E2TG 5/11/2021 - Reflections - Bad Feeling Mix (Sunstroke Remix)

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The challenge in these times in particular is to balance being engaged and informed versus being overwhelmed by negativity. 

On the one hand, I recognize the inherent privilege in being about to disconnect from some of the injustices of our times. On the other hand, navigating the maze of things that seemingly attacke ones mental health is exhausting.  

We all see people who are completely disengaged or who seem to be on high alert and in high actions 24/7 365, and I think there has to be a middle ground. It is also funny how, on paper, the middle ground can seem such a wide path, but in reality one is constantly in danger of falling over the edge. 

This is not post with answers - only questions.  One can read the news without visiting the comment section. That seems to make good sense. But, is ignoring the comments section equivalent to burying ones head in the sand when it comes to the great divide be the left and the right. But also, can't one recognize and know that the divide exists even without wallowing in the filth of that divide?

Can't one feel good about the news for one day, even while know that a large number of people feel bad about the same news. 

Anyway, those are my thoughts... 

Featured Friday Playlist recap Part 3 (songs 26-35):

26. "You Oughta Love Me" by Timothy and the Apocalypse

First up, we have the lead single from the forthcoming Future So Bright album by Australian musician, composer, songwriter, and producer Timothy Poulton - recording as Timothy and the Apocalypse.  For this track he is joined by Katie M. Little. 

27. "Playboy" by Anthony Vacanti

 Next up, we have a catchy new single from this actor, artist, singer, songwriter, and producer who is originally from Buffalo, New York and now based in New York City. Great tune.

28. "Criminal" by The Phantom Rockets

Next up, we have the debut single from Milan based duo   The Phantom Rockets. A great mix of rock, blues, and alternative music.  An impressive debut.

29. "Til the Sun Comes up" by McCormick

Next up, we have the new single from veteran UK singer-songwriter Steve McCormick who records as McCormick.  Check it out!

30. "Close My Eyes Forever" by Tequila Rock Revolution 

Next up, we have a cover of the Ozzy Osbourne, Lita Ford duet from Haydn Vitera, Cassandra Sotos, and Vitera's Tequila Rock Revolution which features a unique blend of metal and traditional mariachi instrumentation. Pretty awesome!

31. "CHAPSTICK" by NADUH

Next up, NADUH are based in Vancouver and their new single is a fantastic mix of r&b and hip hop that flips the scripts on the hip hop trope of stealing someone girl and not in the way you might expect. Check it out!

32. "COMA" by TheCityIsOurs

London based metalcore band TheCityIsOuts is up next with their latest single. A hard hitting band formed in 2015 and their new releases are the first with new vocalist Oli Duncanson. 

33. "Twenty" by Promise to Myself

The latest single from Phoenix, AZ based Promise to Myself brings attention to sudden cardiac arrest. The title refers to the 20 young people between 6 & 25 who die every day from cardiac ailments which often go diagnosed. 

34. "Chestnut" by Kiana Corley

Next up, we have a track from Take it or Leave It - the new EP from this exciting singer-songwriter from Pennsylvania.  Truly great music. 

35. "Bad Intentions" by Emma Garell

And, we close this segment of music with the new single from Richmond based Emma Garell whose music combines hard rock and pop in a most interesting way. A great ending to a rich and diverse segment of our playlist. 
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 5/10/2021 - Music City Monday & More - Drunk Dial Mix (Come & Get It Remix)

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Saturday, I got to catch Jason Ringenberg's first show in 14 months down on his farm.  With a threat of rain averted, it was a wonderful afternoon and early evening. I got to the farm early enough to visit with the chickens and the pony Tinkerbell, and to explore the grounds. 

Musically, the show was fantastic. Jason played several Scorchers' classics as well as tracks from his solo records including his most recent Rhinestoned.  On several tracks he was joined by the always incredible Fats Kaplin and Kristi Rose (who are long time collaborators who also appeared on the new album).  Ringenberg's daughters also joined him on his version of the hymn "Christ the Lord is Risen Today". And one of his daughters played flute and sang harmony on "Highway Songs".   

Jason had - as he does - a contest for the most obscure request of  song he had performed at some point. One of the requests was for a song that Farmer Jason had written several years before with a troupe of girl scouts - a couple of whom happened to be there.  When Jason confessed that he didn't remember a word of the song, the two young women got up and sang it. 

The show ended with guest guitar phenom Boone Hood joining on a fiery version of "Absolutely Sweet Marie".   

Several notable Nashville musicians were in attendance along with some hardcore fans and friends.  

Featured Friday Playlist recap Part 2 (songs 16-25):

16.  "Otherside of Town" by Nature's Neighbor

Illinois-based collective Nature's Neighbor returns to the Playlist with their latest single.  Their new album Otherside is due out this coming Friday. 

