E2TG 9/10/2020 - Ready or Not or Really Not - Women and Men Mix (Have Not Remix)

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Today, we wrap up our recap of this week's Playlist and make way for a new list coming up around midnight Central Time.  (songs 23-26):

23. "The Fever" by Thrillsville 

We previously featured L.A. based darkwave/goth pop band Thrillsville and their quarantine inspired song "Lockdown". This new single is inspired by the Twilight Zone episode of the same name. Both song and show deal with addition and obsession and the elusive satisfaction that the object of the obsession promises but never delivers. 

24. "Mandriliando" by Mandril!

I recently started getting e-mails from the Bogota, Columbia based label Discos Infante. The text of the e-mail is in Spanish and is contained in an image so it is possible to cut and paste into a translation tool. But, that is okay, because the labels social media posts - when translated are beautifully poetic but give little information about the bands. The two bands I featured so far seem to have little or no social media presence themselves. Regardless, the music is wonderful.  Check it out. 

25. "Going Up" by Jabbawoki 

Next up, the lead track from Something's Cooking - the debut EP by the Leeds band Jabbawoki. The band's sound mixes indie, hip-hop, and funk in most interesting ways. The lead track is a short, vibey piece featuring murmured voices. The track "Unkle Funkle" was the first single and probably a better representation of the band - so check them out. 

26. "Ffoi" by Ghostlawns

 We close out this week's Playlist with the second single by the Cardiff, Wales based Ghostlawns - The track is pronounced ph-o-ee.  The atmospheric song is from the band's forthcoming debut album Motorik - due out October 30. A nice way to close out the week's Featured Friday Playlist. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/25/2020 - Speaking Words of Wisdom... - Cliff Notes Mix (Cover Me Remix)

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Today is the last day to check out this week's Featured Friday Playlist. We will have a new list shortly after midnight or maybe a little later if I fall asleep before midnight.

I have been really proud of these lists and the diversity of the music from all over the world. It is fun to hear the mix of music. I am grateful to get to do this and to get the positive feedback I receive. Thanks to the artists and publicists who send me music. I get a lot of e-mails, but I will never complain about that.

It is time to recap the final six songs from this week's playlist... Thanks to everyone who is following.  We will have a brand new playlist tomorrow (possibly just after midnight)

26. "Back 'till I'm Gone" by Leon Majcen

Title track of the new album from NYC by way of Tampa singer-songwriter Leon Majcen. I really dig the sound of his music and I especially like his rich vocals.  He donated all of the proceeds from the pre-sale of his album to the Southern Poverty Law Center - who are dedicated to tracking and identifying hate groups.

27. "Reawakened 2020" by Patrick Ames

A powerful re-imagining of a song that was originally written on inauguration day 2017.  A stirring call to action - with that action being to vote.

28. "Oyo" by Kids Love Surf

A duo that came together during quarantine from the southern coast of England. Poppy electronic sounds - I dig it. 

29. "Any Kind of Angel" by Jenny Reynolds

Long time Austin-based singer-songwriter Jenny Reynolds with the title track from her brand new album which was produced by Mark Hallman and Andre Moran.  The album features Jaimee Harris, Betty Soo and more. This is a wonderful album, and a great addition to this week's playlist.

30. "More Than Heaven" by Marina Matiss

Next, we have a brand new single from Barcelona based singer-songwriter Marina Matiss.  Lovely music. Matiss speaks eight different languages.  Her next single is going to sung in Spanish. 

31. "Kelpius" by Sylvette

Last, but certainly not least, we have the new single from 5-piece art rock band Slyvette - who are from Manchester. The single was produced by Phil Cunningham (New Order) and his Bad Lieutenant band mate Jake Evans.  A delightful change of pace and a great ending to this expansive and diverse playlist. 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 2/25/2020 - Mardi Gras - Boy Sit Down Mix (Hey You Remix)

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Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Lent, and all that....

Growing up Catholic, I remember the big deal of deciding what to "give up" for Lent. You wanted to pick something hard, but not too hard to give up for 40 days. It seemed like it was generally something not so good for you - like sodas or chocolate. I also remembered the debates - so Lent represents the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, but it is only technically 40 days if Sunday's are excluded, and if Sundays are excluded that meant you could partake in our chosen sacrifice on the Sundays in Lent. It seemed like it was always our Protestant friends who scoffed at this "loophole".  

But, in my (albeit) limited understanding - the sacrifice - and indeed any fasting - is supposed to serve a spiritual purpose - to clear away things that keep you from focusing on what is important. And I do think such time is vital and sadly often neglected (present company definitely not excepted). Whether the thing you are focused on is the pending death and resurrection of a savior or something else, I am of a mind that there has to be more meaning to this life than just base survival and the quest for material comforts. 

So, I am not sure that I am going to "give up" anything this Lenten period - except maybe negativity or something like that, but I do hope to spend this time reflecting on what is important to me. As for how any of this relates to E2TG, well, E2TG is important to me and music is important to me. I guess I want to reflect on how I can best reflect those loves in how I conduct myself through this blog every day. 

Pre-Lent Thoughts: 

 Yesterday, after work, I was listening to some music from my phone - and the thought occurred to me that I really want E2TG to be more spontaneous and natural. I don't yet know what that means or what it looks like, but I will let you know.  Nevertheless, I heard a track from Hey Tom - the Tom House Tribute album by Brock Zeman, and I was reminded of what an amazing album it is and what a wonderful songwriter Tom House is.  I also heard a track from the forthcoming Chris Moyse album - which is fantastic, and I was struck about the amazing work being done by so many of my friends. 

    Featured Friday Playlist