E2TG 4/1/2021 - No Fooling - Marshmallow Mix (Sea Glass Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

No fooling, I appreciated everyone who has read and supported E2TG over the last (almost) ten years. This silly little music blog has changed my life and introduced me to so much great music and so many great friends.  #ThanksNotPranks 

Today we wrap up this Featured Friday Playlist and prepare the way for a new list tomorrow/tonight around midnight.  Now, songs 30-36...

30. "Someone" by Cory Singer

We start off with a recent single from this singer-songwriter, actor, and social influencer who sings and writes about his struggles with Asperger's Syndrome. He has become an advocate and inspiration. 

31. "The Place Where I Belong (Acoustic)" by John McDonough

Next up, we have a track from veteran Austin singer-songwriter John McDonough - it is an acoustic version of his ode to John Denver. 

32. "Eden Gaol" by The Miller Test

Next, next up, we have a track from the forthcoming album Dead Blue by this London based band. Really cool music. I dig. 

33. "For My Animals" by American Culture

Next up, we have the title track from the new album by Denver DIY-basement-core band American Culture. I really love their sound. Wickedly cool stuff. 

34. "Cut it Off" by The Last Element

Next up, we have some high-energy hard rock music from this Dutch band. I like this a lot. 

35. "Hetzer" by Soziales Hetzwerk

Next up, we have some punk rock music from Germany via Jim Schatzmann and his project Soziales Hetzwerk. Awesome track. 

36. "Guns Don't Cry" by Storm Seeker

And we stay in Germany with some pirate folk-metal music - and the title track from the new album by Storm Seeker.  As you know, I love a good pirate song any day.  A great tune to close out this week's Playlist. 
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/29/2021 - Music City Monday - Walking Wounded Mix (Better Now Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

We are back after a much needed week off... 

A lot going on in the world, in our nation, and locally.  I think there are issues that are way too big for any person or administration or party to solve. I think there is a lot of evil in the world - evil in this case being defined as greed, selfishness, a lack of compassion, a lack of empathy.  I see it infecting and infesting many elements in our society and I think we can all fall victim to it from time to time, but I think it is especially insidious in certain situations. 

I also know that there are many kind, generous, compassionate and empathetic people in the world. I think ultimately, the solution has to come from those people coming together, putting aside petty differences and standing up for goodness.  

It will come when we embrace the things that unite us and try not to focus on the things that divide us. I have no idea how or if this is going to happen but I know that unless it does - the evil will continue to win. 

Please note, I use evil not in a religious or even supernatural sense - but rather as I defined it above. I also don't think anyone is all good or all evil - but I think the insidious nature of evil can be hard to resist. 

And, it cannot always been one side compromising and there will be points over which we cannot compromise - but if that is the case - let's move on to another point - while tabling the point where no agreement can be reached. I believe that while revolutionary change may be the most preferred and worth fighting for in some instances - incremental change is better than no change at all. 

Anyway, let's get on to the music for today... 

 

We pick up where we left off - a week ago Friday - a continue our recap of the Featured Friday Playlist with songs 12-17:

12. "El Camino" by Stephen Flatt

The album Cumberland Bones is due out April 16.  Today, we have the second single we have featured from Nashville singer-songwriter (and great nephew of Lester Flatt).  Really great tune. 

13. "Tumbling" by DL Rossi

Also due April 16 is Lonesome Kind by singer-songwriter DL Rossi. The album was recorded in Nashville where Rossi lived before returning to his native Michigan to help with an ailing family member.  

14. "Black Rose" by Shannon McNally; Buddy Miller

Next up, we have Shannon McNally and Buddy Miller doing a Waylon Jennings classic from McNally's forthcoming (May 28) album The Waylon Sessions. I feel like that last sentence says enough to highly recommend this listen. 

15. "America" by Sylvan Paul

Next up, we have the title track from the debut EP from NYC artist Sylvan Paul.  The song is unfortunately as timely as it was when it was written in 2018 - especially in the week of recent gun violence. 

16. "Crocodile" by Arrows to Fire

Next up, our second track to feature from this US/French collaboration (co-produced by Tim Palmer) and this is straight up one of the funnest songs we have featured in a while. 

