Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Gratitude Mix

Short and Sweet. In spite of Because of all of the difficulties of this year, I am more aware than ever of the reasons I have to be grateful.   In a randomly shuffled way – that will be my focus today….

“Cry Over You” by Tami Neilson from Dynamite!

I am grateful for the Feel Bad for You monthly mixtape for expanding and enhancing my musical palate. I am also grateful for new music that sounds like it comes from another era – like some lost classic recording.

“Don’t Walk Away” by Aaron Lee Tasjan from Crooked River Burning

I am grateful for circumstances which have allowed to see and meet incredibly talented musicians/singers/songwriters like Aaron Lee Tasjan.  “This is a song about not walking away when someone’s talking to you, it’s called ‘Don’t Walk Away I’m Talking to You'”

“Two of Me” by Haesemeyer from Three Mirrors

I am grateful for discovering new music from near and far from a variety of sources and through the (sometimes) mixed blessing of social media getting to know the people behind the music.

“Fort Wayne” by Heath McNease from Fort Wayne

I am grateful for Noisetrade for introducing to music I might not otherwise hear. And for heartfelt people making the music they want to make regardless of labels or genre restrictions.

“Rambo” by The Features from Old Familiar Melodies – 2008-2013/Wilderness

I am grateful for people who come from near the place that I come from who go on to do great things who remind me that nothing about me holds me back except for me.

“God I Miss You” by Dan Coyle from Perfect World, Perfect Beat

I am grateful for people who notice when I write about them. As corny as it may sound, it is good to have reminders that I am not writing into a void. I am also grateful for people who remember and allow me to follow their journey through their music.

“Leaves” by The Western Shore from Thunderstorm

I am grateful for the insanely talented group of people I have been fortunate enough to become a part of over these last few months.  People pursuing their own version of the elusive but ever-present dream.  Nashville/East Nashville is filled with people like this, and I think I have found a pretty special (and ever expanding) group of folks with which to continue this journey.

“Can’t Say No” by The Fleeting Ends from Can’t Say No EP

Noisetrade again…. I am grateful for new music that manages to capture a bit of the music I grew up with without being derivative. I am grateful for a well-crafted Pop song, and I am grateful for continuing to discover new music almost every day.

“My Friend (Times Aren’t Too Bad)” by D. Joseph Mooradian via Soundcloud

I am grateful for young people continuing to express themselves through the art form of music. In this town, in this age… it is easy to get caught up in the music “business” and the charts and articles and opinions and pageviews and the bloody $$$$s. Music is or at least can be art – not in an elitist kind of way, but in a spiritual kind of way.  We trade a bit of ourselves with one another through the various ways be express ourselves.  I am grateful to hear and see the children of friends following this path of expression no matter how far or where it leads.

This turned out to be a pretty cool exercise in gratitude. Of course, I left out so many.  That’s why I use the random shuffle – if I was trying to create some “perfect” gratitude playlist – I would worry and obsess and it wouldn’t be done until next Thanksgiving.  

Have a good Holiday if you are celebrating.  To my Canadian friends – I send that greeting back through time to last month.  For others…. well, there is quite a bit about this American holiday that you may think is weird and excessive… but when it comes to taking time to be grateful – well, I think we got that part about right.

VIDEO APPROXIMATION

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Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Jack Chick vs. Twin Peaks with a Twist Mix

I had a great night hanging out with a bunch of friends at a venerated Music Row bar and watching about a dozen or more of those friends make awesome music….

We have a delightful shuffle today with some cool songs and some cool pop culture references.  The shuffle contains old and new music of differing genres and points of view all existing in some semblance of harmony on my phone’s music player.   If these songs can all keep along, why can’t we?

“Twin Peaks Twist” by Messer Chups from Heretic Channel

It’s a good sign on a cold, snowy Monday morning when the shuffle begins with experimental music from Russia/Germany in the form of a mash-up of sorts of the Twin Peaks theme with The Twist? or least with a surf rock backbeat.  From Messer Chups’ 2009 album.

