Category: The Grimm Generation

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Burn Thru Mix


!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”);
We are back after an extended holiday break… hope everyone is well..  I am short on time today, so let’s jump into the shuffle…

“You Make it Easy” by Golden Smog from Another Fine Day

By now, you know who Golden Smog are… if not go back through some recent posts or google it or something.  That said, this is a very Jayhawks sounding Golden Smog song to my untrained ear.  What say you?

“Hangin’ Around” by Ike Reilly from Am I Still the One For You?

Grant it… this is purely anecdotal evidence, but Ike Reilly recently made 18 songs (4 new ones and 14 from his archives) available as a free download from NoiseTrade.  AS a result, I am a new fan, and I have shared several of the songs already and will be sharing more.  I will also have an ear out (to the ground) for word of his next record. 

“Burn Thru” by Abigail Washburn from City of Refuge

If genetics mean anything at all, Abigail Washburn and Bela Fleck’s child will be one heck of a banjo player. (Nature or nurture or both?)

“King of Kings” by The Jayhawks from The Jayhawks (aka The Bunkhouse Album)

A proper Jayhawks song for comparison to the Golden Smog song earlier. Some reviews I read kind of dismiss this album as a band that had not really found their signature sound as of yet.  This is one heck of a great song, though.

window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js “The Boat Song (We’re Getting Loaded)” by Ike Reilly from Am I Still the One For You?

What a great song!  Give it a listen…. really.

“Kinetic” by Tesla Rossa from Deer Head Music Presents: Indie Mixtape Nashville/Tesla Rossa

A song that seriously rocks from Nashville’s own Tesla Rossa off of their self-titled first album.  Another discovery from the Deer Head Music mixtape….

“Bigger Than” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

An absolute favorite band of this blog and a great source of support and encouragement. A great song from the great state of Connecticut. 

“Contortionista” by The Lucky Jukebox Brigade from Familiar Fevers

Among the most innovative and interest bands we came across through our extended interest in great music from New York/New Jersey.  They have a track on the latest Built4BBQ sampler.  This is from their latest album which is available for Free from their Bandcamp page.

“Dishonest Jenny” by The Faults from De-Fault

Another find from the Feel Bad for You monthly mixtape.  This is from a rather obscure Knoxville, Tennessee band which features several members of another Knoxville band which we have featured before (from previous Feel Bad for You mixtapes), Mic Harrison and the High Score.  I couldn’t find a video of this band so I added one from Mic and the High Score.    

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Wild Winnebago Mix

Had a good time at The Western Shore CD Release party thing last night.  Charlie and Kalee sounded great, the right-wrong Isaac was awesome, and it is always a great joy to see and hear Aaron Lee Tasjan. 

Well, we made it to Friday, and I think I am still breathing, so that has to be a good sign.

!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”); “Wreck of my Bed” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

The Grimm Generation’s songs are like a seedy conversation, in a seedy spot, with a seedy stranger, and realizing you are exactly where your seedy self needs to be.

“Eastbound 94” by Heath McNease from Fort Wayne (Music inspired by the Film)

I’m a sucker for songs about driving…  Heath McNease has a pretty diverse and extensive repertoire, and this may just be one of my favorite songs of his. 

“Morphine” by The Oxford Coma from Morphine

I am a proponent of the Oxford comma.  Likewise, I have become a big fan of The Oxford Coma.  Sometimes, I need a little Heavy Psychedelic Metal in my life. This is the title track to their forthcoming EP.

“Play the Greed” by Dar Williams from Occupy this Album

IMHO, the Occupy movement (and I do realize it still exists on some level) was a great idea done-in by internal problems along with  “freedom” and “constitution” loving right wing governments quashing free speech.  In any event, I still support many of the principles of the movement, and even removed from the context of Occupy, this Dar Williams song is a timely and accurate description of the state of this nation. 

“Long Time Ago” by Golden Smog from Another Fine Day

We roll on with another cool song from Golden Smog.

“Infrastatic (Thanks Uncle Sam)” by The Oxford Coma from Morphine

#2 of the day from The Oxford Coma.  An odd brief track from The Oxford Coma with found sounds?/spoken word stuff… Nice

“Wanted (or Waiter There’s Some Soup in my Flies)” by The Style Council from The Singular Adventures of the Style Council

A non-album cut released between the band’s 3rd and 4th studio albums.  The band’s interest in American soul and Rhythm and Blues music is clear on this track.

“Every Breaking Wave” by U2 from Songs of Innocence

A bit muddled perhaps, but I still really dig this cut from the latest U2 Album.

