Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 4) (songs 24-28):
24. "Cool California" by Wet Tropics
Chicago-based indie punk band who recently issued their debut album on vinyl. The album was first released and sold out on cassette in November of last year. The album is called Everybody Get In
25. "Isla" by Film School
One of two recent single from the California indie rock band that first formed in 1998.
26. "Cinnamon Toast" by Lenny
Lenny, an indie folk/pop singer from British Columbia, returns to the Playlist with a track from her debut EP Personal Celebrity.
27. "I Love You Maybe" by Memoryy
Next up, a song written for a Madonna-themed documentary called Smelly Little Town.
28. "Free of This Disease" by Jai Agnish
And, we close this penultimate section of the playlist with a track from this New Jersey-based indie/electro artist. A great way to close us out for the day.
Tomorrow, we wrap up our Playlist recap with the final five songs. Stay tuned.
As I mentioned before, May marks ten years of E2TG/Ear to the Ground. For at least the first three Tuesdays in May, Ear to the Ground radio on WXNA will be featuring some of our favorite artists through the years. The show next Tuesday, May 4 will be dedicated to some of our favorites from the first year of the blog. Distilling 10 years into three or even four hour long radio shows is a challenge, and I already know I am going to inadvertently leave somebody out that I really intended to include.
You may wonder if during the 10 years I have ever considered stopping, well, the answer is yes - more than once. I guess you could say the trick to writing a music blog for ten years is stubbornness. But really, it is consistently. I have taken a couple of what I consider significant hiatuses from E2TG over the years - always due to an upheaval in my personal life that made it necessary. For me, other than times when it is impossible I strive to post every weekday. I know a lot of music blogs have come and gone in the years since I began - and by in large what I see when I look back at some of those is that they were updated only infrequently and then less frequently and then not at all.
One thing I know, is that I cannot fathom what my life would be like today if I had never started E2TG or if I had stopped after a couple of months. I have met so many wonderful people and had so many opportunities I would otherwise never have had.
Much as changed for me, for the world, and for the people I have covered over the years. Children are older, marriages are either longer-term or over, bands have broken up, people have moved away from music to other pursuits. E2TG was never, in my mind, about predicting or featuring bands or artists who I thought were going to be huge. It was about championing people making interesting music - especially people who weren't getting as much attention from other sites. In the beginning, when I was picking which artists to feature - I obsessed over whether a certain band was "too big" for me to feature- which in retrospect is funny to me.
What I have learned is that success and failure should be self-defined. I would never pronounce a band as a success or failure, and more importantly, it is not something I particularly care about. To be more precise, I want every artist/band I know to find whatever level of success they want - realizing that many won't - but then I want them to find happiness and joy in whatever happens.
In the beginning I had to go out and actively find music to feature. Now, I get more music sent to me than I can possibly sift through and I am fortunate to have many incredible publicists who regularly send me great music. But, I always try to have my ear to the ground. I especially, listen when someone I respect posts about another band or artist. So, at least for me, yes - shouting out your friends has value.
Feature Friday Playlist recap Part 5 (The Finale) (Songs 27-31):
27. "Ride or Die" by Cricketbows
Previously, we featured "Raised on Rock And Roll" which is the title track from the new album by this Dayton, Ohio band. I love the journey of this song which starts off nice and pretty and then kicks in with some awesome glam rock sounds.
28. "Mirrorball" by The Catenary Wires
Next up, we have a wonderful tribute to 80s discos from this indie pop band from the UK who released their first album in 2015. The extended single also includes a cover of the Human League's hit "Fascination".
29. "You'll Never Change" by Summer Sleeves
Next up, we have the lead track from In the Throes of Woes. Summer Sleeves is the project of Seattle based songwriter and multi-disciplinary artist Jeremy Charbonneau. Great lo-fi music that covers multi genres and sounds.
30. "Corrupted Young Mind" by Gary Collocott
Next up, we travel to the Gold Coast of Australia for the latest single from this singer-songwriter who taps into the energy and freedom fighting vibes of rock and roll.
31. "Window Dressing" by Least
And, as always, we end the week on a high note with a track from Folding My Hand, Accepting Defeat - the debut EP from Florida singer-songwriter Taylin Wills who records as Least. Most of the song deal with issues Taylin faces as an opening trans person.
