Category: Carolina Story

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle – Marshall Tucker on My Stereo Mix

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

window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js
Back at it on a Monday!   Had a good time Friday at The Country (after checking in with Tim Carroll and company at The 5 Spot) – Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau  + Saint Luke’s Drifters.  Richie and company have a new album out now.  Saint Luke’s Drifters are finishing up their new album.  If you get the chance to see either one or both of these bands, I highly recommend it.

Tonight: My recommendation is Matt Phillips and the Philharmonic from 7-9p.m. at Charlie Bob’s on the eastside.   Here is the Facebook event, if you Facebook.

This is definitely prime season for new music – look for some awesome new albums coming up in the next few months – I think I got at least 5 albums to listen to and possibly review over the last four or five days.

Shuffle:

“Down The River” by Ben Lowry

Another track from Somnium, the solo album by Ben Lowry of the band Bang OK Bang.  For some reason  (the banjo and vocals and lyrical content) this song reminded me of Hallowed Ground, the much maligned sophomore album by Violent Femmes.  In the face of widespread criticism, I am a proponent of the Femmes album. No, I do not think it is better than their seminal debut, but it is bold and in its own way subversion.  That being said, even if you aren’t a fan of the Femmes album, you will probably dig Lowry’s album.   

“I’m Gonna Love You Forever” by Carolina Story

From the Chapter Two EP.  Carolina Story are about as damn good as it gets.

“Theme from Crazy Aces” by Crazy Aces

Instrumental Rock from Nashville’s Crazy Aces… it’s their theme song!

“You Could Be My Baby (Samuel Stewart Remix)” by SHEL

The remix of the first single from SHEL’s forthcoming album, Crazy Enough. We featured the unremixed song earlier.

“Jesse” by Tom House

From Winding Down the Road – an album that was produced by Brock Zeman.  Tom House is a Nashville treasure.  Check out his music.  

“40 Miles” by Zachariah Red

E2TG debuted this song when it was released. It was the first single off of Zachariah Red’s EP Backbone. A driving, roots rock song of the highest caliber.

“WHIP” by Ricca Vita

Okay – this right here is why I love Nashville (and love my random shuffle function).  Ricca Vita’s music could not be any different  than Zachariah Red’s music.  So, that in and of itself, makes the transition here really cool – showcasing the diversity of music being made here in the home of the Grand Ole Opry… but wait, there is more.  Timothy Ryssemus – the mastermind behind Ricca Vita – also happened to have co-produced Zachariah Red’s record. Any way, I love the Ricca Vita album, and this track is just so damn good.   

“Promise Me Beautiful” by Lori Kelley

Moving on, another awesome song from songwriter Lori Kelley’s album, More.  Gorgeous vocals and great songs – a great combination.

“Swimming New Orleans” by The Grey A

Okay smartypants!  The Grey A are a Washington DC band.  But Grey Jacks used to live down here, and this album was recorded in Middle Tennessee and features a lot of local folks including Kelly Smith, William Tyler, and the Nashville Horns.  You may recall, I reviewed the My Country album when it was released in late 2014. “Swimming New Orleans” was released as a single (a wonderfully packaged vinyl 45) in 2015, and ahead of the forthcoming release of the next single (watch this space), I thought we would add this song to the playlist.  So, yeah, I stand by it’s inclusion in the Music City Monday playlist.  E2TG trivia gurus already know that Howard Rabach (who was probably one of the first ever readers and supporters of this blog) plays bass with The Grey A, who have some great shows coming up in support of their new single – including a date  with Austin Lucas +  Joey Kneiser and Kelly Smith (who Grey Jacks played with in Glossary at one point).

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle – Hashtag Humblebrag Mix

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

I really happy with the response and the outcome of the first week of our new “themed” shuffles.  I am especially pleased that each day there was a pretty wide range of musical sounds and styles represented within each theme.

So, we are back with our second Music City Monday – songs (old and new) that are somehow connected to Music City USA – aka Nashville, Tennessee.

