Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle – Eight to the Bar Mix

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Mid-week has arrived. 

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!
Consider this a great big SAVE THE DATE!!!!!  May 18, 2016 9:00p.m.  The 5 Spot.  The E2TG 5th Anniversary Party with some awesome performances (to be announced soon) and a good time to be had by all.  This will be right after the R.B. Morris Residency show so you should plan on making a night of it.  MORE TO COME!!!!!

Tonight is another awesome Coverfest at The Basement East. 

The lineup:

Matt Haeck as Tom Waits
Sarah Potenza as Gillian Welch
Friendship as Bright Eyes
Darrin Bradbury as Modest Mouse
Ri¢hie as Ghostfinger
Tesla Rossa as Beck
Tin Fist Pony as Sone Temple Pilots

Doors at 8:30 Music at 9:00 

Should be a fun night!

Wednesday is the day when anything can happen here at E2TG… well any day is kind of like that, but Wednesdays are called “Wild” taken from the term “wildcard” meaning that all bets are off*… enjoy….

*E2TG and its affiliates do not advocate gambling. Void where prohibited by law. Gamble responsibly. Don’t Bet and Drive. 

“Just About the Sexiest Thing” by The Jolly Light Brigade

“I’ve got a parachute that you can use.  It was just about the sexiest thing that anyone had ever said to me.”  From our friends at Dord Music Group.  D or d (Density).

“Easy Living” by Broyeur

Broyeur is a Swiss dance, edm, electronic music artist.  This is a single that was released late last year which came to me via e-mail. If I had a usual thing, this would be different than it, but I like this.

“Color Wheel” by Bashful Hips

The first of two tracks from Bashful Hips’ new album After I Died, I’ve Never Felt So Alive.  Dig it!

“Heaven and Hell” by Willie Nelson

From the 1974 album, Phases and Stages – some classic Willie Nelson… the kind of smooth transition that makes Wild Wednesday so much fun!

“Samson and Delilah” by The Staple Singers

From the Freedom Highway Complete recording which celebrated the 50th Anniversary of The Staple Singers legendary 1965 performance at Chicago’s New Nazareth Church, comes this recording of the traditional song. The song was notably covered by the Grateful Dead.

“Like Flies On Sherbert” by Alex Chilton

The title track from Alex Chilton’s 1979 debut solo album – produced by Chilton and Jim Dickinson and recorded and Ardent and Sam Phillips Studios in Memphis.

“Why Won’t You Love Me” by Bare Jr.

The last listed track on the 1998 album Boo-Tay.  I was fortunate enough to see the most recent Bare Jr. reunion show at The Basement East a few months back, and it was a blast!   Bobby Bare Jr. is currently touring as a member of Guided by Voices.

“Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar” by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen

From the 1971 debut album by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen called Lost in the Ozone.  Their version of the 1940 song that was written by Don Raye and first recorded by the Will Bradley Orchestra.  I think this song first came into my consciousness via The Rainmakers’ song, “Let My People Go-Go” which references the title.

“Spotted Bird” by Kalyn Fay

Another track from that Oklahoma Room CD that I mentioned yesterday.  This song is from the forthcoming album, Bible Belt.  I really dig this song.

“Imaginary Certainty” by Bashful Hips

And we close things out with another track from the new Bashful Hips’ album. There is something I really like about the meditative qualities on this album. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – In the Middle of the Land Mix

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We are back after an unexpected day off… my late fall cold finally caught up with me.  Before I succumbed to it, I got to take in an awesome show at City Winery.  Songwriting legend (and I do not use that term lightly here) Dan Penn celebrated his 74th birthday with a nearly 2 hour solo acoustic show performing many of the amazing songs that he was written and co-written over the course of his incredible career.  Hint: If you don’t know who Dan Penn is, I guarantee that you have heard many of his songs.  Read my reflections on this show here.

