Category: Benchmarks

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Just Fine Mix

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I don’t have a whole lot to say today… let’s jump into the shuffle…

“Grizzly Adams” by Roberto and The Tickety 2

Okay, I love this!  I am not sure when I added this to my playlist, but if you aren’t aware, the Dan Haggerty who played Grizzly Adams in the 1970s television series passed away last month.  This song is not really about that, it is a hilarious stab at (mostly) young guys who try to look like Grizzly Adams to “hide their weak chins”.  Roberto Cassani was born in Italy but now lives in Scotland.   I have to find out more about this…

“I Fell Asleep” by exedra

Another track from Elemental – the new album/new project from Jeremy Gluck. The album was released on Monday, February 1.  It’s ethereal, dreamy and oh so cool. Check it out.

“Skeleton” by Elf Power

Elf Power are from Athens, Georgia and part of the Elephant 6 collective. This song is from their 4th album The Winter is Coming which was released in 2000.  Elephant 6 is a big influence on several of the Dord Music Group artists, and I am pretty sure it was one of those guys who put this is my mind.

“Running Back Home” by Michelle Lewis

Another pretty song from the Live at Club Passim EP from singer-songwriter Michelle Lewis.

“Summertime” by Ships Have Sailed

Ships That Sail are an L.A. Alternative duo. The recently released their debut album Moodswings.  This is my first listen.  It is a shimmering song.  I was just reading that the album is tells a story from beginning to end. I will need to listen again with that in mind.  Good song.

“Just Fine” by Benchmarks

Benchmarks have been working on their follow-up to American Night and doing some short tours.  I am excited to hear the new music.  This is the final track we have from their debut (as Benchmarks).  Look for a solo Todd Farrell performance of this song in the Video playlist.  Also, Benchmarks guitarist Eli Rhodes celebrated a birthday on Monday.  And yeah, if anybody is wondering, I’m just fine.

“Words Are Cheap” by Leapfrogtown

Man, I really dig this song.  So far I’ve liked everything I’ve heard from Dreaming in Public.  The band formed in London in 2013.  Catchy as hell!

“A Better Day Tomorrow” by Le Folli Arie

A gorgeous song from the Italian prog-pop band. One of the English language songs on their self-titled album.

“Alex” by Bay Kee

Bay Kee is the solo project of Christine Spilka of The Jean Jackets (one of the MCFK bands we have featured here before).  Wonder Wild was released in mid January. This is crystal clear poppy indie rock music.  Really liking what I’ve heard so far.

“I Am” by Outta the Furnace

We close things out with a our first listen to this hard hitting three-piece blues rock band from southeast Virginia. This is no frills, straight ahead rock and roll with a authentic blues feel.  Expect to hear more from this band here.

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VIDEO PLAYLIST

Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Sharpest Marble Mix

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First off – ICYMI because I posted so late yesterday.  Here is the link to yesterday’s shuffle and “Earie” Awards…

Today’s “Earie” Award category is either called, “The Hall of Fame Part II” Award or the “E2TG Survivor Series” Award or something.  Over the 4 1/2 year history of E2TG, I have been fortunate to get to know and write about a ton of really awesome and talented artists.  As most people reading this know, making music and trying to be heard in 2015 is a challenging proposition. It is easy to get burned out or for more lucrative opportunities to take precedence.  This award is meant to recognize long time favorites of this blog who are still out there doing their thing and making vital and interesting music.

1.  Killing Kuddles – from Atlanta – Elwood “Killing” Kuddles first caught my attention a few years ago with his blending of punk and folk or folk and punk – which I hereby dub.. “Polk” (because “Funk” means something else).  In 2015, Kuddles released the Sinking Ship EP which pushed his signature sound forward.  I love his slightly twisted humor and the way his music makes me happy.  Very happily, I made a Black Friday purchase that included a Killing Kuddles t-shirt, stickers, patches, and buttons. 

