Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Gratitude Mix

Short and Sweet. In spite of Because of all of the difficulties of this year, I am more aware than ever of the reasons I have to be grateful.   In a randomly shuffled way – that will be my focus today….

“Cry Over You” by Tami Neilson from Dynamite!

I am grateful for the Feel Bad for You monthly mixtape for expanding and enhancing my musical palate. I am also grateful for new music that sounds like it comes from another era – like some lost classic recording.

“Don’t Walk Away” by Aaron Lee Tasjan from Crooked River Burning

I am grateful for circumstances which have allowed to see and meet incredibly talented musicians/singers/songwriters like Aaron Lee Tasjan.  “This is a song about not walking away when someone’s talking to you, it’s called ‘Don’t Walk Away I’m Talking to You'”

“Two of Me” by Haesemeyer from Three Mirrors

I am grateful for discovering new music from near and far from a variety of sources and through the (sometimes) mixed blessing of social media getting to know the people behind the music.

“Fort Wayne” by Heath McNease from Fort Wayne

I am grateful for Noisetrade for introducing to music I might not otherwise hear. And for heartfelt people making the music they want to make regardless of labels or genre restrictions.

“Rambo” by The Features from Old Familiar Melodies – 2008-2013/Wilderness

I am grateful for people who come from near the place that I come from who go on to do great things who remind me that nothing about me holds me back except for me.

“God I Miss You” by Dan Coyle from Perfect World, Perfect Beat

I am grateful for people who notice when I write about them. As corny as it may sound, it is good to have reminders that I am not writing into a void. I am also grateful for people who remember and allow me to follow their journey through their music.

“Leaves” by The Western Shore from Thunderstorm

I am grateful for the insanely talented group of people I have been fortunate enough to become a part of over these last few months.  People pursuing their own version of the elusive but ever-present dream.  Nashville/East Nashville is filled with people like this, and I think I have found a pretty special (and ever expanding) group of folks with which to continue this journey.

“Can’t Say No” by The Fleeting Ends from Can’t Say No EP

Noisetrade again…. I am grateful for new music that manages to capture a bit of the music I grew up with without being derivative. I am grateful for a well-crafted Pop song, and I am grateful for continuing to discover new music almost every day.

“My Friend (Times Aren’t Too Bad)” by D. Joseph Mooradian via Soundcloud

I am grateful for young people continuing to express themselves through the art form of music. In this town, in this age… it is easy to get caught up in the music “business” and the charts and articles and opinions and pageviews and the bloody $$$$s. Music is or at least can be art – not in an elitist kind of way, but in a spiritual kind of way.  We trade a bit of ourselves with one another through the various ways be express ourselves.  I am grateful to hear and see the children of friends following this path of expression no matter how far or where it leads.

This turned out to be a pretty cool exercise in gratitude. Of course, I left out so many.  That’s why I use the random shuffle – if I was trying to create some “perfect” gratitude playlist – I would worry and obsess and it wouldn’t be done until next Thanksgiving.  

Have a good Holiday if you are celebrating.  To my Canadian friends – I send that greeting back through time to last month.  For others…. well, there is quite a bit about this American holiday that you may think is weird and excessive… but when it comes to taking time to be grateful – well, I think we got that part about right.

VIDEO APPROXIMATION

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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Pitch Black Mix

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As with many people, my mind is consumed with thoughts of what has happened and is happening in Ferguson, Missouri and what it says about us as a nation – as human beings…. I am not one of those who thinks he has all the answers… in fact there are just a few things I think I know…. repeated and systemic injustice creates situations where violence flourishes.  Violence and Hate are never the answer.  Peace and Love always are the answer.  Justice must proceed peace.  We are one world and one people. We really need to work on losing this idea of them vs. us.

Coincidently, we begin today’s random shuffle with a cover of  Gil Scott-Heron song, but not the one I’ve seen others posting today…

“Legend in His Own Mind” by Stacy Mitchhart from Live My Life

Nashville Bluesman Stacy Mitchhart is up first with his cover of Gil Scott-Heron’s Legend is His Own Mind.

