E2TG 5/16/2022 - Music City Monday - This Love Mix (Ten Bullets Remix)

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We start another week with another Music City Monday shuffle - featuring a random shuffle from our extensive Music City Monday playlist.  Enjoy!

 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 5/13/2022 - Featured Friday - Broken Fangs Mix (Crazy Remix)

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Well Friday the 13th got me... I am utterly slammed today and so, I am just going to tell you to please check out the brand new Featured Friday Playlist.  2 Hours of some great new music from Nashville and beyond. 

The first 12 songs are listed below. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 4/01/2022 - Featured Friday - Not Gonna Write Mix (Fade Away Remix)

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    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 10/7/2021 - Aftermath - South Dakota Mix (Stars Remix)

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Last night was fun!  Thanks to Bill Bloomer and Stuffy Shmitt and his great band (Chris Tench, Parker Hawkins, J.P. Rinvold, and Dave Colella).  Thanks to The 5 Spot and their great staff - Cody on sound make the show sound fantastic. Thanks to Mark Gerking for the cool poster.  Thanks to everyone who came out. 

Until next time!

Featured Friday Playlist recap (Part 5 - This is the end, my friend) (songs 28-33):

28. "Metamorphosis" by Cashavelly Morrison

We start the final segment of our Playlist with the title track from the recently released new album by West Virginia native and North Carolina based Cashavelly Morrison. 

29. "Rush Hour (Inadvertent Meditation for a Friend" by Speed the Plough

Next up, we have a track from Before & After Silence - the new pandemic recorded album from Toni and John Baumgartner founders of the veteran New Jersey based band Speed the Plough. 

30. "The Sunshine Saves Everyone" by The Junior League

Yesterday, we had Louisiana based The Junior League in our shuffle from their previous album.  Now, we have them in the Playlist with the lead track from their brand new album Bridge and Tunnel. 

31. "Recoil" by Semihelix

Austin dreampop trio Semihelix are up next with the title track from their new album. 

32. "Famous" by Xander Cameron

UK dark pop singer-songwriter Xander Cameron is up next with the lead track from his new South Stage Broadway EP. 

33. "Miss You Sober" by Subtle Mullets

And, we close out the Playlist with a great new single from this 5-piece band based in Sydney. 
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 3/09/2021 - Finding Out - He Never Returned Mix (Abyss of Opinion Remix)

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To me, we are in potentially hopeful and potentially perilous days. And, I feel I must offer the disclaimer that I don't always know where the line is between being careless and overly cautious. Although, there are many cases of carelessness that are blatantly obvious... 

With COVID, person responsibility takes on a greater and more complex meaning. I strongly believe we could have been in much better shape, much earlier  - and that although leadership or lack thereof played a big part - the largest part was in the actions of us as individuals making decisions. 

Regardless of what your political beliefs - things like masks should never have become a political issue. Once the airborne nature of the virus was better understood - a strong, consistent message should have been enough.  Mandates should not have even been needed - I don't think - but they became needed when people refused to follow recommendations. And where personal responsibility comes in... IF masks were meant to protect the wearer then it would have been fine (stupid but fine) for someone to make a personal decision to not wear a mask. But, since masks are meant to protect others - then it becomes part of the social contract. Unfortunately, one just need drive for a few miles down the highway to see how many people have no respect for the social contract... 

So, here we are at a turning point -  We have people being extremely cautious and basically still on lock-down, people who are moving back out into the world but trying to do so responsibly and safely, and we have people who are doing whatever they want - as if there was no virus. I find myself caught between the first two groups. And I know, those in the second group will likely make mistakes and unfortunately, with COVID - one mistake can be fatal for someone.  But, I still struggle with where the line between group one and two should be for me.  And, overall, I think we are doing fine... and then you have those in group 3....  And so, while I have feelings about some of the decisions being made by people in the 2nd group, I am withholding most of my anger toward those in the third group. Those who - despite everything - either believe the virus is a hoax or don't care about their fellow man.  

We continue our recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist with songs 17-22:

17. "Can't Stop Singing the Blues" by Soo Line Loons

First up, we have the first single from the forthcoming eponymous third album from Minneapolis based Soo Line Loons. Guests on the album include Charlie Parr. I really dig this song. 

18. "Things That You Do" by Working Class Hussys

Next up, we have the new single from this New Jersey band led by Ian Patrick Gentles. 