“San Francisco Girl” by Joe Nolan from Plain Jane

Our second listen to Nashville writer Joe Nolan.  This is a song about one of my favorite cities (even if I have only been to it a couple of time).  There is something almost Dylanesque about this song – I really liked it. Joe Nolan will be playing Short Sets at The Family Wash tomorrow night.

“Waiting” by The Style Council from The Singular Adventures of the Style Council/The Cost of Loving

A tenderer side of Paul Weller with this song from the band’s 1987 third album.

“Bunker” (Acoustic NoiseTrade Exclusive) by Heath McNease from Fort Wayne

Another awesome acoustic song from Heath McNease  from a collection of songs inspired by his film Fort Wayne.

“California (There is No End to Love)” by U2 from Songs of Innocence

Beginning with bits of “Barbara Ann”, a promisingly different sounding song from U2’s infamous new album.  I actually like this song.

“Let the Last Night Be the Longest” by The Jayhawks from The Jayhawks (aka The Bunkhouse Album)

A recent thrift store find – the debut album from Gary Louris and company.  Some solid songwriting – even as the band had not yet found their signature sound.

“See Me” by Heather Powell from A Haze of Grays and Blues

I was fortunate enough to get hold of a few songs from True Groove recording artist Heather Powell’s next album, A Haze of Grays and Blues (due out in the first part of 2015).  From what I’ve heard so far, this is going to a must have album.  A powerful song

“Lonely Mind” by Tex and the Horseheads from Tex and the Horseheads

I was reminded of Tex and the Horseheads after recently watching the 1987 film Border Radio in which Texala Jones plays a pretty funny (if irresponsible) babysitter.  I found this from what I think is a 2011 reunion EP.  Sounds great.

“Jack T. Chick and the Long Hand of Satan” by The Radicals from Halloween Rhymes and Children’s Crimes

As a long time… eh um… fan/collector of Jack Chick’s religious tracts, this track which seemingly features some audio of Mr. Chick caught my attention.  Beware the Long Hand of Satan….

“King Harvest (Has Surely Come)” by The Band from The Band

And we close out our first shuffle of the week with the song that closes out The Band’s self-titled second album. It doesn’t get much better than this…. 

 

VIDEOS


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Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Takes Brains Mix

Back at you with another shuffle after a day off.  Made it to four different venues last night to see friends play music.  Two downtown, two on the eastside.  Heard a couple of great songwriter circles – one with Taylor Alexander of the band Young America and one with Lindsay Ellyn.  Hustled to the East Nashville – Logue’s Black Raven Speakeasy to catch the last part of Amelia White’s set and a moving set from the incomparable Julie Christensen, and then drove a few block down Gallatin Pike to catch the tail end of a set from Darrin Bradbury and the Fran’s Eastside Super-High Band (Tim Carroll, Cameron Carrus, and David Strayer).  As Lindsay said, the hustle is real…

Today’s shuffle is long on great music, but I am short on time… so check it out, google if you need to and enjoy our little video approximation.

!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”); “Another Fine Day” by Golden Smog from Another Fine Day

Title track – a nice way to start another fine day…

“The Devil’s Masquerade” by The Radicals from Halloween Rhymes and Children’s Crimes

Nothing like some punk rock music to get the morning hopping…

“Walter” (Acoustic Noisetrade Exclusive) by Heath McNease from Fort Wayne (songs inspired by the film)

Any song that begins by referencing David Bowie is okay in my book.  I really can relate to this song… Ground Control to Major Tom…

“Shake ’em On Down” by Sidestreet Reny and Lil’ Bell from Holler

New music from a West Coast Blues duo I’ve become very fond of lately. With a great R.L. Burnside Mississippi Fred McDowell cover (I haven’t fact checked this – so if I’m wrong let me know and I will correct/retract). Thanks to Sturgis Nikides for the assist.

