Category: Ike Reilly

Wedneday Morning Music Shuffle – Mountains, Rivers, and The Sea Mix

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Been busy this week with writing and getting ready to write. There is a pretty good chance that I won’t have time to post a shuffle tomorrow or Friday, but if I can I will.  In any event, expect some other kinds of posts to even things out. I am finally going to be getting out and about a bit tonight – at least that is the plan.  And by the way, that “Nashville dilemma” that I have written about is still very much a thing.  I’m already double booked on some live shows almost two months out. What a great problem to have.

“The Snake” by Al Wilson

Al Wilson was a soul singer born in Mississippi and later relocated to California. This song was a hit in 1968 and was produced by Johnny Rivers.  Al Wilson died in 2008 at the age of 68.

“Sweet Release” by Hannah in the Wars

Hannah Curwood  is from New Zealand but relocated to Great Britain and formed Hannah in the Wars.  This song is the b-side to a single called, “Only Wanna Be”, and both songs can be found on the self-titled debut by the band – released earlier this year. Added from a submission – this was a blind listen today, and I really dig this.

“A Day at a Time” by Dale Watson

One more from Dale Watson’s acclaimed recent album, Call Me Insane. There is just something about Watson’s rich voice that I really love.

“EKG” by Wilco

The short opening track from Star Wars which was released for free digitally earlier this year and which is now being sold on CD and more recently vinyl.

“God and Money” by Ike Reilly

Our final track from the Ike Reilly mega download from Noisetrade, and one of my favorites. This one has been floating around the playlist for several months.

“Sing to the Mountain” by Elephant Revival

Elephant Revival released a combo live CD/DVD called Sands of Now.  They are from Colorado and the live performance is from the Boulder Theater. Sands of Now came out in July, and we have been featuring songs from it for a few months now. One of a number of “Elephant” related bands which have combined to lead the website Klout to be convinced that I am an expert on Elephants. Hmm.. hit me up for your elephant related questions and problems… really don’t. #notanexpertonelephants.

“Self-Taught Learner” by Lissy Trullie

This one came to me via the Feel Bad for You mixtape – September edition.  The song is the title track from a 2009 EP by this Washington DC born/New York based alternative singer songwriter.

“This is the Sea” by The Waterboys

And we close things out with the title track from The Waterboys’ 30 year old album, This is the Sea.  This song probably resonates more today than it did when I first heard it .  It is  a stirring song of freedom and the fears and perils and exhilaration  inherent in absolute freedom. “Once you were tethered, Now you are free.”

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Eats Like a Horse Mix

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It was kind of a cool morning here in Nashville, but it felt great.  The certainty that Spring is in full effect, and that Summer is barreling down the turnpike hot on Spring’s tail. Spring seems as good a time as any (maybe better?) to step back and reassess and think about what comes next.  Ear to the Ground has exceeded my wildest expectations (mainly because I didn’t have many), and I am happy that nearly four years on, I am not feeling any real desire to stop.  Still, from the beginning, Ear to the Ground had frequently (or infrequently) evolved (usually due to some external pressure).  The Shuffle was originally about 3-5 songs, then for a while I had the “pre-shuffle” which kind of expanded the shuffle to upwards of 20 or more songs. We’ve settled into a groove of 8-12 songs per day, and it is good, but I feel an itching to do something more, something different.  I don’t know what that is yet, but I have some ideas…. until then… let’s hit the shuffle….

“In the Summertime” by Beat Rodeo

Another cool track from Home in the Heart of the Beat (1986 IRS Records).

“Miss Marcy” by Johnny Horton

A classic murder ballad from the one and only Johnny Horton.  Horton was killed by a drunk driver on November 5, 1960.

“Ballad of the Choir Boy Band Robber” by Ike Reilly

One of the last two songs from the Ike Reilly compilation we grabbed off Noisetrade a good while back.  This is an Ike Reilly Assassination song originally released on the album Sparkle in the Finish.  

“Your Name is Wild” by Guided by Voices

From the 1996 album Under the Bushes Under the Stars…  It was for many the years, the last Guided By Voices album to feature the band’s “classic” line-up.  Guided by Voice broke up in 2004, reformed in 2010, and then disbanded for a second time at the end of last year.

