Words. As a writer, words are very important to me. I try to be precise in the words I use to make sure they convey what I am trying to communicate.
It seems like over the last day or two, the theme of words has come up more than once. Celebrities being called out for their past or present words. Debates over the concept of "Defunding" the police. And the inflammatory words being used by our local, state, and national leaders to evoke gut-level reactions.
On the issue of the phrase "Defund the Police". I can see both sides of the debate. First of all I totally understand and support the concept. The money taken from police department budgets should be reallocated to professionals like mental health experts, education, healthcare etc. And police officers should be pulled from doing things for which they are are not properly trained.
So, this is a concept I think many Americans would support, but if they hear "Defund the Police" they will be turned off. I get that. But, at the same time, I understand why certain activists and group chose that language. Many of them have been fighting this battle for years without widespread public support - being ignored or not heard. So, "Defund the Police" gets heard and it opens dialogue. But, how do we get the average voter to push back their initial reaction to the phrase? I don't know.
To be honest, it bothers me that we have to work so hard to convince the average voter that we are better than a fascists government that violently attacks the free press, uses tear gas on peaceful protesters, support violent attacks on elderly citizens. "Well, those things are terrible, but you said 'Defund the police', and we couldn't be bothered to look into what that means, so we are going to support the fascists rather than you."
I get it - but I am frustrated. So, how should be explain "Defunding the Police" in a soundbite culture?
Here is another point - semi-related, how does the campaign to defeat President Trump defer from the Black Lives Matter protests and movement? Where do they separate? Here is what I mean. As a white American, I do not feel it is my place to tell my Black brothers and sisters how to protest or what words to use or not use. But, as someone who is working to remove the cancerous tumor from this country, I feel I have an obligation to weigh in on tactics and language of that message. In this moment, the two movements are linked. But, I think there is a separation.
I don't know. I just needed to vent some words. Words. Words. And I am not sure I said what I meant to say. I truly hope there are no words in my past that I would regret if they were brought to light. But as someone who writes a lot of words it is hard to say. I know my own heart but would everyone who reads my words understand the thoughts behind the words.
Many of us are evolving day by day, but we are still responsible for the words and actions of our less evolved selves.
Words, words, words...
Our Featured Friday Recap continues with songs #12-16 (tomorrow songs #17-21)
12. "Runnin'" by Wayne Graham, The Green Apple Sea
Wayne Graham is a band a band from Kentucky formed by two brother - neither named Wayne Graham or Wayne or Graham. Kenny and Hayden Miles to be precise. My fellow music lover and friend Crystal Rhoten kept talking about them, and I finally got to see them live last year, and I finally understood. I am a fan.
13. "Gravity" by Sammy Brue
Utah based singer-songwriter Sammy Brue's new album Crash Test Kid will be released this Friday. This week, we have the final single released ahead of the album. I am so excited about this album. As I have alluded to before, Brue is living up to the potential he showed at a very young age, and at this point, the "young" adjective is not really needed - not that he isn't young, but that he has matured as an artist.
14. "Run to You" by Julia Anrather
Next, we have a new single from NYC indie pop singer/songwriter. Lush and emotive.
15. "Dance Alone" by Darwin
Next up, we have the new single from California synth-based artist Darwin - who is the manager of David J (Bauhaus and Love and Rockets). Somewhat dark in tone, the song is nonetheless uplifting as only dark music can be.
16. "Plasma Platter" by People Without Shoes, Inkswell
And today's recap closes out with a track from NYC hip-hop artists People Without Shoes - joined here by Australian producer Inkswell.
I like to think I was never racist. I like to think that I grew up sheltered from racial inequality, but that I over the years, my awareness has grown. I think to think I have always known that systemic racism existed and that somehow, the world knew how I felt about that.
To be fair, I think on some abstract/conceptual level I did know, and that I tried to stand on the side of justice and equality.
But, what I am realizing is that I didn't understand systemic, institutionalized racism on any sort of gut level, and to be honest, I don't think I am there yet. But, I am listening and learning so that I can be an effective ally. It is up to me to learn. It is not up to anyone to teach me.
