Category: Squeeze

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Baby Out of Jail Mix

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Well, here we are.  Another late posting.  Tomorrow likely will be, too.  Let’s jump to it. Plus by stupid bluetooth earphones have bitten the dust.  Replacements are on their way.

We’ve been doing the “Earies” for about a week now.  I hope everyone is enjoying themselves.  I am coming up with winners faster than I am coming up with Award names…. but it’s all good.  I just hope I don’t forget anyone, but I probably will…

Today’s award is the “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” Award.

The premise:  I have known for some time that Nashville is the home to some amazing blues players and music, but that fact came into sharp focus for me this year.  The other thing that came into sharp focus for me is that “The Blues” is not a narrow genre of music and it is very much alive and well in this middle year of the second decade of the new millennium.  This award is meant to recognize some of the best of the blues and it so happens both of this years winners come from Nashville, and they both bring their own unique twist to the genre.

The Award goes to Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen  and Eight O’Five Jive.

Ted Drozdowski is a journalist and scholar of the Blues and an amazing guitar player.  With his trio, he brings Mississippi to Nashville and rolls into a sweet psychedelic coating while telling stories and blowing minds.  Love and Life was one of the best albums of the year and one of the best albums Ted Drozdowski has made.  An electrifying live act (no stage can contain Ted and no utensils or glassware are safe from being used as a guitar slide.

Eight O’Five Jive play upbeat, swinging jump blues that evokes an earlier era while remaining firmly rooted in the present.  Their album, Too Many Men, was smart and sexy and a whole lot of fun.  They won a couple of awards at this years Nashville Independent Music Awards including Best Blues Artist, and now they can add an “Earie” to their award cabinet,

On to the shuffle:

“Pissing At Will” by Ohioan

As I think I mentioned when I played them before, Ohioan are not from Ohio. They are from Tucson.   This is the a-side to their recent single. I grabbed this off of Aquarium Drunkard a few months back, and I like it a bunch.

“Fits and Starts” by Brian Keenan

The title track from the new album by Brooklyn singer-songwriter Brian Keenan.  I am really enjoying his new album.

“Goodbye Girl” by Squeeze

Originally the first single from Cool for Cats.  Another in a long string of classic songs by the newly reformed Squeeze.

“None of That Now” by Michelle Lewis

Michelle Lewis is a Boston singer-songwriter.  This track comes from her Live at Club Passim EP.  The video performance I found is from Belcourt Taps here in Nashville. 

“I’m Here to Get My Baby Out of Jail” by Porter Wagoner

I was introduced to this song on the Knitters’ Poor Little Critter on the Road album back in the latter part of the 1980s.  It struck me (not for the first time) that here I was a good Tennessee boy, and it took a bunch of L.A. punks to introduce me to classic country and western music.  Ah well…  I do remember Porter Wagoner coming to my hometown and stopping the in the store where my Mom worked.  So there is that.

“From Here to Burma” by Blake Babies

Another from the live Blake Babies album.  In the introduction to this song, they say it will be on an album some day, and it was included on the band’s album Earwig.

“Cumberland Mountain” by Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau

2015 “Earie” award winners, Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau with a song and story that comes from the same source material as the book, “Cold Mountain”.  At least I think that is what Richie told me… it had been a long night of big fun so I could have that wrong.

“Beggars and Choosers” by Soul Asylum

And we close out the shuffle with a song from one of my all time favorite albums, Hang Time.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Enough is Enough Mix

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First of all, let’s all try to be good to one another…

Second, The “Earies” continues.  I call today’s award, “So You Think Joe Can Dance??? Really???” award. 

The premise: I mean c’mon, I’m a fighter not a dancer… or something like that. I mean, sure I will flail around sometimes in a crowd in front of the stage, but when it comes to spontaneous dancing, it does not happen that often… however….

The Winner:  As I have said before, The Mark Robinson Band is one of the best and most entertaining live acts in Nashville. They do not play in town super often, and so when they do, it is Must See Live Music.  Mark Robinson is a stellar guitarist and his rhythm section (usually Justin Amaral and Daniel Seymour) are simply the best (at the most recent show, Rick Schell filled in for Justin and he’s not slouch either…. ahem*Pure Prairie League*ahem).

