E2TG 5/12/2022 - Here We Are Now... - Rock Box Mix (Medicine Remix)

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Today's Greetings from Nashville is up on the archive at wxnafm.org.  Included on the show today was an exclusive sneak peak of the new single from E2TG favorite Andrew Adkins.   You can listen to the show by clicking THIS DIRECT LINK.

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

6:02am Broken Fangs by ANDREW ADKINS on Broken Fangs – Single (Cosmosis Oceans)

6:06am Dial Tone by Andrew Leahey & The Homestead on American Static, Vol. 2 (Mule Kick Records)

6:10am My Love by Nathan Kalish on My Love – Single (JTMMusic)

6:14am (Below the) Old Saguaro by Neil O’neil on Modern Agriculture – EP (35mm Records)

6:18am Tavern by the Sea by Rocky Bottom on Mr. Nothing (Rocky Bottom)

6:22am Pop Rocks & Coke by Los Straitjackets on Jet Set (Bonus Track Version) (Yep Roc Records)

6:24am Meet Me at the Drive-In by Ned Hill on By the Light of the Radio (WhistlePig Records)

6:29am Hey Robin by Tom Mason on What You Will: Songs from and Inspired by William Shakespeare’s 12th Night (Tom Mason)

6:33am Mrs Ernst’s Piano by Afton Wolfe on Kings for Sale (CEN)

6:39am Breathe in, Breathe Out by Sarah Clanton on Here We Are (Sarah Clanton)

6:41am Let U Down by Those Darlins on Screws Get Loose (Oh Wow Dang)

6:46am Bet No One Ever Hurt This Bad by Miss Tess & the Talkbacks on The Love I Have for You (Signature Sounds Recordings)

6:49am Save The Children (feat. Jamila Woods & Jason Eskridge) by Devon Gilfillian on What’s Going On (Capitol Records)

6:56am Pool Party by Tower Defense on In the City (yk Records)

6:56am Baby Steps by The Lilliston Effect on The Funky Turducken (1464074 Records DK)

We also have our daily shuffle which you can check out below the jump!

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - I'm Easy Mix

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On a warm, overcast  Wednesday morning - fresh off another night out that reminded me again of the amazing live music scene in Nashville (amazing in the sense of the amount of talent and the number of options any given night).  We take a break from our focus on "new music" for a always fun - Wild Wednesday shuffle that includes an eclectic mix of new and not-so-new music from a variety of sources. 


Let's shuffle!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - My Mission Today Mix

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ICYMI:  Earlier today, we posted our first ever E2TG Election Day Special with some new election day releases from Paul Maged and Flying Buffaloes. Read it HERE.

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

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!)
E2TG October 2018  (coming soon!)


Well, it is Election Day 2018.  I hope you checked out our Election Special post (link up top of this post).

I'm definitely going to need music and lots of it to get me through the anxiety of the day...

Let's start with a shuffle filled with tons of first listens (including some new releases from some E2TG faves).  Plus some returning favorites.

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - You Could Really Get It On Mix

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The Magnolia Roads American Roots Hoedown III kicks off in two days. We have been helping to spread the word about this cool event because:

1.  It features some awesome musicians - several of whom have been featured on E2TG
2. It's being held in two of my favorite places to hang out.
3. They asked if we would.
4. That's the kind of blog we are.
(not necessarily in that order)

If you have missed or want to relive my preview posts - they can be found here:

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3

Meanwhile, it is Wednesday and that is the day things get "Wild" here at E2TG.  We call it "Wild Wednesday" because the shuffle on Wednesday comes from all the songs saved to my phones memory.

Let's go!

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Exotic Calls Mix

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A little over a year ago, I first began posting an occasional "political" commentary on E2TG. As I stated then, it was not something I wanted to do and that I did not really consider most of what I wrote as "political" (although it can be a fine line sometimes). As I intimated then, and still feel strongly today, there should be room at the table for people who hold a wide variety of political and social positions. At it's ideal and best, the United States (and our leaders) should be a shining example of lively debate and measured compromise.  Where we find ourselves now is embroiled and entrenched in hyper-partisanship and obstruction. Our elections are compromised in so many ways. The effects of Citizen's United (an Orwellian named law) are devastating to democracy and harmful to the republic. Voter suppression, gerrymandering, and unchecked foreign influences are the nails in the coffin.

I am cautiously hopeful about the mid-term elections, and I still cannot imagine that the current president will last his full term - but even if everything goes the way I want it to, we will still have miles to go...

