Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle – Cardboard Fruit Mix

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ICYMI – E2TG posted a preview of new release of rare field recordings by Alan Lomax which will be released this coming Friday (April 8).  Read about it HERE.

Man oh man!  There is so much good music that has been or will be released over the next couple of months.  I am digging through album streams and downloads and my disorganized inbox and mind and furiously trying to get some reviews done.  Expect some soon.  And in the meantime, look for tracks from some of these new releases in shuffles – perhaps beginning today…

I think this shuffle fulfills our Wild Wednesday mission.  Basically, the “Wild Wednesday” playlist consists of songs that I decided to add to the “Wild Wednesday” playlist for reasons not even I understand.  Wild!

“Hole Digging Party/Take On Me” by Discount Ravioli

Throwing it back (I know wrong day) to the very first Discount Ravioli album. Improvisational songwriting at it’s best with an impromptu cover of  a 1984 hit single by a Norwegian band that we will not name to avoid possible legal action. Aha!  (Note: Another vintage video featuring the Nork brothers was substituted into the shuffle since Discount Ravioli have heretofore eschewed videos.  This video shows that the Nork boys have been into music for a very long time.

“Psycho, Pt. 1” by Bill Frisell

The theme from the Alfred Hitchcock classic – performed by the innovative jazz guitarist Bill Frisell from his latest album When You Wish Upon a Star.

“Easy Rider” by Big Brother and the Holding Company

A song from the self-titled debut album by the San Francisco band that was fronted by Janis Joplin during the early years of their existence.

“Emo Girl” by Circus Propaganda

Another track from Botany – an album on the Dord Music Group label by the now defunct band Circus Propaganda – which featured many Dord and former Dord artist who we continue to feature regularly. The song is about an Emo Girl.

“Tutti Frutti” by Little Richard

A definitive song of the early rock and roll era.  Originally the song featured extremely ribald lyrics, but to make the song palatable the lyrics were re-written by Dorothy LaBostrie, and as they say, the rest was history.

“What Goes On” by The Dils

The Dils were a California punk band featuring Tony and Chip Kinman who would go onto form Rank and File in Austin, Texas with Alejandro Escovedo.  This is a live version of the Velvet Underground classic – which was released on an album called Dils, Dils, Dils in the early 90s.

“Go Down Hannah” by Heritage Blues Orchestra

One of the highlights of the Heritage Blues Orchestra show I saw at The Franklin Theater last year, was their version of this song written by Lead Belly.  Coincidently, John and Alan Lomax recording of Lead Belly doing this song was released by the Library of Congress in 1995.

“The RIP Dimebag Song” by Smokey the Firebear

Another Smokey the Firebear song – this time from the Teshio Democracy EP.  A song about a rip in a dimebag… I think.

“Poet” by Sly and the Family Stone

From There’s a Riot Goin’ On… the 1971 album by Sly and the Family Stone.  Man, I love this music.

“Georgia Grind” by Thomas Morris and His Seven Hot Babies

How about a jazz recording from the 1920s?  How about it! 

“Gone” by Strange Majik

One of those new releases I alluded to back in the opening paragraphs of this post (remember?)… Strange Majik is releasing his new album on April 22. It is called Raised on Rock ‘n’ Roll, and in some ways it is a return to the blues rock sound of his previous band The Dead Exs but the music still retains the groovier style of his 2015 album Lights On.  Expect a full review soon, but in the meantime, enjoy this first listen… such a deep groove… man oh man!

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle- Madonna After George Jones Mix

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Another fine night of tunes at $2 Tuesdays at The 5 Spot – hosted by Derek Hoke with DJ Tim Hibbs providing the pre/post/between performance music.  The vinyl theme was girl groups.

A $2 cover netted performances by Jack Grelle with Ryan Koenig (from Pokey LaFarge’s band), the return to Nashville of E2TG favorite Brock Zeman with the always amazing Blair Hogan*, Hoke and his always amazing band, and for the second night in a row Joseph Robert Krauss – this time with a full-band that was pretty darn impressive.  I wasn’t able to hang for the last act.

*If you missed Brock and Blair last night, they will be at Bobby’s Idle Hour on Music Row tonight.

Patrick Kinsley and a Fistful of Dollars and Adrian + Meredith are part of the late show line-up at The 5 Spot.