“Set the Record Straight” by Luella

Luella sets the record straight with one of her new songs.  This is from a sampler CD of some of Luella’s recent music which you can get at one of shows.  Luella performs every Friday at The 5 Spot as part of Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour from 6:00 to 8:30. 

“Can’t Wake Up” by The Apache Relay

The Apache Relay were a great Nashville band who called it quits in 2015.  I grabbed this live recording from a CD of Music from a performance/documentary called Music City Underground which was released in 2012.  I was lucky enough to find this CD awhile back in the CD bin at a thrift store.

“Girl in the Sky” by Stone Cupid

How about the fabulous Stone Cupid – lead by Julie Christensen with a song from their album The Cardinal. The song was written by Amelia White.  It’s a good one.

“Nuclear War” by Cloverbottom

Cloverbottom were an early punk band in Nashville.  This song is available on the wonderful musical time capsule, Return to Elliston Square which was released by Spat! Records a few years back.  The song was originally on the band’s first EP called Anarchy in Music City.   

“Slippin’ Away” by Carolina Story

Another from the duo Carolina Story from their EP Chapter One.

“When I Can” by Jon Latham

Jon Latham recently celebrating his birthday.  To celebrate, here is another track from his incredible debut album Real Bad News.  A beautiful tune here.

No Difference” by Daphne Willis
 

Daphne Willis will be playing tonight at The Basement East with HER.  This song goes back some to an EP called Matter of Time.  The infectiousness of her music is evident here.

 
“American Saga” by Charlie Hager
 

Next up, Charlie Hager with the title track from his new album.  Charlie is having his CD release show on March 17 at the Crying Wolf.  Expect to hear much more from this album on E2TG. It was released on Flour Sack Cape records which is doing an admirable job workings with a lot of the artists you read about on E2TG. 

 
“TMI” by Daphne Willis
 

Obviously, the shuffle knew that Daphne Willis was playing tonight (did I mention that she is playing at The Basement East with HER- doors at six, music at seven $5).  A more up-to-date song from her latest EP called Get It!  This is a really silly song, but I can almost guarantee that if you hear it, you will be singing it. Extremely fun!

 
“The Ballad of Wayne WV” by Andrew Adkins
 

We close things out with Andrew Adkins and another from Glass Castles. Catch Andrew Wednesday night at The Country for a must-see Nashville songwriters event.  Adkins will be performing in the round with Tim Carroll, Jon Byrd, Tommy Womack, and Adkin’s co-Earie winner, Mighty Joe Nolan.  This is an incredible line-up of some of the best that Nashville has to offer.  7:30p.m. – The Country is located near Centennial Park on 28th Avenue – just off West End and next to Jed’s Sports Bar.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Shortnin’ Bread Mix

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

Once again, I am back with another Morning Music Shuffle! 

I was a little under the weather – so no shuffle yesterday….

So, here is a recap of some live music I experienced since the last post:

Friday – After venue hopping on Thursday, I decided  to stay put in one place (not that there weren’t ample opportunities to venue hop), and it was nice because there was so much great music in one spot (Bobby’s Idle Hour).  Three rounds of three singer-songwriters featuring: Round 1: Joe Nolan, Renee Wahl, and Daryl Dasher; Round 2: Jeremy Nash, Lindsay Ellyn, and Sadie Hart; Round 3: Jeremy Staubus, Lori Kelley, and Lori’s sister Michelle Nielson (in town from Iceland).

Saturday – Another one venue night (Douglas Corner) for Charlie Whitten (who has been featured on E2TG), Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau, and Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen. 

Two wonderful night’s of music with wonderful company at two venerable Nashville institutions.

#ICYMI:  The WXNA Radio Show that I am hosting with Sue Havlish, Double Shot with Joe and Sue,  has a Facebook Page for you to like.  After you “Like” that page (if you want to), it might be a good time to double check to make sure you have liked the Ear to the Ground Facebook page (link up top).  Hope to be able to announce the date of our first show, soon.

Now to the shuffle:

“My City” by Zachariah Red

E2TG Favorite, Zachariah Red kicks off today’s shuffle with the opening track from his album Backbone.  A rocking tune to kick off my first work day of the week.

