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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.
Well… It’s Friday! By my estimates, there are eleven work days left in 2015. I am going to have to huddle up with the awards committee* over the weekend to take stock of where things stand. I know I will leave somebody important out, so expect some adjunct awards early in 2016. *I am the awards committee, by the way….
Now to today’s “Earie”Award.
The Award: the “There Going to Put Me in the Movies” Award aka the “Act Naturally” Award aka the “Buck Owens” Award….
The premise: No premise really, just a way to connect two awesome songwriters/musicians so that I can give them both an award for being awesome.
The Awards go to:
1. Joe Nolan – Joe recently signed a new publishing agreement with Creative Songwriters Music which is hopefully mean we will be hearing some of his great songs in movies and television shows soon. In addition, Joe Nolan is by the best definition I know, a true modern day renaissance man. In addition to his extensive journalistic work – among other things he is the arts editor for the Nashville Scene, a regular blogger, etc. etc. etc. He was recently awarded a commission by the Metro (Nashville) Arts Commission to create a song based upon a piece of public art, and he has an on-going Nashville Public Radio series about Nashville’s many “Pikes”. Makes me proud to be a “Joe”.
2. Andrew Adkins – Andrew has an excellent track record of having songs used in movies and trailers. Most recently, one of his songs was used in the trailer for Colin Hanks’ film about Tower Records, All Things Must Pass. This was cool to me for two reason, 1. Tower Records played an important role in my musical development – particularly in the early 90s. 2. Colin Hanks was in Orange County and he’s Tom Hanks’ son. In addition, Adkins has kept busy making music under a variety of names before consolidating it all under his own name. Semi-coincidently, he just released the first single from his forthcoming album, Glass Castles (which will be released the day after my birthday). The single is called, “May the Stars Fall At Your Door” and it marks a bit of a departure from the kind of music Andrew Adkins has been doing.
On to the shuffle:
“This I See” by Dan Coyle
Another track from Dan Coyle’s Random Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences. The album is a few years old, and maybe shouldn’t be on my “Featured” playlist, but hey, it’s new to me, plus it’s my playlist, my blog, my rules.
“Oklahoma” by Nellie Clay
I got to hear Nellie Clay perform some of her music Wednesday night at the Family Wash and then I ran into her last night. She is one of my newest favorite local songwriters. Originally from Oklahoma, she moved to Nashville from Alaska. Her new album is called Never Did What I Should Have Done.
“Write it Down” by Tom House
The first of three songs from Tom House’s latest album, Songs Like Dreams… More Like Blood. The album features a cover image shot by E2TG favorite Brock Zeman. Tom House is hands down one of Nashville’s best songwriters and I am glad I finally caught on to his music. This song really speaks to me as a creative person.
“The Sky is the Color of Wow” by Tom House
I love almost everything about this song. The title is great. Some of the lines just blew me away to the point that I wanted to go back and hear them again to get the full impact. The subtitle of this post comes from a line in this song.
“True North/Magnetic North (Metro North)” by Smokey the Firebear
Yesterday, Smokey the Firebear posted the following:
The rough mix of Ohm Atlanta is finished! I now have two months to wear myself out over every little detail and probably rerecord half if it
This track is one of the rough mixes which is available on Bandcamp. Today, Smokey the Firebear tweeted that tomorrow is the one year anniversary of Smokey the Firebear. I currently have almost 40 Smokey the Firebear songs in my playlist. As I have said before, these Connecticut kids don’t mess around.
Back to Tom House. Sadly, I can relate to this song, too. I posted three different Tom House songs in the video playlist but be sure to search out Songs Like Dreams… More Like Blood.
“Prayer Emoji” (feat. Supa Bwe) by Rich Robbins
Another track from Nimbus on of my favorite albums of 2015. I love the title of this one.
