E2TG 12/15/2021 - Days Like These - Nine Miles Mix (Slight Beams Remix)

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As I alluded to yesterday, this is a tricky time of year.  Dealing with the anniversary of losses amidst times of celebration and joy and navigating the fine line between staying busy and allowing oneself time to feel the normal feelings of sadness and grief.  Even without trying, it is a busy time of year - at least until it isn't. That, to me, is the trap of the holidays.  The sadness and grief are real and present but sometimes lost amidst the bustle of activity.  And maybe one really wants time alone to recover and rest from the busyness. And then, inevitably, things start to slow down and suddenly those feelings begin to be felt, and one finds themselves along without plans. 

I am grateful for friends - and for not being alone except by choice. 

Tomorrow morning, I will be on the radio for the Seasons Greetings from Nashville Holiday Spectacular. Tune in!  101.5FM in Nashville or wxnafm.org anywhere 

Today's shuffle follows the jump... 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 8/10/2021- Bad for Busyness - Never Die Mix (Cut Remix)

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Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 3) (songs 19-23):

19. "Porbander" by Hans Deville (feat. Andrew J. Davis)

The new solo album Prophesies of the Lost by Hans Deville of King Prawn is out now. 

20. "Wichita Lineman" by Colin Hay

Former Men at Work front man Colin Hay with a Jimmy Webb cover from his covers album I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself.

21. "Hotel Bar" by Whiskey in the Pines

Next, the new single from Tallahassee band Whiskey in the Pines. 

22. "LAX" by Jackson Capps

A new single from Nashville singer-songwriter Jackson Capps.

23. "Stoned on My Own" by Matthew James Adkins

And, we close this segment of music with the title track from the forthcoming debut album from this Michigan based singer-songwriter.  A great way to close out this part of the Playlist recap. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 11/18/2020 - The End of the End of the Beginning of... - Crossfading Mix (The Great Swim Remix)

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Time marches on and we remain mired in uncertainty, chaos, and in the midst of a pandemic that has entered a deadly new wave with almost zero response to curb it. The vaccine news is encouraging but we need to take action now.  IF new shutdowns are off the table - then it will take a concerted effort to follow guidelines for mask wearing, social distancing, etc. This is not oppression it is a reasonable reaction to the situation....

Oh yeah, and Trump needs to concede. 

We are up to the penultimate recap post for this week's Featured Friday Playlist... songs 21-25:

21. "Free Advice" by Cindy

We featured San Francisco band Cindy earlier this year when their Free Advice album was released. The LP quickly went out of print, but now Mt. St. Mtn. and Tough Love Records from the UK have teamed up to reissue the album. So, we celebrate by revisiting the album via the title track.

22. "Betoni kukkii" by Gim Kordon

Next up, we have the new single from the Finnish band whose name was inspired by the bassist for Sonic Youth.  Like that band, Gim Kordon's music is noisy and wonderful.  Check it out. 

23. "Wide Eyed Lady" by Lou McMahon

Next up, we have a lovely, dark folk song from Irish singer and songwriter Lou McMahon. What a great addition to our Playlist. 

24. "I Want You Around" by Sour Ops

Coming closer to home, we have a new single from Nashville's Sour Ops - the band is led by Price Harrison - who was in the early 80s band 69 Tribe and more recently is a part of the band Snakehips -which is led by his brother Mark who is also part of Sour Ops. Pedal steel master Paul Neihaus plays on this track. This is so amazing.

25. "Going to the City" by Antonio Lopez

We close things out today, with a delightful new single from Colorado folk artist Antonio Lopez. I am digging this one quite a bit.

Tomorrow - we wrap up this week's Playlist recap with songs 26-29...

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 9/2/2020 - Hangin' On - Shuttle Dance Mix (Underwear Remix)

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Late post and I'm short on time... whew!

Today, we wrap up our recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist.  Please be sure to check out this week's playlist today - before a new playlist arrives around midnight Friday!  Today, we finish up with songs 25-30:

25. "REDRUM" by 3eon Vibe; DESIRE

Leading the way for this segment of music, we have the only single and title track from the upcoming EP by this Melbourne duo who have something interesting and original going on.  I dig it. 

