Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Head Upon My Pillow Mix

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Thanks to everyone who came out last night to the E2TG Residency at The 5 Spot.  And a BIG thanks to Ben de la Cour, The End Men, and Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus - you all killed it!

Next show is Thursday June 21:

E2TG prides itself on being musically diverse and inclusive, and I think next week's E2TG Residency show will showcase that very well.

Brian Milligram is going to open the show with a solo set. Brian is a tremendous songwriter and great person. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and he doesn't pull punches.

The Coal Men have been part of the Nashville music community for several years, and to me they are at the top of their game. Their most recent album Pushed to the Side is a favorite of mine.  Dave Coleman is a respected producer and sideman - in addition to leading this fine band. I most recently saw him backing up Mark Huff.

A year or so ago, everyone started telling me I needed to see and hear Microwave Mountain. I kept missing opportunities to see them, but finally the stars aligned, and I saw them open for Buck n Stuff during their 2017 Residency at The American Legion, and I was suitably blown away. Their latest release Sick Licks is out now. Don't miss this opportunity to see them before the sun goes down.

Why don't you do ahead and clear your schedule and make your plans now to get to The 5 Spot by six o'clock. With this jammed packed line-up, we will get started right away, and you do not want to miss a moment.

It is finally Friday, and we have a Featured Friday playlist to take us all into the weekend.  Enjoy!

E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency Preview Shuffle - Month of Thursdays Mix

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TOMORROW!  The E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency kicks off at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.

The show starts at 6:00pm.  The music should get underway no later than 6:15pm (since we have a ton of great music on tap).  Clark Paterson will kick things off with a full-band set. Followed by Rayvon Pettis and The Big Dumb (including a set of The Big Dumb doing their own music).

I decided to create a Spotify playlist to showcase some of the great music we have in store of you in June. I was listening to some of it last night, and we have some pretty amazing artists and music in store (if I do say so myself).

For the month of June, I will be forgoing our usual "Wild Wednesday" shuffle to feature a very special E2TG Residency Shuffle... Let's get started!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - What Have I Become? Mix

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Well... here we are at the penultimate shuffle of the year, and the penultimate Earie post (not counting the "Golden Earier" posts. 

Reflecting on 2017 some more (although really ready to see it in my rear-view mirror), and I see ups and downs - as with most years. To me there is a fundamental shift that happened this year. Perspective and perception are everything, and so I don't always know when my experience of something  (a year perhaps) is mine alone - or if it is shared. I can say, though, that I have heard enough people talking about this year to know that I am not alone my outlook.  That shift - is not for the best - IMHO, nor is it a permanent shift. Already, I see signs of hope.  It seems like every year, I enter the year filled with some sense of hope that I will do more or better or at least different. This year, I'm not sure I have hope, but I think I do have resolve. I don't make resolutions at New Years - I don't have much luck with those, but I do tend to see the cycling of the calendar as an opportunity to revisit and change things that aren't working. 

This is the winter solstice - the shortest day of the year. Hanukkah just ended, Christmas is coming up as is Kwanzaa. And the end of the calendar year in the west. And so, I send out well wishes to anyone who is reading this - no matter what you do or do not celebrate. In a divided nation and a divided world, I send out thoughts of reconciliation and peace and harmony.

This is just my tiny corner of the internet, but I am so grateful for all of the wonderful people I have met because of it. 

Let's shuffle:

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Name and Game Mix

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To be perfectly honest, I have been a crappy mood most of this week - maybe it is post-eclipse let down or mercury retrograde or something else. Fortunately, I have lived with my brain for long enough to know that this feeling will pass, and to take anything my brain tries to tell me with at least one grain of salt.

The world is a mess.  Time, motivation, and inspiration rarely seem to be in alignment (meaning, I will be inspired and/or motivated to do something when I am busy with some obligation and then when I have some free time - the inspiration and motivation cannot be found). Right now, I'm just battling through and putting one foot in front of the other.

Anyway, it is Friday.  On Friday, we play songs from the "New Music" playlist... I added over 150 songs to that playlist last night (about a third from one album!).  The playlist is up near 500 songs and it may be time for a couple of weeks of just "New Music" shuffles to make some headway.  Today, only one of those 150+ additions made it into the shuffle - along with some fairly recent additions and some that have been hanging around for a bit.  All in all, a really cool shuffle... enjoy!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Not Like This Mix

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I genuinely try to avoid hyperbole. I may not always succeed, but I do try.  However, whenever, I try to write about the state of our nation and our world under the current administration, it always comes off sounding like hyperbole. To me it feels as if we have been in one long constitutional and authoritarian crisis since the inauguration, and it feels as if every single day comes complete with several more outrages against the nation and the world and common decency.  The Constitution provides for checks and balances to prevent one branch of government from having too much power, and while to some extent these checks and balances have at least slowed the pace of the corruption of our nation, I don't think the framers ever foresaw the wholesale dereliction of duty by the majority of members of Congress. It remains to be seen what if any action is taken on the Russian interference in the 2016 Election or the seemingly certain involvement of high ranking administration officials in that interference (up to and including the President).  Or if action  is taken if the president will attempt to exercise absolute power to pardon himself and others. Or if he does, if Congress and others will challenge that.  Or if the base of the current administration's supporters will ever admit that the people they supported are corrupt and damaging to our country.

