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Quick recap, I continued to lay a little low – still dealing with a lingering cold, and working on song selection for the forthcoming “Double Shot with Joe and Sue” (still no confirmed start date).
Friday: First, it was good to see a large and vibrant crowd for the weekly Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour (one of this town’s best weekly events in my opinion). I left there a little early and headed to Bobby’s Idle Hour on Music Row for the Darkhorses of East Nashville – a collaborative round featuring the amazingly talented trio of Julie Christensen, Amelia White, and Sergio Webb. Trading off songs and backing each other, produced several magical moments. If they come through your town, do not miss it.
So, as I promised Friday, it seemed like a good time to shake things up here at E2TG – just a little bit. Inspired by the success of Featured Friday, I have decided to have a “theme” playlist every for every day of the week. The large #E2TG playlist had gotten very large and getting bigger. By having smaller playlist each day, it may provide more opportunities to feature different artists. We shall see.
So, without much more ado, we begin this new chapter with the debut of Music City Monday – featuring music with connections to Nashville. As you will see, this playlist features both current artists/albums and classics covering over half a century. Non-Nashville artists: Do not be concerned, there will be many opportunities throughout the week for me to feature your music.
“The Homer Bellamy Centennial Blue Yodel” by Jesse and Noah 
Jesse and Noah Bellamy have roots in Florida and first made a name for themselves in Texas, but Nashville is happy to claim them now. This song, from the album Driven Back, marks what would have been the 100th birthday of their Grandfather who solidified their love of Country and Western music. The brother’s performed this long on the Grand Ole Opry. A very Nashville way to introduce Music City Monday.
“Crazy Lady” by Paul Zografi
Our final featured song from Paul Zografi’s most recent EP – Brevity Lane. Zografi is part of loosely organized group of artists that includes some of my favorite people. His songs are very strong and extremely fun to hear.
“Follow Me Home” by SHEL
We started off this shuffle with brothers, and now we have a band of sisters. SHEL (the name derives from the first letters of the first names of the 4 Holbrook sisters originally from Fort Collins, Colorado. They divide time between their hometown, and Nashville (thus their qualification for this playlist). They played an important (if coincidental) role in the genesis of this recent phase of my life as a music writer. In May of 2014, on the day, I first met Darrin Bradbury in person, I followed him down to The 5 Spot – where Darrin was manning the merch table for Tim Easton during his residency. SHEL performed as part of that show – which was also the first time I saw Aaron Lee Tasjan and Megan Palmer (who backed Easton). Anyway, what is more important than my own experiences, is that SHEL are a really awesome band with a pretty cool sound. They are currently running a Pledgemusic presale for their new album Crazy Enough which is due out in May. In support, they released a sampler on Noisetrade which includes a couple of tracks from the new album and some bonus songs which have appeared in television and film. Including this one, which was featured on MTV’s Eye Candy. SHEL will be down at Safety Harbor Song Fest in early April and are scheduled to play Nashville’s Earth Day concert in Centennial Park on April 23.
“Cut n Run” by Brandy Zdan
Another Nashville transplant and another track from a Noisetrade sampler. Brandy Zdan is getting some good and well deserved attention here in Nashville. She is originally from Winnipeg, and here self-titled album was released in 2015.
“Chainsaw Dance” by Crazy Aces
A short fun track from Music City’s resident instrumental rock band.
“Home Sweet Hotel” by Amelia White
Fresh off Friday night’s show at Bobby’s Idle Hour, we have Amelia White with the title track from her brand new album. Expect much more from this album. White is one of East Nashville’s best and this album is a true collaboration with several more awesome folks from both sides of the Cumberland River.
“Stubborn Lover” by Sugar and the Hi Lows
Nashville based duo Sugar and the Hi Lows are up next with a track from their 2012 self-titled album. They were an E2TG featured artists when that album came out.