I try not to let it get me down.  I do what I can, but the results are mostly not within my control. Life can still be a beautiful thing. Friendships and family and the beauty of the world. The mysteries of science and time and space surround us.

For me, music remains a source of strength. Songs that comfort, songs that excite, songs that motivate action, songs that inspire....

E2TG has provided me with an incredible opportunity to hear a ton of music that I might otherwise never hear, and to meet talented people who are pushing against long odds and seeming disinterest at times - to do what they feel compelled to do....

So, I push on - as I approach seven years of E2TG - offering my small contribution by putting music out there hopefully in an interesting way.

Let's shuffle the "New Music" playlist on this Trending Tuesday.

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Please RSVP Mix

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Marching on into the week. The news of the world continues to depress and terrify me. I continue to take comfort in good music and knowing there are good people in this world.

Speaking of good music, I am inching closer to beginning to reveal the bands/artists who will be playing the E2TG 7th Anniversary Residency (Thursdays in June at The 5 Spot). I will tell you that we will have a current E2TG Artist of the Year and a past E2TG Band of the Year. Plus lots of surprises. Stay tuned!  Once the lineup is revealed, I will not shut up about it.

It is Tuesday, and that is the day, we dig into our "New Music" playlist and shuffle it up to see what comes to the surface that we will say is "Trending" on E2TG.

Let's shuffle:

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Shake 'n' Bake Mix

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My spirits were lifted a bit by a fun evening.  Recorded a future Double Shot show with Sue and Mark. Then, headed to Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge for another awesome Madison Guild Monday. This time hosted by E2TG favorite Andrew Adkins.  In addition to Adkins, the night saw a great performance by Daryl Dasher - who I had seen before, and  a few folks I had a not seen Ariana Hodes, Mike Wheeler, and Bri Murphy.  A couple of performers were unable to be there, so in typical Nashville/Madison fashion, some special guests helped fill the bill. Bryant Carter (who I saw for the first time) and three E2TG favorites (including two past E2TG Artists of the Year (Nick Nace, Jon Latham, and Darrin Bradbury).  All that and I great hang with some awesome folks.

I have a ton of music that I need to get added to my new music playlist, I will hopefully get to that tonight.  In the meantime, let's clear some space.

It's Tuesday. Here's what trending today!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Stuff Dreams are Made Of Mix

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Last night, I got a good and much needed dose of rock and roll- checking out Snakehips and Smoky White Devils at The 5 Spot.

Tonight is the long awaited CD release show for Rayvon Pettis' Dying Light album.  I am pretty sure I wrote about this album last year, and I got to hear a preview several months back.  I am so excited for people to hear this album.

So, I have one Earie to give out before we get to the shuffle. Over the course of this year,  I have found myself reading about what my friends are up to and saying, "Man, they are killing it!" And yes this happens a lot with musical performers but as often it has been people in other fields (closely or loosely or completely connected to music) (music is kind of a big part of my life).  So, I have several winners of the "Killing It"* award.  This is not an exhaustive list, but all of these folks are infinitely deserving.

1. Hayden Coleman (and not just because I accidentally tagged him in yesterday's post) - I have featured Hayden's own music several times in the past. He is a hip-hop producer and a rapper - who has been immersed in that world for much of his life. In 2017, Coleman has been busy as a producer, co-writer, and guest performer.   Most notably (perhaps) on Morgan Bosman's cool track "Runaway". Check out the video where Hayden can be seen running...




2.  Lindsy Davis - I met Lindsy - as I did so many people - through Darrin Bradbury.  You may recall she drew the cover image for Bradbury's The Story of Bob" album.  You member the devilishly handsome man on the cover. That, though, is just the tip of her talents. She is an extraordinary visual artist, this year she ventured into tattoo artistry. For me, she is inspiring in the way she has carved out a niche for herself in this town and continues to chip away and grow that niche.

3. Stacie Huckeba - To be honest, Stacie used to kind of scare me, but that was probably more about me than her. I know that Stacie has had a difficult year, but through that, she has managed to continue to kick ass as a photographer, writer, advocate, and just generally all around awesome person. She is up for East Nashvillian of the Year - which I think she richly deserves, but I don't get to vote on that one (as far as I know), but I get all the votes on the Earies.

4. Chad Cochran - I had been aware of Chad's photography - mostly his art photography of incredible landscapes - for a couple of years. I think I followed him on Instagram before I ever met him.  He still produces some of the most visually stunning landscape photographs I have ever seen, but in 2017 (and before) he has been killing it with his photos of musical performers - both on and off stage.

