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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. 🙂
Well… It’s Friday! By my estimates, there are eleven work days left in 2015. I am going to have to huddle up with the awards committee* over the weekend to take stock of where things stand. I know I will leave somebody important out, so expect some adjunct awards early in 2016. *I am the awards committee, by the way….
Now to today’s “Earie”Award.
The Award: the “There Going to Put Me in the Movies” Award aka the “Act Naturally” Award aka the “Buck Owens” Award….
The premise: No premise really, just a way to connect two awesome songwriters/musicians so that I can give them both an award for being awesome.
The Awards go to:
1. Joe Nolan – Joe recently signed a new publishing agreement with Creative Songwriters Music which is hopefully mean we will be hearing some of his great songs in movies and television shows soon. In addition, Joe Nolan is by the best definition I know, a true modern day renaissance man. In addition to his extensive journalistic work – among other things he is the arts editor for the Nashville Scene, a regular blogger, etc. etc. etc. He was recently awarded a commission by the Metro (Nashville) Arts Commission to create a song based upon a piece of public art, and he has an on-going Nashville Public Radio series about Nashville’s many “Pikes”. Makes me proud to be a “Joe”.
2. Andrew Adkins – Andrew has an excellent track record of having songs used in movies and trailers. Most recently, one of his songs was used in the trailer for Colin Hanks’ film about Tower Records, All Things Must Pass. This was cool to me for two reason, 1. Tower Records played an important role in my musical development – particularly in the early 90s. 2. Colin Hanks was in Orange County and he’s Tom Hanks’ son. In addition, Adkins has kept busy making music under a variety of names before consolidating it all under his own name. Semi-coincidently, he just released the first single from his forthcoming album, Glass Castles (which will be released the day after my birthday). The single is called, “May the Stars Fall At Your Door” and it marks a bit of a departure from the kind of music Andrew Adkins has been doing.
On to the shuffle:
“This I See” by Dan Coyle
Another track from Dan Coyle’s Random Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences. The album is a few years old, and maybe shouldn’t be on my “Featured” playlist, but hey, it’s new to me, plus it’s my playlist, my blog, my rules.
“Oklahoma” by Nellie Clay
I got to hear Nellie Clay perform some of her music Wednesday night at the Family Wash and then I ran into her last night. She is one of my newest favorite local songwriters. Originally from Oklahoma, she moved to Nashville from Alaska. Her new album is called Never Did What I Should Have Done.
“Write it Down” by Tom House
The first of three songs from Tom House’s latest album, Songs Like Dreams… More Like Blood. The album features a cover image shot by E2TG favorite Brock Zeman. Tom House is hands down one of Nashville’s best songwriters and I am glad I finally caught on to his music. This song really speaks to me as a creative person.
“The Sky is the Color of Wow” by Tom House
I love almost everything about this song. The title is great. Some of the lines just blew me away to the point that I wanted to go back and hear them again to get the full impact. The subtitle of this post comes from a line in this song.
“True North/Magnetic North (Metro North)” by Smokey the Firebear
Yesterday, Smokey the Firebear posted the following:
The rough mix of Ohm Atlanta is finished! I now have two months to wear myself out over every little detail and probably rerecord half if it
This track is one of the rough mixes which is available on Bandcamp. Today, Smokey the Firebear tweeted that tomorrow is the one year anniversary of Smokey the Firebear. I currently have almost 40 Smokey the Firebear songs in my playlist. As I have said before, these Connecticut kids don’t mess around.
Back to Tom House. Sadly, I can relate to this song, too. I posted three different Tom House songs in the video playlist but be sure to search out Songs Like Dreams… More Like Blood.
“Prayer Emoji” (feat. Supa Bwe) by Rich Robbins
Another track from Nimbus on of my favorite albums of 2015. I love the title of this one.