Dan Penn wrote his first hit song when he was still in high school.  Sammy Brue is just 14 years old, and he is widely regarded as one of the best songwriters around.  He will be making a rare Nashville appearance tonight at The Basement (the original) with Actual Wolf (who I saw during the Campfire Propaganda residency at last month). Actual Wolf will be back by a fine collection of local players.

Today’s shuffle went down like this….

“Right Time” by Nikki Lane

All or Nothin’ is the latest album from red hot Nashville artist, Nikki Lane.  If you have not caught up with her yet, now is the right time…

“Once in a Very Blue Moon” by Nanci Griffith

Another from that amazing Rounder Records anniversary compilation on Noisetrade, and one of my all time favorite songs.  I first heard this on one of those Steal This Disk CD releases back in the day. Just a flat out gorgeous song from one of the finest voices of all time.

“Lee Harvey Was a Friend of Mine” by Homer Henderson

I’m just going to leave this right here.  I grabbed this song from a compilation called, Tragic Songs from the Grassy Knoll which was released a couple of years ago.  I snagged this track off Freegal.  The song itself dates back to around 1985 when it was released as a single.  The song has been covered by Laura Cantrell  and by The Asylum Street Spankers.

“Over the Red Cedar” by Charlie Parr

This song, from Minnesota singer-songwriter Charlie Parr, is off of his album Stumpjumper which was released back in April of this year. If I had read that it was a twenty or thirty or forty year old song, I would not have batted an eye.  It has a timeless sound.

“In the Middle of the Land” by Hoodoo Gurus

Giving us the sub-title to today’s post… from their Blow Your Cool! album.  I love this band.

“With a Girl Like You” by Alex Chilton

Making a connection to Monday night’s show – Dan Penn produced the first hit single from Alex Chilton’s old band, The Box Tops and co-wrote a couple of other songs for that band.  This is a cover version of a song by The Troggs  which was included on the compilation 19 Years: A Collection of Alex Chilton which was released in 1991.  That is where I came upon the track.

“Killin’ It In California” by Jeremy Nash

Another from Jeremy Nash’s new album Getaway Driver.  This is one of my favorite songs which I have heard him perform live a couple of times.  Filled with the bitter chill of loss and regret and winter.

“Mexican Amphetamines” by Ben Arthur

Another from Ben Arthur’s Call and Response record. Ben is one of my favorite songwriters and his Call and Response album demonstrates the innovation and fun he brings to the art and craft of songwriting.

“Beautiful Jane” by Brian Carpenter and the Confessions

This is another track from The Far End of the World.  This new album by Boston musician Brian Carpenter has emerged as of my favorites of 2015.

“Mess Around” by Cage the Elephant

At long last, new music from Bowling Green rockers, Cage the Elephant.  This is the first single from their forthcoming album, Tell me I’m Pretty which is due out in about a month.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Refuse to Be Your Jodi Mix

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I find myself rushed again… so, let’s get to this:

1.  Jonquil Child by Tiffany Huggins Grant which we have been featuring songs off of for a few weeks has been released.  Check it out HERE. I recommend it highly.

2. There is a great FREE SHOW in downtown Nashville today on 5th between Demonbreun and Korean Veterans.  It is the CD Release show for the companion album to the Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.  Lots of cool folks including some of the players from the original classic recordings.  Did I mention it is free?  Details: HERE. Gates at 5:00, Music starts at 6:00

3.  Later on tonight, Two Cow Garage are playing at the Hi Watt with Heathen Sons and Benchmarks.  Benchmarks is the new moniker for Todd Farrell and the Dirty Birds.  Should be a great show.

Shuffle: (It’s a good one)….

“Tangled in Your Web” by Richard Barone

From the classic Cool Blue Halo.  One of the best live albums ever.

“Flower Flower” by The Vespers

The Vespers were the first band to play the second day of the Safety Harbor Songfest earlier this year.  It was a relatively early set and people were arriving throughout, but they still managed to capture and hold the attention of everybody present.  It was a great set, and it solidified by appreciation of this Nashville band. This is a track from their 2012 album, The Fourth Wall.

