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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. 🙂
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Welcome to 2016, #E2TG Style! Well, the “Earies” are over, and no more “Red Cup” songs to be played. We are back to a good old fashioned Morning Music Shuffle…
First a brief recap of the what has transpired since I last posted, and a sneak peak of what is to come.
New Year’s Eve Eve – I headed to The Family Wash to see Wild Ponies open for Don Gallardo. It was an amazingly Nashville-typical night of awesome music.
I posted a mega-Video Playlist “Earies” wrap up. New Years Eve, I headed to the legendary Exit/In to ring in the new year – no frill style with some good friends and cool music. Aaron Lee Tasjan and his killer band which included #E2TG Artist of the Year Jon Latham knocked it out of the park (or some other sports metaphor). Chris Knight was awesome, and he really could have cared less about midnight.
New Year’s Day was a Friday which meant a trip out to The 5 Spot to ring in 2016 with another outstanding Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour.
After that, I kind of dug in and did some writing – the results of which will be out soon.
Tonight! Tonight! The month-long Darrin Bradbury Residency kicks off at The Basement East. The kick off should be out of this world amazing. With 2014 Artist of the Year Bradbury being joined by 2015 Artist of the Year Jon Latham and Artist of the Always Aaron Lee Tasjan. Darrin will be backed by an amazing band. Seriously, this is a “Don’t Wanna Miss” event.
Our second listen in as many shuffles to Austin singer-songwriter Jean Synodinos from her latest album, Love and Blood. This is some gorgeous, classic sounding music.
“Doors” by Bosveld
Another awesome track from Velbrand. Have I mentioned how much I love this album? Well, I do!
“You Just Don’t Never Know” by D.L. Duncan
Another from D.L.’s self-titled album. Real deal, no frills blues music. But, is he saying “You Just Know”?
“The Dark End of the Street” by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham
One of my highlights of 2015 was getting to see the legendary songwriter Dan Penn perform some of his classic songs live. Including this song, which he co-wrote with Chips Moman. The song was first and most famously recorded by James Carr, and it has been covered a multitude of times. This live version features Penn along with his long-time collaborator Spooner Oldham. Two of the men who helped shape the Muscle Shoals sound.
“Oh No!” by Josh Morris
We still have few songs in the playlist from Josh Morris’ Green Fields EP. One of my favorites of 2015.
“(I Could) Leave It All Behind” by Jeremy Nash
And another from Jeremy Nash’s album, Getaway Driver. Another fave of mine.
By the way – I found videos for all of the songs in the shuffle – a rare occurrence.
“Being afraid of living is just the same as dying.” This line from Two Cow Garage seems like one of the most important for me to remember today. More about Two Cow Garage and last night’s other great music is few…
First, the next 2015 E2TG “Earie” Award:
The premise: “Kids these days.” I write those words, but how did I mean it? Was it said with exasperation, as it has been said for generations? Well, in this case, that is not how it was meant. We live in a time of incredible possibilities – really! Just thinking about music (keep in mind, I know next to nothing about the recording, mixing, mastering etc. process), the potential for DIY recording, distribution etc. seems pretty amazing. But of course, availability of technology is just a part of the equation. It is when and where ripe and fertile minds meet this “new” technology that things start to get exciting. The driving force for me when it comes to music is the constant search for something new. E2TG has always been (in part) a balancing act between incredible new music being made all over the globe and maintaining a health appreciation and passion for the music that made the new music possible. It’s about connections. Right? Yes! Some “kids” these days are using the tools of the day to make some really cool music, and sometimes, this exciting new music is forged by an appreciation of music way older than those who are making it.
About three years ago???? I was introduced (by Papa Tune’s – of course) to a young band of brothers from Connecticut called The Foresters. At the time, I think only one of the brother was a teenager – the rest were pre-teens. I made a joke that their average age was 10 3/4 but that their amps go up to eleven. (or something like that). The Foresters were a pop punk band – formed after the three brothers, named Nork, attended a Green Day concert and asked for a received instruments. The early music was really good power, pop punk. Over the past couple of years, The Foresters have released a couple of EPs, recorded with and as several different side projects. The influences have expanded and diversified and the music has gotten more complex and better. The band’s latest album, Sun Songs, finds the band reaching a new plateau – while the possibilities remain endless. A couple of years ago, the band were given the Hope For the Furure award by the Couch by Counchwest Music Festival. Well, the future is now, and The Foresters appear poised to find out what happens next – which at this moment is a 2015 “Earie”. Actually, special mention for this award needs to go out to all of the artists on the band’s homegrown record label, Dord Music Group.
