E2TG 12/27/2021 - Music City Monday - Villains! Mix (New Freedom Remix)

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We enter the last week of the year with our final Music City Monday of 2021.

No post on Friday - New Years Eve or Monday January 3.  As I see it now, next week with be a regrouping and trying to gear up for the start of 2022. I have a lot of submissions to get to. 

As it stands, there is a lot of uncertainty in the world and in the USA. COVID, politics,  We enter 2022 with more trepidation than hope. But, I do know that there are things I can control - and I must focus on those things without ignoring the bigger picture.  

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 12/20/2021 - Music City Monday - Knew Too Much Mix (Lorelei Remix)

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This may be the last post before Christmas - if not tomorrow certainly will.   So, happy holidays.

Tune in tomorrow morning for a Very Merry Ear to the Ground radio Holiday Spectacular.  All new Christmas, Holiday, Seasonal releases from Nashville and Beyond.   6am only on WXNA-LP Nashville 101.5FM or wxnafm.org. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 9/8/2021 - Middle Earth - Half Light Mix (Second Fiddle Remix)

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Mid-week blues, greens, and other colors... 

Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 3 - An odd week) (songs 21-25):

21. "New Lovers" by Unicorn Domination

First up, we have a new single from Portland's Unicorn Domination on the Spirit House label. Spirit House moved their operation from Portland to Gainesville, Florida back in January. 

22. "5,000 Candles In the Wind (Bye Bye Li'l Sebastian)" by Mouse Rat

The Debut album by Pawnee, Indiana band Mouse Rat - is called The Awesome Album, and this is the lead track, and I have to say it is pretty darned awesome. 

23. "Falling" by Mike Walsh

Next up, we have the new single from this singer-songwriter from London via Madrid. 

24. "Millennial Nation" by Remain

Next up, we have the title track from the new album by Denton, Texas based rock band Remain. 

25. "artificial light" by VOTEFORSAMMO

And, we close out this segment of our playlist with a track from a single from the forthcoming Cheaper Entertainment by 19 year old London-based songwriter, producer, and singer Sammy Hodder who records as VOTEFORSAMMO.  A great song to close out this part of our playlist. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

#2TG 8/27/2021 - Featured Friday - Ice Cream Phoenix Mix (Good Enough Remix)

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    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/9/2021 - Trying to Decide What to Say Here - Talk to God Mix (Just Like Hank Remix)

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Featured Friday Playlist recap Part 4 (songs 26-32):

26. "Missing You" by Shutter

First up today, we have a track from the most recent album by this New Jersey based alternative rock band. 

27. "Hidden Drives" by Lanterna

A lovely instrumental track from this Illinois-based project - primarily featuring the music of Henry Frayne. 

28. "Belleville Blues" by Swift Silver

Swift Silver are a duo who have worked together over a decade between Mississippi and North Carolina. Their self-titled debut album, just released, was recorded in Kentucky with brothers Kenny and Hayden Miles (of Wayne Graham). 

29. "Rose + Crown" by AMMO

AMMO is a L.A. based multi-instrumentalist. She is also a rock and roll photographer who grew up in Los Angeles.  

30. "Set You Free" by Soulful Femme

Next up, we have a track from the full-length debut from the Pittsburgh duo of  Stevee Wellons and Cheryl Rinovato. The pair are aided by a college of blues greats. 

31. "Hey Hey" by Ro Halfhide

Next, we have the second single from the forthcoming Paint the Town (Due out July 9) by this singer-songwriter and producer based in Amsterdam.  I dig this song. 

32. "Farm on Mars" by Art Schop

Art Schop is the project of rock musician Martin G. Walker - who was born is the U.K. and currently based in Brooklyn. This wonderful track deals with the harsh realities of colonizing Mars from the perspective of one lonely farmer. A wonderful expansive track to take us out of this penultimate segment of this week's playlist. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 5/10/2021 - Music City Monday & More - Drunk Dial Mix (Come & Get It Remix)

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Saturday, I got to catch Jason Ringenberg's first show in 14 months down on his farm.  With a threat of rain averted, it was a wonderful afternoon and early evening. I got to the farm early enough to visit with the chickens and the pony Tinkerbell, and to explore the grounds. 

Musically, the show was fantastic. Jason played several Scorchers' classics as well as tracks from his solo records including his most recent Rhinestoned.  On several tracks he was joined by the always incredible Fats Kaplin and Kristi Rose (who are long time collaborators who also appeared on the new album).  Ringenberg's daughters also joined him on his version of the hymn "Christ the Lord is Risen Today". And one of his daughters played flute and sang harmony on "Highway Songs".   