Social media is actually a great way to open a dialogue - you just have to push through the noise and try not to react the canned responses. Go behind and dig underneath the misleading narratives, the catch-phrases that may tend to elicit a visceral response. If someone posts an image or a meme or a post that says "Defund the Police" and your initial reaction is that that is too radical (I invite you to do some research into what that may mean and what it may look like in your own community).
If you post Black Lives Matter and someone (relative, classmate, ex co-worked) responds with "All Lives Matter' - fight the urge to defriend them or just to get in an argument. Take a breath and start a dialogue, but before you do that, make sure you understand why you are saying what you are and try to understand (not accept or agree with) but to understand their reaction. You may have an uncle or classmate who is a "lost cause", but by engaging and having the conversation you may reach someone else... or you may just reach that uncle or classmate - who knows.
I believe that we are at a pivotal moment. I have been trying to learn, and I feel like there are something I understand better - and others where I still have work to do.
The problem that has exploded into the national consciousness did not begin with George Floyd or even with Rodney King. It is truly endemic in our society and so change will be difficult, but we can push forward and we can use this moment in time to change the direction. I recognize that past efforts of "reform" have ended in failure and in shifting the problem around. And so, we must remain vigilant and we must push on.
That is where I stand today.
We continue the review of our Featured Friday Playlist with songs #7-11. (Tomorrow songs 12-16)
7. "Mister Rat and Mister Flea" by David Olney
Many have wondered what the late David Olney would have to say about the COVID-19 pandemic. Well, we have this glimpse in a song from his archives about an earlier pandemic known as The Plague.
8. "Kite" by Megan Palmer
A brand new single from a Nashville favorite. Megan is a wonderful songwriter and a beautiful singer. This track was recorded with her husband Jason Quicksall with drums by Aaron Shafer-Haiss.
9. "Kids" by Anti-Corn League
Next up, we have a track from Love it Or Leave it by this garage, bedroom pop band from outside of Pittsburgh. They follow a diy aesthetic, and I have to say this track sounds fantastic. It is the right measure of noisy and catchy.
10. "Inside the Endless Om" by Johnny Irion (feat. Jeff Bridges, Mikael Jorgensen, Robert DeLeo, The Mother Hips)
Next, we up we have a really cool new release. This one came to us via our old friend Brad Lauretti (This Frontier Need Heroes). Johnny Irion is Lauretti's producer and he has assembled an incredible line-up in a song to honor the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Ravi Shakar. Mikael Jorgensen is from Wilco, Robert DeLeo is from Stone Temple Pilots, and yes, Jeff Bridges is "The Dude". The song was co-written by Irion and John Goodwin who wrote for the Jeff Bridges film "Crazy Heart".
11."Those Were the Days" by TJ Walker, Don Gallardo
We close today's recap with a new release from UK singer-songwriter TJ Walker who is joined here by E2TG favorite Don Gallardo. The song was written by the two when Walker visited Nashville and met Gallardo in a publisher's office. They wrote the song in the few hours before Walker had to board a plane home. Great song!
I have been thinking about perspective a lot lately. In the context that we don't all see things the same way. Now, don't get me wrong, there are universal truths that do not require agreement or disagreement. Racism and Fascism are evil and we must all work to stop them when they pop up and to dismantle the institutions where they have been allowed to thrive for generations.
No what I am thinking about is how an image or a video can elicit a strong and visceral response in one group of people, and yet, be met with apathy or dismissal by another group. It is easy to come to the conclusion that those in the latter group have no empathy and that they lack the human qualities of compassion and decency. And, while I don't outright deny that such people exist, I do call into the question that it is as widespread as the divisions in this country would indicate.
So, how else to explain it? Maybe it is perspective. (I am not even sure if that this correct word so let me explain).
My best friend growing up used to pose philosophical questions whenever I would spend the night. One such question was, "How do we know that we all see the color green the same? In other words, how to we learn colors - someone points to a color and says, "Green"and I eventually learn that that color is green. But, for all I know the person who taught me "green" may perceive that color as I perceive the color that I learned was "Red". And, I would have no way of knowing.