26. "Up Arrow (CSJ edit)" by Gold Hick

Gold Hick is 1/2 of the Norwich band Broads - who we have featured in the past. This is his solo debut - written and recorded in quarantine. James Ferguson named his project after the Guided By Voices song.  

27. "Badminton" by Michael Landin

Next, we have some cool Nordic jazz via the debut solo album by guitarist Michael Landin from Denmark.  He has recruited some great players, and this is a lovely record. 

28. "Let's Slip Away" by Jessy Yasmeen

Next up, we have some dreamy indie folk-pop from this singer-songwriter with Dutch and South American roots. Cool stuff. 

29. "Unconditional" by From Venus

From Venus is the new solo venture of UK based singer-songwriter Crista D'Arcy. Mixing lo-fi beats, synth-tinged folk and trip-hop. Really wonderful sound. A great addition to this week's Playlist. 

30. "Boatman's Weather" by Pace 

And we close out this week's playlist with a dark yet uplifting song from this London based alt-rock band. The song hearkens to a simpler time. A great way to set us adrift from another week's playlist.. or some other boating reference. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/5/2020 - Featured Friday - Same Boat Mix (Therapy Remix)

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I have been thinking about perspective a lot lately.  In the context that we don't all see things the same way. Now, don't get me wrong, there are universal truths that do not require agreement or disagreement. Racism and Fascism are evil and we must all work to stop them when they pop up and to dismantle the institutions where they have been allowed to thrive for generations.

No what I am thinking about is how an image or a video can elicit a strong and visceral response in one group of people, and yet, be met with apathy or dismissal by another group.  It is easy to come to the conclusion that those in the latter group have no empathy and that they lack the human qualities of compassion and decency.  And, while I don't outright deny that such people exist, I do call into the question that it is as widespread as the divisions in this country would indicate.

So, how else to explain it?  Maybe it is perspective. (I am not even sure if that this correct word so let me explain).

My best friend growing up used to pose philosophical questions whenever I would spend the night. One such question was, "How do we know that we all see the color green the same? In other words, how to we learn colors - someone points to a color and says, "Green"and I eventually learn that that color is green. But, for all I know the person who taught me "green" may perceive that color as I perceive the color that I learned was "Red".  And, I would have no way of knowing.

Now, before you come at me medical or scientific examinations of optical receptors or whatever, my larger point is that when an image comes on my phone or computer screen - my eyes take it in and my mind perceives what it is I am seeing, and if what I perceive is disturbing I react.

So, I look at pictures of the President. and  I see the bad bronzing job, the sick expression, the dead eyes, etc.  A Trump supporter sees the same picture and sees something else. My thoughts here are totally outside of disagreements about policies or even specific actions. To me, it is somewhat easy to understand disagreements over policies or opposition or support for certain actions.

But, why do I see a video tape of police violence and get angry, while someone else sees that same video and is unmoved. Could it be that they are seeing something different from what I am seeing?  That it is filtered by their experiences and biases.  And if that is true, do I need to be mindful of times when my experiences and biases are affecting my perception.

I don't know what this all means. I just feel like at some point, we have to find a way for most Americans to come together at least minimally. There will always be disagreements (even intense ones), but the level of division we have doesn't seem like it can be tenable long-term.

It is Friday and time for another Featured Friday Playlist.  I hope you enjoy, and please follow the Playlist on Spotify! As our habit, we will review the first part of the list below, and the rest over the next week.

    Featured Friday Playlist

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Little Things People Do Mix

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All of this happened a long time ago when the world was a very different place. Of course, none of us knew that at the time.
(From The Drift - A Novel by Joe Wolfe-Mazeres) Available at Amazon.com (Kindle edition also available)

"If I can just get though this work week, without getting killed or caught..."  (with apologies to Guy Clark.)

Last night, a great night of music at The 5 Spot.  I saw Mike Cullison and his relatively new band The Lucky Dogs. Mike is a great songwriter - we have featured his music here at E2TG. The Lucky Dogs are a great band featuring Michael Ross, Bobby Kent, and more. Great selection of covers and original tunes - including a few written with Mark Robinson. 