19. "Kiss Me Like You Mean It" by Bikini Test Failure

Next up, we have a January single from UK band Bikini Test Failure. I have been talking to James Hill who leads Bikini Test Failure.  We faced similar challenges and losses early this year, and in all our conversation, I realized I hadn't actually listened to the band's new single. So, I did, and I was very impressed. So, here it is a bit late, but right on time. 

20. "Early Morning" by Rude Audio; Dan Wainwright

We first connected with London based collective Rude Audio back in 2018. This is one of two new dubs by Rude Audio and Dan Wainwright. Cool stuff. 

21. "Too Far" by Brian Damage

Next up, we have the lead track from Yesterday's Slime - the debut album by this Columbus, Ohio based band led by Brian Baker (Brat Curse, DANA etc.). Great track. 

22. "Raised on Rock And Roll" by Cricketbows

And from Columbus to Dayton, Ohio - we close out this segment of music with a recent single and title track from the forthcoming album by this band - who channel straight ahead rock and roll through a decidedly 21st Century filter. A great tune to take us into today's shuffle. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2/5/2021 - Featured Friday - Favorite Goodbye Mix (Dada Bois Remix)

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The Featured Friday Playlist is back!   I am mostly likely going to change up how I present the music on the playlist, but the most important thing is give it a listen.  I always try to pick a diverse collection of new and recent music.  I am sure there will be things you will like, and some that won't be your cup of tea. It's all okay.  If you feel inclined - please follow the playlist.  

By the way, I sort of (but just sort of) lied earlier this week. I said I was just going to move forward and not worry about "catching up" on what I missed while I was out. That is basically true, but this week's playlist does include a few choice tracks that came out during my January time away.  I am also not going to worry about explaining what is brand new and what has been out a couple of weeks.  If it comes to me, I will say something.  

And I am overexplaining again. 😀

As usual it is a collection of old friends and old favorites plus some new (to me) music.  

Enjoy!
 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/4/2020 - Featured Friday - Dumb it Down Mix (Delightfully Devilish Remix)

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Well, well, well - a combination of a several post-Thanksgiving releases and my catching up on my inbox means we have our biggest Featured Friday Playlist ever: 55 songs and nearly 3 1/2 hours of music.  That means I have my work cut out for me recapping, but I will do it. Maybe expect fewer words per song... maybe... I am typically not good at fewer words...

The recap begins below the jump with the first 15 songs!

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

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

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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 11/6/2020 - Featured Friday Playlist - A Pleasant Surprise Mix (Stop It Remix)

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As a person born in the South, I am encouraged by the vote (so far) in Georgia. My home state has a long way to go, but if the party leadership can step up, and if the young voters and soon-to-be voters can be engaged and energized - I see change ahead - maybe not the next election or even  the one after that, but eventually. For my progressive friends in Tennessee who are contemplating moves because of the lackluster performance in this election, I selfishly (as someone with deep roots) ask you to stick around. We need you.  In any case, I am glad to be living in a tiny blue bubble in a sea of red. To the progressives outside of this bubble - I see you and I admire your courage. Stay strong!

Cover art for Carrus & Kurtz - A Pleasant Surprise (by Adam Kurtz and Ashley Richardson)

Once again, we have reached the end of the week - and what a week? Am I right?  

It was originally looking like this was going to be a light playlist, but it turns out to be 31 songs and almost 2 hours long. New and recent music from all over the world - as usual starting in my own backyard - Nashville. If you aren't already, please follow the playlist on Spotify and give it a listen. I'm sure you will find music you like by artists you may not know. 

Also, keep up as we spend the next week recapping the songs that make up this playlist - beginning with the first ten songs - which you can read about below the jump. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 10/22/2020 - I Don't Already Know - Full Blown Freak Out Mix (Too Strange Remix)

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On my mind... for the most part, I tend to just ignore the parts of youth culture that I don't understand (and as I grow older, my definition of "youth culture" expands).. I mean, I don't try to understand how and why a video of someone opening a box can get millions of views or how people can get famous on Tik Tok or Snapchat or whatever.. 

But, recently, I was thinking about the phrase - "you already know".  First disclaimer: for all I know this expression is already passé... but whenever I hear it, I think - "No, I don't already know" or "If I already know then why are you telling me again?"  But - even in this confusion, I will just write it off as my being old and in the way and move on...

But, it did make me think... how often do we assume someone already knows something...  I mean as a writer it is often a fine line between overexplaining the obvious vs. making a reference and assuming everyone reading gets the context. I guess it comes down to knowing and reading your audience. I know when I did Double Shot with Sue - she would call me out sometimes for saying - "as you know" when it was something I know but which everyone listening may not know. 