“Wino” by Bob Frank from Bob Frank

To be honest, when I listened to this song this morning, I did not know anything about it.  I grabbed this off of the latest Feel Bad for You Mixtape where it was submitted by Mad Mackerel Music Blog.  The song is from 1972 and is from a 2014 Remastered version of Bob Frank’s self-titled first album.  From my hasty research, Mr. Frank has quite the storied history.  What I know for sure is this is a great song that I wanted more people to hear.

“Shimmer and Shine” by Michael Sackler-Berner

Michael Sackler-Berner is a Musician and Actor from NYC.  I’ll be honest until last night when I came across this song on the New Release section of Freegal, I had never heard of him.  He has worked with a stellar array of talent including folks like Marshall Crenshaw and Jim Keltner.  This is not raw roughly hewn music. This slick, well produced music that “shimmers and shines” like the song talks about.  As much as I dig me some rough raw music, I do not think that slick, well produced music is to be ignored. Especially, when the production is supported by a great pop song.

“Good Looking Boy” by Ike Reilly from Am I Still the One for You?

A powerful song about war veterans from Ike Reilly.  Our second listen to Mr. Reilly and so far he’s 2 for 2 in my book.

“Shut Up Shuttin’ Up” by Victor from Victor

Before things get too heavy, let’s take it in a completely different direction with this humorous track from Alex Lifeson’s ( of RUSH) 1996 solo album recorded under the name Victor.  This track features Lifeson’s wife and another woman talking about men.  The sentiment is appropriate for a day filled with loud mouths spouting off on the internet and using opinions as facts.

“Line Up” by Minton Sparks from Middlin’ Sisters

Spoken word of a completely different sort with this tale of corporal punishment and familial bonds that cross generations.

“Pitch Black” by PUJOL from PUJOL Sampler/Kludge

What can I say except, I absolutely love PUJOL’s music. This is a great song.

“Tried and True” by The Jayhawks from The Jayhawks (aka The Bunkhouse Album)

More from the debut album of The Jayhawks… tried and true indeed…

“Bad Habits” by Hugh Trimble from neighborpoem

Hugh Trimble just released a new album which I need to check out, but right now we are making our way through this one, and so far every song is a gem. 

“The Hanging” by Grant Peeples from Punishing the Myth

On a serious day, it seems fitting to close out the shuffle with a song that sends a powerful message about Capital Punishment and our nation’s seemingly insatiable appetite for blood.  Two wrongs don’t make a right.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Mister Jarmusch Mix

The first of only three shuffles this week before I head off for Thanksgiving.  We have to cover as much ground as we can in a short time… We begin with a relatively short (7 song) shuffle that manages to cover a wide range – geographically, musically, lyrically, and thematically.

“Weather Pattern” by Frazey Ford from Frazey Ford Five EP/Indian Ocean

From Vancouver comes Frazee Ford with a unique blend of Folk/Country/Soul… coincidently, my commute this morning had some interesting weather patterns… after a rainy night, the morning began with an odd yellowish sunlit sky with some gray clouds and even a hint of a rainbow. Then, there was a brief rain shower, followed by clearing skies and more sunshine. All this is the course of these seven songs.

“5-22-02” by Golden Smog from Another Fine Day

From Minneapolis comes the Alt-whatever supergroup featuring members of Run Westy Run, The Jayhawks, Soul Asylum, and Big Star among others.

“Hey, Can I Sleep on Your Futon” by Richard Barone from Occupy This Album

From NYC by way of Tampa, Florida comes The Bongos’ Richard Barone with his contribution to the Occupy This Album project. Although the Occupy Movement had a relatively short life in the public consciousness, the problems they exposed are still present and still should be a source of national shame regardless of party affiliation. Barone captures a very real issue in a catchy and powerful song.

“Casualties” by American Aquarium from Burn. Flicker. Die

Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina comes American Aquarium with another stand out track from their latest album.  The band’s next album, Wolves, will be released in early February 2015. We are all casualties of Rock and Roll.

“We Come From the Same Place” by Allo Darlin’ from We Come From the Same Place

From London by way of Australia and Kent, England comes Allo Darlin’ with the title track from their latest album which was released last month.  I really did the sound and the evocative lyrics.