“Future 40’s (String of Pearls)” by Syd Straw (feat. Michael Stipe)

Guess what?  This song has been in the shuffle before – recently.  I forgot to remove it from the playlist – like I usually when songs appear.  Guess what? I really don’t care.  It is a great song featuring the amazing Ms. Straw along with R.E.M. front man, Michael Stipe. For R.E.M. fans, this album was released between Green and Out of Time.  Classic Nickelodeon fans may remember Syd Straw from her role as a middle school math teacher on The Adventures of Pete and Pete.  This song is on her 1989 solo debut Surprise which also featured contributions from Anton Fier, Richard Thompson, and Jody Harris among others.

“Hell for Leather” by Hoodoo Gurus

A track from the Hoodoo Guru’s third album, Blow Your Cool! which was released in 1987.  We’ll be digging more into that album in the days, weeks and months allow – subject to the slings and arrows of outrageous shuffles.

“Down Yonder” by David Schnaufer

More music from the late, great Mountain Dulcimer master, David Schnaufer.

“Side by Side” by Grant Lee Buffalo

Another track from Mighty Joe Moon.  I am really digging this album (which was a goodwill rescue).

“It’s a Big Old Goofy World” by John Prine

What better way to end the shuffle than with this big old goofy song from Prine’s 1991 album, The Missing Years.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Just a Coward Mix

A frosty, cold morning here in Nashville.  I needed some tunes to heat things up, and as usual my shuffle mode did not let me down…. let’s get to the mix o’ the day

“I Confess” by Tom Tom Club

Nothing heats things up like good dance music, and Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth and company make some of the best.  This is another from Boom Boom Chi Boom Boom (1988).

“The War on the Terror and the Drugs” by Ike Reilly with Shooter Jennings

Somebody has to fight the war on the terror and the war on the drugs. You can take all the terror and Ike and Shooter will take all the drugs. Deal?

“Boys Can Never Tell” by J Roddy Walston and the Business

J Roddy Walston and the Business are based out of Richmond, VA, but the band formed in Cleveland, TN.  The song came to me via a Noisetrade sampler of artist scheduled to appear at this year’s Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  The video I found is J Roddy playing this song with Shovels and Ropes. From Essential Tremors.

“All Kindsa Girls” by The Real Kids

Proto-Punk from Boston.  John Felice was an early member of The Modern Lovers and left to form The Real Kids in 1972. Aggressive music based upon the roots of rock and roll music. This still sounds great 40+ years later. From the self-titled first album.

“This Will End in Tears” by Sean Watkins

Another great song from Sean Watkins’ All I Do is Lie album.

“The Old Revolution” by Leonard Cohen

Going way back to 1969 and Leonard Cohen’s second album, Songs from a Room. Sublimely wonderful song, sung by a golden throated still young singer.

“The Cardinal” by Julie Christensen Band

That sly shuffle function has done it again, Julie Christensen spent a decade or so singing back up for Leonard Cohen.  Before that, as part of the Divine Horsemen, she was an active part of an L.A. scene that helped to fuse the bond between Punk and what would become Alt-Country and Americana. Now, East Nashville is proud to claim her as our own, and she is stepping out with some great new songs (look for an album upcoming).  The Cardinal which is a stand out of her recent live shows comes off a demo with the incredible band she has assembled.  The accompanying video can serve as a preview of what you will see you come out to The Family Wash in East Nashville on Friday night.  Julie and her band go on at 9:30, and my friend Russell Thompson begins around 8:30.

“Lisa Anne” by Bill Lloyd

I don’t know how many times or ways I can say that Bill Lloyd is one of Nashville’s greatest musical assets.  Besides the incredible Pop songwriting demonstrated on Feeling the Elephant (and his other albums), he leads the incredible Long Players who recreate classic albums (often joined by some of the original players). He was also part of the Country music duo Foster and Lloyd (whose first two album are being rereleased by RCA soon). 

“Young Love” by Telepathic Teddy Bear

We close things out with a gorgeous song by Telepathic Teddy Bear from his album called Forgiveness.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Top Sider Clad Mix

Thank goodness for second wind…  I think I may survive this week after all.  On another note, the temperature is about 20 degrees cooler than yesterday at this time – welcome to winter in Nashville. I attended my first show at 3rd and Lindsley as a correspondent for No Depression/ND Roots.  My review should be up soon, I will post links on my Facebook page – so follow me there.

