Featured Friday Music Shuffle – Where the Blues Began Mix

Tweet #E2TG!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js”;fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,”script”,”twitter-wjs”);

Be sure to “Like” Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Well it’s Friday and it is All Hallows Eve Eve and it is sunny today and did I mention it is Friday!

Last night I completed my punch card and made it to all five of the Campfire Propaganda residency shows. This week Megan Palmer and Brian Wright were back, and Darrin Bradbury was out of town on tour. Great sets of music by Tim Easton, Brian Wright (who covered Darrin’s “Blue Highways”), Megan Palmer, and then Nellie Clay played with a full (and awesome) band for her CD Release show. She even brought up a horn section for the last two songs.

After that I decided to enjoy the crisp Autumn evening and made my way to Drifter’s BBQ to watch Tim Carroll and Luella before heading home to do some preparation for a meeting this afternoon which should help me set a course to make 2016 the best year ever for #E2TG.

We have a featured Friday shuffle that is sure to provide a multitude of treats with a minimum of trickery.

“ネオ東京 Underground” by Victor Love

We start out with some Industrial/Techno music with an accompanying video that is a tribute to the classic Manga/Anime Akira. Fun stuff – check it out. This is the lead track from an album called The Network. Victor Love is from Rome – I believe, by way of Neo Tokyo.

“Cold Stones and Rubble” by Jon Latham

We are now two weeks out from the release of Jon Latham’s awesome new album, Real Bad News. The buzz for this record continues to build, and Jon will opening up for Malcolm Holcomb in December 4 at the original Basement.

“Silver Cigarette Case” by the British IBM

Earning their spot in the long line of awesome British Pop bands (Pop in the best sense of that work by the way), I have been really digging on Psychopaths Dream in Black and White. Check them out.

“If I Could Only Turn Back” by Fendrick and Peck

Fendrick and Peck are really nice people who happen to be awesome songwriters and performers. True story, I met Brian Peck the very same night that I met Jon Latham. I had been convinced to accompany Darrin Bradbury and James Tomberlin on a somewhat sketchy drive to a Sunday night open mic somewhere way out on Murfreesboro Pike. We ended up in this rather nice establishment in a strip mall. The open mic featured some kids doing recital pieces, a couple doing traditional songs, and Darrin, James, Brian Peck, Taylor Alexander, Jon Latham, and Drew Kohl doing their amazing songs. Ah, those were much simpler times… (last year). Anyway, this is another great song from the Fendrick and Peck album Lucky Penny which you should definitely check out.

“Land Where The Blues Began” by Sara Syms

Speaking of really nice people and amazing songwriters/performers…. Sara Syms is one of my absolute favorite Nashville artists. She recently released her wonderful new album Way Back Home. Land Where the Blues Began is as good as any place to dive into her music. Sara makes pretty timeless yet timely music- couching her strong songwriting with some great production and instrumentation. Check her out!

“Some Days a Dollar” by Tiffany Huggins Grant

Continuing a theme of Nashville singer/songwriters who are also very nice people… We have been featuring Jonquil Child for some time, and we still have a few more songs in our playlist. Boasting a powerful voice and backed by talented an experienced plays, Jonquil Child is an incredible album. #E2TG favorite, Mark Robinson produced and played on the record.

“Awful Lot” by Susan James

We close things out with our final track from Sea Glass – long time blog favorite Susan James’ new album which marked a return to her California singer/songwriter roots and which injected a decidedly Paisley Undergroundish sound to the music.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Close Your Eyes, Breathe Slow and We’ll Begin Mix

Be sure to “Like” Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

“Close your eyes, breathe slow, and we’ll begin…” – from “The Pan Within” written by Mike Scott and recorded by his band, The Waterboys from their album This is the Sea.

Last night I took the Blackstone Bus to Music City Roots at the Factory in Franklin. I think the bus is one of this town’s best kept secrets. Every Wednesday, the bus departs from The 5 Spot in East Nashville makes a stop at Soulshine Pizza in Midtown and then makes its way down I65 to Franklin.

Reasons it is such a cool, awesome deal: 1. The ride is free. You pay your (usually $10) Roots ticket, select the Blackstone Bus option. 2. They serve samples of different varieties of Blackstone Beer (the longest currently operating local brewery). 3 You get some free hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Monnells. 4. There is usually awesome live music on the bus and 5. You don’t have to drive.

