Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – I Don’t Care Mix

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My sincere hope is that a large number of people saw John Moreland on Colbert last night and became instant fans. I realize that the possibility of seeing Moreland at The 5 Spot or the backyard at Fond Object may be less likely, but in my opinion this is important music that needs to be heard. One thing I try to do (both for myself and others) is just appreciate that someone discovers great music for themselves and not worry about when they made that discovery.  For me, I am glad I discovered John Moreland’s music when I did (which was somewhat before anyone who discovered him last night and somewhat after a lot of my songwriter friends).

Let’s move on into the shuffle:

“I Don’t Care” by Tim Carroll

Tim Carroll has digitally released some new songs and new versions of older songs with his new band.  Three of those songs ended up on a homemade CD, which you can pick up most Fridays at The 5 Spot where Carroll and Luella and band hold court from 6-8:30.  This is one of my favorite of the new songs – although all of Tim Carroll’s songs (and he has a bunch of them) are excellent.  The video we’ve included was directed by “Earie” award winner, Paul Zografi.

“At This Midnight Hour” by Tomas Doncker Band

Big Apple Blues was Tomas Doncker’s ode to New York City. The album was released last year and features Pulitzer Prize winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa.  From that album, comes this track which sets a mood and groves.

“Over and Again” by Brian Wright and The Waco Tragedies

From the 2007 album, Bluebird… sometimes you things go on even when they are cracked and broken.

“Some Ol Dolls” by Tomas Doncker

Tomas Doncker’s follow up to Big Apple Blues is The Mess We’ve Made – a powerful commentary of the what’s going on. Social and racial injustice – again with a true groove that few can do as well as Tomas Doncker. Doncker is a veteran of the New York No Wave scene, and he recently completed six sold out nights with James Chance and the Contortions in Tokyo.

“The Cardinal” by Stone Cupid

The powerful and devastating lead and title track from the brand new album by Stone Cupid – the band fronted by Julie Christensen. The song is filled with brilliant imagery, and it is epic in its scope.

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From The Foundry EP.  Another awesome song from the Brooklyn based indie-folk/Americana band.  I am electing not to comment on the sentiment of the song, but there is a chance I may or may not subscribe to it. I can neither confirm nor deny.

“Hot Party Dads” by Whiskey Shivers

Another from the wildly entertaining Austin old-time/bluegrass/folk/traditional band.  A short, but sweet rave up from the self-titled album.

“Swimmin’ Time” by Shovels and Rope

And we close out the day with the title track from the 2014 album… It’s up above 70 today in Nashville, and it seems like Swimmin’ Time is just around the corner.  Ah, but winter is not over by a long shot.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Now You See the Light Mix

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By the way, the #E2TG Facebook Page is approaching 500 “Likes”.  I would love to reach that milestone by the end of the year.  If you have not done so, give us a “Like”.  Limited time offer: We will waive the normal $0.00 Annual Fee!

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Sending Birthday wishes to 2014 Ear to the Ground Artist of the Year, Darrin Bradbury who just wrapped up his first ever West Coast tour. 

The 2015 “Earie” Awards roll onward. 

TODAY’S AWARD:  The “Middle-Aged America” Award The Premise: No premise – just an inside joke.

The Award goes to:  Drew Kohl and Taylor Alexander
Young America was a band from Georgia that had a long run. They released an EP early in 2015 shortly before deciding that with two members in Georgia and two in Nashville, it was no longer viable to continue as a group.  The award goes to the two members of Young America who are now living in Nashville.  Time flies when you are having fun, thus my joke about Middle-Aged America…

Drew Kohl:  Drew is a super talented singer, songwriter, and player.  He released Sweetheart, an EP filled with songs that explore different aspects of the theme of Love, earlier in the year, and he has been touring and playing throughout the year, sharpening his sound.  His trademark is his high-lonesome bluegrass inspired songs which often feature mind blowing sustained vocal notes.

Taylor Alexander:  Taylor has been recording his solo album which is due in 2016.  He is a regular performer on Lower Broadway, and he often backs up other musicians.  He and fellow “Earie” award winner, Lindsay Ellyn frequently perform as a duo (which I have dubbed: #Tindsay – which Taylor hates so let’s make that hashtag trend!).  He has an impressive repertoire of classic country tunes and his own compositions have a classic country feel to them.