So at the tail end of this years Tomato Fest in East Nashville, it came about due to the infectious grooves and some instigators, I found myself dancing not once but twice.  I figured that deserved an award (not my dancing!!!).  By the way, many of the awards are directly or indirectly going to be related to albums released in 2015…. because I hate doing Top 10 lists – basically.  Mark Robinson and his band did not release a new album in 2015 (expect one next year), but Robinson has been busy producing other folks and he did release a two-sided single, “Gone South” (both an Electric Rock and Acoustic Folk version).  

Congrats to The Mark Robinson Band with a hat tip to the instigators Mary Sack, Karen Leipziger, and Mark Robinson’s lovely other half, Sue Havlish.  Let’s Dance!

Third, I am emerging for my self-imposed exile from live music beginning tonight.  Over the next three days, I expect to see the following artists on Nashville stages:  Fats Kaplin, Red Collar, Two Cow Garage, Austin Lucas, Jon Latham, Malcolm Holcomb, Sadler Vaden, and Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ with Warner E. Hodges.  Whew!  Other cool stuff that I will have to miss, too.

Fourth, we have a very cool shuffle this morning… so jump to it!

“No Holding Back” by Graham Parker

From The Up Escalator.  The opening track to Graham Parker’s follow-up to the classic Squeezing Out the Sparks. Released on Stiff Records in 1980 and produced by Jimmy Iovine.  If you are not familiar with Graham Parker.  Start here (or just about anywhere) and get hip! (but not too hip!)

“Another Theory Shot to Shit” by fIREHOSE

We are approaching the 30th Anniversary of the death of D. Boon – guitarist, singer, spieler with Minutemen.  His loss was truly one of modern music’s most tragic. Some people spend way too much energy (in my opinion) comparing fIREHOSE (the band formed by surviving Minutemen Mike Watt and George Hurley) to the predecessor band.  I, for one, am just glad that Ed Crawford (Ed from Ohio) convinced Watt and Hurley to continue on, and I really dig the fIREHOSE albums.  And I also think that Mike Watt is a national treasure! This is from Ragin’ Full On. 

“Wait For Me” by Bosveld

Another track from the amazing album Velbrand by Canadian experimental, chamber, folk band Bosveld which features Velodrones (Turt “Thean” Darren) and other players. This is the final track from that album which I really want a bunch of people to check out.  So do it!

“Up the Junction” by Squeeze

I am fickle… which is why I don’t make Top Ten Lists.  The minute I hit post, you can bet I will be second guessing myself.  However, this song (along with just about all of the songs that ended up on Singles 45s and Under) will always have a place among my all-time favorite songs.  This is my kind of feel good music.

“Shanghai Surprise” by Smokey the Firebear

Finally, a track from Smokey the Firebear which is over 1 minute (1:37 I think).  I dig this one a bunch. From Teshio Democracy EP – which Smokey the Firebear describes as follows: “A few of the shitty demos that I recorded in my living room with Audacity and an Xbox Live mic. You can hear relatives opening doors and my dog’s collar jangling through the whole record. Good luck.” Similar to the perhaps better known Chinese Democracy album, this one took over seventeen years to come out due to the fact that Smokey the Firebear was busy being born and growing through infancy, toddlerishness, and childhood. 

“Live Free or Die” by Joe Mansman and the Midnight Revival Band

Another track from the brand new and awesome, Too Far Gone record.  This is really great music and one of my favorite new records of the season.

“Breakfast in Bed” by Dusty Springfield

Dusty in Memphis makes many critics all time favorite lists.  I’m not a critic and I don’t do lists, but you will get no argument from me.  One of my favorite albums, and this (Eddie Hinton, Donnie Fritts) song is a great example of how gorgeous this music is. 

“Enough is Enough” by The Unravelling  

The Unravelling are back in the shuffle for a second time, and this track groves more toward experimental alternative than metal, and the title seemed like a fitting subtitle for the blog given the times in which we live.  The video playlist includes an earlier song from the band called, “Where Will It End?” which seems even more appropriate for the times.     window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”;

“Until You Came Along” (Live) by The Jayhawks

And we close out the shuffle with another one from that live Jayhawks album currently available on Noisetrade.  This Gary Louris penned song was included on the 1998 Golden Smog album Weird Tales.  It is the final song on the live Jayhawks album and appears to be the last song from the show.    http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js   

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Saturday Morningish Music Shuffle – Spring Cleaning Mix

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A rare Saturday shuffle to make up for not posting yesterday… life happens – you know….

