Friday Morning Music Shuffle – What I Do Mix

It’s Friday!  Good time at  Year of October’s Nashville CD Release show for their new album Golden Days.  You can check it out and purchase HERE !

Let’s close out this work week in proper fashion with a nifty shuffle filled with cool tunes:

“Hammer and Nails” by Henry’s Rifle from The Entrée (a Built4BBQ Sampler)

We’ve had a few songs from the latest Built4BBQ Sampler this week.  There all really good.  Henry’s Rifle is one man, and I don’t think his name is Henry.  For one man, he makes a wonderful heap of noise. Raucous Country/Blues/whathaveyou. Check him out!

“Bright Morning Stars” by Abigail Washburn from City of Refuge

Taking this down and lifting things up simultaneously… a glorious song from amazing banjo virtuoso.

“From Now On” by Delta Spirit from Lost and Found/Into the Wide

I love Delta Spirit.  I saw them two years ago at Live on the Green – pressed against the barrier in front of the stage with about half the city of Nashville behind me (or at least it felt that way). They bring lots of energy and passion. 

“Little Bird (What I Do)” by David Olney from When the Deal Goes Down

I supposed the word artist gets thrown around pretty liberally and casually. Maybe when you are talking about David Olney you should capitalize it. Artist or ARTIST. Or maybe you should just say, Genius (but that gets used too often, too).  At any rate, this song really spoke to me this morning.  “Do what you do, and stop answering people who ask “Why?” We all have songs to sing – even if you can’t carry a tune (like me).

“You’re a Slave to Your Imagination” by Grant Peeples from Punishing the Myth

This one also spoke to me in much the same way.  I know for me, I don’t write because I want to or even because I think someone somewhere will want to read it… I’m not necessarily here of my own free will…. to paraphrase Rhonda from Fran’s…. two or three people will get that reference by the way, but I had to write it…  Oh yeah, and Grant Peeples is pretty much a genius, too, and I am not overusing the word when I say that.

“Ramblin On My Mind” (Robert Johnson Cover) by Left Lane Cruiser and James Leg from Painkillers

Left Lane Cruiser is from Indiana.  James Leg is from Texas. Robert Johnson came from Mississippi and legend has it, he sold his soul to the devil at a Crossroads in order to become the greatest bluesman of all time.  Some of the above it true, some is legend, and some… well I just don’t know, but two things I do know – Robert Johnson changed the course of American music – a change that is still be felt today, and this right here is a pretty bitchin’ 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”); “September Fields” by Frazey Ford from Frazey Ford Five EP/Indian Ocean

Frazey Ford is part of the awesome Canandian folk group The Be Good Tanyas.  She just released her second solo record this week, and we have a really cool track from that album in the shuffle today. 

“Just Like That” by Chris Carroll from Trouble and Time

Chris Carroll is a Canadian-born singer/songwriter currently based out of San Marcos, Texas.  Her music, at least this song, is soulful, bluesy, folky music. As you may know, I hate genre labels.  This is good music – another I grabbed from the September Feel Bad for You mixtape.  I will be seeking out more of her music.

“Sea of Light” by Sol Cat from Deer Head Music Presents: Indie Mixtape  Nashville/Sol Cat

We close things out with some  Nashville music by way of the excellent Mixtape from Deer Head Music.  This is a groovy slice of Indie Pop heaven.  C’mon – it’s the weekend – let’s get groovy!

VIDEOS


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Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Better Than That Mix

Good Monday Morning….  E2TG is back with our Morning Shuffle to excite and delight you!

“Raised by Wolves” by U2 from Songs of Innocence

Wait! How the heck did this get on my computer?  So, basically, it’s typical late career U2. If you like late career U2, you will like this.  If you don’t like late career U2, you probably won’t like this. The video is a cover of the song done on a ukulele.

“Gimme Some Motivation” by Delta Spirit from Lost and Found/I Think I’ve Found It

Every once in a while, my music player has this odd delay where the song will change before the picture changes.  So, this song came on and when I looked at my phone, I saw the album cover for U2, and I thought, “Wow! If this was on the new U2 album, I would be excited.”  It’s not. It’s Delta Spirit. I’m still excited.

