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It’s April 1 – no joke. Today, D. Boon would have been 58 years old. Hard to believe he had been gone for over 30 years. The music he made in his too short life was very important to me.
We have some Featured Friday music to kick off the fourth month of 2016
“Alcatraz” by PONY BOY
We start off our April with another awesome song from Pony Boy’s Blue Gold album. This is a good one. Produced by Justin Collins and Adam Landry for Cosmic Thug…
“New Yorkian Dairy Company” by Jonas H. Sjøvaag’s Navyelectre
Another track from this Norwegian artist. I am not sure if this is considered a bonus-track for the Large Ensemble album, but in any case, it is a great song.
“Don’t F It Up” by Chase Walker Band
Chase Walker is a young blues guitar prodigy. He and his band have an album forthcoming called Not Quite Legal. This is our first listen, and yeah it is good! The “F” word is only censored for the title, by the way.
“Runnin'” by Ashleigh Flynn
From a Million Stars. I was thinking about Ashleigh Flynn this week. When she was here in Nashville, she said Todd Snider’s “Play a Train Song” and Snider joined her on stage to sing a few lines. This week, I got to see and hear Snider himself play that song on the very same (The 5 Spot) stage. Ashleigh Flynn is good, ya’ll.
“Six Feet Down” by Amelia White
Another from Home Sweet Hotel. Such a great album – you really should check it out.
“Clarity” by Pony Girl
Pony Girl meet Pony Boy… Pony Boy meet Pony Girl. If you guys ever put together a “Tale of Two Ponies” tour or split single – I hope E2TG gets a shout out… 🙂 Pony Girl are from Canada. The band’s new album is called Foreign Life. Great stuff. I just now noticed that Raphael Weinroth-Browne of The Visit (who we featured a while back) plays cello on this album.
“April Fools” by Brian Wright
I promise this was not a plant! The shuffle brought this song up today of all days. I think I’ve said enough times that Brian Wright is one of the best songwriters I know. This is from the Café Rooster Sessions Vol. 1. Work is underway on Vol. 2, and I can’t wait. Brian Wright has been touring with Aaron Lee Tasjan and on his own, if he comes any where near you, do yourself a favor and go out and see him.
“Dancin’ Round The Nails” by The Jackals
We close out the week and the first shuffle of April with another track People by this outstanding Scottish band. They will be playing later in April before a Manchester City football match sponsored by Blue Soap-Music which is the source for a bunch of the great UK music that I feature here.
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Lots of almost news to almost report… Expect to have more information about my and Sue Havlish’s WXNA show – Double Shot with Joe and Sue very soon. If you have not done so, now would be a good time to follow our show on Facebook.
Also, expect more details about the forthcoming E2TG Five Year Anniversary Party (5/18 at The 5 Spot). Just trying to lock down the final details.
Maybe, probably less soon, expect some information about the future of E2TG (it’s so bright, I have to wear shades – how is that for a relatively obscure – nearly 30 year old reference).
In the meantime, it is Tuesday when we take a look at what is “Trending” on E2TG….
“Pinprick Eyes” by Ask for Joy
Ask for Joy is a Dream Pop/Shoegaze project of Aaron Rossetto of Austin, Texas. This song comes from the recently released New Private Window EP filled with forbidden pleasures.
“Receiver” by Waco Brothers
The Waco Brothers new album Going Down in History is receiving widespread acclaim. Waco Brothers are fronted by Jon Langford from the legendary band, The Mekons. This is the first single from that album. If you want, you can check out this and some other Waco Brothers’ music on Noisetrade before you buy Going Down in History. Really sorry I missed this band when they played Nashville late last year, but I am glad I saw Langford at The 5 Spot more recently. Hope Waco Brothers come back here soon.
“Listening to Antique Pony Too Much” by Youngstrr Joey
As you can probably tell – if you stick around her long enough – I have a soft spot for the more experimental side of things sometimes. Youngstrr Joey from Glascow fits that bill pretty nicely. It is experimental without being outrageously off-putting (at least for me). Antique Pony is a Scottish band. (I had to look that up, and now I have to check them out).
“The Fall” by The Hidden Agendas
Williamsport, PA is the hometown of Little League baseball, and the home base of The Hidden Agendas. Glad to have them back in the shuffle. When I’m not getting all experimental and weird, sometimes I just like some pretty straight ahead rock and roll – especially when it is done well. The band is hard at work on their new album. Can’t wait to hear it.
