Category: The End Men

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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Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle – The Whole Thing in the Middle Mix

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14 Years… I have read some really powerful things today about THAT day. What I remember is some sense of unity… if nothing else, for a moment or moments, many of us were united… if in nothing else, then in fear and confusion and uncertainty. In degrees and over time, that unity has mostly dissipated… into conspiracy theories and feelings about the events that followed about the need for security vs. the importance of freedom. I was at work, and getting my news in fits and starts on a slow internet connection and the radio. 

What I remember… I was taking part in an drama workshop put on by the Parks Department.  Of the course of the workshop, we learned acting techniques, but our main goal was to create an original production which would then perform.  If I recall correctly, the second class was on September 11, 2001. The class was held as scheduled, though I remember thinking it might be cancelled, and we spent much of that class talking about what had happened. It was a pretty diverse group of people and there were a variety of different feelings being expressed, and of course, the day ended up greatly shaping the production we created.  Our production included adaptions of Brecht’s The Good Person of Szechwan and Beckett’s Waiting for Godot – as well as some other elements – all subtly adapted to speak to the events of 9/11/2001.

I don’t know what THE lesson of that day is supposed to be… maybe it’s still too soon, or maybe there is not one lesson.  For me, today at least, I am going to try to remember how fragile life can be and make the most of every moment and treat people with as much kindness as I can.  I will probably fall short of that… I probably already have… but I am going to keep trying. 

“Montgomery” by The Vigilance Committee

We start off with another track from Exit a Hero from the Long Island based Progressive Rock band.  I have been spinning this record for several months, and I am still liking the sound of it.

“I Owe It All to You” by Dale Watson

Call Me Insane but Dale Watson has made one of the best albums of the year. He is a real deal Traditional County singer who was once told he was too country for Nashville. Whatever! Driven by those comments, he eventually founded a whole new movement called, Ameripoitan (Outlaw Country, Honky-Tonk, Rockabilly, and Western Swing).

“Human Condition” by The Naddiks

Somehow this song seems like a good fit for 9/11. The Naddiks are a young, uplifting indie band from Australia. The record is called 21CB (21st Century Boy).

“The Spring” by Dan Martin

Just over a week ago, on the suggestion of my friend Mary, Dan Martin gave me a copy of his CD – Hoka Hey at the 5 Spot for the 1st Week of the David Olney Residency.  I finally got to give it a spin over the weekend, and I really liked what I heard. This is the first track to appear in a shuffle, and more will be forthcoming. Dan Martin is from Oklahoma. The music is well-written, well played country influenced music.

“Cold Black Pitch” by The End Men

In just a couple of months, I will have known The End Men for 4 years. In 2013, I named them my Band of the Year, and everything they have done since has served to confirm that decision.  Terms and Conditions, the album they released earlier this year, expands on their signature hard blues rock sound with Matthew Elia’s sax providing a strong counter-point to Matthew Hendershot’s Waitsian vocal growl and guitar godliness and Livia Ranalli’s powerhouse drums.  Beyond all of that, they are generous and kind people.  Oh, and they melt faces live!

“Piece By Pieces” by Indigenous Engines

Andrew Adkins is a busy man with a lot going on.  He released two EPs this year under the Indigenous Engines moniker.  This track is from Witches.  A great song.

“Life is Hard” by Darrin Bradbury

The Bonus Track from The Story of Bob.  Otherwise known as “The Ballad of Jack Kerouac, Lenny Bruce, and Daffy Duck”.  Darrin was my 2014 Artist of the Year.

“Magnolia” by Pony Boy

From Pony Boy’s new album Blue Gold which was produced by the Adam Landry and Justin Collins – best known for their work with Deer Tick, Diamond Rugs, and T. Hardy Morris and to E2TG readers as the producers of Black Vincent. The song is a homage to the late Magnolia Electric Company frontman Jason Molina. It is a powerful, moving, and gorgeous song.  

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Alison’s Getting a Mohawk Mix

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Our shuffle today begins with a powerhouse Georgia Gospel singer-songwriter and ends with a Telepathic Teddy Bear.  In between…. click through the jump and find out…

“I Feel Like My Time Ain’t Long” by Essie Mae Brooks

Via the Music Maker Relief Foundation… Essie Mae Brooks was born in 1930 and began singing with her grandfather, who was a harmonica player, and she begin singing and writing Gospel music as a child.  She has never stopped.