About #4 – the scheduled music performer was under the weather, but because Nashville – it turned out that The Worry Dolls were on board. The Worry Dolls are recent transplants from London. I had seen them at a showcase during Americana, and they graced us with some songs on the bus. I nice treat to be sure.

This weeks Music City Roots was pretty eclectic. Host Jim Lauderdale opened the show with a song from his new album – which I now really want to check out. A bluegrass band from Italy played one song. I really dug them a bunch – they are called La Terza Classe. The Orphan Brigade played next, they are a really interesting group of experienced players with a pretty fascinating story. They completed their current album in Kentucky at what is called the Most Haunted House in America. I really liked their music which is kind of moody roots music – I guess. LynnMarie was next with her polka band. They won me over by opening their set with a cover of The Who’s “Squeezebox” and a song written about LynnMarie’s son who has Down’s Syndrome. The latter song really spoke to me.

Amy Black was up next – backed by some of the players who joined her when I saw her CD Release show at The Bluebird Café and supplemented by a horn section and noted Nashville bassist Hags Haggerty. They sounded fantastic.

Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen played the final set of the night and did what they do best – bringing the authentically original take on psychedelic North Mississippi blues music. And for those who read yesterday’s post – no, the MCR stage could not contain Ted Drozdowski. Drozdowski is a phenomenal guitar player and his band provide some amazing support.

The closing Music City Jam featured a pretty awesome version of a song Muddy Waters recorded called “Rollin’ and Tumblin'”. It was amazing to hear the different takes from everyone on stage.

On to the shuffle:

“The Pan Within” by The Waterboys

Celtic spirituality and soaring, “Big Music”… another track from This is the Sea – which was The Waterboys third album – released in 1985 (30 years ago).

“Enough” by The Regrets

The first of three songs in the shuffle by bands associated with Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen. A pretty “in your face” kind of punk song – hint: guys, you do not want to mess with this woman! This is on the latest Mama Coco’s sampler. I had to do some pretty heavy duty research, but I managed to find a video made by some of the members of The Regrets.

“Bullets and Arrows” by The Colored Parade

Andrew Atkins has performed in several different combination covering a pretty wide spectrum of styles and genres with one thing in common – well-written song with a hooky melodhy.

“Paper Planes” by Ilana J

Another from Free Falling from the Ground Up. Illana J plays really infectious and original pop music. She has a new single called “Angel” which is being sold to benefit research to find a cure for Angelman Syndrome.

“The Witches Song” by Longshot Nelson and the Disjoints

Off the latest Feel Bad for You mixtape – comes this seasonally appropriate song from a band who seems to have a bunch of songs which are appropriate for this time of year. They play Scottish folk music, and this was my first listen, and I want to hear more.

“Fuck Ben’s Party” by The Dregs

Another from the latest Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen sampler. We’ve featured music by The Dregs before and probably will again. The band includes bassist Sam Braverman who we first heard with his band Logan X.

“Nevermind” by James Roquemore

Another listen to James Roquemore’s debut release, The First. You may recall that I saw James open Pat Kinsley’s album release show at the Basement. Great songs, great voice.

“Atlas” by Man Named Pearl

Another track from Quietus Make – the new album by Jesse Turits and his first under this new moniker also our third Mama Coco’s associated band in today’s shuffle. This album has rapidly become a current favorite of mine.

“Will Carry On” by Elephant Revival

We close out the day with an awesome song – another from Sands of Now – the new live CD/DVD by the Colorado experimental folk/Americana band.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Zombies of Death Mix

Be sure to “Like” Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

E2TG moves into the mid-week. The rain has stopped for now, and I actually think I saw a patch of blue sky for a second, but it’s gone now…

We have a nifty shuffle that features some friends, a cover, a variety of styles of music, and a classic track from 1979. Boom!

“Love Remains” by Bob Lewis

Adding to the growing and awesome list of cool songwriters I know in Nashville… I got to see Bob Lewis perform a while back. Cool songs with a bit of Paul Westerberg sound… always a good thing. I see him frequently working the front door (and occasionally behind the bar) at The 5 Spot. If you ever go there and he is working, mention Ear to the Ground…. then show him your ID and pay the cover. Mentioning Ear to the Ground won’t get you anything, but hey, it always helps to have people mention your blog.