“Seed” by Jonas Howden Sjøvaag’s Navyelectre
It seems like we have been featuring songs from Large Ensemble for a while, and we still have a couple more after this one. I really dig this wonderful, original music from Norway. Jonas Sjøvaag is a composer who has quite a bit of music out there.
“Melissa” by Amelia White
Next up, a very beautiful love song from the album Home Sweet Hotel, which is among my favorites of 2016 so far.
“This Life… With You” by Hayes Carll and Supersuckers
Long running country/punk/rock band Supersuckers team with Texas singer-songwriter on this track from the Supersuckers’ most recent album, Holdin’ the Bag. Yeah! And yes, I freaking missed this at The Basement East Sunday… *shakes my head*
“Flood of Red” by Drew Worthley
Drew Worthley is a singer-songwriter the UK. His new album is called Crucible. This is a track from that album. I really like this.
“Double Trouble” by Leapfrogtown
We have another track from Dreaming in Public the current album by this London based band.
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A couple of East Nashville’s finest songwriters crossed the river last night for a casual show in the front room at the recently reopened 12th and Porter. Joseph Robert Krauss writes really good songs, has a great voice, and his mildly self-deprecating humor hit the right notes, too.
The thing that struck me about Darrin Bradbury last night is that he is a true performer (dare I say entertainer?) My appreciation for his songwriting is well documented, but last night, his talent as a performer really hit me. Having seen him in a variety of settings (from band shows at his well-attended January residency to Saturday’s impromptu performance for a handful of people under a canopy in the rain to last night’s loose/casual solo performance in front of relatively small crowd), what I noticed and realized last night is that regardless of the circumstance or setting, Darrin performs and performs well. For me it was great to hear some older songs which he does not play very often.
Also, Brock Zeman and Blair Hogan are returning to Nashville with shows tonight for $2 Tuesday at The 5 Spot and tomorrow night at Bobby’s Idle Hour.
Time for a shuffled peak into what is currently trending at E2TG:
“Waiting On The Man With The Sun” by The Jackals
We begin with another really catchy song from People by this Scottish band.
“Stars” by Some Kind of Illness
Keeping it in the UK, we move on to some catchy indie/guitar music from the self-titled album by this Manchester band.
“Egophoria” by Mind the Journey
Another track from Color in the Gray Machine. Mind the Journey is the psychedelic rock project of Spencer Sabo who is based out of Boston.
“Voice Perfume” by Jonas H. Sjøvaag’s Navyelectre
Jonas H. Sjøvaag is a drummer, singer, composer, designer, and photographer from Oslo, Norway. We have been featuring tracks from Large Ensemble by his Navyelectre project for some time, and I am really digging this music. Great songs, a unique voice, and a really innovative style.
“As Above As So Below” by Andrew Adkins
Another from Glass Castles! If you happen to be down at SXSW, try to catch Andrew Adkins who is among the many E2TG favorites gigging around Austin this week.
“Talk About Glory” by Simon Scardanelli
Next up, we have the recent single by Simon Scardanelli who was formerly in the band, Big Bam Boo who scored a Top 40 hit in the late 1980s. He has released several solo albums and form the side project Dr. Scardo in 2011. His latest solo album, Make Us Happy was released just a couple of weeks ago. Think very British, very aggressive punk/folk/pop music.
“Scrappy Dobbins” by The Grisly Hand
Our first listen to Flesh and Gold by this really excellent Kansas City band. This is a really exciting brand of roots and rock and roll. My first real listen, but it won’t’ be my last.
“The Mask” (Chris Peck Remix) by The Heavy Howl
The Heavy Howl are a rock band from New York. Their latest EP (New Mistake) was produced and engineered by Chris Peck – who E2TG listeners may Peck from his days with one-time featured band The Disappointment or more recently from his solo project Peck. He has been doing a lot of studio work including mixing and engineering Christopher Paul Stelling’s Labor Against Waste which was well received last year. The Heavy Howl asked Peck to remix their song from the album, and this is the result.
“Crossroads” by Julie Rhodes
Julie Rhodes is a powerhouse singer from Somerville, MA. Julie has a new record called Bound to Meet the Devil, and a sampler you can check out right now at Noisetrade. One of this bonus tracks on that sampler his this cover of the Robert Johnson classic. In another of those weird moments of connection, I found a video of Julie Rhodes with Christopher Paul Stelling (mentioned above) which I included in the Video Playlist. Nashville will have several opportunities to see Julie Rhodes this week (on her way to SXSW) and next (on her way back from SXSW) including stops next week at Music City Roots and a $2 Tuesday at The 5 Spot (next week).