I mean, I should be able to make a David Bowie reference without adding a full biography of Bowie, but if I am a less famous musician or a lesser known fact about Bowie - I might need to add some context. 

Okay - this makes me think about something else in a similar vein.  If someone posts a quote or makes a reference I don't get, I may google it for context or I may just ignore it.  But, there seem to be some people who feel the need to comment on things like this - often missing the point being made. I think it is an annoying habit but is it or is that how some people learn... I guess in general - there are some people who seem to feel the need to comment on every social media post even if they don't really have anything to add.  For example, if someone posts "RIP *some name*". I can give a sad emoji reaction and move on - unless I have something to say about the person, but some people will comment "I'm not really familiar with them but... blah, blah, blah" I just don't understand that tendency or even people who will make a post about someone who recently died and basically say, I wasn't a fan but this is sad...  again, I just don't understand that. 

Today, we wrap up this week's Featured Friday Playlist and prepare the way for a brand new playlist debuting at midnight or tomorrow morning if I fall asleep like last week... 

26. "Girlfriend" by The Silverbeets

The Silverbeets may be the first band from Tasmania that we have covered - or not - anyway, this is the latest single ahead of their forthcoming album Halcyon Days album (Due Nov. 13).  I dig this band a lot. They craft a nifty psych/pop sound that really connects with me. 

27. "Heart Light" by Jenee Halstead

Up next, we have the latest single from Boston-based singer-songwriter Jenee Halstead. Boasting a diverse musical background, I am struck by the original way she pulls her varied influences together and crafts them into a truly unique sound. 

28. "Damage Control" by Isabelle Stillman

Next up, we have a track from the latest album by  singer-songwriter Isabelle Stillman who recently relocated from Denver to Los Angeles. This is her second album and was recorded in part in isolation during the pandemic. A really catchy sound and a great voice. I dig it. 

29. "Hot Today" by Taiwan MC

As usual, I am closing the Playlist with a couple of songs that add some variety to the mix. I believe this is the second track we have covered by this French artist on Chinese Man Records. From the new album Special Request, out now. 

30. "Not Sorry" by Hell Boulevard

And, we close out this week's Playlist with the title track from the new album by Swiss goth rockers Hell Boulevard. It is their third album, and a great way to bring this week's playlist to an end. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 10/07/2020 - Are You Ready? - Rosalee Mix (Rosie Remix)

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I have voted.  All I know to do now is to again encourage all decent-minded people who are not under the influence of the cult-mind to vote and to likewise encourage all like-minded people to vote  I have been pondering the best way to expend my energy.  I think I need to tell you that I believe that Joe Biden is the clear choice for President. He is not perfect, and I do not agree with him on some policy issues, but practically speaking, this is an A. or B. choice between Biden and Trump. C. D. or E. are not viable options so even if you like one of those candidates - I urge you to vote for Biden. Of course, you must follow your conscience... but if your conscience does not recoil in horror at the thought of another four years of this insanity, then... I am not sure what to say.  As I said yesterday to my lefty friends and my central-right friends, after Biden is elected hold him accountable. Ask your representatives to push forth ideas you support. 

For me personal, I think I need to stop acting like Trump is a joke. Too many lives are at stake, too much progress and too many freedoms are on the line. I need to stay focused and ignore the giant ape slinging poo. Since his candidacy started gaining traction in 2016, I have felt that any attention he gets helps him. His base is lost right now. Our sisters, brothers, parents, cousins, friends who still support Trump are currently out of reach. Forget about them for now - follow your heart about ending or continuing relationships but stop engaging. 

The United States has never been a perfect union. What I believe in is striving to create a more perfect union.  To me that modifier doesn't mean the union was perfect and that we strive to make it more perfect - it means we incrementally move toward a perfect union.  Perfection may not be achieved - certainly not in our lifetimes and we may be far from perfection, but the strive is toward that.  The last nearly four years, we have been moving rapidly away from that perfection and we must reverse course. I know some of my progressive friends hate the status quo, but at this point, status quo is a step toward righting the country and eventually moving forward. 

Final note, if you have read this far and you still support Trump - 1. I am not telling you to stop reading E2TG, but you can if you want. 2. I no longer want to hear your justification. If you can sleep with your decision, then okay - but I don't want to hear it. 3. I yearn for the day when E2TG can just 100% about music, but we are not there today, and I have to use this forum to speak up and speak out. I don't hate Trump supporters. I hate the actions that some have taken. I am struggling with feelings of hate toward the man himself and some of his top aides... but I am saddened and disappointed by those who continue to support him.   

