E2TG 6/18/2020 - Do Not Despair - First Light Mix (So You Say Remix)

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There are positive signs and signs that are alarming.  Do not despair. I believe we are on the right path. As we march forward toward November and January, expect the other side to get desperate and lash out - often in destructive and frightening ways. But, do not despair, just keep fighting and marching and pushing forward. Let our progress gain momentum and become an unstoppable force!

I am going to work on some submission "guidelines for E2TG" - not hard and fast rules that must be followed - I hope I am never self-important enough to do that, but rather some tips about how best to reach me, how I feature music, how I don't, and things like that.  I have some ideas, but I need to organize my thoughts.  One thing though, I do love personalized e-mails that show that the person writing has actually read my blog. BUT, I do not expect every submission to do that - again, I try not to have an inflated sense of my own importance.

I strive very hard to have E2TG be an unique as possible.  I am aware that hundreds or thousands of sites and blogs are sent the same music - so some music I feature will likely be featured on many other sites. My quest to be unique then has to come from the variety and from featuring some local artists whose music may or may not be going to all those sites and blogs.   How am I doing?



It is almost time for a new Featured Friday Playlist, but we have our final three songs to feature today.  Be sure to check out the whole playlist before the new one posts tonight around midnight.

13. "Little Lion" by Teghan Devon

First up today, we have the title track from the new EP by Boston area singer-songwriter Teghan Devon .  The songs were written while Devon was grieving the loss of her life-long best friend - a golden retriever named Sarge. A beautiful record - that was originally scheduled for release in March but was pushed back due to the pandemic. 

14. "Stop and Rewind" by Mile Me Deaf

Next up, we have a track from the new album Ecco by Austrian synth-driver, psych band Mile Me Deaf. The music has a very strong pop vibe. I dig it. 

15. "Pandemic" by Luciano Illuminati

And, we close this week's playlist with a track from Terra Vision 2020 - a very timely album filled with topical songs from this most unusual year. Luciano Illuminati is an indie/alternative artist from Virginia Beach, Virginia. 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/17/2020 - Parenthetical - Chrome Mix (Bullethead Remix)

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A gentle reminder that "Outrage fatigue" is real and is actually a tool of fascists like Trump.  Keep fighting but give your self permission to step back and relax and rest before picking up the fight again.  I was thinking about this today, and in my head, my initial counter-thought was that it was my white privilege to think I could take a break (and that is a question worth considering), but I say this for everyone in the fight.

 The other thing is recognizing what is productive. I absolutely hate comment sections - it brings out the shittiest side of everyone. But, (if you critically evaluate the role of trolls in such forums) it can be a way to understand the "other side". If a person making comments is being genuine and honest, even if you think they are misguided or wrong, the words they use and the arguments they make can help to shed light on what we are up against.

That being said, I can waste time and energy getting worked up over posts in the comment section of articles, tweets, or Facebook posts. It can (and does) put me into a mental tailspin and contributes to my exhaustion and burnout.  Like all of life, balance is important. This fight is essential and critical and vital, but it is not everything. Quite moments, laughs with friends, music, art, nature are all important, too.

Continuing our Featured Friday Playlist recap with songs 9-12.  We will cover songs 13-15 tomorrow to wrap up this week's list.

9. "I Love You (Don't Laugh)" by Andre Salvador and the Von Kings

Andre Salvador and the Von Kings is the moniker of indie pop singer-songwriter Tim Cheplick who is based in Brooklyn.  This is the debut single from the forthcoming self-titled album.  The album was recorded in Nashville and produced by Robin Eaton. Proving that coincidences reign supreme here at E2TG, Robin Eaton has worked with numerous artists and friends including Tommy Womack, Tim Easton, and Swan Dive to name a few. Most famously (I guess), he has worked alongside Jill Sobule on several albums.

10. "Hold On (Italians in the Night)" by Beth McKee

Friend of E2TG Beth Mckee is back with a new single that captures the feelings this time in which are are living. The song was co-written at the beginning of the pandemic with fellow Orlando singer-songwriter Terri Binion. McKee's drummer husband plays on the album. And she once again works with producer John Pfiffner who produced her Dreamwood Acres album - which was our introduction to her music. 