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And we are back! Life happens… Here is a brief musical recap:
Sunday night. It was Valentine’s Day and it was Sunday and it was a messy, cold and rainy night. A relatively small crowd (relative to the Nashville crowd this show should have brought out) witnessed a text book demonstration of what Rock and Roll guitar music should be. Brian Wright opened with an amazing band that boasted three powerhouse guitar players (including Wright himself). As I have come to expect from Brian Wright, the songs were excellent and the energy and music were intense. Easily one of the best Brian Wright shows I have seen (and I have seen some good ones). The headliner was Dan Baird and Homemade Sin. The band fronted by ex-Georgia Satellite Baird and featuring the legendary Warner Hodges on lead guitar – tore through a set of songs that spanned Baird’s lengthy catalog. Backed by fellow former Satellite, Mauro Magellen on Drums and Micke Nilsson on bass, the band was on point and played as though they were playing a sold out arena show. The band tours extensively in Europe, but Nashville shows are rare. I hope next time around, the weather and calendar aligns and Nashville will pack out wherever they play.
A very different evening last night at The Post East coffee house/juice bar/smoothie joint for East Nashville Storytellers #77 which featured renowned poet Bill Brown and Darrin Bradbury (accompanied by Megan Palmer).
Due to circumstances, I missed seeing Jon Latham, Zach Schmidt, Jeremy Pinnell, and Carson McHone on Monday night, but by all accounts it was every bit as awesome as I would expect.
On to the shuffle – since I know you got to be jonesing for one by this point…
“Dead Man’s Glory” by Jonas H. Sjøvaag’s Navyelectre
Some orchestral swinging music from Norway. The album Large Ensemble has been in rotation here a while, and the songs are all amazing.
“Bye Bye Baby” by Bob Margolin
From My Road, a cover of a Nappy Brown song by “Steady Rollin'” Bob Margolin. Some awesome modern blues music.
“Pending Vegan” by Ben Arthur
Author Jonathan Lethem (not to be mistaken for E2TG Artist of the Year, Jon Latham – although I would love to witness the two in conversation about music) is one of the best contemporary writers and one of the most in touch with the power and importance of music. It is therefore appropriate that Ben Arthur’s Call and Response will include a song that is not only based upon a story of Lethem’s but is in fact a collaboration. Since there is not a video yet for this track, I posted a Ben Arthur video along with Jonathan Lethem interviewing Patti Smith.
“Who Carried You” by Malcolm Holcombe
The legendary North Carolina singer, songwriter Malcolm Holcombe from his recently released The RCA Sessions. “Who Carried You” was originally released on his debut album A Hundred Lies which was released back in 1996.
“Bodysnatchers” by Dave Rawlings Machine
More instant classic music from Nashville Obsolete. I honestly believe this is music that will be listened to and discussed for years to come.
“Happy Halloween” by The Green Pajamas
Happy Halloween! is the name of the 2014 album from this long running Indie Psycho-Pop band from Seattle. I’m sure this was added to my playlist back in October, but really, there is never a wrong time for incredible music like this.
“You Keep Me Hanging On” by Vanilla Fudge
Vanilla Fudge with a rocking cover of the Holland-Dozier-Holland song which was a huge hit for The Supremes in 1966. The Vanilla Fudge version was a top ten hit. Kim Wilde took the song back to number one 20 years after The Supreme’s version.
“Starless” by Zaibatsu
And, we close out the shuffle with more awesome music from this Italian pregressive rock band – off of their record Zero.
First of all, I have to say how amazingly proud I am of Darrin Bradbury who played the first night of his month-long Monday Residency at the Basement East. I know I may sound like a broken record about this, but even at the end of last year, when I named Darrin my Artist of the Year, the idea of his playing a month-long residency at the largest club in East Nashville would have been almost inconceivable (unless you stopped to consider the trajectory he was on). And yet, here he was playing before a sizable crowd filled with some of the best songwriters and musicians in this town.
I was struck once again by Darrin’s skill as a songwriter. Back in November of 2013, when a mutual friend (Popa Tune’s) told me that Darrin was moving to Nashville, I checked out his music (I had written about his old band Big Wilson River a year earlier, but did not know much about Darrin’s solo stuff). Around the time, I started listening to Darrin’s songs, a friend of mine posted something on Facebook about how they don’t make songwriters like they used to… or something like that. And, I remember thinking that Darrin may be the best pure songwriter I’ve heard in a long, long time. And, he has only gotten better since then.
