Month: January 2016

Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Still a Human Being Mix

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Got to make this quick – I’m running late.  Saturday is another one of those impossible choices (musically-speaking in Nashville):  The Foobar is holding a multi-act afternoon show that features: Jeff Shepherd, Year of October, Susie Oleson, and Adrian + Meredith, and more!  Intersecting with the Adrian+Meredith part of the show will be some other awesome options:  David Olney returns to Bobby’s Idle Hour, Jon Latham opens for The Whistles and The Bells at The Basement.  Aaron Lee Tasjan returns to Nashville for a full band show – and his band include the also recently returned Brian Wright at Soulshine Pizza, and then later on Zach Schmidt + Patrick Kinsley & A Fistful of Dollars open for Cataline Crime at The 5 Spot.  And probably tons of other cool stuff…  get out and do something… you cannot go wrong with any of these selections…

Tonight: Tim Carroll Happy Hour 6-8:30 at The 5 Spot, and later on Kevin Gordon and his band are at The Family Wash.  If you have tickets, Those Darlins are playing their final show (a sell out) at The Basement East.

“How the West Was Won” by Ashleigh Flynn

Another cool song from A Million Stars. This one is a toe-tapping number.  Janie doesn’t have a gun.

“Separate Ways” by Carl Anderson

It’s hard to believe, but we still have songs to feature from Risk of Loss – one of 2015s best albums.  Carl Anderson is from Charlottesville, VA, but Nashville is happy to claim him now.   (and yes, I do speak for Nashville).   This is not the Journey song by the way.

“Defining Deviance Down” by The End Men

2013 E2TG Band of the Year from their excellent 2015 album Terms and Conditions. Man these guys rock so hard, and they are sounding so good on this record. 

“Lay My Head” by Angela Easterling

Another of my favorite albums of 2015, Common Law Wife.  A gorgeous song.  There are deep Nashville connections on this album.

“It’s a Beautiful Morning” by Tommy Womack

Certain to be one of the best of 2016. A new album from Tommy Womack is always a cause for celebration, and there is a lot to celebrate on Womack’s return following a neat fatal automobile accident last spring.  A powerful and lovely song for my morning walk, and a good reminder.  This song connects well with “I Almost Died” which we featured yesterday (I think).  It is a message of the hope that is possible on the other side.

“Let You Down” by Zachariah Red

And we close out the shuffle and the week with a track from Backbone.  This one features the vocal accompaniment of Lindsay Ellyn who also co-wrote the song.  I am pretty sure Backbone will be on my best of 2016 list.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Almost Died Mix

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Let’s see…  I attended the final show of the Jason Ringenberg residency at The 5 Spot. Jason’s guests were Kristi Rose and Fats Kaplin. Fats Kaplin is a wonder, Kristi Rose sings like an angel, and Jason is Jason!  The night included: Fats, Kristi, and Jason covering a Gun Club song.   And even though, I didn’t win the Farmer Jason eggs, Jason did play my request, “Don’t Go Back to Rockville” – which I first heard him sing in November 1985 when he joined R.E.M. on the stage of Vanderbilt Memorial Gym. Plus I got an XL Farmer Jason t-shirt!  I did have a brain-fart moment and told Jason that The Sluggers played a Gun Club song when they opened for the Scorchers at Cat’s Record. His reaction told me I was mistaken, and after giving some thought and digging into brain cells I thought had been lost years ago, I remember that it was Flipper that they covered.  Don’t ask me why I mistook Gun Club for Flipper except they were both bands that I loved and who had achieved legendary status just a relatively few short years after they formed.

After that, a bunch of folks migrated over to The Family Wash for a J.J. Cale tribute night put together by Pete Finney. An amazing band backed an all-star cast of guests including: Jon Byrd, Kevin Gordon, Mac Gayden, Jonell Mosser, Dave Coleman, Bill Lloyd, Nikki G, Jack Pearson, Pat Bergeson, and Rick Schell. Plus a couple of songs by the awesome East Nashvill band Los Colognes.

A big crowd full of really awesome people at both events on the eastside.