After that, I hung around for part of the 2nd ever Pizza Collective showcase. The Pizza Collective is a group of songwriters who meet once a week, eat pizza, and bring in a new song to play for the group. I loved what I heard, and wish I could have stuck around for the rest, but I was way too tired.  Did get to see J.R. Wyatt, Becca Richardson, a great cello player named Zan Berry.  I look forward to catching more of their shows.

I need to tell you about an event coming up Saturday - also at The 5 Spot.  After The Fats Kaplin Gang, stick around for Spoons of Diamond.  It is a tribute to Neil Diamond - feat. the one and only Black Diamond (Nashville's own Neil Diamond impersonator). More importantly, this is a fundraiser - organized by Jason - an employee of The 5 Spot.  I'll let him tell you about it:

"Neil Diamond was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease this year.
Liftware.com is a company that has developed “smart spoons”
that allow people with Parkinson's Disease, Cerebral Palsy and, many other disabilities, the independence of feeding themselves with more confidence.
These spoons, with accessories, cost around $300-$350, depending on the particular disability and, spoon handle needed. They're not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or, majority of private insurance. 
The funds raised will be used to purchase more of these “smart spoons.”
If this device will improve your quality of life, you should have one, no matter your ability to afford one. As someone with Cerebral Palsy, I know firsthand that life with a disability comes with added struggles and, expenses. Also, as a guy who is so completely comfortable with having CP that I go by the nickname of “Shakes,” I can say that the first time to use this spoon was a life changing moment. I can't imagine how it would affect someone who isn't as comfortable with their own disability! Therefore, I find people who would benefit from this technology and,
simply give them one, with accessories.
After all, there's already enough “red tape” and “hoops to jump through” in today's world...and, who doesn't enjoy a nice bowl of soup?
Your friend,
Shakes
gofundme.com/shakes37206"
Shakes gave my daughter, whose diagnoses includes CP, one of the "smart spoons".   This should be a great night for a great cause.

Now, we jump back into the "New Music" playlist.  I am now way, way behind in adding new music to the list, but there is still a ton of music already added. Let's shuffle!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Sleeping in Different Time Zones Mix

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Sending a big THANK YOU for another E2TG Anniversary Residency in the books!

Special thanks to The 5 Spot and Bob Lewis for being gracious hosts.

For all the bands/artists who played and played wonderfully:

Clark Paterson
Rayvon Pettis
The Big Dumb
Ben de la Cour
The End Men
Ted Drozdowski's Psychedelic Circus
Brian Milligram
Darrin Bradbury
The Coal Men
Shane Tutmarc
Joanna Barbera
Eli Cook 
Bee Taylor

I am extremely proud of this line-up and I appreciate all of you!

Finally, thanks to everyone who came out to one, two, three, or all four shows.  It means a lot. In Nashville, we have the very mixed blessing of having many, many great music shows virtually every single night of the week. There are always "impossible" choices to be made, and it is also easy, even as a music super fan, to get burned out on going to shows. All that to say, it makes me appreciate those who did make it out even more.

Onward and upward, now that I'm not promoting the shows, I can remind you that my novel The Drift is still for sale.  You can get it on Amazon.com. I currently have 8 copies available for sale. I keep them in my car, so if you see me out and about and want one, just let me know.

Now, let's close out June with one final shuffle from the "New Music" playlist!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Shake 'n' Bake Mix

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My spirits were lifted a bit by a fun evening.  Recorded a future Double Shot show with Sue and Mark. Then, headed to Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge for another awesome Madison Guild Monday. This time hosted by E2TG favorite Andrew Adkins.  In addition to Adkins, the night saw a great performance by Daryl Dasher - who I had seen before, and  a few folks I had a not seen Ariana Hodes, Mike Wheeler, and Bri Murphy.  A couple of performers were unable to be there, so in typical Nashville/Madison fashion, some special guests helped fill the bill. Bryant Carter (who I saw for the first time) and three E2TG favorites (including two past E2TG Artists of the Year (Nick Nace, Jon Latham, and Darrin Bradbury).  All that and I great hang with some awesome folks.

I have a ton of music that I need to get added to my new music playlist, I will hopefully get to that tonight.  In the meantime, let's clear some space.