Congratulations to The Foresters – you are the 2015 “Kid These Days…” Award winners.
Last night was a quintessiential Nashville live music night – with some great shows going on in different venues. Me, I hung out at The Five Spot. Early, was a show featuring Fats Kaplin, Kristie Rose, Paul Burch, and more. Later, I was introduced to my new favorite band. They are called Red Collar from Durham, NC. They are a high energy, punk influenced band. Austin Lucas – who I saw for the third time this year was as amazing as ever, and Two Cow Garage who I saw for the second time this year (and who barely made it due to mechanical issues) blew me away as they did the first time I saw them.
Tonight, I’m excited to see Jon Latham opening up for the legendary Malcolm Holcombe at The Basement (not East).
Now, we have a Featured Friday shuffle to close out the post-holiday work week.
“Darling Valentine” by Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau
2015 “Earie” award winning, Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau are up first in the shuffle with the first of a pair of songs today from Tennessee (the album and the state).
“Sweeten the Deal” by The Deadline Shakes
Another listen to infectious Glasgow band, The Deadline Shakes and a song from their album, Zealots.
“L and N” by Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau
First of all, this title should have an ampersand rather than the word “and” but every time I use an ampersand I get really weird HTML formatting issues. If anyone knows a way around that, shoot me a message – I’d prefer to get the song name right… This is one of my favorite songs on the album Tennessee.
“Collateral Language” by Zaibatsu
A rocking instrumental – the last song on the album Zero from the Pregressive Rock band from Rome, Italy.
“Pinyin” by Batkhi Dahn
Batkhi Dahn is the brain child of Hayden Nork, the middle brother of the “Earie” Award winning The Foresters. Pinyin is the latest single from Batkhi Dahn – this is the a-side. There are some really awesome things happening here.
“This Broken Gall Bladder Wants to Kill Me” by Bashful Hips
This is the final song on Too Old for a Coming of Age Story – from experimental artist – Bashful Hips.
“Into Your Arms” by The Naddiks
This is our last track to post from the 21CB album. The Naddiks are from Canberra. They have a new single called “Stop Listen and Love” which delivers an important anti-bullying message. Look that up – we will get to that one soon.
“Used To” by Brian Keenan
Another listen to Fits and Starts the new album from Brooklyn singer-songwriter Brian Keenan. I like this song a bunch.
“One of These Days” by Jeremy Nash
Another from Get Away Driver – from Nashville (via New York) singer-songwriter Jeremy Nash.
“If We Don’t Find Love Tonight” by Barney Goodall and The NightHawks
A first listen, and one I was very impressed with. From Liverpool, this is some pretty cool, music which brings to mind Nick Cave or Tom Waits. The video I found is of Barney Goodall doing a Wait’s song which gives me one more chance to plug the Tom Waits tribute and benefit tomorrow night at The 5 Spot. I will be there late – after Drivin’ ‘n’ Cryin’.
And so it goes, and we reach the end of another work week here at #E2TG. Heading into the weekend just ahead of Thanksgiving here in the United States. There is a ton of great music happening this weekend at different venues. Choose your poison and get out there.
Among the shows coming up today and tomorrow (and no I cannot make it to all of these): Today: Joey Kneiser of Glossary is releasing a new record, and he will play this evening at Grimey’s. Will Kimbrough is also he releasing a new record, and he will be playing The Basement at 7:00 with Nellie Clay opening. Today is Tommy Womack’s birthday, and we will playing around 9:00 at The Family Wash. Also tonight, the East Nashville Underground: A Magical Reunion is going on at The Basement East. Plus there is the weekly, Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour at The 5 Spot. Plus probably tons of other stuff.