We have a pretty sweet shuffle to close out the week, so let’s get to it.

“Everywhere I Go (I Hear The Go-Gos)” by Phranc

The reference may be dated, but if you are of a certain age, you remember… From Folksinger.

“Atlas Shrugged” by Matt King

This is our last song we have from Matt King’s 2010 album Raw, and it is one of my favorites.  Next stop, Matt King and Killing Streets!

“Electric Worry” by Clutch

From Summer Sound Attack…. This is sooooo good.

“So Far” by Ben Arthur

Video directed by my friend Matthew Hendershot of #E2TG favorites The End Men.  If You Look for My Heart is such a tour de force… with such a variety of styles represented.  Including this slice of pure pop heaven…

“Coyotes” by Modest Mouse

How about some brand new Modest Mouse music. “Coyotes” is the second single from the forthcoming Strangers to Ourselves album. It based upon a true story of a coyote that rode the MAX lite rail line in Portland in 2002.

“The Intense Humming of Evil” by Manic Street Preachers

The Holy Bible turned 20 years old in 2014.  No not the book… the now classic album by Welsh band Manic Street Preachers.  It was the last album released before the 1995 disappearance of rhythm guitarist and chief lyrist Richie Edwards (Edwards was officially declared dead in 2008).  Stark and disturbing, the album is a startlingly real view into the mind of Edwards who was suffering from a depression, self harm, and anorexia nervosa.

“Kara Dean” by Ike Reilly

The first time I saw the title of this song, I thought it was about Nashville’s current mayor (whose name is just one letter different).  It is not.  The song is from Ike Reilly’s Junkie Faithful album. It is part of the 18 song retrospective Am I Still the One for You” which you can still get for free (donation encouraged) from Noisetrade.

“Harvest Moon” by Jason and the Scorchers

From their classic Fervor EP… the accompanying video was shot at a 1985 show in the Cat’s Records parking lot on West End Avenue in Nashville that this blogger attended – almost 30 years ago????

“Boscombe Armistice” by Blue Rose Code!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”);

Off the album The Ballads of Peckham Rye – I got hold of this on the latest Feel Bad for You mixtape.   Blue Rose Code is singer-songwriter Ross Wilson of Edinburgh, Scotland. This was my first listen to Blue Rose Code, and I want to hear more. window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”;

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Gonna Use My Fingers Mix

I am late and I don’t have much time, so I will just leave you with a long mix of music and very little in the way of narration,,,,  enjoy

“Van Helsing Boom Box” (Man Man Cover) by The Blind Owl Band

Friends from Upstate New York covering the amazing Man Man from Philly.

“Where I Belong” by Ben Arthur (Ft. Bobby St. Ours)

I am amazed by the range of music on this album.  A previous track we played featured Aesop Rock. This one has Bobby St. Ours with an Appalachian sound. 

“The Night Comes” by Joe Nolan

Another cool song from my friend Joe.  Catch him January 25 at Bobby’s Idle Hour for the next East Side Invasion.

“Tattooed Love Boys” by The Pretenders

Chrissy!

“Leave It Til Tomorrow” by The Plastic Pals

The Plastic Pals from Sweden make great Rock and Roll.

“Unclothed” by The Danbury Lie

A new release from The Danbury Lie is always a cause for celebration.  If he was from the south, this song would be called “Nekkid” 🙂

“Under the Influence of Meat Puppets” by fIREHOSE

I’ve spend many ours under the influence of Meat Puppets…

“Real Cool Time” by The Stooges

Iggy!

“Precious” by The Pretenders

You are so Precious…

“Raindrops” by IAMEVE

Cool Indie/SythPop from… well the bio says they are from The Fifth Dimension. I dig it.

“Feeling the Elephant” by Bill Lloyd

The title track from the classic Bill Lloyd solo record.  Nashville rock par excellence.

“Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stones

For all the gin soaked bar room queens in Memphis…

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“Careless” by The Replacements

I could Care less…

“No Joke” by Boxed In

Electronic music from London.  

“It’s Hard to Make Love to an American” by Ike Reilly

This song was (apparently) featured on Sons of Anarchy.  It’s a good one.