“Mister Jarmusch” by Le Grand Escroc from Portraits

Contributing greatly to the diversity of this shuffle, we have this jazzy track from a fascinating album out of Tokyo. Portraits contains ten musical tributes to “Misters” and “Monsieurs”. Le Grand Escroc is the assumed name of Makoto Miura –  DJ and producer.  Having been on a bit of Jarmusch kick of late, I feel qualified to say this musical tribute is fitting as well as fun. 

“Six Pack on the Dashboard” by The Jayhawks from The Jayhawks (aka The Bunkhouse Album)

Despite trying to be diverse, sometimes it is good to have some continuity to fall back on… so, we have Gary Louris making his second appearance in today’s shuffle with his band The Jayhawks from their very first album (1986). Although not politically or legally correct, Six Pack on the Dashboard is a damn fine song and a great way to close out today’s shuffle.

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VIDEO PLAYLIST


Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Live My Life Mix

So another week of Ear to the Ground Shuffles comes to a close.  I am a bit short on time so I thought I would try something… a 3 Words post.  I will attempt to comment on each song using just three words. This may be more time consuming than writing a long post, but here goes nothing…

Have a great weekend!

“The First Heartbreak” by Matthew Ryan from Boxers

Their all bad…

“Beat Hotel” by The Folk Factory from The Folk Factory

Danish folk fun

“Live My Life” by Stacy Mitchhart from Live My Life

Red hot Blues

“Worried About the Weather” by Justin Townes Earle from NoiseTrade Eastside Manor Session/Single Mothers

Wish I’d gone

“Grasping at Straws” by Sidestreet Reny from Tonal Tonics and Musical Elixers

Unique Blues Music

“Grace on The 4th” by Minton Sparks from Middlin’ Sisters

Life ’round here

“Phase of the Moon” by Dan Coyle from Perfect Word, Perfect Beat

Brilliant moon song

“Deep Breath” by Hammer Hawk from The Entrée (a Built4BBQ Sampler)

Post-Hamburger Troy Rock

“Good Work (If You Can Get It)” by Ike Reilly from Hard Luck Stories

NoiseTrade Find – Win!

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Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Anarchy in the Shuffle Mix

Ear to the Ground doesn’t follow rules – not even our own rules. Does that make us anarchists? 

“If Only, Aunt Sye” by Minton Sparks from Middlin’ Sisters

Another slice of Country-flavored spoken word from Nashville’s own Minton Sparks.

“Too Many Cuts” by Pork Chop Willie from Love is the Devil

One of my favorite tracks on this album which is one of my favorites of this year.  Well versed and seasoned North Mississippi Blues pushed along by a classically trained violinist who has toured with Mark O’Connor.  This is the real deal – steeped in tradition and fully a product of the here and now.

“The Green Door” by Jim Lowe from 1956 Billboard Top 100/Single

A number one song in 1956.  What is going on behind that Green Door?

“Lazarus” by The Western Shore from Thunderstorm

A great song from my new friends, The Western Shore.  I got to see them play again this past Sunday with a bunch of other newish friends. It was a great night of music.  I really love the dynamic that Charlie and Kalee Smyth have been they perform together.

“Alleluia” by Dar Williams from The Honesty Room

Another great track from Dar Williams first full-length album.  Almost twenty years old and sounds fresh as ever.

“I’m Joliet Bound” by Sidestreet Reny and Lil’ Bell

From what I could tell, this is a cover of a Kansas Joe McCoy song which has been covered by many other people including John Mellencamp on his 2003 cover album Trouble No More.  Here the song is given the unique Sidestreet Reny and Lil’ Bell treatment.  Heave emphasis on the “treat” which this is…

“Don’t Go Away Mad” by Little Village from Little Village

I am not someone who keeps up with such things, but I would consider the Little Village album an underrated classic. There is hardly a dud on the album.  The genesis of this impressive collaboration (Hiatt, Lowe, Cooder, and Keltner) began in 1987 when all of the above worked on Hiatt’s incredible Bring the Family album. In 1991, the stars (and their busy schedules) aligned and this album was born.