Wednesday’s are when we go wild at #E2TG.  No not that kind of wild…

“Dog Days” by The Weeks

To celebrate their 10th year as a band, Nashville (by way of Jackson, MS) band The Weeks recently released their earliest recordings (from when the band members were 15) – Lost Days.  It is available on Noisetrade.  We have our first listen today.

“Rex Bob Lowenstein” by Burrito Deluxe

Burrito Deluxe is a descendent band from the legendary Flying Burrito Brothers.  This track was from the 2004 The Whole Enchilada.  The song (which I claim as an influence for what I do) was written by Mark Germino  (a poet/songwriter) based in Nashville.  It is the story of a free form DJ fighting against the march of corporate radio.

“Back Up Train” by Al Green

I finished reading The Chitlin’ Circuit: And the Road to Rock ‘n’ Roll by Preston Lauterbach.  I learned a whole bunch in reading that book, and I got turned on to/reminded of a ton of great music from the last century – including Al Green.  This was the title track from Al Green’s debut album which was released in 1967. 

“Flying with the Champ” by Discount Ravioli

Clocking in a 9:44, this is the final track on Captain Fettuccine and the Quest for the Champ on Earth.  Man – burritos, enchiladas, ravioli, and fettuccine – I’m glad I just ate lunch…  self described as such: A concept album about space, time, birth, life, death, love, hate, compassion, envy, betrayal, discovery, wonder, creation, destruction, science, math, language, history, dedication, perseverance, and Italy. Voted the worst concept album of all time by CT Music Nerdz.  For the video, this time (still not ready to post videos of making ravioli), I selected my favorite Batkhi Dahn video – “Yip”.

“Canaria Islands” by SuperCrashingStar

We check in again with one of my new favorite bands. Supercrashingstar are from New York. They are the kind of band that doesn’t just add variety to my playlists; their music embodies the concept of variety.

“In the Arms of the Prince of the Dark in the Night” by Ricca Vita

This is the final track from the Ricca Vita EP – adding some indie/electronica/funk/alternative good times to the shuffle…

“96 Tears” by Garland Jeffreys

From Jeffreys’ 1981 album Escape Artist, his cover of the 1966 hit by Question Mark and the Mysterians.

“Bright Lights, Big City” by Them

From the 1965 first album by Northern Irish band, Them (featuring Van Morrison) comes this cover of the Jimmy Reed song which was first released in 1961.

“Metal Storm/Face the Slayer” by Slayer

So, what better way to close out this set of music than with some early 80s thrash metal from the debut album, Show No Mercy (1983).  When I was in high school, there seemed to be an unwritten rule that you were either a punk rocker or a heavy metal kid.  Bands like Slayer laid bare such notions – even if it took me a few years to catch on.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle – It’s Only Natural Mix

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Remembering George Martin on his passing at age 90.  I don’t think music over the past half century would be what it has been without the Beatles, and I don’t think the Beatles would have been what they were without George Martin. Rest in Peace.

ICYMI, E2TG premiered a new video by Jon Latham.  You can check it out here.

Been checking out some music to be released in the next couple of months.  Really excited about Eli Rhodes (Benchmarks) new album and the new one from Knoxville-based Adeem the Artist (formerly known as Kyle Adem – who I saw at a New Faces night at The Basement some time ago). 

Several names you read about on E2TG will be releasing new music in the coming months. Some of them have preorders going on. Keep your ears to the ground.

Also, there is some cool live music tonight in Nashville – on the west side, Tim Carroll, Joe Nolan, Andrew Adkins, Jon Byrd, and Tommy Womack will the sharing a stage at The Country beginning at 7:30.  Across the river, Lindsay Ellyn, Sara Syms, and Carrie Welling will be playing the late show at The 5 Spot which is set to begin around 9:00.

Keep checking E2TG for an exciting announcement coming soon.

Now, it is Wild Wednesday!  Today’s shuffle fulfills by loosely defined expectations for this theme nicely.

“The Attic” by Circus Propaganda

Circus Propaganda was like a candle in the wind (cue Elton John). They burned brightly for a short time and left behind a really excellent album and a Jason DeRulo cover as they dissipated into several different musical projects  – many of whom you do or will read about here at E2TG  (a few of them in this shuffle).  The album was called Botany. 