“Can’t Be Satisfied” by Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen
Closing out the shuffle with two blues songs by gentlemen who know more than most about the genre. Earie Award winning Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen had been on my radar before 2015, but with the release of Love and Life and having had the opportunity to see them live a few times this year, they have jumped into my favorite artist category big time. By the way, some E2TG trivia, Ted’s Scissormen played a show up in New York with E2TG Hall of Famers and fellow “Earie” award winners The End Men – a couple of months ago. I wish I had been at that show!
“Goodnight” by Bob Margolin
Our first listen to My Road the forthcoming new album by “Steady Rollin'” Bob Margolin. Mark Robinson recently got me up to speed on Bob Margolin. I had heard the album before I talked to Robinson and I knew right away this was something special. Margolin is a legendary blues guitarist who spent of backing Muddy Waters and even appeared with Waters and The Band in The Last Waltz. Like Ted Drozdowski, Bob Margolin is a respected journalist who has been contributing to Blues Revue for many years. As I said, even without the background, one listen to My Road leaves little doubt as to the genius behind it.
Well, it is time for the last shuffle before the long Thanksgiving weekend. I hope if you are travelling that you have safe travels, I hope you find a place of gratitude, I hope you remember those for whom the holidays are a painful or difficult time. I hope you do all the things you want to do. For my Canadian friends, you can like, #tbt tomorrow to Canadian Thanksgiving or whatever…
We have one more awesome featured music shuffle to see this work week off in style.
“Shut Up and Kiss Me” by Tim Lee 3
Long time friends of Ear to the Ground kick things off with a track from their album 331/3 which was a celebration of the vinyl anniversary of Tim and Susan Bauer Lee. Sometimes words just get in the way….
“Just Try Me Out” (Home Recording) by Tom Schreck
Nashville Outside, Tom Schreck released Added Glory, an EP companion to his two full length records, Outsider and Save Your Glory. The latter of those two records has a turkey on the cover, so maybe this holiday weekend would be a good time to get hold of all of Tom’s albums so you can join me in being grateful for such an amazing songwriter.
“Waitressing Sucks” by Jon Latham
Why bother with subtlety? This straightforwardly titled song, delivers some gut wrenching emotional power. From Real Bad News which is rightfully getting a lot of attention these days. Once you are recovered from the holidays, Jon Latham will be opening for the legendary songwriter Malcolm Holcomb at The Basement on December 4. Doors at 7:00p.m. You do not want to miss that show! As a Thanksgiving bonus, we present, a brand new Jon Latham video of a song he co-wrote with Darrin Bradbury called, “Kimberly Met Billy” which the good folks at Flour Sack Cape released this week. Enjoy.
“Night Sounds” by Brian Keenan
This is the first Ear to the Ground appearance by Brooklyn songwriter Brian Keenan. He just released what I believe is his second album called Fits and Starts. This was my first listen – more ahead. Dig it!
“Paper People” by The Foresters
Sun Songs, the latest album by Connecticut band, The Foresters, is a bold step forward. The band of brothers began making music after their father took them to a Green Day show a few years ago. While their early music, showed a definite influence of the pop-punk leanings of that band (which was all well and good), the band has matured and broadened their sound over the last couple of years, and Sun Songs represents a plateau of sorts for this particular stage of the journey. The maturity also highlights the fact that although the band members are still quite young, they are ready to be judged solely on their merits not as a “good band of young kids” but just as a “good band”. Sun Songs is one of my favorite albums of the year.
“My Mind” by Dan Coyle
Another great track from Dan Coyle 2009 album Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences. This is on the featured music playlist for a couple of reasons: 1. it is new to me and 2. It’s my playlist and I can put what I want on it. Oh and 3. It’s a great album.
“Second Sight (for Shlomo)” by Bosveld
Velbrand is the debut album by the Canadian band Bosveld which includes among it’s members Velodrones who has been featured on this sight before. This is envelope pushing folk music. I was first introduced to Velodrones through Valued Customer. Like that band, Bosveld manage to make experimental music accessible without compromising on the originality. It is not an easy feat. Bosveld have been known to go on bike tours around Canada. This album was recently featuring on CBC.