“Brass in Pocket” by The Pretenders

A classic from my MTV influenced youth.  Music Television that is…

“Don’t Turn Me Away” by Young America

My friends in Young America have a new single and new album coming soon.  This is an older song I grabbed when I first met them.  Get on board now with this awesome band.

“Blunderbuss” (Jack White cover) by Rosie Flores

I was fortunate enough to see Rosie Flores last Friday.  She is a legend.  No video for this one, so I found another cover which she played last week.

“Scenery Going By” by Reverend Horton Heat

I also so the Rev on the same bill…  Wild show and great music… Pow!

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Sunflower/Locomotive Mix

I am not a morning person.  It seems important to say that because I post a daily Morning Shuffle which features music I listen to between 6:45 a.m. (or so) and 7:15 a.m. (or so).  I just wanted you to know that I don’t do a morning shuffle because I am a morning person, but rather by current necessity, I have to be up and about by this time, and being a non-morning person, I need a soundtrack of cool music to keep me moving….  This is my soundtrack for Monday morning January 5, 2015.

“American Girl” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

What a great song to start the soundtrack.  It’s like I’m heading off to work, and everything is just about okay at least for the first scene.  Everything may well go to hell in scene two, but at this point, everything is swell.  This was the second single from the self-titled debut by TP and the Heartbreakers. 

 

“Hip Hop Thighs #16” by Ike Reilly

So, apparently, there are many other versions of this song????  I found #17 in my search and some that were not labeled with a number… I don’t really know the history of this, but I know a cool song when I hear it.  This one got me through the awkward transition scene where I am on the road and maybe credits are still flashing… From Poison the Hit Parade.

“I Can’t Help Myself” by Jason and the Scorchers

There was a certain reckless country soul to the seminal music of Nashville’s Jason and the Scorchers.  People like to throw around the term CowPunk, but I have always hated that term.  It was raw, fresh high-energy rock and roll music that was only punk in sense that many early 80s Nashville punk kids really got into their music.  In a different universe, Jason and the Scorchers are one of the biggest bands ever.  In the universe they are one of the best.   Some high-energy aggression to help me navigate the passive-aggressiveness of Nashville drivers.

“Bulletproof” by J.R. Wyatt

At this point, the frenetic part of my drive is over and I’m just easing into downtown roadways and making my way past delivery trucks on 2nd Avenue partially blocking lanes of traffic, but what do I care? I’m Bulletproof.  Another great tune from The Empty Room Sessions.

“Firewater”  by Old Crow Medicine Show

By now, I’ve just about made it to my parking lot.  Our third Nashville artist in a row. Legendary Nashville string band Old Crow Medicine Show with this track from their 2014 Remedy album pushes my that final 1,000 feet or so through Bicentennial Mall.

“The Sunflower Sutra” by Allen Ginsberg

And then I begin my walk.  It’s a cold morning, but I don’t care.  I may be just another schmo dressed how I don’t want to be dressed and trudging through life, but in my ear buds is Allen Ginsberg, and I feel subversive in the midst of my conformity. And I am transported somewhere, San Francisco, and I am thinking I should have been a Beat Poet, if I had been born in a different era. And, I should have been a Beat Poet anyway, and I should be a Beat Poet anyway, and I will be a Beat Poet anyway…

“Are You Ready for the Country?” by Jason and the Scorchers

And there isn’t really a good way to move from Allen Ginsberg to Jason and the Scorchers stunningly powerful cover of the Neil Young song which had already been covered by Waylon Jennings, but which the band made their very own…. I grabbed this off the now out of print CD named for this song which compiled the bands first two EMI recordings with some b-sides and rarities.  I begin my long ascent of capitol hill to this song…

“Rock Hard” by Alex Chilton

Like Flies on Sherbert is a broken, shattered masterpiece of an album. Alex Chilton was a mad wrecked genius of man, and Jim Dickinson was the alchemist who held this crazy thing together.  At this point, I’ve reached the summit, and I don’t necessary like what I’ve found there, but I can still appreciate that I have made it.