“Ol’ Black Buck” by Captain Luke and Cool John Ferguson

From the Music Maker Relief Foundation.  I have said it before, and I say it again, I think Music Maker Relief Foundation has a fantastic mission of not only preserving music but of helping out the legacy artists who helped to make some of the roots music that informs today’s Americana bands and more.  The help they provide includes (but not limited to) improving living situations, assistance with medical bills, and help getting some music to be recorded.  Captain Luke passed away last year, but before he did, MMRF helped put Captain Luke together with guitarist Cool John Ferguson.

“It’s Doesn’t Mean Anything” by Bashful Hips

Last week, I finally got to see Bashful Hips live to celebrate the release of his new album After I Died, I’ve Never Felt So Alive.  This is a track from that album.  This is truly original music that comes from the heart. 

“Plastic Machine Head” by Zaibatsu

Another track from Italian pregressive rock band, Zaibatsu and their album Zero.

“Come Dancing” by The Kinks

Wild – up to this point in the shuffle, we have had three tracks that could fall under the term experimental and one song that was authentic blues music.  This is an early 80s hit song by the British Invasion band The Kinks.  The Kinks have a complicated history, but they made some truly memorable music.  I caught onto this song in the heady days of my youth thanks to MTV relentless playing the music video.   

“No Depression” by Uncle Tupelo

And in true Wild Wednesday style, we move on to the song that helped to define a musical movement and which gave its name to an iconic and enduring music publication/website.  Uncle Tupelo were not the first “Alt-Country” band, but they were definitely one of the best.

“Tentland,USA” by Discount Ravioli

Is it just me or has the shuffle been bringing up quite a bit of Discount Ravioli recently?  Well, they sure are prolific.  This goes back to their debut release (all the way back to 2015).  This time, I scoured You Tube and found a film by Evan Nork featuring a song by The Flaming Lips.

“Knysna” by Bosveld

Veldbrand is a really great album that received some well deserved attention from the CBC at the time of its release.  The band, which features long time E2TG favorite Veledrones, is known to tour around Canada on bikes.  This is a really lovely song.

“Paraphrasing” by Smokey the Firebear

The shuffle was kind enough to wrap up today’s shuffle with three tracks in a row from Smokey the Firebear.  Cade Williams (aka Smokey the Firebear) was part of Circus Propaganda (who kicked off the shuffle) along with Quinn Harley is a regular contributor to Smokey the Firebear.  This is a brief sound collage from B.N.G.F.K.R.

“Jilm Spill” by Smokey the Firebear

This was a single release that I don’t think is still available.  I dig it, though.

“Tinderhead” by Smokey the Firebear

I like “Tinderhead” a lot.  It is from the Mira Leo Sun EP which was released last June.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle – Till Your Well Runs Dry Mix

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Hey ho!  It’s Trendy  Trending Tuesday at E2TG.  This will have to be a quick one.  Lots of music and not much time.

“Black Butterflies” by Angeline

French-born, London based singer-songwriter with a beautiful track from her EP Back to Pike Place.

“Like Thelma and Louise” by Lori Kelley

One of my favorite songs from the More album by Nashville songwriter-singer Lori Kelley.

“Unwanted Man” by Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen

One more from Love and Life – trippy blues that seems to drip with honeysuckle and humidity.

“Napoleon” by Angela Burns

Angela Burns is from Austin – she has some impressive film credentials.   This is her debut musical release – a mixtape called So That You Can Feel Better.  A very unique style.  I like this quite a bit.

“Game Over” by Jeremy Nash

Another track from Getaway Driver, the recent album by Nashville/New York singer-songwriter Jeremy Nash.

“Shadows Past” by Elephant Revival

From the live project, Sands of Now – Colorado Americana/Indie Folk band Elephant Revival.

“Let’s Stick Together” by Luella

Another from Luella – here dueting with Tim Carroll on a cover of a Bryan Ferry song that was a cover of a Wilbert Harrison song.  Luella and Tim make it all their own.

“What They Gonna Say” by Nellie Clay

Another great song from Never Did What I Should Have Done. Nellie came to Nashville from Oklahoma after a several year stop over in Alaska.  Great music from a really cool person.

“Ride the Dragon” by Iced Ink

Ride the Dragon is nine seconds long.  Sounds like a pretty good rodeo ride… From Willie Nelson Prince.

“On Its Way” by Outta the Furnace

Our second listen to these hard/blues rocking Virginians.

“Rainbow Over The East-Side” by Amelia White

A gorgeous song from Home Sweet Hotel.  The video is from last summer at Music City Roots. A bunch of familiar faces in the band.