Darrin was backed by the kind of band that may only be possible in East Nashville: Laur Joamets (Little Joe) from Sturgill Simpson’s band on guitar, Megan Palmer on fiddle, Cameron Carrus on bass, Aaron Shafer-Haiss on drums.
The always amazing Aaron Lee Tasjan opened the night, playing some new tunes and sounding awesome even when he forget the lyrics to a song and sang it out of order.
2015 E2TG Artist of the Year, Jon Latham played next – confirming the wisdom of my selection. By the way, Jon was just named Local Artist of the Week at Nashville Independent station Lightning 100. His song “Anesthesia” will be in rotation this week and he will play a free show Friday at Soulshine Pizza.
For me (in kind a full circle kind of way), a highlight of the evening was Darrin leading the band through a cover of the Merle Travis song made famous by Johnny Cash, “Nine Pound Hammer”. This song had been Darrin’s warm-up song for all of those Wednesday night Fran’s shows back in the day.
On to the shuffle….
“Ginchy” by Balu and Die Surfgrammeln
After I played a track from this Austrian surf rock band a while back, they sent me some new music. Los Chicharrones del Surf is the name of their latest album, and it is excellent.
“I’ll Never Give It Up” by Richard Thompson
From the album, Sweet Warrior. Richard Thompson remains one of my all-time favorites.
“Right Next to You” by Christopher Aaron Slade
When Christopher Aaron Slade first submitted his music, he referenced sounding like AC/DC meets Scissor Sisters (my wording). That got me to listen. His songs are at times brash and suggestive in the best kind of way, and they all have a bit of groove to them. This song may be my favorite. It has a hook to die for and it sounds like it belongs on a really cool classic rock station.
“Meet a Changing World” by Smug Brothers
Smug Brothers are a Dayton Ohio rock band. This song is on their latest album, Woodpecker Paradise. I really like it a bunch!
“Better Off Dead” by Jonas H. Sjøvaag’s Navyelectre
Jonas is a composer and musician from Oslo, Norway. This song is from the album, Large Ensemble which we have been featuring for some time. Every time a song comes up, I am once again intrigued and amazed by how good this is.
“All the Right Reasons” (live) by The Jayhawks
Another from that live Jayhawks album via Noisetrade. This song was originally on the album Rainy Day Music.
“Get to Me” by Amy Black
Amy Black’s latest album, Muscle Shoals Sessions features some of the great song that were created in that legendary hotbed of contemporary music. In the midst, she also included 3 original tunes, including this one. It is to her credit as a songwriter, that I had to look up to see if this was a cover or an original.
“Tatiana” by Slingshot Dragster
We began with an Austrian surf rock band, and we end with an Australian surf rock band. Seems about right. Did I mention that I love surf music more than I even knew a few months ago.
This crazy time of year… Here I am posting this on a Thursday evening. Circumstances, blah, blah, blah… Any way, let’s get to it…
Last night, I had a blast – another great show at The Basement (the original one). “Earie” Award winners, Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau put on another outstanding show that included a version of “Can’t Be Satisfied” featuring Richie Owens on the lap steel. Bassist John Reed and stand-up drummer Brian O’Hanlon were in fine form. I also got to see Saint Luke’s Drifters for the first time. They called their sound Rockified Country. Songs ranged from high energy rockers that brought to my mind the Scorchers to some very honky-tonkish country songs. Vocal duties were shared and each singer brought something unique to the band’s sound. I really enjoyed myself, and I hope to hear much more.
So, by my rough count, there will be seven more regular E2TG posts before the end of the year – not counting any weekend or holiday bonus posts. My plan is to hand out “Earies” each of those days with Wednesday December 30, being reserved for the 5th Annual Ear to the Ground Artist of the Year. Which I will for the first time dub, the “Golden Earier” Award.
But, I am getting ahead of myself. We have some “Earies” to give away today.
Prologue: I have been having a really good time handing out these awards. Even though the categories are sometimes a bit silly, the sentiment behind them is very real. I really want to write about and honor artists who have made a big impression on my in 2015 (and before in some cases). I could have just made a list or handed out awards without giving them names, but really, this is more fun isn’t it? I say all this to preface the fact that I have struggled a bit with what to call this next award. Flippantly, I thought about the Six Degrees Award – as my having met these remarkable people has moved me up a few degrees of separation from some of the my all-time favorite artists (and some of the most famous in the world). But, really that name would only serve to diminish the extraordinary artists they are in their own right.