“Ain’t Dead Yet” by Nellie Clay
Nellie Clay is a relatively new Nashville songwriter from Oklahoma by way of Alaska. I have been fortunate enough to see her live a number of times over the last month or so – including last Friday when she opened for Will Kimbrough’s CD Release show. She just released, Never Did What I Should Have Done. It has rapidly become a favorite of mine.
“Crocodile Tears” by Dale Watson
We close out the shuffle with another song from Dale Watson’s Call me Insane album. Watson has a distinctive outlaw country voice, and through his work with the Ameripolitan Music movement, Watson is dedicated to making authentic American music for the 21st Century.
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Welcome back! I trust everyone had an okay weekend… Winter seems to have put in an appearance here in Nashville with our coldest morning of the season…
Music around town is still heating up. Friday night, I caught a trifecta of great shows. Joey Kneiser had part one of his album release show at Grimey’s New and Used Music. Great stuff, and be sure to check out his new album. Next, Nellie Clay opened for Will Kimbrough downstairs at The Basement. Nellie sounded awesome, and Will Kimbrough melted faces with his songs and his playing. After that, I booked it across the river (following the lead of Mary Sack) to The Family Wash for Tommy Womack’s birthday show. Tommy, who is well on his way to full recovery from his car accident at the beginning of the summer, pulled together an all-star band (Mark Robinson on guitar, Ross Rice on keyboards, Daniel Seymour on bass, Brad Pemberton on drums, and Lisa Oliver Gray). They ripped through an impressive set that opened with a version of the Velvet Underground song, “Sweet Jane” and closed (before an encore) with Dylan’s “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again”. In between, Womack hit some of his best songs – like “Alpha Male and the Canine Mystery Blood”, “90 Miles an Hour Down a Dead-End Street”, and “Nice Day” and more.
Saturday, featured another really entertaining Mark Robinson Band show at The 5 Spot. Back by Daniel Seymour and Rick Schell. Robinson showed off his incredible blues rock guitar chops. Honestly, one of the best live bands around. That was followed by a short trip over to the Family Wash – this time to catch Knoxville living legend, poet, and songwriter R.B. Morris. Morris also put together an amazing band (Greg Horne on guitar, Daniel Kimbro on Bass, and Paul Griffith on drums). Morris was in rare form as he tore through a set that besides his original music included covers of Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits. Morris will be back in Nashville one week from this coming Saturday for the 10th Annual Get Behind Mule Tom Waits Tribute and Benefit for Second Harvest Food Bank.
To the shuffle – partially because Friday was so much fun and also because this is a short work week plus to help clear out some of my Featured playlist – I have made the executive decision to do all Featured Music shuffles this week.
“Crossroads” by Sara Syms
We open up the shuffle with Sara Syms bold take on the classic Robert Johnson song, “Crossroads”. Syms adds her distinctive touch to the song, and as a result, it is a central part of her new album.
“Pinyin” (DJ Mankiewicz Remix) by Batkhi Dahn
Batkhi Dahn from Connecticut has a new single called, “Pinyin”. The download includes a few different mixes and versions of the song – including this one. I continue to be amazed by the growth being shown by Batkhi Dahn and by all of the artists on the Dord Music Group label. In the video playlist, we have a brand new video for Batkhi Dahn’s song, “Yip” which gives a good look into the mind of Batkhi Dahn mastermind, Hayden Nork.
“3000 Miles” by James Tomberlin
Songwriter, James Tomberlin is greatly missed here in Nashville, but I, for one, and happy that he is pursuing his goals. I am also very glad that Josh Morris managed to get James into the studio before he left to record this wonderful EP, “Still Life with Orange”. This song is about a long distance relationship, and it shows off Tomberlin’s adept word play and songwriting.