It's Tuesday. Here's what trending today!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Feedback Downerzzz Mix

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Well, we've reached the end of another work week and another week of shuffles.  I haven't had a normal five day work week in almost a month, and I am going to be taking some time off at the end of January, first part of February - more on that later....

I've been thinking about E2TG quite a bit. It has been a part of my life for going on seven years. In the beginning, I stated a philosophy and even though much has changed in those seven years, I still try to stick as close to that philosophy.  I recognized early one that I could never "compete" with some of major music sites in terms of covering all the "hot" or "hip" or whatever music. So, I set my sights on featuring music you may not be reading about in those brand x blogs. What that has meant has changed somewhat but not entirely. In recent months, I have had the opportunity to feature some artists that would have never thought possible before.

What thrills me more than anything is the diversity of music that I am able to feature and write about. For me, that is more than a philosophy or modus operandi, it is an imperative. Since I first got interested in music, I have had an almost insatiable appetite for more and different music - always aware of the sometimes obscure thread that runs through it all.

With that being said (whatever it was I said), I have a wonderful and diverse set of songs that came up randomly in my shuffle of my new music playlist. Yesterday - there were only six songs in the shuffle - today, we have twelve.

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - I Feel Fine, "Honk" Mix

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Well, this is it!  The final shuffle of the year, and the final batch of Earie awards.


Since I just know I will have forgotten someone who really should have won an Earie, I wanted to take this time to offer a sincere expression of appreciation to everyone who helped make this year bearable.  If you released music that I heard, if you played a show I attended, if we attended a show together, if we shared music on social media, if you came to one of my residency shows, if you listened to Double Shot, if you read his blog, if you helped to bring great music to people, if you are reading this now, thank you!

As I have been mentioning, I plan to post the Artist(s)/Band(s) of the Year next week. I can announce today that, expanding on what I did last year, E2TG will hand out a total of four "Golden Earies" for 2017.  There will be both an Artist and a Band of the Year for both Nashville and non-Nashville.

As I explained last week, this should not be taken to mean that the Nashville awards are some sort of local award vs. the non-Nashville being a national award.  These designations merely serves to acknowledge both the roots of E2TG as well as the fact that while there is a definite Nashville focus, I will always remember and appreciate the bands and artists from other cities that supported E2TG before most in Nashville knew I existed.

Well, let's get  to the final shuffle of the year:

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Time is Money or Time is Honey Mix

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I just wrote and erased a really long, convoluted rant about something that I really couldn't articulate well. Suffice it to say, human beings are complicated creatures and interactions between humans can be even more complicated.

That and this: the best music is that music that moves you and inspires you and energizes you and motivates you and brings some semblance of joy to your life. I know what music does that for me, and if another kind of music does that for someone else, than who am I to criticize that.  Granted, I have been known to dog certain artists or styles of music, but I think I was wrong. I may actively hate a certain artist or style of music. I may sound fake or boring or meaningless to me, and that is fine. But if that music means something to someone, if it moves them, inspires them....


Anyway, it is Tuesday (second to the last day of my work week). Time to see what is "Trending" on E2TG

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - The End? Mix

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Well... it's Tuesday.

Another gloomy kind of day in Nashville. 

By the way, I am officially over the music player that came with my new phone. Songs I delete keep reappearing, tags get messed up, the song information doesn't appear on my car stereo when I'm playing from the music player via blue tooth, and a couple of time the same song has reappeared during a shuffle.  I am going to be trying out some music player apps to find a better option. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

Not really sure what else I am going to say here, so let's just jump headlong into the shuffle.  Here are some of the songs/artists/albums that are "trending" on E2TG.

Topical Thursday Morning Shuffle - Sanctified Mix

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Well, I managed to keep my phone alive for one last day before the new phone arrives.

It's kind of big deal for E2TG when I change phones.  The blog is based upon the songs and playlists I shuffle on my phone during my morning commute.  Every time, I change phones I wonder how the new music player will work.  And I worry that the new "upgrade" of whatever will decide that everyone streams so why have a way to play your own music.  Or what if it doesn't support playlists or what if I somehow lose all of the music...  Yeah, I worry a lot.