Meanwhile, Darrin Bradbury was representing East Nashville,well, in the deep, deep south of Nashville (Franklin), where he did the recurring Vietti Chili promo and totally owned the moment.  You can see it HERE.  Darrin comes in at the 37 minute mark.  Great news is that Darrin will be doing a full set a MCR in June!  I will be on the bus for that!

On to the shuffle which I think speaks for itself:

“The Ballad of Jimi Hendrix” by Stormtroopers of Death

From the 1985 debut, Speak English or Die… six seconds..

“Doppelganger” by The Transcendents

Possibly, my favorite song on the Common Ground EP from a band that have become a favorite of mine.  From the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand.

“Rainy Days” by Ashleigh Flynn

Ashleigh Flynn is originally from Louisville, KY, and is now based in Portland, OR.  I saw her at The 5 Spot during my Birthday Week, and I was blown away.  This song is from her album A Million Stars. 

“I Almost Died” by Tommy Womack

Tommy Womack played the third week of the Jason Ringenberg residency.  Easily, he is one of the best songwriters around.  This is a track from his forthcoming album, Namaste – which you can help Tommy release.

“Blue Blue Sea” by Man Named Pearl

Although, I always recommend listening to albums all the way through. The fun thing about doing the shuffle is uncovering the beauty of a record, a little at a time over a long period of time. Man Named Pearls is one of the…er.. pearls of the Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen Family. -Quietus Make- is the album, and yes, you should check it out.

“Heart of Fire” by The Naddiks

The b-side to the anti-bullying single, “Stop Listen Love”. Empowering words and music from the capital city of Australia.

“Sound of Lies” (live) by The Jayhawks

From the live album, Live at The Belly Up. This is the title track from the band’s 1997 album which coincidently was also called Sound of Lies. Go figure.

“Sleeping Sleeping” by Jeremy Gluck and Robert Coyne

We recently featured some new music from Jeremy Gluck, but amazingly there is still one more song (after this one) from the Memory Deluxe album. In a real Gun Club connection, Memory Deluxe is a follow-up to Gluck’s I Knew Buffalo Bill album which featured the late Gun Club front-man Jeffrey Lee Pierce among others.

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Life’s Revolving Door Mix

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Thinking today about those pivot moments in life, when trajectories get changed…

I have been reading a book called Outlaw about Waylon, Willie, and Kris that is a lot about Nashville in the 60s and early 70s… Much about the “establishment” and the creative forces that bucked the system to carve their own path – or to follow a path blazed by Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. It has me thinking a lot about Nashville in 2016….

Tonight is promising to be another of those nights… first off, it is the final night of Jason Ringenberg’s residency at The 5 Spot with tonight’s guests Kristi Rose and Fats Kaplin.  After that, The Family Wash is hosting a tribute to the late great J.J. Cale that has a cast of performers that is pretty amazing.

Shuffle time….

“Technocracy” by Zaibatsu

Some crunching, industrial-like sounds from Zero – the latest album by this Italian progressive rock band. 

“Col. Ratvurst Causes An Eclipse by Accident” by Balu and de Surfgrammeln

Keeping things European with another track from Los Chicharrones del Surf – the latest record by this Austrian surf rock band.

“Ruler of my Heart” by Luella

Luella (formerly of Luella and the Sun) doing her version of a song by the late great Allen Toussaint. This song is from a homemade sampler CD.  For more information check out Luella’s Facebook Page or you can come out to The 5 Spot any given Friday for Tim Carroll Rock ‘n’ Roll Happy Hour and hear Luella do great songs like this and maybe pick up your own copy of this CD.  The video was (I think) done by Earie award winning Paul Zografi.

“At Once” by Beirut

A track from No No No – the bands fifth and latest album which was released in September 2015.  It was their first album since 2011.

“Eye For An Eye” by Ben Lowry

Our second listen to Somnium from Bang Ok Bang front-man, Ben Lowry.  I really like the sound here, and as with the music I have heard from Bang Ok Bang – the songs are strong.

“Running Away from Me” by Sara Syms

Keeping it local, we have another song from Sara Syms’ most recently album, Way Back Home.  This is one of my favorite tracks on the album. 


“Space Song” by Beach House

Now, a track from dream pop duo, Beach house from their fifth studio album, Depression Cherry which was released in August of 2015. The band have already released their sixth album, Thank Your Lucky Stars, which was released just two months after this one.