So – I hereby name this award the “Legends in Their Own Right” Award. And I am going to just get to it before I overthink it and decide to change the name again….
1. Reckless Johnny Wales – The first time I encountered Reckless Johnny, I did not know who he was, but I suspected (correctly it turns out), that I was in the presence of someone remarkable. The next time, and when I finally got to meet him, I was standing on what can only be called Hallowed Ground – namely the Cash Cabin recording studios… if those walls could talk… and even though I did not hear the walls talk that night (although it would not surprise me if some who have been there have heard stranger things than that), I did get to hear some of Reckless Johnny’s stories about meeting Johnny Cash and many others. More importantly, as a result of that meeting, I received a copy of Reckless Johnny Wales’ American Heart, and any doubts that I might have had (I didn’t really) were tossed out the window. The music on that album demonstrates that the remarkable storied life (lives?) can and were translated into some memorable music. I have a full review in my plans for early 2016, so I will stop here for now.
2. Bebe Buell – Speaking of a life filled with stories… As perhaps one of the world’s most famous groupies, Bebe Buell experienced first hand some of the defining moments of the rock and roll era. I will leave it to you to read more about her remarkable life, but for me the most important thing is happening now. Throughout all of those interactions with rock and roll royalty, Bebe Buell was paying attention. Having relocated to Nashville a few years ago, Buell is now focused on her own music pursuits. I first saw her performing Tom Petty songs with the amazing Long Players, and then I saw her own show at 3rd and Lindsay, and I was impressed by her music and her stage presence. That night and again at the end of October, I also saw that she is still the ultimate rock and roll fan – which is obviously when she talks about and dances to the music of the Blackfoot Gypsies.
3. Julie Christensen (Stone Cupid) – Julie Christensen is another fairly recent transplant to our fair city. Christensen’s musical career includes being a part of one of the pioneering Country/Punk bands, The Divine Horsemen with her husband at the time, Chris Desjardins founder of the legendary Flesheaters – a band whose membership history reads like a role call of the very best of Los Angeles music of the late 70s to early 80s. Later, Christensen spent several years as a featured background singer with Leonard Cohen. She reunited Cohen for the now legendary I’m Your Man concert film and album. Upon, relocating to Nashville (and even before), Julie Christensen began working with some of the finest writers and musicians this town has to offer. Her band, now called Stone Cupid, features an incredible line-up. Sergio Webb and Chris Tench are two of the finest guitar players in a city that has a few… and the rhythm section features Steve Latanation (Agent Orange) and Bones Hillman who was member of Midnight Oil throughout there was most successful years. (UPDATE: There is reason I do not usually post late, I totally forgot to mention Stone Cupid’s new album The Cardinal which will officially be out early in 2016. And I wanted to mention, that Stone Cupid played during the final week of the original Family Wash, and that show was one my favorite live shows of the year.)
On a personal note, having met them all, I am I find myself more interested in the people they are and the music they are making now than I am in their remarkable past. But, to be honest, I will not walk away from a great story about some of the most important musical giants of our time…
To the shuffle (before it is Friday): (a regular shuffle – we’ll hop back into the season music next week).
“Think I Said Too Much” by Sugar and the Hi Lows
Another great track from one of Nashville’s best. From their self-titled album.
“Tom and Bob” by Blake Babies
More from that Blake Babies live album- available on Noisetrade. This song was on their debut album, Nicely, Nicely which came out in 1987.
“Attention Shoppers” by Crazy Aces
More music from Nashville’s premiere instrumental rock band, Crazy Aces.
“Camera Roll” by Jonas H. Sjøvaag’s Navyelectre
From Norway. I have really been digging the music of composer Jonas Howden Sjøvaag. The album is called Large Ensemble.
“Fool Man Runaway” by Some Kind of Illness (ft. CaoilfhionnRose)
We move on to another song from Some Kind of Illness from their self-titled album. This track features Manchester singer-songwriter Caoilfhionn Rose (her first name is pronounced Keelin). Two songs in and I continue to be impressed by this band.
“Take My Time” by Daphne Willis
Another track from free-spirited Nashville singer-songwriter Daphne Willis’ new EP, Get It. Seriously, get it!
