E2TG 3/18/2021 - The Middle Part of the Title - Offended Mix (Caravans Remix)

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Just an update:  E2TG will be taking a break next week.  I will be posting a new Featured Friday Playlist at midnight and featuring the first section of songs tomorrow, but I won't feature the rest until a week from Monday.  So, no new Featured Friday Playlist next week, but I will compiling songs for the next playlist - which will come April 2.

Anyway  - here we go with today's post!

Today, we wrap up our recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist with songs #31-36:

31. "Tears" by Leahy

We start off this segment of music with the latest from this Canadian family band - consisting of the five Leahy sisters (Julie, Erin, Maria, Siobheann, and Denise), their brother Frank, and Frank's son Xavier. A lovely song to start us off.

32. "Parabellum" by Wolfe Hybrid

Next up, we have the latest single from this duo from L.A. made up of two veterans of the film/TV business who came together in 2019. Really great track. 

33. "Alone" by VaughnBornFamous

Next, we have some alt-rock from this New Jersey native now based in L.A. Great track. 

34. "Heart Alive" by The Anahit

This new track from this band based in Budapest was released on International Women's Day and deals with the subject of domestic abuse and violence. I look forward to hearing more from this band. 

35. "War" by The Band Repent

We shift gears to bring you the most recent track from this thrash metal band from Casper, Wyoming. The band formed in August 2019 - playing their first show a couple of months later. They have an EP coming soon. I dig this. 

36. "Out With the Old" by MONOWHALES

We close things out for today and for this week's playlist with the latest single from this Toronto based band who scored a number 2 hit on the Canadian Alternative Rock chart with a previous release.  A great track to take us out. As we set the stage for a new Playlist at midnight (or so).
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2/16/2021 - Ice and Snow and Life - Long Time Gone Mix (Liverwurst Remix)

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I have always tended to like snow and icy weather. When I was a kid, it meant we were out of school and I loved playing in the snow. I guess, overall, I still do like snow- at least in theory and at least when I can stay warm inside and watch it... but I really don't like the cold or the inconvenience of it all - places closed, roads dangerous, people dangerous.  But, lately, here in Nashville, we don't get much snow, so it is kind of exciting - at least at first. 

This particular winter weather event is, I guess, a little more annoying that usual. This is supposed to be my week to "get on with life" and the snow and ice makes it feel like I am being hampered from getting on with life... 

Featured Friday Playlist (Songs 12-15)

12. "Better Days" by Jennifer Tefft

The new single from this singer-songwriter based in New England. Tefft is a cancer survivor who underwent an unexpected divorce and was just emerging into a new life of teaching music and touring around New England when the pandemic hit. This beautiful song is her response and it offers hope to many of us who have faced our own versions of her story. 

13. "Waiting on You Tonight" by Beth Lee

The debut solo album from this Austin, Texas based singer-songwriter who has released albums previously with Beth Lee & the Breakups.  This album was recorded in the East Bay area of California. Wonderful stuff. 

14. "Stars" by Brian Falduto

Next up, we have a recent single from NYC based queer country singer-songwriter Brian Falduto. A great introduction to this artist. 

15. "WFTWTE" by Arrlo

 We close out this segment of music with a recent single from this Riverside, CA indie band which is fronted by transgender male singer-songwriter Sunni Suede. An awesome song and a great way to close out this part of the playlist. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

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Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Demagogue Mix

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Time is short, so I am going to get right to it.  It is Tuesday - let's check out our Trending Tuesday shuffle!  Sorry to have to be so short-winded today.

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Sea Waiting Mix

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That was the week that was....

It's Friday!  A gloomy day in Nashville.  I've been reminded again of the incredible selection of live music going on just about every single night in many different size venues featuring all kinds of talented performers.

Last night, I went out to Dee's to see the amazingly talented Lisa Oliver Gray joined by Will Kimbrough on guitar.  These two have been important parts of the Nashville music community for many years.  The first time I saw Will Kimbrough live was over 30 years ago with his band Will and the Bushmen.

It's time for our last shuffle of the week.  And our first of February!  This is Featured Friday - which MAY include the newest of the new but also some other less recent submissions and some miscellaneous acquisitions to my personal collection of music.

Let's go!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Sue was a Charmer Mix

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Sometimes I have random thoughts about society and life and I think, gee, I wish I had a place to share these thoughts besides as  Facebook Status Updates. Then, I remember, hey! I have a blog that I post to every day.  That being said, please feel free to skip my self-indulgent rambling ahead.