“The Great Space Fight” by Discount Ravioli

Once again, since Discount Ravioli seems to eschew videos, I found a 7 year video of the Nork kids.  This one an interview at a corn maze.  🙂

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle – All the Way to Peter’s Gate Mix

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I hesitate to report again about how awesome $2 Tuesdays are at The 5 Spot.  Derek Hoke and DJ Tim Hibbs throw a massive weekly party.  It cost you just $2 to get in and you can get Yazoo pints for just $2 all night.  I hesitate because it was packed out last night, and maybe enough people know about it… but hell.  For that $2, every single time I have gone, I have seen and heard some pretty amazing music.  Hell, $2 would be cheap just to hear Derek Hoke and his amazing band play a couple of songs.  Dead Horses from Wisconsin were awesome, Quinn from here in Nashville (and featuring E2TG Artist of the Year Jon Latham on guitar and BGVs) have an awesome sound.  Probably the only complaint I have (and I guess my age is showing) is that I left before the last band played and it was already midnight.  But, the young folks love it – ah, I remember… I remember…

Wednesday? What the hell is it?  Some call it hump day and celebrate having reached the mid-way through the work week, what does that say about us?  1. We are wishing our lives away and/or 2. We hate our week day existence so much and/or 3. We are optimists (I mean we would say we’ve toiled away for days and still have days of toil ahead).  Who knows? Wednesday are wild!  Wild used in the same way as “Jokers Wild”.  Wednesday can be anything.  Or maybe wild used in the sense of wild!

Welcome to the first ever Wild Wednesday Shuffle.  Make sure your seatbelts are locked and loaded… or whatever…

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Here goes nothing!

“Lucky” by The Dead Milkmen

How awesome!  The very first “Wild Wednesday” shuffle, randomly kicks off with The Dead Milkmen with a deep cut from Big Lizard in My Backyard. How lucky!

“Jesus Everyday” by Treat Her Right

How sad is it that this brilliantly satirical song could un-ironically be the campaign theme song for the top GOP candidate (whose name I refuse to mention)… Treat Her Right, as you may or may not know were a Boston-based blues rock band fronted by the late, great Mark Sandman who went on to front the band Morphine.  This is from the self-titled debut of the band which came out the year following The Dead Milkmen album mentioned above.

“Yr Hallway” by Youngstrr Joey

In the spirit of Wild Wednesday, we jump ahead about 30 years for this track from Glascow based – experimental musician, Youngstrr Joey from his album Grilled Wiig. And, yes all of those words are spelled as intended.

“Feels So Right” by Discount Ravioli

The debut from Discount Ravioli (Robin Schultz and the 21 Prayers) is a gift that keeps on giving. This is a favorite of mine from that album. The combo has just released yet another record (Ermilaw EP).  I guess it keeps the kids off the street. 😉

“Dirty Cop” by Ricca Vita

Ricca Vita is an eclectic electronica project of Timothy Joe Ryssemus who co-produced the new Zachariah Red album, and who also has the best hair in Nashville. This EP is available on Noisetrade where it is currently “New and Notable”.  Recommended to spice up your music collection.  

“Laundromat Song” by The Dead Milkmen

Wild!  Two songs from Big Lizard in My Backyard.  One of the coolest things garnered from posting this album is that I now follow Rodney Anonymous on Twitter, and his tweets are awesome.  I hope somebody on the new WXNA plays “Bitchin’ Camaro” (I will if no one else will), because back in the day on the old WRVU, I must have heard that song a couple hundred times.

“Nothin'” by Townes Van Zandt

We finally wrap up the early live recording of Townes Van Zandt with this song which I like a bunch.

“B.N.G.F.K.R.” by Smokey the Firebear

Six minutes of noise via the title track from Smokey the Firebear’s noisy album.  To bad, I couldn’t add this to the video playlist. 

“Clickin'” by Whistlin’ Britches

Proving that noise is not limited to teenagers from Connecticut – this mouth noise track comes to us via Music Maker Relief Foundation. Haskel Thompson (known as Whistlin’ Britches) passed away in 2011, and Music Maker Relief Foundation helped him to spread his unbridled joy with the world. 

“Out” by Mouth Reader

This final track from Mouth Reader’s Hands EP has been hanging out in our playlist for several months. You may or may not recall that the EP was released on Record Store Day as a limited edition Playable pop-up book. Mouth Reader are from Murfreesboro, TN.

