E2TG 2/24/2022 - Absolutely Nothing - Hymn Mix (singular-plural Remix)

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There is a lot of bad things in the world.  We should never ignore that fact, but I also believe it is important not to let those bad things define our lives. One can be aware and engaged and still be able to see the beauty in the moment.  For me, music has always been a way to stay grounded in the moment and even to temporarily escape from the sometimes harsh realities of the world. So, while I am trying to stay aware of what is going on right now, and I am sending thoughts of peace out into the universe - I am also grateful for the music that makes my life better.  

Last night, a great non-Americana/country/folk kind of night at The 5 Spot - with alternative/post punk/new wave night with Slark Moan and Palm Ghosts playing the Swill TV show early, and Slump Test, Bad Bad Cats, and Ghost Town Remedy playing punk music at the Decline of Southern Civilization with Shakes opening with a comedy routine and a great DJ spinning punk songs. 

Today's Greetings from Nashville is up on the archive at wxnafm.org.  Here is the direct link. 

6:00am The Profits Speak by Slump Test on Slump Test (2045724 Records DK2)

6:04am Fire Under the Bridge by Cold Equations on Ghost Town (Poor Yorick Records)

6:08am Houston Memory by The Coal Men on Kids with Songs (Funzalo Records)

6:12am Tullahoma by Nellen Dryden on Standstill (Fairfax Records)

6:15am Rome to Paris by India Ramey on Snake Handler (India Ramey Music)

6:19am Wide Awake 5AM by Megan Palmer on Take Good Care – EP (Blue Rose Music)

6:26am Tongue Kiss by Griffin Winton on I’m Not Trying to Flirt with You or Anything (Griffin Winton)

6:29am Mississippi Line by Daniel Seymour & Mark Robinson on Chug It Down and Go (Blind Chihuahua Records)

6:33am Pretty Polly (feat. Kristi Rose) by Fats Kaplin on The Fatman Cometh & World of Wonder (Deluxe Edition) (Pulp Country Records)

6:39am Lord, Take Me from This World (Live) by David Newbould on Live at the Building – EP (MondoTunes)

6:44am Festival Song by Tim Easton on You Don’t Really Know Me (Black Mesa Records)

6:47am The Alabama Waltz by Miss Tess & the Talkbacks on The Love I Have for You (Signature Sounds Recordings)

6:53am Angel of Death by Nashville Symphony Orchestra on George Whitefield Chadwick (Naxos)

Today's Shuffle is below the jump...

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2/22/2022 - Twosday - Better Love Mix (Read the Forecast Remix)

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Today's 50th Edition of Ear to the Ground radio is up on the archive at wxnafm.org.

 6:00am Sonny Boy by Owsley on Owsley (Giant)

6:01am Good Times Never Last by Sara Syms on Good Times Never Last – Single (Sara Syms)

6:04am I Can Face the Truth by Dana Cooper on I Can Face the Truth (Dana Cooper)

6:07am Tape by Evan Barber on Tape – Single (Commit Records)

6:10am Truer Than Them All by Chris Robley on Truer Than Them All – Single (Cutthroat Pop Records)

6:13am Window by Eric Bolander on Can’t Get There From Here (Eric Bolander)

6:17am Mother Earth by Rozz on Time (Nub Music)

6:19am Sweet Mary by Mathilda LEIN on SIngle (Mathilda LEIN)

6:21am Keep Multiplying by Livingmore on Keep Multiplying – Single (Livingmore)

6:28am A Girl Like You by Late TV on A Girl Like You – Single (Forcestress)

6:32am Keep Up (feat. Suavee) by Joaquin Garcia on Hearttunes (Legacy)

6:35am Progress (Or the Lack Of) by Klammer on Progress (or the lack of) [Single] (Heavy Metal Records)

6:38am Entertainment by Tangled Up on Silk Embroidered Light – EP (Knife Hits Records)

6:45am Looks Floating by No One from No Place on Single (Independent)

6:49am Parasite by Original Son on Currents (Sell the Heart Records)

6:52am Faceless by Human Issue on Faceless. Nameless. – EP (Rad Girlfriend Records)

6:55am Believing (feat. Grainne McCarthy) [Instrumental] by Danny G & the Major 7ths on The Lookout Instrumentals (Instrumental) (Hipdrop Records)

Today's shuffle is below....