“Mule in the Badlands” by Darrin Bradbury from A Car Becomes a House

Darrin Bradbury is hard at work on his latest proper album, but in the meantime, he recently dropped another swell collection of demos which includes this song about the American West and the native Wild Winnebago herbs which use to roam the landscape. 

window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js “Bow for Blade” by Brown Bird from Fits of Reason

A gorgeous song from Brown Bird…

“It’s All Been Done” by The Grey A from My Country

And, we close things out with another great track from the album My Country by The Grey A.  They have a new video coming out next week for the new single Dumb Fool – another timely song for this crazy age…

VIDEOS

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Turtles, Roses, and Kisses Mix

I failed to post a shuffle yesterday – I listened to a shuffle and it was a good one, but time didn’t allow me to post – so the songs go back into the hopper and will come out in some other interesting combination.

Truth be told – life is unpredictable and pretty darn right amazing when you stop to pay attention to the seemingly random occurrences which are going on around you every day. Truth be told – I would never have placed my self voluntarily in the situation in which I currently find myself, but since I’m here… I have to say…. I’m right in the place that I am supposed to be…

A pretty sweet evening/night of music on both side of the river in Nashville on a Tuesday in October.  Saw a song swap featuring two of my musical heroes from my college days – Bill Lloyd and Webb Wilder along with the always amazing Tim Carroll.

Crossed the river for some Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie and a Pint of fine beer to check out some amazing music including: Drew Kohl, Julie Christensen and her band, and the Dan Montgomery Band.

Let’s do this shuffle thing – okay?

“Threads of Measure” by Brown Bird from Fits of Reason

The first of three great songs by this amazing band.  The death of David Lamb was a great loss to the world.

“Turtles All the Way Down” by Sturgill Simpson from 2014-05-13 – Grimey’s Records – Nashville/Metamodern Sounds in Country Music

One of my favorite songs from the latest Sturgill Simpson album – done live at a Nashville record establishment.

“And Roses And Roses” by Victoria Williams from Sings Some Ol’ Songs

Victoria Williams doing a song made famous by Andy Williams.

“Something in Blue” by David Olney from When the Deal Goes Down

Another incredibly great song from this awesome album – co-produced by E2TG favorite Mark Robinson.

“Distant” by Heather Powell from Believe it to Life

I am so impressed by the incredible variety and volume of music being produced under the True Groove Record label.  Kudos to Tomas Doncker and Marla Mase – along with everyone else involved.  If you haven’t, check out all of the True Groove artists out… there isn’t a bad place to start so start right here.  The video I picked for this song features the amazing Heather Powell performing with the True Groove All-Stars.

“Road to Joy” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite albums by some of my favorite people. It’s a Grimm season – so get Grimm.  The Road to Joy is paved with… something.  Heck, I don’t know.  But this song is great!

“Comes With Kisses” by Deena from Rock River

This wraps up the Rock River album, and it ends with this cool song.  I will be publishing my review of this album soon – so stayed tuned to Ear to the Ground.

“Seven Hells” by Brown Bird from Fits of Reason

#2 of the day from Brown Bird from Portland, Maine.

“Goldfinger” by Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings from The Wolf of Wall Street Motion Picture

Let’s see… James Bond theme cover? check.  From a Leonard DiCaprio movie? check. By Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings? check.  Yep – this is cool!

“Abednego” by Brown Bird from Fits of Reason

And then there were three.  A new axiom: you can never have too many Brown Bird songs in a shuffle.

“If You Ain’t Glad I’m Leaving” by Justin Townes Earle from NoiseTrade Eastside Manor Session/!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”);The Good Life

And, we close out the day with a live recording of Justin Townes Earle recording on the east side of his hometown which happens to be the city where I live.  This song goes back to his 2008 album.

VIDEOS

window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js

Tuesday Afternoon Music Shuffle – Faraway Beach Mix

!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

Weird morning, got stuck in traffic so my Morning Shuffle would have been about 24 songs.  So, I did an afternoon shuffle instead.  The morning shuffle would have been epic, but I don’t have time or energy to do it justice.

Here we go….



“Until Then” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

Connecticut E2TG Faves – The Big Fame – a great record.  Video of a newer song about a political family from Massachusetts.  Two states that I always had trouble spelling.


“It” by Prince from Sign O’ The Times

Another thrift store find from this weekend.  Prince.  Prince has pretty much cleared YouTube of his music, so all we have is a cover of this song.  The little bit I listened to sounded pretty good. If you listen to it all and disagree – leave a comment.  I rarely get comments directly on the blog. I like comments.  “If…” is a movie directed my Lindsay Anderson and starring Malcolm McDowell that was released in 1968.  That movie and this song are not related as far as I know – in fact they have different but titles, but I just thought I would mention the 1968 movie to impress you with my knowledge of 1960s British Cinema.  