“Cattle Prod” (Guadalcanal Diary cover) by Government Cheese
Okay, so Government Cheese are technically a Bowling Green band, but Tommy Womack lives in Nashville, and they were a vital part of the Nashville music scene during their original run. Furthermore, the video I found for this track was shot at the late, lamented venue, The Rutledge by the fabulous Too Much Country. Oh, and the song was originally by Guadalcanal Diary who were also not a Nashville band (from Marietta, Georgia), but who played here often in the 80s and early 90s (I saw them several times). Everything about this is awesome. From the retrospective, 1985-1995. They had me at Government Cheese covering Guadalcanal Diary.
“Nine Pound Hammer” by Johnny Cash with The Carter Family
I don’t think I need to explain Johnny Cash’s connection to Nashville. This song was written by Merle Travis (and put too fine a point on my connection theme), this song was often used as Darrin Bradbury’s warm up song back in the heyday of the Darrin/Tim Carroll Fran’s Eastside era.
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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!
“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.
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Saturday Shuffle – Getting Stuff Done Mix
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Hey, I needed to get some “stuff done” today, and I decided to shuffle some music while I got the “stuff done”. So, welcome to a rare Saturday shuffle. Limited descriptions – just a ton of cool tunes.
As I mentioned yesterday, E2TG’s reigning Artist of the Year was selected by Nashville’s Lightning 100 to be their Artist of the Week. As part of that, he played a free show yesterday evening at Soulshine Pizza, and he played one of the best shows I have ever seen him put on. I could not have been more proud.
“Bluebird” by Brian Wright and the Waco Tragedies
The title track… one of the best songwriters I know!
“Bright Dreams, Lonely Days” by Sara Syms
“Earie” Award winner from Way Back Home
“The Pilgram (Chapter 33) by Paul Burch
From Don’t Let the Bastards Get You Down – a tribute to Kris Kristofferson. Burch is doing a residency at The 5 Spot in February.
“Oh, The Places” by Fendrick and Peck
From Lucky Penny
“Dying Oceans, Poisoned Seas and You” by Bashful Hips
From Too Old for a Coming of Age Story
“The Marriage of Coyote Woman” by All Them Witches
From Lightning at the Door
“Way Back Home” by Sara Syms
The title track…
“Mountain” by All Them Witches
Another from Lightning at the Door
“I Love My Dad” by Sun Kil Moon
From Benji
“All Across the World” by Dan Coyle
From Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences
“University Blvd.” by Los Straitjackets
The seminal modern day surf rock band!
“For the Swans” by Bosveld
Another from Velbrand
“Backstreets” by Bruce Springsteen
From Born to Run
“Hang Me in the Tulsa County Stars” by John Moreland
From High on Tulsa Heat – one of the best of 2015.
“My Mother’s Son” by All the King’s Men
From the EP Making My Escape
“Old England” by The Waterboys
From This is the Sea
“Honky Tonk Moan” by Cale Tyson
From Introducing Cale Tyson
“Eunice Two Step” by Beausoliel
Some sweet Cajun music – this is from the World Cafe Sessions
“I Don’t Think They Understand” by Tom Schreck
A favorite of mine. From The Added Glory EP (aka Added Glory) (not aka The Added Glory – EP)
“Coming Soon” by Brian Keenan
From Fits and Starts
“Problems of an Atheist” by Bashful Hips
Another from Too Old for a Coming of Age Story. Atheists have problems, too.
“Only the Sad Songs” by Brandy Zdan
From her self-titled album
Monday Morning Music Shuffle – The Pills Ain’t Working Mix
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I am back after an extended time away… When I last posted, storms were on the horizon for Nashville and that appears to be the case today six days later. In fact, as I look out the window, the rain has started.
This is always an odd week. Christmas is over, New Years Eve is still a few days away. There is a sense of winding down of the old year and anticipation of what is to come. In my office, there are many people out this week. The overall pace of life seems just a wee bit slower. But, here at E2TG, we keep pushing to the end. We have more “Earies” to hand out and more shuffles to be shared.
The “Connections” Award.