Now, before you come at me medical or scientific examinations of optical receptors or whatever, my larger point is that when an image comes on my phone or computer screen - my eyes take it in and my mind perceives what it is I am seeing, and if what I perceive is disturbing I react.
So, I look at pictures of the President. and I see the bad bronzing job, the sick expression, the dead eyes, etc. A Trump supporter sees the same picture and sees something else. My thoughts here are totally outside of disagreements about policies or even specific actions. To me, it is somewhat easy to understand disagreements over policies or opposition or support for certain actions.
But, why do I see a video tape of police violence and get angry, while someone else sees that same video and is unmoved. Could it be that they are seeing something different from what I am seeing? That it is filtered by their experiences and biases. And if that is true, do I need to be mindful of times when my experiences and biases are affecting my perception.
I don't know what this all means. I just feel like at some point, we have to find a way for most Americans to come together at least minimally. There will always be disagreements (even intense ones), but the level of division we have doesn't seem like it can be tenable long-term.
It is Friday and time for another Featured Friday Playlist. I hope you enjoy, and please follow the Playlist on Spotify! As our habit, we will review the first part of the list below, and the rest over the next week.
Over the last couple of days, there does seem to be something happening in this country. Is it the start of a change? I don't know. I am, I think, I cautious optimist. I like to see the best in situations and in people, but I also tend to question and doubt that optimism.
As I said in my long rant on Tuesday's post, I have observed that people who have been silent are beginning to speak up and speak out. These are concrete anecdotal examples - not a scientific survey. Whether is was the use of tear gas and rubber bullets on peaceful protesters and religious aid workers to clear the way for a craven photo-op, the George Floyd video tape, the many instances of unnecessary, cruel, and violent attacks by law enforcement officers on American citizens, or some combination of all of these and more, I feel like maybe a sleeping and heretofore silent majority is beginning to stir. But, Americans are fickle people. So, it is important what happens next.
While, I am aware that so-called copaganda (not sure of the spelling since it isn't a real word), being used to divert attention from the many egregious acts, I also know that in some cases, positive actions by law enforcement officers toward protesters are brave acts of defiance to a commander and chief who has blood lust. Discerning the difference is a challenge, but it is important I think to recognize and acknowledge the latter. I know there are some that oppose any mention of positive actions (the National Guard laying down their shields), officers taking a knee or walking beside protesters. But, I tend to disagree. Yes, we need to keep calling out and exposing the violent and unconstitutional actions, but I don't think it is a one or the other situation.
But, yes, I am feeling some hope. And I am happy that at least in some places the protests are growing and the violence is lessening. While I would not consider telling a Black person how to protest, I was concerned about nefarious players trying to control the narrative.
By the way, I also need to remind my readers that the COVID-19 pandemic is NOT over. In Nashville, the number of new cases is trending up, and any impact from the mass gatherings to protest may not have been shown. There seems to be a unstoppable march toward reopening, and what I have observed is my ventures out, seems to be an attitude of acting as if any danger has passed. It has not. So, be safe, wear your masks if in public, socially distance. I am as ready as anyone for things to go back to "normal", but we are not there yet, and it may be a while.
And on we go, time to review the final four songs from this week's Featured Friday Playlist (songs 23-26).
In summary, I am really proud of these weekly playlists, and I hope you are enjoying them, too. The richness and diversity of the music is something I strive for, and by trusting instinct and a process I use, I have been adding some really cool music. This new process of recapping all week has been working well for me. Time will tell if I can keep it up once I am unleashed back into the world on a regular basis, but for now... on we go!
Tomorrow, we unveil the brand new playlist (follow the Playlist on Spotify)
23. "Three-Fold" by Altar of Eris
The recently released sophomore effort by the Seattle postpunk/darkwave trio Altar of Eris is called Isolation. This is dark, murky, and raw music.
24. "Stanglehold" by Atomic Bronco
Next up, we have a track from Nightflowers by the London based Atomic Bronco. Atomic Bronco was founded by Kyle Nuss - who is an electrical engineer whose past projects have included NBA arenas and the Super Bowl. He is originally from Kansas and moved to the UK to complete his Masters degree at Oxford. The music has a retro feel, but seems modern. I dig it.
