Category: Richard Barone

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – In My Room Mix

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Good morning. It was a cold one here in Nashville. 

I am back after a day off and still recovering from my 8 Day Birthday Week.  I had a total blast, and I am so grateful for everyone who helped me ring in the next 50 years of my life.  In all the tally was: 8 Nights, 7 different venues, between 25-30 acts (depends on how you count them), tons of friends seen, and a bunch of fun had.

Since I last reported:  Friday night, I visited one of my regular haunts and one of the best weekly events in Nashville – Tim Carroll’s Rock and Roll Happy Hour at The 5 Spot.  Great time. I was beat after that and I had to call it a night early.

Saturday:  The Country on the west side. For the Zachariah Red CD Release show with Jon Latham opening with Neo Tundra Cowboy and Patrick Kinsley and a Fistful of Dollars also on the bill.  Great performances all around and a wonderful time to be had.

Sunday: Acme Feed and Seed to see Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau.  The band have never sounded better and the atmosphere was pure party – a great way to wrap up the week!

Whew!  With the birthday week over, I enjoyed a day off work, did a pilot/audition tape with Sue Havlish for WXNA (Nashville new community radio station).  Then, I made my way to The Basement East to catch Megan Palmer, Michaela Anne, and Darrin Bradbury for Week 3 of Darrin’s residency!  I stuck around to hear Darrin and band kick off the David Bowie tribute in fine fashion.  The Basement East was jam packed and the music was kicking, but my 9 nights out caught up with me and I had to bail fairly early.

On to the chilly morning shuffle filled with some classic and newer tunes.

“Desperados Waiting for a Train” by Guy Clark

Of course the mention of desperados brought to mind Glenn Frey who passed away yesterday.  Guy Clark wrote this song which was first recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker back in 1973.  Clark included the song on his debut album Old No. 1 which came out in 1975. The Highwaymen made the song a hit 10 years after Clark’s version was released.

“Lost in You” by David G. Smith

Another tune from David G. Smith’s new album First Love.  This is an awesome sounding song that did not seem out of place at all coming into the shuffle out of the Guy Clark song.  A great songwriter.

“I Belong to Me” by Richard Barone

This is the song that contributed the title to Barone’s still stunning and groundbreaking 1987 album Cool Blue Halo.  In case you didn’t know, Barone was a member of The Bongos. He posts stunning pictures of New York City on Instagram, and he has a new album coming out in 2016 that is a tribute to Greenwich Village in the 1960.  You can pre-order HERE.  And you should.

“Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

A song that appeared on Let Love In which was the 8th Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds album – released in 1994. 

“Arigato Terauchi” by Crazy Aces

Nashville-based instrumental rock band – Crazy Aces are up next with a song from their album Greatest Hits Vol. 2.  I guess I have always enjoyed surf/instrumental rock music, but I became a fan in 2015 after seeing a show featuring Crazy Aces and an Atlanta band called The Mystery Men?  with Jon Latham.

“Hey Darling” by Sleater-Kinney

This is the ninth song from the latest album by Washington state based Sleater-Kinney.  No Cities to Love was released almost exactly one year ago today.  The album was the eighth from the band who formed in 1994 and released their self-titled debut a year later.

“Devil’s Daughter” by Bob Margolin

We close out the shuffle with some BLUES from “Steady Rollin'” Bob Margolin from his album My Road. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Refuse to Be Your Jodi Mix

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I find myself rushed again… so, let’s get to this:

1.  Jonquil Child by Tiffany Huggins Grant which we have been featuring songs off of for a few weeks has been released.  Check it out HERE. I recommend it highly.

2. There is a great FREE SHOW in downtown Nashville today on 5th between Demonbreun and Korean Veterans.  It is the CD Release show for the companion album to the Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.  Lots of cool folks including some of the players from the original classic recordings.  Did I mention it is free?  Details: HERE. Gates at 5:00, Music starts at 6:00

3.  Later on tonight, Two Cow Garage are playing at the Hi Watt with Heathen Sons and Benchmarks.  Benchmarks is the new moniker for Todd Farrell and the Dirty Birds.  Should be a great show.

