Tweet #E2TG
Life is a balance of patience, hard work, dumb luck, and the occasional moment of happy coincidence. Or so it seems from this particular moment in my existence. I was thinking about the two recent reviews I wrote, and the circumstances that lead me to having the opportunity to write those reviews. In 2011, when I started Ear to the Ground, I was trying to find a blog platform that would be easy to use and be visually interesting. I came across Posterous which seeming fit the bill. Through that site, I came into contact with Howard Rabach and his enigmatic band Ubiquity Machine. We became Facebook friends, and now Howard plays bass for The Grey A, and he sent me their new album to review.
About six months later, around the time that I decided that Posterous could not do everything I wanted to do*, I happened upon a cool band from New Jersey called Those Mockingbirds. That band lead me to Don Ryan, Popa Tunes, The Dead Exs, The End Men, and my whole fascination with New York/New Jersey/Connecticut bands and artists which continues to this day. Through all of that, and I think through a direct recommendation from Don Ryan, I became familiar with a band called Big Wilson River - a cool band which featured Darrin Bradbury who put out Motel Oatmeal, the other album I reviewed last weekend.
Just thought I'd share... I don't know what it all means... The End Men have taught me the idea of saying yes to almost everything, and so far that philosophy seems to be working out okay.
Well we have a shuffle to put on... so enough musing...
Showing posts with label The Autumn Defense. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Autumn Defense. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Friday, August 8, 2014
Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Ambulance Mix
Tweet #E2TG
It is Friday.... We have some big name artists, some E2TG favorites, some live versions of songs, special sessions, and an awesome Blues song to close out the week.... Have a great weekend everyone, and I will see you on the otherside...
It is Friday.... We have some big name artists, some E2TG favorites, some live versions of songs, special sessions, and an awesome Blues song to close out the week.... Have a great weekend everyone, and I will see you on the otherside...
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - Shifting Sands Mix
Tweet #E2TG
Some days, the shuffle brings up wildly diverse musical
styles and eras which coexist in an uneasy alchemy of unforeseen beauty. Other days, like today, it’s all about
amazing songs with simple but powerful words and music.
Shuffle it up…
Monday, January 27, 2014
Monday Morning Music Shuffle - Real Live Wire Mix
Tweet #E2TG
Okay - how many #E2TG readers watched the Grammys last night? What did you think? Were there parts you liked? Was it all utter crap? How well did it represent the state of music from October 2012 - September 2013? Seriously? Really? Was it worst than you could imagine or better than you expected?
So here's the thing, for as long as I can remember, The Grammy's have been completely out of touch with the music I like. Or at least a decade too late. That being said, there were a few parts of last nights broadcast that were okay.
Here's the thing, regardless of your opinion of the Grammys, the fact is that every night of the week in clubs and small venues all across the country, indie artists are creating memorable moments playing a huge variety of music. Many of these bands and artists do not get the hype or press that your Grammy "caliber" performers get. Nonetheless, they aren't that hard to find. Take the time, seek them out, and regularly read music blogs like Ear to the Ground (or just read Ear to the Ground if I may ever so humbly suggest.)
Anyway, we have a shuffle filled with interest music that you may or may not have heard about. Check these artists out and see what appeals to you...
Okay - how many #E2TG readers watched the Grammys last night? What did you think? Were there parts you liked? Was it all utter crap? How well did it represent the state of music from October 2012 - September 2013? Seriously? Really? Was it worst than you could imagine or better than you expected?
So here's the thing, for as long as I can remember, The Grammy's have been completely out of touch with the music I like. Or at least a decade too late. That being said, there were a few parts of last nights broadcast that were okay.
Here's the thing, regardless of your opinion of the Grammys, the fact is that every night of the week in clubs and small venues all across the country, indie artists are creating memorable moments playing a huge variety of music. Many of these bands and artists do not get the hype or press that your Grammy "caliber" performers get. Nonetheless, they aren't that hard to find. Take the time, seek them out, and regularly read music blogs like Ear to the Ground (or just read Ear to the Ground if I may ever so humbly suggest.)
Anyway, we have a shuffle filled with interest music that you may or may not have heard about. Check these artists out and see what appeals to you...
Friday, January 24, 2014
Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Passion Fruit and Holy Bread Mix
Tweet #E2TG
If you've been reading Ear to the Ground for any length of time and ever wondered about the subtitles for each shuffle (like Passion Fruit and Holy Bread Mix* today), I thought I would provide a little historical context.
When I started writing Ear to the Ground (May 2011), there was a local blog that posted a news round up post almost every day, and each one was titles something like News Roundup (probably not that but you get the idea) - something edition. I thought it would be cool as a homage to that site** to add subtitles to my daily shuffle. I actually used the word "edition" before I changed it to the more music oriented "mix".