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2/15/2022 - 88 Years - Lightning Rods Mix (Dissonance Mix Remix)

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Today's Membership Drive edition of Ear to the Ground radio is up on the archive at WXNA - LINK HERE.

6:00am Sonny Boy by Owsley on Owsley (Giant)

6:02am Bullet or Gun (feat. Sean Quinn and the Tremblers) by The Tasty Brothers on Bullet or Gun (feat. Sean Quinn and the Tremblers) – Single (Palatable Records)

6:07am Come on Back to Bowling Green and Marry Me by Jon Latham on Single (Cafe Rooster Records)

6:11am ARE YOU HAVING a GOOD TIME? (feat. Dani Kobrin & Sally Dolphin) by VOTEFORSAMMO on ARE YOU HAVING a GOOD TIME? (feat. Dani Kobrin & Sally Dolphin) – Single (the sky is violet)

6:17am Heavy Metal by Sophie & The Broken Things on Heavy Metal – Single (Petaluma Records)

6:21am Ooh La La by Afton Wolfe & Cary Hudson on Ooh La La – Single (Grandiflora Records)

6:26am Bluebird (feat. Tom Kimmel) by Dana Cooper on Bluebird (feat. Tom Kimmel) – Single (Dana Cooper)

6:32am All Souls Hill by The Waterboys on All Souls Hill (Pheromone Recordings)

6:35am Talon by Elkyn on Holy Spirit Social Club (Tambourine Machine Records)

6:39am It Is Finished When It’s Destroyed by The Academy Of Sun on It Is Finished When It’s Destroyed – Single (Heaven’s Lathe)

6:42am Happier Things by Studio Electrophonique on Happier Things – Single (Violette Records)

6:46am Blowing off the World by David Heatley on Life Our Own Way (Dream Puppy)

6:50am Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out (Live) by Old Salt on Live in Room 13 – EP (Old Salt)

6:53am Always a Rebel by Georg Nielsen on Always a Rebel – Single (Georg Nielsen)

6:59am Pulse by Jori Larres on Intervals (Jori Larres)

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2/10/2022 - 2 Years - Umbrella Mix (The Show Remix)

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It looks like the archive from this morning's Greetings from Nashville is not yet available, but when it is it can be found HERE. (UPDATE - NOW AVAILABLE)

Here is the playlist:

6:00am Greetings from Nashville by Jason and The Scorchers on Still Standing (EMI/EMI Records (USA))

6:01am Devil Weed and Me by Area Code 615 on Trip in the Country (ODL)

6:07am Watchin’ TV (With the Radio On) by Barefoot Jerry on Watchin’ TV (With the Radio On) (Legacy Recordings)*

6:11am Back Porch Gettin’ Down by Mac Gayden on Come Along (Arena Recordings)

6:16am Everlasting Love by U2 on The Best of 1980-1990 & B-Sides (UMC (Universal Music Catalogue))

6:21am Everlasting Love by Gloria Estefan on The Essential Gloria Estefan (Epic/Legacy)

6:25am Schöne Weihnachtszeit (Instrumental) by Guildo Horn on Weihnachten mit Guildo (Gassenhauer Musikverlag)

6:29am When by Joe Simon on …Better Than Ever (Sound Stage 7)

6:32am Hayride by Gary Lewis & The Playboys on The Liberty Singles Collection (Capitol Records)

6:36am Breakaway by The Valentines on Sensational Soul, Vol 4 (Shami Media Group)

6:36am Rainbow Valley by Love Affair on The Everlasting Love Affair (Columbia)

6:42am I’m Leavin’ It All Up to You by Linda Ronstadt on Silk Purse (Capitol Records)

6:44am Sounds of the City by Dianne Davidson on Perigon: Full Circle (Dianne Davidson)*

6:49am It’s Alright by Bobby Bare on The Essential Bobby Bare (Columbia Nashville Legacy)

*Updates/Disclaimers: Although Mac Gayden played on and wrote several songs on the first Barefoot Jerry album, he is not on the album I played from.  Also, Gayden is associated with Dianne Davidson's Perigon: Full Circle - he did not play on the track I picked.  

I'm still pleased with how the show came out. 

Today's shuffle is below the jump:

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 11/23/2021 - The Return - Roofdancer Mix (James Dean Remix)

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I am back.  I got in late tonight so there was no Ear to the Ground radio show this morning.  