Shuffle: (It’s a good one)….

“Tangled in Your Web” by Richard Barone

From the classic Cool Blue Halo.  One of the best live albums ever.

“Flower Flower” by The Vespers

The Vespers were the first band to play the second day of the Safety Harbor Songfest earlier this year.  It was a relatively early set and people were arriving throughout, but they still managed to capture and hold the attention of everybody present.  It was a great set, and it solidified by appreciation of this Nashville band. This is a track from their 2012 album, The Fourth Wall.

“A Whole Within” by The Colored Parade

Another great Nashville band, The Colored Parade are a favorite of mind.  From the album, And the Walls of the City Will Shake…

“Triangle” by Bad Bad Not Good

BadBadNotGood are an innovative Jazz group from Toronto.  This is from one of those World Café Sessions that I have been featuring.  My first listen… I want to hear more…

“Somebody Loves You” by Austin Lucas

One of the highlights of last week for me was Austin Lucas’ triumphant return to Nashville at The 5 Spot.  He stood and delivered a breath-taking set that ended with the crowded gathered around the stage for an unplugged number.  This track is the title track from Lucas’ 2009 album, and it shows off the emotionally powerful nature of his songwriting.

“Olah” by Matt Phillips and the Philharmonic

Olah is a heartbreaking song about resisting a forbidden love, and it delivered in Matt Phillips signature peppy upbeat style… the juxtaposition might seem strange, but Phillips makes it work here.

“One on One” by Miles Davis

From Miles Davis’ 1972 album On the Corner… the jazz master experiments with rhythm and makes some truly innovative music.  It was widely panned at the time of its release, but it has found critical favor in later years and proven to be a highly influential album.  The album features Dave Liebman who I had the good fortune of seeing live earlier this year.  

“Bangkok” by Alex Chilton

A 1978 single from the the High Priest of alternative music.  If I’m not mistaken (quick research so I could be) Chris Stamey (Dbs) and Richard Lloyd (Television) were part of Chilton’s band at the time of this single.

“Smilin’ Jim is Down Again” by Black Vincent

We close the day, with another awesome song from the album Teardrop Deluxe by the Michigan band lead by Coley Kennedy (The Buddies, Welcome to Ashley). The album was recorded in Nashville by one of the cities hottest production teams. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Rivers of Suggestion Mix

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Just a heads up… there will not be a Morning Music Shuffle tomorrow.  Plan accordingly…  So this will be the last shuffle of the week, and we have a good one…

“I’m Sorry (But So is Brenda Lee)” by Marshall Crenshaw

One of the best songwriters of all time – from his album Downtown referencing Little Miss Dynamite and one of her best known songs.

“Cry Baby Cry” by Richard Barone

Richard Barone covers the Beatles in spectacular fashion with this track from his groundbreaking live album Cool Blue Halo.

“So. Central Rain” by R.E.M.

This is the final track we have to present from R.E.M.’s second album, Reckoning. Some sources add a subtitle to this song (“I’m Sorry”) which coincidently references back to the first song in the shuffle.. 

“I Have to Leave” by Warren Zevon

Given David Letterman’s fondest for Warren Zevon, I kind of see this song as Ear to the Ground’s way of saying “goodbye”.

“War 150” by Tom Schreck

From his album Save Your Glory… another excellent song from the Nashville Outsider himself…

“Home in the Heart of the Beat” by Beat Rodeo

The title track to the second album by Steve Almaas and company.  “Johnny 1, Johnny 2, Johnny 3…”

“Fake Roses” by The Lone Bellow

Modern country music from Brooklyn New York.. off their latest album, Then Came the Morning…

“Currency of Love” by Joseph Arthur

I got to see Joseph Arthur performing and painting early in April at the Safety Harbor song festival.  This song is from his album, The Ballad of Boogie Christ.

“Flew a Falcon” by Richard Barone

Our second track of the day from Cool Blue Halo!  A gorgeous song. 