“To Miss Someone” by Maria McKee

Another beautiful song from the self-titled debut solo album by the former lead singer of Lone Justice.

“My Friend From College” by 100% Beefcake

I don’t know which is stranger: a couple of young Connecticut teenagers singing about a friend from college, that said teenagers call themselves 100% Beefcake, or that they music they produce is both delightfully weird and downright awesome.  It’s all strange to me, but then again, I like strange.

“McLane’s Dad” by Mothers

New York band Mothers album Panamanian Times has been floating around our playlist for several months now, and it is always cool when another song pops into the shuffle.  This one is called “McLane’s Dad”.  A refreshing breath of punk rock attitude in the middle of a Wednesday shuffle.

“Beast of NYC” by The End Men

I honestly thought 2013 Ear to the Ground Band of the Year, The End Men were the Beast of NYC… but they are definitely Beast-like in their power and intensity.

“The World Ender” by Lord Huron

Lord Huron is an L.A. band.  This song is from their latest album, Strange Trails which was released earlier this year.  The gorgeous recording I listened to came from a World Café session and was one of 100 songs that World Café made available for immediate download (visit the World Café Tumblr page).

“Sweet Tennessee” by Judah and the Lion

As I have mentioned, Judah and the Lion are a fast-rising band from Nashville.  Judah Akers happens to be the son of two people I went to school with years ago (a year or so apart).  The song is the title track from an EP that was released in 2013. It is a lovely tribute to my home state.

“Stay Here With Me” by Jesse Terry

Jesse Terry is a Connecticut based singer-songwriter who will be appearing at Bonnaroo later this month. I know this because this song was on the Noisetrade Bonnaroo compilation album.  It is the lovely lead and title track from their 2013 album.

“Alison’s Starting to Happen” by Lemonheads

A classic from the classic album, It’s A Shame About Ray…

“Andy’s Song” by Telepathic Teddy Bear

“I hear the drying leaves
Tumbling down the sun coated hill
They crumble in my hand
And they leave another void to fill”  A lovely song from the EP Forgiveness…

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Bukowski in my Underwear Mix

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So, I find myself short on time, so I have to speed through this. I hope you find time to dig deeper.  I could not find the exact track for all the songs for the Video Playlist, so you my have to do some internet searches.  Some great stuff, and well worth the effort.

“Racing to the Ruins” by Syd Straw

I have enjoyed so much revisiting Syd Straw’s classic album Surprise. Truly one of the best albums of the late 80s.

“Reprise” by The End Men

What a reprise! From the 2013 E2TG Band of the Year’s latest album, Terms and Conditions. The End Men are currently tearing up Europe!

“Takin’ a Ride” by The Replacements

The opening track from the first studio album by the one and only Replacements!

“Send Me on My Way” by Rusted Root

Some people say, I don’t have enough 90s music on Ear to the Ground.  Actually, to my knowledge no one has ever said that, but they may have thought it… but I can’t prove it.  In any event, here is a song released as a single in 1995.  A rough version appeared on Rusted Root’s debut album, Cruel Sun.  The song was rerecorded and included on their second album (and major label debut), When I Woke.  Undeniably infectious.

“India” by Roxy Music

A lush instrumental from the classic 1982 album, Avalon.

“Magnetic” by Michael Sackler-Berner

A song from the Shimmer and Shine EP by the fast rising New York singer-songwriter.

“One Too Many” by Tiffany Huggins-Grant

From the forthcoming album, Jonquil Child, by Nashville-based singer-songwriter Tiffany Huggins-Grant, this song was written by Pamela Jackson (one of only two songs on the album written by others). The album was produced by E2TG favorite Mark Robinson who also produced David Olney’s 2014, When the Deal Goes Down. Really digging this album so far. 

“Snow is Falling” by Cletus Kennelly and Lori Kelley

Another track from the long-time D.C. area duo.  Lori Kelley is now a Nashville resident, and I got to hear her perform Sunday night.

“Just Like You” by Gill Landry

A fantastic track (and first single) from the recent self-titled solo effort by the Old Crow Medicine Show guitarist.