“As Time Goes By” by Victoria Williams from Sings Some Ol’ Songs

The fundamental things apply…  Play it, Sam!

“You Don’t Want Want Change, Change is for the Deranged” by The Yugos from The Yugos

Great song title by a cool young band from Kentucky which I learned about in a Facebook post by Dan Stuart (Green on Red, Danny and Dusty).

“Never Give In” by Will Hoge from Never Give In

Will Hoge is an award winning, Grammy nominated  Nashville musician/singer/songwriter.

“Wintertime” by Chris Stamey from Lovesick Blues

Damn – there was a chill in the air this morning, but I’m not ready for Winter yet… Then again, I’m not sure this song is just about the literal season, and I really, really dig this song.

“Morning Light” by The Dirty Guv’nahs from Hearts on Fire

Another grooving song from the latest album by Knoxville’s The Dirty Guv’nahs. 

“It Was My Season” by Okkervil River from The Silver Gymnasium

Will Sheff and company with the opening song from their 7th and most recent album.

“Better Than That” by Sam Davison from Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen: Section 4/Always Around

Our final track from the 4th edition of the Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen sampler, and an awesome way to close out our Monday Shuffle.  I’m a big fan of Sam Davison.

VIDEO

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Monday Morning (and Evening) Music Shuffle – Two Saints Mix

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Well, it’s late for the shuffle, but circumstance kept me from posting.  As compensation, I extended the shuffle which means tons of music and just a bit of my celebrated wisdom.  That last line is ego disguised as wry humility cleverly cloaked in a veneer of ego.

In case you missed it, the Ear to the Ground review of Darrin Bradbury’s Motel Oatmeal was featured for a time on the front page of No Depression – the preeminent Americana magazine/website,

The review is still a featured review, and you can read it here.

Now, we have a ton of music to get to….

“New Language” by Sam Davison from Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen: Section 5/Always Around

Love this song!

“Montgomery” by Tim Carroll from Opening Up/The Devil is a Busy Man

The big city won’t change me!

“Azmari Man” by Tomas Doncker from Power of the Trinity

Tomas Doncker is a Global Soul master!

“With Every Beat” by The Features from Old Familiar Melodies – 2008-2013/The Features

Tennessee band that done good – The Features!

“When the Pumps Run Dry” by Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray from Lean into the Wind

Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray are awesome people.  I couldn’t find a video for this song so I went way back to CXCW 2012

“Mirage” by The Queers from Surf Goddess/Beat Off (Tommy James and the Shondells Cover)

Punk rock!

“Crippler King” by Delta Spirit from Lost and Found/I Think I’ve Found It

Delta Spirit!

“Confederates” by Michael Rank and Stag from In the Weeds

One of two North Carolina artists – Dig this song! I wanting to hear more.

“We’ll Take It From There” by Deena from Rock River

My next E2TG Review – it’s in the can – waiting for the right moment.

“Quiet (St. Francis)” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

First of two Saints in the mix… thus the Two Saints Mix….  Good friends, awesome band

“FOH” by Superchunk from Merge Records Summer Sampler 2013/I Hate Music

#2 from the Tar Heel State…

“Woah-oh” by Francie Moon and the Great Outdoors from Francie Moon and the Great Outdoors

Another from Francie Moon – I couldn’t find this song on video so I picked a video done here in Nashville.

“I Miss the Zoo” by Joseph Arthur from Redemption City

Joseph Arthur recently did a Lou Reed tribute album – the Lou Reed influence is strong on this recording – I think,

“House Drinks” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

#2 from the fabulous Grimms of Connecticut.  Drinks are on the house!

“You’re the Best Thing” by The Style Council from The Singular Adventures of the Style Council/Cafe Bleu(UK)/My Ever Changing Moods(US)

This is what smooth sounds like!