17. "Tired Eyes" by Ruby Bones

Next up, we have a track from the celebratory new album from these New Jersey rockers. The album is called Laser Tooth Tiger and it is out now. Check it out!

18. "Photos" by Ski Team

Next up, we have a gorgeous new track from this solo project of Brooklyn based singer-songwriter, producer, and guitarist Lucie Lozinski. 

19. "Wait" by Go Analog

Next up, we have a new single from this Columbus Ohio based rock band.  It is being released to celebrate the vinyl release of their EP Moonlight Gram which includes this song. Great stuff.

20. "Falling Out North St." by Cathal Coughlan

Next up, the new single from Irish musician Cathal Coughlan (The Fatima Mansions, Microdisney).  We have featured some earlier tracks, and I continue to enjoy this music. 

21. "Pay Attention" by Abby K

We shift gears and head to North Carolina for this new single from female-fronted hard rock/metal band based in Charlotte.

22. "Good Morning Sunshine" by Sunshine & The Blue Moon

Next up, some shimmering yet dark psychedelic grooves from this  Canadian band.  Their new album Born 2 Boogie is out in June, and I can't wait to hear more from this band. 

23. "Silly Games" by The Supermercados

Next up, we have a cool recent single from this UK based band.  I'm digging it. 

24. "Lifestream - Luke Slater's 7th Plain Remix" by Johannes Motschmann

Next up, we find out what happens when a neo-classical composure teams with a techno DJ. Spoiler alert: It is utterly fantastic. 

25. "Song for Pete" by Skidders

And, we close out with a track from a veteran English session musician off his just released new acoustic album Family & Friends.  And great tune to close out this segment of music. 
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 5/7/2021 - Featured Friday - Pizza & Drugs Mix (Take Good Care Remix)

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A busy week for new music, and that means a jam packed Featured Friday Playlist.  If you want, you can check out the whole list which is embedded just below or you can follow along all week as I recap the list in five segments.  Part 1 is down below the jump covering the first 15 songs. 

It is also a good time to tell you that much of the music featured here is available on Bandcamp and that today Bandcamp is waiving revenue sharing to put more of the proceeds of purchases directly in the hands of the artists you and I love.  If you love independent music like I do, support the artists in the most direct way you are able. Bandcamp is one of the better avenues. 

 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 5/6/2021 - How does it feel? - Help Me Lord Mix (Wash & Fold Remix)

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Short on time - enjoy the music...

Feature Friday Playlist recap Part 5 (The Finale - Songs 39-45):

39. "Troubling Times" by Climbing Trees

First up, we have the first new music in three years from this award winning Welsh band. I am once again impressed by the quantity and quality of the music coming out of Wales these days. 

40. "Doin' Fine" by Mode Shifter

Next up, a searing rock and roll number from this South Australian singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. 

41. "Reload" by The New Black Diamonds

Next up, our second track to feature from this Swedish rock band.  I am blown away by this band. Great stuff. 

42. "Up in the Air" by SYTE 

Next up, we have this alternative R&B/indiepop band who are based between Kosovo and the US. Groovy song. 

43. "The Change (feat. DMA's)" by What So Not

Next up, some great electronic music from Australia. I dig it.

44. "427" by Glostik Willy

Next up, we have an eleven minute jam from this hippy metal band from Indiana. Joined here my Doug Wimbish.  

45. "Behind the Mask" by Dead by Design

And, we close out the week with a track from the new EP Into the Night by this hard rock/metal band from Seattle. A great way to close out this week of music. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 5/5/2021 - Something Something Back to It - Never Again Mix (All Mixed Up Remix)

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Well, I ventured out to live music for the second time last night and saw a lot of familiar faces that I had not seen in some time. It was amazing even as we are all still feeling our way through the new normal.  

But, with that new normal - today I have returned to my office after 14 months or so of working from home. Short shuffle today - because I forgot my headphones...  it's hard to remember all the things that used to be a daily routine. 

Featured Friday Playlist Part 4 Songs 31-38:

31. "Clockwork" by Pikefruit

Latest single from this Seattle indie/dream/synth pop band - from their forthcoming new album due out May 14.

32. "It's Your World ('Til it's Over)" by Gerald Slevin

New single from the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Ithaca, New York. 

33. "Sing with Her" by Lorraine Nash

Next up, the latest single from this Irish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.  

34. "Racked" by Tommy Cash

Next up, the latest single from this multi-disciplinary and multi-genre artist from Estonia who recently announced a world tour starting in San Francisco in early 2022.

35. "What's The Matter" by MILO

Next up, we have the follow-up single to the debut album by this band from the Netherlands. Bright Flowers of Indigo was released back in November. 

36. "Bitter" by Calling Apollo

The onslaught of great Welsh bands continues with the latest single from this band from Cardiff. 

37. "Marrakush" by Electric Kif

Next, we have the first single from the forthcoming Dreamlike album by this instrumental band from Miami. 