“Run Run Run” by Michelle Lewis

This is not a cover of the Velvet Underground song, but it is an really lovely song by Boston-based singer songwriter Michelle Lewis which I got on a live album called, Live at Club Passim.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Pad Thai Mix

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And just like that Darrin Bradbury’s January Residency at The Basement East is over.  And what a residency it was.  The four weeks were a showcase for the music and the community of East Nashville, and they clearly demonstrated the role (whether he acknowledges or not) that Darrin has played in building the community.   The openers: Jon Latham, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Zach Schmidt, Tim Easton, Megan Palmer, Michaela Anne, Erin Rae, Rorey Carroll, and Steve Poltz (along with the amazing musicians backing them). Guests: Margo Price and Todd Snider. And Darrin and his truly out of this world band (who got better and tighter each week).

Last night…. last night!  Erin Rae has an amazing voice… this is country music how it should be done.  Steve Poltz (ex of The Rugburns) had some dates cancelled due to the weather (for which I for one am grateful)… I had begun following him on Instagram some time back  (I think via a post from Megan Palmer), but this was my first real exposure to his music.  The strength of his songs and the power of his presence and energy made me smile and made me want to be a better person.  Rorey Carroll writes amazing songs and her cover of a Linda Ronstadt cover backed by Todd Snider on the harmonica was magical.

As of Darrin Bradbury – as I said, the band (Aaron Shafer-Haiss, Cameron Carrus, Megan Palmer, and Larry Walnuts (aka Little Joe from Sturgill Simpson’s band) started strong and got better – bringing out new elements in songs that I have heard upwards of fifty or more times over the last couple of years.   Last night, they were joined by Jeff Crowe (also from Simpson’s band) on keyboards, and it felt like he added a missing piece that was not even missed until it was added.

Lately, this feeling of being in a special place at a special time has been palpable, and last night felt like a perfect microcosm of that feeling.  It made me very proud to have been an advocate for Darrin’s music for these last couple of years.

Next a shuffle that defies expectations… or whatever…
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“Nothin’ Left to Lose” by Dan Baird and Homemade Sin

Former Georgia Satellite front-man Dan Baird has never stopped rocking, and his current band which features Warner Hodges on guitar is proof.  Get Loud is their latest album.  The band will be making an extremely rare Nashville appearance at The Basement East on Valentine’s Day.  Something to love!

“Pilgrim (You Can’t Go Home)” by Dave Rawlings Machine

I have to say a big thank you to my friend Russell for giving me Nashville Obsolete for my birthday.  This is the nearly eight minute final track from that album. A masterpiece. This is music that will be listened to and talked about for years to come. Pure genius.   To connect an thread running through the post so far – when I saw the Americana super-group Traveler at The Basement East – Dave Rawlings joined the band on one song.

“Safe Side” by James McMurtry

This one goes back to McMurtry’s second studio album Candyland (1992).  It still sounds fresh today. Great songs tend to do that.

“Bah Humbug Ramadan (Pad Thai/Cool  Rap Tune About Donald Trump)” by Discount Ravioli

Okay – so Dan Baird, Dave Rawlings, and James McMurtry back to back to back is not too far of a stretch.  You might see those names together on any number of cool Americana/Roots blogs.  As you may know by now, though, E2TG is not like those other admittedly cool blogs.  So, where as one of those blogs might follow those three with Isbell or Sturgill or Rodney Crowell, we pivot 795 degrees (wait do get undizzy) and then bring you this epic track from the first Discount Ravioli album, Robin Schultz and the 21 Prayers. First of all, I have to apologize for the offensive phrase in the title.. I normally do not use words like D****d T***p, but it is in the title of the song which was recorded well ahead of the current wave of overexposure.  And if it helps, it is used in an appropriate context here… I think.  This one is over six minutes long, but time flies when hyped-up young people are singing about Pad Thai and whatnot.

“Fall Into” by Daphne Willis

Where do you go from there?  How about a slice of pure pop songwriting heaven from Nashville singer-songwriter Daphne Willis from her latest EP Get it.  By the way, I also saw Daphne Willis at The Basement East. 