“Flaring Up” by Ricky Mirage

The lead track from Pop Goes the Sun…

http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=593283634/size=small/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/track=2385064418/transparent=true/

“Haywire” by Aztec Camera

One of three bonus tracks added to the 1991 CD release of High Land, Hard Rain – the 1983 debut by Roddy Frame and company.

“Drop Your Bucket” by Brock Zeman

I had the pleasure of seeing and meeting Brock Zeman last week at the Bluebird Café.  This is a song from his latest album, Pulling Your Sword Out of the Devil’s Back.  Check out his music, and if you get the chance to see him live – don’t miss it.

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Friday Morning Music Shuffle – The Thrill is Gone Mix

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Of course, the dominant news of the day is the passing of B.B. King, and my Facebook feed is filled with people from all different genres of music weighing in on the passing of this legend.  King’s death comes just days after the death of a much lesser known Blues singer named Captain Luke Mayer at the age of 87 and serves as a reminder that we are losing/have lost so many of the greats of the modern music era. I do not see a need to compare and contrast the  lives and careers of B.B. King and Captain Luke (at least not here and now), just to say how grateful I am that the music will endure.  Which means I am grateful for all the groups and people who are making sure that the music lives on.  And for me that means, the preservationists and historians and traditionalists as well as those who are continuing to innovate to keep all forms of Roots music (no matter how broadly that term is defined) a living breathing thing.

R.I.P. B.B. King and Captain Luke.  Thank you for the gifts of your music.


“Spilled Years” by Darrin Bradbury

“We will never be that dumb and young again…”  Nola – Darrin and Megan Palmer are in your city as I type this.  Make them feel at home!

“Monster Inside” by Broken Guru

A favorite of mine from Bent up Halo.

“Grounds for Divorce” by Elbow

From their 2008 album The Seldom Seen Kid.

“Leavin’ Sound” by The Ghoul Goes West

The next to the last song we have to present from Ghosts and Bones and Blood and Things.  Please check out this band and give them some support. They are great.

“Gnab Gib” by Grumsling

Grumsling are a San Francisco area band that I really just got a hold of… they have a fascinating story that I will expound upon as more songs enter the shuffle.  In the meantime, just a listen.  The is for the EP Full Coverage.

“Hard Day Coming Down” by The Record Company

Some great bluesy music from this California band.

“The Visit” by Richard Barone

Another track from Cool Blue Halo….

“Keep Your Promises” by Sean Watkins

All I Do is Lie is the album..

“Sally, I’ve Been Shot” by Two Cow Garage

The Columbus Ohio band currently counts among its members Todd Farrell Jr.  This is from their Sweet Saint Me album.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Later Than You Think Mix

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You know the Nashville Conundrum I mentioned a couple of weeks ago?  Well the is a addendum to that conundrum (or something like that).. that is… there are amazing things happening every single night of the week, and (especially if you work a day job), there are nights that you just have to stay in to recharge, refresh, and do some of your own work…  Last night was one of those nights, and yes, I missed some amazing things happening around town, but I am glad that I stayed in, and I got something accomplished…

Case in point, I added a couple of things to my Soundcloud… bits and pieces from my novel-in-progress which you can check out… (there may be some NSFW language/themes, depending where or if you work…)

On to the shuffle:

“Love You Till Friday” by The Replacements

#E2TG Rule # 15*: Any shuffle that begins with a Replacement’s song is a good shuffle.   *I decided to start making up random rules so that when being a Earie (as in Trekkie) becomes a thing, someone can compile them all… you know like the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition.  I may make a language, too. Who knows…  But, yeah, this is from Sorry Ma… and cheers to those seeing the ‘Mats in Chicago tonight.

“Episode in a Town” by Jeremy Gluck/Robert Coyne

After a brief respite, Jeremy Gluck returns to the shuffle with song from his album Memory Deluxe: I Knew Buffalo Bill 2.  This is a reprise of a song on the original I Knew Buffalo Bill album which was released in 1987.  The album featured the late Nikki Sudden and his brother, the late Epic Soundtracks (both of Swell Maps), along with the late Jeffrey Lee Pierce (Gun Club).  Gluck was a founding member of the Barracudas, and he is very actively making a bunch of music with different projects… and I’m sure he will work any factual missteps I made in the above blurb.  I also found out that he lives very close to long-time #E2TG favorite Tipi Valley.  This is a truly great song, by the way.

“Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think)” by Guy Lombardo and his Orchestra

Some timely advise from the late, great bandleader… Man oh man, what a great song.

“Waves” by Bahamas

From the Noisetrade Bonnaroo Mixtape.  Bahamas is Afie Jurvanen a musician from Toronto. If you know anything at all about Bahamas, then you know more than I do… This was (I think) my first exposure to his music, and I kind of dig it.

“Molly and Ten Brooks” by Townes Van Zandt

#E2TG Rule #28: Any shuffle with Townes Van Zandt is a good shuffle. Rule #28.1: If that Townes song happens to be a cover of a song that  Bill Monroe  recorded… well, that is just fine. On this live recording, Townes refers to this as a Bill Monroe song, but it is actually a traditional song from the 19th Century… but Townes didn’t have Wikipedia in 1973 when he said it… so…

“The Bulrushes” by Richard Barone

The opening song from Barone’s Cool Blue Halo.  This song originally recorded by his old band, The Bongos, serves as a gorgeous jumping off point for this extraordinary live album.

“Thinkin’ Bout Chicago” by Rich Robbins (Produced by Nate France)

When we last caught up with Rich Robbins, he was going by Christian Robins.  He released an album called Nimbus.  Robbins was born in Chicago, raised in Philly, and moved back to Chicago for high school.  He is currently attending the University of Wisconsin in Madison which is how I first got introduced to him (Robbins studied under a friend of mine from my hometown). I have really digging his music from day one, and it is good to hear the lyrical and musical evolution which has occurred since then.

“Tell Her Lies and Feed Her Candy” by The Sadies

Our second Toronto-based artist/band in the shuffle.  This is a cover of a Porter Wagoner song.

“Little Rock and Roller” by Steve Earle

This song from the classic Guitar Town album makes me think of some of my musician friends who balance raising kids with life on the road.  A touching and heartbreaking song.

“The Landlocked Surfer” by Steelism

Another steel guitar driven, surf, instrumental track from 615 to Fame, Steelism will be playing the still brand new Basement East on Saturday.

“Twenty First Century Believer” by The Naddiks

Another song from 21CB, by The Naddiks from Canberra.  I’ve been enjoying the hell out of this album.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Who Knows? Not Me Mix

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It’s apparently some holiday which you should celebrate as you see fit… 

In honor, today’s shuffle hits only high points…

“The Man Who Sold the World” (David Bowie cover) by Richard Barone

Richard Barone’s 1987 album Cool Blue Halo was recorded live and is one of the most stunningly beautiful albums made and one of my all-time favorites.  Here is a classic Bowie cover from that album.

“Happiness” by Grant Lee Buffalo

A great song from the band’s  1994 second album, Mighty Joe Moon. This song was used at the end of a season 1 episode of the television series, House.

“That Black Bat Licorice” by Jack White

From White’s 2014 album Lazaretto.

“(Do the) Instant Mash” by Joe Jackson

Look Sharp! was the 1979 debut album by Joe Jackson.  I first “discovered” Joe Jackson when Night and Day came out in 1982, but this album has become one of my favorites.  “I don’t work in supermarkets any more…”

“Terrifying Love” by Marshall Crenshaw

It’s been fun listening again to Downtown.  The album came out in 1985 when I was in college, and I listened to this quite a bit while driving around town, so much so that these songs are imprinted upon my memory with the sights and feelings of that time.

“Wonderful Doom” by Ron Muga

The title track from Ron Muga’s 2014 album, a devastatingly beautiful song.

“America” (Simon and Garfunkel cover) by First Aid Kit

The title track from an EP released earlier this year by the Swedish duo, and a gorgeous cover of the Simon and Garfunkel classic from Bookends.