Check-in around midnight as we kick off a brand new Featured Friday Playlist.
Featured Friday Playlist recap Part 5 (The Final Chapter) (Songs 45-52):
45. "Hey Mama (Edit)" by Zebrah
First up, today, we have a single - off the debut EP Stripes (due out in May) from this London-based French duo. A great sounding song.
46. "Call of the Morning" by Ventrelles
Manchester band Ventrelles are up next with their follow-up to last year's "County Lines". This time out - they bring a psych drenched pop sound that hits me just right.
47. "Shut Down" by John Louis
Next up, we have a fantastic song from Minneapolis based singer-songwriter John Louis. It is the follow-up to "Gone Too Far" which was released back in February. Both songs are being released together on CD as an A/B - a homage to the classic 45s Louis grew up with. I love this song.
48. "She Has Spoken" by Dawn-Song
I also love this song - from the forth-coming debut album For Morgan (due in May) from this Welsh-born singer songwriter. The album is an audio time-capsule from father to son. This first single is a lovely song.
49. "Somewhere to Run" by Jon Flynn
Jon Flynn from the L.A. band Diamonds Hands (who are going to be releasing their fourth album later this year) just released his solo debut album Citrus. This song - and the album have a crystal cool Brit pop sound. I dig.
50. "So High" by Mass Experience
Australian duo - Mass Experience was formed by Katie M. Little and Timothy Poulton who met twenty-five years ago - they each pursued successful careers (Poulton as a photographer - visiting remote spots on the planet and Little as a stand-up comedian and author. When COVID-19 grounded both their careers - Mass Experience was born. This is the third single from their forthcoming album.
51. "Lonely In Space" by The Buzzards of Fuzz
Next, we have the new single from Atlanta based groovy psych rock band - The Buzzards of Fuzz. Their first full-length album is due out in September. This is cool stuff.
52. "Anti-Social" by ACORN
And, we close out this week's playlist with a song that caught my ear because I could relate to the sentiment. ACORN is based in Nashville - the music is described as country-pop which is something I usually don't care for, but then again - I don't care for genre labels in general - I'm glad I checked this out. I always like to end the playlist with something interesting and a little different - and I think this fits the bill.
You know what I hope for from the next President. Sure, to begin to undo some of the damage that has been done and to move us back in the right direction, but more than all that, I want a President who won't be saying and doing stupid and dangerous things EVERY SINGLE DAY. I want a President that at least pretends to speak to all Americans. A President who rebuilds our ties with our allies and not with corrupt dictatorships. I want a steady hand. I expect that there will be times I will not agree with the next President and will need to speak up, but I want to go back to a time when upheaval and turmoil were not daily reality.
I got to spend some time outdoorts hanging out with some good friends (at a distance), the first time I had just hung out like that in a good while. The weather was perfect and it was wonderful. I see that I need to start coming out of my comfort zone (safely).
I am still concerned about the return of live music as I knew it - when it will happen, how it will happen, and if I will feel safe enough to go. It still seems surreal that so much was stripped away in such a short period of time.
BUT, COVID-19 is not over, we haven't beat it. In some places, we are seeing a spike in cases, and in my observation many people are acting like it is over. Wear a mask, stay in when you can, avoid crowds.
We have four more songs to feature from this week's playlist!
Featured Friday Recap Part II (Songs 5-8)
5. "Our Future is California" by Cursive is Code
I am fortunate to get to feature a lot of music here on E2TG - and to get to hear music that I might not otherwise get to hear. And every once in a while, I come across music that just connects to me in a way that it hard to explain and even harder to write about. I remember the first time I heard Grimm Generation. It was music that sounded like what music I might make might sound like - if I made music. I got to know Jason P. Krug through writing about that band. Then, when Grimm Generation imploded, Krug released an amazing solo album, and I knew I had to name him E2TG Artist of the Year. He was the one that inspired me to create Artist of the Year Nashville and Non-Nashville. Things have been quiet music-wise since that 2016 album The Zen of Losing, and that is why I am so excited that Krug has a new band - along with his significant other Julie Kay and some other Connecticut musicians - and some new music. We featured an earlier single a few weeks back. This latest single really connected with me, and it reminded of why I fell in love with Krug's music in the first place.