25. "Someday Maybe" by The Know
LA based husband and wife from their debut EP wearetheknow. The duo mix a diverse set of influences into a densely packed sound. To me it is like a five feet think, steel-plated wall of sound. Cool stuff.
26. "Beer Lust" by Party Nails
Closing thingsd out with a track from the sophomore album by LA based Party Nails (Elena Belle Carroll). I am liking the groove of this song - mixing atmospheric synth sounds with a strong beat and lyrics that seem a cut above standard electronica songs.
I said quite a bit in yesterday's post (posted today), so I will just get on to the music... (More will be said, you can be sure)
And now, let's review songs 19-22 from this week's Featured Friday Playlist:
19. "It Was Always Too Late" by Secret Bad Boy
Next up, we have Secret Bad Boy - a Chicago band conceived and led by Ben Joseph of Ezra Furman's band. The song is a synth driven ode to nihilism and the vastness of space.
20. "Ghosts" by Idle Noise
The latest single from this indie rock band from Coventry.
21. "Not My Problem" by Scarlet Drive
New single from this indie rock band from Perth, Australia. The song was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic between the state boundaries between Perth and Sydney. I really dig this song. By the way, in searching through my e-mail, I discovered that this band had contacted me a few times going back to 2018, so I am really glad I gave this a listen.
22. "Background Worry" by Jack Stafford
We close today's review with the new single from British singer-songwriter Jack Stafford. The song captures the negative mental processes that many of go through daily. A wonderful chamber pop sound, and a great addition to the playlist.
Tomorrow, we finish up our recap of the Playlist with songs 23-26
This is Tuesday's post. I made the decision to join in the Music Industry Blackout and not post yesterday. It was not an easy decision, and to be honest, I am not sure if it was the right one, but there you go. And here we are, I think there are a lot of people who are trying to do the right thing. And, discerning what that is in a fluid and complicated time can be a challenge.
I ache for a time when I can just write about music for week's on end with no major crisis to divert me. E2TG was never intended to be a political or social commentary blog - although it never occurred to be to outright refuse to write about things like that, but more and more, I am being pulled that way.
I have a strong belief that there is value in many different viewpoints. I rarely walk in lockstep with any person or party or philosophy. I mean, hell, whenever I feel like E2TG is leaning too much toward a particular genre - my reaction is to seek out music that is as far removed from that genre as possible. It is just my nature.
The events of the last last 24 hours, the last week, the last three months, the last three years, hell - the last many years - have finally driven me to point that I cannot stay silent. Let us make no mistake, the President of the United States has perverted and contaminated the office and pushed the U.S toward dictatorship and totalitarianism, and the system designed to prevent this from happening have failed due to the negligence and complicity of the people responsible to make sure it works.
I continue to be flabbergasted that people I have always seen as reasonable continue to vehemently support such a twisted and evil man. I have opposed the policies of many leaders and even seen them as bad or dangerous, but they all pale in comparison to the cancer at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
I don't like feeling this way. As I said before, I believe a diversity of ideas and thought and philosophies should be a strength to our nation. But not this. This isn't a difference in thought on economic or even social policies. It is a blatant attempt to dismantle the things that make this nation what it is. It is someone who does the wrong thing at every turn. Violates the principles of decency and humanity.
Like many, whose political leanings are similar to mine, I was devastated by the results of the 2016 election. Over the next week, I tried to tell myself that maybe things would not be as bad as I suspected they would be. That the magnitude of the office would chasten him, and then he started appointing white nationalist to high level posts.
I want to end this on a note of hope. This week, I have seen concrete examples of people who heretofore have been silent about the things that are happening, start to speak out - tentatively but boldly. I see a glimpse of hope that some people are beginning to see this charlatan for what he is. Not his most loyal supporters... no I fear they are lost for now at least, but people who are apolitical or moderate, but who value decency and humanity. Anyway, that is what I am holding onto on this Tuesday night.
The pause is over, but let that not be the end of our quest for justice and for learning. Now, let's hit play and get back to what E2TG does...
And so, we continue our review of our Featured Friday Playlist with songs number 13-18.