“Can’t Be Satisfied” by Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen
Closing out the shuffle with two blues songs by gentlemen who know more than most about the genre. Earie Award winning Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen had been on my radar before 2015, but with the release of Love and Life and having had the opportunity to see them live a few times this year, they have jumped into my favorite artist category big time. By the way, some E2TG trivia, Ted’s Scissormen played a show up in New York with E2TG Hall of Famers and fellow “Earie” award winners The End Men – a couple of months ago. I wish I had been at that show!
“Goodnight” by Bob Margolin
Our first listen to My Road the forthcoming new album by “Steady Rollin'” Bob Margolin. Mark Robinson recently got me up to speed on Bob Margolin. I had heard the album before I talked to Robinson and I knew right away this was something special. Margolin is a legendary blues guitarist who spent of backing Muddy Waters and even appeared with Waters and The Band in The Last Waltz. Like Ted Drozdowski, Bob Margolin is a respected journalist who has been contributing to Blues Revue for many years. As I said, even without the background, one listen to My Road leaves little doubt as to the genius behind it.
The 1st Annual E2TG Awards (The Earies) continues… Today’s award ended in a tie (expect several to end up this way). Today’s award is “The Better Late Than Never Award” (aka “The Anti-Hipster Award”.
About the Award: As a respected music blogger (ahem!) and journalist (ahem!), I do pride myself on “discovering” new artists early on in their careers. However, I also recognize that there is (and has been) a ton of great music out there, and that I went through periods where life and all kept me from being on the cutting edge like I am today (ahem!). I also remember the days of trying to outdo people by claiming to have been a fan of (some band or artist) since before they had even played their first show or whatever. So, these days, when I “discover” music that is new to me or that I have been aware of but not really checked out thoroughly, I just proudly admit that fact and move on.
The two winners of this award are both Nashville artists who released albums prior to 2015, but that I did not get my grubby little hands on until this year. Do I wish I had heard the heard the music sooner? Sure, it’s good stuff, which is why I am handing out the awards (again, no actual trophies will be exchanged).
Winner #1: Paul Zografi – Bright (Released 10/2014)
I met Paul at Bobby’s Idle Hour through Tim Carroll which is when I copy a copy of this album which I fell in love with. Found out he shares at least one band member with Joe Nolan who was also playing at Bobby’s that night. Zografi’s music has clarity and understatement and really good songs.
Winner #2: Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau – Tennessee (Released May 2014)
There was a even longer interval between the release of this album and my getting hold of it, and in this case, I really don’t have a good excuse. I first saw Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau late in 2014 at Rocking Roots Guitar Showcase during Americana week. (I have been a fan of Richie’s music for over 30 years). I have been fortunate to see them live on a number of occasions since then, but I didn’t get a hold of the album until a chance encounter with Farm Bureau bassist John Reed downtown over the summer. The album offers a rootsy, rocking history of the Volunteer State through familial and public stories that span the state. Owen’s besides being an amazing instrumentalist and songwriter, is able to provide an authentic and honest voice to the stories. Plus, he has more first hand stories of the beginnings of Nashville’s independent music “scene” than just about anybody I know.
“Die Traurige Grammel” by Balu and Die Surfgrammeln
So, I was thinking to myself… Joe, I asked myself, “have we ever had Viennese Surf Music is the shuffle?” And, not knowing the answer or having any willingness to comb the archives to be sure, I decided to play some just to be sure. So, now we have! This is from that Continental Magazine sampler of Surf and Instrumental Rock music. For some reason the name of the band was misspelled in my music play which made it a challenge to find the video, but I did.
“Burning Fires” by Nellie Clay
Nellie Clay is a part of the loose collective known as Campfire Propaganda. She came to Nashville by way of Alaska, but at her heart she is a red dirt girl from Oklahoma. This is real deal Country Music with authentic drawl and twang. The song tells a heart breaking tale so beautifully that it actually warms your heart like the burning fires.
“Florida Man” by Aaron Lee Tasjan
I don’t know if ALT is an official member of Campfire Propaganda (or if there is such a thing), but I would think he is at least an honorary member, and one of the brightest spots on the East Nashville music scene. Besides his obvious talents as a guitarist and songwriter, he is also a tireless champion of other artists and really a very nice guy. His new album, In the Blazes is rightfully getting some amazing coverage. “Florida Man” received a nice write up from Rolling Stone. The song offers a bit of comfort to the state which has received much negative attention due to the actions of some of its residents, but which has made some amazing contributions, too.
