Showing posts with label The Gypsy West. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Gypsy West. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

E2TG 2/23/2022 - Mid-Weak - Emptiness Mix (Compass Remix)



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Sitting here in the latter part of  February - in an uncertain world that seems on the brink of something.. I guess what is on my mind is how there are always many stories happening at the same time, and how some of them only occasionally interact. From the macro level - global events to the most subtle nuances of our internal stories. To me what is interesting is how memory sometimes compartmentalizes the various stories.  Like you remember falling in love and those feelings and experiences. You also remember the nation on a brink of war - for example. But unless those stories intersect in some significant way - you may not remember that they happened at the same time.  So, a novel might put the falling in love story in the context of the global upheaval. While, in real life, you may never make the connection that the two events coincided. 

The other part of it - is that the stories that unfold are experienced and remembered through our lens of perception. To that end, I love novels or stories that tell the same story from different points of view - sometimes the stories can be so different. Documented facts don't change, but how much of our lives - how much of our stories is properly documented. So, I remember it happening one way, and you remember it another.  We can choose to fight over the differences or embrace them and learn about one another from how we experienced the story. 




Looking forward tonight at The 5 Spot.  Early - it is SwillTV always a fun night and the one and only Palm Ghosts will be playing.    Later, it is return of Decline of Southern Civilization (the first since March 11, 2020) with E2TG favorites Slump Test and Ghost Town Remedy and more. 

Today's extended shuffle is below the jump






 
    Featured Friday Playlist


Friday, February 12, 2021

E2TG 2/12/2021 - Featured Friday - Je Ne Said Pas Mix (You Healed Me Remix)



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Kind of a short Playlist this week, but that is good because it's kind of a busy time here. 

We will call it short but sweet.  The first segment of songs will be featured below the jump.  Check out the whole playlist and if you like some of what you hear, give us a follow.

 

 
    Featured Friday Playlist


Friday, November 13, 2020

E2TG 11/13/2020 - Featured Friday - Good God Mix (Fighting Remix)



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We made it through another week... crazy times for sure... music - as it always does sustains me...

Onward....

A brand new Featured Friday Playlist with some awesome new and recent music from Nashville and beyond...



 
    Featured Friday Playlist



Thursday, September 21, 2017

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....

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

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,,,

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

WTF Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Planet Earth Mix



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Like many (but not all, I know) of my friends, I am devastated and saddened and confused by what has transpired.  I am kind of, but not totally, at a loss for words right now. I do know this... I am not moving to Canada or anywhere else because of what has happened. (As tempting as that thought may be). And I hope none of my friends who feel so compelled do either (although as I said, I understand the thought). The fact is that right now, the very people who feel so compelled are needed now more than ever. Anyone in a minority (racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, disability) needs us.

Here is a little truth bomb.  That factors that lead to this outcome (be that ignorance, fear, bigotry of any kind, anger) those factors did not begin with one man - they were exploited and revealed.  Those who reject all of those things... we now have a better idea of how big a fight we have.

And for the record, to me, this is not about politics. I understand and respect that we all have different out looks.  I may not support fiscal conservatism, but I understand it and accept that it is a valid viewpoint. What I cannot understand or accept as a valid viewpoint - is misogyny, mocking the disabled, xenophobia, homophobia, racism, etc.).  Maybe, I am an eternal optimist, but I choose to believe that the majority of people who voted for that candidate (who opening displayed and supported those things) did not do so for those reasons directly - but rather for reasons I cannot begin to fathom but which I could at least accept on some level.

I also understand that not everyone who reads E2TG will agree with what I have just written. E2TG has always been and will continue to be about music and the power it has to uplift and move and comfort and to transform.

So, again, I turn to music.... I have not created (and may not create) a "Wild Wednesday" playlist.  Rather, today's shuffle includes every single song currently residing on my phone memory card.

Also, just for today, I changed the name of the shuffle... because, seriously, WTF!

Friday, September 23, 2016

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - The Sun's Alive Mix



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

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

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

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

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

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

Featured Friday shuffle ahead...

Friday, September 9, 2016

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Impossible Mix



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And just like that it is Friday!

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

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

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

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Ain't Got Time To Spare Mix



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It is almost September, and I am starting to get anxiety about all of the great music at Americana Fest that I will have to miss (because I am just one man without the ability to manipulate time and distances).  Truth is, though, I am still have a lot of weekly anxiety over the same issue.  Truth is, though, it is a pretty rad problem to have.  Truth is, though, I have other things I could (and maybe should) be worrying about, but this problem is more pleasant to deal with.

Let's see what the old shuffle has brewing for this Tuesday morning....

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Gin and Tonic Mix



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Well! Made it to the mid-point of the week.  Being off Monday has thrown everything off for me...

Last night, I had a great night at The High Watt.  Seeing Todd Farrell perform for the first time in I don't know how long - it was great to be reminded of what an incredible songwriter he is. Heard some old favorites plus some songs which will be on the next Benchmarks album whenever that comes out. Saw Arliss Nancy from Denver for the first time last night. Really dug their music and energy.  Then, I got to catch the first part of Bill Eberle's set - same band as I saw at the Basement a few weeks back. Still awesome.

Then, I had to dart across the river to catch the last part of the Family Wash set of Sean Quinn and the Tremblers (featuring Jon Latham on guitar).  Man these guys sounded so good. Kind of a power poppy vibe - think Big Star/ Beatles and and... Great songs - can't wait for the album!

Well - we have a pretty wild shuffle for a Wednesday.  Note - I could not find several of the actual songs for the video playlist, but I made some strategic substitutions. Enjoy.

Friday, August 12, 2016

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...

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Things Come to Me At Night Mix



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Greetings and salutations...   It is Tuesday!