These often obscure or even meaningless subtitles are derived from a variety of sources: Current Events, events from my life, overheard phrases, and sometimes they even have something to do with the music contained in that days shuffle.
* As I wrote this, I realized the unintentional humor of Holy Bread Mix (which I suppose could be used in a Holy Bread Machine.
** Homage is just a fancy way of saying blatant ripoff, right?
Anyway, I have had fun this week using part of lyrics of some of the more well known songs in each day's shuffle as the source of the subtitle.
Anyway, no extra charge for all that useful information. Let's shuffle....
If you've been reading Ear to the Ground for any length of time and ever wondered about the subtitles for each shuffle (like Passion Fruit and Holy Bread Mix* today), I thought I would provide a little historical context.
When I started writing Ear to the Ground (May 2011), there was a local blog that posted a news round up post almost every day, and each one was titles something like News Roundup (probably not that but you get the idea) - something edition. I thought it would be cool as a homage to that site** to add subtitles to my daily shuffle. I actually used the word "edition" before I changed it to the more music oriented "mix".
These often obscure or even meaningless subtitles are derived from a variety of sources: Current Events, events from my life, overheard phrases, and sometimes they even have something to do with the music contained in that days shuffle.
* As I wrote this, I realized the unintentional humor of Holy Bread Mix (which I suppose could be used in a Holy Bread Machine.
** Homage is just a fancy way of saying blatant ripoff, right?
Anyway, I have had fun this week using part of lyrics of some of the more well known songs in each day's shuffle as the source of the subtitle.
Anyway, no extra charge for all that useful information. Let's shuffle....
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Thursday Morning Music Shuffle - Life if Hard Mix
Tweet #E2TG
Things are heating up here in Nashville. It's above freezing and expected to be near 60 on Saturday. But enough about the weather.
I have a lot of big plans for Ear to the Ground in 2014, but I am going to need some help. I have a few bullet point requests/offers/informative bits of information (unnecessarily repetitive and redundant in an intentionally purposeful way).
Let's get to today's shuffle
Things are heating up here in Nashville. It's above freezing and expected to be near 60 on Saturday. But enough about the weather.
I have a lot of big plans for Ear to the Ground in 2014, but I am going to need some help. I have a few bullet point requests/offers/informative bits of information (unnecessarily repetitive and redundant in an intentionally purposeful way).
- I am working on a decorative piece of wall art for personal use. If you have any spare stickers or other flat promotional art that you'd be willing to send me, hit me up via e-mail (to follow)
- Last month, I made a joking comment about giving an E2TG prize pack to my 1,000th Twitter Follower.* Then, I got to thinking that it might be cool to put together a prize pack for some promotional reason (still undetermined). If you have any thing you might be willing to donate - again hit me up via e-mail (to follow)
- I think it's well past time for Volume II of Ear to the Ground Presents. I did a compilation download of some of my favorite bands from the blog way back in the spring of 2012 and released it in conjunction with Record Store Day. Rather than doing direct solicitation, I thought I would through it open. If you or your band would like to be featured on Ear to the Ground Presents: Volume II - let me know. You can either let me know the preferred song and/or shoot me an MP3. I may do some direct solicitation if responses are not sufficient or if some key players are missing. If it's finished I may release prior to Record Store Day, but I still plan to promote at the event at Grimey's and will provide links if you want to promote however you want.
- Speaking of Record Store Day at Grimey's. The store always has a table filled with free promotional items. If anyone wants me to, I can get this stuff to Grimey's to be on the table. Hit me up as we get closer to the date (It's the third Saturday in April by the way).
- Don't forget, it's a good time to start working on your 2014 CXCW videos. If you don't know about Couch by Couchwest visit their website for details. It's a fun time.
- Finally, I am working on creatively releasing some of my fiction, and I would love some help promoting it. Details will follow.
Let's get to today's shuffle
Friday, November 22, 2013
Monday, November 4, 2013
Monday Morning Music Shuffle - Grand Company Mix
Tweet #E2TG
Introducing: The E2TG Hall of Fame ----- Ta Da!
You may be asking, "WTF?" Basically, it comes down to this: My blogging consultant told me I need to start being more controversial to attract more readers to my site. Whenever, I see posts about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they always seem to attract highly opinionated comments. So, I thought if I came up with my own Hall of Fame, it might create controversy and angry comment wars which might "go viral" as the kids say.*
*All of the proceeding is true except for the following: I don't have a blogging consultant. I rarely read comment wars about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the only thing likely to "go viral" over here is an actual virus.