“On Your Knees” by fIREHOSE

From Ragin’ Full On…  one of my favorite fIREHOSE songs.

“The Road Ahead” by Boy Named Banjo

Another great song from the album Long Story Short by the young Nashville band who will be playing Bonnaroo in about a month.

“When the World’s Against Me” by Andrew Adkins and The Colored Parade

I also saw Andrew Adkins perform live Sunday night.  Here he is with his band, The Colored Parade with a song released on KidzlikeDanny 4 a compilation from an organization that raises money for various autism causes.  A great song to end today’s shuffle.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Golden Yolks Come Streaming ‘Cross the Sky Mix

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I posted a couple more snippets of Scent of Revelation to Soundcloud. Check them out if you feel so inclined.

In other news, it is Friday, and this will be the 900th post since I migrated #E2TG to Blogger back in late 2011.  If I conservatively estimate that 90% of the posts have been Morning Shuffles and if I conservatively estimate that the Shuffles feature an average of 8 songs each, then I have featured over 6,400 songs during that time.

Here are ten more…

 “Last Forgiven” by Rathborne

I don’t know much about Rathborne.  Luke Rathborne is the primary member? The record is called SOFT, and I like this song quite a bit.  Dig it!

“The Killer Inside Me” by Maynard and the Musties

I assume the song title is a reference to the Jim Thompson book or related film? Maynard and the Musties hail from Brooklyn. In the video playlist, we have their performance from Couch by Couchwest this year.  Anyone who hangs out on the Couch is okay by me.  I now must see what else I can get a hold of by this band.  Like this a bunch.

“Talk to God” by Tim Carroll

Just about every Friday, Tim Carroll hosts the happiest happy hour (so happy it lasts two and a half hours) at The 5 Spot in East Nashville. This song is always one of the highlights for me.  This Friday, Tim will not be at The 5 Spot (Patrick Sweany is filling in), Tim, Luella, Darrin, Cameron, and Toby are touring through the Midwest States that start with ‘I’.  I think it is Iowa tonight.  So, happy to hear this song in the shuffle so it will feel like a regular Friday.

“Last Days of Tecumseh” by Grant Lee Buffalo

This may be favorite song on the Mighty Joe Moon album.  It’s a good one in any event.

“Frying Eggs” by Darrin Bradbury

A Darrin Bradbury fan favorite – from the Tur-Lyfe live album.  I have heard the Masters from the new DB album and this song sounds amazing. 

“I’ve Been Everywhere” by Hayes Carll

Hayes Carll taking on a Johnny Cash classic.  What could go wrong?  Absolutely nothing!

“Golden Gate” by STS9

STS9 formed in Atlanta 15 years  ago or so.  The name is short for Sound Tribe Sector 9.  They play highly original, instrumental rock music. This track came off of a Nosietrade SXSW Mixtape. I like this a bunch. 

“Clear This Pile of Ash” by Tom Schreck

Tim Carroll, Darrin Bradbury, and Tom Schreck in the same shuffle?  My Nashville  music cup runneth over.

“Bull Fight” by The End Men

Long time Ear to the Ground favorites and friends (and 2013 Band of the Year).  The End Men dropped their latest album, “Terms and Conditions” earlier this month.  This song features two elements that I love: The added saxophone work of Mathew Elia and the vocal harmonies Matthew Hendershot and Livia Ranalli.

“Come Gather Round” by John Wesley Harding

Nowadays, he records under his given name, Wesley Stace, but when Why We Fight was released he was still recording under the name taken from the Bob Dylan album.  Either way, he’s one of my favorites.   

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Kiss Me Once, Kiss Me Twice Mix

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I try really hard not to pay attention to things like page views – I really do, but a couple of things have happened in the last 24 hours that I am pretty happy about.  My total Page Views since I switched the blog to Blogger a little over 3 years ago reached one of those milestones with lots of zeros. The number isn’t really important because it is all relative. I mean, I know some of those brand x music blogs probably achieve the same number is a month or week or day or hour or whatever, and that is the part I don’t really care about.  It’s just nice to see those zeros and know that among those site views are people who come to enjoy the music that I am so happy to feature.