All of these folks motivate me to do more, and I am happy to know them.

*I know some people hate the phrase "killing it" (and to be honest, my use is somewhat ironic but I mean it with the utmost respect and admiration)


Okay - on we  go to the shuffle and perhaps a few more  Earies...

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Drums are Two Books Mix

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I have been thinking quite a bit about the state of the world and this country. Since November of last year, and especially since January of this year, I have been in a near constant state of anxiety and depression.  It is hard to separate political differences.  Whereas, I may find certain actions/bills/pronouncements to be abhorrent (gutting protections of the environment and our most vulnerable citizens). These are at least things that can be assessed and debated and hopefully corrected in a democratic (small d) venue. (Although, I have serious concerns about the legitimacy of our democratic process).

But, it is the abusive and offensive tweets, the thinly (if that) veiled racist comments, the boorish behavior.... how any decent person can defend these things is confounding and troubling. There really is no modern precedent for this in the United States. I try to imagine a president that I supported, and who puts forth ideas in line with my values - behaving this way. To be honest, it's very difficult to imagine, but I cannot believe that I would actively support this behavior.  I am sure it would be difficult to admit that I was wrong about someone, but I like to believe I would do the right thing. 

Of course, the flaw in that is that the current president did not conceal his behavior until elected. He was upfront about just how awful he was.  So that is where the, what if falls apart, because I would never vote for someone who acted that way even if they seemed to support things that I support.


The rash of public figures being exposed and facing consequences for their sexual behavior is likewise troubling.  It is a complex issue to be sure. It is odd which people are facing consequences and which are not. And there is likely overreaction is some cases, but not all.

Two thoughts have occurred to me - societal "norms" that I think are contributing factors to this situation. 1. Is the way men are "taught" to behave from a young age. Expectation of masculinity, poor role models  2.  The way people in position of real or imagined power or prestige are treated. You see this from the highest positions with national governments and Fortune 500 companies, and down to the smallest organizations and social structures. If someone is in a position of power, they are not to be questioned or criticized. The idea of following orders without question. Excusing or ignoring or covering up abuses of that power.

Anyway, all of that is just me trying to wrap my mind around the awful circumstances of the world today.
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On with the shuffle....

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Horse and Carriage Mix

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Well... the state of the world and all has me a little down and anxious, and quite frankly pissed off.

And, as I always do, I seek out solace in music. 

Last night it was the final show of Bill Lloyd's 3 out of 4 week November residency. I was captivated as ever by his grasp of the nuances of what makes a great pop song. And his choices of covers were fun.  The audience was treated to a couple of songs by songwriting great Buddy Mondlock.

Tonight, I am making the drive down to Franklin for Music City Roots. 2014 E2TG Artist of the Year Darrin Bradbury will be making his second appearance on that program.  If you can't get to Franklin you can listen and watch on-line.   Also on the bill is Cordovas - one of my favorite bands to see live.

By the way, Darrin's band will include Cameron Carrus on bass, Megan Palmer on fiddle, and Laur Joamets on guitar.

By the way, if I can make it back in time, Maynard and the Musties (who I have been playing quite a bit recently) are playing at Springwater tonight with Nashville Non Prophets (featuring members of St. Luke's Drifters), and singer-songwriter Steven Knudson.

The shuffle today - as we do on Wednesday's comes from a random shuffle of all of the songs saved to my phone currently.  We call it "Wild Wednesday" not just 'cause the results are often wild, but because the shuffle is like a wildcard - it can be anything.

Let's shuffle!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Time is Now Mix

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I went to see Nashville Rep's production of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson last night.  Really good!  Andrew Jackson was cast as a kind of emo rock star. The show was funny and engaging, and the music was great.  Very irreverent and kind of raunchy at times. Perfect.  It was also a great satire of populism and how it doesn't always work out like it seems like it might.


Well, it is Friday.  Another rainy, gloomy day in Nashville. It's been an odd week for me. Not sure why. I took Monday off. Haven't felt 100% most of the week.  Feeling better today.  But, it's Friday! And that means we get to delve into the Featured Friday shuffle - more songs from the "new music" playlist.

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Turned 24 Today Mix

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Several years ago, someone pointed out that I would often make a very subtle sarcastic comment or joke, and then ruin the effect by saying "Just kidding". This guy even started calling me "Just kidding Joe".  I think he was right. My desire was to make sure I was understood. Like, if people thought I was being serious they might think I was an idiot or mean or whatever. But, it's not my job to explain myself to everyone and it is not my business what they think about me. 

