E2TG 10/07/2020 - Are You Ready? - Rosalee Mix (Rosie Remix)

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I have voted.  All I know to do now is to again encourage all decent-minded people who are not under the influence of the cult-mind to vote and to likewise encourage all like-minded people to vote  I have been pondering the best way to expend my energy.  I think I need to tell you that I believe that Joe Biden is the clear choice for President. He is not perfect, and I do not agree with him on some policy issues, but practically speaking, this is an A. or B. choice between Biden and Trump. C. D. or E. are not viable options so even if you like one of those candidates - I urge you to vote for Biden. Of course, you must follow your conscience... but if your conscience does not recoil in horror at the thought of another four years of this insanity, then... I am not sure what to say.  As I said yesterday to my lefty friends and my central-right friends, after Biden is elected hold him accountable. Ask your representatives to push forth ideas you support. 

For me personal, I think I need to stop acting like Trump is a joke. Too many lives are at stake, too much progress and too many freedoms are on the line. I need to stay focused and ignore the giant ape slinging poo. Since his candidacy started gaining traction in 2016, I have felt that any attention he gets helps him. His base is lost right now. Our sisters, brothers, parents, cousins, friends who still support Trump are currently out of reach. Forget about them for now - follow your heart about ending or continuing relationships but stop engaging. 

The United States has never been a perfect union. What I believe in is striving to create a more perfect union.  To me that modifier doesn't mean the union was perfect and that we strive to make it more perfect - it means we incrementally move toward a perfect union.  Perfection may not be achieved - certainly not in our lifetimes and we may be far from perfection, but the strive is toward that.  The last nearly four years, we have been moving rapidly away from that perfection and we must reverse course. I know some of my progressive friends hate the status quo, but at this point, status quo is a step toward righting the country and eventually moving forward. 

Final note, if you have read this far and you still support Trump - 1. I am not telling you to stop reading E2TG, but you can if you want. 2. I no longer want to hear your justification. If you can sleep with your decision, then okay - but I don't want to hear it. 3. I yearn for the day when E2TG can just 100% about music, but we are not there today, and I have to use this forum to speak up and speak out. I don't hate Trump supporters. I hate the actions that some have taken. I am struggling with feelings of hate toward the man himself and some of his top aides... but I am saddened and disappointed by those who continue to support him.   

We have the penultimate recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist... songs # 17-20

17. "Brave the Storm" by Last Year's Man

Last Year's Man is the solo project of Eugene, Oregon based producer/songwriter Tyler Fortier. This is the first single and title track from his forthcoming album. Portland, Oregon based Anna Tivel sings background and plays violin. This is a wonderful song, and I look forward to featuring more from this album. 

18. "Okay, Alright" by Laura Fernandez

Next up, we have the title track from the new album by singer-songwriter Laura Fernandez who was born in Madrid, Spain and is currently based in Toronto. Her music mixes pop, jazz, and classical influences. Really cool stuff. 

19. "Vastago" by Luan Estesia

Next up, we have another release from Bogota, Colombia based Discos Infante. As usual, I don't know much about the artist, but also as usual, the music is suburb.  I am really digging the music this label is putting out.

20. "The Black Flag" by Orchestra of Cardboard

We close with a stunner - the first release from the forthcoming (February 2021) album from this global project by filmmaker, performance artist, social activist, and musician Dan Edelstyn (Bank Job).  The album was produced by Nick Graham-Smith known for his work with Malcolm McClaren.  The themes are of freedom, democracy, and personal responsibility. Check it out!

Tomorrow - we wrap up our recap with the final four songs 21-24 

        

    Featured Friday Playlist

WTF Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Planet Earth Mix

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Like many (but not all, I know) of my friends, I am devastated and saddened and confused by what has transpired.  I am kind of, but not totally, at a loss for words right now. I do know this... I am not moving to Canada or anywhere else because of what has happened. (As tempting as that thought may be). And I hope none of my friends who feel so compelled do either (although as I said, I understand the thought). The fact is that right now, the very people who feel so compelled are needed now more than ever. Anyone in a minority (racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, disability) needs us.

Here is a little truth bomb.  That factors that lead to this outcome (be that ignorance, fear, bigotry of any kind, anger) those factors did not begin with one man - they were exploited and revealed.  Those who reject all of those things... we now have a better idea of how big a fight we have.

And for the record, to me, this is not about politics. I understand and respect that we all have different out looks.  I may not support fiscal conservatism, but I understand it and accept that it is a valid viewpoint. What I cannot understand or accept as a valid viewpoint - is misogyny, mocking the disabled, xenophobia, homophobia, racism, etc.).  Maybe, I am an eternal optimist, but I choose to believe that the majority of people who voted for that candidate (who opening displayed and supported those things) did not do so for those reasons directly - but rather for reasons I cannot begin to fathom but which I could at least accept on some level.