6. "Darklands" by Tayls, Heaven Honey
Tayls has been on my radar for awhile, but I feel like I just recently really started to connect. They have been releasing some single collaborations with other Nashville bands, including this one with Heaven Honey. I didn't know much about that band before hearing this track, but I want to know more now. I am very excited about the variety of music being made in Nashville these days. While I am tempted to say that this doesn't sound like Nashville music, the fact is - more and more (at least in my orbit)- music that doesn't sound like Nashville is becoming the norm. Which is not to suggest that there is anything overly familiar about this music - on the contrary - I would say that it is the uniqueness of Tayls' music - and I'm guessing Heaven Honey as well - that makes it distinctively Nashville (circa 2020).
7. "Magic Moon" by Eric Bolander
The last few years have definitely marked a renaissance of sorts in Kentucky music. Sturgill lead things off for sure. The exciting thing is that in his wake has come a line of unique and talented musicians carving their own path. This is the brand new single from Eric Bolander from Lexington, Kentucky. It is the first single from his forthcoming third album (due in August). I love this song, and I can't want to hear more from him, and I want to go back and check out his first two albums.
8. "Perpetual Twilight" by Crooked Heart
We close today's recap with the title track from the new album by Grand Rapids, Michigan based post hardcore/alternative band Crooked Heart. This is a sprawling, noisy soundscape. A great addition to the playlist.
Well, we are square in the middle of another week in quarantine. I haven't left my apartment since Friday around this time - when I went to pick up groceries. Haven't really seen anyone in person - except the grocery person through my car window in a week and a half. My work is into a routine - with some busy days and some not as busy - like normal. Some things take longer at home.
I heard some excellent unreleased music last night - some creative work from before and during this time.
Working on some creative things of my own - slowly.
My Greetings from Nashville radio show will be on the air tomorrow. I will be playing Nashville music that spans about 34 years - from friends and favorites.
We are living in strange and difficult times to be sure. I am not sure what to say. Listen to the advice being given regarding precautions for COVID-19. Even you are are healthy and young, think about those who you know and love who are not. Take care of yourselves. Do what you need to do to be safe and keep others safe, and I hope to give all of you a big hug when we get to the other side.
My favorite East Nashville hang - The 5 Spot - which has been home to all of the E2TG Anniversary shows has made the decision to close for at least the next month. It was, I am sure, not a decision made lightly or without much deliberation and study of the facts at hand.
This will be a hardship to many people - the staff and the bands who play there - most of all. They have created a GoFundMe to raise money to support those most affected by the closure. At least donate the amount you would be spending there anyway.
More than ever, I am going to need music to keep me going. Here is today's shuffle.
"Feel Electricity" by Chip and the Charge Ups (from Lightning in Our Veins)
First listen to this alternative band from Pittsburgh.
"I've Been Here Before" by Christopher Sky (from Vastness)
"Always On the Rebound" by Umbrella Bed (from Rotate)
"Wait for Me (Please)" by Kleenex Girl Wonder (from Ponyoak 20th Anniversary Edition)
Out Tomorrow! The 20th Anniversary of Ponyoak - which was recorded in a dorm room in Madison, Wisconsin over the course of one academic year. The band is also releasing a bonus album BLP containing demos and outtakes.
"Move" by Matt Phillips and Philharmonic (from a Digital compilation of songs)
We have a older song from an old friend of E2TG - Matt Phillips is based in North Carolina. We first met him in person at a Music City Roots show in Franklin several years back.
"Tiny Steps" by Kamala and the Karnivores (from Typical Girls Vol. 5)
Next up we have our first listen to this recently released 5th valume compilation of female fronted punk/indie/whatever bands from around the globe. Kamala and the Karnivores is Berkeley, California based band led by drummer and songwriter, Kamala Parks.
"Hurricane" by Katey Laurel (from Periscope)
"Keep Movin' On" by Tom Savage (from Great Beyond)
A first listen to a direct submission from this Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist. Cool stuff.