17. "It's Ok Not to Be Ok" by The Rude Awakening

And we close with a timely message for these times from this UK synthpop act. Some cool music and good words to take us out of this segment of music.
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/3/2020 - The Home Stretch - Second Hand Nudes Mix (Clown School Dropout Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

So, this is how my mind works... I was first thinking about how annoying it is when someone keeps trying to convince you that you should like a particular artist. Like, if in conversation, you say that you don't care for (fill in the band/artist) and someone keeps insisting that you just haven't listened to the right album or that you need to listen again or whatever... 

My next train of thought was to try to justify why people do that... (my theory) deep down, we all want to find ways to connect with other people (though some of us are really bad at it). Music is one way we can connect with others. So when we find someone with similar tastes in music - we may try to build on that connection. So, when we learn that this person with whom we have made a connection don't share our love a favorite artist/band - we may try to "force" that connection - and think they must not have listened or listened properly. 

Then again, some people are just jerks who think their opinion is the only one that matters. :-)

And just like that, it is time to wrap up our recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist and prepare the way for a brand new playlist coming up around midnight (or tomorrow if I fall asleep early as I have done once before).Songs 17-19

17. "Wintering" by BlackSheepLad

Earlier this week, another track from Sleeping Alone in the Daytime showed up in the daily shuffle, and I teased this track. As a music fan, I have been inspired by the creativity that has come out of this most challenging year. BlackSheepLad (Phil Mellen) has had more than his share of challenges this year, but out of that he has crafted a really wonderful record. 

18. "Coming Home" by Lady Buds

First of all, I challenge anyone to try to type Lady Buds without at least once typing Lady Bugs.  But anyway, Lady Buds are a Liverpool-based duo who are described as travelling indie/folk urban new age rock.  This is the opening track from their new album From the Cities.... to the Shores.  By the way, I wasn't sure I understood all those descriptors/genres, but upon listening it actually makes sense - in a good way.  This is a really great track. My mind almost makes connections to several different earlier bands/artists, but truly the band as a really unique sound.

19. "Goddess Pt.1" by Shadi G 

Swedish singer-songwriter Shadi G - like Lady Buds - hits on several different sounds and genres to create something unique.  This new single has elements of jazz, r&b, soul, hip-hop, and Persian music. Shadi G has a wonderful voice. She also formed her own record label in 2017.  I always say, I like to end each playlist with some of the most interesting music in the Playlist, and all I can say is mission accomplished this week. 

This week's list was shorter than previous weeks, but it was not short on great songs. Every week, I look forward to discovering some great new (to me) artists and catching up with some old (to me) favorites.  It is my sincere hope that those who check out E2TG or even just peruse the Playlist will discover some new favorites. 

         

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 8/07/2020 - Featured Friday -

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

 By way of a Featured Friday Bonus Track, we have the previously unreleased solo demo of the title track to East Nashville poet-laureate (I believe it is an unofficial title, but damn well should be official) Kevin Gordon's landmark Down to the Well album. The album version of this track features the one and only Lucinda Williams.  Here is the song, stripped down to his majesty.  The whole album is available exclusively on Bandcamp - which makes it a good time to remind you that Bandcamp is waiving revenue sharing today, so that all purchases benefit the artists.  You can access the Bandcamp page for the album via the embedded player below. 

 

Another Friday, means a brand new Featured Friday Playlist.  This week's list is most excellent, and it about the same length as last week. Recap the first 8 songs below. 

    Featured Friday Playlist

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

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!



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

E2TG 2019 Recap - Part 8 - Butterfly Mix (Moonlighting Remix)

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Took on the last $2 Tuesday last night with E2TG fave Jason Erie, Rhyan Sinclair, host Derek Hoke, and Ward Hayden and the Outliers (whose Don't Judge a Book album we covered here this year).  In the late night hour, an uplifting full-band set from Jon Latham - featuring some Christmas tunes and special guests.  It was exactly the sort of night I needed.