38. "The Opposite" by Dan Rose 

And we close with a track by this Danish indie solo artist who draws on the inspiration and advise of George Costanza for the latest single which closes out this segment of music. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 5/4/2021 - A Decade or So - Blinkered Mix (Sunny Afternoon Remix)

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Some days, I think about why I have been able to continue E2TG for nearly a decade - when so many excellent blogs have ended or faded after a much short time. Besides my joke answers (stubbornness, not having an escape plan), the real answer, I think is doing it almost every day - even when I don't want to.  There have been days, of course, when I wasn't able to write, but I never didn't write just because I didn't feel like it.  I guess it is like other things (some good habits I need to work on)  - you just put one foot in front of the other (write one blog post after another) and ten years have passed. 

Featured Friday Playlist Part 3 (Songs 23-30):

23. "SPARKLEBLOOD" by kissdoomfate

The sensual French duo, kissdoomfate return with a new single and a crowdfunding effort to produce videos for their EP #2.  A great way to kick off this segment of music.

24. "You Got It" by Scott Standley

Scott Standley is an Austin Texas native who has been living between Austin, Chicago, and Seattle for the last decade will be releasing his debut album Victoria and we have a single from that album.  The album is named for the town in Texas where he first heard grandparents playing music and where he first played along. 

25. "I Won't Do Anything" by Rory D'Lasnow

Next up, we have a great new single from this New Jersey singer-songwriter. Cool tune. He is currently working on his 3rd EP. 

26. "The Day Called X" by Broken Links

Next up, we have a track from Conflict:State the new album from the 3-piece UK alt-rock band. Great stuff. 

27. "8teen" by Kind Villain

Next up, we have a cover of Khalid's 2017 "8teen" from Kind Villain - which was founded by the artist Ev V Frederick. 

28. "Cognitive Dissonance" by Swim the Current

New Jersey band Swim the Current bring the heaviness to their recent single.  A wonderful change of pace for the playlist. 

29. "Light Up the Sky" by The Legal Matters

Next up, we have the lead track from Chapter Three by this rocking pop band from Michigan.  Really dig this. 

30. "Hipsterboy" by The Chickenbackers

And we close with some awesome Merseybeat sounds from Madrid.  Yeh Right, Yeah! was released in 2019, but until now was only available on vinyl - check this out and try not the dig it. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 5/3/2021 - Music City Monday and More - Perck Mix (Time Coast Remix)

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A new week.  This month finds  your intrepid music blogger finishing up his tenth year of featuring great music without limits.  

This week, I begin to tentatively venture out into this strange new landscape - with some events planned. 

Next up - Part 2 of our Feat. Friday Playlist Recap and below the jump - our weekly Music City Monday shuffle... 

Featured Friday Playlist recap Part 2 (songs 13-22):

13. "Say Something" by Emma-Jean Thackery

Up first today is the new single from London based bandleader, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and producer Emma-Jean Thackery from her forthcoming album Yellow (due in July). Fantastic music. 

14. "Treading Water" by Charm of Finches

Next up, we have the new single from this Australian electric chamber indie folk sister duo.  The lovely track tackles complex emotions. 

15. "The Faded Ones" by Ben DeHan

Next up, we have the recent single from this Maryland based artist. Check it out!

16. "Welcome to the Big Top" by The Rose Petals

We previously featured an earlier single - but American Grenadine is out now from this West Coast duo of Elijah Ocean and Peter Donovan.  Great tunes. 

17. "Wasteland" by Tim Kile

Austin based singer-songwriter just released his debut solo album These Things Are Being Gathered for The Fire. Kile was a founding member of Arcade Fire and of the band Wild Light.  Really dig this new music. 

18. "And the Lights Went out All over Town" by Modesty Blaise

We continue coverage of the The Modesty Blaise - the first album in 20 years from this UK band. This is the latest single from that album, and it is a fresh slice of classic 90s British indie pop.  A great song. 

19. "Everything She Touches Is Gold to Me" by Said the Whale

Next up, we have the release from songs written during 2020s break from 14 years of constant touring by this band who are based out of Vancouver B.C.  A wonderful love song. 

20. "Stranger Among Friends" by Distant Voices 

We have the latest single from an album we have been covering for a while - London based Distant Voices released their debut album Long Road to Home back in March. It is great to be able to feature more from this excellent album. 

21. "What Did the Music Sound Like" by Lea Thomas

Lea Thomas is Japanese American singer-songwriter who was born is Hawaii and is now based out of Brooklyn. This is her latest single, and I love it. 

22. "Burst Through the Borders" by Caulbearers

And we close out this segment of music with the latest from Manchester based Caulbearers - who formed in 2007.  This is a worthy addition to the rich musical heritage of the UK city. 

 

    Featured Friday Playlist