“Feels So Good” by The Record Company

The title track from the L.A. Rock/Blues band’s 2013 EP. Digging this record, a bunch.  Proving that when Sue Havlish recommends a band, you need to listen.

“A Time Machine Built for Two” by The Ghoul Goes West

Seriously, I know I say this a lot, and I know I don’t post music I don’t like, but I really want you all to check out The Ghoul Goes West.  Their latest album is Ghosts and Bones and Blood and Things. There are some classic songs in this shuffle and some of my all-time favorite artists, and this song sounds great to me alongside those songs.  Instant classic? Maybe.  Great song? Certainly.

“Pillar to Post” by Aztec Camera      window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”;     

Speaking of classics and all-time favorites… from the 1982 album, High Land, Hard Rain…. Roddy Frame and company made such beautiful music.

VIDEO PLAYLIST



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Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Maybe Longer Mix

Last night I got to see an artist I featured here on Ear to the Ground a couple of years ago, Callaghan, kick off her album preview tour at 3rd and Lindsley.  If you want to know what I thought about it, you can check it out at No Depression.

We have a pretty nifty shuffle for you….

“Voodoo Doll” by Diamond Rugs

This new supergroup has been getting quite a bit of well deserved press lately, and I will jump on that particular band wagon right now.  The band includes John and Robbie from Deer Tick, T. Hardy Morris of Dead Confederates, and Steve Berlin of Los Lobos as well as some other great players from other great bands. Their album Cosmetics is out now.

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From their album Easy Weather which is available on a Tip/Share basis on Noisetrade.  They are from Denver. The music is fresh and diverse and worth giving a listen.

“Goodbye’s All We’ve Got Left to Say” by Steve Earle

So far, the shuffle has presented us Guitar Town in order.  This is the second song on that album… a heartbreaking tale of love gone wrong…

“Feed It Back to Us” by The Ghoul Goes West

One side effect of my recent work with No Depression has been a sharp uptick in the volume of submissions which comes into my inbox.  I try to at least read every one, and although it is really hard to say what it is that makes me go the next step and listen, I have to say that having a name like The Ghoul Goes West helps.  Fortunately, the music lives up to the name, and it has been a real blast digging into their album Ghost and Bones and Blood and Things. 

“Lionel II” by The Lucky Jukebox Brigade

We are reaching the end of the tracks on the album Familiar Fevers.  Since that album came out, the band have had a few personnel changes, but I credit them with pressing on.  They play out mostly in their native upstate New York, and if you get the chance go see them live.  I know I will.  In the good timing category, this morning, after this song came up in my shuffle, I saw a post that the band has a new drummer.  So, consider this my shuffle’s way of wishing the old drummer well and welcoming the new one.

“Take a Little Time” by Walter Trout

Walter Trout is a legendary Blues guitarist and singer who previously worked with Canned Heat, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Joe Tex, and Percy Mayfield.

“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones

The opening track and lead single from The Stones 1971 Sticky Fingers.  This might be a good bully pulpit time to say (and I feel like I am in the minority here), but just to be honest, I really don’t get the whole Beatles vs. Stones thing.  I mean, I get that it is a forum for people who are passionate about music to get even more passionate, but I’ve never really understand why there has to be competitions… I mean the good news is that no one has to choose and that everyone is free to choose.  It can be The Beatles, The Stones, The Beatles and The Stones, or neither.  Can’t we all just get along?

“Panic Beach” by Maria McKee

I was a huge Lone Justice fan.  Their debut album is one of my favorites and I also loved Shelter.  I have to say that it has been such a pleasure rediscovering the brilliance of Maria McKee’s self-titled solo debut.  This song sets such a scene…

“Love is a Wind That Screams” by Richard Barone

Cool Blue Halo was a revelation to me when my friend Ron (aka Rex Silo) first turned me onto it some 25 years ago (is that possible???).  I had been a fan of The Bongos before, but this album, these songs just blew me away.  The video is from the 25th Anniversary show and features Garth Hudson of The Band on accordion.