I also understand that not everyone who reads E2TG will agree with what I have just written. E2TG has always been and will continue to be about music and the power it has to uplift and move and comfort and to transform.

So, again, I turn to music.... I have not created (and may not create) a "Wild Wednesday" playlist.  Rather, today's shuffle includes every single song currently residing on my phone memory card.

Also, just for today, I changed the name of the shuffle... because, seriously, WTF!

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - The Pills Ain't Working Mix

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I am back after an extended time away...  When I last posted, storms were on the horizon for Nashville and that appears to be the case today six days later. In fact, as I look out the window, the rain has started.

This is always an odd week.  Christmas is over, New Years Eve is still a few days away. There is a sense of winding down of the old year and anticipation of what is to come.  In my office, there are many people out this week.  The overall pace of life seems just a wee bit slower.  But, here at E2TG, we keep pushing to the end.  We have more "Earies" to hand out and more shuffles to be shared.

The "Connections" Award. 

The premise:  Although, I don't always explicitly state it, one of the central themes of Ear to the Ground has always been the thread of connectivity that runs throughout all music.  The Shuffle (which to me is more than random) can often serve to highlight those connections. When songs that seem to be incongruous are placed together, they can often serve to reveal previously unseen connections. These connections come in all different forms and can be difficult to explain.  Long time readers may recall a post I made a few years ago when I shuffled together the then new records by Imperial Rooster and Black Jake and the Carnies.  These two bands came from different regions of the U.S. and were not even aware of each others existence but I found connections.

The Award:  So for this award, I thought about artists/bands who have come into my consciousness who have no visible connection but who speak to me in very similar ways despite their obvious differences.

1.  Tim Lee 3/Bark - A long time favorite of #E2TG, I first encountered TL3 via Couch by Couchwest.  They are based in Knoxville and have roots in Jackson, MS. As I have gotten to know Tim and Susan Lee, I have discovered their deep connection to much of the music I listened to growing up.  To illustrate, I found out not too long ago, that Tim Lee produced or co-produced Will and the Bushmen's Gawk album which has been a favorite of mine for a long, long time.  In 2015, Tim and Susan celebrated their vinyl anniversary (33 1/3 years) with the release of a new Tim Lee 3 album (331/3) and the very first EP from Bark.  I was lucky enough to see both configurations live in 2015.  The music of both bands manages to sound both fresh and familiar to me.

2. Susan James - A couple of years ago, I got the opportunity to hear and write about Susan's then new album, Driving Toward the Sun.  Susan is based in Southern California. At the time, I saw where D.J. Bonebrake of X (one of my all-time favorite bands) had acted as emcee for a CD release show for an earlier album.   In 2015, Susan James released Sea Glass which marked a departure from the Americana feel of her previous two releases.  Sea Glass is a wonderful example of California pop music.  Several times on the album, the Paisley Underground sound is evoked very effectively.  It is an album I want to hear over and over. 

Just to put too fine a point on my premise, Tim and Susan Lee have some very deep and personal connections to the original Paisley Underground scene of the 1980s which is evoked so well on Susan James latest album.

On to the shuffle:  I am going to be shuffling from the "Featured  Music" playlist for the three days I am at work this week.  Trying to get through some of 2015's featured music to clear some room for the many new releases expected in early 2016.

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle - Lost in the Stars Mix

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So...  yeah.... it was almost 80 yesterday in Nashville - on November 4. Don't worry, though, we are sure to have freeze in the near future.  That is autumn in Nashville. I'm not sure if it is the volatile weather or allergies or what, but I have really not felt all that great this week.  But, life goes on, and so do the Ear to the Ground Morning Music Shuffles.... 

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - An Angel's Kiss in Spring Mix

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Another month has begun... we celebrate with a randomly generated shuffle of music...

Wedneday Morning Music Shuffle - Mountains, Rivers, and The Sea Mix

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Been busy this week with writing and getting ready to write. There is a pretty good chance that I won't have time to post a shuffle tomorrow or Friday, but if I can I will.  In any event, expect some other kinds of posts to even things out. I am finally going to be getting out and about a bit tonight - at least that is the plan.  And by the way, that "Nashville dilemma" that I have written about is still very much a thing.  I'm already double booked on some live shows almost two months out. What a great problem to have.

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle - The Holiday's Complete Mix

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I got to see and hear some of my favorite East Nashville songwriters last night and I was home before 9:00.  Brian Wright opened up Joe Fletcher's final residency at The 5 Spot, and he had Aaron Lee Tasjan play with some, and then Darrin Bradbury and Brian did Darrin's song, "Blue Highway" which is one of my favorites.  And, Joe Fletcher played his amazing songs and had Brian Wright and Aaron Lee and Margo Price join him, and at the end they all did "I'm Waiting for My Man" - the Velvet Underground song, and it was a pretty awesome moment... plus I got to see and hang out with some of my favorite people.