“Shortnin’ Bread” by Neal Pattman

The late great Blues musician Neal “Big Daddy” Pattman via the Music Makers Relief Foundation. A wonderful organization that supports many wonderful music artists in many ways while also preserving the music for countless generations to come.

“Pipeline” by Agent Orange

We have been playing quite a bit of surf rock in recent months – here is a punk rock cover of an early surf rock song (originally recorded by The Chantays back in 1962). Agent Orange are a long running punk band from Orange County, California.

“When I Was Just A Boy” by Carolina Story

The Nashville-based duo Carolina Story are up next with a beautiful song from their EP Chapter 2.

“Oh My Sweet Cantankerous Baby” by Leland Sundries

Next a live version of one of my favorite songs by the Brooklyn Indie band Leland Sundries.  Connection alert: Nick Loss-Eaton of Leland Sundries is also a Board Member at Music Maker Relief Foundation which you may recall put out the Neal Pattman song way back, three whole songs ago.

“Rockin’ Chair” by Paul Zografi

Bright came out back in 2014, but we didn’t “discover” it until part way through 2015. Hence, Zografi winning one of the coveted “Better Late Than Never” “Earie” awards. Here is another great tune from that album.

“Open Passageways” by All Them Witches

We close out this shuffle with a song from Dying Surfer Meets His Maker – the latest album from this Nashville band. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Toy Balloon Mix

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

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

Reason I love Nashville #(somemadeupnumber…prettybigI’dguess):

To be able to say that I saw Brock Zeman, Blair Hogan, Darrin Bradbury, Megan Palmer, Lilly Hiatt, Jesse Lafser, John Jackson, Brian Wright, Aaron Lee Tasjan and more….  and for that to be in one night not over the course of a week or a month.  You know – Monday night!

Brock and Blair will be playing as part of $2 Tuesday at The 5 Spot tonight.  Aaron Lee will be part of a line-up at ACME Feed and Seed sponsored by No Country for New Nashville.  You probably won’t be able to do both, but you should definitely done one or the other if you around. 

Probably the highlight of the night was Brian Wright and his incredible band that included Aaron Lee Tasjan on guitar ripping through an mind-blowing version of Big Wilson River’s “Astronaut”.  Long time and careful readers of this blog will remember that Big Wilson River was a Featured Artist/Band way back in 2012.  They were probably in the process of breaking up when I was featuring them, and I kind of lost touch until head BWR dude, Darrin Bradbury showed up in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Nashville in late 2013.  Anyway, it was a really amazing version of the song, and I was trying to record it when my stupid phone ran out of memory and then didn’t save the part I did record.  Fortunately there is a video someone made floating around. 

Here is the original:

http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2081995898/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2390123110/transparent=true/

On to the shuffle:

“Pigeon River Flood” by Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau

Tennessee – the latest album by Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau is roots rocking history lesson – filled with stories about the state in which I live. Richie Owens and the two other members of the Farm Bureau – John Reed and Brian O’Hanlon –  have been on the front lines of the Nashville independent music scene since the 1980s.  The double historical perspective of this record combined to make this a remarkable achievement and a really fun record, too.   See them live if you ever get the opportunity.

“Into My Arms” by Jesse and Noah

The latest Jesse and Noah release Brethen: Acoustic Covers Ep features the duo covering a diverse collection of songs – including this Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds song.  Check it out.  Jesse and Noah also have a pretty unique historical perspective being the sons and nephews of the legendary Bellamy Brothers.  They are working on a new record, and we have a track cued up and waiting for the shuffle gods to release it. 

“Quietly and Slow” by Man Named Pearl

I am really digging the sound of this new record – Quietus Make – which really pushes the envelope wonderfully in terms of what “folk” music can be.  This track features trippy and haunting a cappella vocals singing words that sound pretty until you really listen to them… with claps and stomps and some back-masking at the very end. 

“The Battlefields” by Liberty’s Exiles

Liberty’s Exiles are a progressive rock band from London.  Their new album, The Price of Immortality is a 79 minute long concept album about a small planet where dying is not allowed. 

