Category: Stacy Mitchhart

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Mambo and Lasso Santa Mix

This is the last morning shuffle of the week, I am taking a few days off wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a joyous time…

“Santa Do the Mambo” by Big John Greer

Because Santa should do the Mambo. From 1954.

“Yardsale” by Darrin Bradbury

A song about looking for a lost love at a yardsale… “Tacky knick-knacks on a shelf, thought of your Mom, I hope she’s well…”  — In the playlist is the video for the crowd favorite, “Let’s Get Stoned and Go to the Zoo”. Warning: Professionals, do not attempt any of  the activities described here. From the collections, When a Car Becomes a House.

“Aimless Breath” by The Torn Images

Another great song from the California Alt-Rock band, The Torn Images. From Reviver.

“Bitter End” by J.R. Wyatt

I always dig discovering new music. A couple of weeks or so ago, I went out to hear some friends play and was introduced to the music of J.R. Wyatt. This is from his release called The Empty Room Sessions which was recorded in an empty room.  I really dig his music, and I hope to see him play around town more in the future.

“I’m Gonna Lasso Santa Claus” by Brenda Lee

Little Brenda Lee was twelve years old when her second single was released.  What a great song and a great sentiment.

“The Wolves” (Live) by The End Men

One of the best performances for this past years Couch by Couchwest and a killer live version of a stand out track from Odds and Ends.  Featuring the Sax work of Matthew Elia who manages to make one of Ear to the Ground’s favorite bands sound even better.  I regret that I missed (by a day) seeing him play with the band here in Nashville. (what a horrible sentence that I am too lazy to rewrite, but will take the time to explain – I saw The End Men in Nashville, but Matt Elia had to go back to New York that morning.)  This version is on the latest Built4BBQ sampler.

“Cat Bowl Blues” by Stacy Mitchhart

A great Blues instrumental from the Nashville Blues master. From Live My Life.

“Life On Standstill” by The Torn Images

#2 of the day for The Torn Images.  I really dig the sound on this track. Another from Reviver.

“Deal and Hand” by J.R. Wyatt

One of my favorite songs from when I say J.R. Wyatt live, and I really dig the echo-y sound of this recording. Empty Room Sessions indeed.

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“Glamour” by The Lucky Jukebox Brigade

We close out with what was one of my favorite music videos of the year.  I even showed it to my Mom which I don’t do all that often.  The song captures much of what I love about this band. From Familiar Fevers.

****VIDEO PLAYLIST****


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Friday Afternoon Music Shuffle – What’s So Funny Mix

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I took the day off work and barely saw the morning….  so no traditional shuffle but I did run an errand earlier and shuffled a few tunes…. Plus I had some other things to share:



First off though, to me whether you are nuts for all things Christmas or a bit of a Scrooge, whether you are Christian or Pagan or whatever… I’d like to think the honest desire for true Peace is something all of us can agree on in principle.  So, if there is one message of the season that the world needs as much if  not more than ever, it is a message of Peace.  Ear to the Ground favorites, The Tomas Doncker Band have just released a bit of Christmas card in the form of a fantastic cover of the Nick Lowe song made famous by Elvis Costello.  “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding”.  Below is a link to the song.  We have also included a video of the song at the beginning of our Video Playlist.  If you Spotify, the song is also now streaming on that site.


Last night, I attended the Lockeland Springsteen Christmas show which served as a benefit for St. Jude’s.  It was a great show and a lot of fun.  Music was provided by Boom Forest, Elenowen, Blackfoot Gypsies, Cory Branan, and Alanna Royale.  Of course. I took pictures:

To the Shuffle:


“Frank is Gone” by David Olney

The Nashville Scene published a nice feature about the incredible guitar player Sergio Webb. The Video Playlist features a version of this song with David Olney and Sergio.


“Do Not Go Gently into that Good Night” by Dylan Thomas

Besides his amazing music, David Olney is known for his ability to offer amazing renditions of poetry. So it seems in good order to follow up, David Olney with Dylan Thomas reading one of his own poems.  Plus that is what the shuffle decided to do.


“Lemonade” by Megan Palmer

Yesterday, I wrote a bit about Wednesdays at Fran’s Eastside.  Among the special guests who have appeared over the weeks I have been a regular attendee as been the amazing fiddle playing of Megan Palmer.  Here is have a refreshingly tart treat from Ms. Palmer.


“Proud and Dangling” by Hugh Trimble

Hugh Trimble joins this abbreviated shuffle with a different version of the song that first turned me on to his music.


“Better Off Dead” by Stacy Mitchhart

And we close out the shuffle and the week with Nashville’s own Stacy Mitchheart doing a cover of a Bill Withers song.