 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Mister Jarmusch Mix

The first of only three shuffles this week before I head off for Thanksgiving.  We have to cover as much ground as we can in a short time… We begin with a relatively short (7 song) shuffle that manages to cover a wide range – geographically, musically, lyrically, and thematically.

“Weather Pattern” by Frazey Ford from Frazey Ford Five EP/Indian Ocean

From Vancouver comes Frazee Ford with a unique blend of Folk/Country/Soul… coincidently, my commute this morning had some interesting weather patterns… after a rainy night, the morning began with an odd yellowish sunlit sky with some gray clouds and even a hint of a rainbow. Then, there was a brief rain shower, followed by clearing skies and more sunshine. All this is the course of these seven songs.

“5-22-02” by Golden Smog from Another Fine Day

From Minneapolis comes the Alt-whatever supergroup featuring members of Run Westy Run, The Jayhawks, Soul Asylum, and Big Star among others.

“Hey, Can I Sleep on Your Futon” by Richard Barone from Occupy This Album

From NYC by way of Tampa, Florida comes The Bongos’ Richard Barone with his contribution to the Occupy This Album project. Although the Occupy Movement had a relatively short life in the public consciousness, the problems they exposed are still present and still should be a source of national shame regardless of party affiliation. Barone captures a very real issue in a catchy and powerful song.

“Casualties” by American Aquarium from Burn. Flicker. Die

Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina comes American Aquarium with another stand out track from their latest album.  The band’s next album, Wolves, will be released in early February 2015. We are all casualties of Rock and Roll.

“We Come From the Same Place” by Allo Darlin’ from We Come From the Same Place

From London by way of Australia and Kent, England comes Allo Darlin’ with the title track from their latest album which was released last month.  I really did the sound and the evocative lyrics.

“Mister Jarmusch” by Le Grand Escroc from Portraits

Contributing greatly to the diversity of this shuffle, we have this jazzy track from a fascinating album out of Tokyo. Portraits contains ten musical tributes to “Misters” and “Monsieurs”. Le Grand Escroc is the assumed name of Makoto Miura –  DJ and producer.  Having been on a bit of Jarmusch kick of late, I feel qualified to say this musical tribute is fitting as well as fun. 

“Six Pack on the Dashboard” by The Jayhawks from The Jayhawks (aka The Bunkhouse Album)

Despite trying to be diverse, sometimes it is good to have some continuity to fall back on… so, we have Gary Louris making his second appearance in today’s shuffle with his band The Jayhawks from their very first album (1986). Although not politically or legally correct, Six Pack on the Dashboard is a damn fine song and a great way to close out today’s shuffle.

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VIDEO PLAYLIST


Music on my Mind – maybe a #tbt post????

The other day, I posted a rag tag collection of music called Fine, Fine Music.  I kind of liked that so I decided to do it again. Song sometimes enter my head – either through hearing an old song on the radio, reading a mention, or just a random, unexplained earworm.  Over the past few days, I have been collecting some of these as they pass through, and I created the video playlist which will be posted below.

I was going to just post without comment, but well, you know me (or you don’t…) so… just quick, self-indulgent observations:

1.  “Boys Don’t Cry” by The Cure (I’ve had a thing for this song for a long time. I am a fan of The Cure (mostly early period stuff), and this song in particular has always spoken to me.

SXSW 2014 Lou Reed Tribute:  My close personal Facebook friend, Richard Barone and Alejandro Escovedo put together a Lou Reed Tribute show at SXSW which was not only truly epic, but which also highlighted the width and depth and breadth of the man’s music. Video’s from that show have begun to surface so us schleps who couldn’t be there can witness the glory.  I posted three here,

2.  “White Light White Heat” by the forementioned Mr. Barone and Mr. Escovedo and featuring their legendary house band which included Lenny Kaye, Clem Burke, and others.

3. “Satellite of Love” by Spandau Ballet (always one of my favorite Lou Reed songs  – I even wrote a short story borrowing the title. Again demonstrating the impact…. I started trying to imagine what music today would be like if The Velvet Underground and Lou Reed had never existed… truth is, I couldn’t even imagine – or don’t want to… Spandau Ballet sound great, too.)