Tomorrow night: One of this blog’s favorites Mark Robinson Band will be playing an early show at The 5 Spot (6:00 start). Joey Kneiser will be playing that venue after that. Meanwhile, over at the Family Wash – Knoxville poet and songwriter R.B. Morris will be playing. Plus the aforementioned East Nashville Underground event continues at The Beast. and More…
We have a Featured Friday Shuffle that I am really happy about today… let’s take a gander…
“Pieces of Things” by Lindsay Ellyn
What can I say? This is another track from Lindsay’s Out of Road EP which is one of my faves of the year. Lindsay somehow manages to pull of great fashion sense, amazing songwriting ability, and being one of the most generous and genuine people I know. Plus, she surrounds herself with some incredibly talented people (both on this record and in her live performances).
“Broken As I Am” by Stone Cupid
From the forthcoming album, The Cardinal. This is one of two leaving California songs that Julie Christensen sings. While, we know that California misses her, Nashville is awfully glad to claim her. Backed by an amazing band of Nashville’s finest, Stone Cupid serves as wonderful encapsulation of Christensen’s storied career and life.
“All My Nightmares” by Maxim Ludwig
Way back in at the very beginning of this blog, when I was still trying to figure out what Ear to the Ground was going to be, I decided to create an Artist of the Week feature (the feature lasted several months and gave way to the Featured Artists feature which lasted several more months). The very first Ear to the Ground Artist of the Week was Maxim Ludwig. At the time, he was performing with his band, The Santa Fe Seven. Later he recorded under a different band name, and now he is back with music recording under the name Maxim Ludwig. He has new single, which I am really digging. I really like keeping up with the music and artists I have “discovered” through writing this blog, and it is always a great thing when one of them puts out new music.
“So Long, So Long” by Jeremy Nash
My shuffle function seems to really be enjoying Jeremy Nash’s Getaway Driver record, and I cannot say that I blame it one bit. This is another fine track of that album.
“Killing Women and Children” by Tom House
Tom House is a songwriter and a poet who has long been a fixture on the Nashville music scene. His latest album is called Songs Like Dreams… More Like Blood. Looking forward to hearing and writing more about his music.
“Sorry You’re Sick” by Mary Gauthier
Another track from Cold and Bitter Tears: The Songs of Ted Hawkins. This track features Mary Gauthier. I got to see her perform this song at the meet and greet for the record, held during Americana week. A really lovely song.
“Major Key” by Jon Latham
“What are you wanting out of this? A little more Steve Earle, a little less heroin.” So opens Jon Latham’s Real Bad News – that studio banter is followed by this song on which Latham delivers. This is the defining song on the album and sets the tone. A steady rocker that hits on all cylinders (clever and intelligent references, powerful lines and a crystal clear musicality). This should be your new favorite song.
“Sweet Magnolia Love” by D.L. Duncan
And we close out the day with some more excellent blues from the self-titled record by D.L. Duncan which features some amazing players including Delbert McClinton, Sonny Landreth and many more. If this music does not make you feel better, I am not sure what will.
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We are back after an unexpected day off… my late fall cold finally caught up with me. Before I succumbed to it, I got to take in an awesome show at City Winery. Songwriting legend (and I do not use that term lightly here) Dan Penn celebrated his 74th birthday with a nearly 2 hour solo acoustic show performing many of the amazing songs that he was written and co-written over the course of his incredible career. Hint: If you don’t know who Dan Penn is, I guarantee that you have heard many of his songs. Read my reflections on this show here.
Dan Penn wrote his first hit song when he was still in high school. Sammy Brue is just 14 years old, and he is widely regarded as one of the best songwriters around. He will be making a rare Nashville appearance tonight at The Basement (the original) with Actual Wolf (who I saw during the Campfire Propaganda residency at last month). Actual Wolf will be back by a fine collection of local players.
Today’s shuffle went down like this….
“Right Time” by Nikki Lane
All or Nothin’ is the latest album from red hot Nashville artist, Nikki Lane. If you have not caught up with her yet, now is the right time…
“Once in a Very Blue Moon” by Nanci Griffith
Another from that amazing Rounder Records anniversary compilation on Noisetrade, and one of my all time favorite songs. I first heard this on one of those Steal This Disk CD releases back in the day. Just a flat out gorgeous song from one of the finest voices of all time.