Jason had - as he does - a contest for the most obscure request of  song he had performed at some point. One of the requests was for a song that Farmer Jason had written several years before with a troupe of girl scouts - a couple of whom happened to be there.  When Jason confessed that he didn't remember a word of the song, the two young women got up and sang it. 

The show ended with guest guitar phenom Boone Hood joining on a fiery version of "Absolutely Sweet Marie".   

Several notable Nashville musicians were in attendance along with some hardcore fans and friends.  

Featured Friday Playlist recap Part 2 (songs 16-25):

16.  "Otherside of Town" by Nature's Neighbor

Illinois-based collective Nature's Neighbor returns to the Playlist with their latest single.  Their new album Otherside is due out this coming Friday. 

17. "Tired Eyes" by Ruby Bones

Next up, we have a track from the celebratory new album from these New Jersey rockers. The album is called Laser Tooth Tiger and it is out now. Check it out!

18. "Photos" by Ski Team

Next up, we have a gorgeous new track from this solo project of Brooklyn based singer-songwriter, producer, and guitarist Lucie Lozinski. 

19. "Wait" by Go Analog

Next up, we have a new single from this Columbus Ohio based rock band.  It is being released to celebrate the vinyl release of their EP Moonlight Gram which includes this song. Great stuff.

20. "Falling Out North St." by Cathal Coughlan

Next up, the new single from Irish musician Cathal Coughlan (The Fatima Mansions, Microdisney).  We have featured some earlier tracks, and I continue to enjoy this music. 

21. "Pay Attention" by Abby K

We shift gears and head to North Carolina for this new single from female-fronted hard rock/metal band based in Charlotte.

22. "Good Morning Sunshine" by Sunshine & The Blue Moon

Next up, some shimmering yet dark psychedelic grooves from this  Canadian band.  Their new album Born 2 Boogie is out in June, and I can't wait to hear more from this band. 

23. "Silly Games" by The Supermercados

Next up, we have a cool recent single from this UK based band.  I'm digging it. 

24. "Lifestream - Luke Slater's 7th Plain Remix" by Johannes Motschmann

Next up, we find out what happens when a neo-classical composure teams with a techno DJ. Spoiler alert: It is utterly fantastic. 

25. "Song for Pete" by Skidders

And, we close out with a track from a veteran English session musician off his just released new acoustic album Family & Friends.  And great tune to close out this segment of music. 
 

    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 6/29/2020 - Music City Monday - This Very Second Mix (Pirate Remix)

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Well, here we go... COVID-19 cases are going up rapidly in places that opened up too soon, and yet many people are acting as if the pandemic is over. I have seen posts from people talking about quarantine and other measures in the past tense. It is rather infuriating. Believe me, I want all of this over as much as the next person.  Never mind (for a minute) live music, I have not been able to visit my mother since March. And, yet I see pictures all over social media of people socializing in large groups with no masks and no social distancing.

I blame the federal response - the President and Vice-President for making this a political issue and for not leading by example. I blame ignorance and willful ignorance and selfishness. And, I am pissed.

One only has to look at the numbers in other parts of the world to see what a colossal fuck up this has been.

Look, I always try to take a measured approach with offering my opinions on thinks. I have always believed in trying to see and understand the opposing viewpoints. But, on this issue, I am done. I have multiple friends and family who are at risk, I have friends who have lost loved ones to this disease.  So, when I see crowds of tourists on Broadway in Nashville crowding together without a single mask present, I am sorry, but my ability to be calm and measured has been worn away.

Wear a damn mask!




Friday, we unveiled a brand new Featured Friday Playlist, and we recapped the first five songs. Today, our recap continues with songs 6-10.

6. "Can't Turn Me Around" by Dedicated Men of Zion

We start things off with the title track from the debut album by the family sacred soul band from Eastern North Carolina. Recorded in Memphis by Bruce Watson of Fat Possum Records.  The band was "discovered" by the fine folks at Music Make Relief Foundation. 

7. "Arc Light City" by The Blam Blams

Next up, we have the latest single from Nashville's premier glam band, The Blam Blams.  The Blam Blams make classic sounding music with a fresh and modern twist. Also, Happy Birthday today to Rob of The Blam Blams. 