It’s been a very interesting week in many ways.  Musically, since we last connected, Thursday night, I went to week 3 of 5 of Campfire Propaganda.  It was a blast with the usual suspects – who are some pretty awesome songwriters: Brian Wright, Tim Easton, Megan Palmer, Darrin Bradbury, and Nellie Clay plus this week joined by Matt Haeck.  Then, I headed to The Family Wash to see Bark (Tim and Susan of Tim Lee 3) play an awesome set and then back up Jim Mize along with Laurie Stirratt.

Last night, it was the Jon Latham CD Release Show at Belcourt Taps.  Darrin Bradbury opened.  A really fun time.  Jon was joined by Haley Dreis, Josh Morris, Shawn Conerton, and Sean Quinn. And he even asked me to emcee the show.  There was tons going on musically around Nashville last night, and I though I don’t like that I missed some of the things that I missed, I know I was at the right place.

Speaking of Jon Latham.  In case you missed it, I wrote some words about Real Bad News – his brand new album.  You can check it out HERE.

Just some tunes I listened to while I did some spring cleaning this morning. And, the answer is yes, I do know that it is mid-October.  What can I say, it has been a crazy, busy summer…

I am not going to comment on the songs – many I found the actual song for the Video Playlist.  If something interests you, and you need help finding out more – shoot me a line and I will tell you all I know.  Meanwhile, sit back and enjoy and maybe if you need to do some spring cleaning you can listen while you clean – like I did.

“Sourwood Mountain” by Carolina Chocolate Drops

“No Depression” by Uncle Tupelo

“Cherokee” by John Moreland

“Church on Time” by Kevin Gordon

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana

“Pretty People” by The Sunday Reeds

“Great New Year” by Ted Hawkins

“Trash” by Bully

“looks on tempests” by valued customer

“Back Up Mama” by Buddy Guy

“I Gotsa Get Paid” by ZZ Top

“Cool for Cats” by Squeeze

“Dirt” by Tigerman WOAH!

“Wilder (We’re Chained” by Brandi Carlile

“Ain’t Nobody Leaves This Place” by Tiffany Huggins Grant

“The Ghost in You” by The Psychedelic Furs

“New Spark” by Johnny Powers

“Big Belly Momma” by Albert Smith

“Boss” by The Rumblers

“pasaran” by valued customer

“Fennario”by Gill Landry

“Aberdeen” by Harmonica Lewinskies

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Never Chew a Pickle Mix

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ICYMI – check out the exclusive premiere of Mark Robinson’s “Gone South (Electric Rock)” Video.

It is a rainy day in Nashville… You know what I like on a rainy day?  Music!

“Memphis Bound” by Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau

Richie Owens was an important part of the 1980s Nashville music scene that I became interested in during my musical formative years.  Back in those days, he lead a band called The Movement.  That band’s song, “Lost Horizon” seemed to be in my ears or stuck in my head almost constantly during that time period. When the once promising Nashville Music Scene of the mid to late 80s  crashed and burned – overcome by poor decisions and excesses of various kinds – Owens left for the West Coast. Thankfully, he came back and his current band, Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau are making awesome music and putting on great shows. You can catch them most Tuesday’s at Drifters in East Nashville.  The band’s most recent album, Tennessee, is filled with songs based upon stories that Richie Owens heard growing up or in the case of the song we are featuring today – the song was inspired by a invitation and trip to play a Blues Festival in Memphis.  The video is awesome!

“Come On” by Hoodoo Gurus

From Blow Your Cool!  “Well come on!”

“Rattle That Lock” by David Gilmour

Rattle That Lock is the title track of the brand new album by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd fame. It is his fourth solo and his first studio solo album since 2006’s On An Island.  Expect a US tour next Spring.

“Slap and Tickle” by Squeeze

A funky fun track from Cool for Cats.  Seriously, I know they were very British in some respects, but I really don’t understand how Squeeze were never completely massive here in the U.S.  Suffice it to say, they were very massive in my circle of friends.  I am thrilled that I got to see them in 1985 on their “reunion tour”.

“Old Rugged Cross” by Carl Rutherford

What kind of psychopath follows up “Slap and Tickle” with “Old Rugged Cross”? Seems like another great time to point out, again, that the shuffle function on my phone orders the songs – I am just the messenger.   That being said, it has great having so many tracks for the Music Maker Relief Foundation come up in the shuffles of late. This is a devastating take on the Inspirational classic from the late Carl Rutherford. 

“Plaster Shoes” by Atticus Floyd

Plaster Shoes is the single release from Atticus’ 7 song release, We’ll All Come Down. Atticus just released a new song, “Walking into Murals”.    The video is a repeat, but it is one I love – an animated retelling of Atticus Floyd’s first show.