I have tried since then to catch myself when I want to add a "just kidding" - although full disclosure: emojis have kind of given me a cheat on this  ;-) And I'm working on that now, too.  Twice in the last two days I have posted something on social media that was facetious without a "tell" that I was kidding. The first case, if anyone took me as serious, they would think I was kind of stupid and maybe a little self-important. The second case, could potentially lead to a political reaction of some sort...

I don't know. 51 1/2 years in and I'm still working on this life thing, and I'm kind of okay with that for today....

Let's jump headlong into some featured music for a lovely Friday in Nashville...

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Friday Toast in a German Kitchen Mix

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I've said this before... but it comes back time and again.... the reason E2TG has endured for almost six and a half years is because I post just about every day, and I post even when I really don't feel much like posting.  I think it is my nation to constantly think about the what, why, and hows of whatever it is I am doing.  E2TG has definitely evolved over the years - although the basic premise is still the same. "Hey I heard some cool tunes on my way to work, let me tell you about them." 

I do think about what I can do to reach more people - not for my ego (okay - a little for my ego) but mostly to help spread the word about some of the lesser known music that I love. Over the years, I have seen people I wrote about begin to reach a larger audience and get more wide-spread recognition. When that happens, I am proud - not that I feel in any responsible for the success. I have always viewed the artists and bands I write about as a "family" of sorts. These are my people, and over the years there have been triumphs and stumbles, celebrations and mourning. Things have also grown which means my "family" is so large that I lose touch with people sometimes, but I always love hearing about what is up - even if it's not music related. I see people I have written about excelling in all areas of life, and I, too, people struggling. Just as I have excelled and struggled at times.

I am generally a pretty upbeat guy, but I do get down sometimes too.... and I have bouts of self-pity sometimes. 

My point is that I love what I do and I really have no desire to stop. It heartens me when people appreciate what I do and lets me know. It seems kind of petty to expect that, and I try to avoid expectations, but it is appreciated when it happens. And, E2TG has taken me places I could not even have imagined. So, even on days when I don't feel it as much as I would like, I keep on... and man oh man, the cool music I get to listen to really helps a ton!

It's Tuesday - let's see what is "trending"

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle- Lipstick Tubes and S**t Mix

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I'm running short on time... It's Tuesday where we take a look at what's "trending" on E2TG.   By the way, my "New Music" playlist just topped 500 tracks. Which means I have a ton of new and newish music yet to be featured here....  it's a great problem to have - especially since I only add music I dig.

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Hashtag No Filter Mix

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In case you missed it, E2TG premiered the new single from Erica Blinn this morning.  Check it out HERE.

Other than that, it is Friday - and this is my last post before Americana Fest madness gets underway next week... sort of... I guess Monday and Tuesday's posts will technically be before AMA Fest, but Monday night, I'm going to see Homemade Sin at The Family Wash.  This is Homemade Sin without Dan Baird who is recovering from an illness. Warner Hodges and Joe Blanton (two folks who I have been fans off for over 30 years) will be helping to hold down the fort. Looking forward to seeing lots of friends that night.

Since it is Friday, E2TG brings you Featured Friday - songs from my "New Music" playlist... let's shuffle...

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - A Little Patch of Sunlight Mix

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United States Constitution, 25th Amendment:

Section 4. Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.

Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office.
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Okay - so Wednesday... we shuffle up all the songs on my phone,  and things tend to get "Wild".  For some reason, I always look forward to Wednesdays.  I think it is the unpredictable nature of these shuffles:  new music alongside older songs, friends alongside long-time favorites, songs I didn't even know were on my phone, and revisiting albums that had been featured some time back.

Let's go ahead and jump to it!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Angel Food Cake Mix

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I am excited to announce that E2TG has more daily readers than any other music blog ever.  It's like billions and billions of readers every day (maybe more).   In fact, the editor of one of the lesser known music blogs PASTE called me to congratulate me and ask me for some advice on how to attract readers.

This is all true because I wrote it, and any "evidence" you see to the contrary is just FAKE NEWS.
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On a more serious note (all though the sentiment behind my little joke is very serious), I wanted to remind my readers (both of you ;-)  )  that I am taking next week off - so no regular shuffles... maybe a special post or two (but maybe not).

It is Friday - the end of another work week, and as we do, we have our "Featured Friday" shuffle - where we shuffle up songs from our New Music playlist.

Shuffle after the jump!

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Leave it on the Shelf Mix

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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