“Living the Dream” by Sturgill Simpson from 2014-05-13 – Grimey’s Records – Nashville/Metamodern Sounds in Country Music

What can I say? The incredibly awesome Sturgill Simpson recorded live at the awesome Grimey’s New and Pre-Loved Music.

“The Mayor of Simpleton” by XTC from Oranges and Lemons

If you don’t like this song… I just don’t understand you…  One of my all-time favorites.

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

Classic Rock just not in the way the term is usually used…

“I Was Raised in Babylon” by Yusuf/Cat Stevens from Yusuf

I remember when “Peace Train” was pulled from the 10,000 Maniacs In my Tribe album.  I saw this new album pop up on Freegal – I listened to a few seconds of this opening track, and I had to download it… 

“Ain’t Nobody (Gonna Save My Soul)” by Pork Chop Willie from Love is the Devil

I actually think we’ve already featured this song – I think it got added to my playlist twice. I’m not complaining. Some great Hill Country Blues from North Mississippi by way of Brooklyn, New York.

VIDEOS

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Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Handle With Care Mix

Monday.  And we have another shuffle that demonstrates many of  the best qualities of what makes our daily shuffles so special (and they are special….) – we have a collection of excellent songs – a few mini-almost-themes running through some of the songs, a fairly diverse collection of styles but nothing terribly extreme (by our standards).  Let’s do it!

“Ghost Limb” by Emily Wolfe from Roulette

Emily Wolfe from Austin starts us off with the dreamy opening track off of their Roulette EP which was released just over a month ago. 

“Man I Am” by Goodbye June from Deer Head Music Presents: Indie Mixtape Nashville/ Nor the Wild Music Flows

The bluesier, rockinger side of Nashville Indie music, and another fine track from the Deer Head Music Presents mixtape. I really dig this song, and I want to hear more from this band.

“Savannah Almost Killed Me” by American Aquarium from Burn.Flicker.Die.

My internet friend and CXCW legend Josie Little has a birthday today (so Happy Birthday Josie).  This song goes out to her because she posted about seeing these guys this weekend, and my shuffle function was kind enough to include this song in the mix today.  American Aquarium ya’ll… just… American Aquarium!

“Shabbaditty” by Shabbadoo from Pajama

A little ditty by Shabbadoo… appropriately named…

“You’re So Small” by Lael Summer from Burden to Bear

Lael Summer doesn’t pull any punches.  I wish I had a voice like hers when I need to tell people off… I think I’ll just play this song and let them figure out what I’m trying to say.

“Medley: Johnny One Note/One Note Samba” by Barbra Streisand from Barbra Streisand… And Other Musical Instruments

Babs just needs one note.  Let’s Samba!

“Stay Together” (Acoustic) by Madi Diaz from Stripped Chopped + Screwed/ originally from Phantom

A mini-theme of three great female vocalists in a row.  A powerful stripped down version of a song from her most recent album.  Madi Diaz used to live in Nashville.

“Traveling Wilburys” by Heath McNease from Fort Wayne (songs inspired by the film)

Heath McNease sings about the late 80s supergroup that featured Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, and George Harrison. Whoever they are… Any way, I dig this song, and I took advantage to include the Traveling Wilbury’s song (which gives its name to today’s mix and which is mentioned in the Heath McNease song) in the Video Playlist today.  Handle with Care…

“You’re My Little Mellowcreme Pumpkin” by The Radicals from Halloween Rhymes and Children’s Crimes!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”);

It is now 10 days past Halloween, but I know you still have some of the extra candy hanging around somewhere.  Here is a sweet number about murder and mayhem from the Massachusetts punk rockers, The Radicals.

VIDEOS

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Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Wild Winnebago Mix

Had a good time at The Western Shore CD Release party thing last night.  Charlie and Kalee sounded great, the right-wrong Isaac was awesome, and it is always a great joy to see and hear Aaron Lee Tasjan. 

Well, we made it to Friday, and I think I am still breathing, so that has to be a good sign.