We have the penultimate recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist... songs # 17-20

17. "Brave the Storm" by Last Year's Man

Last Year's Man is the solo project of Eugene, Oregon based producer/songwriter Tyler Fortier. This is the first single and title track from his forthcoming album. Portland, Oregon based Anna Tivel sings background and plays violin. This is a wonderful song, and I look forward to featuring more from this album. 

18. "Okay, Alright" by Laura Fernandez

Next up, we have the title track from the new album by singer-songwriter Laura Fernandez who was born in Madrid, Spain and is currently based in Toronto. Her music mixes pop, jazz, and classical influences. Really cool stuff. 

19. "Vastago" by Luan Estesia

Next up, we have another release from Bogota, Colombia based Discos Infante. As usual, I don't know much about the artist, but also as usual, the music is suburb.  I am really digging the music this label is putting out.

20. "The Black Flag" by Orchestra of Cardboard

We close with a stunner - the first release from the forthcoming (February 2021) album from this global project by filmmaker, performance artist, social activist, and musician Dan Edelstyn (Bank Job).  The album was produced by Nick Graham-Smith known for his work with Malcolm McClaren.  The themes are of freedom, democracy, and personal responsibility. Check it out!

Tomorrow - we wrap up our recap with the final four songs 21-24 

        

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 10/02/2020 - Featured Friday - Jim's Dad Mix (Go With the Flow Remix)

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I am going to heed the lesson I was taught growing up... if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.   

Except - Wear a Damn Mask!

Before we get to the Featured Friday Playlist - we have one currently non-Spotify release to mention.  My Politic - the Nashville based duo of Kaston Guffey and Nick Pankey have released a new EP that lives up to the name of their project - Short​-​Sighted People In Power: A Home Recording - is out now on bandcamp and will be on Spotify at the end of the month (and will be in our Feature Friday Playlist at that time). In the meantime, you know the drill - check out and buy the music if you dig it. 

Now onto this week's Featured Friday Playlist 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 8/27/2020 - Blah Blah Blah - City Hippie Mix (Lower Remix)

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It sure seems like every single day there is something going on in our country that needs to be discussed. I never intended E2TG to be a current events or political blog - I have felt compelled to write about certain things from time to time, but I don't want you to take my silence here for approval or acceptance of the unacceptable. I vacillate between hopeful and hopelessness, and I ponder the path forward with so many people seemingly having dropped even the pretense of common human decency. 

But, it is too easy to let writing about these things overwhelm the blog, and I do not want to do that.  For me, E2TG (and more generally music) has been a refuge from the troubles of the world. Although, I have always loved topical and message songs, even in those cases, the melodies and the instruments, and the beats and all  - are a shelter from the storms of life. 

I have been thinking about my tendency to be a bit of a contrarian but I sometimes wonder if it is intentional or just a part of my DNA or if it matters. Just an example... I have been a fan of roots music of some kind almost as long as I have been interested in music - but I have also had a pretty wide-open attitude toward music.  Especially, over the last five or six years, a lot of "Americana" music has come my way, and many of my favorite artists and bands fall somewhere along the spectrum of sounds that fall under that wide umbrella, however, at the same time I have actively took steps to keep from being pigeon-holded as an Americana music blog. Now, there is this voice that says, maybe if you focused on just Americana you would have a bigger base of readership.  Maybe, I don't know. But, somehow, I think if I had put such limitations on my self, I would have tired of this thing and quit blogging a long time ago.  

The fact is - although I love a good folk song and a great folk song can move me to tears, I need my punk, post-punk darkwave, electronica, hip-hop, rock, hard rock etc. music to s sustain me.  Think of it as a balanced diet.  

Onward!

Today, we wrap out of recap of this week's Feat. Friday Playlist! Tune in tomorrow for a brand new list... a bunch of new music is on the way... (Songs 30-37 today)

30. "Drunk" by Parker Lee

In typical fashion, we save some cool music to round out our weekly playlist. This segment of music begins with the lead off single ahead of the Scrundle EP due out on September 4 by this indie band from New Yorkshire. I really dig the sound of this track. 