Anyway, this could be the last shuffle on the old phone. And the last from the current "New Music" playlist which stands at 465 songs after today's songs are taken off..

Anyway, it's been a hell of a bad week and music and work have kept me busy. 

In the shameless self-promotion category, I have been furiously working all week on the final details of publishing my novel, The Drift.  I've been trying to write the text for the back cover of the book.  For some reason, I really struggle with writing about myself and my work in this way. Type, backspace, type, backspace, undo, cut, type, paste, backspace, undo, new file, type, reread, get up and walk around, backspace, type, type, save, reread, get up again....


It's shuffle time - let's go!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle- Lipstick Tubes and S**t Mix

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I'm running short on time... It's Tuesday where we take a look at what's "trending" on E2TG.   By the way, my "New Music" playlist just topped 500 tracks. Which means I have a ton of new and newish music yet to be featured here....  it's a great problem to have - especially since I only add music I dig.

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...

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Dr. Strangelove Dough Mix

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Americana Music Association Fest 2017 rolls on... I think my total sleep for this week is still in the single digits. Maybe the very low double digits...I'm too tired to figure that out.  But no rest for the wicked... and things roll on tonight. Once again, there is way too much going to catch it all, but there are numerous really cool things happening:

Early this evening: The Wild Ponies host their annual Happy Hour - at The Family Wash.  Three years ago, it was at that event that I first me Julie Christensen and Grant Peeples - not a bad day.

Also, Bloodshot Records is holding their party - outdoors at The Groove in East Nashville with Jon Langford and much more, Tim Carroll's Rock n Roll Happy Hour is an official AMA event, if you are from out of town, that is a slice of the real Nashville experience that you should check out, and the fine folks at Green Room Music Source are throwing a party at the American Legion in Inglewood.  Technically, it may be possible to catch at least of part of all of these... I'll leave that to you to figure out.

Later, much to be recommended... Joey Kneiser's showcase is at The East Room, India Ramey is at The Country, and The Basement East has a great lineup that includes Little Bandit, Patrick Sweany, Aaron Lee Tasjan, and E2TG Artist of the Year 2016 Brian Wright.  There is also great music at The OG Basement and other venues across the city. It is probably physically impossible to catch all of these, but you are more than welcome to.make an attempt. Better yet, pick one and then enjoy that show and don't stress over all that you are missing.

Hey - ICYMI, we have an AMA-themed guest blog post from Collins de la Cour.  I love the way she writes, and she has some good things to say.   Check it out HERE.


Well - I have managed to keep up on blog posts during AMA, and today is FRIDAY! This is the day when we post about "featured" music on E2TG.  Let's shuffle!

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 - Trick of the Light Mix

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Well - the Great American Eclipse is over... From my vantage point, we had quite a bit of cloud cover. It broke enough to see several points of the waning sun, but we missed seeing the totality. I feel fortunate, though, that I had read something about being attuned to everything going on... so for the two minutes of totality, I noticed the decrease in temperature, I was amazed by the "sunset" effect, and the sounds of cicadas.

Kind of appropriately, I went to the Basement East last night for a tribute to Darkness on the Edge of Town and other Springsteen songs. I have mixed feelings, overall, about tribute shows in general. I think sometimes that there are too many of them, and that I, personally, would rather see original artists doing their own songs.  But, I do recognize the economics for venues like The Basement East, and the unfortunate reality that more people attend these type of shows than original music shows. I do also understand from talking to my friends who do these shows that there is a tremendous lift from finding common musical ground with other artists and in collaborating with musicians that you may not otherwise get to work with.

All that being said, the tribute shows I have seen at The Basement East have all been top-notch and loads of fun, and last night's show was one of the best.  For starters, the band sounded amazing. Of all the shows like this I have seen, there were probably more singers I was not familiar with vs. those I knew. But, I really didn't care so much because everyone nailed their songs and the songs were the stars.  Shout out to Andrew Leahey, Scott McMahan, Lilly Hiatt, Becky Warren, Mary Bragg, and Jon Latham (who stole the show - as he often does).