Here is the details of last Thursday's Greetings from Nashville - ARCHIVE HERE 

6:01am Greetings from Nashville by Jason and The Scorchers on Still Standing (EMI/EMI Records (USA))

6:01am In the Room by Paul Zografi on In the Room (Zografi Music)

6:04am Hip Replacement by Andy Peake on Mood Swings (Biglittle Records)

6:09am No Truth Pt. 1: Loping by Carrus & Kurtz on The Genius of… Vol 1: There Are No Words (Halfway Rock Music)

6:14am Invisible Scars (feat. Irakli Gabriel and Anana Kaye) by The Tasty Brothers on Single (The Tasty Brothers)

6:18am Let It Be by Mt Vice on Let It Be – Single (Mt Vice)

6:21am Dream by Mac Gayden on Come Along (Arena Recordings)

6:25am Before Love and War by Jason Ringenberg on Rhinestoned (Courageous Chicken Entertainment)

6:32am The Death of James Dean by Mighty Joe Nolan on The Death of James Dean – Single (Mighty Joe Nolan)

6:34am Childish Things by Will Payne Harrison on The Stratford Sessions – EP (Will Payne Harrison)

6:38am Down the Stretch They Come by Tim Carroll on Slippery Slope (594509 Records DK)

6:41am Raymond and the Wires by Robyn Hitchcock on Robyn Hitchcock (Yep Roc Records)

6:46am It’s a Sin by Will Kimbrough on I Like It Down Here (Daphne Records)

6:50am Lovely Lady by Father Sunn on Emblem EP (Father Sunn)

6:53am I Want You Around by Sour Ops on X (Feralette Media)

6:57am Searchlight (Live) by Jack Silverman on Live at the 5 Spot (Centripetal Force)

I am planning a special Thanksgiving edition of Greetings from Nashville on Thursday morning. Not all the songs are specifically about Thanksgiving but they fit in my mind - you'll see...

Thursday morning at 6am only on WXNA 101.5FM or wxnafm.org

Today's shuffle below....

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 11/17/2021 - Fast March toward the End of the Year - One of the People Mix (Excited Remix)

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Last post of the week - until Tuesday actually - Shuffle below the jump 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 11/16/2021 - 2nd Tuesday in November - Old News Mix (Full Moon Remix)

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The archive from this morning's show is available HERE. 

Here is the Playlist 

6:00am Sonny Boy by Owsley on Owsley (Giant)

6:01am Caroline’s Corner Cafe by Kiely Connell on Calumet Queen (Kiely Connell)

6:05am Carolina by Mabilene on Carolina – Single (Mabilene Music)

6:10am How Lonely by Van Plating on How Lonely – Single (Fallin’ Angel Records)

6:14am Love and Confusion by MAKAR on Fancy Hercules (Makar)

6:17am The Way I Am by Bee Taylor on The Way I Am – Single (1221014 Records DK)

6:19am Trouble (feat. Logan Ledger) by Sophie & The Broken Things on Trouble (feat. Logan Ledger) – Single (PETALUMA RECORDS)

6:23am Neither One of Us Is Wrong by Phoebe Hunt & The Gatherers on Neither One of Us Is Wrong (Popped Corn Records)

6:28am Turn Away by Livingmore on Turn Away – Single (Livingmore)

6:30am In My Time of Dying by Jackson Lynch on All by My Ownsome (Jalopy Records)

6:33am Un American by Jeff Crosby on Un American – Single (Jeff Crosby)

6:37am Aint It Amazing by Matthew Paige on Aint It Amazing – Single (Matthew Paige)

6:39am Stay at Home Shuffle by The N-95’s on Stay at Home Shuffle – Single (Antibody Records)

6:45am Young Empire by Palm Ghosts on The Lost Frequency (Ice Queen Records)

6:48am Rabbit Hole (Live in Session) by False Heads on Live from a Blackstar – EP (Riff Factory)

6:54am Montana Slim by The Consecutives on The Consecutives, Vol. 2 (The Consecutives)

 

    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 9/01/2021 - September Song - Ark of Godiva Mix (City Lights Remix)

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We are approaching the official (and symbolic) end of summer with some cooler temperatures here in Nashville.  

Let's go with some September 1 music!