31. "Fire in the Rain" by The Hengles

From the UK, we cross the channel and head to Amsterdam for the new single from The Hengles. The band's members have been active in music since the 80s and 90s. They came together as The Hengles in 2015. "Fire in the Rain" was supposed to be released as the band's eighth single in June, however, with the lockdown, they took the opportunity to strip the song down and basically reinvent the song. For anyone who ever wondered how to set a fire in the rain... 

32. "Moonlight" by Viewfinders

Next up, we have a track from this Denver, Colorado based indie rock band. This was a direct artist submission that caught my attention and my ear. Cool stuff.  

33. "Niin kuin se ennen oli" by Bad Sauna

Bad Sauna are a relatively new rock band from Finland - recently signed to the All That Plazz label. I really like this song a lot. Substantive music that rocks sufficiently. 

34. "Evolution" by Julian Shah-Tayler

Aka The Singularity, Julian Shah-Tayler is based in L.A. by way of Leeds. The music has a fascinating electro rock/new wave sound. The Singularity has had a great deal of success with film and television placements. If you note a touch of Bowie or Depeche Mode or The Cure - it might be becauser Shah-Tayler is part of successful tribute bands to all three artists. He has worked with some huge names as well as co-founding the Art Angeles charity which teaches music to underprivileged kids in Watts. 

35. "Quimeras" by La Cigarra 

Via the Columbian label Discos Infante, we have this relatively new project from the mind of producer Mateo Esquivel.  I know very little about this band/project - translated the information was imaginative and beautiful, and I absolutely love the music. 

36. "Trials - Origin Mix" by Dissonance

Following an only slightly intentional pattern, we close out this week's playlist with some heavier sounds - first we have a track from the Dallas, Texas based darkwave band Dissonance. Dissonance featuring vocalist Cat Hall began in the early 90s and revived in 2015. This is the second of three maxi singles being released by the band this summer. 

37. "Slaves to the System" by The Veer Union; Defending Cain
 

We close with some socially conscious hard rock from The Veer Union based in Vancouver, B.C. - this is the first single ahead of a quarantine themed EP set for release early next year. Here they team with Defending Cain - a hard rock band from West Virginia. Interesting that we close with darkwave from Dallas and hard rock from West Virginia a good reminder to let go of geographical stereotypes when it comes to music. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Chaos Precaution Phase II 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 you have read The Drift, please consider writing a review on Amazon. If you haven't read it, you can get your own copy through Amazon or if you are in Nashville, you can get them from me.

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - July2018.  These are meant to be a cross-section of music I featured during those months - not necessarily music released in those months.   If you are interested, you can check out the playlists (links below)  and follow my personal profile to find out when new playlists are created.

E2TG January 2018
E2TG February 2018
E2TG March 2018
E2TG April 2018 
E2TG May 2018
E2TG June 2018
E2TG July 2018
E2TG August 2018 (coming soon!)
E2TG September 2018  (coming soon!)

Words No Music A Reading coming Thursday, November 15, 2018 6:30pm Radio Cafe Nashville. No Cover, tips accepted and books will be for sale. We have an incredible line-up featuring David Olney,  Rod Picott, Luke Powers, Rebecca Weiner Tompkins, and yours truly. All but me are incredible musicians and songwriters, but for this show - they will let their words speak for them without music.  I will be reading from The Drift plus some selections from a forthcoming book.   FACEBOOK EVENT HERE!


Whew! It's Friday!  It's been a bit of whirlwind week for me. I moved on Wednesday (I am beyond grateful to have such great friends - a solid crew of wonderful people who made the move as painless as possible). I'll be unpacking and decorating the new place for weeks, but I'm at least settled. I had two meetings for WXNA - big stuff is happening.

We close the week with a pretty cool Featured Friday shuffle - a couple of first listens, some returning favorites, some big names, and a pretty diverse mix.  Let's go!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Didn't Seem to Mind Mix

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Well, I guess you could say we are in the home stretch of the 2017 Earie Award and actually for 2017 for E2TG overall.  In so many ways, 2017 has been a very difficult year for myself and many others. I guess when I look back, I am trying to focus on the good moments, the new friendships, the accomplishments (my own and others), and hope despite the fear.

Anyway, after today, we have five more shuffles and five more days of Earies. The Golden Earies (Artist(s) and/or Band(s) of the Year) will be posted between Christmas and New Year's Day.

Let's jump to it!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Was it An Accident Mix

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So much on my mind these days... good stuff and not so good stuff and really bad stuff...