"Shine" by Amilia K. Spicer (from Wow and Flutter)
We close things out with this track from the 2017 release by California singer-songwriter Amilia K. Spicer.
VIDEO PLAYLIST
Recent and Upcoming Releases:
Recent: 1/16 - Margo Price - Stone Me (single) 1/17 - Mark Hummel - Wayback Machine (LP) 1/17 - Jonny Polonsky - "The Weeping Souls" (single) 1/17 - Them Airs - Union Suit XL (LP)(E2TG First Impression) 1/17 - Innocence Mission - See You Tomorrow (LP) 1/17 - David Dondero - The Filter Bubble Blues (LP) 1/17 - MONO INC. - "Warriors" (single) 1/17 - Damen - "Americana" (single) 1/17 - The Singing Butcher - "Circus Girl" (single)
1/17 - Simen Lyngroth - "Morning Light" (single)
1/17 - 100 Mile House - "Worth the Wait" (single) 1/19 - Merrill Beach - "Geen"/"Marimba" (single)(E2TG First Impression) 1/21 - Broads and Milly Hirst - "Happisburgh" (single) 1/22 - Davis Raines - Turquoise and Silver (LP) (E2TG First Impression) 1/24 - Kailey Nicole - Kailey Nicole (LP) 1/24 - Mrs. Henry - Live at the Casbah (LP) 1/24 - Aeronautical Pioneer - "Hop High" (single) 1/24 - Three Rivers Project - Confluence (LP) 1/24 - MONO INC. - The Book of Fire (LP) 1/24 - Dispel - Lore (LP) 1/24 - The New Nostalgia - "Nothing is New" (single) 1/24 - The Heliocentrics - "Burning Wooden Ship" (single) 1/24 - Electric High - "Harder to Justify" (single) 1/24 - J. Luke Cloutier - Drown (LP) 1/26 - Nik West - "Tears" (single) 1/28 - Motihari Brigade - Power from Below (LP) 1/29 - Remington Super 60 - NEW EP (EP) 1/31 - Eric Brace and Last Train Home - Daytime Highs and Overnight Lows (LP) 1/31 - Nick Pagliari - Midway (LP) 1/31 - Black Paisley - "Dreams" (single) 1/31 - Jolie Holland - Esconidida (Vinyl Reissue) (LP) 1/31 - John Dennis - Mortal Flames (LP) (E2TG First Impression) 1/31 - Emma Hill - How Could I Have Been So Wrong (EP) 1/31 - Ryan Sobb and the Dead Mall - Concrete Feelings (LP) (E2TG First Impression) 1/31 - Alexander Hacke (Einsturzende Neubauten) + Danielle de Picciotto (Crime and The City Solution) - The Current (LP) 1/31 - Drive-By Truckers - The Unraveling (LP) 1/31 - Kristen Englenz - "Rebound" (single) 1/31 - Damen - "Disco" (single) 1/31 - Tinsley Ellis - Ice Cream in Hell (LP) 1/31 - The Singing Butcher - "Coming Home" (single) 2/01 - Glenn Jones - Ready for the Good Times (LP)
2/02 - Karabas Barabas - Degenerate National Anthem (LP) 2/04 - Mayflower Madame - "Vultures" (single) 2/05 - Joseph Mooradian - "We all Work Too Much"/"Dash My Dreams" (single)
2/07 - Palm Ghosts - Wide Awake and Waiting (EP) 2/07 - Emily Zuzik - "Trouble" (single) 2/07 - Chicago Farmer - Flyover Country (LP) 2/07 - Surrija - "Barcelona" (single) 2/07 - The Flyin' A's - No Holds Barred (LP) 2/07 - Christopher Paul Stelling - Best of Luck (LP) 2/07 - HMS Morris - "Babanod" (single) 2/07 - Tiny Fighter- "Strangest Thing" (single) 2/07 - Wynnm - "Fire on the Moon" (single) 2/07 - The Golden Cage Society - Mira (Mini EP) 2/07 - Alienbaby Collective - "Degenerate Moon" (single) 2/07 - Eric and the Anti-Vaxxers - Timeshare Girlfriend (EP) 2/07 - Sammy Brue - "Teenage Mayhem" and "Crash Test Kid" (singles) 2/07 - Lucille - "Kerikeri" (single)
