Heading into a three day stay-at-home weekend. I will be back tomorrow with a brand new Featured Friday playlist. If you follow the playlist on Spotify, I usually update just after midnight or early in the morning if I fall asleep before midnight. (Midnight is when most new releases go live) - so you can check it before post it on the blog. I have a good "on-deck" list with several new releases set to hit.
Not much else to say today, So, let's get right to the shuffle - a longer (almost a pre-newnormal normal shuffle)
It seems like almost my entire Facebook timeline is about John Prine, which would indicate that I follow my kinds of people.
John Prine's death at the hands of COVID-19 hit hard in my community and for me personally. First of all my thoughts go out to his family and close friends. For the rest of us, this was a hard loss in season of hard losses.
One thing I have learned about grief over the past nearly four months is that grief comes in waves and that subsequent losses aren't measured by a comparison of how close you were to the person who you lose. Rather, each loss is a ripple that compounds with the previous losses and sometimes the emotions of one loss (which may seem out of proportion to your relationship) are actually reflections and amplifications of other losses.
I don't know if that made sense, but I know what I am trying to say, but what I am trying to convey is that we all need to prepare for more losses over the next few weeks and to be prepared losses which hit harder than you might otherwise expect.
Stay safe everyone. We are getting through this and we will get through this.
The other certainty is that we will all be changed by this experience. It seems like a lot of out of our control. But, we can effect change on our new world. Will that new world reflect love and compassion and a priority on things that bring joy and newly honed commitment to priorities which match our values and greater self-sufficiency combined with a renewed understanding of our interdependence on each other.
It is all too much to take in all at once. So take it all one at a time and breath and focus on your breath and be gentle with yourself. Productivity within this crisis is admirable perhaps but it is not a competition and it is not mandatory. Stay connected even as you are keeping a safe distance and self-isolating.
As John Prine didn't sing, "It's a Happy Enchilada and you think your gonna drown..."
I have been struggling with what to write in this space, and it usually ends up being some mixture of hope and despair - which - come to think of it - sounds about right. I miss going out to shows. While I appreciate the importance of live streaming in these times, for me the experiences are not equal. Mostly, I miss hanging with my friends in person. I miss hugs and all that.
But, I am okay. And, finding ways to deal with the troubles that come. I am still WAY behind sorting through all the new music still being sent to me. I have a three day quarantine weekend coming up, so maybe I can make some progress.
Meanwhile, I still have a ton of music saved to my phone so the shuffles won't stop... let's go!
I just want to say that I hope you are all doing as well as you can be. I know many of us are far from okay. Some of us are struggling while simultaneously feeling guilty for struggling as we recognize that there are many who have it far worse than we do. I just want to say all of that okay.
If you missed it Friday, below you can check out the current Featured Friday Playlist and below you can check out today's Music City Monday Shuffle...
How is everyone doing? Are you staying safe? Just know, if you are staying safe and keeping others safe, you are doing fine. While it is fine to be productive during this time, it is also fine not to be. While it is good to stay informed, it is okay to turn off the news and unplug from social media if it is adding to your anxiety. We are all faced with something new which requires difficult decisions.
This has been a hard week, and I suspect the upcoming weeks will be even harder. Be gentle with yourselves.
I suppose I am writing all this for myself as much as for anyone else.
I did think to mention that I am aware that some artists are postponing releases, so it is possible that a release not on my list below may not be correct. I am trying to update when I get new information, but I don't always get the information. I will say that many releases are going forward, so look for a new Featured Friday Playlist which will go live at midnight.
Dennes Dale "D." Boon, who died at age 27 in 1985 would have been 62 years old today. The guitarist, singer, and songwriter with the legendary Minutemen was outspoken, innovative, and is greatly missed.
Double Nickels on the Dime remains a desert island disc for me and one I return to over and over.
The Long Haul
The COVID-19 news yesterday was sobering if not unexpected. The projected death tolls - some of which rely on drastic actions being taken - which in many places are not being taken a- are staggering.
Like many of you, I suspect, I feel myself growing restless even while knowing this period is just beginning. The great need, I feel, is compassion and care for our fellow man.