“This Disorder” by The Features from Old Familiar Melodies/The Features

Dig this song. The core of The Features are from the next town over from my hometown.  Coincidentally, that is near where The Grey A’s new album My Country was recorded.  Plus The Grey A recently opened for The Features… Hey, wait a minute is that really a coincidence? I don’t know….

“Tree of Evolution” by The Grey A from My Country

Speaking of The Grey A.  They were the subject of my first No Depression featured review – back when it was exciting,,, yawn… I kid! A song about Evolution that you can and should dance to…

“It’s About Soul” by Lael Summer from Burden to Bear

Another from Lael Summer’s awesome True Groove released Burden to Bear album,

“St. Catherine’s Statue” by The Minus 5 from Through a Faraway Window: A Tribute to Jimmy Silva (Jimmy Silva and the Goats cover)

Groovy song from The Minus 5.  I couldn’t find a video so I included a video of The Minus 5 doing some covers with special guests Mike Mills and Bill Berry, and a video of the late Jimmy Silva and the Goats.

“Class Historian” by BRONCHO from An Introduction to BRONCHO/Just Enough Hip to be a Woman

And we close out with a song from the forthcoming album by Oklanhoma band BRONCHO.  This my first listen, and I dig it!

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Blue Rainbow Mix

ICYMI (Labor Day Weekend Edition):  

We created an E2TG Facebook Page – so like it please maybe?

We posted a couple of album reviews over the weekend.

1.  Darrin Bradbury – Motel Oatmeal –  on E2TG and cross-posted to No Depression (go visit both sites if you have time)

2. The Grey A – My Country – on E2TG and cross-posted (and currently featured!) to No Depression.

Shuffle to follow:

“When the Deal Goes Down” by David Olney from When the Deal Goes Down

I had the good fortune to see David Olney at The Five Spot joined for the night by Ear to the Ground favorite Mark Robinson.  Mark also co-produced this Olney’s latest album, and it’s a good one.

“Valse de Balfa” by Linda Thompson from Evangeline Made: a tribute to Cajun Music

From the Cajun Music tribute album, the always incredible Linda Thompson.  The video is another version of this long.  Linda you may remember made a few of the best albums of all-time with her then husband Richard Thompson. 

“Pastorale” by Clocks and Clouds from The Creation of Matter

A gorgeous addition to my morning drive from the classically inspired Clocks and Clouds.

“Les Flammes d’Enfer” by Richard Thompson from Evangeline Made: a tribute to Cajun Music!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”);

Speaking of Richard Thompson – he is also on that Cajun Music tribute album I’ve been listening to of late.  The video here is of a version of the song by Jo-el Sonnier who previously covered Thompson’s Tear-Stained Letter.


“Over the Rainbow” by Victoria Williams from Sings Some Ol’ Songs

Victoria Williams recorded an album of classic songs.  This is her stunning version of the song Judy Garland sang in The Wizard of Oz.  I couldn’t find a video of her version of this song, so I’ve included a performance of her song “Crazy Mary” where she is joined by the late Lou Reed.

“Carolina Peach” by The California Honeydrops from Like You Mean It

Once again, Popa Tune’s turns me on to a band, and once again I have a new band I like. 

“Why so Blue?” by David Olney from When the Deal Goes Down

Another great track from the new album.  In the video playlist, we’ve included the latest edition of Olney’s video newsletter so I don’t have to try to write about all of his goings on -which are many and all awesome.

“When in Roam” by Delta Spirit from Lost and Found

I saw the Delta Spirit at Live on the Green a couple of years ago.  They were incredible live.  This one is from a 2006 EP.

“Astronomy” by Chris Stamey from Lovesick Blues

Another great track from Chris Stamey’s 2013 album.  Last time I posted some songs from this album, I failed to mention that a couple of years ago (the same night that I saw Delta Spirit at LOTG in fact, I saw Chris Stamey along with Jody Stephens and an all-star band performing songs of Big Star as part of the Americana Fest.

“My Own Advice” by Deena from Rock River 

And, we close out our shuffle with this song from Deena.  As the recent reception to my album reviews has been so overwhelming, I am reminded of some long overdue reviews I have to get to soon.  Including this album from the former member of The Cucumbers.