“I Really Don’t Care” by Dan Coyle
Another track from Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences. This album and some other Dan Coyle music can be found on Noisetrade.
“Bright Spot in a Bad Year” by The Deadline Shakes
This is the lead track from the debut album by Glascow band, The Deadline Shakes. It features some pretty infectious music. Look for more from them forthcoming.
“Real Bad Low” by Sara Syms
Another great song from “Way Back Home”. If you missed it, this might be a good time to read my review of the album. HERE
“Goodbye” by Dan Coyle
Our second song of the day from Dan Coyle’s Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences. Dan Coyle is a consistently great songwriter. The stuff on Noisetrade would make a good jumping on point if you want to check him out… which you should.
“Lay My Head Down Easy” by Tom House
Another track from Tom House’s album Songs Like Dreams… More Like Blood. An authentic and original voice from a long time Nashville songwriter.
“Call” by New York Tourists
We close out with the a single from an alternative band that is neither from New York nor tourists. I really like this song a lot. It has been described as Queens of the Stone Age meets The Foals. I will leave it up to you to decide if that is accurate. It’s a really groovy song, though. Check it out.
I had a good time last night at The Basement East. I got to see performances from two people I was first introduced to at the Safety Harbor Song Fest way back in late March – Chris Gelbuda and Daphne Willis. It was the soft EP Release Show for Willis – whose new EP, Get It, will be released on Friday.
Opening the show was Kyshona Armstrong. She actually played the first Safety Harbor Song Fest in 2014. She plays some wonderful acoustic soul music and was backed by an outstanding band. I really enjoyed her set, and I will be on the lookout for more opportunities to see her again.
Daphne Willis played next back by yet another outstanding band. I am always hesitant to assign genres when the artist/band does not. I will say there is a real pop instinct to her music. The overwhelming impression is energy, enthusiasm, and a very clear understanding and appreciation for the way her music sounds. Chris Gelbuda, who co-produced her new CD, joined her for a couple of songs, and then was the next on the bill.
I found out after the set that Gelbuda and his band only got the chance for minimum rehearsal time before the show, but I can honestly say, that did not come across. Gelbuda is an accomplished producer (he produced the latest hit single for Meaghan Trainor) and a professional songwriter. I was very impressed by the caliber of his songs.
Unfortunately, I had to leave before the last act on the bill was done, but Sonia Leigh – playing with much of the band that accompanied Daphne Willis – sounded great.
On to the mid-week shuffle for your listening pleasure…
“Stupid Bird (This Time Next Year)” by Dean Fields
Another track from the Harvester Sampler. This song relates the migration (leaving only return) to the similar effect small towns have on people. I really like this one.
“Generic Bike Rider” by Batkhi Dahn
The return of Batkhi Dahn to the shuffle. They have a new single out, but this is from the Plays 15 record. This song is not about a name brand bike rider. Just so we are clear.
“City Kids” by Motorhead
What’s that? Why does Ear the Ground never have early period Motorhead in the shuffle? The hell you say! Ta-Da.
“The Bulrushes” (Bongos cover) by Tim Lee 3
When I came across this song a few weeks ago, and then discovered it was a few years old, I had to wonder why it took me so long to learn of its existence. Some of favorite people and E2TG favorites from Knoxville, Tennessee covering one of my favorite songs by one of the best bands of all time. The song appeared on an benefit album for Hurricane Relief – I think following Sandy.
“The Hydra’s Heart” by The Unravelling
One of my favorite local songwriters has been posting lots of metal links today (that really doesn’t narrow it down much), but before I even knew that, this song came into the shuffle from the progressive metal band from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The lead track (I think) from Tear a Hole in the Collective Vision. ROCK!
“It’s All Gone Now” by Jeremy Nash
Nashville-by-way-of-New York singer-songwriter Jeremy Nash just released a new album called Getaway Driver. I got to hear him do some songs in a round Sunday night at Bobby’s Idle Hour. This is our first listen to Getaway Driver, and it will not be the last. We start with the last track on the album because that is how our randomness rolls sometimes. I’ve just listened to a few tracks on the album, but I really dig what I’ve heard so far.