“Bitchin’ Camaro” by The Dead Milkmen

I don’t know how many times I heard this song on college radio back in the day or how many times I heard it once I bought the album Big Lizard in my Backyard.  With it’s ridiculous spoken introduction which may well be longer than the song itself (it has to be longer) and which includes an offensive cover version of Love Me Two Times… to the break-neck nonsense of the song itself… which for no reason but some rhyme, name drops Tony Orlando and Dawn…  The fact that I (to date) have never gotten tired of this song says something about the song or about me… probably me…

“Down on Up to Me” by Soul Asylum

And I reach my office, and the vast soundtrackless day awaits, but there is one final scene of riding the elevator… From Hang Time…

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Endings for Beginning in Dm Mix

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So, it’s the penultimate post before Ear to the Ground takes a few days off for Christmas. I’m just saying this because I like using the word penultimate. Anyway, today’s shuffle is a good one, and I hope you enjoy.

“Epilogue” by Ben Arthur (featuring Rachel Yamagata)

Following in E2TG’s long tradition of including concept albums in our shuffle and letting the results be what they may, we begin today’s shuffle with the Epilogue to Ben Arthur’s brilliant album If You Look for My Heart.

“Father and Son” by Cat Stevens

I posted a new Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens song a few weeks back, now we have a song from Cat Steven’s 1970 album Tea for the Tillerman.

“Lateness of Dancers” by Hiss Golden Messenger

Deservedly, North Carolina band Hiss Golden Messenger have been getting some favorable attention from some of the folks whose musical attention I favor.  I love this (title) song from their album Lateness of Dancers which came out back in September.

“Aos Pes da Cruz” by Gilberto Gil

Gilberto Gil is a Brazilian musician whose music embodies a diverse range of styles from Samba, Rock, African, and Reggae. He was the Minister of Culture in Brazil from 2003 to 2008.  I came across this in the New Release section on Freegal, and I dig it bunches.  I am so glad I don’t allow myself to be forced into the narrow confines of genres and shit.  This is from his latest album Gilbertos Samba.

“Henry Died in Dm” by Joe Nolan

Another song from his Plain Jane album, and this is a good one. Inspired by the Sam Shepard play, Suicide in Bflat (sorry I don’t have time to figure out how to type the flat sign).  

 

“Henry! Oh, Henry! You don’t look so well!

Are you risin’ to Heaven, or writhin’ in Hell?
Are you bound to play a holy harp or blow a hellish horn?
Henry you been dyin’ since the day that you were born”


“Christmas in Jail” by The Youngsters

Some 1956 Doo Wop Christmas.  Not to be confused with the John Prine song Christmas in Prison which is also great.

“Twinkle (Little Christmas Lights)” by JD McPherson

Keeping the Christmas theme going with a nifty fun song. We have a JD Mcpherson single from a couple of Christmases ago.  This is included on a recently release set of music on Noisetrade.

“Chano Pozo’s Shoes” by Tom Mason

Tom Mason and his band of rowdy pirates, The Blue Buccaneers, are one of East Nashville’s greatest treasures. This is a rollicking fun song from Tom’s pre-Blue Buccaneers’ days. I found it on a East Nashville compilation from a few years back.  The latest album from the band is called The World is Ablaze.  I got to attend the CD release party for that album and Avast ye! it was a good time. 

“The Mixture” by Ike Reilly

I swear I think I keep saying this, but this is one of my favorite songs on the recently released megadownload from Ike Reilly via Noisetrade. It is off of the 2005 album Junkie Faithful by The Ike Reilly Assassination.

“Christmas Party” by Eddie and De Havelon

More Christmas.  I couldn’t find a video for this song, nor could I find much about the song or the artist. It came to me from an Aquarium Drunkard mixtape via David Horton.  My Google search mostly linked to the Aquarium Drunkard site and few other references on music websites with very little details available.  It’s a cool song though.  If anybody has information about this, please feel free to share in comments or privately.

“Santa Claus Boogie” by Hasil Adkins

One final Christmas tune to close out today’s shuffle. This is one sure to leave you dancing your way into Monday afternoon.  Hasil Adkins was from West Virginia and it seems as though his life was as colorful as his music. 

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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Tilt-a-Whirl Mix

Well! The impromptu debut of Ear to the Ground Presents: at The Building last night was a huge success or at least a hell of a lot of fun with some awesome music. Thanks to Darrin Bradbury for doing all the leg work, and to The Western Shore, Sarah Potenza, Jon Latham, and Darrin and The Fran’s Eastside Super High Band for bringing the awesome tunes.  Hopefully, this will be a semi-regular thing in 2015.