VIDEO PLAYLIST of the Day:


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Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Had it Blue Mix

Update: Apparently, I cannot spell music, which is not a good thing for a music blogger… corrected.

September is shaping up to be a great month for live music in Nashville (I’m not sure that there is a bad month for live music in Nashville, but still…).  I kicked things off a little early with a great night of music in East Nashville.  I saw the legendary David Olney (who has been a fixture in Nashville music for as long as I can remember) and his incredibly tight band (with E2TG favorite Mark Robinson standing in and killing it on guitar) doing a Happy Hour show at The 5 Spot.   Then I hopped over to East Nashville’s best dive bar, Fran’s Eastside to see another E2TG favorite Darrin Bradbury and Tim Carroll doing their weekly thing.

 

Well, we have another great shuffle of music today, so it’s get to it.

!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”); window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js “My Love” by Humming House (covering Justin Timberlake) from Humming House Party!

Nashville’s own Humming House decided to recreate the vibe of The Beach Boys’ Party!, and they threw a shindig at Eastside Manor.  You can get a little taste of what went down on Noisetrade.  The whole shebang can be had at iTunes.  Today’s track is a killer cover of a futuresex lovesounds era Justin Timberlake song.

“She Runs Hot” by Little Village from Little Village

Long before any of us had ever heard the term Americana, Little Village formed as the first Americana supergroup.  Featuring Nick Lowe, John Hiatt, Ry Cooder, and Jim Keltner; the band released one amazing album, did a tour, and then went out to continue making amazing music.

“The Wolves” by The End Men from Odds and Ends

An amazing version of this song was The End Men’s 2014 contribution to Couch by Couchwest. Man I love this song!

“People, Turn Around!” by Delta Spirit from Lost and Found

Another cool track from the new Delta Spirit outtakes sampler on Noisetrade.

“Have You Ever Had it Blue” by The Style Council from The Singular Adventures of the Style Council

After The Jam broke up Paul Weller continued and expanded on the Brit Soul sound evident in some of the later Jam music and formed The Style Council.  I think I’ve always had more of an affinity for The Jam, but I have to admit The Style Council had many great moments.

“The Bomb Stops Ticking” by The Grey A from My Country

I post this The Grey A track just ahead of the official release date of My Country and just over two weeks ahead of their Nashville release show with the realization that I have promised a full review.  I have a few full reviews I really want to do… I think it’s time to woodshed… can music bloggers woodshed or is that reserved for musicians. Should I come up with another term? plastic shedding? Anyway, this is a really great song and just one of many on a really great album which you can pre-order on The Grey A website.

“Work” by The End Men from Odds and Ends

It’s a two The End Men song day!  A not so subtle reminder this morning of where I was heading while listening to this shuffle.  I actually arrived in my building while this song was playing.

“Beggars’ Guild” (Acoustic) by Roadkill Ghost Choir from Slow Knife EP

Roadkill Ghost Choir is a great band name.  Fortunately, this Florida band lives up to the name with their great take on modern folk/rock music.  I grabbed some of their music on Noisetrade, and we will have more in the days and weeks to come.

VIDEOS

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Bad Voodoo 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”); Casual readers may not know this, but although I was born in Tennessee, my parents were both born in Louisiana, and I still have some deep roots in that state.  There is quite a bit of Louisiana in today’s shuffle by some twist of fortune/juju…

My phone did feel heavier this morning – probably due to the nearly 100 songs I added to the current playlist.  How much does an MP3 file weigh anyway?

Ah- let’s jump into it…

“Blues de Bosco” by Rodney Crowell from Evangeline Made: a tribute to Cajun Music

On Record Store Day, while the cool kids were enduring the long lines for the rare vinyl releases, I was perusing the $1.00 CD bins looking for cool finds.  I came across this star-studded Cajun Music tribute from early in this century.  Americana standard bearer Rodney Crowell is from southern Mississippi which is about as close to Cajun country as you can get without being in South Louisiana.  The video is a version of this song from a New York City Cajun band named for a small town near where some of my family lives.