2.  The Danbury Lie – originating from Connecticut, I think he’s kind of a citizen of the world now.  The Danbury Lie holds the distinction of being the third most tagged band in E2TG history.  Like so many Connecticut artists, he is extremely prolific.  In 2015 alone, he released Scattered Moments of Connection, Choose Your Delusion, Shallow Cuts (kind of a Greatest Hits collection), and the DVD (with accompanying soundtrack) called Whispers to Oblivion.  And he is already at work on a new project schedule for early next year.  His music is unique and amazing. It is an interesting mix of experimental metal, out there folk, and something harder to define.  Whispers to Oblivion is a chronicle of his cross-country drive over the summer.  It is an amazing video which manages to give the viewer insight into The Danbury Lie’s world.  I would recommend it even if I didn’t make a voice-only cameo appearance.

3. Pony Boy – When I first came into contact with the music of Marchelle Bradanini – aka Pony Boy – she was in Los Angeles, and I was very impressed by both her songs and her incredible voice. Since then, she has partially relocated to East Nashville (she lives 1/2 time here and in L.A.), and she has begun to received some well deserved attention. Pony Boy released Blue Gold this year, and I have seen it mentioned on some best of lists already.  And now, she has an “Earie”.

Our last featured Friday shuffle of 2015 is on deck….

“More Glue” by Tim Carroll

Tonight, as I have done many times in 2015, I will begin my Friday evening with one of Nashville’s best deals and best things.  Just about every Friday beginning at 6 p.m., Tim Carroll and his band settle into The 5 Spot for an amazing Rock and Roll Happy Hour.  There is no cover (but hit up the tip jar or the tip kettle), and settle in for two to two and half hours straight of some of the best music you are likely to hear.  Happily, Carroll has begun to release some of his new songs which you are likely to hear on a given Friday.  This is a track from his last album, Pure as Coal which is now largely unavailable.

“DMT” by Tymon Dogg

A really cool track from one-time Joe Strummer collaborator, Tymon Dogg .  His latest album is called Made of Light, and you will be hearing much more of it in 2016.

“New Wave (Is this Rock ‘N’ Roll?) by Niall James Holohan

A Dublin born, London based recording artist. This is the current single, and my first listen.  I like it.

“Clear Sky” by Matt Prater

Alabama-based country music singer-songwriter Matt Prater’s Tables and Chairs is a very good album. Prater makes the kind of country music that flies in the face of much of what the “industry” is putting out.  That, to me, is a good thing, a very good thing.

“Dreaming On the Road” by Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen

Earie Award winning Ted Drozdowski and his Scissormen are up next with an excellent track from Love and Life – one of my favorite albums of the year.

“Christopher” by Pony Boy

Fortuitously, Pony Boy – jumps into the shuffle on the same day that she picks up an “Earie” with a song from Blue Gold.  Could this song be a reference to Christopher Thomas Howell who played Ponyboy Curtis in Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of the S.E. Hinton novel?  I have no idea.  I love this song, though.  

“Mirror Black Mirror” by Indigenous Engines

Another “Earie” award winner – Andrew Adkins released a pair of EPs under the Indigenous Engines moniker.  This track is from the EP called Witches.  Ominously wonderful music.

“I Ain’t the Sharpest Marble” by D.L. Duncan

And yet another “Earie” award winner! With the lead track from his self-titled album.  The title of this song makes me smile, and it is a really cool blues song.

“American Night” by Benchmarks

Todd Farrell and The Dirty Birds changed their name in 2015, and released their self-title debut as Benchmarks.  This is a very summery album which was a great choice for this cold morning. Benchmarks are currently working on their follow-up, and I for one can’t wait.  This is the kind of song that is needed to steal back the concept of driving down some desolate country road and partying with your friends from those bro-country bozos.   The video in the playlist for this song is from a show that I attended  – wherein Micah Schnaubel of Farrell’s other band (Two Cow Garage) jumped stage to join in.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Featured Friday Music Shuffle – Sweethearts Gone Mix

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Okay… this has to be a fast one.  I walked over to the Southern Festival of Books during my lunch break (when I usually write and post the blog) to see Julie Christensen and part of Stone Cupid (Chris Tench and Sergio Webb). They killed it as usual.