“Waiting on June” by Holly Williams

This incredibly powerful and moving song is the closing track from William’s 2013 album, The Highway.  The song is written for and about Holly Williams’ maternal grandparents.  Her other set of grandparents were Hank and Audrey Williams.

“Your Children’s Children” by Carolina Story

We next have another lovely song from the recently release Noisetrade compilation from this Nashville duo.  This on is from their EP Chapter One.

“Broken Down Morals” by The Killing Condition

Because this is E2TG, it only makes sense that we would transition to some extreme brutal death metal from upstate New York. If someone tries to tell me that extreme brutal death metal and Americana music have no connecting threads… I will just refer them to Todd Farrell Jr.

“No Easy Way Down” (Carole King cover) by Matthew E. White

And we close out the shuffle with this track – which we got via Aquarium Drunkard which finds modern soul visionary Matthew E. White taking on a song by songwriting legend Carole King.  I could not find a video of this song, so I included a Matthew E. White song and Carole King’s original and I will leave it to you to work that all out for yourself.  Unless you can still find it at Aquarium Drunkard.

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Muscle and Blood Mix

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

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

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

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

On to the shuffle:

“Sorry I Forgot to Write” by Michelle Lewis

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

“Happy Hour” by Sunny Sweeney

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

“Penn’s Woods” by Jeremiah Tall

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

“Crash and Burn” by Carolina Story

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

“Gimme the Car” by Violent Femmes

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

“Good Feeling” by Violent Femmes

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

“Sixteen Tons” by Tennessee Ernie Ford

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

“Nail Driver” by Dirty Basement Blues

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

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Dark Empty Places Mix

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

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

Back after a day off… Feeling a bit overwhelmed by a lot of things… let’s listen to music!

“Blinkin’ Thinkin'” by Bud Sugar

Bud Sugar are from Hull. Which as a “dumb American” I know only from the Housemartin’s album London 0, Hull 4 (hey at least I’m a dumb American with good taste in British music).   Anyway,  Bud Sugar seem like a really interest band, and I really dig this song – which is their latest single. The music has elements of ska with some rapped and some sang lyrics.  It sounds the band is not afraid to use some guerilla style marketing to get their music to the masses.  Fortunately, from what I have heard so far, the music is worthy of being heard.  Check them out!

“Love Sick” by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan’s 1997 album Time out of Mind was his 30th studio release and is widely considered a comeback of sorts.  But seriously, people could and probably have written books upon books which differing viewpoints on Dylan’s career arcs. I know people who could discuss this for hours without breaking a sweat.  This is just a blog post about an 18 year old song that was later used by Victoria Secret commercial and was the song being performed at the 1998 Grammy Awards when the infamous Soy Bomb incident occurred.  By the way, it’s a great song.

“Like a Vague Memory” by Marshall Crenshaw

I have already written about the personal importance of Crenshaw’s Downtown album, and in fact, I just mentioned it again in a Facebook comment thread.  Beyond the greatness of the music and the album, this album and all of the songs on it – have an ability to incite very real, almost tactile memories in me.

“Endlessly” by Guster

This is the second song on Boston band Guster’s most recent album Evermotion.  It came to my playlist via a Noisetrade compilation.  

“Gold” by Carolina Story

I fell for Carolina Story’s music when I first heard it.  They are East Nashville residents by way of Memphis by way of Arkansas and North Dakota. They are a married couple, but their music evokes blue collar men and women, and their original sound gains inspiration from Hank Williams Sr. and Heartbreaker-era Ryan Adams. Noisetrade released their first two EPs as one download. This song is on the EP called Chapter one.

“Louisiana Hannah” by Webb Wilder

A week ago tonight, I saw Webb and his band The Beatnecks at Music City Roots. Most of their set was dedicated to songs from Webb’s latest album, Mississippi Moderne. The new songs were awesome and all indications are the album may well be Webb’s best in many years. I have not added the new album to my playlist, so we are digging deep into his album Hybrid Vigor which was released back in 1989.