I am so happy that WXNA was voted Best Radio Station by the Readers of the Nashville Scene. Even if I did not have a show on the station, I would be a listener and a supporter. Thanks to the incredibly hard work of the Board (all former DJs at Vanderbilt's WRVU), a huge gap in the Nashville landscape was filled in June 2016.  Just yesterday, on my way home from work, I was listening to the station and it occurred to me how much I love listening to shows that play music outside of my "comfort zone" for want of a better term.  The variety of music and talk on the station is incredible.

As for the not so good stuff  and the really bad stuff... well, you can probably guess some of it. #Resist #Persist 

It is Thursday - and it is our recent tradition to do Topical shuffles on Thursday, but to try to get through the many songs in my "new music" playlist- I am devoting Thursday's to new music for the next couple of months.

Shuffle!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Blot out the Sun Mix

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Hey - most everyone including yours truly will be fully immersed in the eclipse when I normally post this so I doing a quick post of our Monday shuffle... everyone protect your eyes and enjoy this rare cosmic event...

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Leave it on the Shelf Mix

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Tentatively emerging from a blue funk I've been in, and a wonderful night of live music definitely helped out with that.

It started at The 5 Spot with Philly band Lady HD.  I really loved their sound. They said they were on their first tour and apparently the bass player was a fill-in from Nashville, but they sounded really tight.

Next up was Sean Quinn and the Tremblers. This version of the Tremblers featured Robbie Crowell on bass. Quinn is one of my absolute favorites.  His original songs reach a kind of pure power pop heaven for me.  He covered Chris Isaak's "Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing" which I have heard him do before but last night the song just seemed to pop.

Kristen Englenz was up next with Sean Quinn sitting in.  This was my first time seeing her perform since week 2 of my residency and the first time with a full band. She sounded great. I only wish I could have stayed longer, but I had to hot-foot it over to the Basement East.

It was a night of the songs of John Prine -sponsored by Prine's label Oh Boy Records. It was a benefit for Jessi Zazu (Those Darlins) who is fighting cancer. The show was a sell out. The lineup included Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Ruby Amanfu, Lilly Hiatt, Elizabeth Cook, Cory Branan, Colter Wall, Caitlin Rose, The Whiskey Gentry, John Prine's son Tommy, Andrew Leahey, plus two E2TG Artists of the Year - Jon Latham and Darrin Bradbury (and more).  A great band backed several of the performances - led by drummer Jerry Pentecost and featuring Adam Kurtz of Buck N Stuff fame who played pedal steel, mandolin, and bongos.

I know I am biased but in my opinion (besides Jessi and John Prine's songs), the star of the show was Darrin Bradbury.  I say that because he performed solo and later with the band, he joined Elizabeth Cook for a fine rendition of "In Spite of Ourselves", and he ended up singing the last verse of the last song, "Paradise".

Overall, the music and the show was just about perfect and hopefully raised a lot of money for a great cause.  If you couldn't make it last night but want to help out Jessi, you may do so by visiting her You Caring site.



Whew!  And it is now Friday and the heat has at least temporarily broken... and we have a fine playlist of Featured Friday songs...  Now!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Me in the Corner Mix

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Well, it is Friday! Finally!  We are in the midst of a horrible heat wave here in Nashville. And between that and life and world things, I am zapped.  But, hey it is Friday, and I still have music...

On Friday, we feature songs from our New Music playlist.  Let's jump in!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Five More Minutes Mix

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Well what the heck! It's Friday!

Next week, we will get back to the regular schedule for E2TG:

Monday - Music City Monday featuring all music connected to Nashville. Old stuff, new stuff, loose connections, maybe some connections that exist only in my head...

Tuesday - Trending Tuesday featuring songs from the "New Music" playlist.  Mostly music submitted to me - occasionally a cool newish release that I just want to highlight.  "New" is relative - although I will be occasionally taking out lingering songs that are over a year old. That being said, if it's relatively new and new to me, I will also add stuff a year or so old (or older in special cases). It is what it is okay?

Wednesday - Wild Wednesday - we go hog wild and shuffle up all the songs stored by my device. New, old, really old, well-known, obscure, weird, normal - it's all possible.

Thursday - Topical Thursday - we shuffle off a of pre-selected "Topic" playlist. For a few months, we had a unexplained topic built around the current events of the world (loosely or tightly connected), since May we have been shuffling up a special E2TG anniversary playlist - featuring one song each from 250 or so artists who have been featured in some way over the six years of our existence as a blog. This topic will continue until it changes.

Friday - Featured Friday (see Trending Tuesday - it's the same thing).


So today is Featured Friday and we have a pretty cool shuffle so let's go!