Last night – quickly – some highlights: Week 2 Campfire Propaganda Residency… guests Ariel Buie and Actual Wolf.  Megan Palmer – on keyboard playing a new song and a John Moreland song. Nellie Clay with Actual Wolf, Tim Easton as usual, Brian Wright – fighting jet lag and killing it (with Aaron Lee Tasjan for a couple of songs), Darrin Bradbury and Megan Palmer – Darrin leading his own more of meditation…

Coverfest at Basement East!!!  Major props to Terry Rickards for putting this together.  Everyone was great, and I don’t have time for a full report, but I will just say Los Colognes doing Bob Dylan’s Infidels album in its entirety and nailing it and Allen Thompson Band as The Eagles were my absolute favorites (it was all good). The Eagles segment was so much fun!

Also, ICYMI – #E2TG posted the new single from Zachariah Red this morning. 
Check it out here.

Shuffle….

“Out of the Depths” by The Unravelling

A dose of heavy prog metal to start this Friday. The album is called Tear a Hole in the Collective Vision.  We’ve been spinning tracks from it for a while… it’s great!

“(You’ve Got) The Right to be Wrong” by Reckless Johnny Wales

Another really cool track from American Heart by Reckless Johnny!

“Meet My Maker” by Sammy Brue

“Jealous” by Sammy Brue

Two tracks from 14 year old wunderkind Sammy Brue’s EP, I Don’t Want You To Leave. 

“April Fire” by Benchmarks

Flashback to before the Summer… another awesome song from the Benchmarks record.

“Issac Woodard’s Eyes” by Angela Easterling

Another from Common Law Wife… Angela Easterling just came into my consciousness this year, and she is already a favorite.

“Trouble on my Mind” by Tiffany Huggins Grant

One more from Jonquil Child.  Tiffany will be following David Olney on the Music Stage at the Southern Festival of Books.  Olney at 10:00a.m., Tiffany at 11:00.

“Drunk” by Eight O’Five Jive

The award winning Eight O’Five Jive with another track from their Too Many Men album.

“Play Me” by Rich Robbins (feat. Saba)

And we close out our Featured Friday Shuffle with one from Nimbus which is the debut album from the awesome Rich Robbins.  Hip Hop of the highest order.

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle- Tray Tables Up Mix

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Well, it is FRIDAY!  Not only that, but I have a three day weekend ahead of me.  Some prelims before we get to the Featured Friday Shuffle…

Last night was another absolutely astonishing night of music at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.  First, it was week one of David Olney’s September Residency. As always, the songs were fantastic and the band was tight.  Besides his usual band (Justin Amaral drums, Daniel Seymour bass, and Sergio Webb guitar), Olney was joined by Ward Stout (who played other stringed type instruments).  The highlight for me was when Olney played is signature song, “Deeper Well” and wrapped the song around a mind-blowing mashup of Bo Diddley and “Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

The late show at the Spot began with Reno Bo who was joined on guitar by Sadler Vaden (Jason Isbell’s guitar player).  Then, Jesse Lafser played a spirited set that impressed me greatly.  The night ended with a magical jam that features Cordovas and featured Joe Firstman (who was at one time the band leader on Last Call with Carson Daly), Audley Freed (Black Crowes, Sheryl Crow), Steve Gorman (Black Crowes), and the always amazing Brian Wright.  Late in the set, Firstman turned over his bass to guest Pat Sansone (Wilco). The band performed an absolutely killer version of Neil Young’s “Cortez the Killer”, and then Firstman called up another guest, Jewel who joined the band for John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery”.  An awe-inspiring end to a great night of music.

Other news, Nashville singer-songwriter Kevin Gordon released his new album, Long Gone Time today.  You should buy this album, but if you need convincing, you can check out my review which is up on No Depression.