The other thing (and rather inexplicably) but the daily site views for the current 24 hour period has exploded. I know I owe a big thanks to the people who share my posts across the webbernets….  It’s still not that important because I have a great shuffle today and for all I know something like 12 people will look at it, and if I don’t get too worried about that, I can’t really get to excited for the higher numbers… but I do.  And I thank everyone for it. 

As I said, we have a great shuffle with some old friends and some newer ones and some classic tunes…

 “Choose Your Delusion” by The Danbury Lie

What better way to start off today’s landmark shuffle than with the title track from the latest The Danbury Lie album.  I quite like this song and the parts of the album I’ve had a chance to hear.  Much more to come from this and the previous release from this Connecticut-based outfit.

“Peter Rumpkin” by Willa Mae Buckner

From the Music Makers Relief Foundation Sampler… Very glad for an organization that seeks to support and preserve some of America’s great and too often forgotten musical artists.  I haven’t had a chance to find out a whole bunch about Willa Mae Buckner, but she seems to have been quite a character – as this song and the picture accompanying the video will attest. She passed away in 2000 but her music lives on, and I am glad to play a small part in keeping things going.

“Something There” by Tom Schreck

I hang out with a bunch of talented songwriters in Nashville, and for a long time, I kept hearing about Tom Schreck, Tom Schreck, Tom Schreck… He runs a recurring event at Jackalope Brewery with which I have a recurring conflict, but I finally got the opportunity to see him and now I have joined the chorus. Tom Schreck!  He writes timeless sounding songs and you should definitely check him out.  The song I listened to today is from his latest album, Save Your Glory which can be found on his Bandcamp page.  That’s Tom Schreck in case you missed it.

“Tools” by Yellerkin

Yellerkin are a New York band that I heard for this first time when this song came up in today’s shuffle. It’s from a Noisetrade SXSW sampler.  I want to hear more – pretty interesting stuff.

“Blackberry Blossom” by David Schnaufer

I mentioned yesterday, the connection between David Schnaufer and his connection with 80s/early 90s Nashville band The Cactus Brothers.  The video standing in for this song is The Cactus Brothers version from their self-titled album.  Cactus Brothers lead singer Paul Kirby and David Schnaufer are, sadly, no longer with us, but thankfully the music endures.

“Hurts Like Hell” by Josh Morris

Josh Morris was 1/2 of And the Giraffe, who were an #E2TG featured artist a few years back.  And the Giraffe broke up recently, and now Josh has a brand new EP called Green Fields which has just been released.  Check it out.  Josh is also producing the forthcoming album by Jon Latham which going to be the bomb..

“Sweet Blue Midnight” by The Georgia Satellite

A sweetly sentimental song from In the Land of Salvation and Sin…

“Broken Face” by Pixies

Nice of the Pixies to drop into the shuffle, and they brought along a song from their classic album Surfer Rosa.

“East of West” by The End Men

What would such a momentous shuffle be without an appearance by 2013 Ear to the Ground Band of the Year, The End Men.  This song is the B-Side of the new single by called Morning Birds.  Digging into new The End Men music is like putting on a comfortable old pair of shoes… if said shoes were totally badass and had magically become even better since the last itme you wore them.  Yep, that’s the kind of shoes I’m talking about. 

“Lord Byron’s Luggage” by Warren Zevon

From the album, My Ride’s Here….   A cool song.

“Foolin” by Andrew Combs

Foolin is from the recently released album All These Dreams by Nashville-based songwriter Andrew Combs. You should definitely check him out.

“Am I The Only One (Who’s Ever Felt This Way)” by Maria McKee

We close things out with further proof that Maria McKee is totally awesome and that her self-titled solo album is an underrated gem.  I honestly don’t know how it is rated, but no matter how highly rated it is, it is still underrated in my book.  This song was later covered by The Dixie Chicks on their Wide Open Spaces album.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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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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Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Fight the World Mix

So, Americana Music Fest week is over, and Nashville can go back to being this cool city with live music happening every single night all over town….  Even with being an official attendee at AMA, I managed to see some amazing music, saw a bunch of old friends, made some new friends, and discovered some new music which will be showing up on E2TG soon…

 

The End Men @ The Basement 9/21/2014

More pics and commentary coming up.