“Tupelo” by Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen

In the random shuffle/good timing department…. Ted and his Scissormen will be will playing Music City Roots in Franklin tonight – along with another artist we’ve featured here – Amy Black. Should be a cool night of music… Interesting to see if the MCR stage can contain Ted Drozdowski… hint: Don’t count on it! This is an older song from the band which is available on a Noisetrade sampler called Stink Eye. Ted and company’s new album Love and Life is out now and you should get it!

“Cuts Like a Knife” (Bryan Adams cover) by The Hold Steady

What’s that? You’ve always wondered what it would sound like if The Hold Steady covered a big hit song by 80s Canadian star Bryan Adams… well wonder no more. No video of this, but grab your own copy of the song and other Halloween Treats in the October Feel Bad for You Mixtape which is available right now on our good friend Popa’s Tunes site. Hint: Even if you really don’t like Bryan Adams, you should check this out. Hint 2: Bryan Adams did not just release a cover of Taylor Swift’s 1989 album.

“Silk and Diamonds” by James Tomberlin

Former Nashville singer/songwriter James Tomberlin delivers the sexy with this track from his record, Still Life With Orange. The album was produced at Fort Dakota Studios by Josh Morris who also co-produced Jon Latham’s new album Real Bad News. Coincidently (or not), Jon Latham does a pretty awesome James Tomberlin impression.

“Lucky Me” by The Unravelling

Making the smooth transition from a silky smooth singer-songwriter to some progressive gothic industrial metal from Calgary, we feature another track from the album Tear a Hole in the Collective Vision.

“Never Going Back” by Samantha Crain

And we go back to some cool singer-songwriter/folk music – because that is how we roll at #E2TG. Samantha Crain is from Oklahoma, which as I have discovered of late, is home to a bunch of really awesome songwriters. I got to see Samantha in a round at The Bluebird Café earlier this year, and I was highly impressed. “Never Going Back” is from her 2013 album, Kid Face.

“Riverside” by Stone Cupid

Another day, another Stone Cupid song from the forthcoming The Cardinal. This one is a song about a Demolition Derby in Winterset, Iowa. It rocks!

window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js “London Calling” by The Clash

And we close out the mid-week shuffle with the title track from one of my all-time favorite albums by one of the best bands of all time. “and I live by the river…”

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – The Show Must Go On and On and On and On Mix

Tweet #E2TG

!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js”;fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,”script”,”twitter-wjs”); Be sure to “Like” Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Rain is falling steadily over Nashville. It’s a cool, dreary kind of day. I’m already dreading the long dark winter season.

We have some cool tunes for you this morning to help cope with the dreariness…

“Listen Closely Now” by Dan Coyle

From his 2009 album Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences, we have another track from Dan Coyle for you. An #E2TG favorite to be sure, and it is great to check out some older tunes that I have not heard.

“Cold Night” by Chuck Ragan and Austin Lucas

I have become a big Austin Lucas fan, and when I came across his 2008 collaboration with Chuck Ragan – called Bristle Ridge, I had to add it to my playlist.

“The Death of Coyote Woman” by All Them Witches

Nashville’s All Them Witches will be releasing their new album, Dying Surfer Meets His Maker, at the end of this week. To celebrate, they released a sampler on Noisetrade that includes a couple of tracks from the new album along with a healthy dose of older music, including this one which was on their 2014 album Lightning at the Door.

“Shelly’s Winter Love” by Jesse and Noah

Jesse and Noah are back in the shuffle – this time with a Merle Haggard cover. I love the harmonies these guys produce.

“Renegade” by Direct Divide

From their EP Own Your Ocean which was released back in July, we have the Seattle band that describes themselves as Cinematic Rock, which I tend to agree with… there is definitely a BIG rock sound here. This is a really cool song.

“Pray For Me” by Whiskey Shivers

Another track from the 2014 self-titled album by Austin based Whiskey Shivers. It seems like ever since I came across this album, I keep hearing more and more about these guys. That is a good thing.

“Live and Not Die Tryin'” by Stone Cupid

Stone Cupid is Julie Christensen’s amazing band. Their debut album called The Cardinal is due out in January. If you happen to catch Julie live between now and then, be sure to mention “Ear to the Ground” and she just might sell you a copy. I have been fortunate enough to catch Stone Cupid (sans the rhythm section) a copy of times recently, and both have been phenomenal.