“Don’t Look That Way” by Shelly Poole

This is a song from British singer/songwriter Shelly Poole’s 2006 debut album, Hard Time for the Dreamer.  I’m honestly not sure where I got this song, but I really dig it.  It’s my first listen to Shelly Poole.

“Peace and Happiness” by Evan Felker

Another track from the Ted Hawkins tribute album, Cold and Bitter Tears. Evan Felker is best known as a member of the Oklahoma Red Dirt band Turnpike Troubadours.

“East vs. West” by Units

Another from the 13 O’clock compilation by PPNW Records.  Units were an electronic band from San Francisco, active in the late 1970s to early 1980s.  East V. West is from 1979 and it is a sturdy electronic rock instrumental.  This compilation has introduced me to a several bands that I missed out on the first time around.

“Trumpets” by The Waterboys

One of my favorite tracks from This is the Sea.  “Your Love Feels, Like Trumpets Sound”.

“Leave a Trail” by Dan Martin

And we close out the day with another track from Dan Martin’s album Hoka Hey.  A great way to close out another wildly diverse shuffle of music.  

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Amusing Bellydancers Mix

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So, I guess the sort of official AMA Fest things start today – or something like that, but last night things got off to an official and wonderful start with the Kevin Gordon CD Release Show at the City Winery- Nashville with Sarah Potenza opening.  You can read my review – here (currently on the front page of No Depression)

Tonight things get going in a pretty insanely good way with a throw down at the Basement East featuring so many people it is not even funny.  Doors at 7, Show starts at 8 with Campfire Propaganda (an amalgamation of killer songwriters all of whom I have raved about on E2TG). Don’t be late…

Meanwhile, we have a shuffle….

“Chase the Sun” by Millar Jukes and The Bandits

Millar Jukes is a Scottish born, Australian Americana inspired singer/songwriter who with his band The Bandits just released a new EP called Chase the Sun.  We have the title track for you today.

“Lilly Vereen” by Jesse and Noah

We have another track from the Driven Back album by Nashville based sibling duo – Jesse and Noah. The video is their 2013 CXCW submission.

“Galapagos” by Family Fodder

Another one from the excellent 13 O’clock compilation put out by PPNW Records out of Atlanta.  Family Fodder are based in London and formed in the late 1970s.  Alig Fodder forms the heart of the band which has had a rotating membership during their existence.  They have continued to perform and record to this day – with periodic dormant periods.  This is a previously unreleased track which was recorded in 1985. 

“National Funbike Tournament” by Discount Ravioli

You get some interesting results when you search for Discount Ravioli, but you do not get any videos of the band. As I mentioned before, their 21 track album – Robin Schultz and the 21 Prayers – was recorded in a tent in the wee hours of the morning following the fourth of July.  Since no video – here is the track for your enjoyment and future reference.

http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3910723630/size=small/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/track=2021825694/transparent=true/

“Battle Cry” by joykill collective

“A disaffected call to arms”… joykill collective are a UK alt-rock band with a left-wing political bent and a poetic lyrical persuasion. This single was released last month.  Dig it!

“Take Me I’m Yours” by Squeeze

Honestly, I do not know how Squeeze managed to produced song after song of pure pop gold without becoming massively famous in the US.  All I can say is that the 80s were a strange time for music in America (but then again what years weren’t strange in that way).  This was the very first single from the self-titled album and the first track on Singles 45s and Under.  The melodies and wordplay are almost too good to be true, but it is true.

“My Camera” by Aaron Lee Tasjan

As ALT prepares for the release of his highly anticipated In the Blazes album, we have one of my favorite tracks from his release Crooked River Burning. I am not a studier of the markets for this sort of thing, but I assume there are people out there who dig cool music and who have not yet discovered Aaron Lee Tasjan.  If that is you today, there is no need to feel ashamed or inadequate, just get yourself acquainted and prepare to have your mind blown.  Aaron Lee will be playing the big to-do tonight at the Beast – so get there! 

“Gone South” (Electric Rock) by Mark Robinson

Preeminent Nashville Blues Rocker and Ear to the Ground favorite, Mark Robinson just released (as in today!) a new single.  Like traditional singles, it has an A side and a B side.  The only difference is that the same song is on both sides, but each side as a radically different version.  (Hint: They are both fantastic).  Today we feature the hard electric rock version that features Robinson and his band (Justin Amaral and Daniel Seymour) joined by the talented Michael Webb (who has played with Poco and John Fogarty) on Hammond B3 and Rick Schell (Pure Prairie League) on Background Vocals.  Thursday evening, Robinson will be celebrating the release opening up David Olney’s Residency at The 5 Spot. (Note the special 5:00p.m. start and don’t miss it).