!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”); “Wreck of my Bed” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

The Grimm Generation’s songs are like a seedy conversation, in a seedy spot, with a seedy stranger, and realizing you are exactly where your seedy self needs to be.

“Eastbound 94” by Heath McNease from Fort Wayne (Music inspired by the Film)

I’m a sucker for songs about driving…  Heath McNease has a pretty diverse and extensive repertoire, and this may just be one of my favorite songs of his. 

“Morphine” by The Oxford Coma from Morphine

I am a proponent of the Oxford comma.  Likewise, I have become a big fan of The Oxford Coma.  Sometimes, I need a little Heavy Psychedelic Metal in my life. This is the title track to their forthcoming EP.

“Play the Greed” by Dar Williams from Occupy this Album

IMHO, the Occupy movement (and I do realize it still exists on some level) was a great idea done-in by internal problems along with  “freedom” and “constitution” loving right wing governments quashing free speech.  In any event, I still support many of the principles of the movement, and even removed from the context of Occupy, this Dar Williams song is a timely and accurate description of the state of this nation. 

“Long Time Ago” by Golden Smog from Another Fine Day

We roll on with another cool song from Golden Smog.

“Infrastatic (Thanks Uncle Sam)” by The Oxford Coma from Morphine

#2 of the day from The Oxford Coma.  An odd brief track from The Oxford Coma with found sounds?/spoken word stuff… Nice

“Wanted (or Waiter There’s Some Soup in my Flies)” by The Style Council from The Singular Adventures of the Style Council

A non-album cut released between the band’s 3rd and 4th studio albums.  The band’s interest in American soul and Rhythm and Blues music is clear on this track.

“Every Breaking Wave” by U2 from Songs of Innocence

A bit muddled perhaps, but I still really dig this cut from the latest U2 Album.

“Mule in the Badlands” by Darrin Bradbury from A Car Becomes a House

Darrin Bradbury is hard at work on his latest proper album, but in the meantime, he recently dropped another swell collection of demos which includes this song about the American West and the native Wild Winnebago herbs which use to roam the landscape. 

window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js “Bow for Blade” by Brown Bird from Fits of Reason

A gorgeous song from Brown Bird…

“It’s All Been Done” by The Grey A from My Country

And, we close things out with another great track from the album My Country by The Grey A.  They have a new video coming out next week for the new single Dumb Fool – another timely song for this crazy age…

VIDEOS

Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Cobwebs and Twisted Dry Bones Mix

So… for those who love Halloween, you will notice the way I mashed up some song titles from today’s shuffle into a Halloweeny sounding  “Cobwebs and Twisted Dry Bones” subtitle for this shuffle.  For those who dislike Halloween, there are no real Halloween-themed songs in this shuffle. 

Boo!

“Ballad of Treason” by Abigail Washburn from City of Refuge

The amazing Abigail Washburn with another fine song from her City of Refuge album which we have been featuring of late.

“Keep!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”);Sweeping Cobwebs off the Moon” by Victoria Williams from Sings Some Ol’ Songs

Here is Victoria Williams’ remake of a hit song from the late 1920s.    window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”;

“Old Postcards” by Amelia White from Old Postcards

How about we present the title track from the latest album from East Nashville’s own Americana icon – the incredible Amelia White!

Мексиканские напевы” by Orera from 1970

And why yes, I think we will present some Mexican Tunes performed by a Georgian Folk/Jazz band.  And yes, that is Georgia the former (although at the time of this recording it wasn’t former) Soviet republic.  This is awesome stuff.

“(I’m Not In) Prison” by The Jayhawks from The Jayhawks (aka The Bunkhouse Album)

I really can’t help myself, when I go into a thrift store, I just have to take a look at the CD bins.  Last weekend, I had to make some returns, and I left with some clothes and the debut album (1986-87) by The Jayhawks. 

“Who Woulda Thunk It?” by Grant Peeples and the Peeples Republik from Punishing the Myth

Grant Peeples doing a Greg Brown song? Why yes I will take that.