I'm staying in tonight and gearing up for a very busy end of August into a crazy busy September. 

Today in the shuffle, we have some really cool songs from a variety of genres - including a couple that I didn't even know existed....

Feature Friday Music Shuffle - Swim to Japan Mix

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Here we are at the end of the work week! 

I had such a massively fun time last night at The Basement East.  Two shows, six full band sets, seeing and hanging out with some of my favorite people.  Music-wise: Nancy Terzian and the Leg Men, Stone Cupid featuring Julie Christensen rocked the early show.  Lauren Farrah, Raelyn Nelson Band, Darrin Bradbury leading Hot Garbage (which included Margo Price on Drums and Andrew Leahey on Guitar), and Brian Wright closed the night with four very different but all incredible sets.

Onward, we have our second installment of the newly repurposed Featured Friday... enjoy!

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - Burn, Burn, Burn Mix

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One of my absolute favorite people and one of Nashville's best songwriters, Jon Latham has completed his first album, Real Bad News.  Real Bad News is the name of the album.  The fact that he has completed it is real good news!  He has a Indiegogo campaign to help get the album out in physical form.   Here's the details...




On to the shuffle!

Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Featured Friday v2.0 Mix

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I had an enjoyable evening last night - a sort of last minute (day before actually) invite to Amy Black's CD Release Show at The Bluebird Café for her new album, The Muscle Shoals Sessions.  The album was recorded down in Alabama and features covers of some of the great music that has come out of Muscle Shoals plus some original songs - inspired by that sound. Black is in the process of moving to the Nashville area, and she is currently touring with a band that features her husband on drums and a talented group of young musicians who are or have attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

I came home to hear the sad news out of Lafayette, Louisiana - yet another mass shooting. This hit close - I have a lot of family in the area, and at least one family member posted that they often see movies in that theater.  I also so that a Facebook friend knew one of the victims.  I fully expect - after our shared sense of "community" shock, to see a bunch of posts from both sides of political spectrum about this and the far too many other events like this one. My hope is for people of all political stripes to say, "this is terrible, things like this should not be happening", and then have real dialogue about the complex issues surrounding this and all of the other mass shootings. Mostly, my wish for all of us, is that just for today, we treat each other with a little extra kindness.

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As you may have gathered if you follow Ear to the Ground, 2015 has been an extremely busy year.  I seem to have gotten on some people radar, and I am very grateful for that.  With all that, however, comes some challenges, and I move forward - with some exciting things on the horizon, I have discovered the need to get creative in dealing with the volume of new music that comes my way.  Historically, my primary thing has been to add music to my playlist and feature it in the shuffle. Recently, I have been writing more reviews (though not as many as I would like to), and I have seen my active playlist continue to grow (it is currently over 1,000 songs) which means that some albums I really want to feature may or may not come up in my shuffle. To that end, I decided to bring back and revamp an old E2TG thing - called Featured Friday.  Back in the earlier days of Ear to the Ground, I would "feature" 10 artists/bands every month, and I would create a playlist of their music which I would then shuffle on Featured Friday.

This new Featured Friday, is a playlist that is a subset of my regular playlist, that is limited to newer music that I really want to feature.  So this playlist - unlike the regular one, will not include classic and obscure older music or one-offs from compilations, well, let's just do it, and you may see what I mean.

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle - Paper in My Pocket Mix

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Last night was week 3 of 4 of the Kevn Kinney Residency at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.  Each show has been unique and each show has been wonderful.   Last night, Kinney was joined by Lydia Lunch (in what may or may not have been Ms. Lunch's first Nashville appearance - she wasn't sure). The combination/collaborations of Kinney's songs with Lunch's spoken word/poetry was different and brilliant. They were accompanied by Audley Freed on guitar and James Haggerty on upright bass. Definitely a one of a kind event.

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - Obligated to Follow Mix

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Well... It's just Tuesday, and this is shaping up to be an incredible week for great music in intimate settings...  more on that later... we have a shuffle to put on...

WOW Wednesday - In Spite Mix

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WOW = Wide Open Wednesday where E2TG opens up the entire contents of the 32GB memory card and shuffles the heck out of it.  Okay, so WOW Wednesday is redundant. How about WOW = Wide Open Window or Wide-Open Whatever... that's not the point. 

The point is that when I load up all the songs which currently reside on my phone (merely a subset of my entire music collection, mind you) all bets are off. There is some really weird stuff, some familiar names (E2TG favorites and classic artists), genres ranging about as far as genres can range, new music, older music, and very old music.  Luck of the draw determines the results...  Here is today's WOW Wednesday Shuffle....

After the jump...

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle - Beautiful and Stoned Mix

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Okay... first of all - have you seen this?!