Finally, an update on WXNA, the new low-power community radio station being created here in Nashville.  There are just 4 days left to donate and be a part of making this thing a reality.  Details below:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wxna-lpga/x-plosive-radio-wxna-lpfm-nashville/widget/video.html

Well, I’ve run on a bit haven’t I… we still have a shuffle to present….

“Savior of Love” by Brian Carpenter and the Confessions

We have our second listen from the forthcoming, Far End of the World album.  I am really digging the sound of this Boston band.  Check them out!

“Throwing Strikes” by Angela Easterling

One more from the incredible, Common Law Wife, album. This one is about baseball, a crushed dreams, small towns, and hard times.

“Shed My Skin” by Stone Cupid

Our first of two tracks from the forthcoming album The Cardinal by Stone Cupid – the Nashville band fronted by Julie Christensen (Divine Horsemen, Leonard Cohen etc.). The band features the dual guitar attack of Sergio Webb and Chris Tench, bassist Bones Hillman (Midnight Oil) and drummer Steve Latanation (Agent Orange).  If you failed to heed my advice to get in on the pre-order, then you will have to wait until early 2016 to hear this record. We have a live performance from Stone Cupid, and a fun video from Julie and her husband in our Video playlist.

“Market Place” by Eight O’Five Jive

Congratulations are in order to Nashville’s Eight O’Five Jive. The took home two Nashville Industry Music Awards for Best Live Blues Performers and Best Blues Artists.  Well deserved!  Too Many Men is a fun album filled with many great songs like the one we featured today.

“Paper Napkins” by Benchmarks

Another one from American Night. This song was first released as a solo single by Todd Farrell back in December. It is such a good song, and rightfully, it ended up on Benchmarks new record.

“Hit Me, Hit Me, Hit Me” by The Satisfactors

More straight ahead rock and roll from the self-titled debut by the New Jersey supergroup. A fun song!

“Broken Wing” by Stone Cupid

Another from The Cardinal.  If you catch her live, you may just be able to get your copy of the album.  Otherwise, mark your calendar for January 22, 2016.

“The One” by The Danbury Lie

Our final song from Scattered Moments of Connection.   More evidence to explain my continued infatuation with this music.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Struggle in Dark Corners Mix

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So last night – on my way to see Jon Latham play a killer set at The 5 Spot opening for Cody Brooks, who I saw for the first time and was blown away by – I encountered an overturned car (I hope everyone was okay), a slow moving train, and a couple of trucks inexplicably parked in the middle of the road.  But I made it and it was worth it.  I then resisted peer pressure and went home an wrote a review of an album that is coming out tomorrow.  I should have the review posted tonight or so, and I will let you know…

Tonight 90,000 people are supposed to descend upon downtown Nashville for several different events going on.  My advice – stay out of downtown and instead cross the river for week one David Olney’s September residency at The 5 Spot. Last years, residency was absolutely incredible (one show began with a dramatic recitation of Kubla Khan for goodness sakes!). What will happen this time around? To quote Mr. Olney, “You never know.”

Today’s shuffle only contains 6 songs, but man oh man…

“Sphinx” by Syd Straw

Syd Straw, who is known among other things as vocalist for the supergroup Golden Palominos, at one time sang backup for Pat Benatar (according to Wikipedia so odds are even if that is true).  Her debut solo album, Surprise, was released in 1989 and immediately blew my 23 year old mind (that is according to me personal wiki of my mind, so I know it is true).  “Sphinx” is one of my favorite songs on the album (and if I’ve said that about most of the songs on the album, it is only because it is the truth).

“Liner Notes” by Benchmarks

The band formerly known as Todd Farrell and the Dirty Birds is one of my favorite Nashville bands. American Night is one of the best local releases of 2015.  If you ever get a chance to see this band live, do it!  They put on a hell of a show.  Liner Notes has been a favorite of mine since the first time I heard it.

“The Witch is Gone” by Batkhi Dahn

From Plays 15… I continue to be blown away by the talent of these Connecticut kids.  The more I listen to Batkhi Dahn, the more I realize how great an album it is. So original. Honestly, even if Hayden Nork were 23 or 33 or 43 (as opposed to being 13 as he was when this was made and released) it would be an equally impressive effort.