“Run to Me” by Jesse and Noah

Jesse and Noah Bellamy cover a song by another band of brother (Gibb) – and once again showcase their incredible harmonies.  From the EP Brethren.

“Trail of Tears” by Guadalcanal Diary

We close things out with a song from the debut album, Walking in the Shadow of the Big Man by Marietta, Georgia band, Guadalcanal Diary.  Jason Ringenberg has played this song a couple of time during his January residency at The 5 Spot which wraps up Wednesday night. Regular readers will note that I have been featuring this album for several months – thus the appearance of this song at this time is purely happy coincidence.  The Scorchers and Guadalcanal Diary were two of the bands that brought together the non-mainstream music I had recently “discovered” with my reality of growing up in the South.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Frozen Out Mix

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As Nashville digs out from Snowpocalypse ’16 (with temperatures expected to rise to above 50 degrees today), it seems a good time to remind you that tonight is the FINAL NIGHT of the Darrin Bradbury Residency at The Basement East.  Roads should be much improved by the time tonight rolls around.  If you have made it out to the one or more of the first three weeks, I do not need to tell you…. if you haven’t, this is the last chance to experience the magic!  Guests tonight are Erin Rae, Rorey Carroll, and Steve Poltz!  Doors at 6:00p.m.  Music starts at 6:30p.m.   Go to the Pub if you need Grub before or after.  Do it!

On to the morning shuffle:

“Frozen Out” by The Deadline Shakes

Appropriate song for a icy morning commute.  Another awesome track from the album Zealots by this catchy, cool band from Glascow (not Kentucky).

“Trap Door” by Seprona

Seprona are an indie pop/rock band from Liverpool.  They have a new album called, Trap Door due out on February 26, 2016.  This is the title track and my first listen, and I like what I hear so far.

“The Woman Who Got Old” by The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club

This Chicago band have announced their latest album, Don’t Buy This Record.  The band will be giving away the album one song at a time through the end of 2016 when they will release the CD.  This is the first track which was released back in December.  They just released the second track today.  Head over to their bandcamp page to get in on this. 

“Mister Dragonfly” by Ben Lowry

Ben Lowry is the lead singer of the Nashville-based band Bang OK Bang which I have featured a few times on E2TG.  Ben just released new album called Somnium on January 18th, and he had a release show on the 21st at The East Room which I totally spaced on.  Mister Dragonfly is our first listen, and it is quite different from what I have heard of Bang OK Bang, and it is also quite good.  Check it out!

“Sad Clown” by Brian Wright and the Waco Tragedies

Keeping it local… Brian Wright has been missed in East Nashville as he winters in Mexico with The Cordovas.  Los Angeles – do not miss them on February 9.  Nashville – mark your March calendar to make sure every Thursday is free (The Family Wash!) This is a track from the album Dog Ears.  Brian is simply put one of the best songwriters I know.

“This is What the Fuck Robster Craws Are” by Iced Ink

Iced Ink are part of the Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen family.  They released their latest album Willie Nelson Prince last month.  You can also get a sticker book, and who doesn’t love a sticker book.  Get it for $6.66 at the band’s bandcamp page. The band is a three-piece instrumental rock band. This track is a face-melting, mind-blowing six minute jam.  Did I mention that it is instrumental – so all of the profanity is contained in the title and whatever words escape your mouth while you listen.

“Silence” by Bang Ok Bang

I mentioned Bang Ok Bang before, so it is only coincidentally fitting that we have an other track from their Live at East Nashville Underground album. 

“As I Make My Way” by Tymon Dogg

Another track and a life lesson from Made of Light the latest album from Tymon Dogg.

“More of a Man” by Brandy Zdan

Another track from Canadian born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Brandy Zdan from the sampler put out on Noisetrade last month.  The full self-titled album is available in the usual places. Highly recommended. This song was featured on the MTV series, Awkward.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Snow Day Mix

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A rare snow day off work, but the shuffle must go on….

Had a blast last night before the winter weather descended… a night at The Family Wash for a pair of CD Release shows by two of my favorite East Nashvillians.  Amelia White and The Blue Souvenirs (tonight featuring Sergio Webb, Justin Amaral, Megan Palmer, and Ron Eoff). Amelia’s new album is called Home Sweet Hotel.  Stone Cupid (Julie Christensen, Sergio Webb, Chris Tench, Bones Hillman, and Steve Latanation). Stone Cupid’s new album is called The Cardinal.  Amelia and band were wonderful as always, and Julie and Stone Cupid rocked the house.