“Just Because” by The California Honeydrops from Like You Mean It

Always happy to hear some funky soulful music, I consider The California Honeydrops among my favorite “discoveries” of the year. Discovered in the “new to me” meaning of the word. 

“Atlanta Blues” by Young Sidney Bechet from Young Sidney Bechet 1923-1925

Let’s jump back about 90 years with legendary Jazz saxophonist Sidney Bechet doing a W.C. Handy song which was in turn adapted from a folk/jazz/blues standard called “Make Me a Pallet on the Floor”. 

“Anarchy in the U.K.” by The Sex Pistols from Never Mind the Bollocks Here’s the Sex Pistols

Jump ahead about 50 years, and we close things out with the one and only Sex Pistols. Need I say more? No… I needn’t.

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Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Roots Reality Mix

I had the great pleasure last night of venturing to one my favorite spots in East Nashville – The Family Wash for their regular Tuesday night Short Sets, and I got to see Joe Nolan perform.  He has been featured a couple of times recently here at E2TG, and it was great to hear him play live and to finally meet him in person…

Due to some unforeseen and unfortunate events, I am shorter than usual on time for today’s shuffle…   So let’s do what we can with what we have to work with… a stunningly diverse and awesome shuffle today…

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If I had been half asleep when I began my daily trek to work…  Let’s just say there is nothing like some good old fashioned hardcore punk to get your blood pumping…  And, yep that Built4BBQ sampler is the good stuff…

“Falling” by Heather Powell from A Haze of Grays and Blues

I am telling you (and not for the first time), when it comes to awkward transitions between songs you would be hard pressed to find a music blog that does it better than E2TG (if I must say so myself).  We come out of the power and energy of the Bad Friends song with a completely different kind of power in the form of the gorgeous vocals and music of Ms. Heather Powell from her forthcoming CD.

“Indenesh Gedaow (Folk Song of Ethiopia)” by Mahmoud Ahmed from Hidden Treasures 100 Vinyl Recordings from Around the World

A rabbit hole that began with a Peacefork blog post lead me to this bit of wonderful African music from Mahmoud Ahmed of Ethiopia.  We are all one people and I believe that is why true roots music of any culture moves us all if we are willing to listen.

“Girl on a Cable” by Darrin Bradbury for A Car Becomes a House

It was of little surprise when I learned that Darrin Bradbury grew up in a circus. If you have the chance to meet him, you will see what I mean.  This song seems to draw upon that experience, and it is an excellent example of what makes Darrin’s music so damn awesome.

“Big Road” by Sidestreet Reny and Lil’ Bell from Holler

Another great track from the new Sidestreet Reny album Holler.

“Gone is Going” by Hugh Trimble from neighborpoem

The more I hear from Hugh Trimble, the more I am impressed.  The word that kept coming to my mind with this song was rollicking. Check out his album neighborpoems at Bandcamp.

“Never” by Heather Powell from Believe it to Life

Our second song today from Heather Powell this one from her album Believe it to Life.  More gorgeous music.

“Roots Reality” by Sidestreet Reny from Tonal Tonics and Musical Elixers

While we are on second songs from earlier albums let’s continue with this one from the album Tonal Tonics and Musical Elixers.  I think I’ve mentioned a couple of times that Sidestreet Reny was a rapper before he turned to the Blues. This song moves that information from the realm of trivial fact into startling reality.  This is amazing vocal and musical work.  As I was listening, I just kept smiling and saying, “Yes!”.

“Swoon” by Emily Wolfe from Roulette

We close things out with some chunky dream popish music from Austin, Texas. A great way to close out a wild and wooly shuffle.

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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Yacht Mix

Last week, one of the daily shuffles was heavily weighted toward Blues music.  Today, things turn more in a Country direction.  Of course this is Ear to the Ground, so it’s never cut and dry… 

“Little Victories” by Chris Knight (with John Prine) from Little Victories

Chris Knight did not play Peter Brady on The Brady Bunch nor is he the noted blogger and filmmaker. He is, however, a talented singer songwriter from Kentucky.  His 2012 album Little Victories featured contributions from Lee Ann Womack and Buddy Miller, and on the title track – John Prine.