Tonight a couple of events worth noting (among many cool things happening I am sure).

1.  East Side Storytellin' is a great series that pairs a songwriter with a poet/writer. It is held at the Post East and starts at 7:00. Tonight is their 85th edition and features writer Joshua Moore and reigning E2TG Artist of the Year Jon Latham.

2. A stellar local lineup at The Basement East beginning at 9:00.  Carl Anderson, Peyton Parker, Adrian+Meredith, and 2014 E2TG Artist of the Year Darrin Bradbury fresh off his star turn on Music City Roots.   That's right, two E2TG Artists of the Year in one night.

On Tuesday, we post songs from our Trending Tuesday playlist which includes new music, songs we have decided to feature, and assorted other goodies.  Dig in!

Friday, May 27, 2016

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Amp of Epi Mix



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Nashville happenings and other cool stuff... - Check out our friends at Fighting the Nashville Blues for the scoop!

ICYMI - E2TG premiered the brand new video from Charlie Hager for his song "These Days" - you can read my words and watch the video here.


Trying to coast toward the end of the week and into the long holiday weekend...

Last night, having caught up on sleep the night before, I headed out despite threatening weather to catch the last night of Kevin Gordon's residency at The 5 Spot. Gordon opening solo - showing of the intricacies of his songs and the richness of his voice and guitar work. He even threw in a cover of Richard Thompson's "Keep Your Distance".

Then with his band, he flat out rocked the house.  Advice, if you get the chance to see Kevin Gordon live, go see him.

After that show ended, I headed to one of my favorite new venues, The Country.  I got there in the middle of Sean Rivers set, and I was really impressed.  Great songs and a rocking sound.  Next up was E2TG favorite Zachariah Red with a six piece band that featured a lot of cool folks - including Taylor Alexander, Drew Kohl, and Tim Ryssemus of Ricca Vita. I have been following Zach since I met him over a year and a half ago, and I have to say he is sounding better than ever. I really fun set that included an Eagles cover and a Marshall Tucker cover along with songs from Zach's last two records.

Last of the bill was Jason Martin who played really heavy but melodic rock.  Josh Waters played guitar with both Rivers and Martin.

All in all, a fun night and I enjoyed seeing a bunch awesome people.

Today in the Featured Friday shuffle, we have a pretty diverse mix of music... so enjoy...

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

WOW Wednesday Music Shuffle - No Excuse Mix



I just recently found out that the five year old daughter of Joseph "Taco" Russell is fighting a courageous battle with childhood cancer.   #E2TG sends all kinds of love and good thoughts and prayers to the entire Taco Land family.  I sometimes think of the bands/artists, I've gotten to know as part of an extended Ear to the Ground Family, and Taco Land has been a big part of that for a good portion of our history.

Right now you can get an "Audrey Strong"  bracelet plus a free download of Heart of Texas by Taco Land for a $1 (or more) donation (proceeds go to St. Jude.)  Here is the link to bandcamp...

from Taco Land:

Support bracelet for Taco's 5yr old daughter whom is fighting childhood cancer. Bracelet is Gold. This color represents the fight against all Childhood Cancers. All monies will be donated to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Bracelet comes with free download of song "Heart of Texas" which has Audrey opening the song by saying, "I love Daddy!"

Includes unlimited streaming of
Heart of Texas via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Monday, December 23, 2013

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



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...

Friday, November 8, 2013

Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Superstar Mix



We've reached the end of the week.  To get us into the weekend, I have a long list of additions to the E2TG Hall of Fall, and a pretty sweet little music shuffle.

E2TG Hall of Fame:
13. The Foresters (Bethany, CT) (ed. note: Some may say they are too young for a Hall of Fame, but it's my Hall of Fame, and by their inspiring dedication to their craft, they have already earned their place - even as I acknowledge their best work is ahead of them - I think that is true for most if not all of our inductees)
14. Those Mockingbirds (Montclair, NJ)
15. You and Me (Montreal, QC)
16. MAKAR (New York, NY)
17. The Gypsy West (Brooklyn, NY)
18. Tipi Valley (Swansea, UK)
19. Jo Wymer (Freehold, NJ)
20. Sci-Fi Romance
















The inductees will continue. There are still some major favorites of mine who have not been added  yet.  Rest assured this will be rectified sooner than later.  I want to make more progress on the Hall of Fame Page before I add too many more. 

Here's the Shuffle-

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Wednesday/Thursday Evening/Morning Music Shuffle - Luckiest Guy in the World Mix




Railroad Bridge - Nashville



Good morning, I am back after a day off... my new earphones are still In-Transit, so today I presenting my mix of yesterday's drive home and today's drive in to work.  Jump through to the marvelous musical mixture...

Monday, August 12, 2013

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - On the Watch Mix



 
 



Nice morning has turned into another dreary day here in Nashville.

Ear to the Ground has been featured by a cool music blog called newgazzi! Check it out.

Currently, the playlist from which the Shuffles are drawn is up over 300 songs.  Tons of new and new old music were added over the weekend, and more will be added soon.

Anyway, we have a great mix of songs - so let's JUMP to it...

Friday, August 9, 2013

Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Best Ever Mix



 
(Throw back Friday Pic)



For me, every mix is unique and has value.  Is this the best ever mix? Probably not, that will be Monday or some other time (or many other times in the future).  This is a good mix - a damn good mix.  Why?  'Cause it has some of my all time favorites, a couple of brand new (to me) songs that I really dig, a nifty cover, a diverse but not crazily diverse mixture of songs (although I love me some crazily diverse mixtures), and it forces me to break a long-standing officially unofficial blog policy.... but we'll get to all that.

Meanwhile - let's just dive right into the mix

(JUMP TO THE PRE-SHUFFLE)