13. "Good Times" by The Kondoors
The latest single from London based husband and wife Gavin Conder and Jessica Greenfield (Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds). The song fits the title. It is a nice escape from difficult times.
14. "How My Dreams They Go" by Gina Sicilia; Luther Dickinson
Next, we have another track from Gina Sicilia's new album Love Me Madly. This one features Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi All-Stars), and it is just a flat out great song. Wonderful instrumentation backs Sicilia's always powerhouse vocals.
15. "Mexican Standoff" by FLEKS
Taking a hard turn - we continue this review with the latest single from Austrian punk/alternative/metal band FLEKS. The band was just recently signed to the German label Dachshund Records. The music is loud and aggressive, and I dig it.
16. "Pick on the Boys" by Cone of Magic
Next we have a track from California all-female country indie-pop band Cone of Magic - from their album Maiden's Rock. It is lighthearted and dead serious at the same time, and it is catchy as hell.
17. "Waiting with a Gun" by Electric High
Next up, we have a track from the Norwegian hard rock and Electric High. This is BIG ROCK music. A great burst of guitar, bass, drums, dual vocals, and a guest saxophonist. I love the instrumental breakdown in the middle.
18. "I" by Merv Pinny
We close with a new single from New Zealand based rocker Merv Pinny. "I" is a catchy tune about reconnecting after lock down. Although, we are not quite there here in the States, it captures what I am looking forward to.
Sometimes, it all seems to much! Here in Nashville in 2020, we have had the March 3 tornado, the COVID-19 pandemic, the largest blackout in the cities history, and no protests and riots in the streets. I want to call for a time out!
BUT, then I think, relatively speaking I have at most been inconvenienced by all of this. If I am this exhausted, I wonder how those who have been deeply and directly affect must feel. And, then I think about being a person of color in America twenty years into the 21st Century - and how long systemic racism has been allowed to go on. And, I think if I am this worn out, how much people of color feel...
So, yes, I am exhausted and I would love a week or more with no significant news, and I want to be able to safely go out and see my friends and attend live music events. But, until it is safe, I will stay in as much as I can and I will be okay.
And I want there to be peace in our cities, but you know, until tangible changes are made, I understand the unrest.
I also have concerns about the role of right wing groups in instigating the violence in order to discredit the valid protests. And, this is where it gets trick and this is where maybe I don't get to offer my hot takes... Stay vigilant, stay safe, and spread love are the best advise I have to offer.
In spite of it all, this is a music blog, and music has always been a refuge for me through whatever turbulence I have experienced, and so, we will continue our review of this week's Featured Friday Playlist with song 7-12:
7. "Political Funk" by Mick Hayes
From the album My Claim to FAME which was recorded by legendary FAME Studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. I am just discovering Mick Hayes' music, and this album has blown me away. I picked this track partially because the song coincidentally shares its name with a short-lived early 90s Nashville group - that I can't find any proof actually existed. Nonetheless, this is a great song and a great diving in point for this album which is infused with the magic of the studio where it was recorded.
8. "Young Loved and Free" by Audrey and Hugh
From the album Sisterman. There is a recurring theme lately of reconnecting with artists that I wrote about in the past. This is new album is the debut for the duo of Audrey MacAlpine and Hugh Trimble - along with Mason Wheaton. Sisterman was the name they previously used for the band. Totally coincidentally, E2TG wrote about Hugh Trimble a few years back when we covered some of the music he recorded at Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen in New York. Audrey and Hugh are based in Nashville name, and I got turned on to this release by a post of a good friend whose musical taste I respect.
9. "Fixer - Live" by Adrian + Meredith
I am missing Adrian + Meredith, and I am missing live music at The 5 Spot, so I thought I would play another track from Adrian + Meredith Live at The 5 Spot. I love these guys. For this recording they have their big band, and it is great hearing the Nashville horns.
10. "The Deleted History of Us" by Cursive is Code
Another song from our friends from Connecticut. Jason P. Krug and company have hit upon a great new sound that retains the spirit of his previous work (solo and with Grimm Generation). This time there is a funky liveliness that I really dig.