Meanwhile, the Senate is attempting to shove through a "healthcare bill" -the details of which have not been revealed, but which seems like to deprive millions of Americans the ability to have affordable healthcare, and which will likely end up being a huge transfer of wealth from the poorest Americans to the richest.  And let's not forget that the majority in Congress have had years to come up with an adequate plan to either replace or fix the ACA and they seemingly have done nothing.

And all of that is not even to mention the President's reprehensible "speech" to the Boy Scouts yesterday. Or whatever other outrage that has popped up since I started writing this....

Some writers are saying this is the end of the American Experiment, and that the experiment has ended in failure. Is that hyperbole?  Is it?
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Ah but for today, we still have music...  It is Tuesday, and on Tuesday, we check out what is "Trending" on E2TG. Fortunately, what is trending on E2TG is great music... not the kind of depressing things that are trending on social media sites.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - They're Giving Him Hell Mix

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Well, the heat wave has broken just slightly with some showers, storms, and clouds.

Meanwhile, another week has begun - the final full week in July. I know this is partially a sign of age, but really, where is the time going?

Oh well... whatever... never mind.   It's Monday and that means we have Music City Monday - featuring songs/albums/artists who have some kind of connection to Nashville, Tennessee.  To paraphrase Double Shot with Joe and Sue, it's Music City connected if I say it is... Onward...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - On Dry Land Mix

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Hey ho!  It's Tuesday and I am about to head out to a work-related thing. Most likely no shuffle tomorrow. But, PLEASE come to The 5 Spot tomorrow night for Cafe Rooster Night! It's gonna be rad!

Some "Trending" tunes with minimal commentary...  A bunch of Nashville area music today to help celebrate the Predators going to the Stanley Cup Finals!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Strange Cars Mix

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I don't know anymore... I mean, I feel like the people who understand that what is going on with this administration is not okay, not normal, and horrible for this country - already know. Those who are know and who are in positions to do something about it and are not - they are complicit. Those who don't know - are willfully ignoring facts that are clear as a bell... Sometimes continuing to speak out seems fruitless, but I am not going to stop.
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May 17! I sure hope, if you are in Nashville, you will come out for a one of a kind experience. I am still pinching myself that David Olney and Sergio Webb are each playing full band sets as part of the Sixth Anniversary of Ear to the Ground.  Still not convinced? There will be more beer koozies to give away and I will be reading another short section of one of two novels-in-progress.  Although, seriously if the first part of this announcement did not convince you, but the second part did - you need to go do some research about Sergio Webb and David Olney.

It is Friday!  We've (almost) survived another week. It's time to see what the shuffle would have us feature today...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Love Bump Mix

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My question for today...  If there is any possibility (not to mention what now seems a probability) that American interests have been compromised by illicit contact with the Russian government, should not any American (regardless of ideological leanings) be interested in knowing the truth?  Asking for a friend...

BIG NEWS TIME!

Well, the cat is almost/partially out of the bag....  In celebration of and as a thanks to everyone, E2TG will be hosting the early show every Wednesday in May!  I will have a different co-host each week - I am finalizing the lineup and crossing i's and dotting t's, but I am super excited about these 5 shows.  Expect to hear much more soon!

It is Tuesday and we have some trending music to get you through these early week blues... (NOTE: Some days, I can find every single song in the shuffle on You Tube - some days, not so much.  I think I found three of the actual songs and in one case, I could not find any videos at all for the artist.... plus the embed is still not working.. I mean - WTF?  Ah well, enjoy!  Great music!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Here to Love You Mix

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Look - I HATE talking about politics but as I have repeatedly said, to me the current administration has transcended politics.  The incompetence, corruption, deceptions, and overt xenophobia and several other isms and phobias should be something that most Americans can agree upon. As left and right, Democrat and Republican, Progressive and Conservative - we can and should debate things like economic policies, immigration policies, foreign policy... and though we may fundamentally disagree of these issues - we should be able to stand united toward some basic principles of ethics, decorum, legality, and national security.  And please do not misunderstand - part of the (largely peaceful) protests are about disagreements over policy (and yes the right and importance of those protests should be one of those basic principles on which we should all agree), the more troubling facts are the repeated and unapologetic lapses in those basic principles. I am talking about making up terrorist attacks, verbally attacking members of the judiciary, using the office and position of the Presidency for personal gain, collaborating with foreign powers to undermine the electoral system etc.

Oh yeah, and the last time I checked, there is still a white supremacist with unchecked powers in the top rungs of the Executive Branch.