“A Whole Within” by The Colored Parade

Another great Nashville band, The Colored Parade are a favorite of mind.  From the album, And the Walls of the City Will Shake…

“Triangle” by Bad Bad Not Good

BadBadNotGood are an innovative Jazz group from Toronto.  This is from one of those World Café Sessions that I have been featuring.  My first listen… I want to hear more…

“Somebody Loves You” by Austin Lucas

One of the highlights of last week for me was Austin Lucas’ triumphant return to Nashville at The 5 Spot.  He stood and delivered a breath-taking set that ended with the crowded gathered around the stage for an unplugged number.  This track is the title track from Lucas’ 2009 album, and it shows off the emotionally powerful nature of his songwriting.

“Olah” by Matt Phillips and the Philharmonic

Olah is a heartbreaking song about resisting a forbidden love, and it delivered in Matt Phillips signature peppy upbeat style… the juxtaposition might seem strange, but Phillips makes it work here.

“One on One” by Miles Davis

From Miles Davis’ 1972 album On the Corner… the jazz master experiments with rhythm and makes some truly innovative music.  It was widely panned at the time of its release, but it has found critical favor in later years and proven to be a highly influential album.  The album features Dave Liebman who I had the good fortune of seeing live earlier this year.  

“Bangkok” by Alex Chilton

A 1978 single from the the High Priest of alternative music.  If I’m not mistaken (quick research so I could be) Chris Stamey (Dbs) and Richard Lloyd (Television) were part of Chilton’s band at the time of this single.

“Smilin’ Jim is Down Again” by Black Vincent

We close the day, with another awesome song from the album Teardrop Deluxe by the Michigan band lead by Coley Kennedy (The Buddies, Welcome to Ashley). The album was recorded in Nashville by one of the cities hottest production teams. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Get up and Do Something Mix

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So… I’m having trouble thinking of  a profound intro to this shuffle…  So… it is Friday! The weekend is upon us.  Get up and Do Something!  I snatched that song from the Soul Asylum song in today’s shuffle.  Good advise, that I need to take myself sometimes…

“Song for an Angry Young Man” by Beat Rodeo

I was a young man when I first heard this song.  And, I guess I was angry in my own way.  I’m not so young anymore, and I try not to be unnecessarily angry… or at least try to keep my anger working for me rather than against… but I still understand this song, because that “angry young man” is still inside me…

“If It Takes Me to You” by Boy Named Banjo

From their album Long Story Short.  Boy Named Banjo are going to be performing at Bonnaroo, so if you are going down to Manchester in June, look for them on the Club Stage. 

“Karaoke” by Five Eight

This song was on the Athens, GA band’s 1994 album Weirdo.  They recently appeared at SXSW and this song came from a Noisetrade SXSW sampler.

“My Rival” by Alex Chilton

From Alex Chilton’s 1979 solo album Like Flies On Sherbert.

“Weekend Syndrome” by The Naddiks

Another rocking track from the album 21CB…  The Naddiks are from Canberra, Australia and the weekend is in full swing there.  This and every weekend – have fun, but be careful and act decent to people. Okay?

“An English Gentleman” by James Dean Bradfield

This song is from the 2006 album, The Great Western.  James Dean Bradfield is from the English band The Manic Street Preachers who are doing some American dates in support of the 20th anniversary of their classic album The Holy Bible. I really love this song and so far everything I heard from this record has been amazing.  I am someone who derives great pleasure from “discovering” great music whether it is new or just something I missed out on the first time around.

“Villains” by The Vigilance Committee

I am always happy when some harder edged stuff filters through my inbox.  This Indie/Punk band is from Long Island, and I’m looking forward to hearing more of their stuff.  This song is from their album, “Exit a Hero” which is a concept album about the first vigilance committee established in San Francisco in the mid 1800s.  The album is due out in a week, but you can pre-order via their Bandcamp page.