“5th of July” by Dean Fields

Dean Fields was a Featured Artist on Ear to the Ground back when Featured Artist was a thing we did. Since, then he has been killing it all over the country. He started a monthly music series called Harvester and this song is one of the songs released through that project. He also recently made all of his previous albums available for pay what you want…. so head to his website to see what all the fuss is about.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Just Like My Mama Said Mix

Be sure to “Like” Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

To be sure, I see a bunch of great live music here in Nashville, and I probably miss at least as many if not more than I get to see.

Last night was one of those great shows that I did get to see, and it was a show that made me really happy that I live in Nashville. It was the Aaron Lee Tasjan Release Show for In the Blazes at The Basement (the original one) last night. Zach Schmidt opened the show back by Adam Kurtz on pedal steel. Zach Schmidt looks like a Country music star should look, and he has the songs and voice to back up the look. He is the real deal, and he easily kick the ass of any one of those “bro-country” posers, but he is probably too nice a guy to do that.

Aaron Lee Tasjan is a one of a kind artist, and he seems destined to as hugely famous as he deserves to be. Seeing him live under any circumstances and in any configuration (band or solo) is always a must-see event. When he assembles the kind of band he did last night, the show is one for the ages. Backed by drummer Aaron Shafer-Haiss, legendary bassist Keith Christopher, the always amazing Brian Wright and Jon Latham on guitars, and on two songs backed by vocal powerhouses Sally Jaye and Sarah Potenza – Tasjan’s incredible songs were delivered with precision and power.

In short, the night was a demonstration of what I love about this city. Great songwriters, talented players, mutual admiration, and incredible music. The Basement was packed out and everywhere I looked were awesome songwriters and players taking it in.

In the Blazes is hands down one of the best records of the year, and you should definitely check it out.

We have a shuffle to put out….

“Hannah” by Darrin Bradbury

A live recording of a rareish Darrin Bradbury song. From a live record called Tur-Lyfe: A Live Recording of Unfortunate Events. I think I’ve only heard him do this one live once or maybe twice which makes it rare in my book.

“Revelator” by The Boy From the Crowd

We first heard UK rockers The Boy From the Crowd a while back. They have just released a new EP called Where the Bees Come to Die. And our first taste of that is a song, we’ve heard before. It’s a damn good song, so I’m not complaining.

“Straight to Hell” by Hard Working Americans

I was fortunate enough to see Kevn Kinney live here in Nashville on a number of occasions over the past summer. He did this song of his several times and every time it was incredible. Here is a cover of the song by the supergroup Hard Working Americans.

“So I’m Told” by J.R. Wyatt

I can’t believe this song is still in my playlist. I picked up J.R. Wyatt’s solo record, The Empty Room Sessions, when I saw him live – I want to say almost a year ago???? This is one of my favorite songs on that record.

“Joliet Bound” by Memphis Minnie

I’m not even sure how many times Memphis Minnie’s name has come up for me in the last several months. Born Lizzie Douglas, she was an incredibly prolific songwriter and singer who made a name for herself in a field and time dominated by male performers. When I saw the Heritage Blues Orchestra last month, they did a version of this song which prompted me to seek out the original.

“Beautiful Monster” by The Train Set

We have another track from Never California by the resurgent 80s UK band, The Train Set. I continue to be grateful for a second chance to “discover” his band.

“Three Poisons” by Jet Black Factory

It seems fitting and proper to follow up a song by a 80s UK band that I missed the first time around with a song by a Nashville band that I have been fan of for almost 30 years. Jet Black Factory were dark and brooding and there was nothing even remotely “country” about them. This one comes to me by way of an incredible compilation of early Nashville Rock Music called, Return to Elliston Square 1979-1989. The compilation includes some of the great music of that era.

“Spanish Harlem” by David Schnaufer

We have another instrumental cover from the late mountain dulcimer master. The song was first recorded by Ben E. King (written by Leiber, Stoller. and Phil Spector) and later famously covered by Aretha Franklin.