So yeah, I HATE talking about politics. This is not politics. #Resist #Persist

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Time is moving along!  It is Monday February 13!  First off, I have a major announcement coming soon about E2TG and our 6th Anniversary will is coming up in May.  Stay tuned!

Monday - we always (for the past several months at least) feature great music connected to Nashville, Tennessee - aka Music City USA).

Let's jump in and see what comes up!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Put it Back Mix

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It's Monday again... less than two weeks until Christmas, and less than three weeks left in 2016.

This weekend, the 11th Annual Get Behind the Mule - Tom Waits Tribute and Benefit was Saturday at The 5 Spot.  Great music, great time. I even got to emcee some. Lots of highlights.  Julie Christensen and company, Furious Primates, The Coal Men (who joined forces with Carpetbaggers 615, Tommy Womack, David Olney, Sarah Potenza, and so many more.

Sunday night:  Don Gallardo opened for SHEL. As you may know, Don Gallardo is one of my favorite Nashville artists, and he had a killed band with him.  SHEL - who I seem to see about once a year - brought stellar musicianship and a great stage presence for a really fun set of music.

Let's jump into the Music City Monday shuffle. Still having some technical issues with my bluetooth on my phone, but I powered through as best I could...  A few double shots.

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - All the Lonely Boys Mix

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Another long, awesome night at The 5 Spot last night.  Fats Kaplin and Gang were amazing as always.  Guests were Dominic and Rachael Davis.  There was music and magic and magical music.

The late show was the Collins Family Christmas Extravaganza which was a fund raiser for the Standing Rock protesters. Christmas music and good times that ranged from the sacred to the slightly deranged. My kind of night.

Reminder: Saturday is the Get Behind the Mule Benefit and Tom Waits Tribute at The 5  Spot. I probably screwed up the name, but you know... Tons of cool people and a good time will be had by all - I expect.

By the way, SHEL, who I mentioned are headlining Nashville Sunday Night at
3rd and Lindsley (with Don Gallardo opening) were at The 5 Spot last night for Fats Kaplin.

Earie update:

So here is the rundown.  Before this post, I have awarded 20 Earie Awards in 2017.  Some of the winners show up in this shuffle and we have a couple more to award...  Let's do it...

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Gardens of Stone Mix

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Here we go.  I have a few more "Earies" to give away embedded below.  Remember, just because I do not award an "Earie" in one post does not necessarily mean the artist/band will not win one. Just saying. 

Also, a note.  For the first time in recent memory, there is some lobbying/interest in the Artist of the Year Award. What I can tell you is that I have not reached a decision about that yet. Some names are being thrown around by myself and others, and for sure, there are several worthy candidates - including some dark horses.  Stay tuned.

Monday brings out Music City Monday shuffle - let's do it!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Satellites Fade Mix

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Well it is Tuesday or since it is Thanksgiving week, I like to think of it as Thursday.

Recorded a future Double Shot show last night that will air the first Saturday of December. It is going to be a good one.  This Saturday, we will be live playing songs dedicated to holiday travelers. Called "Highway and Bi-Way (or To Grandmother's House We Go).

Staying busy and trying to think about this years' Earie Awards without getting overwhelmed - it has been an amazing year for music (don't let anyone tell you different). 

Shuffling today from the "New Music" playlist for Trending Tuesday.  Let's go...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Girl Mouth Mix

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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....

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - A Few of My Favorite Things 2013 Mix - Part Five

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Stupid winter bugs.... well, I was out sick Friday - so no shuffle.  But, today's shuffle includes music I would have featured on that day - plus a few more.   I'm actually going to be away for the rest of the week.  Ear to the Ground will return Monday December 30 to present the 3rd Annual Band of the Year award (for the first time not based upon a poll).

Let's get to the music...

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - A Few of Favorite Things 2013 Mix - Part Two

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First of all... Tuesday? Really? Just Tuesday?

Second... how about a couple of my favorite Christmas songs...

 

 

 

Third... Rest in Peace to Mr. Ray Price. In seeing some of the news reports, I was most struck at how his voice held up into his late 70s/early 80s. So smooth...  Thanks for the music.

 

 

 

 

Now... to today's music...

Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Hurrah Mix

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A cool selection of songs and not much time... let's go...

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle - Chim Chim Mix

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Have to make it quick today.  Nineteen songs in the Mix.  12 in the Bonus Mix and 7 in the daily shuffle.

First,  Nashville band Humming House, who are featured twice in the Bonus Mix today, have just released a video for the first single from their forthcoming album. "Fly On (Forever is Better With You)" is a great song, and the video features the parent's of the band's newest member - Leslie Rodriquez. By the way, her parents happen to be a couple of the coolest people I know. Watch the video, and I think you'll get a glimpse of why I say that.




Now to today's songs

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle - Life's a Gas Mix

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A longish shuffle today - so I will dispense with pleasantries and unpleasantries as well....

Shuffle - after the jump