Featured Friday Playlist recap (part 4 - the penultimate post) (songs 21-24):

21. "Until the Summer Ends" by I Am Boleyn

First up today, we have the new single from a synth-pop artist who divides time between London and Stockholm.  I Am Boleyn grew up in St. Petersburg, Russia, went to Oxford to study history, and has been writing songs since she was young. 

22. "Don't Follow Where They Lead" by Ed Ryan

Formerly of the 1970s power pop band The Rudies, Ed Ryan just  released his 4th album on the Kool Kat Musik label, and we have the title track. 

23. "Nite Vibes" by Joey Joseph

Cincinnati based Joey Joseph (Pomegranates) just released his sixth album in five years, and we have the title track. A cool, glam/disco vibe here. Cool stuff. 

24. "Never Go Home" by Payton Howie

And, we close this segment of the playlist with the new single from country singer Payton Howie. An ode to summer fun. 

 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 11/11/2020 - Mid-Week Holiday - Drug Store Wine Mix (Everything Remix)

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Today is Veteran's Day - a time to pause and remember those who served our nation in the military. 

I have the day off work. In the past, I have taken a day off from blogging when I am off work, but I am choosing today to press on. 

Our Featured Friday Playlist recap rolls on with songs 22-26:

22. "Medicine" by The Sea at Midnight

Starting things off we have LA based postpunk band The Sea at Midnight with a track from the  debut self-titled album. Really great stuff that reminds of a lot of great bands I love. 

23. "Dosed" by Arran Sym

Coincidentally, we follow up a song called "Medicine" with a song called "Dosed".  This is a track from the another debut - this time the EP 1000 Micrograms of Love via Scottish producer and artist Arran Sym.  Really digging this. 

24. "Illinois by Numbers" by Moral Mazes

Next up, we have a great new track from Moral Mazes - which features members of Jawbox, The Bomb, Airstream Futures,  and more.  This is from a recently released 7".

25. "White and Black Angels" by Monsieur Minimal

This is our third time (unless I lost count) featuring Greek artist Monsieur Minimal - we had previously featured the track Easteria - which is the title track from his new album.  

26. "The Distances" by Cosmopolis

There has definitely been a mood and feel to this segment of music, and this new single from global band Cosmopolis is a great way to close it out. The band's members are from UK, Belgium, and Australia.  

Tomorrow - we wrap up this week's playlist - with songs 27-31...
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 10/27/2020 - Vote Angry - End of the World Mix (Rainy Day Remix)

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I, like a lot of people I know, are feeling a variety of emotions today about the appointment of an unqualified judge to a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court mere days before the election.  

My words today are a reminder to vote, if you haven't. In Tennessee, we have until October 29 to early vote - take advantage of that opportunity.  If you don't early vote, election day is one week from today - make a plan and vote. 

If you are angry - vote angry.  Just vote.  You may be demoralized or depressed or scared - all valid emotions but vote anyway - vote your conscience and vote from a place of hope and love - even as you are feeling contradictory emotions. 

Don't let anything stop you from voting. If you, like me, are in a "Red State" which seems likely to vote for certain people - still vote. I believe as young people become part of the voting population and as demographics change - the state will change - be an inspiration to those future voters - do teach them that voting doesn't matter.

Since I brought up "Red States" and "Blue States", I need to say, I do not want to ever hear another U.S. President use those terms. In my opinion those terms should be reserved for the maps on television on election night. Using them as absolutes, just further pushes the American people apart. Every state is populated by people who hold a variety of positions on a variety of issues. Not to mention that demographics across a state can vary.  It is hard to think about at a time when our divisions seem so stark and so wide, but we have to envision a path where we go back to finding common ground and negotiating our difference to find a common solution. 

Onward - 

Our recap of this Week's Featured Friday Playlist continues with songs 16-20

16. "More Than an Icon" by The Plastic Pals

Our favorite Swedish twin guitar psychedelic garage paisley powerpop band back with a new single. We have been following this band for a while, and they are awesome. 

17. "Ooh Child" by A.J. Croce

Nashville's A.J. Croce just released this song ahead of his covers album By Request - due out next February. This is a cover of a 1970 song by Chicago soul group The Five Stairsteps. Croce is the son of the legendary Jim Croce.