2/07 - Jon Magnusson - Always a Rebel (Live in Studio Silverräven) (single)
2/07 - Thomas Passon - "Über" (single)
2/07 - BisonBison - "Hover" (single)
2/07 - BisonBison - Hover (LP)
2/13 - Little Triggers - "Bang" (single)
2/14 - Grant Peeples - Bad Wife (LP) 2/14 - The Heliocentrics - Infinity of Now (LP) 2/14 - Johanna Kuvaja - "Back for Good" (single) 2/14 - Sarah Reynolds - "I Need Love" (single) 2/14 - Afterimage - "Six Seconds" (single) 2/14 - Kalee Smyth - "Bring Our Love Down" (single)
2/14 - Harry Stafford - "She Just Blew Me Away" (single)
2/14 - Kid Be Kid - "Blood" (single)
2/14 - Chris Maxwell - New Store No. 2 (LP)
2/18 - David J - "I Only Hear Silence Now" (single)
2/19 - Paisley Fields - "Ride Me Cowboy" (single)
2/19 - Tom Cridland - "The Laws of Success" (single)
2/21 - Sarah Morris - All Mine (LP) 2/21 - Kindergarten - Iphigenia (Reissue) (LP) 2/21 - Hot Club of L.A.- Cinema Swing (LP) 2/21 - MUUK - Balbuceo (LP) 2/21 - Aaron Beckum - Songs from a Triangle Room (EP) 2/21 - Every 13 Days - Étant Donnés (Reissue) (LP) 2/21 - Seablight - High-Rise Mannequins (EP) 2/21 - Various Artists -Typical Girls Vol. 5 (LP) 2/21 - 12xPretty - 12xPretty (LP) 2/21 - Arkane Skye - "Don't Ask Me Out" (single)
2/21 - Easy - "Crystal Waves" (single)
2/21 - Blue Lucas - "Train Station" (single)
2/21 - Stumbleine - "Supermodels" (single)
2/21 - Jesse Blake Rundle - "The Death of a Soldier" (single) 2/21 - Whitney Shay - Stand Up! (LP)
2/21 - 100 Mile House - "Test the Timber" (single)
2/22 - Charlotte Eagle Sings - Embracing the Old Ways (LP)
2/24 - Jon Magnusson - "Set Me on Fire (Live Silverraven Sessions) (single)
2/28 - Kristen Englenz - Ingenue (LP) 2/28 - Brett Ryan Stewart - "All or None" (single)
2/28 - Close Lobsters - Post Neo Anti... (LP) 2/28 - The Heliocentrics - Infinity of Now (LP)
2/28 - Scenius - "Glass Rain" (single)
2/28 - Jeffrey James - East London (EP)
2/28 - Charmless i - "Long Time Coming" (single)
2/28 - Gallary 47 - "I Wish I Was" (single)
2/28 - Xirita - "Don't Go" (single)
2/28 - Son of David - "Carry On" (single)
2/28 - Harry Stafford - "Painted Ocean" (single) 2/28 - Strange Majik - "World On Fire" (single)
2/28 - MUUK - Balbuceo (LP)
2/29 - Jimmy Who and the Night Creatures - Tinker's Blues (EP)
3/04 - Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion - Chameleon (LP)
3/04 - Iron Mike Norton - "Help Me Make It Through the Night" (single)
3/06 - Surrija - "Sylvette" (single)
3/06 - Dean Fields - While the Baby Was Sleeping (LP) 3/06 - Broads and Milly Hirst - Ollust (LP) 3/06 - The Mastersons - No Time for Love Songs (LP) 3/06 - Ghostwood Development Project (Feat. Kool Keith) - "Gulley" (single)
3/06 - The Mystery Plan - Ballad of JC Quinn (LP)
3/06 - Brian Wright and the Sneakups - "Patrick's Crossing" (single)
3/06 - Jonny Polonsky - Kingdom of Sleep (LP)
3/06 - Tiny Fighter - "Perfect Game" (single)
3/06 - African Head Charge - Drumming is a Language (LP)
3/06 - African Head Charge - Songs of Praise - reissue (LP)
3/06 - African Head Charge - Churchical Chant Of The Iyabinghi (LP)