8. "In God's Country" by Tayls

Next up, we have the latest in a series of covers by the Nashville band Tayls - led by Taylor Cole.  This time out it is a 1987 single from Irish band U2 from the The Joshua Tree album.  A really cool cover of a song I am very familiar with,

9. "The Best Kiss ... I'll Never Have" by Maxximo

Next up, we have a pop single from this gay Mexican immigrant living in New York. The b-side of the is a cover of The Judds' Dream Chaser. A great addition to our final Featured Friday Playlist of Pride Month.  

10. Professor Pinkhair's Philanthropic Philanderings" by Carrus & Kurtz

Finally today, we have some more ambient pedal steel and bass music from The Genius of Carrus & Kurtz.  This is from the recently released Volume 2 which is subtitled It Is Important That Everything Is Important. Both Cameron Carrus and Adam Kurtz have released solo albums since the lockdown. This was from a productive three hour recording session in the midst of quarantine. 

Tomorrow - Tracks 11-15.

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2019 Recap - Part 12 - Turned 21 Mix (Bruce Songs Remix)

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Back from the holiday for another edition of our 2019 Recap.  Hope everyone is well.  Right now, it looks like we will wrap up our 2019 Recap next week (I'm off Tuesday and Wednesday).  Then, the following week, I will be off Monday and Tuesday.  I am thinking I will reveal the 2019 Artist/Band of the Year on those days and maybe some special programming.  Look for the new E2TG v3.0 to slowly be revealed starting the following week.

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Tapout Mix

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  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.

The E2TG 8th Anniversary is now only ONE WEEK away!  

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb

I got a bunch of new music added last night,  After a couple weeks off, I have brought back Wild Wednesday in the traditional sense.  Actually, Wild Wednesday as it exists now is pretty much classic E2TG - a shuffle of all the music on my phone (new, old, etc.).  Let's get on it!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Out of Reach Mix

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We move on into the second half of 2019.  It is Monday and so we celebrate the music of Nashville with our weekly Music City Monday Shuffle.  Music from Nashville, from people who now live in Nashville (even if they lived somewhere else when the music was made), and people who used to live in Nashville.   It is Music City Monday if I say it is!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Let It Sing Mix

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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!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Seen Enough Mix

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ICYMI - This morning, we premiered the new video from Nashville's Pansexual East Side Queen - Elisabeth Beckwitt.  Check out "Free Fall" HERE


We have reached the end of another work week and another week of shuffles.

We have a pretty awesome Featured Friday Shuffle for you today.

A couple of show alerts that I wanted to mention.  (And as always in Nashville there is a ton of cool stuff).  Tomorrow night seems like a good night to "camp out" at The 5 Spot*.  Early show features E2TG favorites Amelia White and Brett Ryan Stewart and Rosemary Stewart.   As always, Amelia will be backed by an amazing group of Blue Souvenirs.  After that early show, stick around for Harvest Spoon - a Neil Young tribute and benefit to support 5 Spot door man (and Not-So-Steadycam Productions) Jason "Shakes" Hostetler in his mission to deliver Liftware Utensil kits (spoons) to people whose lives are improved by this technology. 

An all-star cast of Nashville's best will be on hand. 

*actual camping is neither allowed or encouraged at The 5 Spot - I know, I've tried.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Since You've Been Gone Mix

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Well, the 2019 Edition of the Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown IV is in the books. Over two nights, 13 acts featuring at least 54 artists performed. There was also a silent auctions which raised money for the Ben Eyestone Fund of Music Health Alliance, a COMMUnity Canvas - collaborative painting, and just a ton of fun.

Thank you to Emily Hansen of Magnolia Roads for letting me be a part of this.  I got to see old friends like The Truehearts, Chris Wilson, Don Gallardo, Mike Younger, Rich Mahan, and Lady Couch; people that I saw at previous Magnolia Roads events - like Jenny Lee West, Arkansas Dave, Bonnie Blue, and Jason Daniels; and some new folks like Bryan Haraway, FunkyJenn, and Jeff Mix.

Until next time!


Now, we jump right into another fantastic Music City Monday shuffle!  Let's do it!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Self Love Mix

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Well, I'm back. I was under the weather yesterday.  Let's get right to the shuffle. I'm once again behind adding new music to the playlist, but we have some great music to feature from what is already there - so let's go!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Hard Feelings 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!)

SAVE THE DATE!!!!!  Thursday, November 15, 2018 - We have a pretty cool event in the works.  More to come! I can tell you this isn't really an E2TG event.  It is connected to my novel, The Drift, and we have some super cool guests lined up.  Announcement soon!