“Lee Harvey Was a Friend of Mine” by Homer Henderson
I’m just going to leave this right here. I grabbed this song from a compilation called, Tragic Songs from the Grassy Knoll which was released a couple of years ago. I snagged this track off Freegal. The song itself dates back to around 1985 when it was released as a single. The song has been covered by Laura Cantrell and by The Asylum Street Spankers.
“Over the Red Cedar” by Charlie Parr
This song, from Minnesota singer-songwriter Charlie Parr, is off of his album Stumpjumper which was released back in April of this year. If I had read that it was a twenty or thirty or forty year old song, I would not have batted an eye. It has a timeless sound.
“In the Middle of the Land” by Hoodoo Gurus
Giving us the sub-title to today’s post… from their Blow Your Cool! album. I love this band.
“With a Girl Like You” by Alex Chilton
Making a connection to Monday night’s show – Dan Penn produced the first hit single from Alex Chilton’s old band, The Box Tops and co-wrote a couple of other songs for that band. This is a cover version of a song by The Troggs which was included on the compilation 19 Years: A Collection of Alex Chilton which was released in 1991. That is where I came upon the track.
“Killin’ It In California” by Jeremy Nash
Another from Jeremy Nash’s new album Getaway Driver. This is one of my favorite songs which I have heard him perform live a couple of times. Filled with the bitter chill of loss and regret and winter.
“Mexican Amphetamines” by Ben Arthur
Another from Ben Arthur’s Call and Response record. Ben is one of my favorite songwriters and his Call and Response album demonstrates the innovation and fun he brings to the art and craft of songwriting.
“Beautiful Jane” by Brian Carpenter and the Confessions
This is another track from The Far End of the World. This new album by Boston musician Brian Carpenter has emerged as of my favorites of 2015.
“Mess Around” by Cage the Elephant
At long last, new music from Bowling Green rockers, Cage the Elephant. This is the first single from their forthcoming album, Tell me I’m Pretty which is due out in about a month.
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The end of the work week is at hand. Sunny skies and cooler temperatures are not a bad thing for mid-November.
We have a short but diverse collection of songs to round out the week – it ends with a five song run of awesome Nashville music.
“Raspberry Moon” by The Jackals
Before we get to the Nashville artists, we go international for a bit. Here is another awesome track from the album People by the Edinburgh band, The Jackals.
“Harperia” (8-bit) by vod
We next touch down in Canada for this interesting, experimental track from vod from Saint-Bruno-Lac-Saint-Jean. This song, which was released just ahead of the recent Canadian elections which saw the defeat of conservative Stephen Harper for which this song is named. This track came to my attention via the participation of Gabriel Lucas Gitin Riccio who you probably remember from The Gabriel Construct. I featured their album Interior City pretty extensively a couple of years ago. (An aside: Gabriel Construct recently played their first ever live show – which if you member the complexity of the music, you will realize was a remarkable achievement). Gabriel provided the vocals for the main “Harperia” track which we will get to soon enough. This is a cool, lo-fi electronica instrumental version of the track.
“Soul Thang” by Daphne Willis
We finally get back to Nashville to catch up with Daphne Willis. I first met and heard Daphne earlier this year down in Safety Harbor, Florida at the annual Safety Harbor Song Fest. This is a track from her brand new EP, Get It, which was released one week ago today. I attended the soft release show a few days prior to release – at the Basement East – where I caught up with another Nashville writer who I met at Safety Harbor. Chris Gelbuda co-produced this EP. Daphne Willis plays high-energy and fun, Pop music. Get It – as I said – is out now… so do what the title says.
“Old” by Reckless Johnny Wales
I have to say, with one of those birthday’s with a zero coming up in about two months, the concept of aging has been on my mind. With age comes experience and some change of perspective. Reckless Johnny may call himself old, but he is definitely not “in the way”. His album, American Heart, is looking to get an official release early next year. I was lucky enough to hear some of his interesting stories from a fascinating life. I hope to have the chance to hear more soon.
“CIA” (Home Recording, 2014) by Tom Schreck
“I Never Sang for No One But Myself” (Live 2014-02-24 At BLDG Nashville) by Tom Schreck
So thrilled to have two songs in a row from Nashville Outsider Tom Schreck from his new EP, Added Glory. The EP is meant to be a companion piece to his previous releases, Outsider (2009) and Save Your Glory (2014). The first track is a home recording of a song on which Schreck blows his cover. The second is a rocking version of a song that was originally on Outsider. It was recorder at BLDG with Schreck band, Tom Schreck Escapes. Tom is one of my favorite writers in town, and I highly recommend that you check him out if you have not.