“Sometime to Return” by Soul Asylum

Damn, ya’ll Hang Time is a flat great album….

“Good Old Fashioned Pain” by Young America

Another awesome track from the latest EP  by this band who are currently split between Athens, GA and Nashville, TN.  I’ve enjoyed getting to know Taylor and Drew (the Nashville part of the band), and I am awful proud of the music they are making.  Pain Rain and the Mundane is out now – via your Normal music portals.

“Old Soul” by Sam Morrow

We featured Sam Morrow a good while back, and it is great to have him back in the Shuffle, and to be reminded of what a great songwriter he is…  from his most recent album Ephemeral.

“I Won’t Slip Up” by The Delines

From the Album Colfax, by this great Country/Soul band from Portland, Oregon. 

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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – No, All! Mix

Back in the shuffle business after an absolutely incredible weekend at the 2nd Annual Safety Harbor SongFest.  Expect more detailed and official reports once I have fully recovered, but for now, let me just say I had a blast at this well-organized, artistically uplifting event and enjoyed some gorgeous weather.  Despite my peeling nose and flight delay coming home, I can strongly recommend fans and musicians alike check out this still relatively new festival.

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“Heart Beats” by Hey Marseilles

From Lines We Trace. Hey Marseilles are an indie/chamber pop band from Seattle. Contrary to what some may tell you, there are no fiddles in the band.

“Kiss Me When I Get Back” by Tom Tom Club

From Boom Boom Chi Boom Boom. Chris, Tina, and company add some funky grooves to the morning shuffle.

“Can’t Seem to Make You Mine” by Alex Chilton

Taken from the Alex Chilton compilation 19 Years… This is a cover of the 1965 single by the American garage band, The Seeds.

“Crazy Love, Vol. II” by Paul Simon

From Graceland. I have no opinion about that….

“Conquistador” by Love Tractor

 The instrumental rock band that was instrumental in the creating the vibrant Athens, Georgia music scene that spawned so many great bands.  This is from their 2014 comeback album Dear Aliens.

“No, All!” by Descendents

From the album All.  This follow up to the 1 second lead and title track expands on the theme stretching out to a full 2 seconds allows the band to really explore the overarching philosophy of “to not settle for some but to always go for All.”  Melodically simple (as I suppose a 2 second song is bound to be), the music nevertheless conveys a deep insight into the band’s influences from the punk and post punk era. The lyrics, “No, All!” while seeming self-explanatory bear repeated reading in order to fully comprehend the intricate nuances.  When Milo Aukerman left the Descendents, the remaining members formed a band named All which I got to see live sometime in 1991 or 1992.  It was a good show. 

“2013” by Mothers

From Panamanian Times.  Another cool track from the Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen band Mothers from their most recent album Panamanian Times.  Some good vibey punk rock and a nice palate cleanser from the spicy Descendents’ track.  Not so much fond of the year, but I love the song, “2013”.

“Cusp” by Forebear

Cinematic L.A. Progressive Folk band Forebear return to the shuffle with another track from their self-titled EP. 

“Killing What’s Left of Me” by Dead in 5

Dead in 5 bring some Detroit Hard Rock and outlaw attitude to the morning shuffle. It was a perfect bit of raw power to drive me forward toward work after a long and enjoyable weekend.  The album is called Schizophrenic Razor Project.  The graphics are awesome and the music delivers on the promise of the visual images…. CRACK!

“Trudy and Dave” by John Hiatt

From Slow Turning.  After the raw energy of Dead in 5, I really needed to come down a bit before I faced my workplace.  Who knows, I might have punched someone… not really, but I might have thought about it.  A great song from one of my all time favorite artists.