“Weather Report Suite”  by Lena Horne

I actually may need some help with this one.  This was an unlisted track on my friend Ronnie’s annual mix CD.  According to Amazon Firefly, the track is as listed above.  I could not find this recording on You Tube, and my quick research created a bit of mystery for me.  The Grateful Dead have a 12 minute, 3-part song called Weather Report Suite, however, this track appears to be a cover of another Dead song called Franklin’s Tower.  I hope either Ronnie or one of the Grateful Dead fans I know will shed some light.   Anyway, the track is awesome.  I did find it on Amazon (UK) and it is titled as above and playing a sample proves it to be song I have.  Either way, Lena Horne covering the Grateful Dead is a pretty darn cool thing. Since, I could not find a video of this, I posted Lena Horne doing “Stormy Weather” which is cool, but still not this… 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Too Far Gone Mix

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Friday is upon us…

It has been a pretty crazy, stressful kind of week, so I cannot say  that I unhappy that it is almost over…

Last night was fun, though – although traffic was horrible.  I set off for Douglas Corner with a GPS estimated arrival time of 6:04p.m.  After I got stopped by a train that came to a complete stop.  After an unsuccessful attempt to find some way around (the train was blocking several main roads), I ended up back where I started, but the train had finally cleared. I finally arrived around 6:25p.m. or so and fortunately, the music had just started.  It was a songwriter’s round that included Mike Cullison and a singer-songwriter named Arielle – who impressed me highly.

I left there and headed to The 5 Spot to catch the last 45 minutes or so of Paul Burch’s residency show.  His outstanding band included Fats Kaplin and two bass players.

Finally, I ended my jaunt at The Family Wash for an incredible performance by Annie McCue. McCue is from Australia but surely has an honorary East Nashville membership card. 

Got to hang with some awesome folks at each of those shows.

As I was writing this, I got the official word, that yours truly and Sue Havlish will be the hosts of an hour long radio show on the brand new low power community radio station WXNA. The show (Double Shot with Joe and Sue) will be every Friday from 2:00 to 3:00p.m.  As soon as the launch date is announced, I will let you know.

Friday means, that I hit shuffle from the “Featured Friday” playlist- so without much more ado – let’s get to it!

“Too Far Gone” by Joe Mansman and the Midnight Revival Band

Long time E2TG favorite, Joe Mansman is up first with the title track from the debut EP by his current project. I think this is some of the best work he has done – it has been out for a bit, but please check it out.

“A Cloud A Hand The Sea” by Drew Worthley

Our first listen to a song from the album Crucible which is out now.  Drew Worthley is a London based singer-songwriter.  Expect to hear more…

“If I Didn’t Care” by Ben Lowry

Another great song from Somnium – the solo project by Bang OK Bang member Ben Lowry.  

“The River Underground” by exedra

Another one from Elemental.  Exedra is the new project from Jeremy Gluck – who we first were introduced to via his Memory Deluxe album.  This is atmospheric, shoegazey goodness.  Check it out.

“You Was Right Baby” by Eight O’Five Jive

And now, we have officially featured every song on the fantastic album, Too Many Men by Nashville-based jump blues band Eight O’Five Jive. It was groovy, swinging fun songs like this that helped Eight O’Five Jive to be a multiple award-winning band. The band recently made some great noise at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and of course they were one of the inaugural class of “Earie” award winners.  Can’t wait to hear what they have up their sleeves for the encore.

“I’m Sorry and I’ll Try to Make You Feel Better After the Gig” by Discount Ravioli

We  close things out with some post-emomathcore, experimental craziness from the seven song release Come Looj With Us. They have already released the follow up. Via the Dord Music Group from Connecticut.  We have included a video for another Dord band called Urinal Cakes in the video playlist.  

Peace out!

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Salted Joints, Cannibalism, and Andre the Giant Mix

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Another week… this is gonna be a weird one.  But, whatever…

Friday:  Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour – always a good time. 
Cross the river to The Country for The Tangled Hearts and Saint Luke’s Drifters each providing a different take on a rockin’ country sound.