“Little Wild One (No. 5) by Marshall Crenshaw
We jump next into the first of two songs from two of my all-time favorite albums. This is the opening track to Downtown, which was Crenshaw’s third album following his amazing self-titled debut and Field Day. Downtown was released in 1985.
“I Misunderstood” by Richard Thompson
Rumor and Sigh was released in 1991, and it still stands out as some of the best music of one of modern music’s most prolific and talented musicians.
“I Can’t Tell” by David G. Smith
We close out the shuffle with our first listen to First Love, the new album by singer-songwriter David G. Smith. Smith, like Julie Christensen, comes from Iowa and now resides in Nashville. I will have much more to say about this album – which features great songs and an incredible line-up of musicians. This was a great way to close out the shuffle this morning.
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I got to see and hear some of my favorite East Nashville songwriters last night and I was home before 9:00. Brian Wright opened up Joe Fletcher’s final residency at The 5 Spot, and he had Aaron Lee Tasjan play with some, and then Darrin Bradbury and Brian did Darrin’s song, “Blue Highway” which is one of my favorites. And, Joe Fletcher played his amazing songs and had Brian Wright and Aaron Lee and Margo Price join him, and at the end they all did “I’m Waiting for My Man” – the Velvet Underground song, and it was a pretty awesome moment… plus I got to see and hang out with some of my favorite people.
I’m staying in tonight and gearing up for a very busy end of August into a crazy busy September.
Today in the shuffle, we have some really cool songs from a variety of genres – including a couple that I didn’t even know existed….
“Trouble in Your Blood” by Robyn Hitchcock
A friend of mine recently posted something on social media about serving Robyn Hitchcock in the coffee shop where she works. This song comes from his album, The Man Upstairs which was released about a year ago. The recording I listened to was another of those way too awesome World Café Sesssions that I have had sprinkled through out my shuffle ever since they offered 100 songs for free download. I saw Robyn Hitchcock about 23 years ago at an Earth Day concert in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Robyn Hitchcock was a member of the 1970s English band The Soft Boys. As I was listening to this, it occurred to me to write all about how Hitchcock was in Soft Cell who had a decent sized hit with Tainted Love in the 1980s and to go on and on about how different his solo music was then that. And then see, if anyone corrected me and how they went about it. But I didn’t.
“Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)” by Squeeze
I am so happy to see that Squeeze is getting some renewed attention. They were and are masters of the art of pop songwriting. I see that they have some new music coming out. Should be interesting to hear. Originally from the album Argybargy – the band’s 1980 album. If you are just getting into Squeeze, the compilation Singles 45s and Under is a great place to start.
“Something in the Water” by Pokey Lafarge
The title and lead song from the latest album by Pokey LaFarge. There is a throwback quality to his songs, but they ring so true… this ain’t nostalgic music. The song and the video feature an El Camino – which I have had a long standing obsession with since my friend Rex Silo mentioned how many motion pictures feature the car/truck. Start looking for it… you find it hard to stop.
“The Treehouse” by James Roquemore
I’ve been digging on Roquemore’s EP The First ever since I got it after seeing him play at The Basement as part of Patrick Kinsley’s album release show. “The Treehouse” is a lovely, nostalgic look back at childhood.
“Manic at Midnight” by Circus Propaganda
I guess Circus Propaganda were kind of a Dord Music Group supergroup of sorts. They are inactive now – with all the members doing other things, but they left behind some really cool music. This song, from the album Botany, is one of my favorites.
“Organ Flames” by Batkhi Dahn
As I mentioned, yesterday was Hayden Nork’s 14th birthday. This is a song from his main side project and the album Plays 15. Yes, two Dord songs in a row – what can I say, my shuffle function loves this music. Good taste, shuffle function.
“Hope You’re Hurting” by Cars Can Be Blue
This band is based in Atlanta. I really like their quirky sound and energy. The album is called, Doubly Unbeatable, which was released back in 2008.
“More…” by Wilco
Another from Star Wars – the surprise free download Wilco offered up a little while back. If you want an official physical coffee of the album – the band recentlyu relased the album on CD within the last week of so.
“Last Song” by Susan James
The last song on Sea Glass. And it could have been the final song of this shuffle but I listened to one more.
“Yellow Eyes” by Rayland Baxter
Rayland is the son of Bucky Baxter, and he got his start on Caitlin Rose’s song, “Shanghai Cigarettes” – which I love. I dig this song which is on his brand new album Imaginary Man.