“Talking Thunderbird Blues”  by Townes Van Zandt

Taken from a 1973 live recording…  What a better way to get ready to solve the whole world’s problems (or at least my tiny corner of the world) then to listen to a song about drinking Thunderbird wine for the very first time… 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Like Charlie Sheen Mix

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To make up for not having a shuffle – please enjoy this video playlist tribute to the late Leonard Nimoy…

“Back’s Against the Wall” by Judah and the Lion

Another song from the Sweet Tennessee record…

“Genius” by Warren Zevon

From My Ride’s Here….

“Right Time” by Nikki Lane

A supremely awesome song from Nashville’s Nikki Lane off her 2014 album All or Nothin’

“No Sex” by Alex Chilton

An early/mid 80s view of the AIDS epidemic via Memphis legend Alex Chilton off his album Feudalist Tarts.

“I Wanna Sit and Watch the Credits Roll” by Bill Lloyd

From the phenomenal album Feelin’ the Elephant – another great one from Nashville legend Bill Lloyd.

“I Only Want to Be With You” by The Tourists

The pure pop nearly hits keep on coming from The Tourists.  Off a compilation called Should Have Been Greatest Hits.

“Hey Mama” by The Satisfactors

From the self-titled debut album by a New Jersey shore super-group…

“The Mermaid Song” by The Ghoul Goes West

Via my inbox by way of somewhere in Northwest Arkansas…. The Ghoul Goes West impressed me right away.  More to come.  Check them out.

“This Very Second” by Bill Lloyd

We close things out with our second track of the day from Bill Lloyd’s Feelin’ the Elephant, and one of my favorite songs on that album. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – It Wasn’t Long Ago Mix

Had a terrific time at Music City Roots last night: Family and Friends, Matt Phillips, The Bros. Landreth, and Dale Watson.  Big thanks to the Sippy Biddys for letting me be a honorary guest biddy for the night.

On with the shuffle..

“The Day is Real” by Blackfoot Gypsies

Congratulations to Blackfoot Gypsies on their recent signing to Plowboys Records. Well deserved and total world domination is expected soon. My day got real – really quickly.  This is off their self-titled debut.  The video is from a benefit show I attended in December – put on by Lockeland Springsteen – who run a blog or something here in Nashville… whatever… 😉

“Puppet String” by Umphrey’s McGee

Chicago’s improvisation rock geniuses off their album Similar Skin.

“Indian Giver” by 1910 Fruitgum Company

Appropriately named Bubblegum band from New Jersey with a retroactive Ramones cover.  Seriously, the Ramones covered this as a bonus track on their retrospective Ramones Mania album.  It was the title track from a 1969 album by 1910 Fruitgum Company.

“I’m Your Broken Dog” by The Bones of JR Jones

J.R. Linaberry lays down some of the rawest, raddest rootsiest music around.  This song is on Noisetrade’s Best of What’s Next sampler, and in a cursory search, I could not find it anywhere else. So head over…

“We Will Not Be Lovers” by The Waterboys

A seven minute musical celebration from the creative genius who is Mike Scott. From Fisherman’s Blues.

“Clowntime is Over” by Elvis Costello and the Attractions

Get Happy!! Ya’ll!

 

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Long running New Orleans Jazz band. They will be hitting the Hangout Music Festival this year.  That’s It is the title and lead track from their 2013 album.

“Lost My Job” by Alex Chilton

We close out today’s shuffle with a song from the late, great Alex Chilton.  It was included on the 19 Year compilation put out by Rhino in 1991.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Friday Morning Music Shuffle –

I wanted to share some news with all of my Ear to the Ground readers.  I am going to begin covering live shows at awesome Nashville venue 3rd and Lindsley for No Depression. Don’t worry, #E2TG will continue to be the same hot mess that it always is, and you will also be able to read my reviews over at NoDepression.com and see that I can actually clean up when it is required (I hope).  Seriously, I am excited about this opportunity and I know that all of you have helped me to reach this place. So, thanks!  Hot Mess of Cool Tunes follows….

“Caroline” by The Silos

There are several bands who can be cited as innovators of the sound that would become Alt-Country.  The Silos certainly earned their place it that discussion. Bottom line, great songs are great songs. This is from the bands self-titled major label debut also known as “the one with the bird on the cover”.