“Monterey” by The Milk Carton Kids
Monterey is the title track from the latest album by the folk duo, The Milk Carton Kids. The track came to us via those 100 World Café Session downloads we got back several months ago. It is a great performance of a gorgeous song.
“Collide” by Dan Coyle
Another track from Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences – the 2009 album of one of our favorites.
“I Don’t Wanna Know” by Human Radio
We close things out with a favorite from the self-titled Human Radio record. The band is working on a new album and playing some shows in Nashville and Memphis – including this Saturday at The 5 Spot.
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Rain is falling steadily over Nashville. It’s a cool, dreary kind of day. I’m already dreading the long dark winter season.
We have some cool tunes for you this morning to help cope with the dreariness…
“Listen Closely Now” by Dan Coyle
From his 2009 album Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences, we have another track from Dan Coyle for you. An #E2TG favorite to be sure, and it is great to check out some older tunes that I have not heard.
“Cold Night” by Chuck Ragan and Austin Lucas
I have become a big Austin Lucas fan, and when I came across his 2008 collaboration with Chuck Ragan – called Bristle Ridge, I had to add it to my playlist.
“The Death of Coyote Woman” by All Them Witches
Nashville’s All Them Witches will be releasing their new album, Dying Surfer Meets His Maker, at the end of this week. To celebrate, they released a sampler on Noisetrade that includes a couple of tracks from the new album along with a healthy dose of older music, including this one which was on their 2014 album Lightning at the Door.
“Shelly’s Winter Love” by Jesse and Noah
Jesse and Noah are back in the shuffle – this time with a Merle Haggard cover. I love the harmonies these guys produce.
“Renegade” by Direct Divide
From their EP Own Your Ocean which was released back in July, we have the Seattle band that describes themselves as Cinematic Rock, which I tend to agree with… there is definitely a BIG rock sound here. This is a really cool song.
“Pray For Me” by Whiskey Shivers
Another track from the 2014 self-titled album by Austin based Whiskey Shivers. It seems like ever since I came across this album, I keep hearing more and more about these guys. That is a good thing.
“Live and Not Die Tryin'” by Stone Cupid
Stone Cupid is Julie Christensen’s amazing band. Their debut album called The Cardinal is due out in January. If you happen to catch Julie live between now and then, be sure to mention “Ear to the Ground” and she just might sell you a copy. I have been fortunate enough to catch Stone Cupid (sans the rhythm section) a copy of times recently, and both have been phenomenal.
“5th of July” by Dean Fields
Dean Fields was a Featured Artist on Ear to the Ground back when Featured Artist was a thing we did. Since, then he has been killing it all over the country. He started a monthly music series called Harvester and this song is one of the songs released through that project. He also recently made all of his previous albums available for pay what you want…. so head to his website to see what all the fuss is about.
Last night, I went to 3rd and Lindsley to see Bebe Buell and her band. Bebe Buell has been an iconic figure in Rock and Roll for many years. She relocated to Nashville a little over a year ago. She has a relatively new band and her show was a lot of fun. Crystal Gayle joined her and The Blackfoot Gypsies closed the show with some of their high-energy shenanigans. Read more: My review for No Depression.
Another swell shuffle this morning… a mix of songs I am pretty sure you will not see duplicated at one of those run-of-the-mill music sites….
“Sleepless Nights” by Dan Coyle
#E2TG favorite Dan Coyle recently released a collection of songs over at Noisetrade (Free Download – Tips Encouraged). The collection is called Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences. This is the lead track.
“Green Light” by Paul Zografi
A chance encounter at a Tim Carroll and Joe Nolan show at Bobby’s Idle Hour on Music Row, lead me to meet Paul Zografi and to get a copy of his latest CD Bright. The album has become a favorite of mine. This is the lead track from that album.