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Just as the weather is showing it’s first signs of cooling off, the music around town is heating up. Shows are stacking up, Americana Music Association Festival is just a couple of weeks ago, outdoor shows are starting to ramp up…
Meanwhile, the E2TG Random Music Shuffles roll along. We have a good one that covers quite a bit of musical ground… shall we? We shall!
“Tongues Are Turning” by Discount Ravioli
We have another (longer) track for Discount Ravioli’s new album (debut?) which is called Robin Schultz and the 21 Prayers. There are, by the way, 21 tracks on the album. This one is called “Tongues are Turning”. By the way, still no video of Discount Ravioli so I included a track by another Dord Music Group artist – The Urinal Cakes. Meanwhile, if you search for “Tongues are Turning” by Discount Ravioli on YouTube, you can find a video of how to make ravioli and video diary of someone who got their tongue pierced. Happy searching…
“Prayer for the Snake” by The Shakers
After running into Robert Logue at The 5 Spot a couple of weeks back, The Shakers have been on my mind, so I decided to load up their album, Songs From Beneath the Lake into my playlist. Prayer for the Snake is one of my favorites from that album (though to be honest, I have a lot of favorites from that album). The Shakers were not all what one might expect of Nashville music in the late 80s/early 90s, but there was a unmistakable spirit of Southern Gothic mysticism present in the ethereally beautiful melodies. Logue and Oscar Rice were part of the original line-up of Royal Court of China before leaving that band to focus on The Shakers. The influence of those two musicians on Royal Court of China is evident on that band’s self-titled debut.
“irish twins” by valued customer
I have a hard time expressing how glad I am to have Valued Customer back in the shuffle. This band from Toronto have been one of my favorites for a long time. They just recently released byugecup (the hugecup bsides). hugecup is going the be the band’s next album. Seemingly, these are tracks that did not make that album. Make no mistakes, Valued Customer’s b-sides are on a level so far above most bands’ a-sides. As with most of Valued Customer music, I don’t really feel like describing or analyzing the music too much. I just kind of lean into it and let it take me higher… it never let’s me down. Superbly talented musicians, spiritual seekers, weird and mad geniuses. I guarantee you have never heard anything like Valued Customer.
As the sixties ended, and the 1970s began, Paul Revere and the Raiders decided to shorten their name and change musical directions. The resulting album, Collage, was a commercial failure, but it included some pretty cool tunes like this one.
“Wade in the Water” by The Barefoot Movement
Another track from young traditionalists, The Barefoot Movement’s EP called The High Road. This song is a negro spiritual that was first published in 1901 by the Fisk Jublilee Singers (the combo that actually gave Nashville the name Music City).
“Home Again” by Charlie Whitten
Originally on an EP called Travis County Macaroons. This one came to me via a Noisetrade sampler called, An Assortment. Charlie Whitten is from Nashville.
“I’m Not the Same” by Fritz Montana
Fritz Montana are an indie blues rock band from San Francisco. I honestly cannot remember how I came across this artist UPDATE: I remember now – this came to me via last month’s Feel Bad For You Mixtape (submitted by the one and only David Popa Tunes Horton – it all makes sense now!), but I like them a lot.
“Strange Boat” by The Waterboys
One more good one from one of my favorite albums, Fisherman’s Blues.
“Johnny Always Stayed” by Jonas Howden Sjøvaag’s Navyelectre
Another awesome improvisational track from the Large Ensemble out of Oslo, Norway. Wonderful songs and sounds.
We’ve made it to the mid-week, and believe it or not, we are right at the mid-month mark for July. Lots of stuff on the horizon.
By the way, the #E2TG Facebook page is about to reach another milestone in terms of number of followers (300)! If you haven’t done so, and feel so inclined, give us a “Like” (the link is above as it is everyday). Something special awaits our 300th “Like”.
Shuffle….
“Buttercup” by Kerri Powers
This song (my first – but not my last – listen to Kerri Powers) sounds as if it comes from a different era, which I attribute to the timelessness of the sound and style. She is from Massachusetts. The song is on her self-titled album which was released last year.
“Harsh Light of Reality” by Human Radio
Another great song from the self-titled Human Radio album from the early 90s. Still sounds relevant today.
“Born to Lose” by Social Distortion
From Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell… Social Distortion… just Social Distortion! I used to think of this as my theme-song – sung with defiance not self-pity.
“Mr. Soul” by Matthew Sweet
Matthew Sweet covering a Neil Young penned song from Buffalo Springfield… this is a good thing!