11. "Your Parents (Dancing with the Stars)" by Benedict Sinister

Next up, a rather interesting track from electro-pop artist Benedict Sinister which is a pointed and clever take on meeting the significant other's parents - told with a distinctively New York bent. The song is packed full of references - pop culture, politics and more. The cleverness never overwhelms the joy of the track. 

12. "Barcelona (Memoryy Remix)" by Kevin Herig

A remix of a recent single by indie-pop singer-songwriter Kevin Herig by electro-pop artist Memoryy.  I dig it. A cool addition to this week's playlist.  

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/16/2020 - California Darkland Twilight Moon - Green Mix (Odyssey Remix)

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You know what I hope for from the next President. Sure, to begin to undo some of the damage that has been done and to move us back in the right direction, but more than all that, I want a President who won't be saying and doing stupid and dangerous things EVERY SINGLE DAY.  I want a President that at least pretends to speak to all Americans. A President who rebuilds our ties with our allies and not with corrupt dictatorships.  I want a steady hand.  I expect that there will be times I will not agree with the next President and will need to speak up, but I want to go back to a time when upheaval and turmoil were not daily reality.

I got to spend some time outdoorts hanging out with some good friends (at a distance), the first time I had just hung out like that in a good while. The weather was perfect and it was wonderful. I see that I need to start coming out of my comfort zone (safely).

I am still concerned about the return of live music as I knew it - when it will happen, how it will happen, and if I will feel safe enough to go.  It still seems surreal that so much was stripped away in such a short period of time.

BUT, COVID-19 is not over, we haven't beat it.  In some places, we are seeing a spike in cases, and in my observation many people are acting like it is over. Wear a mask, stay in when you can, avoid crowds.

We have four more songs to feature from this week's playlist!

Featured Friday Recap Part II (Songs 5-8)

5. "Our Future is California" by Cursive is Code

I am fortunate to get to feature a lot of music here on E2TG - and to get to hear music that I might not otherwise get to hear.  And every once in a while, I come across music that just connects to me in a way that it hard to explain and even harder to write about. I remember the first time I heard Grimm Generation.  It was music that sounded like what music I might make might sound like - if I made music.  I got to know Jason P. Krug through writing about that band. Then, when Grimm Generation imploded, Krug released an amazing solo album, and I knew I had to name him E2TG Artist of the Year. He was the one that inspired me to create Artist of the Year Nashville and Non-Nashville. Things have been quiet music-wise since that 2016 album The Zen of Losing, and that is why I am so excited that Krug has a new band - along with his significant other Julie Kay and some other Connecticut musicians - and some new music. We featured an earlier single a few weeks back. This latest single really connected with me, and it reminded of why I fell in love with Krug's music in the first place.  

6. "Darklands" by Tayls, Heaven Honey

Tayls has been on my radar for awhile, but I feel like I just recently really started to connect. They have been releasing some single collaborations with other Nashville bands, including this one with Heaven Honey. I didn't know much about that band before hearing this track, but I want to know more now. I am very excited about the variety of music being made in Nashville these days. While I am tempted to say that this doesn't sound like Nashville music, the fact is - more and more (at least in my orbit)- music that doesn't sound like Nashville is becoming the norm. Which is not to suggest that there is anything overly familiar about this music - on the contrary - I would say that it is the uniqueness of Tayls' music - and I'm guessing Heaven Honey as well - that makes it distinctively Nashville (circa 2020).

7. "Magic Moon" by Eric Bolander

The last few years have definitely marked a renaissance of sorts in Kentucky music. Sturgill lead things off for sure. The exciting thing is that in his wake has come a line of unique and talented musicians carving their own path. This is the brand new single from Eric Bolander from Lexington, Kentucky.  It is the first single from his forthcoming third album (due in August). I love this song, and I can't want to hear more from him, and I want to go back and check out his first two albums. 

8. "Perpetual Twilight" by Crooked Heart

We close today's recap with the title track from the new album by Grand Rapids, Michigan based post hardcore/alternative band Crooked Heart. This is a sprawling, noisy soundscape. A great addition to the playlist. 

(Tomorrow songs 9-11)

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/15/2020 - Music City Monday - Care of Dreamers Mix (Johnnybag Remix)

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I'm going to pick up the Featured Friday Playlist recap tomorrow - because this week's list was shorter than usual, and because I forgot to write it last night...