The premise: Although, I don’t always explicitly state it, one of the central themes of Ear to the Ground has always been the thread of connectivity that runs throughout all music. The Shuffle (which to me is more than random) can often serve to highlight those connections. When songs that seem to be incongruous are placed together, they can often serve to reveal previously unseen connections. These connections come in all different forms and can be difficult to explain. Long time readers may recall a post I made a few years ago when I shuffled together the then new records by Imperial Rooster and Black Jake and the Carnies. These two bands came from different regions of the U.S. and were not even aware of each others existence but I found connections.
The Award: So for this award, I thought about artists/bands who have come into my consciousness who have no visible connection but who speak to me in very similar ways despite their obvious differences.
1. Tim Lee 3/Bark – A long time favorite of #E2TG, I first encountered TL3 via Couch by Couchwest. They are based in Knoxville and have roots in Jackson, MS. As I have gotten to know Tim and Susan Lee, I have discovered their deep connection to much of the music I listened to growing up. To illustrate, I found out not too long ago, that Tim Lee produced or co-produced Will and the Bushmen’s Gawk album which has been a favorite of mine for a long, long time. In 2015, Tim and Susan celebrated their vinyl anniversary (33 1/3 years) with the release of a new Tim Lee 3 album (331/3) and the very first EP from Bark. I was lucky enough to see both configurations live in 2015. The music of both bands manages to sound both fresh and familiar to me.
2. Susan James – A couple of years ago, I got the opportunity to hear and write about Susan’s then new album, Driving Toward the Sun. Susan is based in Southern California. At the time, I saw where D.J. Bonebrake of X (one of my all-time favorite bands) had acted as emcee for a CD release show for an earlier album. In 2015, Susan James released Sea Glass which marked a departure from the Americana feel of her previous two releases. Sea Glass is a wonderful example of California pop music. Several times on the album, the Paisley Underground sound is evoked very effectively. It is an album I want to hear over and over.
Just to put too fine a point on my premise, Tim and Susan Lee have some very deep and personal connections to the original Paisley Underground scene of the 1980s which is evoked so well on Susan James latest album.
On to the shuffle: I am going to be shuffling from the “Featured Music” playlist for the three days I am at work this week. Trying to get through some of 2015’s featured music to clear some room for the many new releases expected in early 2016.
“Taste the Ceiling” by Wilco
So, I think I read somewhere that Wilco front man Jeff Tweedy did not know that there was a new Star Wars movie imminent when naming the band’s latest album. The album, which was initially offered as a free download, made many top ten lists for 2015. I enjoyed the album as I have much of Wilco’s long and extensive catalog.
“More and More” by Bob Margolin
Another track from the new album by Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin. The album is called My Road. This is real deal blues music folks!
“Love to a Ghost” by Brandy Zdan
Nashville singer-songwriter Brandy Zdan recently released her self-titled debut solo album. She was previously a member of the duo Twilight Hotel and the band The Trishas. I was pleased to find a sampler from her new album on Noisetrade. Check it out and if you dig – pick up the whole album at the usual spots.
“Pinyin” (Instrumental Version) by Batkhi Dahn
We may be done featuring the Batkhi Dahn Chritmas EP, but we still have several more songs in our playlist. This is the instrumental version of the latest single.
“Call Out Mellobird” by The Jackals
Another track from People, the latest album from Edinburgh band The Jackals.
“In the End” by Ilana J
Another listen to the highly listenable debut EP, Free Fallin’ from the Ground Up. Ilana J is from Birmingham (not Alabama).
“Little Meghan Kelly” by Fendrick and Peck
Fendrick and Peck are a hard travelling, neo-traditionalist folk duo currently residing in Nashville. They released Lucky Penny this year, and it is one of my favorites of the year.
“Pills” by Carl Anderson
Speaking of favorites, we close out this shuffle with another track from Risk of Loss – which is definitely among my top ten albums of 2015 (if I made such a list). Carl Anderson is another Nashville artist having moved here from Charlottesville, VA.
E2TG: MUSIC/WORDS 