“The Wanting” by The Danbury Lie

The Danbury Lie are in the top tier of E2TG all-time favorites. Part of the ever expanding Connecticut faction of Ear to the Ground favorites (currently roaming the country and possibly in the Pacific Northwest at the moment).  The Wanting comes from Choose Your Delusion which was released back in March.  The urgent Metal-inspired music matches the intense yearning of the lyrics.

“Easy Company” by Ohioan

Ohioan are from the Sonoran Desert.  They are working on a new album called Empty Every MT.  This song is the b-side to the first single from that album.  My first exposure to this band, and I am liking what I’m hearing. Intensely Rustic and Real and True music (my descriptions).  Check them out!

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – My Dark Sense of Humor Mix

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

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

How goes it? A bit overcast here in Nashville with some cooler temps on the way…

Tonight is week 2 of David Olney’s month-long residency at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.  Interested to see what he has up his sleeves this week after last weeks excellent start.

Let’s jump into the shuffle—

“Long Way ’round” by Fendrick and Peck

First up is the opening track and our second listen to Lucky Penny the new album my Nashville-based folk duo Fendrick and Peck. A great way to start my morning commute.

“XXX-Mas (Empty, Hopeless, Irritable, Anxious, Guilty, Tired)” by Bashful Hips

We have another track from Too Old for a Coming of Age Story. This too is the opening track.  An uplifting song… that I can relate to way too well…

“Mardi Gras in My Town” by Batkhi Dahn

Another Batkhi Dahn song to brighten our Thursday shuffle… This one goes back to the 4 song EP called 4 Song Delinquent EP.  Continuing a mini-trend of the day, this, too, is the opening track of that release.

“American Bigfoot” by Fangs and Twang

Ear to the Ground favorite Black Jake is about to reboot things with a new set of Carnies (or at least that is my understanding).  The most recent group of Carnies have a new project called Fangs and Twang.  If you, like me, always wondered what these particular Carnies would sound like without Jake, we have your answer.  This is the kind of heavy rock and roll that made this country great! 

“Ay Manzanita” by Susan James

We dig deeper into Sea Glass the stunning newish album by another long time E2TG fave…  this is just a gorgeous California Pop song…  

“R.L. Burnside (Sleight Return)” by Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen

From Love and Life (and also available on the Noisetrade only EP, Stink Eye), comes a blues infested dream about an encounter with the late blues legend.  Drozdowski actually did spend some time with Mr. Burnside, so this is a dream with some basis in reality.

“Hair of the Dog” by Megan Palmer

One of East Nashville’s best.  Megan Palmer frequently backs up Tim Easton, she has also backed up Darrin Bradbury on occasion, and she is currently backing Amy Speace.  She does a great job backing all these folks, but if you get the chance to see her doing her own songs, please do not miss it.  I have fortunately had two opportunities recently (including Tuesday night’s round at the Bluebird).  This one goes back a ways, to a record she put out called Take You Away.

“Hot Freaks” (GBV cover) by Blitzen Trapper

You know what we have never had appear in a shuffle here at Ear to the Ground? A Guided By Voices cover by Blitzen Trapper.  Happy to say that we can cross that one off our hypothetical #E2TG bucket list…

“Lonely Without You” by Carolina Story

Last but certainly not least, we have Nashville duo, Carolina Story with a song that was on their 2013 EP called Chapter One.  Right now, you can go to Noisetrade and get Chapters One and Two and pay what you like.  

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Long Black Train Mix



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

Okay – two quick announcements…. 1.  I am going to put the Events Page on hiatus until I am able to make some changes.  It was an experiment, and to be honest the effort/effectiveness ratio of the current format wasn’t really working for me.  I am going to look into some alternative formats etc., and look to re-launch hopefully sooner than later.

Last nights, Traveler show was amazing. Traveler is Cory Chisel, Robert Ellis, and Jonny Fritz.  They brought out Dave Rawlings for one song. The whole show was fabulous.  The always awesome Aaron Lee Tasjan opened.

“Someone to Let You Down” by Drew Kohl

We open up the weeks shuffle with another one from Drew Kohl’s awesome EP Sweetheart.