Some good news from the Supreme Court today regarding LGBT+ rights.  I understand that there was some bad news on another front, but I have not had time to dive into that so I won't comment and just celebrate a victory for human rights.

Well, let's get right to the Music City Monday Shuffle!

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/12/2020 - Featured Friday - King of Ashes Mix (Skatepark Remix)

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I have a tendency to think out loud in my posts.  For me, writing is a good way to work through things that get tangled up when they stay inside my head. E2TG is above all, MY blog. Blog is short for weblog (not we blog,  but web log). I think of it as kind of a journal. My journal is focused on music because music is important to me. But, since it is my journal, I can write about whatever I want. I can even use it as a place to think out loud.  Now, this is not without risk. When I think outloud, I let my thoughts take me where they will... and I may say something I don't mean or that could be misconstrued. But, then, that is what editing is for.  Now, I will freely admit, E2TG can be pretty rough sometimes when it comes to editing.  I am writing during lunch hour or before work, and when I go back I see a lot of typos which I hate. I try to follow the rules of asking, Is is true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

Okay, so today, I am reading about how members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force showed up and interrogated planners of a protest in my hometown - asking them about Antifa and seemingly trying to encourage them to cancel the protest - implying that Antifa was going to show up and cause trouble. In reality, the protest was mostly peaceful, and the only trouble came from some out-of-state right-wing racists who showed up with signs.  Interesting that the JTTF didn't seem to care about these type who seem to be largely responsible for problems nationwide.

It is also interesting, but not surprising that an administration that seems to be rushing headlong into fascism and totalitarianism are focused on the antifascists but not the KKK, Proud Boys etc.


Well, it is time, to officially unveil this weeks Featured Friday Playlist.  This week's list is a little shorter than the lists have been of late. Fewer new releases on my radar this week - but I have a bunch lined up for next week.  As always, I expect to learn of some new releases today and over the next few days - those will be added to next week's list.

We are going to begin our review of the current playlist - down below the jump - by talking about the first four songs in the playlist.  We will continue the recap into next week - due to the fewer number of tracks in this week - we may wrap up the recap early or we may just write about fewer songs per day. We shall see. Please check out the whole list and if you would, please follow the Playlist on Spotify.  Thanks to all who are already following along.

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/11/2020 - The Outcry, the Action, and the Reaction - Slow Hell Mix (The Gift Remix)

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So, we have seen the widespread protests across the country and around the world in response to the tragic and senseless death of George Floyd. We have also seen specific actions - such as the call to reinvent or "defund' the police. We have seen confederate statues being removed from public places, NASCAR banning the confederate flag, laws being proposed, people speaking out for the first time.

We have also seen the reaction - policy doubling down on brutality. Right wing politicians using racist and fascist language. Police targeting peaceful protesters and reporters. Trump is planning a hate rally in Tulsa on June 19th - the symbolism of the date and place are not lost on most of us.

Let's not forget voter suppression efforts by the GOP on State, Local, and National levels.

So, my question for today is now what? More protests? Major voter recruitment efforts - backed by legal challenges to voter suppression? Making sure voices are heard no matter what and no matter how...

All of the above maybe?  I am truly frightened by what is happening in this country and what so many are allowing to happen.

And, in the midst of all that COVID-19 cases are on the rise again.  Nashville is stuck in Phase II of our reopening because it seems like most people are acting like the whole thing is over.

I am just going to admit right now that I don't have a lot of answers, but I vow to keep asking questions and to keep shining a light into the darkness of the fascist regime holding our nation hostage.

Whew!  Okay - next week, I promise to say what I really feel...

Now, it is time to conclude our recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist with the final five songs in the shuffle. Tomorrow, it will be time for a brand new Featured Friday Playlist!

22. "Promise of Tomorrow" by Turkeyfoot

The title track to the new album from Colorado based bluegrass band Turkeyfoot. The album have some purer bluegrass moments, but you can hear the bluegrass influences on this country song.  

23. "Low Way" by Robert Kuhn

Next up, we have a track released ahead of a new album called Persevere. Robert Kuhn is a singer-songwriter and surfer from Galveston, Texas. The album was made while recovering from a near fatal car accident. Then the pandemic hit and added a new level of perseverance.  I dig this song. 