Saturday:  So, I have been reading this book called Outlaw: Waylon, Willie, Kris and the Renegades of Nashville by Michael Streissguth.  (Thanks Pat and Kelsie). It is a very interesting book not just about the origins of the Outlaw Country movement but also about what Nashville was like in the late sixties and early seventies.  I am drawing some interesting parallels to what I have been observing in Nashville in recent times.  Anyway, Saturday night on the stage of Douglas Corner, Peter Cooper, David Olney, Tommy Womack, and Chris Gantry played an in-the-round show (swapping songs and stories).  Peter Cooper writing is referenced several times in Streissguth’s book,  David Olney is mentioned in a quote from Rodney Crowell (and he shared a story that referenced that time period), and Chris Gantry’s name came up several times in the book, and he, too, shared some stories from those days.  The songs, of course, were out of this world, and it was a pretty magical night.

Onto the shuffle:
“Salted Joints” by Discount Ravioli

Discount Ravioli released Come Looj With Us at the beginning of January, and they have already released the follow up Captain Fettuccine and the Quest for the Champ on Earth II.  Anyway, this track is from the former not the latter.  Warning: excessive use of salt is not recommended.  And if you are going to practice cannibalism just eat people who are already dead.  Also, since I still cannot find Discount Ravioli videos, I will continue to post vintage videos of the Nork kids.

“Andre” by Dog Without Warning

The bay area band, Dog Without Warning have been favorites around here for some time. They have recently begun releasing some new songs, including this one about one of the icons of my childhood, and one for the more interesting public figures of the latter part of the 20th Century – Andre the Giant.

“Post-Desert Breakup Life” by Discount Ravioli

Why not – one more from Come Looj With Us.  I have no idea what this is all about, but enjoy the chunky instrumentation and barely audible vocals.    Also,

“A Million Stars” by Ashleigh Flynn

One of the highlights of my birthday week was meeting and hearing the music of Ashleigh Flynn.  This is the lovely title track from her 2013 album.

“The Flame” by Angela Easterling

Speaking of awesome singer-songwriters whose names start with the letter A, and who I met at a $2 Tuesday show at The 5 Spot…. Angela Eastering released the awesome Common Law Wife album in 2015 and that album helped earn her a coveted “Earie”Award. 🙂  

“Deadbeat (Dyslexic Heart)” by Ben Arthur

One of my favorite of Ben Arthur’s “Answer” songs from the planned album, “Call and Response”.   This one is a response to the poetry of  Jay Baron Nicorvo – namely his collection called Deadbeat.

“Ducking Dodging” by Parquet Courts

From a World Café session…and a track from the Brooklyn  indie rock band’s album Sunbathing Animals + Content Nausea. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Indonesian Fog and the Rain Mix

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Friday, another fun night at Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour.  Just about the best hang, I know with some kick ass rock and roll music to boot.

Saturday,  David Olney killed it at Bobby’s Idle Hour, and Patrick Kinsley and a Fistful of Dollars, Cataline Crime, and Zach Schmidt put on a hell of a show at The 5 Spot.

Tonight, one of the finest songwriters of our time is making his debut on Colbert. America, prepare to be blown away by John Moreland – as I have every time I have seen him perform.

I cannot believe it is February already…  To start off the week and the month, we have a random shuffle that makes no sense whatsoever, but which was a whole ton of fun to hear during my commute.

“Perfect Match” by Tymon Dogg

Another track from Tymon Dogg’s album, Made of Light.  As I have pointed out before, Tymon Dogg collaborated with the late Joe Strummer.  This will come into play later in the shuffle… hold that thought.

“Night” (live) by Bruce Springsteeen and the E Street Band

Last week, Bruce Springsteen made his entire 1/19/2016 Chicago show available for free download for about 48 hours. I jumped all over that.  Expect much more Bruce in the coming weeks!

“Say My Name, F**** the Rest” by Discount Ravioli

With references to Julian Koster and a brief reprise of the Donald Trump rap we featured previously… well, what else can I say. The title pretty much tells the rest of what the song is about.

“California Nights” by Best Coast

The title track from 3rd album by Best Coast which was released in May 2015.

“Extermination” by Discount Ravioli

Discount Ravioli return to the shuffle after a one song absence. I need to point out that I still cannot find Discount Ravioli videos on YouTube, so in lieu of posting suggested videos about how to make ravioli, I selected a video by at last a couple of the people who made this  and others doing a Neutral Milk Hotel cover.  Plus some archival footage of two of the Nork brothers…

“King of the Bayou” by Joe Strummer

From Earthquake Weather which featured Joe Strummer and The Latino Rockabilly War – a band that included Zander Schloss of Circle Jerks and Weirdos fame.  This album and some tracks from the soundtrack of a movie called Permanent Record are the only releases featuring Latino Rockabilly War that I am aware of.   The Permanent Record soundtrack – by the way – was awesome.