Congrats, Taylor and Drew!  The “Earies” march on for the rest of December culminating in the naming of the 2015 #E2TG Artist of the Year.

By the way, before we jump into the shuffle, I had the great opportunity to head out to the Stone Fox in West Nashville last night to see Chris Scruggs and the Stone Fox 5 play some amazing classic country music.  They will be there every Sunday throughout December and most of January.  Highly recommended.

Shuffle:

“Willie McBroom” by Tom House

A good old-fashioned Appalachian murder ballad from the album Winding Down the Road which was produced by Brock Zeman.  Tom House will be performing his latest album, Songs Like Dreams…More Like Blood, tonight at The Basement (the original one).

“Someday” by All The King’s Men

All the King’s Men are an Indie Rock band from Manchester, UK.  They combine a classic rock sound with the classic Manchester attitude.  This song is from the band’s new EP, Making My Escape.  I dig it!

“Get Up, Stand Up” by Peter Tosh

From his 1977 second album, Equal Rights, we have Peter Tosh’s version of a song he wrote with Bob Marley. The song was first recorded in 1973 by the Wailers. 

“That’s All” by The Train Set

We have another song from Never California, the recently released compilation album for this UK band.

“Mary Ann and One Eyed Dan” by Shovels and Rope

Shovels and Rope recently made their 2014 album, Swimmin’ Time awailable on Noisetrade.

“It’s Alright” by ’77

’77 are a band from Barcelona who play aggressive, high energy rock music reminiscent of the year from which their name derives.  Their latest album, Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us was released back in October.

“Nettles” by Circus Propaganda

From the one and only Circus Propaganda album, Botany. 

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From Lay Where You Collapse EP by the Christchurch band, The Transcendents.  The band have already released a new EP called Common Ground.  This song is named for an American Pop-Art artist.  It is a great example of the band’s signature blend of experimentation with pop music sensibilities.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – What We Want to Be Mix


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Okay – posting late.  Life happens sometimes.  Here’s some stuff:

Coming soon, the 1st Annual #E2TG Awards 2015 – which I am calling The Earies (tagline: The Earies, it sounds strange, but it’s not really).  Watch for this beginning after Thanksgiving.

Last night, an awesome show at The original Basement.  Actual Wolf  killed it with the kind of band that really only happens in Nashville  (Adam Kurtz, Jerry Pentecost, Paul Niehaus, Stephanie Dickinson with Nellie Clay joining on bgvs)    After that 14 year old wunderkind Sammy Brue had the audience enraptured with his incredible songs.

Really proud that my review of Dan Penn at City Winery in on the front page of No Depression right now.  Check it out, if you haven’t.  Nodepression.com

Shuffle (short descriptions)

“Walk Out to Winter” by Aztec Camera

Another track from High Land, Hard Rain.  Seemed about right, as I was driving through the chilly morning with my driver’s side window stuck down.

“Blue Highways” by Darrin Bradbury

A live version of what is probably my favorite Darrin Bradbury song. (I like Bob, too – which Darrin always dedicates to me and to which I gave a face).  Brian Wright does an awesome version of this this song.

“Summer School” by Liquor Giants

So, I didn’t know who Liquor Giants were until I just looked them up. I really dug the song, though.  Liquor Giants was a band formed by Ward Dotson after Pontiac Brothers which he joined after leaving Gun Club.  Ah, makes sense why this was so cool. Kind of nifty 60s Pop vibe.  

“Pinned” by Shovels and Rope

From their 2014 album Swimmin’ Time – I nabbed this off Noisetrade.  It may still be there.  Go look.

“Caretaker” by The End Men

Our 2013 Band of the Year made one of 2015’s best albums, Terms and Conditions which finds the signature sound of the band augmented by some awesome saxophone work from Matthew Elia.  

“Moonlight” by Atticus Floyd

Atticus Floyd is now recording under the name The Jolly Light Connection. When I downloaded this, she was recording under Atticus Floyd. From an album called We’ll All Come Down.  It’s really cool.  For the video, I selected the joyful, animated story of Atticus’ first show.  It’s really cool, too.  The Jolly Light Connection is part of Dord Music Group.

“Let No Woman” by Guitar Gabriel

Some awesome acoustic blues from the folks at Music Maker Relief Foundation.