“Faxes on a Yacht” by Rival Galaxies from The Entrée: a Build4BBQ Sampler

Rival Galaxies are from Albany, NY, and they bill themselves as “Curators of Dance Parties!!!”  One would be hard pressed to listen to this song and not move to the music.

“Never Felt Before” by Golden Smog from Another Fine Day

Another fine song from Alt-Indie rock supergroup Golden Smog.

“I See Georgia” by Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ from The Great American Bubble Factory

drivin’ N’ cryin’ have been making rocking new Southern Rock since the mid 80s.  Kevn Kinney also made one of my all-time favorite records – MacDougal Blues.  When The Great American Bubble Factory was released in 2009, it was the first full-length studio album for the band in 12 years.  Sometimes/often, I feel like out of place in the South – even though I’ve lived here my whole life, but if this is Southern Rock (and it is) than I think I can hang.

“Beggars’ Guild” by Roadkill Ghost Choir from Slow Knife EP

Heading further down South, we have a great song from Florida band Roadkill Ghost Choir.

“One More Ride” by Joe Sundell from The Hat Thief

Still in the South and moving us back into the Countryish theme, we have Joe Sundell from Austin, Texas with a cool song from his album The Hat Thief.  

“Old Five and Dimers Like Me” by Billy Joe Shaver from Old Five and Dimers Like Me

Fully establishing the Country creds for today’s shuffle – we go all the way back to the beginning of Billy Joe Shaver’s 40+ year career with the title track from his first album. Man! It really doesn’t get much better than this….

“Scarecrow Blues” by Brock Zeman from Songs from the Mud

We close things out and stay in the Country vein with an autumnal sounding track from Canadian singer/songwriter Brock Zeman.

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Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Jack Chick vs. Twin Peaks with a Twist Mix

I had a great night hanging out with a bunch of friends at a venerated Music Row bar and watching about a dozen or more of those friends make awesome music….

We have a delightful shuffle today with some cool songs and some cool pop culture references.  The shuffle contains old and new music of differing genres and points of view all existing in some semblance of harmony on my phone’s music player.   If these songs can all keep along, why can’t we?

“Twin Peaks Twist” by Messer Chups from Heretic Channel

It’s a good sign on a cold, snowy Monday morning when the shuffle begins with experimental music from Russia/Germany in the form of a mash-up of sorts of the Twin Peaks theme with The Twist? or least with a surf rock backbeat.  From Messer Chups’ 2009 album.

“San Francisco Girl” by Joe Nolan from Plain Jane

Our second listen to Nashville writer Joe Nolan.  This is a song about one of my favorite cities (even if I have only been to it a couple of time).  There is something almost Dylanesque about this song – I really liked it. Joe Nolan will be playing Short Sets at The Family Wash tomorrow night.

“Waiting” by The Style Council from The Singular Adventures of the Style Council/The Cost of Loving

A tenderer side of Paul Weller with this song from the band’s 1987 third album.

“Bunker” (Acoustic NoiseTrade Exclusive) by Heath McNease from Fort Wayne

Another awesome acoustic song from Heath McNease  from a collection of songs inspired by his film Fort Wayne.

“California (There is No End to Love)” by U2 from Songs of Innocence

Beginning with bits of “Barbara Ann”, a promisingly different sounding song from U2’s infamous new album.  I actually like this song.

“Let the Last Night Be the Longest” by The Jayhawks from The Jayhawks (aka The Bunkhouse Album)

A recent thrift store find – the debut album from Gary Louris and company.  Some solid songwriting – even as the band had not yet found their signature sound.

“See Me” by Heather Powell from A Haze of Grays and Blues

I was fortunate enough to get hold of a few songs from True Groove recording artist Heather Powell’s next album, A Haze of Grays and Blues (due out in the first part of 2015).  From what I’ve heard so far, this is going to a must have album.  A powerful song

“Lonely Mind” by Tex and the Horseheads from Tex and the Horseheads

I was reminded of Tex and the Horseheads after recently watching the 1987 film Border Radio in which Texala Jones plays a pretty funny (if irresponsible) babysitter.  I found this from what I think is a 2011 reunion EP.  Sounds great.