To the shuffle:

“You Left the Water Running” by Amy Black

Amy Black kicks off our Snow Day shuffle with a classic Muscle Shoals song from her Muscle Shoals Session album.  This song has been recorded by many people including Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett.  The song was written by Dan Penn, Rick Hall, and Oscar Franks.

“The World Belongs to You” by Indigenous Engines

Andrew Adkins has a new album out under his own name, and we will get to that very soon, but this is another track from one of two EPs he released in 2015 under the Indigenous Engines name.  This song is from the EP Werewolves.

“St. Sinner” by Exedra

Some newer music from our a E2TG favorite Jeremy Gluck.  Exedra features Gluck along with Darrall Knight and Mark Elliott.  The album is called Elemental, and the music is ethereal, dreampoppy, shoegazey, and all kinds of awesome.

“Sorry” by Youngstrr Joey

Our second listen to London based Youngstrr Joey from Grilled Wiig.  Really digging this music.

“Exotica” by Exedra

An instrumental tune from Elemental… takes me to a different place….

“Promise” by Leapfrogtown

Our second listen to London based Leapfrogtown from Dreaming in Public.  I like this band a bunch.

“Columbus Stockade Blues” by Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau

Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau are getting ready to release the follow up to Tennessee (from which this track comes) which will be called Dia de los Azules. If the first single (which was recently released) and the recent live shows are any indication that album is going to be a great one. This track is a civil war story about a Tennessee boy being held in a Union prison in Columbus, Georgia.

“Elevator” by Artur U and the New City Limits

This is, I think, our last track to feature from Holiday  From Eternity.  The “Earie” award winning Finnish band have promised some big plans for 2016.  “Elevator” is one of my favorite songs from the current album, and it has a pretty infectious groove to it.   

“Backbone” by Zachariah Red

Hopefully you read my recent review of Backbone. If not, it is now up on No Depression so give it a read.  This is the title track from the album which is now available on iTunes if that is your preferred outlet.  The live video (for a different song)  features Zach along with some of favorite Nashville folks, Taylor Alexander, Drew Kohl, and Lindsay Ellyn.

“Ode to a Friend” by Jon Magnusson

And we close out the shuffle with a moving song from a singer-songwriter from Stockholm.  His 3 song EP is called Dina drommar (with umlauts over the o that I do not know how to type).  This is the only English song on the EP. It is a tribute to a childhood friend who died at age 15.  It is extremely moving to me because I lost a friend at close to the same age – 35 years ago this month.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Nine Monkey Years Mix


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Let me preface what is likely to be another gushing  paragraph or so about what an amazing time it is to be a music fan in Nashville with the following:  I write a bunch about Nashville’s live music scene because that is where I am and it is what I am experiencing. I do know that there are some amazing pockets of awesome musical stuff happening all over the world. Through writing this blog, I have been fortunate enough to “discover” tons of great music from all over and get a peak into some of these pockets of creativity and collaboration.   In that spirit one of my goals for E2TG in 2016 is to forge some partnerships with other writers so that this site can dig deeper into more of the great music happening.  Truth be told, I cannot even adequately cover Nashville’s music so I would like to also forge some partnerships here in town.  I will be posting more as I move forward, but if you read this and have some ideas or interest, please contact me at e2tgmusic@gmail.com.  Be sure to put E2TG2016 as part of the subject line to make sure I see it.

For the last three weeks, iconic Nashville musician/singer/songwriter Jason Ringenberg (Jason and the Scorchers, Farmer Jason) has been doing a residency every Wednesday at The 5 Spot.  For me this has been a fantastic combination of the music I listened to in my musical formative years and one of my favorite haunts of this later phase of my life. The music has been fantastic, the guests have been spectacular, and there have been wonderful surprises every week. Last night, Jason was joined by Tommy Womack – one of the best this town has to offer. Tommy Womack played some music from his forthcoming new album, some of his timeless classics, and a pretty darn cool Jason and the Scorchers cover.  Jason played a great mix of songs from his long history, an awesome Tommy Womack cover, and then the two of them played some songs they wrote together. 