Really, I got to thinking about the artists I consider E2TG featured artist. When I began writing E2TG way back in the spring of 2011, I began naming a Band of the Week just about every week. I did this for a about year, before switching to a featured artist designation - wherein I would name ten or so "featured artists" every month and put them in "heavy rotation" for the remainder of that month. That carried on for just over six months. Since, then I keep featuring new music, but I haven't really been very organized about recognizing those bands. So... I decided to take stock - at this random point in E2TG history and go back and formally recognize all of the bands that I consider part of the E2TG family. To do so, I decided to use the TAG "cloud" on the sidebar and begin with the most tagged bands and work my way down. So, for the near future, I am going to name three, two or one band every day to join the E2TG HofF. It's a purely honorary title - as currently it does not come with a cash prize nor is there an actual Hall.
I am going to create and maintain a Sidebar linked Page for the Hall of Fame artists - with videos, songs, links, an on-going web-store and more. It's still under construction, so will update when I have a Page set up.
So without much more ado, E2TG is pleased to announce our inaugural class of Hall of Fame inductees:
1. THE END MEN from Brooklyn, NY
2.TACO LAND - from San Antonio, TX
3. SKELETONS IN THE PIANO from Saratoga Springs, NY
Stay tuned! More to come.
Shuffle is up next
Introducing: The E2TG Hall of Fame ----- Ta Da!
You may be asking, "WTF?" Basically, it comes down to this: My blogging consultant told me I need to start being more controversial to attract more readers to my site. Whenever, I see posts about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they always seem to attract highly opinionated comments. So, I thought if I came up with my own Hall of Fame, it might create controversy and angry comment wars which might "go viral" as the kids say.*
*All of the proceeding is true except for the following: I don't have a blogging consultant. I rarely read comment wars about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the only thing likely to "go viral" over here is an actual virus.
Really, I got to thinking about the artists I consider E2TG featured artist. When I began writing E2TG way back in the spring of 2011, I began naming a Band of the Week just about every week. I did this for a about year, before switching to a featured artist designation - wherein I would name ten or so "featured artists" every month and put them in "heavy rotation" for the remainder of that month. That carried on for just over six months. Since, then I keep featuring new music, but I haven't really been very organized about recognizing those bands. So... I decided to take stock - at this random point in E2TG history and go back and formally recognize all of the bands that I consider part of the E2TG family. To do so, I decided to use the TAG "cloud" on the sidebar and begin with the most tagged bands and work my way down. So, for the near future, I am going to name three, two or one band every day to join the E2TG HofF. It's a purely honorary title - as currently it does not come with a cash prize nor is there an actual Hall.
I am going to create and maintain a Sidebar linked Page for the Hall of Fame artists - with videos, songs, links, an on-going web-store and more. It's still under construction, so will update when I have a Page set up.
So without much more ado, E2TG is pleased to announce our inaugural class of Hall of Fame inductees:
1. THE END MEN from Brooklyn, NY
2.TACO LAND - from San Antonio, TX
3. SKELETONS IN THE PIANO from Saratoga Springs, NY
Stay tuned! More to come.
Shuffle is up next
Friday, October 25, 2013
Friday Morning Music Shuffle - In the Basement Mix
Tweet #E2TG
"Sometimes words have two meanings...."
Ah hell - we have a jam packed Mix of music so let's get down to it....
After the jump....
"Sometimes words have two meanings...."
Ah hell - we have a jam packed Mix of music so let's get down to it....
After the jump....
Friday, October 11, 2013
Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Riff Raff Mix
Tweet #E2TG
Well... here I am on a Friday with a lot of ground to cover. So, I am going to riff for a little while... I like riffing. I use to call this kind of writing - Stream of Madness writing... meaning, I just let the words fly, without any inclination to edit in order to mask my insanity....
Let's post a picture and then we will jump into the madness...
Well... here I am on a Friday with a lot of ground to cover. So, I am going to riff for a little while... I like riffing. I use to call this kind of writing - Stream of Madness writing... meaning, I just let the words fly, without any inclination to edit in order to mask my insanity....
Let's post a picture and then we will jump into the madness...
Monday, September 23, 2013
E2TG at Americanarama VI 9/21/2013
Tweet #E2TG
Grimey's know how to through a party. Their annual Record Store Day event is always awesome, and Saturday wasthe sixth installment of the original Americanarama - a free day of music in the middle of the Americana Music Association Conference.
