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Welcome back. Well, this should be the last late post of the week. Plus, my new bluetooth earphones came in today. So the shuffle will be continue onward unabated.
So some of you have asked about the integrity of the E2TG “Earie” Awards. The ballots are stored in a secret and remote location watched over by a team of trained seals. Unlike some of the fancy awards, we could not afford a Certified Accountant to monitor our processes, so we went with a certifiable accountant. Did I ever mention that I am an accountant. Seriously though, the whole process takes place inside my head, and that is as remote and secret as it gets.
Today’s award: I’m calling it the “Mott the Hoople” Award aka the “All the Young Dudes” Award.
The premise: No premise really, just an award to some of the young dudes who made cool music in 2015. (keep in mind, I’m getting up there in age so “young” is a term that is more broadly defined everyday, but these dudes qualify by my standards…
The Award goes to:
1. Josh Morris – When (former E2TG Featured Artist) And the Giraffe parted ways, Josh Morris turned his attention to his solo work. Green Fields was released early in the year, Morris has new music in the works that promises a change in direction from Green Fields. In addition, Morris is quickly making a name for himself as a go-to producer.
2. James Tomberlin – When James Tomberlin left town to return to school, he left a unique but significant hole in the Nashville songwriting community. Fortunately, before he left town, he recorded a album, Still Life With Orange which by the way was produced by Josh Morris. I, for one, though, miss his arcane and sophisticated sense of humor.
3. Patrick Kinsley – For a Thousand Miles is flat out one of my favorite albums of 2015. It is an excellent showcase for the mass of contradictions that is Patrick Kinsley. Earnest heartland flavored rock and roll music with simple but intelligent lyrics and a deep emotional resonance. The album is a journey.
4. Zachariah Red – The new Zach Red album is due out just after the first of the year, and I can’t wait. But, his single, “40 Miles” was released just in time for the totally fictional “Earie” deadline. Bringing the wisdom and work ethic of a Wisconsin carpenter, the energy of a former punk rocker, and songwriting chops, Zachariah Red plays real country music effortlessly.
(There a couple of other people who might qualify for this award, but I may have something else in mind for them)….
“Introduction of Band” by Darrin Bradbury
2014 Artist of the Year and 2015 “Earie” award winner, Darrin Bradbury introduces his band on the live album, Tur-Lyfe: A Live Recording of Unfortunate Events. At the time was called Los Angels.
“The Grand Optimist” by City and Colour
From that mega-download of World Cafe Sessions comes City and Colour with a song from their 2011 album, Little Hell.
“Sing Along” by Robert Ellis
I first saw Robert Ellis at American Fest a few years ago. Later, he opened for Richard Thompson at City Winery, and then I saw him as part of Traveler at their Basement East show earlier this year. This is one of my favorite songs of his.
“Watch Dog” by Amy Black
From her Muscle Shoals Sessions albun, Amy Black – covering a song which Etta James recorded on her 1968 album Tell Mama which was recorded by FAME Studios.
“Boss Board” by Burt Rocket
Some hot, surf music from Norway!
“Houses on the Hill” by Ryan Adams
From Life After Deaf the live Ryan Adams boxset, we have a moving version of a song that originally appeared on the second Whiskeytown album.
“All This Wandering Around” by Ivan and Alyosha
From their album, It’s All Just Pretend. More great music from the Seattle band.
“Peter Gunn” by Roy Buchanan
Blues guitarist Pat Buchanan with his take on the Henry Mancini penned theme from “Peter Gunn”.
“Hearts Too Heavy” by John Moreland
High on Tulsa Heat is one of the best albums of 2015 and John Moreland just may be one of this generations greatest songwriters.
VIDEO PLAYLIST
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E2TG: MUSIC/WORDS 