“The Struggle” by Minutemen

From The Punch Line.  Watt, Hurley, and the late D. Boon tell all about The Struggle in :45 seconds. They do a lot in less than a minute!

“Think Too Hard” by Syd Straw   

What a better way to end this really cool shuffle than with our penultimate track from Surprise. Syd Straw here is covering a song by The dB’s.  The video is a performance from David Letterman that featured the one and only Dave Alvin.  That is a whole lot of awesome in one place. window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”;

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Stain on my Notebook Mix

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It seems like the week has just begun, and yet here we are at mid-week.  Went out to The Bluebird Café last night for a great songwriters round. In an audience filled with people from Australia, Scotland, England, Poland, and other places, I got to see some of my favorite East Nashville songwriters perform some of their wonderful songs. Tim Easton hosted the night which featured Amy Speace, Darrin Bradbury, and Megan Palmer.

We have kind of short but sweet shuffle today… let’s get to it.

“Long White Line” by Sturgill Simpson

Via the World Café Sessions, Sturgill Simpson leads off today’s shuffle with a song that was on his latest album Metamodern Sounds in Country Music. 

“Hellfighters of Harlem” by Tomas Doncker Band

Another track from the Big Apple Blues – one of the most innovative and ambitious albums of the year.  This one tells I story that I never heard about in American History classes, about the regiment of soldiers who cross the Atlantic to risk their lives to defend freedoms that they were systematically denied based upon the color of their skin.

“The Drinking Song” by Boy Named Banjo

Another track from Long Story Short by this young Nashville band.

“Fools Gold” by Pony Boy

I just recently got hold of Blue Gold, the new album by Pony Boy. However, this song is part of an anti-fracking compilation called Buy This Fracking Album. Great cause, and a very good song which Pony Boy delivers in her characteristic rich and powerful voice.

“The Chemist” by Liberty’s Exiles

From the brand new album, The Price of Immortality, we have this track by London based Progressive Rock band Liberty’s Exiles.  Excellent modern progressive rock.

“Black Coffee in Bed” by Squeeze

Who says Pop songs have to be 3 minutes? Clocking in at just over 6 minutes, comes Squeeze’s classic song of lost love. The song was the first single from Sweets from a Stranger the band’s fifth album.  Also included on the essential compilation, Singles 45s and Under.

“10 Year Fight” by Brock Zeman

Another view of lost love and one of my favorite songs on Pulling Your Sword Out of the Devil’s Back. Word is that Brock Zeman will be back in Nashville in November, and I will have my ear to the ground for that one… (see what I did there?)

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – The Holiday’s Complete Mix

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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.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Look Into Stone Mix

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Well here we are at the mid-point of another work week… time marches on… doesn’t it?

We have another outstanding shuffle featuring classic tunes and some new and newish music… JUMP!

“I’m Set Free” (live) by The Velvet Underground

I have a confession. Sometimes, I secretly and privately scoff at people who accumulate every piece of recorded music of their favorite band… you know imports, bootlegs, rarities – without regard to the quality of the recording or whatever… I mean… I don’t mean to knock anyone – especially a music lover, but it just seems a bit silly to me sometimes.  That being said, I am nothing if not hypocritical.  I give you a short sample of  a recording from Max’s in 1970.  My only defense… it’s the Velvet Underground.

“Starting All Over Again” by Amy Black

My shuffle functions seems to be as much in love with the new Amy Black album as I am.  We have another track from the Muscle Shoals Sessions today.  This one is a cover of a song originally recorded by Mel and Tim at Muscle Shoals.  The song was later covered by Hall and Oates.

“Wedding Song” by Charlie Whitten

Charlie Whitten is a singer-songwriter based in Nashville.   I had heard his name and grabbed some music from a Noisetrade Sampler of his music.  This song comes from his CD entitled Hey Love.  I like it a bunch.

“In Spite of Ourselves” by Iris Dement, John Prine

You haven’t really lived until you’ve heard Darrin Bradbury and Jon Latham sing this song – impromptu – in the middle of a crowded bar.  But, Iris and John do a pretty decent version, too.