If you’ve missed the first three week, you have one more opportunity to catch Jason at The 5 Spot. Next week, he will be joined by Fats Kaplin and Kristi Rose for what should be a wonderful finale.

Forward to the shuffle…

“(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” by Keb’ Mo’

We just recently featured a cover of this song by Tomas Doncker Band. Here is another cover of the Nick Lowe penned song most often associated with Elvis Costello.  Keb’ Mo’ makes this classic song his own.  Honestly, I cannot hear too many great covers of this song.

“Space Monkey” by John Prine

A live recording of John Prine singing a song he co-wrote with Peter Case about a Soviet monkey cosmonaut who got lost in space and returned to Earth after the cold war had ended.

“Solvent Blues” by the transcendents

From the Common Ground EP, a really awesome song from a band that has in pretty short order become of my favorites.  I can say that as of right now they are my #1 band from Christchurch, New Zealand. Seriously, if you only check out one new band today, give the transcendents a listen and if you dig – get some of their music and give them a “like” on Facebook.

“bang the lid” by Delta Deep

Our second listen to this hard rockin’ blues band that features a powerhouse blues singer and the guitar player from Def Leppard. I am digging this new music.

“And Live” by Some Kind of Illness

Some Kind of Illness is a band made up of two brothers from the UK. Although, they just released their self-titled debut album in 2015, they have been playing together for  several years, and it comes across in the music. I have been really digging their album, and I am really glad another song came up in the shuffle today.  If you only check out one… (wait I already said that) well, check them out, too.  And get the music and hit “like” if you dig.

“Got the Time” by Joe Jackson

I swear that the first time I heard this song, I thought that a metal band should cover this.  Unfortunately, I had that idea before the internet so I do not have any proof… and to be honest, it was such a no brainer, it pretty much had to happen.  Anthrax did cover this song, and I’ve included their cover along with the rocking original from Look Sharp! in the video playlist below. A real pick-me-up in the midst of my morning walk.

“Won’t Complain” by Tom Schreck

Tom Schreck is one of the best and most unique songwriters in a town of great songwriters.  This is a tune from his album Save the Glory.

“Help Me Make It Through the Night” by Jon Langford and Chip Taylor

From a Kris Kristofferson tribute album called, Don’t Let the Bastards Get You Down, Jon Langford (Mekons, Waco Brothers) along with Chip Taylor who wrote “Wild Thing” and “Angel of the Morning”.  This is all kinds of awesome.  I was lucky enough to see Langford play with a fantastic band during my birthday week last week. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Wintry Mix Mix

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So… Nashville had a light layer of ice this morning followed by a dusting of snow.  To translate for those of you in colder climates: NASHVILLE WAS HIT BY A MAJOR WINTER STORM TODAY! EVERYONE PANIC NOW!!!!!

So, when I made to the office (where attendance is very light today), my phone decided to turn itself off and back on which means I lost the record of the shuffle. I was able to remember all of the songs – I think, but the order is screwed up… then again, you would never have known that if I had not told you… shoot, I wish there was a way to erase that, but I heard things on the internet cannot be truly erased… 

I am getting really excited for tomorrow night.  At the Family Wash – dual CD Release shows happening with two of my favorite people here in town.  Stone Cupid (Julie Christensen’s band) is celebrating the release of The Cardinal and Amelia White is celebrating the release of her new album Home Sweet Hotel. Should be a great time!

On to the approximation of this morning’s shuffle….

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Maria McKee has been one of my favorite voices since she was with Lone Justice.  This is a favorite of mine from her self-titled debut album.

“Baby Please Don’t Go” by CJ Chenier

A zydeco flavored version of the blues standard via The World Café Sessions. 

“Let’s Go to Memphis” by Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen

Some new blues from Nashville’s own Scissormen off of the album Love and Life.