We close things out with another Nashville songwriter. Jeremy Nash recently returned to town. He has a brand new record called Getaway Driver which I am really enjoying. This is a track from that record. The album has a gorgeous cover – by the way. I got to see Jeremy play some songs solo at Bobby’s Idle Hour a couple of weeks ago, and that is where I got my grubby little hands on this record. Highly recommended.
I had a good time last night at The Basement East. I got to see performances from two people I was first introduced to at the Safety Harbor Song Fest way back in late March – Chris Gelbuda and Daphne Willis. It was the soft EP Release Show for Willis – whose new EP, Get It, will be released on Friday.
Opening the show was Kyshona Armstrong. She actually played the first Safety Harbor Song Fest in 2014. She plays some wonderful acoustic soul music and was backed by an outstanding band. I really enjoyed her set, and I will be on the lookout for more opportunities to see her again.
Daphne Willis played next back by yet another outstanding band. I am always hesitant to assign genres when the artist/band does not. I will say there is a real pop instinct to her music. The overwhelming impression is energy, enthusiasm, and a very clear understanding and appreciation for the way her music sounds. Chris Gelbuda, who co-produced her new CD, joined her for a couple of songs, and then was the next on the bill.
I found out after the set that Gelbuda and his band only got the chance for minimum rehearsal time before the show, but I can honestly say, that did not come across. Gelbuda is an accomplished producer (he produced the latest hit single for Meaghan Trainor) and a professional songwriter. I was very impressed by the caliber of his songs.
Unfortunately, I had to leave before the last act on the bill was done, but Sonia Leigh – playing with much of the band that accompanied Daphne Willis – sounded great.
On to the mid-week shuffle for your listening pleasure…
“Stupid Bird (This Time Next Year)” by Dean Fields
Another track from the Harvester Sampler. This song relates the migration (leaving only return) to the similar effect small towns have on people. I really like this one.
“Generic Bike Rider” by Batkhi Dahn
The return of Batkhi Dahn to the shuffle. They have a new single out, but this is from the Plays 15 record. This song is not about a name brand bike rider. Just so we are clear.
“City Kids” by Motorhead
What’s that? Why does Ear the Ground never have early period Motorhead in the shuffle? The hell you say! Ta-Da.
“The Bulrushes” (Bongos cover) by Tim Lee 3
When I came across this song a few weeks ago, and then discovered it was a few years old, I had to wonder why it took me so long to learn of its existence. Some of favorite people and E2TG favorites from Knoxville, Tennessee covering one of my favorite songs by one of the best bands of all time. The song appeared on an benefit album for Hurricane Relief – I think following Sandy.
“The Hydra’s Heart” by The Unravelling
One of my favorite local songwriters has been posting lots of metal links today (that really doesn’t narrow it down much), but before I even knew that, this song came into the shuffle from the progressive metal band from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The lead track (I think) from Tear a Hole in the Collective Vision. ROCK!
“It’s All Gone Now” by Jeremy Nash
Nashville-by-way-of-New York singer-songwriter Jeremy Nash just released a new album called Getaway Driver. I got to hear him do some songs in a round Sunday night at Bobby’s Idle Hour. This is our first listen to Getaway Driver, and it will not be the last. We start with the last track on the album because that is how our randomness rolls sometimes. I’ve just listened to a few tracks on the album, but I really dig what I’ve heard so far.
“Monterey” by The Milk Carton Kids
Monterey is the title track from the latest album by the folk duo, The Milk Carton Kids. The track came to us via those 100 World Café Session downloads we got back several months ago. It is a great performance of a gorgeous song.
“Collide” by Dan Coyle
Another track from Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences – the 2009 album of one of our favorites.
“I Don’t Wanna Know” by Human Radio
We close things out with a favorite from the self-titled Human Radio record. The band is working on a new album and playing some shows in Nashville and Memphis – including this Saturday at The 5 Spot.
E2TG: MUSIC/WORDS 