VIDEO PLAYLIST

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Tilt-a-Whirl Mix

Well! The impromptu debut of Ear to the Ground Presents: at The Building last night was a huge success or at least a hell of a lot of fun with some awesome music. Thanks to Darrin Bradbury for doing all the leg work, and to The Western Shore, Sarah Potenza, Jon Latham, and Darrin and The Fran’s Eastside Super High Band for bringing the awesome tunes.  Hopefully, this will be a semi-regular thing in 2015.

Let’s jump into the shuffle… shall we?

“Worried Mind Blues” by Stacy Mitchhart from Live My Life

An cool, original Blues tune from Nashville Blues impresario Stacy Mitchheart.

“Bird on the Wire” by Dave Van Ronk from The Mayor of MacDougal Street (Rarities 1957-1969)

A pretty awesome Leonard Cohen cover by the Mayor of MacDougal Street, and folk revival pioneer Dave Van Ronk.

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Another great tune from the catalog of Joe Nolan.  You can listen to a bunch of his music at joenolan.com.

“Reindeer Boogie” by Hank Snow from Christmas with Hank Snow

This may now be one of favorite Christmas songs.  A rocking little number by the Country Music legend whose name almost demanded that he do some Christmas songs. This goes back to 1967.

“I Can’t Find My Keys” by Bobby Rush from Rush Hour

From classic Country to some classic Rhythm and Blues, Soul, Funk music from the Louisiana bluesman. Groovy song which reminds me of line from The Rainmakers’ song, “The generation that would save the world is still looking for its car keys”.

“Upper Mississippi River Valley Blues” by Ike Reilly from Am I Still the One for You?

Ike Reilly evokes memories of county fairs of my youth and the mysterious activities that happened along the fence line… and those rides…

“Saint Mary’s” by American Aquarium from Burn.Flicker.Die.

I feel like I running out of ways to say how much I love American Aquarium.  I want to say this is one of my favorite songs on this album, but I think I’ve said that before, too.  If you aren’t on board with this band, get to it!

“Distant One” by Heather Powell from A Haze of Grays and Blue

An awesome track from the forthcoming album from Heather Powell recorded with a bunch of the True Groove All-Stars.  An amazing voice backed by some incredible musicians.  It really doesn’t get any better.

“Waffle House (Take 2)” by Darrin Bradbury from When a Car Becomes a House

This is the version of Waffle House that ended up on the When a Car Becomes a House collection.  The previous one I featured was Take One and didn’t make it to the collection. I don’t know the difference between the two versions, but Darrin does, and that is all that matters. “Do I use my phone or does my phone use me?” 

“Never Be the Same Again” by The Torn Images from Reviver

We close out the day with another track from the debut full-length by California Indie Rock artist The Torn Images. A pretty awesome take on “classic” alternative hard rock music. Dig it!

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Middle Man Mix

I am more convinced than ever that I did not delete my playlist (as mentioned Friday) through some incredibly bone-headed clumsy ass maneuver.  No, it appears that my phone is possessed.  My cell phone contract ended in November, and my now two year old phone has developed a mind of it’s own.  It has begun initiating screen touch activities all on it’s own… typing (and sending) gibberish text messages, taking pictures, opening applications, etc.  I think it knows that it’s days are numbered.

So, until I get a new phone, any activity which comes from me should be suspect.  Including this post… am I writing this or is my phone writing this?

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Dan Coyle talks about the untimely death of his father and expounds on a philosophy that I really needed to hear.

“The Moment I Tell You Goodbye” by David Olney from Dutchman’s Curve

One of my highlights of December so far has been Saturday nights Tom Waits tribute at The 5 Spot in East Nashville.  I had such a blast and heard a slew of awesome artists offering their take on the music of the distinctly American genius, Mr. Waits.  One of the highlights of the night was an awesome performance by David Olney.  As luck would have it, it was my second chance to see Mr. Olney that week.

“Am I Still the One for You?” by Ike Reilly from Am I Still the One for You?

The title track from this mega release/E.P. Noisetrade thing…  Have I mentioned how much I  am digging this music?

“Drink Slinger” by Zachariah Red from This Town E.P.

I am extremely proud to call Zach a friend and extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to see and hear him several times in the last couple of months.  He has new music coming soon – here’s to the new year!  Since I couldn’t find a Youtube video – have a listen to “Drink Slinger”.

http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=470732660/size=small/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/track=1205056514/transparent=true/
“Christmas for You and Me” by Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors from Another Neighborly Christmas

I think this officially counts as the first Christmas song of the season on E2TG (with the exception of some songs that crept into the shuffle at odd times).  A cheer-filled song from a great Nashville band.

“Aunt Lou” by Grant Peeples and the Peeples Republik from Punishing the Myth

Grant Peeples paints a devastatingly beautiful portrait in the course of an approximately three minute song.