“Take Your Shoes Off Pt. 2” by Booker T. Averhart and The Mustangs

A funky instrumental b-side from a 1963 single released on the Kent label.

“Blood Oranges in the Snow” by Over the Rhine

A gorgeous song – the title track from the band’s 2014 holiday album. Perfect for this latest cold front we are experiencing (although no snow yet in Nashville – at press time.)

“Possibly” by Ben Arthur

Seriously, if you haven’t checked out Ben Arthur’s latest project novel/album on Noisetrade.  Do it now! I will wait here.

“Homeless” by Paul Simon

My recent conversations with a friend about Paul Simon’s Graceland album prompted me to add it back into my rotation.

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“World Party” by The Waterboys

Supposedly Karl Wallinger got the name of his band from this song (per Wikipedia – so who knows), in any case, I love The Waterboys, I love this song, and I love World Party the band, so it’s all good.  Come on, let’s party, world! From Fishermen’s Blues.

“Making Breakfast” by Twin Peaks

So supposedly the band got their name from the restaurant chain and not the David Lynch series which is returning!!!!!  Rumor has it the restaurant chain’s name is also not a reference to the David Lynch series.  Still a good excuse to say that Twin Peaks the David Lynch series is returning in 2016.  The band are from Chicago, and I really dig this song. From their album Wild Onion.

“Next Time” by Satellite Sky

Satellite Sky are an Australian brother/sister rock duo currently based in L.A. I can’t remember where I got this song, but it appears to be a recent single.  It is not on any of the albums I could find listed.  I like it.

“Take it Off” by Alex Chilton

How about Alex Chilton on a Friday morning…  Take it all off!

“In the City” by J.R. Wyatt

Another appearance by phenomenal Nashville songwriter J.R. Wyatt in the shuffle.  Such a great voice and such great songs. 

“Caucasian Cancer” by The Danbury Lie

The Danbury Lie are flat out one of my favorite bands.  This song is from their latest release called Scattered Moments of Connection. The song is highly original and sooo good.  Check them out on Facebook and at Bandcamp.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Oh My and a Boo Hoo Mix

I got those post-birthday hangover blues… hangover in the figurative sense (or is it literal???)

Anyway, some killer tunes in the shuffle – so let’s get to it.

“You Got Trouble” by Blackfoot Gypsies

A great way to start the morning commute.  Six minutes or so of Blackfoot Gypsies signature high-energy bluesy rock music.  This is from their album Dandee Cheeseball.

“Come Join the Murder” by The White Buffalo and The Forest Rangers

Did you know that a group of crows is called a “murder” because they will sometimes kill a dying cow?  I didn’t either, but I join writers of songs, poetry, and fiction in thanking whoever came up with the name for the inspiration.  I really love this song which was featured on the television series Sons of Anarchy.

“1969” by The Stooges

I was three years old in 1969 (a fact that either makes me seem really old or really young depending upon your point of view), so I will have to take Iggy’s word on what that year was like. I am not one to argue with Iggy.  Powerhouse, proto-punk from the self-titled debut album.

“Femme Fatale” (Velvet Underground cover) by Tom Tom Club

Femme Fatale is among my favorite Velvet Underground songs (there are a bunch on that list), and this is one of my favorite cover versions. From Boom Boom Chi Boom Boom.

“Stop Your Sobbing” by The Pretenders

Speaking of Femme Fatales…

“V.F.W.” by The Dead Milkmen

I’ve never been in a foreign war, but I am a veteran in the sense that this song is talking about….

“Free Again” by Alex Chilton (Big Star)

A few songs from the Big Star album Third/Sister Lovers made it onto the Alex Chilton compilation 19 Years.  The absence of Chris Bell made the album (to some) essentially an Alex Chilton solo album. Regardless of that debate, it is one of my favorite albums of all time and I love this song.