“Seventeen” by Silverbird

And we close out the shuffle with our second listen from the new album, Pureland, by New York band, Silverbird. Digging the original sound of this music.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js

Featured Friday Music Shuffle – Laser Moonbeams Mix

Tweet #E2TG

So, last night was week 4 out of 5 of the Campfire Propaganda residency at The 5 Spot. Megan Palmer and Brian Wright were away, but great performances by guests Russell Thompson and Emma Berkey plus Darrin Bradbury, Nellie Clay, and Tim Easton. Love this town. Next week, Nellie Clay will be having her album release show – same time and place.

“Rise” (Radio Edit) by The Christians

We start things off with a brand new single from a British soul/pop band who had a string of hit songs in the late 80s and early 90s. The band have a new album called We. This single “Rise” can be had on iTunes with proceeds going to Syrian Refugee relief.

“Nothing Ever Lasts That Long” by The British IBM

We stay on the other side of the Atlantic with a song from a young Cambridge band who have a great indie/pop sound that I really dig. Catchy songs. I dig.

“The Frame” by Jon Latham

Last week at this time, Jon Latham was launching his new album Real Bad News. If you have not done so, go get you a copy. “The Frame” delivers a heart-breaking sad song with a side of well-written photography metaphors.

“Sea Glass” by Susan James

The title track from Susan James’ latest album. Definitely one of my favorites of 2015.

“Hymn (Highland Version)” by Tom Schreck

Tom Schreck has just released an EP called The Added Glory which serves as a companion piece to his two full-length albums, Outsider (2009) and Save Your Glory (2014). Here we have a stripped-down version of one of Schreck’s signature songs. A fully orchestrated version of the song appeared on Save Your Glory. This version features Tom Schreck on vocals, pennywhistle, and keyboard. I got to hear him do this song this past Monday at The Building – just him and his pennywhistle. Sublime. Get the EP at the usual on-line sources or come out to The Building this coming Monday and hear Tom and pick up a CD.

“Have Mercy Baby” by Eight O’Five Jive

Award-winning Nashville jump and jivers, Eight O’Five Jive are back in the shuffle – shaking things up with their swinging sounds.

“Sky” by Silverbird

Silverbird just recently released their full-length debut, called Pureland. Founder Tim Barr previously was part of Lana Del Rey’s band. Silverbird has a wonderfully textured and rich sound.

“Lost at Sea” by Brian Carpenter and the Confessions

Philadelphia band Brian Carpenter and the Confessions released their album, The Far End of the World was released at the beginning of this month. Cited influences include filmmakers David Lynch, Wim Wenders, and Cormac McCarthy, and I can get behind that.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Skeleton Frames Mix

Be sure to “Like” Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Here we are….

Last night, I went to 3rd and Lindsley to see Bebe Buell and her band. Bebe Buell has been an iconic figure in Rock and Roll for many years. She relocated to Nashville a little over a year ago. She has a relatively new band and her show was a lot of fun. Crystal Gayle joined her and The Blackfoot Gypsies closed the show with some of their high-energy shenanigans. Read more: My review for No Depression.

Another swell shuffle this morning… a mix of songs I am pretty sure you will not see duplicated at one of those run-of-the-mill music sites….

“Sleepless Nights” by Dan Coyle

#E2TG favorite Dan Coyle recently released a collection of songs over at Noisetrade (Free Download – Tips Encouraged). The collection is called Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences. This is the lead track.

“Green Light” by Paul Zografi

A chance encounter at a Tim Carroll and Joe Nolan show at Bobby’s Idle Hour on Music Row, lead me to meet Paul Zografi and to get a copy of his latest CD Bright. The album has become a favorite of mine. This is the lead track from that album.

“Pressure Beat” by Our Daughters Wedding

From the Thirteen O’clock compilation put out by Atlanta-based PPNW Records, comes this previously unreleased 1981 live recording by this New York Synthpop/New Wave band. Like much of the compilation, this track is like opening a trunk to find tons of old music that I had previously missed out on but which sounds like the music that I was listening to in those day.

“Thunder Road” by Bruce Springsteen

In my humble opinion, one of the best opening songs from one of the greatest albums of all time. So many great lines – rock and roll poetry that sets a very clear scene…

“Skyline” by Grumsling

Another nifty track from Full Coverage. Grumsling is definitely on my list of favorite artists – new to me in 2015. The hail from the Bay Area of California…

“Can’t Leave the City” by The Jackals

Another great band that came into my consciousness this year! From the album People!