“Same River Twice” by Matt King from Raw

Another Nashville artist.  Matt King with a song from his album Raw.

“Dry Bones” (Acoustic Noisetrade Exclusive) by Heath McNease from Fort Wayne (songs inspired by the film)

Heath McNease sometimes does hip-hop, somethings does indie/folk, and somethings does what ever he wants… He does them all very well, and this acoustic arrangement from his Fort Wayne project (film/album) is a good example.

“Twisted Kinda” by Sidestreet Reny from Tonal Tonics and Musical Elixers  

Today we finish up the week with another superb track from this album by Sidestreet Reny.

VIDEOS


  

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Protective Leather Skin Mix

Let’s see….  So apparently, Foo Fighters are playing at The Ryman on Halloween.

Last night, I got hang out with some awesome songwriters and talk music and the movie Road House, plus hear some of them do what they do best.  I also hopped over to the Mercy Lounge to finally see Dogs of Oz live.  They were awesome, and I hope to see a longer set from them soon.  Here is a picture.



Let’s get to the shuffle –

“The Good Fight” by Lael Summer from Burden to Bear

For the second day in a row we have a long from Lael Summer.  Such a great voice!

“Runnin'” by Modoc from Deer Head Music Presents: Indie Mixtape Nashville/Modoc

The breath and depth of talent in Nashville is outrageous. This incredible Indie mixtape while demonstrating a wide range of sounds and styles within the loosely defined genre is still but a drop in the bucket.  So many awesome players, writers, and bands….  That’s to Deer Head Music and Daniel Ellsworth and the Great Lakes for expanding my Nashville musical vocabulary.  Cool song from Modoc, who I have been hearing about for a while… my first listen, and I dig it.

“Tarpit” by Golden Smog from Blood on the Slacks

A week or so ago I found two Golden Smog albums at Goodwill. For the uninitiated, Golden Smog is a loosely associated group of musicians who are better known from their other bands.  Primarily, it is Gary Louris from The Jayhawks and Dan Murphy from Soul Asylum. Although best known for their awesome covers, on later albums the band began writing original music.  This, however, is a cover of a song by Dinosaur Jr.  P.s. I love the name of this album!

“Widows” by Heath McNease from Fort Wayne (Songs Inspired by the Film)

Another great track from Heath McNease from the album that accompanies his film, Fort Wayne.

“I Don’t Really Want to be Social” by BROCHO from An Introduction to BROCHO/Can’t Get Past the Lips

Some days, I think this could be my theme song…. I’ve been really digging on this BRONCHO music – thanks to NoiseTrade for the introduction…

“Nothings Gonna Change my Clothes” (live) by They Might Be Giants from First Album Live

We are almost done with our presentation of the live recreation of TMBG’s incredible first album.  “And the mirror, it reflects a tiny dancing skeleton
Surrounded by a fleshy overcoat and swaddled in
A furry hat, elastic mask, a pair of shiny marble dice
Some people call them snake-eyes, but to me they look like mice”

“When I See You Again” by The Western Shore from Thunderstorm

In spite of or because of or coincidental to the fact that Nashville has a wealth of musical talent (as previously discussed), it is also (or at least can be) a very small, tightly knit community. A few weeks ago at a Friday Tim Carroll show, I met Charlie Smyth and in the course of our conversation, I mentioned that I write a music blog at which point he handed me a CD. (Seriously one of favorite parts of writing a music blog), and just a few minutes later, I found out he is friends with some of my new musician friends.  Well, I gave the album a listen and immediately added to my active playlist, and today the Shuffle monster finally coughed our first (but not our last) song from this album.  Highly original sound, great songs, and superior execution.  I’m a fan.

“We Take Care of Our Own” by Matt King from Raw

I think I’ve said it before, but I am so looking forward to the next Matt King album which should feature his new band Killing Streets which includes my good friends Matt and Livia from The End Men (who are still the most tagged band on Ear to the Ground – although Darrin Bradbury is closing).  Until that album comes out, it’s been good to listen to this stripped down album and imagine this incredible songwriter back by such a kick ass band. 