Second,

I need to acknowledge that two of the most badass rock and rollers share a birthday which happens to be today.  Now, I know that I don't often acknowledge birthdays, but the combination of the shared birthday with the utter badassery represented... well I had to. So Happy Birthday to Matthew Hendershot of the The End Men, and Greyson Anderson of Dogs of Oz.  If you are a regular reader of this blog, you already know The End Men, but if you joined us with the last several months, you may have missed out on Dogs of Oz - so here is a aural/visual reminder of each of the bad ass birthday boys. 




Also, as a birthday gift for Matthew (and The End Men)... why not head over to the GTR Store website to help The End Men when a whole bunch of cool stuff plus an slot at Mountain Jam 2014 in Woodstock, NY.

Whew... now we still have a Shuffle to put on...  Jump

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - Life on Mars Mix

Shhhh.... sit back and don't worry.... I'm gonna tell you all a story, it goes a little something like this....  

 Now she walks through her sunken dream
To the seat with the clearest view
And she's hooked to the silver screen
But the film is a saddening bore
'Cause she's lived it ten times or more
She could spit in the eyes of fools
As they ask her to focus on

We live in a universe of wonders and mysteries, but we so often stay locked in our tiny chambers of supposed security.  Through open the door, take that tentative step into the semi-darkness.  There is a world of wonder and a life to be lead. Fear is rarely useful. Bad stuff happens, but it's just part of the deal, part of the thrill and the appeal.  I am a noble coward with big ideas, and yet... and yet, when I step outside my place of ease and rest, and I open myself up... it is only when I experience joy and pain and disappointment and triumph and humiliation that I am truly.  This is your day, what are you going to do....

This morning, the shuffle comes from a playlist, I like to call Revolving Random.  It's actually more arbitrary than random, but whatever.  I created a playlist of 100 songs chosen just because - no theme, new songs, old songs, band's I've featured, novelties, classics... every time, I post a shuffle from this playlist, I replace the songs played with some new ones to keep the playlist at 100.  Here is today's shuffle:

First up, we have Tori Amos from her 1994 album Under the Pink which was recorded in Taos, New Mexico. Our song today is Pretty Good Year. 

"And Greg he writes letters and burns his CDs."

  

  

Next up we have a song from Mike Watt's solo debut, Ball Hog or Tugboat? The album was a star-studded affair.  Today's track, called Piss-Bottle Man features Evan Dando (Lemonheads) on vocals. 

There are some things
A guy gets from his pop.
Some of them things get spaced,
Others never forgot.
I got such a tradition.
I keep in my truck cab.

 

   

Next up, we have a cover of a Blood on the Tracks era Bob Dylan song. This version of  Simple Twist of Fate is taken off the soundtrack to the 2007 motion picture, I'm Not There and features Jeff Tweedy of Wilco and Uncle Tupelo fame (in case you didn't know who Jeff Tweedy was).

He woke up and she was gone, he didn't see nothin' but the dawn
Got outta bed and put his clothes back on, pushed back the blind
Found a note she's left behind but he could not concentrate on anything
Except the simple twist of fate

  

And finally, we have The Medicine Show from the classic Dream Syndicate album called simply Medicine Show. Dream Syndicate - featuring Steve Wynn (Danny and Dusty/Baseball Project) - were a very influential California-based Paisley Underground band. 

But I know that it's hard to be a decent man
When you stop finding reasons for everything
But tonight I'll find some answers
Down at the medicine show

 

 

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Friday Morning Music Shuffle - Stinkin' Badges Mix

Ha! It's Friday. My first Friday at work in at least three weeks.  I decided to spin some tracks from my Ear to the Ground-related playlist which features Bands and Artists who have been featured here in some way (Bands of the Week, ETTG Recommends, etc.) I'm up to 83 songs on this list and hope to increase that number soon.

Band o' the Week alum Brother Howe are up first with the title track of the EP linked to below.  Heaven is My Retirement Plan.  The EP also features a cover version of the Weezer song Undone (The Sweater Song).

Next,  friends of the blog, Valerie Giroux and James LeMay (aka You & Me), get funky with Head Up High. Check out the song and download it for free at Bandcamp by using the widget below. Black Moon  is a Wilco cover by Joseph Mooradian who was featured on a Soundcloud sampler some months ago. I need to do another one of those.  He is a first year college student and the younger brother of 1/2 of Forest Mountain Hymnal (who have also been featured here.)  Here a widget thingy from the cloud....

Black Moon (Wilco Cover) by Joseph Mooradian

 

It's You & Me back again and showing off their bluesier side with Running Like Hell. Finally, this morning, it's BenSem aka Ben Semmens with a track from his album Western Lights which you can add to your collection by purchasing and dowloading at the pic-link below. The song is called Free. The album it comes from will set you back about 9 bucks (totally worth it!)

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