Tomorrow!:
3/09 - Marco Bonvicini - "Colors" (single)
3/13 - The Flatmates - The Flatmates (LP) 3/13 - Kleenex Girl Wonder - Ponyoak (20th Anniversary Edition) + BLP (demos and out-takes) (LP) 3/13 - Sandwick - Reconstruct (LP) 3/13 - Foley and the Fire - "Springsteen on the Radio" (single) 3/13 - Kalee Smyth - The Ceiling (EP)
3/13 - Sha Davis - Songs I Wrote When You Left (EP)
3/13 - The Losing Touch - "Through the Night" (single)
3/13 - Gerry Gareau - Feet Off The Brakes (EP)
3/13 - Ayla Brook and the Sound Men - Desolation Sounds (LP)
3/13 - The Academy of Sun - "The Parts That Need Replacing" (single)
Upcoming:
3/18 - Marco Bonvicini - Colors (EP) 3/20 - Matt Wilson and His Orchestra - When I Was a Writer (LP) 3/20 - Chris Moyse - Bitter Ballads and Cynical Prayers (LP)
3/20 - Samuel Boller - Kingdom of the Sun (LP) 3/20 - The Blam Blams - "Isabella" (single) 3/20 - Jon Hassell - Vernal Equinox (reissue) (LP)
3/20 - Kid Be Kid - Lovely Genders (EP)
3/20 - Toni Sauna - Dead Flour (single)
3/20 - Ender Bender - "Star Killer" (single)
3/27 - Mayflower Madame - Prepared for a Nightmare (LP) 3/20 - Strange Majik - 20/20 (LP)
3/27 - Mayflower Madame - "Swallow" (single) 3/27 - Alienbaby Collective - F I S H B O W L / T E R R E S T R I A L (Double EP) 3/27 - Mairena - "Weird All the Time" (single) 3/27 - Lucille - Come on,Fly (LP)
3/27 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "Money" (single)
3/27 - Ben Reel - The Nashville Calling (LP)
3/27 - 100 Mile House - Love and Leave You (LP)
3/27 - Watermelon Slim - Traveling Man (Double Live LP)
3/27 - Lilly Hiatt - Walking Proof (LP)
3/?? - Harry Stafford - Gothic Urban Blues (LP) 4/01? - Ten Penny Gypsy - Fugitive Heart (LP)
4/02 - I Am A Rocketship - "My Nature" (single)
4/03 - Chip and the Charge Ups - Lightning in Our Veins (LP)
4/03 - Surrija - Surrija (LP)
4/03 - Stumbleine - Sink Into the Ether (LP)
4/09 - Ellison - "Sing" (single)
4/10 - Eliza Gilkyson - 2020 (LP) 4/10 - Dan Montgomery - Smoke and Mirrors (a phonographic memory) (LP) 4/10 - Pokey LaFarge - Rock Bottom Rhapsody (LP)
4/10 - The Dream Syndicate - The Universal Inside (LP)
4/13 - Pilotcan - No More Shan Goodbye (LP) 4/17 - Paul Burch and WPA Ballclub - Light Sensitive (LP)
4/16 - Destijl - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (LP)
4/17 - Aimee Stevens - "Hell is a Teenaged Girl" (single)
4/24 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "I'm Gonna Break Your Heart" (single) 4/24 - Ben Bostick - Among the Faceless Crowd (LP)
4/24 - Kyle Lalone - Somewhere In Between (EP)
4/?? - I Am A Rocketship - Ghost Stories (LP)
5/01 - BOAT - Tread Lightly (LP)
5/01 - Laura Cortese and the Dance Card - Bitter Better (LP)
5/08 - Brian Wright and the Sneak-Ups - Lapse of Luxury
5/20 - Town Meeting - Make Things Better (LP)
5/31 - Debra Power - That's How I Roll (LP)
6/05 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "None of Your Business" (single)
6/12 - Sammy Brue - Crash Test Kid (LP)
7/03 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - None of Your Business (EP)