“Dracula, 1931” by Sci-Fi Romance

I think this is the second to the last song for us to feature from the remarkable October album by our friend Vance Kotrla (aka Sci-Fi Romance).  Once again, in case you missed the previous posts, shortly before Halloween, Mr. Kotrla sat down and watched a marathon of classic horror films (along with the film Ed Wood), and he then wrote and recorded some songs based upon each of the films.  Here, he transforms the classic 1931 film Dracula (directed by Tod Browning and starring the great Bela Lugosi) into a meditation on the consequences of immortality.

“The Queen of My Arms” by Matthew Ryan

We close things out with a Bonus track from Matthew Ryan’s album Boxers. A great way to end a most excellent shuffle.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Friday Morning Music Shuffle – All for Show Mix

Note to myself: just because it is not 4 degrees, the 20s are still pretty cold.

I wonder if I am the only person who upon encountering an unpleasant odor while out walking, thinks that I need to push the “inside air” button…

Ah, ignore me. It Friday – the end of the first full week of work in what seems like forever.

We close out the week a shuffle that includes a couple of recent tunes mixed in with some songs that I have loved for a long time….

“Tiny Town” by The Dead Milkmen

My first comment was going to be that this song is the punk rock answer to John Mellencamp’s song, “Small Town”, but then I figured out that this song actually pre-dates the latter song (by a couple of months).  So, I will just say this is an alternative take on small town living.  From Big Lizard in my Backyard.

“Mantle of Disguise” by The Torn Images

One of the two recent songs in the shuffle is a nifty bit of modern alternative rock from the California band The Torn Images from their album Reviver.

“Both Sides of the Line” by Jason and the Scorchers

 Back in the day, there were rumors going around that R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe sang background vocals on this song and maybe co-wrote the song. Later, I heard that although he had been in the studio when this was recorded, he actually was not involved in the song.  It’s pure Scorchers but it does have a fair amount of that 80s Southern murk that R.E.M. did so well back in those days. From Fervor.

“Cartoon” by Soul Asylum

I made a bold pronouncement/observation that Soul Asylum’s Hang Time was the perfect intersection of the band’s punk history and pop rock future.  If that is in any way true, then I think of all the songs of Hang Time, Cartoon might be the one song that typifies that combination.  Whatever, I love this song, and I always have. 

“Still Tied” by Jason and the Scorchers

From Lost and Found, some more vintage era Scorchers… one of those songs that let’s the band catch their breath a  bit before exploding into another blistering song.

“Watusi Rodeo” by Guadalcanal Diary

I remember seeing the video for this song on MTV’s The Basement Tapes which kicked off a long standing obsession with his Georgia band.  From Walking in the Shadow of the Big Man.  One of my favorite songs of all time.

“Secondary Modern” by Elvis Costello and the Attractions

From Get Happy!  “But there won’t be a problem till the girls go home…”

“Little Eva” by Tom Tom Club

One of the best and definitely one of the longest lasting “spinoff” bands of all time.  Talking Heads rhythm section Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth create (literally) some of the grooviest music around.  This is from the most excellent 1988 album Boom Boom Chi Boom Boom.

“Far Behind” by Jason and the Scorchers

Our third Jason and the Scorchers song in the shuffle.  Another down tempo song, and one of my favorites… nothing like it when you are sweaty and exhausted to stand around with other sweaty and exhausted people and sing along with this one. Another from Lost and Found.

“Volare” by Alex Chilton

How about Alex Chilton singing the hit Italian song, Volare? Sure, why not? From his album, High Priest.

“Wholly Night” by Ben Arthur!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”);

We close things out with the second “recent” song in today’s shuffle, and it is a good one.  From his If You Look for My Heart album…  This is one of my favorites on the album. 

By the way, I think today is one of those rare days, when I found videos for every song in the shuffle.  (I didn’t go back and double check, but I’m pretty sure I did).  So, give listen and experience my morning commute from the comfort of your own home.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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