“Fake (About 10 or 12 Cows)” by Discount Ravioli

Discount Ravioli have a new album, but this is off their first which was called Robin Schultz and the 21 Prayers.  I still cannot find a Discount Ravioli video (but I did find lots of videos about how to make ravioli which is better than when I tried to find a video of another Dord Music Group band called 100% Beefcake….). I did find a video for another band from that label called Urinal Cakes.  Discount Ravioli are on bandcamp.  How to explain their sound…. imagine what it would sound like if you gave a group of musically talented but offbeat kids a bunch of caffeine and let them stay up way too late and then recorded the results. Something like that. It’s fun for sure.

“Walt Whitman’s Haversack” by Fendrick and Peck

Another lovely song from the Lucky Penny album by the Nashville-based, hard travelling duo.

“Valley of Rain” by Giant Sand

The lead and title track from the 1985 debut album by the long running Tucson, Arizona band fronted by the great Howe Gelb.  The first album featured piano by Chris Cacavas of Green on Red.  Over the years, the band has gone by the names Giant Sandworm and Giant Giant Sand. 

 

“Benson Said Something” by Smokey The Firebear

31 seconds of found sounds, random recordings, and noises from the album BNGFKR.  Smokey The Firebear’s new album Ohm Atlanta is due out on Valentine’s Day. I think.

“The Wild Side of Life” by Hank Thompson

A true classic country music song from 1952 by the great Hank Thompson.  This was the song that inspired the answer song, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” by Kitty Wells which was also released in 1952.

“Time Passes By” by Don Gallardo

Despite what you may hear otherwise, true country music is alive and well here in the middle years of the second decade of the 21st Century.  I saw Nashville based Don Gallardo and his band How Far West on New Years Eve Eve at the Family Wash, and they were incredible.  Expect a new album in 2016.  This one is the lead track from the 2011 album When The Daylight Whispers Darling…

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – In My Room Mix

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Good morning. It was a cold one here in Nashville. 

I am back after a day off and still recovering from my 8 Day Birthday Week.  I had a total blast, and I am so grateful for everyone who helped me ring in the next 50 years of my life.  In all the tally was: 8 Nights, 7 different venues, between 25-30 acts (depends on how you count them), tons of friends seen, and a bunch of fun had.

Since I last reported:  Friday night, I visited one of my regular haunts and one of the best weekly events in Nashville – Tim Carroll’s Rock and Roll Happy Hour at The 5 Spot.  Great time. I was beat after that and I had to call it a night early.

Saturday:  The Country on the west side. For the Zachariah Red CD Release show with Jon Latham opening with Neo Tundra Cowboy and Patrick Kinsley and a Fistful of Dollars also on the bill.  Great performances all around and a wonderful time to be had.

Sunday: Acme Feed and Seed to see Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau.  The band have never sounded better and the atmosphere was pure party – a great way to wrap up the week!

Whew!  With the birthday week over, I enjoyed a day off work, did a pilot/audition tape with Sue Havlish for WXNA (Nashville new community radio station).  Then, I made my way to The Basement East to catch Megan Palmer, Michaela Anne, and Darrin Bradbury for Week 3 of Darrin’s residency!  I stuck around to hear Darrin and band kick off the David Bowie tribute in fine fashion.  The Basement East was jam packed and the music was kicking, but my 9 nights out caught up with me and I had to bail fairly early.

On to the chilly morning shuffle filled with some classic and newer tunes.

“Desperados Waiting for a Train” by Guy Clark

Of course the mention of desperados brought to mind Glenn Frey who passed away yesterday.  Guy Clark wrote this song which was first recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker back in 1973.  Clark included the song on his debut album Old No. 1 which came out in 1975. The Highwaymen made the song a hit 10 years after Clark’s version was released.

“Lost in You” by David G. Smith

Another tune from David G. Smith’s new album First Love.  This is an awesome sounding song that did not seem out of place at all coming into the shuffle out of the Guy Clark song.  A great songwriter.

“I Belong to Me” by Richard Barone

This is the song that contributed the title to Barone’s still stunning and groundbreaking 1987 album Cool Blue Halo.  In case you didn’t know, Barone was a member of The Bongos. He posts stunning pictures of New York City on Instagram, and he has a new album coming out in 2016 that is a tribute to Greenwich Village in the 1960.  You can pre-order HERE.  And you should.

“Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

A song that appeared on Let Love In which was the 8th Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds album – released in 1994. 