4. “Run, Run, Run” by The Black Lips (another favorite song of mine.  Great band and a great cover).

end of Lou Reed tribute videos

5. “Poolside” by Webb Wilder (so I’ve been seeing Webb Wilder posting on Facebook quite a bit recently.  Which made me think back to the days when the Webb Wilder credo was plastered across my back on a regular basis.)




6. “Hopeful” by Spencer Livingston (Spencer Livingston is in a group called The Alternates which was one of the first bands featured on E2TG. He put out a solo record last year, and I wanted to add one of his songs which shows off his incredible voice and great songwriting.)

7.  “Where Were You Hiding When the Storm Broke?” by The Alarm (I’m not sure what brought this to my mind. I was a big Alarm fan back in the day.  I don’t know how many times I listened to the whole Declaration album. Urgent, passionate, and ooh that hair!)

8.  “Gloria” by U2 (believe it or not, but I was kind of a late bloomer when it came to music.  Some friends were talking about U2 all the time, and I didn’t know anything about them.  Then I saw this video, and I was hooked.)

9.  “One Time, One Night” by Los Lobos (always dug this song)

10. “The Conductor Wore Black” by Rank and File (Alejandro Escovedo was in this band along with the Kinman brothers. This was the part of the “movement” from punk to alt-country. Somebody called it cowpunk, but I never did.)

11. “Just Friends” by Beat Rodeo (I was introduced to quite a bit of music – including Beat Rodeo featuring my close personal Facebook friend Steve Almaas –   thanks to IRS Records Presents The Cutting Edge on MTV – when the M stood for music.)

12. “How to Rob a Bank” by Those Mockingbirds (Those Mockingbirds were the band that first got me connected to some of the great music being made in the New Jersey and New York areas these days.  They’ve gotten some good responses to this video, and I want them to get more – so check it out!)

13. “Watusi Rodeo” by Guadalcanal Diary (Another band I originally “discovered” on MTV back in the day.  A became a big fan and got to see them live a couple of times.)

14. “Fade Away” by Bodeans (I don’t know how many times I saw Bodeans live back in those heady days of youth.  The vocals and sound always blew me away.  Someone had posted about the Robbie Robertson album and I remember Sammy’s contribution to the song “Somewhere Down the Crazy River”)

15. “Jesus Everyday” by Treat Her Right (The late Mark Sandman was in this band before he was in Morphine.  I got to see them live.  This song is one my favorites.)

16. “Dead Letters” by Sealight (Originally when I started writing Ear to the Ground, I decided I wasn’t going to “review” albums. I would feature music, comment on it, but for some reason I didn’t think I could write a decent review.  I guess I thought there was a magic key that I didn’t possess. Then, Sealight went and mailed me a copy of their then new CD from France… this was the very first CD I got as a blogger, and I felt I “owed” them a review.  I ended up writing about this incredibly moving and atmospheric album – just writing my feelings and observations as I listened. I don’t know if it was a “real” review or if any of the “reviews” I’ve written sense possess  that elusive magic review key, but the fact was that the music inspired me, and so review or not, I felt what I wrote was real and true.)

17.  “Appetite” by The Grimm Generation (Another E2TG favorite – and a new song. When I interviewed this band I understood that we had very similar musical tastes and came from the same time in music, and it all made sense why I connected so much with their music. That and the fact that they are freakin’ brilliant!)

18.  “Get Into My Car” (Billy Ocean cover) by GWAR (RIP Dave Brockie.  GWAR made music for a long time and were so over the top and wild and crazy… I don’t know who else would mash-up this Billy Ocean song with  (NO SPOILER) the way they did here.)

19.  “Election Year Blues” by Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray (in anticipation of this past Tuesday’s show here in Nashville, I watched this video from the last time they were here. They did this song again and if anything it sounded better)

20.  acoustic blowout – The Minutemen  (Punk rock changed by life.  I was remembering an acoustic performance from The Cutting Edge, but I found this instead.  D. Boon has been gone almost thirty years, but his legacy lives on.  The Minutemen changed my life)

21. “Ghosts” by The Jam (This is one of favorite songs of all time…. it got into my head yesterday, so I added it to this playlist.)