“Almost Over Now” by Carolina Story

I’ve been a fan of Carolina Story for some time.  This song comes from their 2014 album Chapter Two.

“In Your Shoes” by Sarah McLachlan

In case you forgot, besides breaking our hearts with her public service announcements, Sarah McLachlan is still a talented singer-songwriter. This song is from her 2014 album Shine On.

“Industry Standard” by Burning Bridges

So glad, I finally got to meet Rob from The Danbury Lie in person. This is a track from his old band Burning Bridges – think The Danbury Lie with the metal turned up to eleven.  (By the way, the video I inserted for this song, is one of Rob’s Road Videos from his current trip that was shot here in Nashville.  Trivia: Some of it was shot from the passenger seat of my van including bits from my accidently, random tour of random and somewhat interesting Nashville sites. 

“Knocking on Heaven’s Door” (live) by The Alarm

The Alarm were one of my favorite bands way back in the day.  Like U2, they had a larger than life quality, and there was a time that they lived up to that quality.  The video of this song is from a huge concert they put on in 1985 at UCLA.  Of course, the song is by Dylan, but in many ways, it seemed to have been written for The Alarm.  Trivia: When I saw Bob Dylan in 1988, The Alarm opened for him.

“Roots and Wings” by Miranda Lambert

You may not believe it, but I added this song to my playlist before the recent events in Ms. Lambert’s personal life. I don’t go for the gossip. Suffice it to say, Miranda Lambert is a pretty awesome singer/songwriter.

“Wait a Minute” by Jesse and Noah

Another great song from Jesse and Noah.  This is from their Brethren: Acoustic Covers EP.  Wait a Minute is a cover of a tune by The Seldom Scene from their 1974 album Old Train.  The song serves as an excellent showcase for Jesse and Noah’s incredible vocal harmonies.

“Diamond Jelly” by The Danbury Lie

Speaking of The Danbury Lie – we close out the shuffle with this track from Choose Your Delusion – the second of three (releases in 2015).

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Blue Morning Mix

“Mountains of Sorrow” by Amos Lee from Mountains of Sorrow, Rivers of Song (2013)

When your Monday morning, bleary-eyed commute begins with Amos Lee, you just know it’s all gonna be okay – even if Amos is singing about Mountains of Sorrow.  From his latest album, produced by the amazing Jay Joyce (and the first album ever recorded at Joyce’s new studio in East Nashville.)

 

“The Morning Bird” by Carolina Story from Home (2011)

Things keep rolling along with an appropriate song for a morning shuffle.  The East Nashville connection continues with Nashville based Carolina Story with this song from their 2011 album.  The married duo just released Chapter Two last month.

 

“Summer Bummer” by NO ICE from Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen: Section 5 (2014)/Single  (2014)

More great music from Mama Coco’s…. “sad, sweet, noisy american indie rock featuring members of The Brooklyn What.”  This is a very young band, and this is their first single which was released in April with a full album expected by the end of the year.

http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1822258615/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/

 

“Treasure of the Broken Land” by Chagall Guevera from Orphans of God (A Tribute to Mark Heard) (2004)
Back in the early 90s, Chagall Guevera filmed/taped a planned live album/concert with an almost free show at the legendary  328 Performance Hall in Nashville. The place was packed and when the band began to play, it exploded with such incredible energy.  Me and my buddy Rex Silo lost the people we were with, but we had a great time…
 

 

“Wichita Lineman” by Kevin Jenkins from Step Inside (2013)

From the True Groove Label – Kevin Jenkins delivers solid smooth jazz flavored music, and this stunning take on the Jimmy Webb classic first done by Glen Campbell is a daring and awe inspiring feat.

 

“From the Dirt” by The Delta Saints from Death Letter Jubilee (2012)

More swampy goodness from this Nashville band.

 

“Feel You Now” by The Autumn Defense from Noise Trade Eastside Manor Session (2014)/Originally from The Autumn Defense (2007)

A lot of Nashville connections in today’s shuffle.  Chicago band The Autumn Defense stopped by Nashville and recorded this treat at the fabulous Eastside Manor.