“Tailspin” (Live) by The Jayhawks
Noisetrade recently released a live album by alt-country pioneers The Jayhawks. This is a track from the band’s 2003 album Rainy Day Music.
“Skalle” by Smokey the Firebear
Another very brief track from Smokey the Firebear. (“Remember kids, only you can start forest fires!” ????) Skalle (according to my haphazard internet search can either mean “headbutt”, “roach”, “peel, flake”, or “skull”). This 30 second track is included on the BNGFKR which was released back in May. The album is a collage of sounds and noises and stuff. By the way, a limited edition CD version of the album is available on Bandcamp (only six remain!) for $420.00. I ended up posting video of the defunct band, Circus Propaganda of which Cade Williams (Smokey the Firebear was a member).
“Don’t Own the Right” by Uncle Lucius
During the middle of a very crazy American Week this year, I got to hang out for a few hours in a small Artist Co-op building in East Nashville (the “Purple Building”), and I saw and heard some incredibly great music including a performance by Uncle Lucius from Austin, Texas. Really like this song a bunch. The song is from the band’s most recent album, The Light.
“Fiat 500” by Discount Ravioli
From the late night July 4 (early morning July 5) outdoor tent session recordings… the opening track from the album, Robin Schultz and the 21 Prayers. Unfortunately, I could not find a Discount Ravioli videos on You Tube, so I posted instead a Neutral Milk Hotel cover by at least one or so of the people involved here. Appropriate because this track name drops, Jeff Mangrum.
“Hittin’ Where It Hurts” by Webb Wilder
The opening track of Webb Wilder’s Hybrid Vigor. The video performance is from the short lived Pat Sajak show. Sajak got his start in Nashville television and Wilder is a long time fixture on the Nashville music scene. Coincidently, Facebook showed me that a year ago or so, I saw Webb- solo in the round with David Olney and Kevin Gordon – that was quite a lineup!
“We Have No Problems” by The Unravelling
Another track from the experimental Metal band from Canada – from their record, Tear a Hole in the Collective Vision.
“Smile” (Live) by The Jayhawks
And we close out today’s shuffle with another track from that Jayhawks’ Live album (via Noisetrade). This song was the title track from the band’s 2000 album.
Well, it is time for the last shuffle before the long Thanksgiving weekend. I hope if you are travelling that you have safe travels, I hope you find a place of gratitude, I hope you remember those for whom the holidays are a painful or difficult time. I hope you do all the things you want to do. For my Canadian friends, you can like, #tbt tomorrow to Canadian Thanksgiving or whatever…
We have one more awesome featured music shuffle to see this work week off in style.
“Shut Up and Kiss Me” by Tim Lee 3
Long time friends of Ear to the Ground kick things off with a track from their album 331/3 which was a celebration of the vinyl anniversary of Tim and Susan Bauer Lee. Sometimes words just get in the way….
“Just Try Me Out” (Home Recording) by Tom Schreck
Nashville Outside, Tom Schreck released Added Glory, an EP companion to his two full length records, Outsider and Save Your Glory. The latter of those two records has a turkey on the cover, so maybe this holiday weekend would be a good time to get hold of all of Tom’s albums so you can join me in being grateful for such an amazing songwriter.
“Waitressing Sucks” by Jon Latham
Why bother with subtlety? This straightforwardly titled song, delivers some gut wrenching emotional power. From Real Bad News which is rightfully getting a lot of attention these days. Once you are recovered from the holidays, Jon Latham will be opening for the legendary songwriter Malcolm Holcomb at The Basement on December 4. Doors at 7:00p.m. You do not want to miss that show! As a Thanksgiving bonus, we present, a brand new Jon Latham video of a song he co-wrote with Darrin Bradbury called, “Kimberly Met Billy” which the good folks at Flour Sack Cape released this week. Enjoy.