“Perfect Day” by Nico Vega

I really like this cover of one of my favorite (among many favorites) Velvet Underground song.  It was apparently used in a Lifetime movie about Lizzie Borden.  Sounds about right.

“headlights” by ricky mirage

The album is called Pop Goes the Sun.  Ricky Mirage is Nick Harris.  I dig this album a bunch. I found it from a random post I saw on a friend’s Facebook page.  I could not find an appropriate video, so here is a link to the song.

http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=593283634/size=small/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/track=2858073931/transparent=true/

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Too Far From the Limb Mix



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And now, we reach the mid-point of the work week… tonight in Nashville is the final week of Kevn Kinney’s residency at The 5 Spot.  Warner Hodges and Chuck Mead are the guests, and word has it that Dan Baird, Joe Blanton, and Brad Pemberton will be on hand as well… should be a fun show!

“All My Best Friends Are Cigarettes” by Darrin Bradbury

We start off the shuffle with another track of Darrin Bradbury’s The Story of Bob EP.  A good chance for a reminder that Darrin, Brian Wright, Raelyn Nelson, and Lauren Farrah will all be playing full band sets at The Basement East on Thursday (tomorrow night).  That show begins at 9:00p.m.  If you get there early, Nancy Terzian and the Leg Men and Stone Cupid featuring Julie Christensen are playing starting at 7:00p.m.

“IX” by Mike Watt

What have hear is Mike Watt (Minutemen, fIREHOSE) setting the words of James Joyce to music.  It is from a 2008 compilation that features all 36 of Joyce’s Chamber Music poems adapted by different musicians.  The album is called Chamber Music – James Joyce (1907). 1-36.

“Most in the Summertime” by Rhett Miller

This is from Rhett Miller’s album The Traveler which features Black Prairie.  The recording is from a World Café Session.  

“Woman on Fire” by Amy Black

Another of the three original tunes on Amy Black’s new album, The Muscle Shoals Sessions is a powerful statement of purpose embedded in a song that sounds as timeless as the classics that dominate the rest of the album.

“Driven Back” by Jesse and Noah

I just got a listen to the first song from the forthcoming Jesse and Noah album – which will be in the shuffle soon, I’m sure.  In the meantime, we have the excellent title track from their album Driven Back.

“Save the World” by Shovels and Rope

Swimmin’ Time is Shovels and Rope’s 2014 release.  This song is from that album.  More evidence of just how awesome Shovels and Rope really are.

“Pretty Girls” by Against Me!

Another from World Café… The song originally appeared on the band’s 2005 album Searching for a Former Clarity, and a live version will be on 23 Live Sex Acts – a live album due in September.  I really dig the World Café Session version of this song.

“The Sky is Crying” by Elmore James

From 1959, the Elmore James original of a song that has become a Blues standard.

“The New Day” by Tomas Doncker Band

Another song from the Big Apple Blues album.  Doncker and his band have become extremely adept at fusing a variety of influences into a complex, diverse, and yet consistent “Global Soul” sound.  

“Back Back Back” by Anthony D’Amato

From the album The Shipwreck From the Shore… From a Noisetrade compilation. I’m late getting to the Anthony D’Amato party, but I really like this song, and I want to hear more!

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Tic Toc Tac Toe Tap Tip Top Mix

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 It’s Friday and it’s also the last day of May!  

Let’s put this month to rest with some awesome tunes…

Pre-Shuffle:

“Moorie” by Great Divide
“Bridge by the River” by Nikki Sue and the Bad News
“Wish I Could Stand or Have” and “Chardonnay” by Game Theory
“Bloodhound” by Jeanette Lynne
“Tear You Up” and “Come In” by Decades
“Drenched” by Wanting
“Tickin’ Bomb” by Shovels and Rope

 Shuffle – after le jump… la jump????  The Jump!

  •  “Tables (Acoustic)” by Seth Philpott from a 2013 Noisetrade Sampler original version from Bad Hearts (2013) 

 Grabbed a sampler from Noisetrade and I’ve become a pretty big fan of this Nashville Singer/Songwriter.  Bad Hearts came out earlier this month.

