Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Want to be a Cube Baby Mix

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On my mind...  A couple of white supremacist rallys are schedule tomorrow in Shelbyville and Murfreesboro.  Just so I am clear, the only "fine people" are those who oppose these people with out reservation or qualification...  This people represent evil and the worst in humanity. No if's, and's or but's.  To my friends who are planning to go to oppose them in person - be safe and have a plan.

To those who choose to spend the day celebrating love and diversity - be intentional. (that's my challenge to myself).

To be clear, you are okay to have opinions about other groups (AntiFa or whomever), however, 1. make sure you base your opinion on facts and 2. leave those opinions out of our condemnation of the white supremacists.
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#WXNARocktoberfest is tomorrow!  Due to predicted chilly temps, the live music will be happening in The Basement (all-ages) and the WXNA DJ sets will be in Grimey's.  Make a day of it in the most musical building in Nashville.

I worked on adding some new music to my phone which means my "New Music" playlist is now over 400 again....  really pleased with today's shuffle... let's jump to it!

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Air and Water Mix

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Here's the WXNA Rocktoberfest is this Saturday October 28.  The fun starts at 10:15 and continues until about 4:30.  There will be WXNA DJs, Rock n Roll face painting, a food truck, beer, activities for kids, a costume contest, and LIVE music:

Queeens of Noise, Allen Thompson, Western Medication, Kyshona Armstrong, Ornament, and a closing set put together by Paul Burch - a Chuck Berry tribute featuring the amazing Kevin Gordon and Garry Tallent (E Street Band) and more. 

I will be on the air from 11-1pm and then I'll be around the rest of the afternoon. 

Rain or Shine - but hoping for shine.  $5.00 Suggested donation to benefit WXNA!


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Last night a distinctly Nashville show - Amelia White, Sally Jaye, and Megan Palmer in a collaborative round backed by the awesome Sergio Webb.   A fun hang with lots of friendly faces.

Back to the "New Music" shuffle...  Let's do it!

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....

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Emotionally Numb Mix

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On my mind... life seems to be about finding some sense of balance that works for you as an individual. At least this is true for me. Whether it is about staying in vs. going out or about finding the  beauty and joy in life vs. recognizing, exposing, and fighting against injustices. I don't think everyone's balance is the same. And to be honest, it's a little bit daunting to think I know what is best for everyone else.

Anyway, I went out last night - after working all day and then recording a Double Shot show (which will air November 4 with special guests Andy and Lee from Eight O'Five Jive). Headed to the High Watt where Allen Thompson opened for Austin Lucas and Brian Singer. I have to say (again) that I could listen to Allen Thompson sing just about every night.   Brian Singer and Austin Lucas are wrapping up their The Crooner and The Clown tour.  Brian Singer is a comedian. I love the idea of a comedian and a singer-songwriter touring together. I don't see comedians very often - mainly because I end up going to see music. Singer was really funny.  Austin Lucas was amazing as he is every time I see him. He sings with such emotional honesty and his stage presence is disarmingly genuine and funny.  Jon Latham joined him on a few songs which was cool. I was with Jon the first time I saw Austin Lucas.


It is Tuesday and time to see what is "Trending" on E2TG - as we work our way through the new music playlist - currently just under 400 songs but I have tons of e-mails and messages to go through.   It's probably close to time to clear off some songs that have lingering in the playlist for a fair amount of time (especially those from albums that have been featured extensively). Those songs will stay on my phone memory for possible "Wild Wednesday" shuffle feature....

Mondo Monday Music Shuffle - Trampoline Mix

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Another week... the last full week of October. A rainy, gloomy day in Nashville with cooler weather in the forecast.  I've been running behind all day, but I got a few minutes to write this.

Looks like a busy week for live music in Nashville... including Saturday at Grimey's Rocktoberfest to benefit WXNA.  Details to follow. 

Here we go with our Monday shuffle - for now, we are shuffling from the "New Music" playlist... trying to get through as many of those songs as we can before the end of the year.

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 Thursday Morning Shuffle - Trippin' Balls Mix

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Man - music sure is good for the soul.  After getting into a bit of a funk earlier in the week, I have gone out to hear live music the last two nights and I feel so much better.  Last night, I headed out to Dee's in Madison. Allen Thompson has been hosting a semi-weekly residency there for a few weeks - but this was the first time I was able to make it out, and I am glad I did.  2015 E2TG Artist of the Year, Jon Latham played solo and as he tends to do - he kind of sort of ruled hard.

Allen Thompson and his band were up next... I was reminded of how much I love hearing Allen Thompson sing - whether it is a cover or an original, I know of few singers who throw so much of themselves into a song.

The crowd was filled with lots of my favorite people from the Nashville music community and some of them joined Allen and his band - including Todd Snider, Aaron Lee Tasjan, and Rorey Carroll (and Jon Latham).

Anyway, it is Thursday and for now, we are still working our way through the "New Music" playlist.  The playlist had been down below 400 songs for a day or so, but I added some new music last night and it is up over 400 again. 

Today's shuffle is a good one...