“Getting Tails” by Zachariah Red from This Town EP

During the past couple of months, as I go through a rather difficult time, I have been fortunate to meet some incredible and incredibly talented people.  A couple of weeks ago, I got to write out Zachariah Red following his guest slot at Fran’s Eastside.  Today we have another song from his EP.  Looking forward to hearing more from Zachariah Red soon.  By the Nashville readers, Zach and several other of new friends and new favorite songwriters are playing at Belcourt Taps on Thursday. Come out.

“Sweet Trepidation”  by Ron Muga from Wonderful Doom!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”);

We close out the day with a song from New York songwriter Ron Muga.  He was kind enough to contact me and send me some music.  I like this song a lot. Check him out.

VIDEOS


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Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Shorter Days Mix

Welcome to Monday.  Had a great weekend, and now it’s time to face up to another work week.  Here is a fine, fine collection of music graciously presented by my cell phone’s music player on “Shuffle” mode.  A video representation of the shuffle is presented at end of the post…

“Shorter Days” by Heath McNease from Fort Wayne (Songs Inspired by the Film)

 

A great song for a cool, crisp fall morning… the days are getting shorter.

!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 “The Accelerated Life” by The Jason Drug Reaction from Down by the Pharmacy

This made me think of Douglas Coupland’s 1991 novel Generation X: Tales of an Accelerated Culture.  It also made me think about how much more accelerated our culture has become.  I dig this song – it made me think about stuff…

“Corner Girl” by Abigail Washburn from City of Refuge

Another great track from this album which I was lucky enough to find a thrift store a couple of weeks back.

“Tidbit” by The Black Jesuses from Black Jesuses

The Black Jesuses are a two piece Rock band from Asbury Park, NJ.  They are cool. Check them out.

“Tout Un Beau Soir en me Promenant” by Maria McKee from Evangeline Made: a tribute to Cajun Music

This is the second of Maria McKee’s two contributions to this Cajun Music tribute album.  The Video features a version of this song recorded by the archivist Alan Lomax. 

“Virgin” by Heyrocco from Deer Head Music Presents: Indie Mixtape Nashville/Mom Jeans EP

Some fun grungy/punky music from the Deer Head Music Nashville Indie mixtape.

“Til’ the Seas Run Dry” by Dom Flemons from Til’ the Seas Run Dry”

Another great song from ex-Carolina Chocolate Drops member Dom Flemons.  This is from a recent NoiseTrade sampler. 

“Mister Stay at Home” by David Olney from When the Deal Goes Down

I could listen to David Olney all day long.  Another awesome track from his latest album, When the Deal Goes Down.

“Rock it Up” by Blackfoot Gypsies from Dandee Cheeseball

We close out with one of the funnest (sic) and best Nashville bands around today.  I crossed out Nashville not because they aren’t from here, but because I didn’t want to put any qualification on the statement that they are an extremely fun and excellent band.  A ripping track from their 2011 album Dandee Cheeseball.

VIDEOS

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Danglin’ Mix

Yet another rainy morning in Music City USA – home of the Ear to the Ground Morning Shuffle (patent pending but not really) and some other music related stuff, I guess… 😉


“My Country Song” by The Grey A from My Country

A great way to start the morning off.  I freaking love this song, and this album.  Remember this? No Depression!

“Talk to God” by Tim Carroll from Opening Up/Look Out!

One of my favorite songs, but as my friend Lindsay says, all of Tim’s songs are hits…  Gonna miss him tonight at Fran’s (Columbus, Ohio – he’s all yours for tonight – don’t miss out!) but super-stoked to see Darrin and my friend Zach Red playing there. Fun starts at 9:00.  Tim will be back in time for his weekly Happy Hour at The Five Spot.