Grimey's which began in a small shop in the Berry Hill section of Nashville and blossomed into one of the best and most respected record stores in the world. They are a magnet for musicians and music lovers. Metallica recorded a secret show at The Basement located below the shop but named the ensuing record "Live at Grimey's". Just about every cool band that comes through town, does an in-store at Grimey's. In addition, they are champions of many of the great up and coming bands.
Believe it or not, this was the first year that I was able to make it out for Americanarama, and I think I picked a good year.
The day began with The Reneaus who are either from Bowling Green, Kentucky or Nashville depending on who you ask. Regardless, I was not familiar with The Reneaus for this performance, but I now consider myself a fan.
Steelism were next, and although I was already familiar with them, this was the first chance I had to see them live. Steelism is the brain-child of Spencer Cullen Jr. and Jeremy Fetzer (Caitlin Rose). They have an amazingly original sound. Fronted by a Pedal Steel Guitar and featuring two drummers... favorite quote of the day, "I'm still hung over and the stage is leaning..."
Next up were The Dexateens. I've liked their music for a long time, but seeing them perform live was revelatory. I now count myself as a huge Dexateens fan. This was one of the most fun and energetic shows I've seen in a fair bit of time. The band's extensive and entertaining bio on Facebook mentions that they began as a punk band, and this spirit shows through.
After The Dexateens set, I decided to go inside to Howlin' Books and Grimey's, Too, and then I grabbed some lunch from Mas Tacos. Somehow, I made it back in time to introduce myself to a couple of The Dexateens and then to see Daughter play their set. I had ever heard of Daughter, but they have almost 300,000 likes on Facebook. They are from the UK. They played a stripped down set due to their regular instruments already being at the Exit/In where they were playing that night. They had a awesome atmospheric, moody sound which I really liked. Quite a transition from The Dexateens, but it was good. After their set, they were surrounded by hordes of young people (and by young people, I mean people younger than me which was I guess about half the crowd - give or take a few dozen).
Next up was T. Hardy Morris who is in the band Dead Confederate. We've played a few songs from his solo album Audition Tape, so it was good to see him live. I enjoyed the music, and I'm not sure if it's a persona or a personality but there was a bit of aloofness which I found a bit off-putting. Maybe especially after the complete openness of The Dexateens. But, I do know it's dangerous to compare bands, and like I said, the music was great.
Next up was The Autumn Defense featuring John Stirratt and Pat Sansone of Wilco. This was just some amazingly glorious music. Some delicious melodies and classic sounding vocals. Just brilliant. The inclusion of The Troggs classic Love is All Around Me underscored the classic sound that this band has captured.
Next up was one of most anticipated sets of the day. British Folk/Punk legend Billy Bragg took the small, slightly sloped stage and for about thirty minutes spoke truth and held court. After playing a few songs from his latest album including a Woody Guthrie cover which he introduced by referencing the brilliant Mermaid Avenue albums and acknowledging the presence of John Stirratt who along with the rest of Wilco played on those records, Bragg acknowledged that it was the 30th Anniversary of the release of his first album, Life's a Riot With Spy Vs. Spy. He said since the album was only 17 minutes long it was not worth renting out the Ryman or hiring symphony and that he could play the whole album as an encore and that he actually had enough time left to play it, and thus he launched into a blistering song by song cover of that masterpiece. There was a palpable energy running through the crowd.
After Billy Bragg headed inside to sign autographs and meet and greet, the ones of us who remained heard a couple of songs from the soon to be released High Cotton: A Tribute to Alabama. T. Hardy Morris came back from a ragged yet somehow brilliant version of the title track, and then the always amazing Amanda Shires (joined by Rod Piccott) performed her contribution to the record as well as one song from her new album. To be honest, I expected more from this set, but hey, I got a free t-shirt and seeing Amanda Shires perform is always a plus.
As the sun began to descend, the crowd thinned a bit, which is a shame because those who left, missed out on the final set of the day. Willie Sugarcapps is the new project (supergroup really) featuring Will Kimbrough, Greyson Capps, Sugarcane Jane, and Corky Hughes. They play a break amalgam of traditional music from the South. Folk, Blues, Country, what have you, and they have a whole lot of fun doing it. I've been a Will Kimbrough fan since his days leading the Bushmen, and I thoroughly enjoyed this set. Their new album is out now. Check it.
It was truly a great day of great music. Special thanks to all the staff of Grimey's for putting this thing on. And a shout out to Sandy - a long time Billy Bragg fan for buying me a beer.
Stay tuned for a quick run down of our normal shuffle in a bit...
I created a You Tube Playlist to commemorate the day...
-->
Grimey's know how to through a party. Their annual Record Store Day event is always awesome, and Saturday wasthe sixth installment of the original Americanarama - a free day of music in the middle of the Americana Music Association Conference.