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” by Waylon Jennings
This song will turn 40 years old next month. Proof positive that whatever the problems with the “Nashville” Country Music establishment, they are not new and the solution always must start from the outside. As timely today…. and a really great song!
“Fragile Magic” by Michael Sackler-Berner
So the theme today seems to be timeless music – modern music that sounds like it is from another era and older music that sounds fresh and vital. Michael Sackler-Berner fits in the former category – his latest music evoking some of the great Pop music of the last several decades. Marshall Crenshaw is among the awesome people who have worked with him, he’s had songs in Sons of Anarchy and Law and Order, and he has done some acting.
“Do You Know Something (I Don’t Know)?” by Webb Wilder
Last night, I posted a picture on Facebook and Instagram that included my vintage Webb Wilder t-shirt. Today, this song from Hybrid Vigor shows up in the shuffle… go figure. Webb doing his thing…. dig it!
“Interview With a Hobo” by Jonas H. Sjøvaag’s Navyelectre
The album is called Large Ensemble. They are from Oslo, Norway, and I am have really been getting into this album since I got hold of it recently. It is highly original music that I find it difficult to describe. Check out the video playlist which closes with a preview of the album which was released back in May.
Hard to believe we’ve reached the end of another month. My Facebook memory thing reminded me that it was a year ago today that I came off of my self-imposed hiatus and returned to posting daily morning shuffles. It’s been quite a year, and I have to stop and thank everyone who helped make it so. All the readers, artists, and all the people who have sent me music. That last group has increased exponentially – especially in the last month or so, and I have been struggling to keep up. I want to give all the music I receive a fair listen, and so I beg patience as I try to listen and respond to as many submissions as I can. Believe me, it is a great problem to have for someone who loves to hear all kinds of music.
“Free” by Whiskey Shivers
Another song from Whiskey Shivers from the Austin band’s self-titled album. Yep!
“Nobody” by Killing Kuddles
Long time #E2TG favorite Killing Kuddles from Atlanta, Georgia are back with a new EP called, Sinking Ship. This is our first listen to that album. All I can say is that it’s great to have Killing Kuddles back in the shuffle!
“When it Rains” by Tiffany Huggins Grant
Jonquil Child – the debut album from Singer-Songwriter Tiffany Huggins Grant is due out on July 7 (a week from today!). Boasting Huggins Grant’s incredible vocals, some wonderful songs, and top-notch Nashville production from #E2TG favorite Mark Robinson (plus some great Nashville musicians), the album has become a favorite of mine since I got my hands on it. She is playing a CD Release show in Nashville on July 18 at Douglas Corner. Should be a good time!
“Sleep All Summer” by Crooked Fingers
Crooked Fingers was formed by Eric Bachmann following the breakup of Archers of Loaf. They have had rotating cast of musicians backing Bachmann. This song is from their 2011 album, “Breaks in the Armor”. This was my first real listen to this band, and I like what I’ve heard.
“Blackspot” by Jonas Howden Sjøvaag’s Navyelectre
I always like to receive music that I would be unable and unlikely to hear otherwise – also proof that I do listen to music that comes my way. Navyelectre is primarily the music of Norwegian artist, Jonas Howden Sjøvaag. Some improvised music with elements of electronic pop music. Highly original and a great addition to my shuffle.
“14” by Sam Morrow
Sam Morrow returns to the shuffle with another track from the Seahorse Session. This one is about starting drinking at age 14. Morrow recently celebrated 4 years of sobriety (which I post only because it was on his Facebook page), and it is very clear this music comes from a richly authentic place.
“Some Things Stay” by Brock Zeman
Like Sam Morrow, I wrote about Brock Zeman and connected via social media, and then kind of lost track of him. Recently, I was fortunate to see him play an incredible round at the Bluebird, and I was reminded of what drew me to his music in the first play. Great songs, a unique voice, and a rich sound. From Pulling Your Sword Out of the Devil’s Back.
“Why Do the Heathen Rage” by Guadalcanal Diary
Our third Georgia related band. Marietta’s Guadalcanal Diary’s debut, Walking the Shadow of the Big Man is one of my favorites of all time. This song is among my favorites from that album.
“I Wanted Hair Like Alice Cooper” by Batkhi Dahn
More music from Connecticut avant garde, experimental, whatever band Batkhi Dahn from Plays 15.
E2TG: MUSIC/WORDS 