“Millennial Backlash” by The Jason Drug Reaction from Down on the Pharmacy

This song makes me want to slam dance.  I like songs that make me want to slam dance.  I also like songs that make me want to slam dance that have great hooks.  This one has a great hook!  The Jason in the bands name is Jason Krug of The Grimm Generation.  Dig it! 

“Been to the Deep” by Linear North from The Entrée (Built4BBQ Sampler)/Singles

When The End Men passed through Nashville last month, I got my hands on the latest compilation from the Upstate New York-based collective Built4BBQ.  I dig just about everything they put out, and I love Linear North.  They are from Albany, NY, and play some awesome Psych Blues…

“On and On” by Straightjacket Escape by!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”);The Entrée (Built4BBQ Sampler)

Two in a row from the Built4BBQ folks.  Some old school PUNK Rock is just what the doctor ordered!  From what I can tell, they are underground in the very essence of the word – no Facebook, no website, no damn Twitter – but just based upon this track, I can tell you that they ROCK!  If you ever happen to be in Upstate New York and find out they are playing – then get yourself there right away!

“Upper Right” by Heath McNease from Fort Wayne (Songs inspired by the Film)

Another track from Heath McNease.  I really like this song about distance and geography and change.

“I Got Nothin’ by Shabbadoo from Pajama

And yet another great track from this nearly 8 year old bit of Memphis musical history.  This one has words…

“Danglin'” by Hugh Trimble from Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen – Section 5/neighborpoem

Another New York state based musical collective that never fails to deliver the goods – This Section 5 from Mama Coco’s just keeps offering up great song after great song.  Hugh Trimble is currently based in Chicago, but recorded this song at Mama Coco’s.  I really, really love this song, and my next order of business is to grab some more music from Hugh Trimble.  It’s Indie Folk of the highest caliber.  Dig it!

VIDEOS

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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Mixed Up, Muddled Up, Shook Up Mix

It’s been dreary few days in Nashville, and my mood has matched the weather.  Music always helps…  Here is today’s dose…

“Lola” (live) by The Kinks from Come Dancing With the Kinks (The Best of the Kinks 1977-1986)/

I liked this song before I knew what it was about.  I liked this song after I knew what it was about. 

“Pilgrimage to Aunt Virginia’s” by Minton Sparks from Middlin’ Sisters

Minton Sparks has such a compelling voice (both in the writing sense and in the speaking sense). The setting and descriptions and characters paint a very clear picture of the story being told.

“Why Feel?” by Heath McNease from Fort Wayne (Songs Inspired by the Film)

Music inspired by Heath McNease’s crowd-funded new film Fort Wayne.

“Far From Over” by The Slang from The Slang EP

A song from the self-titled debut EP by The Slang from Columbus, Ohio. My first listen.  It’s strong alternative rock, and I definitely want to hear more.

“This Hell is Where We Belong” (live) by Humming House from Humming House Party!

Another track from the live album recently released by Nashville-based Humming House.  This high-energy Americana band from Nashville now features the powerhouse vocals of Ms. Leslie Rodriguez.

“Halomaya” by Shabbadoo from Pajama

A trippy, instrumental groove straight out of Memphis.

“Light erases the thought” by Fred Frith from $100 Guitar Project

Another excellent track from the $100 Guitar Project.  This one features legendary guitarist Fred Frith (Henry Cow etc.).  With the previous track in today’s shuffle – we have over nine minutes of glorious instrumental music to start of the day.  Nice.  The related  video we found is some good fun, too.  Fred Frith along with John French (Captain Beefheart), Henry Kaiser, and Richard Thompson doing a unique version of the Beach Boys’  Surfin’ U.S.A.

“Living the Dream” by Warren Pash from Plastic Rulers!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”);

Warren Pash co-wrote “Private Eyes” – the Hall and Oates hit song.  He is also an amazing singer/songwriter now based in Nashville. This song comes from his 2007 album Plastic Rulers.  The video is from a show at East Nashville hotspot The Family Wash and features Warren Pash playing with Rolling Stones collaborators Nanette Workman and Bobby Keys.

VIDEOS


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