 

“Made to Be Blue” by Adam Hill from Little Time (2013)

Adam Hill is from Nashville.  I’ve featured several tracks from his Little Time album.  They are all good.  So is this one.
http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2983219457/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/
 
 

“Morning” by The Jean Jackets from Field Theory Blues (2013)

Another appropriate song for the Morning Shuffle, and another stunningly beautiful pop song from The Jean Jackets.  I really need to get caught up with their music…
 

http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=677418331/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/

 

“The Beatles; Conspiracy” by HIPPIE CULT from demo (2013)

 Clocking in at over 10 minutes (and still only the second longest song in today’s shuffle.  I’m a big enough man to admit that I don’t have a clue what this song has to do with The Beatles (or with conspiracies for that matter), but it’s a sonically interesting extended jam.

http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3243551951/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/

 

“Wash it Down (with a Little Whiskey)” by Taylor Brown from 3 Folk Songs (2012)

Taylor Brown is a California folk singer who has appeared with (among others) Carly Simon, Levon Helm, and Dar Williams.
 

http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2823336785/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/

 

“Blue Dream” by Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray from Lean Into the Wind (2014)
Ear to the Ground favorites, Couch by Couchwest darlings, and road warriors extraordinaire – Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray dropped an incredible new album in the midst of my hiatus.  I’ve been fortunate enough to see them live a couple of times in the last year, and I am more and more impressed with their sonic prowess every time I hear them.
 

 

“Surrender to the Storm” by Joseph Arthur from Redemption City (2012)

Taking us home on this blue Monday is a stunning 11+ minute song from Brooklyn based Joseph Arthur who more recently released an ambitious and awesome tribute to Lou Reed.

 

 

VIDEO PLAYLIST:


!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”);https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js
–>

Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Ex-Eye-Aye-I Mix

Happy Friday the 13th to all you triskaidekaphiles out there.

Monday starts our march to 2014 by highlighting some of our favorite music of 2013. Culminating in the Third Annual Band of the Year unveiling ceremony blog post.  Who will join The Mobbs and Skeletons in the Piano in this super exclusive category?  You better tune in to find out.  It’s all soooo exciting!

Anyway to close out a great year of Shuffles, we have another shuffle with some songs and stuff…

#E2TGWorthy… it started as a simple blog post, but everything got turned upside down. What happened next will change the way you look at simple blog posts for at least a couple of minutes…

EXTRAS:  “Light Years” by The Quick and the Dead    “When the Dawn Becomes The Day” by Humming House    “Made to be Blue” by Adam Hill   “A Song About Making Out in Cars” by Joseph Mooradian (either an earlier version of a song we featured a couple of weeks ago or an earlier song about the same thing.)   “Happy With Me” by holychild   “Under The Big Black Sun” by X   “Heaven Underfoot” by Damfino (another great track off of the fourth Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen comp)    “One Reporters Opinion” by Minutemen    “Skulldiggin'” by Black Joe Lewis    “Carry Me Home” by Carolina Story   “Going Down to Liverpool” by The Bangles    “The Hawk” (Kris Kristofferson cover) by Tom Verlaine  

Transition Track of the Day:
“Ginger Ale” by Adam Hill (from Little Time.)

http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2983219457/size=medium/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/transparent=true/

SHUFFLE:

“Shit from Old Notebook” by Minutemen (from Double Nickels on the Dime. “Let the products sell themselves”)

!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”);https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js“High Road” by Cults  (from Static.)

“Cover Me Up” by Jason Isbell (from Southeastern.  Southeastern has deservedly ended up on many year end “best of” lists.  Who knows, you may even here some tracks from the album during our 2013 wrap up…)

“Ziggy Stardust” by David Bowie (from The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.  “but boy could he play guitar…”)

“Like Shaking Hands” by Less Love and Wondernaut (from Paradigms in the Design.  Formal thank you to Gina Sigillito for introducing to this great music from Oklahoma City.)

http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3618790823/size=medium/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/transparent=true/



WATCH


 

–>