Let’s jump into the shuffle… shall we?

“Worried Mind Blues” by Stacy Mitchhart from Live My Life

An cool, original Blues tune from Nashville Blues impresario Stacy Mitchheart.

“Bird on the Wire” by Dave Van Ronk from The Mayor of MacDougal Street (Rarities 1957-1969)

A pretty awesome Leonard Cohen cover by the Mayor of MacDougal Street, and folk revival pioneer Dave Van Ronk.

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Another great tune from the catalog of Joe Nolan.  You can listen to a bunch of his music at joenolan.com.

“Reindeer Boogie” by Hank Snow from Christmas with Hank Snow

This may now be one of favorite Christmas songs.  A rocking little number by the Country Music legend whose name almost demanded that he do some Christmas songs. This goes back to 1967.

“I Can’t Find My Keys” by Bobby Rush from Rush Hour

From classic Country to some classic Rhythm and Blues, Soul, Funk music from the Louisiana bluesman. Groovy song which reminds me of line from The Rainmakers’ song, “The generation that would save the world is still looking for its car keys”.

“Upper Mississippi River Valley Blues” by Ike Reilly from Am I Still the One for You?

Ike Reilly evokes memories of county fairs of my youth and the mysterious activities that happened along the fence line… and those rides…

“Saint Mary’s” by American Aquarium from Burn.Flicker.Die.

I feel like I running out of ways to say how much I love American Aquarium.  I want to say this is one of my favorite songs on this album, but I think I’ve said that before, too.  If you aren’t on board with this band, get to it!

“Distant One” by Heather Powell from A Haze of Grays and Blue

An awesome track from the forthcoming album from Heather Powell recorded with a bunch of the True Groove All-Stars.  An amazing voice backed by some incredible musicians.  It really doesn’t get any better.

“Waffle House (Take 2)” by Darrin Bradbury from When a Car Becomes a House

This is the version of Waffle House that ended up on the When a Car Becomes a House collection.  The previous one I featured was Take One and didn’t make it to the collection. I don’t know the difference between the two versions, but Darrin does, and that is all that matters. “Do I use my phone or does my phone use me?” 

“Never Be the Same Again” by The Torn Images from Reviver

We close out the day with another track from the debut full-length by California Indie Rock artist The Torn Images. A pretty awesome take on “classic” alternative hard rock music. Dig it!

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Doing the Horizontal Mix

A frustrating morning commute – made all the better by an eclectic ten song shuffle… enjoy…

“Waffle House” by Darrin Bradbury from When a Car Becomes A House (Demos)

“I’d like to know what I want without it being advertised.” A beautiful song of the road from the one and only Darrin Bradbury.

“Moons of Jupiter” by Ron Muga from Wonderful Doom

Another lovely song this one from Ron Muga.  I had some technical difficulties before, some I glad to be featuring these songs finally.

“Truckin’ Trees for Christmas” by Red Simpson from Lit Up Like a Christmas Tree – A Vintage Holiday Mixtape/Truckers’ Christmas

Is it a coincidence that there were two country music singers named “Red” who were notable for Trucker songs?  This one goes out to all those who drive long distances day after to day so that we can conveniently get the things we want and need.

“Trick” by Joe Sundell from The Hat Thief

This is one of my favorite records of the year, and this lively, old-time sounding song is one of my favorites off of it.

“Santa Claus” by Thee Headcoatees from Lit Up Like a Christmas Tree – A Vintage Holiday Mixtape/Sisters of Suave

Thee Headcoatees are a 90s British Garage Rock band who sound like they could be 60s Garage Band.  This song may or may not sound like their song, “Davey Crockett”. 

“5th String is Broken” by Sammy Brue from Bootleg Sessions VOL I

For a second day in a row, we have 13 year old phenom Sammy Brue in the shuffle. Maybe Santa can bring him a 5th String for Christmas?

