to feature here.  We have a pretty cool mix today so let's not dally any more....

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle- Sacred Cows Mix

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You know, I keep saying this is not political, but until some more G.O.P. people grow a spine and speak up against the insanity, it does feel political.... And by insanity, I specifically mean gross incompetence, flagrant and unabashed corruption, just to name a couple.
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Yesterday was an eighteen plus hour day that left me more energized than tired (we shall see how I feel after lunch today) After work, I headed to Madison to record a future Double Shot show (to air May 6), then I went to Dee's where Tim Easton hosted Madison Guild Monday.  Emma Berkey, Matt Haeck, Rayvon Pettis, Ariel Bui, Megan Palmer, Jon Latham, and more. Tim Easton closed the night joined by Aaron Lee Tasjan - before ALT performed two songs to close the night. (I know I left somebody out, too.  Sorry.)  I really fun hang. For those deep into the E2TG mythology, the first time I saw Aaron Lee Tasjan (and Tim Easton - I think) was back in 2014 at a 5 Spot Residency that Tim Easton was hosting.  That was also the fateful day that I first met Darrin Bradbury in person.

It is Tuesday.... let's see what is Trending at E2TG according to the random shuffle function....

Topical Thursday Morning Shuffle - What about the Minutemen? Mix

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Here we go... I'm gonna let my Topical Thursday Shuffle do the talking for me today.

Last night, I made it out to The Basement for an early show featuring three incredible songwriters.  Jeremy Ivey opened the night.  Although I had seen him before (at a couple of different shows at Dee's - I think.  On the prior occasions, I had not been able to really concentrate on his songs. Last night was more of a "listening room" environment, and I have to say, I was blown away. Really strong songs that were moving - at times gently humorous.  Count me as a new fan.

Up next was David Dondero. NPR called him one of our greatest living songwriters, and it was easy to see why.  I was introduced to his music a couple of years ago by Darrin Bradbury - who considers Dondero one of his biggest influences. It was clear that his songs were next level good. Again there was humor. To me it was like really good poetry accompanied by a guitar.

The aforementioned Darrin Bradbury closed this early show.  As long time readers may recall, there was a time a couple of years ago when I was seeing Darrin play at least two or three times every week.  Of late, Darrin has been killing it on road - with some high profile opening gigs for Ray Wylie Hubbard, Elizabeth Cook, Wanda Jackson, and Drivin' N' Cryin' to name a few. So, it had been a while since I have had the chance to see Darrin play.  He took advantage of this intimate setting to try out some new and newish songs - along with favorites like Elmwood Park and Myrtle Beach. The new songs sounded great, and I was reminded again why I consider Darrin Bradbury one of the best pure songwriters working today.

In other news, the details of the last two weeks of the E2TG Residency are coming together nicely, and I plan to finalize those announcements over the long holiday weekend (I am off work tomorrow).

Okay, as I mentioned, it is Topical Thursday.  As I say every week, the songs (more or less) fit my undisclosed "topic" but their connection to the topic is mainly all in my head.  Any viewpoint you may infer from this list is mine alone and may not reflect the viewpoint of the artists or their respective songs.

A really long song and a kind of long song mean we only have six songs in today's shuffle.

Let's shuffle!

Topical Thursday Morning Shuffle - La La La Mix

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Been very busy this week on several different fronts, and as I was feeling a little bit stressed out yesterday, it was good reminder to reflect on gratitude.

Found out yesterday that NO ICE, and The Regrets - who are both associated with the Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen collective out of New York - are playing here in Nashville tonight - at Betty's Grill in West Nashville. Looks to be a pretty rocking show.  As always there is a ton of live music going on in Nashville, but NO ICE's membership included Sam Braverman of Logan X - who I have been writing about for nearly 4 years, so I feel I must take advantage of this opportunity to meet him and hear this music in person.   This will be the second Mama Coco's related band for me to see live in Nashville.  I saw Toot Suite a while back at The East Room.

It's Thursday again, and we return to our Topical Thursday shuffle.  The songs (or at least the titles or possible interpretations of the titles) fit a predetermined, vaguely defined, and unrevealed topic.  As always, do not infer and I am not implying that the writers and performers below - have any association, affiliation, or  that they support any particular viewpoint.  The shuffle is about me making a statement - as vague and murky as that may be.   Let's go!

Topical Thursday Morning Shuffle - I'm Wide Awake Mix

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Today I'm mostly gonna let my Topical Thursday playlist speak for me.  I will say that the world and history and many Americans are watching.  We are seeing those who are in positions to do something about the corruption and nepotism and dishonesty and... - and who are doing nothing.  Meanwhile, many, many people who are not in positions of power are actively resisting.