“Pressure Beat” by Our Daughters Wedding
From the Thirteen O’clock compilation put out by Atlanta-based PPNW Records, comes this previously unreleased 1981 live recording by this New York Synthpop/New Wave band. Like much of the compilation, this track is like opening a trunk to find tons of old music that I had previously missed out on but which sounds like the music that I was listening to in those day.
“Thunder Road” by Bruce Springsteen
In my humble opinion, one of the best opening songs from one of the greatest albums of all time. So many great lines – rock and roll poetry that sets a very clear scene…
“Skyline” by Grumsling
Another nifty track from Full Coverage. Grumsling is definitely on my list of favorite artists – new to me in 2015. The hail from the Bay Area of California…
“Can’t Leave the City” by The Jackals
Another great band that came into my consciousness this year! From the album People!
“Turn Into Earth” by Al Stewart
Al Stewart’s hits “Year of the Cat” and “Time Passages” were iconic parts of my childhood experience. I probably heard those two songs hundreds of times in the late 70s or so. This cover of a Yardbirds’ song came to me via Aquarium Drunkard – I think. The original song was on the album Yardbirds (aka Roger the Engineer) which was released in 1966.
“Insomniac’s Lullaby” by Man Named Pearl
We close out today shuffle with a track from Quietus Make, the new album by Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen artist Jesse Turits who has begun recording under the Man Named Pearl moniker. Really digging this.
A modest proposal to deal with the problem of people talking during music performances: Just let John Moreland play. I saw John Moreland play twice last night. The first was at Music City Roots where he wowed an audience mostly unfamiliar with his music. Later, he played a full headlining set at The 5 Spot in East Nashville in front of a packed house. The minute John Moreland began to play, the crowd (a bar crowd after 11:00pm) fell silent almost immediately. A friend of mine asked what it was about his music that had that effect. In the moment, the only words that came to me were the emotional vulnerability of his songs. I don’t know if that is the answer. But, it got me thinking about vulnerability, and how our society sees it as a weakness, but how in the hands of someone like John Moreland – it can be such a powerful thing.
“Heima” by Hildur Gudnadottir
Hildur Gudnadottir is a cellist and composer currently based out of Berlin. This stunning composition comes from a Noisetrade Sampler from the recent Big Ears Festival which took place in Knoxville, Tennessee. Quite an impressive line-up at that festival.
“Buddy” by The Western Shore
One of my favorite songs from the Thunderstorm album. I saw The Western Shore Monday night, and they are preparing to hit the road for a short tour which includes a couple of West Coast dates with Nikki Lane.
“Breathe” by Maria McKee
Another track from Maria McKee’s self-titled debut solo album. McKee was named among the “Top 10 Female Artists You Really Should Know” in a recent article – she was included with other great artists like Kate Bush, Alison Moyet, and Nina Hagen among others. Well deserved.
“Revelation (The Final Book)” by Jeremiah Tall
In a short time, I’ve come to really dig this guy’s music. It’s available on Noisetrade, you should really check it out. (Free – but donate if you can, and definitely share to spread the word).
“Tying Ten Knots in the Devil’s Tail” by Townes Van Zandt
A classic western poem/song performed by the legendary Townes Van Zandt from a 1973 live recording.
“The Difference” by Dan Coyle
From Perfect Word, Perfect Beat comes this song with a great doo-wop sound.
“Sharp Feathers” by Telepathic Teddy Bear
From the album Forgiveness… Telepathic Teddy Bear writes great songs and produces great sounding records.
“Don’t Make Nothin’ in the USA” by Tim Carroll
The lead track and one of my favorite songs on the new Tim Carroll album, Pure As Coal. A ton of my East Nashville friends are featured in the video including Kalee Smyth from The Western Shore who we heard from earlier in the shuffle. I was at The 5 Spot when the live performance portions of the video were recorded.