18. "Precipice Forgiveness (Flow is On)" by Raveis Kole

Next up, we have a really incredible sonic experience courtesy of the bicoastal duo Raveis Kole.  Their new release is called 3D Immersive which as the title suggests promises intense and immersive auditory experience. This opening track begins with Middle Eastern sounds and goes on the encapsulate the duo's diverse range of influences. I highly recommend checking this out.

19. "Blindfold" by Cellarscape

Our friend Paul Terry who is known for his innovative film music work as well as his band Cellarscape who we have featured previously via his album Exo Echo - is back with a new single. Great to hear some new music from an old favorite. 

20. "Lookout Mountain" by Andrew Weiss and Friends

And we close out this segment of music with the title track from the new EP by Long Island native Andrew Weiss and his friends. Solid songwriting and a great sound. A nice place to leave off our recap until tomorrow. 

Tomorrow - we will pick up with songs 21-25 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 8/19/2020 - Setting Course - Holy Mess Mix (72 Oz. Steak Remix)

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Whew... this week has been on a fast track for me. I realized that I never wrote my thoughts yesterday and now, I'm not sure what they were.. today, I am thinking about life as a journey and how I tend to be a bit aimless at times. But, I think it is good to have a destination in mind and to start off with a course set- it is just that along the way life happens and your course my change (and that change may be permanent) but that when that change happens it is good to reset your course - even if that means picking a new destination.  I don't think it is good to remain bound by decisions made at an earlier time when a person, their world, the world might have been different. 

I am saying this mostly for my self.  I tend to spend too much time overthinking and re-thinking my decisions, and I sometimes ask myself what would 18 year old (or whatever age) Joe think about where I am now, but I am here today to tell myself that that isn't a fair question. 18 year old Joe didn't have the experiences I have, he didn't know the state of the world in 2020 vs. 1984.  The fairer question is what does 54 year old Joe think about where I am in my life, and if he isn't happy with something - what can I do to change it? 

Today, we recap four more songs from this week's Featured Friday Playlist: Songs 14-17

14. "What More Could I Say?" by Ivan Moult

Welsh singer-songwriter Ivan Moult just released two new songs - two years after his Longest Shadow LP.  The airy track served as a great introduction of his music to me, and a great addition to our playlist. The other new song is called "Toxic".

15. "As a Matter of Fact" by The Furious Seasons

Next up, we have our first listen to La Fonda - the new album from Los Angeles folk rock trio, The Furious Seasons - led by singer-songwriter David Steinhart. This is a stunning song, and a great reminder of my why I do what I do - this is new-to-me music with decades of experience behind it, and it serves as a reminder of how much great music is left to be "discovered".

16. "Bikers" by Neighborhood Texture Jam

Thanks to a short Playlist this week, I was able to indulge myself and include this track celebrating the release of Funeral Mountain on streaming services. It is the debut album by the incendiary Memphis band - known for having a member dedicated to providing "texture" via 55 gallon oil drums, hubcaps and more. The album was released in 1990, and I can't remember if I had heard of the band during my short time in Memphis or if the cover/title/band name just caught my attention in the record store... but I do know that I was not prepared for what I was to hear. The band had the attitude and energy of punk, but there was so much more going on here. The lyrics were crass, offensive, shocking - at times funny but always dark, and I loved very minute of the album. 

17. "Never Die" by Soft Set 

I hope the extremely sharp turn didn't give anyone whiplash... we wrap up this segment of music with one side of the new 7" single from this Toronto melodic indie rock duo. The songs were  produced by Mark Gardener of Ride. This is their debut single. 

Tomorrow, we wrap up this week's Playlist with songs 18-21....
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Shame Mix

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I'm a bit pushed for time...  I was going to stay in last night, but after I got some things done for the Fall E2TG Residency, I decided to venture out to $2 Tuesday.

Joseph Bradshaw opened the show. He is a young Nashville based singer-songwriter, and I was very impressed with his songs.

Ohio based The Vindys were next making their Nashville debut.  Really good soulful music. 

Ben Stalets, also from Ohio, was next. Very entertaining and amusing performance - a great songs.

As always Derek Hoke brought it, backed by his regular rhythm section (Mark Robertson and Steve Latanation) and joined last night by Thayer Serrano on keyboard.

Hoke and Serrano were also part of the last act - called Magenta.  It was a thirty minute improv psyche jam that also featured Steven Cooper and Michael Zimmerman among others. A great ending to the night.