Last night, another really excellent night of music at The 5 Spot. Beginning with a full-band set from Adrian + Meredith followed by TV Mike and the Scarecrows (who were fabulous), Quinn Deveaux (who is now local - after leaving LA) also wonderful, and ending with the triumphant return of Buck n Stuff. I even got a shout-out from the stage before they did their version of "A-11", This will likely be the last time I see this band for a while - as 2/3 of the band are headed to Europe next week.  The American Legion recordings are being worked on - so maybe some Buck n Stuff recordings are out on the horizon somewhere.

Well... Nashville is staring down the barrel of some potentially bad storms this afternoon and evening.  But...

Tonight at The 5 Spot. Richie Owens and The Farm Bureau are celebrating 25 years of great music with appearances from the many members over those years.  As an added bonus, The Movement are said to be reuniting to open the show.  The last - and only time I saw The Movement live was Labor Day Weekend 1985, when my friends Boyd and Ron along with a younger guy named Greg drove from Cookeville to Cat's Records on West End (there is a bank or something there now) to see The Movement, Tim Krekel and the Sluggers, and Jason and the Scorchers.  I sure hope the weather cooperates and that I am not huddled in an interior space.

After that show, the Family Wash is to be my destination to see Russell Thompson, Megan Palmer, and Sergio Webb.

Okay - time to move on to the Topical Thursday shuffle.  Usual disclaimers... I have a topic in mind, but I'm not explaining it.  The songs may only fit due to an alternate interpretation of the title, or some loose connection in my mind, or they may explicitly fit the topic.  In all cases, I am not implying in any way the artists/writers/performers share any particular view point.

Also, I think there may be some repeats from previous Thursday shuffles - I refreshed the playlist and may have added some songs back - whatever- they are all good songs and they all still fit the topic. Other than that - enjoy.

Earie Tuesday Shuffle - The Penultimate Mix

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Look, I'm as ready as any of you to put 2016 behind me, but I have a little unfinished business.  Besides, all of the great music put out and discovered was one of the best parts of an otherwise crappy year.  So, I have the final batch of "Earie" Awards to hand out, and then later today, I will unveil the Band/Artist of the Year Award for 2016.

First off, one outside the shuffle.

The "Rockified Country" Award goes to Saint Luke's Drifters. I first met Mitch Laney of the band at a Richie Owens show a while back.  Then, I saw his band play a show with Richie.  Their sound reminds me at times of Jason and the Scorchers or the early Georgia Satellites when Dan Baird was a part of that band. But, they have some really unique qualities. I think they do country music better and more purely than either of those bands. And, when they rock, they bring it. Their live shows always yield awesome covers to go along with their original songs - like ones on their 2016 release Trials and Tribulations.  The album was mixed by Eric Ambel (who by the way I got to briefly meet during Americana Fest this year).

Now let's do the final shuffle of 2016 for real, ya'll,,,

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Wild Living Mix

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Greetings from the end of the working week...  Last night, a really great night of music at The Basement East.  Harrison Whitford, who I have been impressed with since the first time I saw him - opened.  His music has really matured (I think that is the word I am looking for) since I first saw him nearly a year and a half ago.  Not that it was immature. Just that he has grown as an artist since then.

Next up, reigning (or about a month more) E2TG Artist of the Year, Jon Latham absolutely destroyed with a full band set that included Andrew Leahey and Sean Quinn on guitar and Raun Schultz on drums. Moving through songs from his debut, Real Bad News and newer songs including songs from his forthcoming album, Lifers.  As he always does, Latham commanded the stage.

And what can I say about Bobby Bare Jr.. Joined by Harrison Whitford on guitar - Bare Jr ripped through an incredible set that included some old favorites plus a new song he wrote for the forthcoming Guided By Voices album, an older GBV song, and he closed with a rip-roaring version of "Cover of the Rolling Stone".

It is Friday and we have a shuffle from our "New Music" playlist.  Let's jump in...

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - New Age of Aviation Mix

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Well - the work week is finally over!  It is Tomato Art Fest time in East Nashville - if you are able head over there for music and art and tomatoes.

It's been a hard week in many ways... but the shuffles have been good, I posted an album review and a successful video premiere.  I saw some awesome live music (not as much as I would have liked) and got some things done that needed to be done.

For our Featured Friday, we have some old friends, some new music, and more...