“Napoleon” by Scott Miller
Scott Miller was one of the performers at Music City Roots last night, and he was fantastic. He was previously a member of the seminal Knoxville band The V-Roys. This song comes from a compilation album called Bubbapalooza Vol. 1: Chronicle of the Redneck Underground – which also included Southern Culture on the Skids and others.
“Plight of Imemine” by Broken Guru
Broken Guru are an Alternative Rock band from New York City. Their debut album, Bent Up Halo is scheduled to be released on April 28. You can currently stream five of the songs from that album on their Bandcamp page.
“I Want the One I Can’t Have” by The Smiths
We close out today’s shuffle with a track from The Smiths’ second album, Meat is Murder. Any shuffle that includes The Smiths and Townes Van Zandt can’t be bad…
Hey ho! It’s Wednesday. We have a pretty fun shuffle today – 11 songs strong with some real curveballs and some real treats. Scroll down or click through for the music:
“Where Was Baby Jesus Born?” by Annie Sellick from Let’s Make a Christmas Memory
From Sellick’s 2013 jazzy Christmas album which we featured heavily last year comes this soulful number.
“Surrounded” by Dan Coyle from Perfect Word. Perfect Beat.
Another great song from Dan Coyle’s awesome newish album. Please check him out if you haven’t done so yet – you won’t be disappointed.
“The Body Snatcher, 1945” by Sci-Fi Romance from October
Yeah, Yeah… it’s December not October. Time for Christmas tunes not Halloween/Horror-based songs… but seriously folks great music has no season. I dig this whole album. This song is based upon the 1945 film based upon a Robert Louis Stevenson short story and produced and adapted for the screen by the legendary Val Lewton. Val Lewton is notable for his work with RKO pictures where he was given lurid titles and a low budget and managed to make some truly remarkable films – like I Walked with a Zombie. In the hands of E2TG favorite and CXCW alum Vance Kotrla aka Sci-Fi Romance, the film is reimagined as a damn fine song.
“East Nashville” by Sammy Brue from Bootleg Sessions VOL I
Sammy Brue appears on the cover of Justin Townes Earle’s latest album as a younger doppelganger of JTE. He also happens to be a very talented young singer/songwriter in his own right. He is from Salt Lake City, Utah, but his Nashville connection is strong – the album cover previously mentioned was photographed in Fannie Mae Dees Park in Nashville – popularly known as Dragon Park. And the song we feature today is named for one of my current favorite parts of the city.
“Pedestrians” by The Slaughterhouse Chorus from The Entrée – A Built4BBQ Sampler/Download Single
The Slaughterhouse Chorus are from Albany, NY. They play a rocking mix of Americana and Punk. I had the opportunity to see them live in 2013 when they did a tour with The End Men. This song is from the Built4BBQ sampler, and The Slaughterhouse Chorus are a major driving force behind this awesome collective.
“3-9-4” by Lemonheads from Hate Your Friends
Taking things all the way back to 1987 and the debut album by Boston punk band, The Lemonheads. Recommended if you only know It’s Ashame about Ray and the Mrs. Robinson cover…
!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”); “Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis” (Tom Waits cover) by Neko Case from New Coat of Paint – Waits Tribute
In what could be a first (but who’s counting?), a day after featuring the Tom Wait’s original, we have this awesome cover version by Neko Case. It’s been a good week for Tom Waits and Tom Waits’ covers.
“Put the Loot in the Boot” by Mae West from Lit Up Like a Christmas Tree – A Vintage Holiday Sampler/Wild Christmas
The year I was born, Mae West – the Hollywood actress best know for her provocative roles in films of the 30s and 40s, made a Rock and Roll Christmas album (7 Christmas songs and one Beatles’ cover). I feel like this completes some unspecified step in our quest to cover every conceivable form of music.