*START SELF-INDULGENT RAMBLING*

Lately, there is something I have been pondering. Namely, why so many people seem to devote so much energy to music, movies, books, art, celebrities that they don't like. (For this purpose, I am excluding criticism of current government leaders - however, there is possible still some relevance). I have seen instances were an article appears about a particular band or artist or whatever, and rather heated debate ensues between those who like said artist and those who despise said artist. What is interesting to me is not the debate or posts themselves but the amount of thought and attention that goes into the comments of those who don't like... nee hate... the said artist. Like they offer detailed explanations that demonstrate a deep familiarity with the said artists work. And it seems clear that they devote a significant amount of time, energy, and head-space to the despised artist's work. And, they seem invested in trying to convince fans of said artist that they are "wrong." 

Don't get me wrong, I encourage anyone to listen to music before  dismissing an artist or album whole cloth, but I just can't understand. There are certainly bands and artists that I really do not like. I gave a listen and decided it just wasn't my thing. I don't feel compelled to "straighten out" people who actually like them. I have neither the time, energy, or inclination to dissect and analyze all the reasons I don't like their music. I get if a professional journalist is tasked with this, but as an amateur and more importantly, as a music fan, I don't understand it. There is more good music being produced than I can possibly take in (and arguably I spend more time than the average person listening to new music). If I spend time on the bands I hate, I would have even less time for the bands I love.

And yes, I do recognize the irony of using time and blog-space to even write about this. 

*END SELF-INDULGENT RAMBLING*


Speaking of new music!  I loaded even more new music into my phone last night - including a couple I am really excited to feature coming up soon.

Today is Thursday and it is time to dive back into the "2019 Trending Playlist" of the newest of the new arrivals at E2TG,

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Taken Away Mix

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E2TG's connection to Darrin Bradbury goes back to 2012 when his old band Big Wilson River was a "Featured Artist". What I didn't know is that the band was in their final days, and I never really connected with them - although I had several mutual friends.  Fast forward to late 2013 when one of those mutual friends Papa Tunes (who was a vital part of the early days of E2TG) sent me a message that Darrin was moving to Nashville and that I should keep an eye out for him. I immediately went out and found some music he had out on Bandcamp - mainly a collection of demos called The Almost Great Crepes. I was utterly blown away by his songwriting.

Darrin moved to Nashville with bassist Cameron Carrus (Buck N Stuff, Tim Carroll, Nikki Bluhm etc) and lived for a time in a car in the parking lot of a Wal Mart. He also started playing every open mic in town and meeting fellow musicians and songwriters.

Early 2014, Darrin went out on an extended tour and my life kind of fell apart.  Meanwhile, his songs started showing up in my shuffle - like every day.  Finally, in the Spring of 2014, I met Darrin in person.  In the Fall of 2014, I followed Darrin to open mics of every kind imaginable. Through him, I met a bunch of people. I began to dig myself out of a personal hole and E2TG was revitalized.

We had a lot of late night, early morning conversations when he was working the back door at The 5 Spot.

Last night, on my birthday - no less - I learned (officially) that Darrin had signed to ANTI- Records out of L.A. - the home of Tom Waits, Mavis Staples, Wilco, and so many more. I could not be more proud of him. I claim no part in his success, but I am grateful to have been along for what has been an incredible journey.

As is always the case, the road ahead is filled with unknowns, but I will happily follow along and see where and how it goes.


I need to add - there is no formula for success and I do not consider myself to have any particular skill in assessing who will or will not be a "success" (whatever that term means). I simply write about music I like and love. In the 7 and a half years of E2TG, I have written about artists/bands who I thought were incredible who are now no longer making music. I knew Darrin Bradbury was something special, but I didn't know if anyone else would ever see and know that. I am happy that it appears that some have.


Back to the here and now.   I am super-stoked about the variety and quality of the music in my new "Trending" playlist.  It's Tuesday - so let's shuffle!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Bayou Lady Mix

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Now that 2018 has been wrapped up tight, let's move back into our Trending music for 2019.  Today's shuffle comes from the new "Trending" playlist - which is new music we added in November 2018 or later.  Not sure how often I will refresh this playlist, but I want to limit the size of it. 

We have a bunch of first listens today, so let's jump right into the shuffle!