I could of bits of unsolicited advise from me...  make sure you clearly introduce each performer. I know I am a bit of an anomaly, but when I see someone at these shows, and I enjoy their performance, I want to know more about what their own music is like.  At the recent John Prine tribute, Jerry Pentecost not only introduced each artist but also plugged their latest album.

That reminds of another bit of unsolicited advice for artists in general:  if you have a new (or fairly recent) release or project - and you have a Facebook Page - that project should be front and center on your page. Cover photo, pinned post etc.  I don't know how often I will be writing about a song in my shuffle - and think - what's the name of the album or when is it going to be/was it released - only to go to the artist/band page and have to scroll down several posts to find the information. As I said, I am an anomaly - most casual listeners will not work that hard.

All righty then - enough with advice... it's all offered with love and admiration for the incredible talent that I am fortunate to  experience daily. - It is Tuesday and time for our Trending Tuesday shuffle - new and newish music...

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - The Ends or the Means Mix

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Okay.... it's been a pretty intense week.  I don't know what the future holds... I am deeply disturbed by the ugly truths that have been exposed this week. And by the mind-blowing chasm that seems to grow wider every day. As I have said before, it is a chasm not only of ideals and values, but of perception of reality.

I don't know.... I do know that there are beautiful people in the world, and I am fortunate that circumstances have brought me into contact with some of those people. I know that I am profoundly fortunate.  And, I am profoundly grateful for everyone who reads E2TG.

As you might have heard, there is a rare event happening Monday across the US, and Nashville is one of the largest if not the largest city in the path of totality.   My favorite radio station, WXNA, has not failed to notice this event, and on Monday from 11-3pm WEclipseNA hosted by DJ Nekos will provide the soundtrack to the Eclipse.

If you need some Eclipse pre-gaming, tune in Saturday to Double Shot with me and Sue - we will be one for an extra hour 11-2pm with the theme (believe it or not coincidentally) of Night and Day. You might here some Eclipse songs, too.

It is Friday, and we shuffle up the "New Music" playlist for our Featured Friday shuffle.... join me in 3...2...1....

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Right Now Mix

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Like many people, I am overwhelmed with emotions about the state of our nation and the state of the world.  I don't know what to do about the divisions which seem to grow wider everyday.  It disturbs me greatly that many on the right, who I sincerely believe are good people who I happen to disagree with, can somehow not bring themselves to simply and precisely denounce racism and pro-Nazi sentiment.  From my friends on the right, all I have seen is deflection, false equivalency, and silence. I believe that our nation's potential is best realized when we work together, seek out common ground, and learn to compromise when it is possible.  Unfortunately, we seem to be moving farther apart of from this ideal every day.  As I said yesterday, denouncing Nazis and white supremacists should be one point that the majority of Americans can come together.

I never intended to write about "politics" on E2TG.  I don't want to do it. If it is normal political stuff, I would not do it.  There is nothing normal about what is happening here.  Is this the beginning, the middle or the end of the American empire? Or will we be able to pull out of this mess we are in?

I look around and I see beautiful people who are living their lives the best they can. I see people following their dreams or giving up, I see people excelling or struggling, I see people facing the worst that life has to offer with dignity and grace.  I see beauty in people and in nature. I also see ugliness - not physical ugliness but spiritual ugliness, and I think there is beauty somewhere inside all of that ugliness, but how do we access it?

On another thought, I recently posted a photo of my self from around fifth, sixth, or seventh grade. People comment how little I have changed - which I was not able to see, but for me, the overwhelming feeling that the photo evoked was a wish to be able to go back in time and tell that boy how wonderful and beautiful and perfect he is. It makes me sad that I was often unable to see that them, but it makes me grateful that I can see it now.

It is hard to not run away from all of the ugliness in the world (and I recognize the privilege I having that option as a possibility), and I recognize that I need balance. I must face down the ugliness, but I also need to know when I should take a break.

A bunch of scattered thoughts.
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Music does heal - especially when the words ring true.  Tommy Womack and Lisa Oliver-Gray's words rang true for me last night. It was a joy to be around people who share my passion for music and to take in the incredible creative force.


Well, it is Tuesday and we have some "Trending" songs from our "New Music" playlist.... A  few really long songs - so only six songs by four different artists, today.