“Turn Into Earth” by Al Stewart

Al Stewart’s hits “Year of the Cat” and “Time Passages” were iconic parts of my childhood experience. I probably heard those two songs hundreds of times in the late 70s or so. This cover of a Yardbirds’ song came to me via Aquarium Drunkard – I think. The original song was on the album Yardbirds (aka Roger the Engineer) which was released in 1966.

“Insomniac’s Lullaby” by Man Named Pearl

We close out today shuffle with a track from Quietus Make, the new album by Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen artist Jesse Turits who has begun recording under the Man Named Pearl moniker. Really digging this.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Loudest of All Mix

Tweet #E2TG

So… we move on into the mid-week… We have another typically atypical morning shuffle…. hang out for a while, won’t you?

“Wicked Waters” by Benjamin Booker

Dig this a bunch. From his 2014 self-titled debut album… cool stuff…

“Nobody Really Cares If You Don’t Go to the Party” by Courtney Barnett

Man! I can related to this song so much! This one is from the Australian singer-songwriter’s full-length debut called Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit. The album was released back in March.

“VFW Hall” by Leland Sundries

Another track from the Brooklyn-based indie band. This song can be found on their EP called The Foundry. I got hold of it on a 4-song sampler.

“Send Me a Selfie” by Reckless Johnny Wales

The lead track from Reckless Johnny’s album American Heart. The album can be found digitally, but the official CD release is still forthcoming. Hear what happens when the myth-laden troubadour jumps head-long into 21st Century pop culture.

“Little by Little” by Niamh Crowther

A really cool track from the inbox. Niamh Crowther is an Irish singer-songwriter. “Little by Little” – her new single, which will be released this coming Friday, was recorded at Windmill Lane Studios and was produced with Tim Martin (whose credits include The Corrs and The Commitments).

“The Backyard” by Dinosaur Jr.

This song has been in my playlist for some time. It is from a tribute album to Mark Mulcahy of Miracle Legion and Polaris. The originally version of this song was the title track on a 1984 EP by Miracle Legion. The original was a tasty slice of power pop fun. Dinosaur Jr. grunges things up a bit to fine effect.

“A Street That Rhymes at 6 A.M.” by Norma Tanega

Wow… this one came via Aquarium Drunkard. It is from 1966 – the year I was born. I dare say this song has held up well better than I have. It was released a b-side of Tanega’s only hit, “Walkin’ My Cat Names Dog”. This song hit my shuffle like a breath of fresh air. I love it. Tanega was linked with Dusty Springfield, and she wrote the lyrics of several of Springfield’s songs.

“A Test of Character” by Spoils

Some instrumental rock – taken from a sampler put out by Continental Magazine. Dig it. I think the band is from Texas, but I was having trouble finding out more. I will check the magazine later.

“Good Day Bad” by Meshell Ndegeocello window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js

We close things today with another recording from the World Café sessions. This song was released on the 2014 album. Comet, Come to Me. A lovely way to close the shuffle.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Muscle and Blood Mix

The unique and wonderful space known as The Building will be closing soon. Over the years, it has provided a home for many of East Nashville’s finest songwriters and creative people. Right now, a series of “farewell” shows are happening there. To judge by last night’s Open Road Monday, this is not a wake but a celebration of all that has happened in the years that The Building has been opened.

A large crowd gathered for featured acts Darrin Bradbury (with Megan Palmer) and Daniel Lawrence Walker and his band. I stuck around for the open mic and saw a couple of guys whose names I did not catch, Yosi Mesbah, Dave Pahanish, and Tom Schreck. It was a great night of some of the best of what Nashville does.

The Building will be missed, and I hope other places open up to fill the void that will be left when it closes.

On to the shuffle:

“Sorry I Forgot to Write” by Michelle Lewis

Okay. I cannot remember who or how I was lead to Michelle Lewis and her latest release, the EP Live at Club Passim. I am awfully glad I was, though. This some pretty awesome folk music. My first listen – we will be featuring the rest of the EP, and maybe I will figure out who turned me on to this.