“Afrique” (take 3 vocal) by Duke Ellington

I have to admit, I am sometimes intimidated by Jazz as a genre.  As it should be obvious by now, I am not a musician, and so I know there are technical nuances to the music that I just don’t get. Actually that is true about a lot of music, but jazz seems by design to be more focused on that aspect.  Also,  although I have been really listening to jazz for about 25 years, my listening has been kind of haphazard. I have a pretty solid base in Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and a few others… but I know I have missed out (so far) on some really crucial artists and recordings.  All that being said, hearing Duke Ellington come up on my shuffle makes me happy!

“Sixes + Sevens” by Indigenous Engines

Indigenous Engines is the new project by my friend Andrew Adkins  (The Colored Parade).  This new project has two EPs currently available for Free Download via Bandcamp.  This song is from one of those EPs called Werewolves (the other EP is called Witches).  Check it out!

“Visitation Rights” by The Transcendents

I joked about my shuffle needing to clear out the transcendents’ self-titled album to make room for their new EP Lay Where You Collapse.   Regardless of my joke, this track is our final listen to that first record.  Look and listen for the new record to appear in the shuffle soon.  The band is from Christchurch, New Zealand, and man oh man, I like their music a ton.

“If I Didn’t Love You” by Squeeze

I hate to randomly mention Jon Latham twice in a post – no I don’t – but a recent status update of his on Facebook prompted me to dig out my Squeeze Singles album and load it into the Playlist.  This band  was just about perfect, and Singles was a handy way to catch up on their early music.  This song was originally on the band’s 1980 album Argybargy. The band was originally active from their formation in 1974!! until 1982.  When I really caught up with them that original run was over.  Fortunately, they reunited in 1985 and got to seem them live with Jools Holland on keyboard. 

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VIDEO PLAYLIST

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Caught in a Trap Mix

Another rainy morning here in Nashville. Today, a spin of one of my many random playlists filled with music I like.
(Click on album cover to purchase Genius of Love 2001 (Ozomatli Remix) by Tom Tom Club)
Tom Tom Club is a spin-off band of Talking Heads featuring Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth.  Genius of Love was originally released on the Bands 1981 debut.  It was redone in 2001.  The version today is one of several remixes.  The band celebrated the 30th anniversary of the song this year.
(click on album cover to purchase Soul Kitchen by X)
Soul Kitchen on X’s debut album Los Angeles is a cover of a Doors’ song from their debut album (The Doors).  Ray Manzarek, the Doors’ keyboardist produced the X album.
(click on album cover to purchase Suspicious Minds by John Eddie)
Suspicious Minds is a live cover of a song made famous by Elvis Presley. The song reached number 1 in 1969.  It comes from John Eddie’s live album Guy Walks into a Bar…
(click on album cover to purchase Slim Gets in ‘Em  by Gustafer Yellowgold)
Slim Gets in ‘Em  is by Gustafer Yellowgold (a friendly, yellow alien who comes from the Sun). Gustafer Yellowgold was created by Morgan Taylor). The song is a fun and catchy number.

(click on album cover to purchase Cool for Cats  by Squeeze)
Squeeze remain one of the best pop bands of the 1970s and early 80s.  With a rotating line-up anchored by songwriters Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford, Squeeze produced an incredible string of near-perfect songs. Cool for Cats is the title track to their second album which was released in 1979.
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TOM TOM CLUB: GENIUS OF LIVE TOM TOM CLUB: GENIUS OF LIVE
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X: Live in Los Angeles X: Live in Los Angeles
Since their inception in the late ’70s X has built a reputation as the quintessential L.A. punk band. If you’ve seen them in concert, than you already know of their legendary ability to blow the roof off the joint and get an audience on their feet. Now ta

John Eddie [Bonus Tracks] John Eddie [Bonus Tracks]
John Eddie [Bonus Tracks]

Gustafer Yellowgold's Mellowfever [DVD/CD] Gustafer Yellowgold’s Mellowfever [DVD/CD]
Gustafer Yellowgold and his friends travel throughout the world and learn important lessons about life along the way in this children’s program. Musician’s Lisa Loeb and John Stirratt of Wilco guest star. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi

Big Squeeze: The Very Best of Squeeze [Sound & Vision] Big Squeeze: The Very Best of Squeeze [Sound & Vision]
Over the course of Squeeze’s 25-year career, an inexplicable number of greatest-hits compilations have surfaced (seven, to be specific), and nearly all of them have suffered from a serious flaw, whether it’s the exclusion of important hit singles or the i