  • “Don’t Force the Funk” by Wheelchair Sports Camp from Where We All Live (2012)

Kalyn the MC/Producer of Wheelchair Sports camp is 26 years old, 3 foot 6 inches tall and weighs 53 pounds. She has osteogenesis imperfecta a brittle bone condition. She also delivers some kick-ass lyrical explosions and with the rest of the band deliver some vicious beats.

  • “Disaster” by Kopecky Family Band from The Disaster(2010)

Nashville’s Kopecky Family Band have been making music together since 2007.  Their latest album (linked above) Kids Raising Kids is getting some serious National attention, but here in Nashville, we’ve been paying attention for a while now.  I absolutely love this sort of Title track from the band’s 2010 album.

PLAYLIST

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Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Illustrious Illusions Mix

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‘Tis a rainy Friday in Nashville, Tennessee.  Fortunately, the rain let up for my daily walk up the hill to higher ground. Even more fortunate, I got to listen to some killer tunes, and as always, I want to share them with you.


Pre-shuffle:

“Please” by The Vespers (awesome Nashville band who will be playing May 25th at the Eastside Hootenanny.  Those Darlins will also be on the bill that day because this is Nashville and that’s just how we roll)

“Hello It’s Me” by Todd Rundgren (The classic song from 1972)

” Singing Sunrise” by JENNY (who have a new album, Love and Politics out now)

“Hail Hail” by Shovels and Rope (the awesome South Carolina band from a Noisetrade tour sampler for their summer jaunt with the equally awesome Dawes – who we will hear from later in the mix)

“Rewind” by Kopecky Family Band (more good stuff from the Nashville band who were recently featured in the NY Times)


SHUFFLE – after the JUMP



  •  “Off With My Head” by Seth Philpott from Bad Hearts (2013) 


A week or so ago, I played the Acoustic version of this song which was on a Noisetrade Sampler.  This time, we have the full album version from the Bad Hearts EP which was released earlier this month.  I’m really digging this Nashville American artist, and I just now noticed that the Bad Hearts EP contains a duet with the always awesome Angel Snow (who has been featured on E2TG a number of times).


  • “From a Window Seat” (Live) by Dawes from Summer Tour Sampler (2013) (original verison is on Stories Don’t End (2013))


We promised you Dawes, and we have Dawes.  This California band is justifiably one of  the hottest bands around these days.  Noisetrade offers up a Live version of the first single from their current album – along with some more great music from Dawes and Shovels and Rope)

  • “Behave” by Year of October from Stories (2012)


Year of October are a Nashville based band.  They recently connected with me on Twitter, and now I’m regretting not catching up with them sooner. They offer up a unique mix of rock, blues and folk.  I love  the vocals and “classic” sounding music. They are gearing up for their first full length tour.  I have a feeling I’ll be playing much more from this band.


  • “Crowded Highway” by Harmondale from Spirit of 73 (2011)


Okay, call it a theme.  Another great Nashville based  artist making contemporary timeless music, and again I am late to the game as this song is from a 2011 album.  Really great way to wrap up the morning shuffle.


PLAYLIST

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Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Simultaneous Mix


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ICYMI – Go check out the new Video from the Cosmonauts – our post about it is here:

Also, with just days to go, you can still vote for the Ear to the Ground Band of the Month.  Go HERE to vote. Remember you can vote as often as you want.  Right now, And the Giraffe are leading, but it is still wide open.  So vote now!

To the shuffle:

First up, we have a band we featured back in May when they released their stunning album The Ghost of John Henry. They are back with a new song called Just to Win the Fight  which features Vance Kotrla on 12 and 6 String Guitar, Banjo, Bass and Vocals.  Check it out!

Next up, we have Nashville based Americana recording artist, Derek Hoke, with a song from his most recent record, Waiting All NightLonely Street is the kind of Country song that breaks and warms your heart at the same time.  I can’t speak for anyone else, but I know I’ve walked that Lonely Street many a time.


 
Next we have Land of a Thousand Words which was the second single of Scissor Sisters’ second album Ta-Dah.  The song is a twangy ballad reminiscent of early Elton John (who collaborated on the album if not this song).  

 

We close out this shuffle with the song, Hollowpoint Blues  from the album Shovels and Rope by Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent who record under the Shovels and Rope name. They hail from South Carolina and blue a ragged style of honky tonk music that is all their own.

 
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