24. "That's How I Roll" by Debra Power

Next up, we have a blues singer-songwriter and pianist from Calgary, Alberta, Canada with the title track of her new album. Nice to have some rollicking blues in the playlist. 

25. "Condolences" by Skanger

Next up, we have the debut single from this duo based in Dublin, Ireland. Colin Morris (Sunbear) and Mark Healy (The Josephs). The duo's influences mix shoegaze influences with the ambient/drone music of Brian Eno and others.  A nice change of pace for this playlist. 

26. "Dust" by Good Foxy

Last but not least, we have the new single from UK band Good Foxy. This a track from their new album Planets Over There.  A nice alternative rock song to round out the playlist.  

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 6/10/2020 - State of Things - Astral Plane Mix (Charlie's Lips Remix)

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The fight to address systemic racism in our society and the issues of police brutality that disproportionately affect members of the African American community continues and will continue for some time. This is a problem that has festered for much, much too long, and one week of protests and direct action will not change it overnight. I will keep speaking up on these issues and continue the push to remove our disaster of a president from office.

But, I need to step back just for a few minutes to talk about the state of E2TG and myself personally.  This week has been difficult for me, but at the same time I feel tremendous guilt saying that. By all practicable accounts, I have been extremely fortunate in that the COVID-19 shut downs have not impacted me financially. And, I live a life of privilege in our society. So, on days when isolation gets to me, and I miss hanging out with my friends and seeing live music; my mind tells me it is trivial compared to what others face. But, telling myself that does not really help me. So, I will say to you (and to myself), it is okay to feel what you feel about these times. It is okay to acknowledge sadness and loneliness.

As for E2TG, I think maybe some people think that because E2TG has continued for over nine years, that maybe I never thought about hanging it up or that I don't ever question what it is I do. Neither of those are true. I am human and sometimes, I question if what I do means anything or if many people care. Page views, social media likes and shares are wonderful and affirming, but if I ever choose to use those exclusively as justification for continuing E2TG, I would have quit a long time ago.

I know there are people who enjoy what I do, and I also know that there is a lot of information and posts and live streams etc. out there. I know that there are people whose work I adore and support that I don't have time to view every day. I also know that there are websites that hold more cache that E2TG and that rightly get more attention from artists that a mention on E2TG. Does it bother me - again, I am human so yes - but I do understand it.

There are days when pageviews dip down low, and yes, I do wonder on those days, if it is worth it to continue. But, then I am encouraged because someone tells me how much E2TG means to them. So, I got back to this - if E2TG is fun (and it is), I will continue until I hear an outcry for me to stop. When it becomes a burden, I will reexamine, reconfigure, and if necessary take a hiatus.

Meanwhile, I am proud of what I do and thrilled about the variety of music that I have the chance to feature here.

And, now, we have our penultimate recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist (Songs #17-21). Tomorrow, we wrap up the recap just in time for Friday's brand new recap.

17. "Be Thou By My Side" by Holy Hive

First up today, we have a cover of a rather obscure 1972 song by Honeybus - a UK band that existed from 1967-1973. Holy Hive is a trio featuring Homer Steinweiss (The Dap Kings) and Paul Spring along with Joseph "Tone" Harrison. This is a lovely song. 

18. "White Knuckle Ride" by Delta Maid

Delta Maid is a singer-songwriter from Liverpool who returns after a nine year hiatus. This short but moving opening track his from her new album Katie.

19. "Cut 'n' Curl" by Lacey Williams

Next up, we have the brand new singer from Utah native Lacey Williams.  Williams spent several years in Nashville before returning to her home state. This catchy song is about the center for gossip in many small towns, the local beauty salon. 

20. "The Wanderer and the Outcast" by Sea of Fog

Next, we have a really beautiful song from a band founded by singer-songwriter Thomas Bowers.  They are based in the south. This is from their new album Michael Collins Observes the First Moonwalk from the Columbia Module. 

21. "Innocence" by KissDoomFate

KissDoomFate (or KDF) is a duo from Angers, France. The music here is really interesting to me. Frentic percussion, at once seductive and powerful vocals. It is disarming and unique music. A very cool addition to this week's playlist. I dig it.

    Featured Friday Playlist