“Loud Loud Loud Loud Guitars” by Young Fresh Fellows from Songs for Slim – A Benefit Compilation for Slim Dunlap

Stick some cotton in your ears if you must… hell, I’ll likely be deaf before too long…

This reminds me of three things:  1.  Seeing Slim with the ‘Mats in the sweaty National Guard Armory in Nashville in the late 80s. 2.  Seeing Warren Zevon with the Odds at the Ace of Clubs in Nashville in the early 90s (it was one of the loudest shows I’ve ever experienced) and 3. that line from They Might Be Giants “She doesn’t have to have her Young Fresh Fellows tape back…” 

“Fury of the Light” by The Bones of J.R. Jones from Dark was the Yearling

The Bones of J.R. Jones is from Brooklyn and makes some incredible dark, rootsy, blues/folk music. I grabbed this from the July Feel Bad for You mixtape, and I have to hear more!

“Miller, Don’t You Even Care?” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

The first of three tracks in today’s shuffle from perennial E2TG favorites The Grimm Generation.  What you need to know about The Grimm Generation:  They are from Connecticut, they make music deeply rooted in themes and influences of which I am all too familiar, and they are awesome.  Get The Big Fame  – as soon as you possibly can!

“The Big Fame” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

The title track from the landmark album!

“French Quarter” by Delta Spirit from Lost and Found

Our second Louisiana-inspired song… Delta Spirit are from San Diego and currently reside in Brookyln, but as their name implies, the spirit of the Mississippi Delta runs all through their music.  This is from a free sampler released on Noisetrade ahead of the band’s fourth album which is due in just a couple of weeks.  It takes us to a post-Katrina New Orleans…

“Real Bad Voodoo” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

We stay down in the Crescent city and wander into a strange shop with no distinguishable signage, filled with tables and shelves of trinkets and bottles… there is some real bad voodoo…

“Youth Culture Killed My Dog” by They Might Be Giants from First Album Live

In honor of yesterday being National Dog Day, we offer this first album gem from TMBG.  Damn you hipsters – stay out of my yard!
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“Kentucky” by Year of October from WDVX Blue Plate Special 4/12/2014

And we close things out with one of Year of Octobers prettiest and most heartfelt songs – about their home state.  This is the first track on Golden Days – their new album which you can pre-order now!

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Death-Defying All Odds Mix

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I hope you haven’t forgotten to check out Couch by Couchwest, but if you have, no worries. Unlike that other festival, you can go right now and get caught up. In a day and a few hours, we’ve already seen our friends: The Foresters, Kassy Key and the Raindogs ,and Cupla. Plus tons of bands who are new to us, but who we are digging on big time.  We hope to have some highlights up soon.

Today was a rainy day, a Monday and it was the first work day after Daylight Savings Time began. How do you improve on that? How about a killer playlist of cool music.

Today’s pre-shuffle shuffle included: The Avett Brothers, a triple shot of classic Elvis Costello, Delta Spirit, and The Dead Exs.  All of these songs are included (or represented in the You Tube Playlist embedded below. We have four songs in our actual shuffle today.  Check those songs out – after the jump:

  •  This is PiL by Public Image Limited from This is PiL (2012)
 

The title track from Public Image Limited’s first studio album in 20 years sounds about like you would expect. Your perception and tastes will determine whether that is a good thing or not.  As the title implies, the song is about the band. Johnny Lydon still sounds like Johnny Lydon.

  • “Summer ’78” by THEY KNOW from Reverbnation download (?) 

THEY KNOW are a couple of guys from Pennsylvania who I connected with through Twitter (I’m pretty sure).  “Summer of ’78” is a great sounding tune, and I look forward to checking out more of their music soon. We have a performance of a different THEY KNOW song in the playlist below.

  • “Hello Cruel World” by Gretchen Peters from CXCW12 Mixtape (2012)

Gretchen Peters is a two-time Grammy Nominated singer/songwriter who Nashville claims as our very own.  She performed the title track from her (then) brand new album for last year’s CXCW.