“Tortured Birds” by Ron Muga from Wonderful Doom
Another great song from this New York Singer/Songwriter. Ron Muga’s music can be found on Bandcamp. Check him out.
“Let Me Hang Your Stockings In Your Christmas Tree” by Roosevelt Sykes from Lit Up Like a Christmas Tree – A Vintage Holiday Sampler
A suggestive and absolutely fun Holiday number from Blues/Boogie Woogie piano legend Roosevelt Sykes.
“So Lonesome I Could Fly” by Marti Jones from My Tidy Doily Dream
We close things out with simply a beautiful song by one of my all time favorite singer/songwriters. This is from her 2002 album. I have to give a shout out/mention to the event which inspired me to add this to my playlist at this time… If you are in the vicinity (or can be) of Woodbridge Middle School in Woodbridge, NJ tomorrow night there is a remarkable song circle going down featuring Ms. Jones, her husband (and producer extraordinaire + songwriting genius in his own right) Don Dixon, Marshall Crenshaw, and Richard Barone. HERE is the link to the Facebook event. I will have to comfort myself knowing I got to see Marti Jones and Don Dixon in Nashville in the early 90s.
I am more convinced than ever that I did not delete my playlist (as mentioned Friday) through some incredibly bone-headed clumsy ass maneuver. No, it appears that my phone is possessed. My cell phone contract ended in November, and my now two year old phone has developed a mind of it’s own. It has begun initiating screen touch activities all on it’s own… typing (and sending) gibberish text messages, taking pictures, opening applications, etc. I think it knows that it’s days are numbered.
So, until I get a new phone, any activity which comes from me should be suspect. Including this post… am I writing this or is my phone writing this? !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”); “Hey There Mama” by Dan Coyle from Perfect Word. Perfect Beat.
Dan Coyle talks about the untimely death of his father and expounds on a philosophy that I really needed to hear.
“The Moment I Tell You Goodbye” by David Olney from Dutchman’s Curve
One of my highlights of December so far has been Saturday nights Tom Waits tribute at The 5 Spot in East Nashville. I had such a blast and heard a slew of awesome artists offering their take on the music of the distinctly American genius, Mr. Waits. One of the highlights of the night was an awesome performance by David Olney. As luck would have it, it was my second chance to see Mr. Olney that week.
“Am I Still the One for You?” by Ike Reilly from Am I Still the One for You?
The title track from this mega release/E.P. Noisetrade thing… Have I mentioned how much I am digging this music?
“Drink Slinger” by Zachariah Red from This Town E.P.
I am extremely proud to call Zach a friend and extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to see and hear him several times in the last couple of months. He has new music coming soon – here’s to the new year! Since I couldn’t find a Youtube video – have a listen to “Drink Slinger”.
I think this officially counts as the first Christmas song of the season on E2TG (with the exception of some songs that crept into the shuffle at odd times). A cheer-filled song from a great Nashville band.
“Aunt Lou” by Grant Peeples and the Peeples Republik from Punishing the Myth
Grant Peeples paints a devastatingly beautiful portrait in the course of an approximately three minute song.
“Bummer 1 Hit Single” by Darrin Bradbury from When a Car Becomes a House
“This songs a bummer, let’s talk about summer…” If you don’t know Darrin Bradbury, than Darrin Bradbury knows you… or something like that. “I’m just the middle man, between gravity and the rope.”
“Goin’ to Acapulco” by Bob Dylan and the Band from The Basement Tapes
We go from DB to BD. Everyone is talking about The Basement Tapes this days – for some mighty good reasons… I think it’s a testament to Mr. Zimmerman’s songwriting skills that I really dig so many covers of his – including the version of this song by Jim James and Calexico. The original isn’t half bad either… *deliberate understatement implied…
“Live My Life” by Stacy Mitchhart from Live My Life
We close things out with some genuine local Nashville blues, and the title track from the excellent recent Stacy Mitchhart album.
E2TG: MUSIC/WORDS 