Every single day.... every single day for the last almost two years... there is some atrocity, some outrage.... Remember when candidate Trump mocked a reporter with disabilities and it didn't negatively affect his campaign?  Remember when Trump called Mexican immigrants "criminals, drug dealers, and rapists" and his crowds cheered?  Remember when president-elect Trump appointed White Nationalists to high level positions in his administration?  Those of us who called these atrocities out for what they were - were labeled as having "Trump Derangement Syndrome".  Make no mistake, what is happening today is not a coincidence or an accident. The neo-Nazis and White Supremacists and White Nationalists and anti-Semites are being emboldened and encouraged by the White House - and nothing is being done about it. I know that there are reasonable, good people in the Republican Party - at least I have always believed that - but failure of the Republican led Congress to provide checks and balances to the madness that is occurring (EVERY SINGLE DAY) is causing me to doubt this. And I'm not talking about the Flake and Collins and other so-called moderates - who make statements that seem reasonable but then fail to back those statements with any meaningful action.

The fact is, we are a nation without a moral leader. The fact is 60-70 percent of the country does not have a leader and all. And the 29-39 percent who think they have a leader - are lied to daily and are either too willfully ignorant or too blind to see it.  Even if a Blue Wave happens on November 6, our nation is in deep trouble.  If it doesn't happen, I don't know what will happen next, but it will not be good.

My heart goes out to the victims in Kentucky and in Pittsburgh. To those who live in feat because of the color of their skin or because of their religion (or religious or ethnic heritage), or because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We are in dangerous and unprecedented times. Choose acts of love today. Resist, persist, vote, get others who care about all people to vote...

In the midst of all this, I am in the middle of a move - set for Wednesday and I am listening to music as I pack and prepare. Music is a balm for me. Let's do this Music City Monday shuffle.

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Frankfurt Blues 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)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed seven - January - Junly2018.  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 NEW!
E2TG July 2018 NEW!


ICYMI (which you may have because FACEBOOK decided to delete posts for a while (they are back), E2TG posted a song feature on the new single from singer-songwriter Danny Schmidt. You can read about and listen to it - HERE.

Well, this week has finally reached it's conclusion - as far as the work week goes. It's been a wild one for, so I am not exactly sad to see it end.  But, time is flying at this is the last full week of shuffles in August. 

I added a bunch of new music to the "New Music" playlist, however, as is often the case, none of those new tracks showed up today, but look for some awesome new stuff coming up soon.  Today, we have some awesome tracks from albums we have been featuring for either a short or long time.  Enjoy!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Boomerang 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)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed six - January - June 2018.  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 NEW!

I have added a Playlist for JUNE 2018 - with 61 songs that highlight some of the music featured on E2TG. 

Well, it's Tuesday, and time to dig back into our New Music playlist. We have a first listen plus some music we have been featuring for a while.

Let's shuffle!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Dyin' of Thirst 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)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed three - January - March 2018.  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 (NEW!)

Running late, but I love Music City Monday - so I didn't want to miss.  It's funny how a random shuffle of the same mix of songs can yield a different mix of results. Today's shuffle is heavily weighted toward recent and fairly recent music.   But, you can see for yourself...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Salty Truth and Funk 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)

I am continuing to work on my Spotify playlists for E2TG.  So far, I have completed three - January - March 2018.  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 (NEW!)


In case you missed it, Friday, we premiered a new song, "Gloria" by Nashville singer-songwriter Benjamin Jason Douglas from his album First World Blues which is being released this coming Friday.  Check it out HERE !


Last night, I kind of bounced around a little.  I got to see Jon Latham, Don Gallardo, Darrin Bradbury, Ryan Sobb, and others at a tribute to Big Star, Replacements, and R.E.M at Basement East.  Some takeaways, I really dug William Matheny and his band's opening set of originals (they also - along with Robbie Crowell - provided the backing band for the rest of the night.  Don Gallardo and Jon Latham are awesome always.  I love all Darrin Bradbury's but punk rock Darrin Bradbury is tops in my book. Ryan Sobb is someone to watch. I left Basement East a little early and headed to Dee's for Madison Guild Monday in time to catch a young singer-songwriter I recently met.  Bobby Corbin has a great voice and writes really good songs.  Check him out if you see him around town.

Time for a Trending Tuesday shuffle - let's just get right to it!