“I Don’t Want Nobody” by Rich Robbins (feat. Dantrell Cotton) (prod. Since ’93)

On February 26, Rich Robbins will be putting on his first headlining show in Madison, Wisconsin. Should be a classic night.  One of the more soulful and powerful songs on the Nimbus. 

“Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” by Adele

Although, we usually stick to only the most commercially successful/well-known artists – at #E2TG (like Discount Ravioli for example), every once in awhile, we like to shed a little light on more obscure artists.  Adele recently released her album 25 (a complex numerical puzzle that most people will not understand).  Anyway, you’ve probably never heard of her, but I think she shows real potential.  Keep it up, Adele.

“Let a Little Love Inside” by Adam Stafford

Another listen to the forthcoming album, Taser Revelations. Adam Stafford is from central Scotland. I like what I’ve heard so far from this album.  Check it out.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Pad Thai Mix

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And just like that Darrin Bradbury’s January Residency at The Basement East is over.  And what a residency it was.  The four weeks were a showcase for the music and the community of East Nashville, and they clearly demonstrated the role (whether he acknowledges or not) that Darrin has played in building the community.   The openers: Jon Latham, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Zach Schmidt, Tim Easton, Megan Palmer, Michaela Anne, Erin Rae, Rorey Carroll, and Steve Poltz (along with the amazing musicians backing them). Guests: Margo Price and Todd Snider. And Darrin and his truly out of this world band (who got better and tighter each week).

Last night…. last night!  Erin Rae has an amazing voice… this is country music how it should be done.  Steve Poltz (ex of The Rugburns) had some dates cancelled due to the weather (for which I for one am grateful)… I had begun following him on Instagram some time back  (I think via a post from Megan Palmer), but this was my first real exposure to his music.  The strength of his songs and the power of his presence and energy made me smile and made me want to be a better person.  Rorey Carroll writes amazing songs and her cover of a Linda Ronstadt cover backed by Todd Snider on the harmonica was magical.

As of Darrin Bradbury – as I said, the band (Aaron Shafer-Haiss, Cameron Carrus, Megan Palmer, and Larry Walnuts (aka Little Joe from Sturgill Simpson’s band) started strong and got better – bringing out new elements in songs that I have heard upwards of fifty or more times over the last couple of years.   Last night, they were joined by Jeff Crowe (also from Simpson’s band) on keyboards, and it felt like he added a missing piece that was not even missed until it was added.

Lately, this feeling of being in a special place at a special time has been palpable, and last night felt like a perfect microcosm of that feeling.  It made me very proud to have been an advocate for Darrin’s music for these last couple of years.

Next a shuffle that defies expectations… or whatever…
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“Nothin’ Left to Lose” by Dan Baird and Homemade Sin

Former Georgia Satellite front-man Dan Baird has never stopped rocking, and his current band which features Warner Hodges on guitar is proof.  Get Loud is their latest album.  The band will be making an extremely rare Nashville appearance at The Basement East on Valentine’s Day.  Something to love!

“Pilgrim (You Can’t Go Home)” by Dave Rawlings Machine

I have to say a big thank you to my friend Russell for giving me Nashville Obsolete for my birthday.  This is the nearly eight minute final track from that album. A masterpiece. This is music that will be listened to and talked about for years to come. Pure genius.   To connect an thread running through the post so far – when I saw the Americana super-group Traveler at The Basement East – Dave Rawlings joined the band on one song.

“Safe Side” by James McMurtry

This one goes back to McMurtry’s second studio album Candyland (1992).  It still sounds fresh today. Great songs tend to do that.

“Bah Humbug Ramadan (Pad Thai/Cool  Rap Tune About Donald Trump)” by Discount Ravioli

Okay – so Dan Baird, Dave Rawlings, and James McMurtry back to back to back is not too far of a stretch.  You might see those names together on any number of cool Americana/Roots blogs.  As you may know by now, though, E2TG is not like those other admittedly cool blogs.  So, where as one of those blogs might follow those three with Isbell or Sturgill or Rodney Crowell, we pivot 795 degrees (wait do get undizzy) and then bring you this epic track from the first Discount Ravioli album, Robin Schultz and the 21 Prayers. First of all, I have to apologize for the offensive phrase in the title.. I normally do not use words like D****d T***p, but it is in the title of the song which was recorded well ahead of the current wave of overexposure.  And if it helps, it is used in an appropriate context here… I think.  This one is over six minutes long, but time flies when hyped-up young people are singing about Pad Thai and whatnot.