Let us jump back into our recap of 2019.  Some cool music today.  Dig it!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - All Over Before Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Last night, I took in another edition of the long running (9 years) $2 Tuesday at The 5 Spot. Last night, started with E2TG favorite Andrew Adkins, followed by Ginger Cowgirl (who I had seen before at $2 Tuesday, followed by Derek Hoke and band, and in the late night hour it was the amazing Shannon McNally backed by a killer band featuring Joe V. McMahan, Jimmy Matt Rowland, and Toby Caldwell.   It was, as it always seems to be, a great night of music, and a great hang.

On we go, to the Wild Wednesday shuffle - if you are new here, this is a random shuffle of songs currently saved to my phone.   Let's go!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Satisfied Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Keep checking back here for more information about the E2TG Fall Residency.  We are looking to make another exciting announcement soon. Plus, we are going to have the detailed line-ups and dates soon. Trust me when I say, you are not going to want to miss these shows!

Today we jump back into the Trending/New Music playlist for today's Trending Thursday shuffle.  Let's just get to it.

Trending Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Who Cares Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Okay - so Trending Wednesday doesn't really make sense, but since I need to clear space in my "New/Trending Music" Playlist and since there will not be a shuffle tomorrow - I went ahead and shuffled from that playlist today.   We will return with a new shuffle on Friday!

Another Tuesday night out in Nashville and another reminder of why despite the growth and changes and loss of venues and all, Nashville is still a great music city. E2TG Artist of the Year 2015 Jon Latham joined Jon Byrd and Paul Niehaus for their weekly show at Dee's in Madison. Nice to see Jon and Jon playing together and it is always a pleasure to see Paul play. Jon Byrd plays a few weekly shows around town, and if you ever get the chance to see him - go.

After that, I headed to The 5 Spot for $2 Tuesday hosted by Derek Hoke.  Congratulations to Derek and The 5 Spot for 9 years of this Eastside tradition. Chris Moyse (one of my favorite local songwriters) opened the night, followed by Thor Platter, Derek Hoke and band (with Jules Belmont - who was fantastic - on guitar), and Chip Greene rocking the late night hour.  Jon Latham joined Greene to do Zevon's "Lawyers, Guns, and Money".  As always Tim Hibbs was spinning tunes between sets and doing a fantastic job. 

Now, let's shuffle!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Apathy Baby Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


Time is short today - so let's just jump right in!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - 20th Century Bitch Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!



Today - June 4 marks the 3rd Anniversary of Nashville's independent, community-oriented, listener supported radio station, WXNA, officially hitting the airwaves. It has been a heady three years, and I need to point out that the stations founders worked for five years to make it happen.

Happy Birthday WXNA!

It is Tuesday, and time to dive right into our Trending Tuesday playlist!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Cool Hair Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


If you follow me on Social Media, you will have noticed a lot of memory and anniversary type posts. There have been several anniversaries recently - 5 years since I first met Darrin Bradbury in person, 3 years since I met The Foresters and Jack Nork, 6 years since I met David Hogan, just about 3 years since Double Shot with Joe and Sue began... and I am keenly aware that none of those things would have happened if I had not started E2TG 8 years ago this month.

That so much of my life today would be different - I would say lesser - if I had not (practically on a whim) started writing a music blog in May 2011 - is not lost on me. I am not sure if the world needed another music blog in 2011, and at that time I could not have said with any confidence that even I needed to write a music blog in 2011. Time has proved that I needed to start E2TG.  As for what the world needed, I will leave that to the world.

If you are reading this, thank you! 

Something I don't say often enough. If you love music, find you best way to support the people who make that music. Buying albums, going to shows, buying merch, telling people about artists or albums they should know about, supporting crowd-funding/pre-orders, and I'm sure there are other ways not in my mind right now.  The financial situation in music is dire. People are making money off of music, but by large measure it is not the writers, players, and singers. Rather, it is often people in offices and suits. Streaming is a great technological innovation that allows us (the listened) instant access to more music than we could possibly  be able to hear in one lifetime. The ability to create custom playlists and share those - it is awesome. unfortunately, creators see a fraction of the profits derived from the streams.


So support your local and touring independent musicians - in what ever way works for you! 

On to the shuffle!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Let It Sing Mix

Tweet #E2TG

Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Whew!  I made it to the end of an extremely busy week! 

I added a bunch of new music to the playlist last night.

We have several first listens today.  Let's send off this week on a happy note!