Let’s shuffle…

“Ratking” by The End Men from Odds and Ends

Look, I really swear – the shuffle function picks the songs! Really!  But… but! How appropriate to start things off with The End Men who made a rare Nashville appearance, shook up The Basement, and helped to wrap up AMA Week as part of a Post-Americana fest all-day show.  Also, today is Livia Ranalli’s birthday – so please wish this amazing drummer an awesome day!

“I’d Fight the World” by Jim Reeves from Gentleman Jim

In honor of Matthew Hendershot’s nervousness about the significant lack of Twang in The End Men’s sound compared to most of the other awesome acts on the bill (hint: nobody cared), I thought we would follow up The End Men with Country Music legend, Gentlemen Jim Reeves. (Except, I didn’t decide – see it really is the shuffle function).

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Moving on with this great song from Dar Williams.  The video is a fan-made mash-up of the audio of the song with scenes from the Japanese anime series Cowboy Bebop. Please don’t ask me…

“Crawdad Song” by Pork Chop Willie from Love is the Devil

Pork Chop Willie doing the American standard.  Our video playlist features another Pork Chop Willie performance plus a version of this song by Woody Guthrie.

“Someone to Love” by The Dirty Guv’nahs from Hearts on Fire

“Slow Down Easy” by The Dirty Guv’nahs from Hearts on Fire

Two in a row from this enthusiastically awesome Knoxville band.

“All She Wrote” by Deena from Rock River

Another great track from the most recent album by the former The Cucumbers member.

“Promised Land” by The Style Council from The Singular Adventures of The Style Council/Non-Album Single

A late period The Style Council single.

“Blind Melon Morpheus (missed the train)” by Tomas Doncker Band from Moanin’ at Midnight: The Howlin’ Wolf Project

And, we close things out with the one and only Tomas Doncker and his band from the stunning Howlin’ Wolf tribute album.  Tomas is wrapping up work on his follow-up which is going to be ground-breaking and freaking awesome.

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Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Addicted to War Mix

Last night was so much fun…  Went to the Rocking Roots Guitar Showcase at The 5 Spot.  Four trios lead by incredible guitarists.  Nick Kane, Richie Owens with the Farm Bureau, Ted Drozdowski with his Scissormen, and Mark Robinson.  Great players with distinct and unique styles falling into the blues/roots area if labels mean much.  All of them were mind-blowingly awesome in very different ways.

Ted Drozdowski getting up close and personal at The 5 Spot


After that showcase, I stuck around to see a long-time favorite of Ear to  the Ground, Pony Boy.  She was a Featured Artist in August 2012, and since then she has spent some time in Nashville, had a song featured on the ABC show named after our fair city, and last night she played a bunch of Nashville’s hottest players.  The qualities which first lead me to her music were all present – an amazing voice, great songs (the originals and covers), and a great stage presence.  It was good to finally meet her.

Let’s jump into the shuffle:

“Devil in my Soul” by Pork Chop Willie from Love is the Devil

I got to spend part of the evening talking to Sue Havlish who sent me this record early this year.  It is North Mississippi Hill Country Blues meets Brooklyn – it somehow walks a great line between traditional and modern.  Hell, it’s a great blues record.

“Libertango” by Clocks and Clouds from The Creation of Matter

Alternative rock and classical music meld perfectly here.  It’s silly, but for some reason, what came to my mind this morning was “Football Fugue” from Pete Townsend’s Another Scoop album. 

“Caves” by Brown Bird from Fits of Reason

There is a persistence to this song that I really like… repetition with progression…

“War” by The End Men from Odds and Ends

The End Men joined by Dion Freewheelin Troubadour Power from London.  A song which unfortunately seems more and more timely every day.  Sunday Night!  Did you hear me? Sunday Night – The End Men – reigning E2TG Band of the Year, and all around awesome people will be melting faces at The Basement under Grimey’s.  There will be music there from 1pm until… come early, come often, but come on down around 9 or so to have your faces melted.  Seriously come!  There is a great line-up including Tim Easton, Blackfoot Gypsies, and Bebe Buell.  $2 draft pints.

“Twin Void” by The Grey A from My Country

I can’t believe it’s been a week… Was so glad to see the Nashville CD Release show for this album.  This song, lyrically, is one of my favorites.  And! We have now have a video for “My Country Song”.  If you are in D.C. and reading this, the band is playing their hometown CD Release show tonight at Comet Ping Pong.  The Grey A is also the newly elected Band of the Month from Washington Deli Magazine.