11. "You Got Me" by Bill Lloyd
New music from Bill Lloyd is always a pleasure. His brand new album is a called Don't Kill the Messenger. In the 1980s, Lloyd led the power pop band The December Boys before releasing his classic solo album Feeling the Elephant. In the early 90s, he formed the country music duo Foster and Lloyd with Radney Foster and had some chart success. He was also in a supergroup called The Sky Kings - we covered a recent reissue by them recently. He leads The Long Players - who recreate classic albums, and he has put out a series of albums of the last several years that represent pop songwriting at its best.
12. "With Love, from Quarantine" by Shayfer James
Shayfer James was a "Featured Artist" exactly eight years ago. The New Jersey singer-songwriter came to our attention at the height of our New York/New Jersey obsession. This is a wonderful and timely new song. Great to hear from him and to be able to present it to you.
Tomorrow songs 13-18...
Featured Friday Playlist
Music City Monday Shuffle
"Dirty Dishes" by Becca Mancari (from Good Woman)
Going back to her 2017 album, we have a great track. Mancari has a brand new album due out this month that was produced by Zac Farro of Paramore.
"One Last Question" by Jason & the Scorchers (from Nashville, The Other Side of the Alley: Insurgent Country Vol. 3)
A wonderful Jason and the Scorchers track from that awesome mid-90s compilation released by Bloodshot records - the album also features Tim Carroll, Tom House, Kristi Rose, R.B. Morris, and Dan Baird among many others.
"Woke Up Jake" by Dan Baird (from Buffalo Nickel)
Speaking of the aforementioned Mr. Baird, we have a track from his most excellent solo album Buffalo Nickel - which was the follow-up to Love Songs for the Hearing Impaired.
"One Thing I Know About Love" by Jonell Mosser and John Hall (from Little Black Dress)
Next up, we have one of Nashville finest - Jonell Mosser has been a force on the Nashville music scene for many years, and having seen her live a couple of time this year (and very late last year), I can attest that she is still at the top of her game.
"Freightliner Fever" by Jon Byrd (from Byrd's Auto Parts)
A tribute to truckers and more precisely to trucking songs from the debut solo album by the one and only Jon Byrd.
"Crocodile" by Lori Kelley (from Under Stars and Storms)
And, we close with a long time friend of E2TG, singer-songwriter Lori Kelley from her most recent album. Kelley helped organize and run the Eastside Takeover at Bobby's Idle Hour in 2015 or so, which provided so many memorable Sunday evenings.
VIDEO PLAYLIST
NEW AND RECENT RELEASES
This Week
5/31 - Debra Power - That's How I Roll (LP) 6/01 - Bessie Smith - Get in Union (LP) (from the Alan Lomax Archives) 6/01 - Darwin - "Dance Alone" (single)
6/05 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - "None of Your Business" (single)
6/05 - People Without Shows and Inkswell - Plasma Platter (LP)
6/05 - Short Haired Domestic - "A Song in Latin... A Song in Hindi..." (single) 6/05 - Turkeyfoot - Promise of Tomorrow (LP)
6/05 - Delta Maid - Katie (LP)
6/05 - KDF - "Innocence" (single)
6/05 - Lacey Williams - "Cut N' Curl" (single)
6/05 - Johnny Irion and Friends - "Inside the Endless OM" (single)
6/05 - Skanger - "Condolences" (single)
Last Week
5/25 - The Plastic Pals - "Hangin' in the Louvre" (single)
5/25 - Scarlet Drive - "Not My Problem" (single)