“Hazey”  (Boody Remix) by Glass Animals

This one came to me from the Noisetrade Bonnaroo Sampler.  Glass Animals are an English Indie Rock band. This song is from their debut album, Zaba, which was released in 2014.

“Jawbone” by Jim Lauderdale

Jim Lauderdale has had  songs recorded by artists ranging from Elvis Costello to George Strait. He is the host of Music City Roots, the weekly concert series broadcast live from Franklin, Tennessee and which is rebroadcast on PBS stations around the country.  I got to see him perform at the Safety Harbor Song Fest earlier this year, and I even was on the same plane coming back to Nashville.   This song comes from his 2010 album Patchwork River which was a songwriting collaboration with the legendary Robert Hunter.

“Jungleland” by Bruce Springsteen

The recent 40th Anniversary of the release of Born to Run, prompted me to load that album into my playlist once again. It has probably only been 34 or 35 years since I first heard “Jungleland” on the local college radio station.  The nine minute song seemed to go on forever, and I hung on every note and every word.  I also heard Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” that night, and I still view that as an important step in my development as a music fan.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Burn, Burn, Burn Mix

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One of my absolute favorite people and one of Nashville’s best songwriters, Jon Latham has completed his first album, Real Bad News.  Real Bad News is the name of the album.  The fact that he has completed it is real good news!  He has a Indiegogo campaign to help get the album out in physical form.   Here’s the details…

https://www.indiegogo.com/project/printing-jon-latham-s-debut-record-real-bad-news/embedded

On to the shuffle!

“Roman Candles” by Benchmarks

Benchmarks is the band formerly known as Todd Farrell and the Dirtybirds.  The name change was meant to better represent who the band have become.  Based upon their new EP American Night, which came out a month or so ago, they are a band who have found themselves. This track in particular evokes the comfortably unpredictable feel of a hot summer night in the South – out in a field… fireworks and alcohol and abandon. 

“Please Don’t Give Up on Me” by Amy Black

Singer-Songwriter Amy Black’s latest album, The Muscle Shoals Sessions, is a tribute to the great music that has (and continues to) come out of the “Shoals” in Alabama. The album contains covers of some truly classic songs mixed in with some choice original songs – like our track today.  I would think that it takes some audacity to place ones own songs along side some proven classics, but Black has the songwriting chops to pull it off.  She is backed by a stellar band.

“Lovin’ Babe” by Anna and Elizabeth

Anna and Elizabeth are a duo from Virginia. They play Appalachian Roots music.  This song is a traditional tune from their self-titled album which came out earlier this year.

“My Baby Got It” by The Satisfactors

One more dose of pure rock and roll from the New Jersey super-group from their self-titled debut album.

“Sympathy for the Devil” by Ben Arthur

The leadoff track from Ben Arthur’s forthcoming album of “answer songs”, is a response to the classic Rolling Stones’ song from Beggars Banquet. Whereas the Stones’ classic is epic in scale, Arthur’s response is intimate and personal.  It is one of my favorite tracks on this album – maybe because I most familiar with the source material.

“For God Knows Why” by James Roquemore

The opening track from Roquemore’s The First EP. Sometimes you don’t know why you do things you do…

“Pickled Ginger” by Wilco

Another track from the brand new “surprise” release from Wilco finds the band sounding a good as ever.

“Down the Road” by Steve Earle

From Steve Earle’s Guitar Town album – one of my all-time favorites.

“Sometimes I Wish I Didn’t Care” by Kevn Kinney’s S.T.A.R.

And we close out this Tuesday shuffle with a song from Kevn Kinney’s Sun Tangled Angel Revival (S.T.A.R.) from 2006’s Comin’ Round Again.  Kinney closes out his month-long residency at The 5 Spot tomorrow night with guests Warner Hodges and Chuck Mead. Hodges has announced that he will be backed by a band that is essentially The Bluefields (Dan Baird, Brad Pemberton, and Joe Blanton).

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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