“Happy Hour” by Sunny Sweeney

Sunny Sweeney is an Austin based Country singer. This is another track from the excellent album: Cold and Bitter Tears: The Songs of Ted Hawkins. The video playlist includes a different song by Sunny Sweeney as well as Ted Hawkins’ version of this song. The album is out now and worth your attention.

“Penn’s Woods” by Jeremiah Tall

It seems like it has been a long time since we had a song from Jeremiah Tall’s Waking record in the shuffle. We actually still have two more tracks after this one. I am still enamored with the album and it was great be able to feature it again.

“Crash and Burn” by Carolina Story

From the EP Chapter Two by the Nashville-based alt-folk duo. Chapter One and Chapter Two were released as a single download by Noisetrade earlier this year.

“Gimme the Car” by Violent Femmes

This song was a CD bonus track on the self-titled debut album by the Milwaukee post-punk band. The song encapsulates the album’s theme of extreme teenage angst and yearning.

“Good Feeling” by Violent Femmes

Originally the final song on Violent Femmes. This slow – almost nostalgic – song stands in contrast to some of the band’s harsher songs. It captures a different (but still valid) side of teenage existence. It is the perfect ending to one of the best albums of its time.

“Sixteen Tons” by Tennessee Ernie Ford

The classic version of the song attributed to Merle Travis. Tennessee Ernie Ford reached number one with his version in 1955. The song was first recorded nearly a decade earlier. This nearly seventy year old song still sounds fresh.

“Nail Driver” by Dirty Basement Blues

We close out this Tuesday shuffle with a hard rockin’ Blues band from Michigan who found me on Facebook. Really digging their music a bunch.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Cold Front Mix

Be sure to “Like” Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

Here we go… another week!

Kind of a low-key weekend. Got to hang out with some of the folks from Nashville’s newest radio station: WXNA-LPFM on Saturday, and I picked up my t-shirt and tote bag. Things seem to be rolling along. The studio will be in the former location of Thirty Tigers above Grimey’s and The Basement.

Last night, I went to the Basement East where East Nashville Songwriters Club made their debut in the new location with sets by Allen Thompson, Jay Rutherford (of Los Colognes) and Elise Davis. Cool night of music!

Speaking of cool… the temperatures were in the 30s this morning. Which makes the first song of the shuffle appropriate even is weather isn’t exactly what the song is about.

“Cold Front” by Webb Wilder

Another toe-tapping rocker from Webb’s album Hybrid Vigor.

“The Locked Room” by Dan Martin

The strange and often random hand of fate… my friend Mary met Dan Martin at a David Olney show at The 5 Spot, and she told him that he should give me a CD, and he did. I now count myself as a big fan of Dan Martin from Oklahoma.

“When the World’s Against Me” by The Colored Parade

A nice catchy number from …And the Walls of the City Will Shake… by Andrew Adkins’ old band, The Colored Parade. Andrew had a song featured in the trailer for the new documentary about Tower Records.

“Losing Sleep Tonight” by John Moreland

Another great song from one of the best albums of this year, High on Tulsa Heat by one of the best songwriters of our time.

“Pulling Your Sword Out of the Devil’s Back” by Brock Zeman

An unconventional song about songwriting that manages to be awesome without any of that fancy song stuff like Choruses and Bridges and ever a consistent melody. Looking forward to Brock Zeman’s return to Nashville in early November. As I understand it, there will be a couple of chances to catch him while he is in town. I will have details soon. This is the title track from his latest album.

“The Rain Song” by The Shakers

A mind-blowingly good Led Zep cover from Nashville’s groundbreaking Southern Gothic Psych-Folk band, The Shakers. From their album, Songs From Beneath the Lake.

“What’s My Scene” by Hoodoo Gurus

And we close out this Monday shuffle with a song that decades later still gets me pumped up every time I hear it. From Blow Your Cool! window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”;

VIDEO PLAYLIST

http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js

E2TG: MUSIC/WORDS

Words about music/Music inspired words

Month: October 2015

Featured Friday Music Shuffle – Where the Blues Began Mix

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Close Your Eyes, Breathe Slow and We’ll Begin Mix

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Zombies of Death Mix

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – The Show Must Go On and On and On and On Mix

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Just Like My Mama Said Mix

Featured Friday Music Shuffle – Laser Moonbeams Mix

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Skeleton Frames Mix

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Loudest of All Mix

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Muscle and Blood Mix

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Cold Front Mix