“Fall Into” by Daphne Willis

Where do you go from there?  How about a slice of pure pop songwriting heaven from Nashville singer-songwriter Daphne Willis from her latest EP Get it.  By the way, I also saw Daphne Willis at The Basement East. 

“Run to Me” by Jesse and Noah

Jesse and Noah Bellamy cover a song by another band of brother (Gibb) – and once again showcase their incredible harmonies.  From the EP Brethren.

“Trail of Tears” by Guadalcanal Diary

We close things out with a song from the debut album, Walking in the Shadow of the Big Man by Marietta, Georgia band, Guadalcanal Diary.  Jason Ringenberg has played this song a couple of time during his January residency at The 5 Spot which wraps up Wednesday night. Regular readers will note that I have been featuring this album for several months – thus the appearance of this song at this time is purely happy coincidence.  The Scorchers and Guadalcanal Diary were two of the bands that brought together the non-mainstream music I had recently “discovered” with my reality of growing up in the South.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Wintry Mix Mix

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So… Nashville had a light layer of ice this morning followed by a dusting of snow.  To translate for those of you in colder climates: NASHVILLE WAS HIT BY A MAJOR WINTER STORM TODAY! EVERYONE PANIC NOW!!!!!

So, when I made to the office (where attendance is very light today), my phone decided to turn itself off and back on which means I lost the record of the shuffle. I was able to remember all of the songs – I think, but the order is screwed up… then again, you would never have known that if I had not told you… shoot, I wish there was a way to erase that, but I heard things on the internet cannot be truly erased… 

I am getting really excited for tomorrow night.  At the Family Wash – dual CD Release shows happening with two of my favorite people here in town.  Stone Cupid (Julie Christensen’s band) is celebrating the release of The Cardinal and Amelia White is celebrating the release of her new album Home Sweet Hotel. Should be a great time!

On to the approximation of this morning’s shuffle….

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Maria McKee has been one of my favorite voices since she was with Lone Justice.  This is a favorite of mine from her self-titled debut album.

“Baby Please Don’t Go” by CJ Chenier

A zydeco flavored version of the blues standard via The World Café Sessions. 

“Let’s Go to Memphis” by Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen

Some new blues from Nashville’s own Scissormen off of the album Love and Life.

“Fake (About 10 or 12 Cows)” by Discount Ravioli

Discount Ravioli have a new album, but this is off their first which was called Robin Schultz and the 21 Prayers.  I still cannot find a Discount Ravioli video (but I did find lots of videos about how to make ravioli which is better than when I tried to find a video of another Dord Music Group band called 100% Beefcake….). I did find a video for another band from that label called Urinal Cakes.  Discount Ravioli are on bandcamp.  How to explain their sound…. imagine what it would sound like if you gave a group of musically talented but offbeat kids a bunch of caffeine and let them stay up way too late and then recorded the results. Something like that. It’s fun for sure.

“Walt Whitman’s Haversack” by Fendrick and Peck

Another lovely song from the Lucky Penny album by the Nashville-based, hard travelling duo.

“Valley of Rain” by Giant Sand

The lead and title track from the 1985 debut album by the long running Tucson, Arizona band fronted by the great Howe Gelb.  The first album featured piano by Chris Cacavas of Green on Red.  Over the years, the band has gone by the names Giant Sandworm and Giant Giant Sand. 

 

“Benson Said Something” by Smokey The Firebear

31 seconds of found sounds, random recordings, and noises from the album BNGFKR.  Smokey The Firebear’s new album Ohm Atlanta is due out on Valentine’s Day. I think.

“The Wild Side of Life” by Hank Thompson

A true classic country music song from 1952 by the great Hank Thompson.  This was the song that inspired the answer song, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” by Kitty Wells which was also released in 1952.

“Time Passes By” by Don Gallardo

Despite what you may hear otherwise, true country music is alive and well here in the middle years of the second decade of the 21st Century.  I saw Nashville based Don Gallardo and his band How Far West on New Years Eve Eve at the Family Wash, and they were incredible.  Expect a new album in 2016.  This one is the lead track from the 2011 album When The Daylight Whispers Darling…

VIDEO PLAYLIST