Grimey's which began in a small shop in the Berry Hill section of Nashville and blossomed into one of the best and most respected record stores in the world. They are a magnet for musicians and music lovers. Metallica recorded a secret show at The Basement located below the shop but named the ensuing record "Live at Grimey's". Just about every cool band that comes through town, does an in-store at Grimey's. In addition, they are champions of many of the great up and coming bands.
Believe it or not, this was the first year that I was able to make it out for Americanarama, and I think I picked a good year.
The day began with The Reneaus who are either from Bowling Green, Kentucky or Nashville depending on who you ask. Regardless, I was not familiar with The Reneaus for this performance, but I now consider myself a fan.
Steelism were next, and although I was already familiar with them, this was the first chance I had to see them live. Steelism is the brain-child of Spencer Cullen Jr. and Jeremy Fetzer (Caitlin Rose). They have an amazingly original sound. Fronted by a Pedal Steel Guitar and featuring two drummers... favorite quote of the day, "I'm still hung over and the stage is leaning..."
Next up were The Dexateens. I've liked their music for a long time, but seeing them perform live was revelatory. I now count myself as a huge Dexateens fan. This was one of the most fun and energetic shows I've seen in a fair bit of time. The band's extensive and entertaining bio on Facebook mentions that they began as a punk band, and this spirit shows through.
After The Dexateens set, I decided to go inside to Howlin' Books and Grimey's, Too, and then I grabbed some lunch from Mas Tacos. Somehow, I made it back in time to introduce myself to a couple of The Dexateens and then to see Daughter play their set. I had ever heard of Daughter, but they have almost 300,000 likes on Facebook. They are from the UK. They played a stripped down set due to their regular instruments already being at the Exit/In where they were playing that night. They had a awesome atmospheric, moody sound which I really liked. Quite a transition from The Dexateens, but it was good. After their set, they were surrounded by hordes of young people (and by young people, I mean people younger than me which was I guess about half the crowd - give or take a few dozen).
Next up was T. Hardy Morris who is in the band Dead Confederate. We've played a few songs from his solo album Audition Tape, so it was good to see him live. I enjoyed the music, and I'm not sure if it's a persona or a personality but there was a bit of aloofness which I found a bit off-putting. Maybe especially after the complete openness of The Dexateens. But, I do know it's dangerous to compare bands, and like I said, the music was great.
Next up was The Autumn Defense featuring John Stirratt and Pat Sansone of Wilco. This was just some amazingly glorious music. Some delicious melodies and classic sounding vocals. Just brilliant. The inclusion of The Troggs classic Love is All Around Me underscored the classic sound that this band has captured.
Next up was one of most anticipated sets of the day. British Folk/Punk legend Billy Bragg took the small, slightly sloped stage and for about thirty minutes spoke truth and held court. After playing a few songs from his latest album including a Woody Guthrie cover which he introduced by referencing the brilliant Mermaid Avenue albums and acknowledging the presence of John Stirratt who along with the rest of Wilco played on those records, Bragg acknowledged that it was the 30th Anniversary of the release of his first album, Life's a Riot With Spy Vs. Spy. He said since the album was only 17 minutes long it was not worth renting out the Ryman or hiring symphony and that he could play the whole album as an encore and that he actually had enough time left to play it, and thus he launched into a blistering song by song cover of that masterpiece. There was a palpable energy running through the crowd.
After Billy Bragg headed inside to sign autographs and meet and greet, the ones of us who remained heard a couple of songs from the soon to be released High Cotton: A Tribute to Alabama. T. Hardy Morris came back from a ragged yet somehow brilliant version of the title track, and then the always amazing Amanda Shires (joined by Rod Piccott) performed her contribution to the record as well as one song from her new album. To be honest, I expected more from this set, but hey, I got a free t-shirt and seeing Amanda Shires perform is always a plus.
As the sun began to descend, the crowd thinned a bit, which is a shame because those who left, missed out on the final set of the day. Willie Sugarcapps is the new project (supergroup really) featuring Will Kimbrough, Greyson Capps, Sugarcane Jane, and Corky Hughes. They play a break amalgam of traditional music from the South. Folk, Blues, Country, what have you, and they have a whole lot of fun doing it. I've been a Will Kimbrough fan since his days leading the Bushmen, and I thoroughly enjoyed this set. Their new album is out now. Check it.
It was truly a great day of great music. Special thanks to all the staff of Grimey's for putting this thing on. And a shout out to Sandy - a long time Billy Bragg fan for buying me a beer.
Stay tuned for a quick run down of our normal shuffle in a bit...
I created a You Tube Playlist to commemorate the day...
-->
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)