“Night Sounds” by Brian Keenan
This is the first Ear to the Ground appearance by Brooklyn songwriter Brian Keenan. He just released what I believe is his second album called Fits and Starts. This was my first listen – more ahead. Dig it!
“Paper People” by The Foresters
Sun Songs, the latest album by Connecticut band, The Foresters, is a bold step forward. The band of brothers began making music after their father took them to a Green Day show a few years ago. While their early music, showed a definite influence of the pop-punk leanings of that band (which was all well and good), the band has matured and broadened their sound over the last couple of years, and Sun Songs represents a plateau of sorts for this particular stage of the journey. The maturity also highlights the fact that although the band members are still quite young, they are ready to be judged solely on their merits not as a “good band of young kids” but just as a “good band”. Sun Songs is one of my favorite albums of the year.
“My Mind” by Dan Coyle
Another great track from Dan Coyle 2009 album Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences. This is on the featured music playlist for a couple of reasons: 1. it is new to me and 2. It’s my playlist and I can put what I want on it. Oh and 3. It’s a great album.
“Second Sight (for Shlomo)” by Bosveld
Velbrand is the debut album by the Canadian band Bosveld which includes among it’s members Velodrones who has been featured on this sight before. This is envelope pushing folk music. I was first introduced to Velodrones through Valued Customer. Like that band, Bosveld manage to make experimental music accessible without compromising on the originality. It is not an easy feat. Bosveld have been known to go on bike tours around Canada. This album was recently featuring on CBC.
“Ain’t Dead Yet” by Nellie Clay
Nellie Clay is a relatively new Nashville songwriter from Oklahoma by way of Alaska. I have been fortunate enough to see her live a number of times over the last month or so – including last Friday when she opened for Will Kimbrough’s CD Release show. She just released, Never Did What I Should Have Done. It has rapidly become a favorite of mine.
“Crocodile Tears” by Dale Watson
We close out the shuffle with another song from Dale Watson’s Call me Insane album. Watson has a distinctive outlaw country voice, and through his work with the Ameripolitan Music movement, Watson is dedicated to making authentic American music for the 21st Century.
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So…. I knew last night’s Sin City vs. Guitar Town event at The Basement East was going to be pretty darn incredible, but really….
Sometimes your friends and your heroes share the same stage…
Okay, I got there early to catch Paul Burch finish off the pre-show. Let me tell you – not a bad pre-show.
Campfire Propaganda opened the set, and it was a delicious teaser for their upcoming October residency at The 5 Spot. Campfire Propaganda are a collective of amazing songwriters working together to further their art and craft. Founding member Tim Easton was not there – he is opening some dates for James McMurtry – but Nellie Clay, Megan Palmer, Brian Wright, and Darrin Bradbury all knocked it out of the park.
Next up was Jesse Dayton – taking a break from his current gig filling in for the ailing Billy Zoom on the current X tour. Playing solo acoustic, he totally rocked the house.
Dayton was followed by an amazing jam lead by the one and only Aaron Lee Tasjan. His band included Brian Wright and Jon Latham on guitars and Keith Christopher on bass. Guests included Lilly Hiatt, Allen Thompson (who did a Grateful Dead song) and Kevn Kinney! Oh, and Brian Wright absolute killed on a Supersuckers song.
Jonathan Tyler delivered a really great set and he brought out Nikki Lane as his guest.
Keith Gattis was up next and sounded great.
And then, The Bottle Rockets just about tore the roof off the joint with an extended set. They played several songs from their forthcoming album and also dug into their extensive back catalog.
Needless to say, the night was a blast, and it was so amazing seeing my friends sharing a stage with some of my musical heroes. I saw a bunch of people including some I had never met in person before, and I even met a music blogger from Norway.
It’s kind of hard to believe that all that was just basically night zero of the American Music Association Festival. I’m leaving soon for some AMA related events and trying to map out a somewhat reasonable schedule among the seemingly endless choices at hand.
E2TG: MUSIC/WORDS 