I will not put others at risk to relieve my boredom, restlessness, or to fulfill a want. When I go out, I will follow the guidelines not only for my own safety but mostly for the safety of others - including loved ones with whom I may come in contact.
Reach out by phone or electronically if you need help. The next two weeks, at least, are going to be bad and frightening. Hang in there. Talk about your fear and any other feelings with someone safe.
Featured Friday Playlist
Wednesday Morning Shuffle
Rolling along with another short, fun shuffle...
"Sagamore Bridge" by Terry Klein (from Live at KOOP)
A live album released at the end of 2019 by Austin, Texas based songwriter Terry Klein. Acoustic performances recorded for Austin radio station KOOP.
"Julien Dans L'Ascenseur" by Miles Davis (from Ascenseur Pour L'Echafaud)
From the soundtrack to the Louis Malle film. If you've seen Birth of the Cool - the Miles Davis documentary - you know that this soundtrack was an artistic achievement of epic proportions.
"Screen Savior" by Tape Deck Mountain (from 21st Century Loosers: The Best of 2009-2019)
Another track from the retrospective compilation by the Nashville based band.
"When the World Doesn't Love You" by Stuffy Shmitt (from Twelve Songs)
More goodness from the inimitable Stuffy Shmitt.
"I Choose" by Insane Jane (from A Green Little Pill)
Check out the video playlist for an extended live recording by this seminal Atlanta based rock band.
VIDEO PLAYLIST
Recent and Upcoming Releases:
Recent:
2/01 - Glenn Jones - Ready for the Good Times (LP)
2/02 - Karabas Barabas - Degenerate National Anthem (LP) 2/04 - Mayflower Madame - "Vultures" (single) 2/05 - Joseph Mooradian - "We all Work Too Much"/"Dash My Dreams" (single)
2/07 - Palm Ghosts - Wide Awake and Waiting (EP) 2/07 - Emily Zuzik - "Trouble" (single) 2/07 - Chicago Farmer - Flyover Country (LP) 2/07 - Surrija - "Barcelona" (single) 2/07 - The Flyin' A's - No Holds Barred (LP) 2/07 - Christopher Paul Stelling - Best of Luck (LP) 2/07 - HMS Morris - "Babanod" (single) 2/07 - Tiny Fighter- "Strangest Thing" (single) 2/07 - Wynnm - "Fire on the Moon" (single) 2/07 - The Golden Cage Society - Mira (Mini EP) 2/07 - Alienbaby Collective - "Degenerate Moon" (single) 2/07 - Eric and the Anti-Vaxxers - Timeshare Girlfriend (EP) 2/07 - Sammy Brue - "Teenage Mayhem" and "Crash Test Kid" (singles) 2/07 - Lucille - "Kerikeri" (single)
2/07 - Jon Magnusson - Always a Rebel (Live in Studio Silverräven) (single)
2/07 - Thomas Passon - "Über" (single)
2/07 - BisonBison - "Hover" (single)
2/07 - BisonBison - Hover (LP)
2/13 - Little Triggers - "Bang" (single)
2/14 - Grant Peeples - Bad Wife (LP) 2/14 - The Heliocentrics - Infinity of Now (LP) 2/14 - Johanna Kuvaja - "Back for Good" (single) 2/14 - Sarah Reynolds - "I Need Love" (single) 2/14 - Afterimage - "Six Seconds" (single) 2/14 - Kalee Smyth - "Bring Our Love Down" (single)
2/14 - Harry Stafford - "She Just Blew Me Away" (single)
2/14 - Kid Be Kid - "Blood" (single)
2/14 - Chris Maxwell - New Store No. 2 (LP)
2/18 - David J - "I Only Hear Silence Now" (single)
2/19 - Paisley Fields - "Ride Me Cowboy" (single)