“Jack T. Chick and the Long Hand of Satan” by The Radicals from Halloween Rhymes and Children’s Crimes

As a long time… eh um… fan/collector of Jack Chick’s religious tracts, this track which seemingly features some audio of Mr. Chick caught my attention.  Beware the Long Hand of Satan….

“King Harvest (Has Surely Come)” by The Band from The Band

And we close out our first shuffle of the week with the song that closes out The Band’s self-titled second album. It doesn’t get much better than this…. 

 

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Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Hollerin’ Mix

First things first:  The Grey A have a brand new video for their timely song “Dumb Fool”.  It’s a fun film noir style video which includes our old friend Howard Rabach pounding on a table.  Check it out here:

Second of all, I had a great time seeing Darrin Bradbury and The Fran’s Eastside Super-High Band deliver a stellar set at The 5 Spot last night. 

Careful readers will recall that back in September yours truly had two reviews featured on the No Depression website.  One was for The Grey A’s album My Country and the other was for Darrin Bradbury’s album Motel Oatmeal. 

Now there is another coincidental connection between the two – if you look at picture above, at the extreme right of the picture – kind of in the shadows on the picture is Trombone player Diego Vasquez who joined the Super-High band last night and also played with The Grey A when I saw them at The Stone Fox (and played on The Grey A album I believe).

Finally, I need to announce that there are big, big things in store for #E2TG in the coming new year.  (Translation: I am basically punting the last month and a half of 2014 so expect nothing from me until after New Years by which time I hope you will have forgotten that I promised “big, big things”) 
Seriously, the Shuffles will continue unabated… well mostly unabated…. well just somewhat abated… well at least occasionally unabated…

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So many – especially Nashville radio legend Mary Brace have been talking up Hozier for several months at least.  Sometimes, I slow… I usually get there.  I really dig this song.


“Hollerin’ Mercy” by Sidestreet Reny and Lil’ Bell from Holler

The shuffle’s love affair with Sidestreet Reny continues with another great track from the phenomenal Holler album.


“The Difference” by Dan Coyle from Perfect World, Perfect Beat

Dan Coyle has been bouncing on and off my radar for at least a year or so, and I’m happy that he is now officially on the screen.  His latest album – Perfect World, Perfect Beat takes the listener back to the time when folk music and pop music weren’t two separate worlds. It also simultaneously keeps the listening grounded in the present while offering a bird’s eye glimpse into the great unknow – the future.


“Marnie” by Virginia Wing from Measures of Joy

A random discovery – I still love that type of discovery. Virginia Wing are from England.  I think this quote from their Facebook page neatly sums up this band…

“It’s not often i’ll say that about any music, but i did not get the strange experimental music these guys make at all. I hate to slander but it was too weird it was like 5 minutes before someone sang and even then it was just vowels. “

Ha! I have to love a band that would use that quote.  Check out Virginia Wing….


“Hourglass” by Mr. Kind from Wide Awake/Open Hands

Long time Ear to the Ground fave Brian Bergeron and his current band Mr. Kind are from the Bay Area.  Here is a cool track from their latest EP Wide Awake which was released in August.


“She Knows What to Do” by Stacy Mitchhart from Live My Life

Another great track from Nashville Blues legend Stacy Mitchhart’s latest album.


“Primary Resistance” by Minton Sparks from Middlin’ Sisters

Sassy kids and unrelated aunts.  Minton has an amazing ability to capture who own unique slice of the world in this still relatively young century.


“Boxers” by Matthew Ryan from Boxers

Alt-Country singer/songwriter Matthew Ryan released his latest album in October, and this is the title track.  This is the sound of a justifiably confident songwriter hitting and maintaining his stride.  Ryan has a show in Nashville in December with the amazing Todd Farrell and the Dirty Birds.


“Rain Child” by Hugh Trimble from neighborpoem

I feel in love with the music of folk singer Hugh Trimble from his contribution to the latest Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen compilation. I had to hear more.  This song is from his neighborpoem album which was released in 2012.