“Bummer 1 Hit Single” by Darrin Bradbury from When a Car Becomes a House

“This songs a bummer, let’s talk about summer…”  If you don’t know Darrin Bradbury, than Darrin Bradbury knows you… or something like that.  “I’m just the middle man, between gravity and the rope.” 

“Goin’ to Acapulco” by Bob Dylan and the Band from The Basement Tapes

We go from DB to BD. Everyone is talking about The Basement Tapes this days – for some mighty good reasons…  I think it’s a testament to Mr. Zimmerman’s songwriting skills that I really dig so many covers of his – including the version of this song by Jim James and Calexico.  The original isn’t half bad either… *deliberate understatement implied…

“Live My Life” by Stacy Mitchhart from Live My Life

We close things out with some genuine local Nashville blues, and the title track from the excellent recent Stacy Mitchhart album.

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Live My Life Mix

So another week of Ear to the Ground Shuffles comes to a close.  I am a bit short on time so I thought I would try something… a 3 Words post.  I will attempt to comment on each song using just three words. This may be more time consuming than writing a long post, but here goes nothing…

Have a great weekend!

“The First Heartbreak” by Matthew Ryan from Boxers

Their all bad…

“Beat Hotel” by The Folk Factory from The Folk Factory

Danish folk fun

“Live My Life” by Stacy Mitchhart from Live My Life

Red hot Blues

“Worried About the Weather” by Justin Townes Earle from NoiseTrade Eastside Manor Session/Single Mothers

Wish I’d gone

“Grasping at Straws” by Sidestreet Reny from Tonal Tonics and Musical Elixers

Unique Blues Music

“Grace on The 4th” by Minton Sparks from Middlin’ Sisters

Life ’round here

“Phase of the Moon” by Dan Coyle from Perfect Word, Perfect Beat

Brilliant moon song

“Deep Breath” by Hammer Hawk from The Entrée (a Built4BBQ Sampler)

Post-Hamburger Troy Rock

“Good Work (If You Can Get It)” by Ike Reilly from Hard Luck Stories

NoiseTrade Find – Win!

VIDEOS

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Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Hollerin’ Mix

First things first:  The Grey A have a brand new video for their timely song “Dumb Fool”.  It’s a fun film noir style video which includes our old friend Howard Rabach pounding on a table.  Check it out here:

Second of all, I had a great time seeing Darrin Bradbury and The Fran’s Eastside Super-High Band deliver a stellar set at The 5 Spot last night. 

Careful readers will recall that back in September yours truly had two reviews featured on the No Depression website.  One was for The Grey A’s album My Country and the other was for Darrin Bradbury’s album Motel Oatmeal. 

Now there is another coincidental connection between the two – if you look at picture above, at the extreme right of the picture – kind of in the shadows on the picture is Trombone player Diego Vasquez who joined the Super-High band last night and also played with The Grey A when I saw them at The Stone Fox (and played on The Grey A album I believe).

Finally, I need to announce that there are big, big things in store for #E2TG in the coming new year.  (Translation: I am basically punting the last month and a half of 2014 so expect nothing from me until after New Years by which time I hope you will have forgotten that I promised “big, big things”) 
Seriously, the Shuffles will continue unabated… well mostly unabated…. well just somewhat abated… well at least occasionally unabated…

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So many – especially Nashville radio legend Mary Brace have been talking up Hozier for several months at least.  Sometimes, I slow… I usually get there.  I really dig this song.


“Hollerin’ Mercy” by Sidestreet Reny and Lil’ Bell from Holler

The shuffle’s love affair with Sidestreet Reny continues with another great track from the phenomenal Holler album.


“The Difference” by Dan Coyle from Perfect World, Perfect Beat

Dan Coyle has been bouncing on and off my radar for at least a year or so, and I’m happy that he is now officially on the screen.  His latest album – Perfect World, Perfect Beat takes the listener back to the time when folk music and pop music weren’t two separate worlds. It also simultaneously keeps the listening grounded in the present while offering a bird’s eye glimpse into the great unknow – the future.


“Marnie” by Virginia Wing from Measures of Joy

A random discovery – I still love that type of discovery. Virginia Wing are from England.  I think this quote from their Facebook page neatly sums up this band…

“It’s not often i’ll say that about any music, but i did not get the strange experimental music these guys make at all. I hate to slander but it was too weird it was like 5 minutes before someone sang and even then it was just vowels. “

Ha! I have to love a band that would use that quote.  Check out Virginia Wing….


“Hourglass” by Mr. Kind from Wide Awake/Open Hands

Long time Ear to the Ground fave Brian Bergeron and his current band Mr. Kind are from the Bay Area.  Here is a cool track from their latest EP Wide Awake which was released in August.


“She Knows What to Do” by Stacy Mitchhart from Live My Life

Another great track from Nashville Blues legend Stacy Mitchhart’s latest album.


“Primary Resistance” by Minton Sparks from Middlin’ Sisters

Sassy kids and unrelated aunts.  Minton has an amazing ability to capture who own unique slice of the world in this still relatively young century.