5/29 - Mick Hayes - My Claim to FAME (LP) 5/29 - G.F. Patrick - One Town Over (LP)
5/29 - Jack Stafford - "Background Worry" (single)
5/29 - Ryan Dishen - Whiskey for the Road (LP)
5/29 - Idle Noise - "Ghosts" (single)
5/29 - Altar of Eris - Isolation (EP)
5/19 - Merv Pinny - "I" (single)
Next Week:
6/11 - Luciano Illuminati - Terra Vision 2020 (LP)
6/12 - Sammy Brue - Crash Test Kid (LP)
6/12 - Andrea & Mud - Bad News Darlin' (LP)
6/12 - Teghan Devon - Little Lion (EP)
Upcoming:
6/19 - Darlin' Brando - Also Too... (LP)
6/19 - Dolour - The Royal We (LP)
6/19 - The Microdance - Our Love Noire (LP)
6/19 - Lady Couch - "Foolish and Blue" (single)
6/20 - David Starling - "Cowards" (single)
6/26 - The Special Pillow - World's Finest (EP)
6/26 - Dedicated Men of Zion - Can't Turn Me Around (LP)
6/26 - Serratone - "Groovy Lucy" (single)
6/26 - 8 Floors Up - "Roman Bones Make Good Glue" (single)
6/?? - Mighty Brother - The Rabbit. The Owl (Double LP)
7/03 - Nicole Boggs and the Reel - None of Your Business (EP)
7/03 - Paul Nelson - Birmingham Woman (LP)
7/03 - Matthew Frederick - "Laura Jones" (single)
7/07 - Afton Wolfe - Petronius' Last Meal (EP)
7/10 - Hurricane Ruth - Good Life (LP)
7/10 - Fintan McKahey - "Platinum" (single)
7/10 - Nocona - Los Dos (LP)
7/17 - The Bobby Lees - new album (LP)
7/24 - Tawny Ellis - Love Life (LP) 7/24 - Lee Gallagher - L.A. Yesterday (LP)
7/24 - Even As We Speak - Adelphi (LP) 7/24 - The Wild Blue - Anonymous Future (EP) 7/31 - The Jason Daniels Band - Downloads from the Universe (LP)
8/07 - The Furious Seasons - La Fonda (LP)
8/07 - Jason Molina - Eight Gates (LP)
8/28 - The Northern Belle - We Wither, We Bloom (LP)
10/16 - Malin Pettersen - Wildhorse (LP)
Recent:
5/01 - BOAT - Tread Lightly (LP)
5/01 - Laura Cortese and the Dance Card - Bitter Better (LP)
5/01 - Cut Beetlez vs Nice Guys - CBNG (LP)
5/01 - Grenon - "Imaginary Friends" (single)
5/01 - Paul Nelson - "Dying to Forget" (single)
5/01 - Felixity - Love Sick (LP)
5/01 - Easy - Radical Innocence (LP)
5/01 - Griffin Winton - "Think of Me" (single)
5/01 - Ender Bender - EQ
5/01 - The Rad Trads - 99 in October (EP) 5/01 - J.R. Wyatt - "I'm Still Here" (LP)
5/01 - Lekan Tellal - "Emptiness" (single)
5/01 - Angela Easterling - "Hero" (single)
5/01 - Miss Rayon - "Small Life" (single)
5/04 - Black Needle Noise with - "Seed of Evil" (single) 5/04 - Killing Kuddles - "Too Cool" (single) 5/06 - I Like Trains - "The Truth" (single)
5/06 - CLOUDNiNE - "I Know" (single)
5/07 - Julius and Julia - "Why We Are Here?" (single) 5/08 - Brian Wright and the Sneak-Ups - Lapse of Luxury
5/08 - The Attic Movement - "Truth Be Told" (single)
5/08 - Secret Bad Boy - "It Was Always Too Late" (single)
5/10 - Brett Ryan Stewart - "Let Her Know" (single)
5/11 - Sofia Talvik - "Broken (Steel Guitars in Heaven)" (single)
5/11 - Jonny Polonsky - "Sign in the Window" (single)
5/11 - Scott Howard - The Language of Clouds (LP)
5/12 - Kory Quinn & Co. - The Blueroom (LP)
5/13 - Dru Flecha - "Cama" (single)
5/15 - Special Consensus - Chicago Barn Dance (LP)
5/15 - Zach Aaron - Fill Dirt Wanted (LP)
5/15 - Secret Emchy Society - The Chaser (LP) 5/15 The Room in the Wood - We're the Martians, Now (LP) 5/15 - Wicked Messenger - "Golden Eyes" (single) 5/15 - Lazerine - "There's Nothing in It" (single) 5/15 - Klashing Black - Thoughts on the Matter (EP)
5/15 - Aimee Steven - "Darling" (single)
5/15 - Wolfhounds - "Can't See the Light" (single)