“Everything is Broken” (Bob Dylan Cover) by Bettye LaVette from Anti Winter EP/ Thankful and Thoughtful

A great way to end the week’s shuffles…. soul great Bettye LaVette with a cover of a song from Bob  Dylan’s 1989 album Oh Mercy.  The song has also been recorded by Kenny Wayne Shepherd and R.L. Burnside.



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Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – This is the Blues Mix

Nashville – come out tonight to The Five Spot in East Nashville at 9:00pm for an awesome show. The Harmed Brothers, Charlie and the Foxtrots, and #E2TG favorite Darrin Bradbury who will be backed by the star-studded (and stud-starred) Fran’s Eastside Super-High Band!

Apologies to Tim Carroll (who by the way is part of the aforementioned Super-High Band) for appropriating the title of one of his songs for the subtitle of today’s shuffle.  The song isn’t in the shuffle, but it came to my find, when I heard the high concentration of Blues numbers in the first part of this morning’s shuffle. 

Shuffle Up!

“She’s Gone” by Pork Chop Willie from Love is the Devil

For the second straight day, we have an awesome track from one of my favorite albums of 2014.  This is a Pork Chop Willie original with a snappy, rocking sound.

“Yoyo Daddy” by Sidestreet Reny and Lil’ Bell from Holler

Also reappearing for the second day in a row… with his 1934 National Resonator guitar!  Here is Sidestreet Reny.

“Battle vs The War” by Butch Walker from Noisetrade Sampler/b-side single

Butch Walker has a long and diverse music career.  This is one of his newer releases (he has a new album due out next year).  On the video, this song is a duet with the awesome Nikki Lane.  I think she sings on the recorded version, but in my limited research time, I could not absolutely confirm that.  Butch Walker fact checkers assemble!    I really, really dig this song!

“Boogie Bar and BBQ” by Stacy Mitchhart from Live My Life

A nice stroke of genuine Blues music from Music City USA.  This is from his brand new album which I just got my hands on thanks to Ms. Sue Havlish.  My first listen, and I’m digging it.  It’s funny how I never considered myself a fan of the Blues, and yet the more I hear, the more I realize I really was a fan all along.  The video is an awesome cover of a Hall and Oates song recorded live at the Bourbon Street Blues Bar in Printer’s Alley in Downtown Nashville.

“My .32-20” by Sidestreet Reny and Lil’ Bell from Holler

Number two of the day from the awesome Holler album which I also just got my hands on – h/t to the incomparable David J. “Popatunes” Horton.  Did you know that Sidestreet Reny’s background is in hip-hop music.  For kicks and continuing an unintended theme, we have Brian McKnight’s version of another Hall and Oates song featuring a rap by Sidestreet Reny himself. 

“Evil World” by The Radicals from Halloween  Rhymes and Children’s Crimes

Man! It so good to have some sharp old school style PUNK in the shuffle.  Who cares that this was a Halloween album and that it is now mid-November? Really who cares?  Clear the furniture and be prepared to slam dance!

“17th Last Cigarette (thinkin’ bout drinkin’)” by Swearing at Motorists from While Laughing, The Joker Tells the Truth

Swearing at Motorists are a Dayton, Ohio two piece band lead by dave doughman who have a twenty year history.  This song is from their latest album, and it’s really strong!

“Peggy Sang the Blues” by Frank Turner from England Keep My Bones

I don’t know if this is considered Blues, but it is about singing the blues, and it has the word Blues in the title.  Frank Turner is a British folk/punk artist, and this really awesome song is on his 2011 record.

“I Love, I Love (Traveling II)” by Dar Williams from The Honesty Room

The first of two tracks from Dar Williams’ 1995 album.  We featured Traveling I a few weeks back.

“Little City” by The Western Shore from Thunderstorm

Hard to believe it has been a week since I attended the CD Release show by The Western Shore.  They sounded great live, and they sound equally great on the album (which you should buy!)

“Whistle in the Dark” by Matt King from Raw

Keeping it local with another great track from Matt King’s stripped down Raw album.

“In Love But Not at Peace” by Dar Williams from The Honesty Room

Closing things out with our second listen of the day from one of my personal favorite’s – Dar Williams.

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