Today, Darrin Bradbury announced the release date for his first album on ANTI- Records - it is September 20.  He also released the title track - called Talking Dogs and Atom Bombs. I am so excited for Darrin and for the people who will experience his unique vision and voice. Of course, since you read E2TG, you have been in the know for years now.

Onward! We have a Wild Wednesday shuffle that features some new music and some not new music. Let's go!

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Friends with Benefits Mix

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I am going to link to yesterday's shuffle which didn't get posted until today as to avoid the social media faux pas of making two posts back to back. 

Check out the awesome Trending Tuesday Shuffle.  HERE

Today's Wild Wednesday Shuffle - lives up to the name - as we have songs that span 91 years.

I have to be a little quick so bear with me.

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Wall of Indifference Mix

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While I have been trying to post as much "new music" as possible over the last several weeks, I steadfastly refuse to skip my "Wild Wednesday" shuffle.  Basically it is classic E2TG - where recent music resides next to classics from my collection which reside next to lesser known gems of various vintages....

I always look forward to what the shuffle will pull up, and I am almost never disappointed. Case in point....

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - For Heather Mix

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Well, it sure is good to be back....

******************************************************************************
Like many people, my uneasy mind is centered on the events that occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend.  I am sickened and saddened by so much. The senseless violence, the hate, the tepid response of the President... so much.  Denouncing Nazis and White Supremacists should be something that most Americans can agree upon and unite around, but it appears that is not the case. So many on the Right echo the response of the President and deflect with false equivalency or blame Obama (apparently for daring to be black and President for eight years).  Are there hate groups that are not Nazi's and White Supremacists? Sure. But that is not the topic today. As I have been saying on a regular basis since January, the current administration has placed people who hold the same views as those who lead the protests in Virginia into positions of power within the government.  Those people support this current President and believe they have his tacit approval for their actions. They seem to be correct. While I am happy that some Republican leaders are opening critical of the President's initial response (for the record, I am aware that he made some sort of speech today, but I have not had a chance to hear or read his words), but until and unless they use their positions to deal with this existential threat to our country and way of life, they are complicit in what is happening.

I do not have many solutions today. Except, I know I must speak out against fascism in any way I can, that I must work to free myself from the power of hate and fear, and that I must try my best to be a force for good in the world.

As I often write, there are many complex issues facing this country and this world. For many of this issues there is room and indeed benefit from health debate and compromise... fighting and speaking out against fascism and white supremacy is not one of this issues. A lot of good people in Germany in the 1930s remained silent. They did not actively support Hitler and the Nazis, but in their unwillingness to speak up and fight against that evil, they were complicit. I will not be complicit with the dark forces at work in our nation today.

I offer music as the only thing I know to help right now... This is for Heather Heyer.  If we allow the Nazi's to win, here name will be just the first of many victims. We cannot and must not let that happen...
********************************************************************************  

I am glad to be back, and I really needed the break on many different levels.  In clearing my head, I have a vision for E2TG going forward that I will work very hard to make real. I have given much thought and I think it is important that E2TG be what is supposed to be.  My goal is simply to do my part to help connect music with music lovers. I do so primarily through the use of my morning shuffles. I will occasionally do other types of posts, but that is not primarily what I do. I need to keep my focus and keep finding new ways to do what I do better. More on this soon.

I was fortunate to get to spend one wonderful day in Athens, Georgia at Athens Popfest. I sure wish I could have stayed longer, but what a day!  I got to see E2TG faves, The Foresters tear things up in their festival set. The band and some friends (including members of Discount Ravioli - who I have also written about - and Atticus Floyd who I have also written about) got to join The Apples in stereo on stage at the Georgia Theater.  The video showed it for the wonderful moment it was.

I also got to see another band we have featured here - The Veldt for North Carolina. Live - the completely blew me away - maybe one of my favorite live performances of the year.

Well, it is Monday and I am now short on time - so let's get to the Music City Monday shuffle....

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Sh*t Motel Mix

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So much on my mind....  Thinking about people hurting and dealing with losses.  I rather glibly posted last week about emerging from a "blue funk", but I have known depression and depression is much more than a "blue funk". It's often not something one can just "get over" or "think about all the good things" to overcome. Like other forms of mental illness it is just that - an illness. Same with addiction. We use the terms addicted, addiction, addict rather casually about our obsessions with our phones or Facebook or various game.  And while things like that CAN rise to the level of addiction - the are usually just bad habits. I think people who can overcome bad habits with will-power or some variant of that - fail to understand and with addiction - at some point the power to make those choices goes away.  Lectures, discussions of consequences, reminds of what can and will be lost - all those are bound to fail.