“Santa’s Doing the Horizontal Twist” by Kay Martin and Her Body Guards from Lit Up Like a Christmas Tree – A Vintage Holiday Mixtape/Kinky Christmas Songs

At this point, I feel compelled to point out that the shuffle literally comes from a random shuffle of songs in a playlist I curate.  So, while I must take responsibility for adding this song to said playlist.*  I cannot be held accountable for this showing up right after a song by a 13 year old boy.  Spoiler Alert: It should also be pointed out that the character mentioned in the song is not actually Santa.  *David “Popa Tunes” Horton sent me the mixtape. 😉 

“Country Nugget” by Blackfoot Gypsies from Dandee Cheeseball

I just heard that Blackfoot Gypsies are playing The 5 Spot a week from today with Cory Brannan and bunch of other folks.  I implore you to check this band out whenever and wherever you get the chance.  Also, I actually checked to make sure my Music Player was operating correctly when this song was playing.  That is a compliment.

“Fish Plant Rebellion” by Ike Reilly from Am I Still the One for You?/Poison the Hit Parade

The last time I posted an Ike Reilly song and tweeted about it, he replied and said I should make sure to tell my friends that the songs I have been featuring are all available (free and easy) via the fine folks at NoiseTrade.  If you are interested (and you should be interested), I am going to post the widget to make it even easier.

“The Shroud” by The Lucky Jukebox Brigade from Familiar Fevers

We close things out with another awesome song from the way cool Familiar Fevers album by The Lucky Jukebox Brigade. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Middle Man Mix

I am more convinced than ever that I did not delete my playlist (as mentioned Friday) through some incredibly bone-headed clumsy ass maneuver.  No, it appears that my phone is possessed.  My cell phone contract ended in November, and my now two year old phone has developed a mind of it’s own.  It has begun initiating screen touch activities all on it’s own… typing (and sending) gibberish text messages, taking pictures, opening applications, etc.  I think it knows that it’s days are numbered.

So, until I get a new phone, any activity which comes from me should be suspect.  Including this post… am I writing this or is my phone writing this?

!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js”;fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,”script”,”twitter-wjs”); “Hey There Mama” by Dan Coyle from Perfect Word. Perfect Beat.

Dan Coyle talks about the untimely death of his father and expounds on a philosophy that I really needed to hear.

“The Moment I Tell You Goodbye” by David Olney from Dutchman’s Curve

One of my highlights of December so far has been Saturday nights Tom Waits tribute at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.  I had such a blast and heard a slew of awesome artists offering their take on the music of the distinctly American genius, Mr. Waits.  One of the highlights of the night was an awesome performance by David Olney.  As luck would have it, it was my second chance to see Mr. Olney that week.

“Am I Still the One for You?” by Ike Reilly from Am I Still the One for You?

The title track from this mega release/E.P. Noisetrade thing…  Have I mentioned how much I  am digging this music?

“Drink Slinger” by Zachariah Red from This Town E.P.

I am extremely proud to call Zach a friend and extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to see and hear him several times in the last couple of months.  He has new music coming soon – here’s to the new year!  Since I couldn’t find a Youtube video – have a listen to “Drink Slinger”.

http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=470732660/size=small/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/track=1205056514/transparent=true/
“Christmas for You and Me” by Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors from Another Neighborly Christmas

I think this officially counts as the first Christmas song of the season on E2TG (with the exception of some songs that crept into the shuffle at odd times).  A cheer-filled song from a great Nashville band.

“Aunt Lou” by Grant Peeples and the Peeples Republik from Punishing the Myth

Grant Peeples paints a devastatingly beautiful portrait in the course of an approximately three minute song.

“Bummer 1 Hit Single” by Darrin Bradbury from When a Car Becomes a House

“This songs a bummer, let’s talk about summer…”  If you don’t know Darrin Bradbury, than Darrin Bradbury knows you… or something like that.  “I’m just the middle man, between gravity and the rope.” 

“Goin’ to Acapulco” by Bob Dylan and the Band from The Basement Tapes

We go from DB to BD. Everyone is talking about The Basement Tapes this days – for some mighty good reasons…  I think it’s a testament to Mr. Zimmerman’s songwriting skills that I really dig so many covers of his – including the version of this song by Jim James and Calexico.  The original isn’t half bad either… *deliberate understatement implied…

“Live My Life” by Stacy Mitchhart from Live My Life

We close things out with some genuine local Nashville blues, and the title track from the excellent recent Stacy Mitchhart album.

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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