“Boxers” by Matthew Ryan from Boxers

Alt-Country singer/songwriter Matthew Ryan released his latest album in October, and this is the title track.  This is the sound of a justifiably confident songwriter hitting and maintaining his stride.  Ryan has a show in Nashville in December with the amazing Todd Farrell and the Dirty Birds.


“Rain Child” by Hugh Trimble from neighborpoem

I feel in love with the music of folk singer Hugh Trimble from his contribution to the latest Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen compilation. I had to hear more.  This song is from his neighborpoem album which was released in 2012.


“Everything is Broken” (Bob Dylan Cover) by Bettye LaVette from Anti Winter EP/ Thankful and Thoughtful

A great way to end the week’s shuffles…. soul great Bettye LaVette with a cover of a song from Bob  Dylan’s 1989 album Oh Mercy.  The song has also been recorded by Kenny Wayne Shepherd and R.L. Burnside.



VIDEO


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Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – This is the Blues Mix

Nashville – come out tonight to The Five Spot in East Nashville at 9:00pm for an awesome show. The Harmed Brothers, Charlie and the Foxtrots, and #E2TG favorite Darrin Bradbury who will be backed by the star-studded (and stud-starred) Fran’s Eastside Super-High Band!

Apologies to Tim Carroll (who by the way is part of the aforementioned Super-High Band) for appropriating the title of one of his songs for the subtitle of today’s shuffle.  The song isn’t in the shuffle, but it came to my find, when I heard the high concentration of Blues numbers in the first part of this morning’s shuffle. 

Shuffle Up!

“She’s Gone” by Pork Chop Willie from Love is the Devil

For the second straight day, we have an awesome track from one of my favorite albums of 2014.  This is a Pork Chop Willie original with a snappy, rocking sound.

“Yoyo Daddy” by Sidestreet Reny and Lil’ Bell from Holler

Also reappearing for the second day in a row… with his 1934 National Resonator guitar!  Here is Sidestreet Reny.

“Battle vs The War” by Butch Walker from Noisetrade Sampler/b-side single

Butch Walker has a long and diverse music career.  This is one of his newer releases (he has a new album due out next year).  On the video, this song is a duet with the awesome Nikki Lane.  I think she sings on the recorded version, but in my limited research time, I could not absolutely confirm that.  Butch Walker fact checkers assemble!    I really, really dig this song!

“Boogie Bar and BBQ” by Stacy Mitchhart from Live My Life

A nice stroke of genuine Blues music from Music City USA.  This is from his brand new album which I just got my hands on thanks to Ms. Sue Havlish.  My first listen, and I’m digging it.  It’s funny how I never considered myself a fan of the Blues, and yet the more I hear, the more I realize I really was a fan all along.  The video is an awesome cover of a Hall and Oates song recorded live at the Bourbon Street Blues Bar in Printer’s Alley in Downtown Nashville.

“My .32-20” by Sidestreet Reny and Lil’ Bell from Holler

Number two of the day from the awesome Holler album which I also just got my hands on – h/t to the incomparable David J. “Popatunes” Horton.  Did you know that Sidestreet Reny’s background is in hip-hop music.  For kicks and continuing an unintended theme, we have Brian McKnight’s version of another Hall and Oates song featuring a rap by Sidestreet Reny himself. 

“Evil World” by The Radicals from Halloween  Rhymes and Children’s Crimes

Man! It so good to have some sharp old school style PUNK in the shuffle.  Who cares that this was a Halloween album and that it is now mid-November? Really who cares?  Clear the furniture and be prepared to slam dance!

“17th Last Cigarette (thinkin’ bout drinkin’)” by Swearing at Motorists from While Laughing, The Joker Tells the Truth

Swearing at Motorists are a Dayton, Ohio two piece band lead by dave doughman who have a twenty year history.  This song is from their latest album, and it’s really strong!

“Peggy Sang the Blues” by Frank Turner from England Keep My Bones

I don’t know if this is considered Blues, but it is about singing the blues, and it has the word Blues in the title.  Frank Turner is a British folk/punk artist, and this really awesome song is on his 2011 record.

“I Love, I Love (Traveling II)” by Dar Williams from The Honesty Room

The first of two tracks from Dar Williams’ 1995 album.  We featured Traveling I a few weeks back.

“Little City” by The Western Shore from Thunderstorm

Hard to believe it has been a week since I attended the CD Release show by The Western Shore.  They sounded great live, and they sound equally great on the album (which you should buy!)

“Whistle in the Dark” by Matt King from Raw

Keeping it local with another great track from Matt King’s stripped down Raw album.

“In Love But Not at Peace” by Dar Williams from The Honesty Room

Closing things out with our second listen of the day from one of my personal favorite’s – Dar Williams.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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