There is hope, though, for addiction and mental illness. I have had my dark moments - really dark, and I am fortunate enough to have lived to see the light. Not everyone is that fortunate.

I don't always know what I should do or say... For now, I'll just offer a light, extend a hand, and play some music....

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I do need to give a shout out to Mark Robinson for his excellent CD Release Show Saturday. My daughter and I had a great time.  If you haven't done so, get a copy of his new CD, Live at The 5 Spot. You'll thank me later for the tip.


It is Monday, and we shuffle up some locally sourced music from our "Music City" playlist.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Time Square Mix

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#tfw someone who has no knowledge or concern about history nonetheless makes ignorant and offensive comments about history...
Hey ho!  It is May - which means that E2TG turns six years old this month!  As I hope you already know, we will be throwing a month-long party to celebrate.  It all begins this coming Wednesday May 3 with Mark Robinson Band taking to The 5 Spot stage.  There are sure to be surprises.  I will be reading a short section from my forthcoming novel.  Beer koozies will be given away.  Drinks will flow, and the music will be smoking.  All for a $5.00 cover.  5:30pm doors 6:00 showtime.  Be there so you don't have to lie about it later!

Upcoming shows:

May 10 - Jon Latham (Full Band) and special guests

May 17 - David Olney (Band) and Sergio Webb (Band)

May 24 - Cafe Rooster Night with Sally Jaye, Brian Wright, Darrin Bradbury, and Jon Latham

May 31 - Amelia White and the Blue Souvenirs with special guest FuzzQueen (from Washington D.C).

Okay - it is Monday when we explore Nashville connected music from the past and present....

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - A Whisper in the Dark Mix

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Jumping back into the daily grind after an enjoyable weekend with my daughter and another fun recording for a future Double Shot show...

A quick reality check: Right now in America (2017), Customs agents are stopping domestic travelers and demanding papers.  Among the high profile people detained under the guidance from the Republican administration:  a noted children's author, an American Olympic medalist, the son of Muhammad Ali, and (chillingly) a note historian who specializes in studies of the Holocaust.  This is not the America I have known my whole life.

The Republican administration (which has placed white nationalists in positions of power) has made up three different "terrorist" attacks to justify a travel ban.  And, they have remained silent to real terror attacks by white nationalists on people of color across the country.

Resist! Persist!
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Okay - to music...  First of all, because I don't get to say this every day - check out The Voice on NBC tonight to see and hear my friend and Earie award winner Taylor Alexander!

Reminder!  Details coming very soon, but #E2TG will be taking over The 5 Spot every single Wednesday in May (there are 5 of them). It's all to celebrate the 6th Anniversary of this blog.  I cannot wait to tell you who you will be seeing and hearing, but it's going to be great!

On Monday, we shuffle up songs from our Music City playlist - featuring songs with Nashville connections....

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Armor Mix

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After a wonderful weekend with family (and an exhausting drive back to Nashville), it is back to the daily grind.

I really want E2TG to stay completely focused on music, and I look forward to those days; however, as I have said before and will say again, we are living in extraordinary times. My concerns are not solely based upon the fact that I ideologically do not agree with decisions being made (although I do not), it is more about the manner they are being made, the malice and darker motives which seem to be at work, and the unmistakable parallels between the first week of this presidency and what history tells us about fascist regimes.  It is encouraging to see the mass protests (my word to all who oppose what is happening is, pace yourselves and take care of yourselves. It is also encouraging to see the party leaders of the president's own party beginning to speak out. There is a ton of information out there - factual information - unbiased... groups of people are being attacked and put at risk. The time to fight that is now - not just when you are part of one of the groups under attack.

I realize that some who read this blog may not agree with me on any or all points above. To those who don't, I don't ask you to leave or stop reading... I say simply - keep an open mind, don't follow blindly, look at yourself and be willingly to speak up even against those on your "side". This is the same advice I give to those who do happen to agree with me.

In the end, I believe in love and truth. I do not condone violence. Love in an action. So, go out in love today.

Meanwhile, I do have some Monday tunes from the Music City...