“Arigato Terauchi” by Crazy Aces

Nashville-based instrumental rock band – Crazy Aces are up next with a song from their album Greatest Hits Vol. 2.  I guess I have always enjoyed surf/instrumental rock music, but I became a fan in 2015 after seeing a show featuring Crazy Aces and an Atlanta band called The Mystery Men?  with Jon Latham.

“Hey Darling” by Sleater-Kinney

This is the ninth song from the latest album by Washington state based Sleater-Kinney.  No Cities to Love was released almost exactly one year ago today.  The album was the eighth from the band who formed in 1994 and released their self-titled debut a year later.

“Devil’s Daughter” by Bob Margolin

We close out the shuffle with some BLUES from “Steady Rollin'” Bob Margolin from his album My Road. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle – 100 Miles Mix

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I am desperately in need of a second, third, or fourth wind as my Birthday week rolls on.  Last night was so much fun. The newly opened The Pub at The Basement East has it’s Grand Opening last night, and as always Grimey and company know how to throw a party better than just about anyone I know.  A ton of cool people doing covers… CCR style. I missed a ton of great music socializing and eating and stuff, but what I saw and heard was amazing. Grimey and Friends opened with a set of CCR songs and others followed with covers of bands whose names start with either C or R.  Grimey’s guests included Bill Eberle and Alanna from Alanna Royale.

The night ended with an out of this world set of Clash and Replacement songs by an ad-hoc band fronted by the legendary Joe Blanton and with the equally legendary Jonathan Bright on guitar.   It was a great way to end my birthday rocking out to some of the songs that helped shape my musical tastes.

Tonight: I will somehow suck it up and make two more stops on my birthday week tour. First of all I will be at the Happiest Place on Earth… no not Disney – Tim Carroll’s Rock and Roll Happy Hour at The 5 Spot.  Next, I will head over to The Basement East for Coverfest. More cool covers from some of Nashville’s best.

ICYMI: I posted my review of Zachariah Red’s new album, Backbone which was released today.

“Penelope’s Song” by James Tomberlin

Often times, when I am some cool musical event with Jon Latham (name dropping), there will be a moment where we will say, “Man, I wish, James Tomberlin were here.” and then Jon will launch into his spot-on Tomberlin impression and imagine what James would say….  The consolation, when James left Nashville to move onto big things, is that before he left, he recorded an album which was produced by Josh Morris who also produced Latham’s red hot Real Bad News album.  This is a song from James’ album, Still Life With Orange.  All I have to say is, “it’s your loss, Penelope!”

“You’re Coming With Me” by The Deadline Shakes

We move on with another fine song from Zealots by Glascow band, The Deadline Shakes. 

“One Hundred Miles” by Tim Easton

Tim Easton’s contribution to Cold and Bitter Tears: The Songs of Ted Hawkins is up next. Tim Easton performed this song live at a launch party  for this album at Americana this past September.

“Nightlife in the Stix” by David G. Smith

The first of three songs  in today’s shuffle from First Love – the new album from celebrated singer-songwriter David G. Smith.  The album features a stellar cast of players than includes Keb Mo.  The songs are rich and smooth and smart.

“St. Valentine’s Day Blues” by D.L. Duncan

The day itself is less than a month away.  For all of us who will be singing this one…

“In the Silence” by David G. Smith

Another from First Love.

“Lil Sis” by Campbell L. Sangster

Campbell L. Sangster is a indiefolk singer-songwriter from London by way of Liverpool.  He has a new single called “Odds are Stacked” which will be released next week.  This is the b-side of that single.  I’m digging it.

“Little One” by Paul Zografi

We have been spinning Paul Zografi’s 2014 album Bright which I learned of – better late than never… to correct that delay, here is a track from Brevity Lane – his new EP which is available digitally.  Zografi is also a talented videographer who has been making some videos for Tim Carroll and Luella of late.

“Phantom Billions” by Adam Stafford

It seems like we have been having a ton of Scottish music in the shuffles recently.  Adam Stafford is from Falkirk in Central Scotland.  He has a new album called Taser Revelations which is a follow up to his critically acclaimed 2014 album, Imaginary Walls Collapse.  The new album is due out in March, but we have a little preview.

“First Love” by David G. Smith

And we close the shuffle with our third song and the title track from the new album.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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