“Time is Not Your Own” by Solomon Grundy from Solomon Grundy

This one is from the August Feel Bad for You mixtape via the awesome Too Much Country from here in Nashville.  Solomon Grundy were a hard rock/psychedelic band from Washington state featuring Van Conner who was a co-founder of the legendary Screaming Trees. 

“Somebody Love Those Girls” by Lindsay Ellyn from Shores EP

I was fortunate enough to hear Lindsay Ellyn sing with Darrin Bradbury at Fran’s this week.  She has an amazing voice.  Glad to have this wonderful song in today’s shuffle.

“Da Doo Ron Ron/I Wanna Be Sedated” by The Dollyrots from Barefoot and Pregnant

This incredible mash-up was included as a pre-order bonus track on the fifth and most recent album by The Dollyrots.  The Crystals meet The Ramones…. lots of fun.

“Addiction” by The Foresters from Living Hold!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js”;fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,”script”,”twitter-wjs”);

This week marked the fourth anniversary of the brothers’ Nork buying their first instruments. They have come a long way in four years, and as proof – I offer this song from their latest album Living Hold.

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Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Had it Blue Mix

Update: Apparently, I cannot spell music, which is not a good thing for a music blogger… corrected.

September is shaping up to be a great month for live music in Nashville (I’m not sure that there is a bad month for live music in Nashville, but still…).  I kicked things off a little early with a great night of music in East Nashville.  I saw the legendary David Olney (who has been a fixture in Nashville music for as long as I can remember) and his incredibly tight band (with E2TG favorite Mark Robinson standing in and killing it on guitar) doing a Happy Hour show at The 5 Spot.   Then I hopped over to East Nashville’s best dive bar, Fran’s Eastside to see another E2TG favorite Darrin Bradbury and Tim Carroll doing their weekly thing.

 

Well, we have another great shuffle of music today, so it’s get to it.

!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=”//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js”;fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,”script”,”twitter-wjs”); window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js “My Love” by Humming House (covering Justin Timberlake) from Humming House Party!

Nashville’s own Humming House decided to recreate the vibe of The Beach Boys’ Party!, and they threw a shindig at Eastside Manor.  You can get a little taste of what went down on Noisetrade.  The whole shebang can be had at iTunes.  Today’s track is a killer cover of a futuresex lovesounds era Justin Timberlake song.

“She Runs Hot” by Little Village from Little Village

Long before any of us had ever heard the term Americana, Little Village formed as the first Americana supergroup.  Featuring Nick Lowe, John Hiatt, Ry Cooder, and Jim Keltner; the band released one amazing album, did a tour, and then went out to continue making amazing music.

“The Wolves” by The End Men from Odds and Ends

An amazing version of this song was The End Men’s 2014 contribution to Couch by Couchwest. Man I love this song!

“People, Turn Around!” by Delta Spirit from Lost and Found

Another cool track from the new Delta Spirit outtakes sampler on Noisetrade.

“Have You Ever Had it Blue” by The Style Council from The Singular Adventures of the Style Council

After The Jam broke up Paul Weller continued and expanded on the Brit Soul sound evident in some of the later Jam music and formed The Style Council.  I think I’ve always had more of an affinity for The Jam, but I have to admit The Style Council had many great moments.

“The Bomb Stops Ticking” by The Grey A from My Country

I post this The Grey A track just ahead of the official release date of My Country and just over two weeks ahead of their Nashville release show with the realization that I have promised a full review.  I have a few full reviews I really want to do… I think it’s time to woodshed… can music bloggers woodshed or is that reserved for musicians. Should I come up with another term? plastic shedding? Anyway, this is a really great song and just one of many on a really great album which you can pre-order on The Grey A website.

“Work” by The End Men from Odds and Ends

It’s a two The End Men song day!  A not so subtle reminder this morning of where I was heading while listening to this shuffle.  I actually arrived in my building while this song was playing.

“Beggars’ Guild” (Acoustic) by Roadkill Ghost Choir from Slow Knife EP

Roadkill Ghost Choir is a great band name.  Fortunately, this Florida band lives up to the name with their great take on modern folk/rock music.  I grabbed some of their music on Noisetrade, and we will have more in the days and weeks to come.

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