  • “Disorderly Boy” by Calicocat from Mighty Superfluous (2013)

Another Nashville favorite and a former featured artist at E2TG. Calicocat have called it quits after two and a half years. They leave behind and catalog impressive in it’s quantity and quality.  Might Superfluous is proof that the band left it all on the floor and we wish them all well in their future endeavors.

Now here is the playlist representing all of our pre-shuffle and shuffle shuffle songs:

 

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Americana Music Festival – Part III – Delta Spirit Live on the Green

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After The Dunwells’ set, the sun went down and it was dusk or so when the next band took the stage.  I had been pumped to see Delta Spirit since the show was announced, and apparently, I wasn’t the only one.  A mostly young (most everyone is young to me…) and enthusiastic crowd was electric as the stage was set.  

 I was still pressed up against the barricades in front of the stage.  Delta Spirit are a remarkable band.  The band formed in 2005.  I was a little late getting on board with them, in fact I first became aware of them in 2010 when I heard about Middle Brother the band that features John McCauley of Deer Tick (who I was already into), Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes (who I dig) and Matthew Vasquez of Delta Spirit.  That was what prompted me to really give them a listen, and I’ve been a fan ever since.  They have made some amazing records, but seeing them live was a revelatory experience. 

I was impressed by the energy and the passion evident in the music. You had to clap along to the songs. No I mean, you literally didn’t have a choice – it seemed like Matt Vasquez was going to leap off the stage, hurdle the barricade and throttle you if you didn’t clap along.

This felt like a punk show, but Delta Spirit is not punk. They play Indie Rock with a soulful and (appropriately) Americana spirit. What struck me is that it was interesting to see – over thirty years later, how the punk spirit has infused all kinds of music.  For Delta Spirit, who in a pre-punk world, would have probably been a folk-rock act with a CCResque soul streak, punk added an aggression and power which quite frankly make them so remarkable.  

I was bummed that my pre-arranged schedule for the night meant I had to bail before the set was over, but at least I got to hear another song and a half while I bungled my way through a crowded that filled the large park.  I was also bummed to miss The Wallflowers set which closed the Live on the Green portion of the evening… such is the life of a singular music blogger with places and people to experience… 

So yeah, I really dug Delta Spirit.  If you get the chance to see them live, do it.



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Featured Friday Music Shuffle – Thank You Friends Mix

Well, well, well… I had the musical experience of a lifetime last night, and I am still trying to wrap my mind around the awesomeness of it all.

First of all, the evening started at Live on the Green which is a free live concert series put on by Lightning 100.  The Dunwells took the stage around 6:30.  I made my way up to just behind the barricade in front of the stage.  The Dunwells are young band, that included the Dunwell brothers, from Leeds in the England.  The sunset while the Dunwells were playing, so it grew darker as Delta Spirit hit the stage. I was really impressed by the energy this band has live. I had to bale at the very end of the Delta Spirit set to get to the Basement for an Americana Music Association Festival showcase.  This was no small task since during the Dunwells set as Delta Spirit was setting, a seemingly endless crush of humanity. 

So, I eventually pushed my way through the crowd and made my way over to The Basement in time to see Angel Snow’s set.  We wrote about Angel Snow last year.  She has an incredible and unique voice and along with her usual musical partner, Viktor Krauss (Allison’s brother), she writes great songs.  Viktor wasn’t present for this set because he was playing with Jerry Douglas. Angel Snow has a new album due out in a couple of weeks.