2/19 - Tom Cridland - "The Laws of Success" (single)
2/21 - Sarah Morris - All Mine (LP) 2/21 - Kindergarten - Iphigenia (Reissue) (LP) 2/21 - Hot Club of L.A.- Cinema Swing (LP) 2/21 - MUUK - Balbuceo (LP) 2/21 - Aaron Beckum - Songs from a Triangle Room (EP) 2/21 - Every 13 Days - Étant Donnés (Reissue) (LP) 2/21 - Seablight - High-Rise Mannequins (EP) 2/21 - Various Artists -Typical Girls Vol. 5 (LP) 2/21 - 12xPretty - 12xPretty (LP) 2/21 - Arkane Skye - "Don't Ask Me Out" (single)
2/21 - Easy - "Crystal Waves" (single)
2/21 - Blue Lucas - "Train Station" (single)
2/21 - Stumbleine - "Supermodels" (single)
2/21 - Jesse Blake Rundle - "The Death of a Soldier" (single) 2/21 - Whitney Shay - Stand Up! (LP)
2/21 - 100 Mile House - "Test the Timber" (single)
2/22 - Charlotte Eagle Sings - Embracing the Old Ways (LP)
2/24 - Jon Magnusson - "Set Me on Fire (Live Silverraven Sessions) (single)
2/28 - Kristen Englenz - Ingenue (LP) 2/28 - Brett Ryan Stewart - "All or None" (single)
2/28 - Close Lobsters - Post Neo Anti... (LP) 2/28 - The Heliocentrics - Infinity of Now (LP)
2/28 - Scenius - "Glass Rain" (single)
2/28 - Jeffrey James - East London (EP)
2/28 - Charmless i - "Long Time Coming" (single)
2/28 - Gallary 47 - "I Wish I Was" (single)
2/28 - Xirita - "Don't Go" (single)
2/28 - Son of David - "Carry On" (single)
2/28 - Harry Stafford - "Painted Ocean" (single) 2/28 - Strange Majik - "World On Fire" (single)
2/28 - MUUK - Balbuceo (LP)
2/29 - Jimmy Who and the Night Creatures - Tinker's Blues (EP)
3/04 - Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion - Chameleon (LP)
3/04 - Iron Mike Norton - "Help Me Make It Through the Night" (single)
3/06 - Surrija - "Sylvette" (single)
3/06 - Dean Fields - While the Baby Was Sleeping (LP) 3/06 - Broads and Milly Hirst - Ollust (LP) 3/06 - The Mastersons - No Time for Love Songs (LP) 3/06 - Ghostwood Development Project (Feat. Kool Keith) - "Gulley" (single)
3/06 - The Mystery Plan - Ballad of JC Quinn (LP)
3/06 - Brian Wright and the Sneakups - "Patrick's Crossing" (single)
3/06 - Jonny Polonsky - Kingdom of Sleep (LP)
3/06 - Tiny Fighter - "Perfect Game" (single)
3/06 - African Head Charge - Drumming is a Language (LP)
3/06 - African Head Charge - Songs of Praise - reissue (LP)
3/06 - African Head Charge - Churchical Chant Of The Iyabinghi (LP) 3/09 - Marco Bonvicini - "Colors" (single)
3/09 - Terry Presume - I Got Nothing to Lose (EP)
3/13 - The Flatmates - The Flatmates (LP)
3/13 - Kleenex Girl Wonder - Ponyoak (20th Anniversary Edition) + BLP (demos and out-takes) (LP) 3/13 - Sandwick - Reconstruct (LP) 3/13 - Foley and the Fire - "Springsteen on the Radio" (single) 3/13 - Kalee Smyth - The Ceiling (EP)
3/13 - Sha Davis - Songs I Wrote When You Left (EP)
3/13 - The Losing Touch - "Through the Night" (single)
3/13 - Gerry Gareau - Feet Off The Brakes (EP)
3/13 - Ayla Brook and the Sound Men - Desolation Sounds (LP)
3/13 - The Academy of Sun - "The Parts That Need Replacing" (single)
3/13 - Sunday Morning - Consequences of Love (EP) 3/13 - Rosemary Fossee - "Tu me manques" (single)
3/13 - BYSTS - "Spread Out" (single)