 

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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Reflections Mix

A lot of ground to cover….  as promised, I added a virtual ton of music to the playlist – 196 songs in all bringing the total before today’s post of 471 songs – which I think is a record.

First off – you have to understand that Lou Reed tributes are not going to stop anytime soon.  His death seemed to affect people who make and listen to all kinds of music.  Today, we have a very special video offered as a tribute to Mr. Reed.  It’s a cover of the Velvet Underground classic (aren’t they all?) and one of my favorites (I know I say this about quite a few VU and Reed songs – but really I mean it) – “I’ll Be Your Mirror” here performed by Richard Barone with the amazing Jane Scarpantoni on Cello from the 25th  Anniversary concert for one of the most lovely records ever made (Cool Blue Halo).  Richard Barone (Bongos) is offering up the song as a tribute to his late friend and influence.



Now – let’s get to the shuffle…. we have a long one today – so join me after the JUMP

“Bumming Me Out” by The Great American Novel (from 😦 .  )

“Love You Strongly” by Amy Stroup (from The Other Side of Love – Session Two.)

“Wilbur Mountain (2012)” by Darrin Bradbury (from NEW!!!!The Almost Great Crepe’s (Demos). Darrin Bradbury was in Big Wilson River who we have featured before. Word has it he has upped and relocated from New Jersey to Nashville.  Nashville take notice!  I love the spoken/story/song featured here.  It makes me think of Gary Larson (The Far Side) meeting Larry McMurtry kind of… and in case you don’t know that would be a damn fine thing indeed.)

 
 
“Break it Up” by Grounded (from an untitled album released 10/31/2013.  Careful and dedicated listeners may remember that E2TG featured the young Florida band Grounded sometime last year. Well, they are back with some new music, and it’s a good reminder of why I was so impressed by this band.)
  

“Pawnshops” by Todd Farrell Jr. and the Dirty Birds (from All Our Heroes Live in Vans.  Todd Farrell is one of the brightest lights in a stunning bright Nashville music scene. Flat out great song here. This one also came out on Halloween.)
 


 

 
 
“Golem” by Black Joe Lewis (from Electric Slave.  I can’t stop listening to this funky Texas rocker.)
 
“Femme Fatale” by Big Star (from Third/Sister Lovers.  What more can be said an iconic band, doing a cover of an iconic song. It’s from the equally iconic Third album by Big Star from Memphis.  Do I need to say that it’s a Velvet Underground cover.)
 
“Cohesion” and “Please Don’t Be Gentle with Me” by Minutemen (from Double Nickels on the Dime.  Back to back songs from the Post-Punk masterpiece. A study in contrast)
 
“All Dolled Up” by Penicillin Baby (from Jams: Volume III. More Psyched out ear candy from this amazing Nashville band – via Jeffery Drag Records)
 
 
“God Bows to Math” by Minutemen (from Double Nickels on the Dime.  And a third song from this album for good measure. ’cause why the hell not?)
 
“Real Child of Hell” by X (from Under the Big Black Sun. From the LA punk band’s third album and major label debut.  Ray Manzarek back behind the boards for the third time)
 
“To Be Someone (Didn’t We Have a Nice Time)” by The Jam (from All Mod Cons. This is the modern world.)
 
“Beware of a Dog” by EdTang (from Goodbye, Zen5, Sushi Dinner.  Another great song from this Asbury Park band.  We’ve been digging this album for a while.)
 
 
“Tennessee Whiskey and Me” by Jenny Leigh (from Tipping Point.  Miss Shevaughn introduced me to Jenny Leigh at The Basement last month.  She has recently relocated from D.C. to Nashville, and I hope to catch her playing around town some time.)
 
“Witches” by The Danbury Lie (from ?.  The spooky opening track from the latest full length release from The Danbury Lie.)
 
 
 
 
WATCH
 


 

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