I left The Basement after Angel Snow’s set and there my night took it’s first and only hiccup.  I was intending to go see Mary Gauthier and Richard Thompson at The Station Inn. Unfortunately, two things happened. My mind did a timewarp thing, and I totally spaced on where The Station Inn is located.  See, up until a few years ago, The Station Inn was located right inside ‘V’ where 12th Avenue South and 11th Industrial split off. At that time, the area was pretty desolate otherwise.  The Station Inn has not moved, but the area is totally transformed. Anyway, by the time I finally made it to the club, a line had formed indicating the building was at capacity.  I figured the odds of enough people leaving between Mary and Richard Thompson for me to gain admission was not good, so I decided to head straight to The Rutledge, and truthfully, I’m really glad I did.  I got to that club just in time to see The Bo-Keys take the stage for some authentic Memphis Soul. The band is made up of people who helped shape the Memphis sound including folks who played with Isaac Hayes and Al Green including members of the Hi-Rhythm section, plus a truly awesome vocalist named Percy Wiggins who has a long and storied career of his own.  

Oh yeah, and while waiting for the Bo-Keys to play, I started seeing some familiar and famous faces….

The night ended (and the morning began) with a star-studded tribute to Big Star.  This set deserves and will get a post of it’s own, but suffice it to say, this was a musical high-light of my entire life. It was enough that as billed, Mike Mills of R.E.M., Chris Stamey of The Dbs, and Jody Stephens of Big Star were part of this bill, but that was really just the tip of the iceberg.

Needless to say, I’m running on just over 2 hours of sleep and a 1/2 bottle (so far) of 5 Hour Energy that I got at Live on the Green.


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And yes, even with all that, we do have a shuffle this morning.  We’ve skipped the last couple of weeks of Featured Friday simply because we’ve had a bunch of Featured Artists show up throughout the week, but that has not been the case this week, and I kind of feel like I’ve been neglecting my Featured Artist… so I decided to shuffle up a playlist of songs from these artists.

First up we have Nashville’s own Korby Lenker with Lovers and Fools.  

Next, we have Florida-based singer/songwriter Alex Bennett with Jesus Blues off his fantastic One Way Train album. 



Couldn’t find a video for Jesus Blues…

And finally, we have And the Giraffe who were kind enough to explain the Nashville connection we alluded to on the Featured Artist page. Josh Morris who is 1/2 of And the Giraffe now lives in Nashville – so there you have it..  We have Magic 8 from 2011s Something for Someone.

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Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Carburetor Mix

Why Carburetor? Why not?
So, the Black Keys played a secret show in Nashville and from I can tell people were racing around all over  town to try see them. With my luck, I probably would have ended up at an Are You Randy show.*  
*Obligatory Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist reference.
To the shuffle:
First up – It’s Jelly Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers doing Black Bottom Stomp  – from 1926.

 
Next, we have Nashville’s own Darrell Scott from his 2008 release Modern Hymns with a Paul Simon cover: American Tune .
 
We seem to be all about The Joy of Painting this week, as we dig deeper into their Asterisk album with the song, My Personality
 
Finally, we have our second cover to the morning, this time it’s Delta Spirit covering Tom Wait’s for a Daytrotter Session. Come on Up to the House is from Wait’s 1999 album Mule Variations.

 Delta Spirit’s Cover

 The Wait’s original

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Affiliated Links
The Best of Jelly Roll Morton: Piano Solo The Best of Jelly Roll Morton: Piano Solo
20 pieces from this popular jazz composer, including titles featured in the Tony Award-winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam. Includes: Billy Goat Stomp * Jelly Roll Blues * London Blues * Queen of Spades * Shreveport Stomp * and more.


Tom Waits on Tom Waits: Interviews and Encounters Tom Waits on Tom Waits: Interviews and Encounters
This autobiographical portrait of Tom Waits takes shape through a selection of more than 50 interviews. Starting with the first interview–on KPFK-FM’s “Folkscene” in 1973–Waits speaks out on a variety of topics and shares something truly unique with his readers. In a rap that is a synthesis of inflections–Louis Armstrong, Charles Bukowski, Jack Kerouac, Mark Twain, hobo, pool hall attendant, vaudevillian huckster, musicologist par excellence, and a fresh slathering of the organic word-ooze of William S. Burroughs–Waits comes across as well read, informed, and lucidly aware of current pop culture. He delivers prose as crafted, poetic, potent, brilliant, and haunting as the lyrics of his best songs.