3/18 - Marco Bonvicini - Colors (EP)
3/20 - Matt Wilson and His Orchestra - When I Was a Writer (LP) 3/20 - Chris Moyse - Bitter Ballads and Cynical Prayers (LP)
3/20 - Samuel Boller - Kingdom of the Sun (LP) 3/20 - The Blam Blams - "Isabella" (single) 3/20 - Jon Hassell - Vernal Equinox (reissue) (LP)
3/20 - Kid Be Kid - Lovely Genders (EP)
3/20 - Toni Sauna - Dead Flour (single)
3/20 - Ender Bender - "Star Killer" (single)
3/20 - Strange Majik - 20/20 (LP)
3/20 - I YA TOYAH - Code Blue: Reloaded (LP)
3/23 - Sofia Talvik - "Meanwhile in Winnsboro" (single)
3/24 - Mighty Brother - "Naked Winter" (single)
3/27 - Mayflower Madame - Prepared for a Nightmare (LP)
3/27 - The 81s - 2 Things and 118 Others (LP)
3/27 - Mayflower Madame - "Swallow" (single)
3/27 - Alienbaby Collective - F I S H B O W L / T E R R E S T R I A L (Double EP) 3/27 - Mairena - "Weird All the Time" (single) 3/27 - Lucille - Come on,Fly (LP)
3/27 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "Money" (single)
3/27 - Ben Reel - The Nashville Calling (LP)
3/27 - 100 Mile House - Love and Leave You (LP)
3/27 - Watermelon Slim - Traveling Man (Double Live LP)
3/27 - Lilly Hiatt - Walking Proof (LP)
3/27 - Porcelain Pink - "Sideways" (single)
3/27 - The Ocelots - Started to Wonder (LP)
3/27 - Harry Stafford - Gothic Urban Blues (LP)
This Week:
4/01 - HMS Morris - "Poetry" (single)
4/02 - I Am A Rocketship - "My Nature" (single)
4/03 - Chip and the Charge Ups - Lightning in Our Veins (LP)
4/03 - Surrija - Surrija (LP)
4/03 - Stumbleine - Sink Into the Ether (LP)
4/03 - Neutrals - Rent Your House (EP)
4/03 - Clwb Fuzz - "No Heaven" (single)
Upcoming:
4/08 - Zilverbacks - The Dark Hores; At A Time When Time Was Irrelevant (LP)
4/09 - Ellison - "Sing" (single)
4/10 - Eliza Gilkyson - 2020 (LP) 4/10 - Dan Montgomery - Smoke and Mirrors (a phonographic memory) (LP) 4/10 - Pokey LaFarge - Rock Bottom Rhapsody (LP)
4/10 - The Dream Syndicate - The Universal Inside (LP)
4/13 - Pilotcan - No More Shan Goodbye (LP) 4/17 - Paul Burch and WPA Ballclub - Light Sensitive (LP)
4/16 - Destijl - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (LP)
4/17 - Aimee Stevens - "Hell is a Teenaged Girl" (single)
4/24 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "I'm Gonna Break Your Heart" (single) 4/24 - Ben Bostick - Among the Faceless Crowd (LP)
4/24 - Kyle Lalone - Somewhere In Between (EP)
4/?? - I Am A Rocketship - Ghost Stories (LP) 4/01? - Ten Penny Gypsy - Fugitive Heart (LP)
5/01 - BOAT - Tread Lightly (LP)
5/01 - Laura Cortese and the Dance Card - Bitter Better (LP)
5/08 - Brian Wright and the Sneak-Ups - Lapse of Luxury
5/20 - Town Meeting - Make Things Better (LP)
5/22 - Victor Wainwright and the Train - Memphis Loud (LP)
5/31 - Debra Power - That's How I Roll (LP)
6/05 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "None of Your Business" (single)
6/05 - People Without Shows and Inkswell - Plasma Platter (LP)
6/12 - Sammy Brue - Crash Test Kid (LP)
6/19 - Darlin' Brando - Also Too... (LP)
6/?? - Mighty Brother - The Rabbit. The Owl (Double LP)
7/03 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - None of Your Business (EP)