“Evil Girls” by Escondido from Deer Head Music Presents: Indie Mixtape Nashville/The Ghost of Escondido

From a recent mixtape featuring Indie Music from Nashville – available for a limited time on NoiseTrade,  It can be assumed then, that Escondido are an Indie band from Nashville, but assuming makes an ass of u and me, so I visited the band’s Facebook page.  They are indeed from Nashville (which I knew), and although they do not use the term “indie” on their bio (unless I missed), I am going to go out on a limb and risk being an ass and make the assumption.  Regardless of all that, this is a bitching tune, and I recommend looking into them further – as will I.  


“Every Little Bit” by Heather Powell from Believe it to Life

Heather Powell is part of the True Groove record label out of New York.  Her music always brings a sense of class and sophistication to the shuffle.  If you are in the New York area and get a chance to check out any of the True Groove artists – do so!


“Hymn for the Road (Walmart Dirge)” by Darrin Bradbury from Death in my Left Ear

You might expect me to make some crack about class and sophistication as a transition from the Heather Powell song to Darrin Bradbury, but I’m not going to do it.  The past few months have been an extremely unusual, difficult, and amazing chapter in my life, and I count myself fortunate that my friendship with Darrin Bradbury has been a big part of this.  Besides, we don’t have enough dirges anymore – let alone Walmart Dirges…


“On Some Faraway Beach” by Arturo Stalteri from coolAugustMoon – From the Music of Brian Eno

Arturo Stalteri is a Post Minimalismo romantico from Rome, Italy.  This is a lovely rendition of a Brian Eno composition.  



“Stare at the Sun” by Eleanor Friedberger from Merge Records Summer Sampler 2013/Personal Record

1/2 of the duo The Fiery Furnaces – a lovely song from her 2013 solo album.  DIsclaimer: Ear to the Ground does not recommend staring into the sun without proper equipment, and even then only under the direct supervision of an experienced sun starer.  



VIDEO APPROXIMATION:

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – High Hopes Mix

FALL IS HERE!  Not only that, there was an honest to goodness chill in the air this morning.  Now, I’ve lived in Tennessee my whole like, so I know that we still have a few more rounds of heat to go, but today it is officially Autumn, and it feels like it so…

MUSIC

“Gypsy Django” (live) by Humming House from Humming House Party!

Fall is my favorite season, so let’s party! How about a Humming House Party!  This song is guaranteed to lift your spirits.

“High Hopes” by Bruce Springsteen from High Hopes

The shuffle does it again.  Today is Bruce Springsteen turns 65 today.  I didn’t even know this until later, but the shuffle knows all!  And, this was the only Springsteen song currently in my active playlist, oh and the High Hopes album was released on my birthday back in January… so yeah… viva la coincidence… or something.

“Страна цветов”   by Orera from Orera 1970

I know some (or all) of you think I’m just being goofy when I add some of the obscure musical selections to the shuffle, but as is often the case, there is some amazing music that I have never heard, and I suspect many of you have never heard.  Hat tip to my friends from Canada, Valued Customer, for turning me on to this amazing folk/jazz from Georgia (and as you can tell from the song title, I don’t mean the Georgia just south of Tennessee).

!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 “Sleepwalker Blues” by Joe Sundell from The Hat Thief

Another incredible song from Joe Sundell.  Go check out The Hat Thief, and get that thing. It is totally worth it.

“Waffle House” (Take 2) by Darrin Bradbury from new unreleased

Just like U2, new Darrin Bradbury music showed up seemingly magically on my phone yesterday.  This song is battered, spattered, scrambled, and it may not be good for you, but it’s oh so good.  It’s not widely available yet, but so to your phone/computer settings, go to MUSIC, go to ALLOW Darrin Bradbury, and then wait.  Be patient. 

“The Big Fame” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

Somehow, in ripping this off the CD, this track ended up being labeled as “Audio Track 13”.  By any other name, this is cool music, by some cool folks.

“Кавказские напевы”  by Orera from Orera 1970

Georgia on my mind…. believe it or not, I found of a video of this exact song.  I ran this through Google translate, and if this is Russian, the translation that came out was “caucasian tunes”.  Take that how you will, and keep in mind, it is Google Translate… 

“The Second Renaissance (Part I and II)” by The Danbury Lie from Fourth Time’s a Charm

We’ve successfully, navigated our way backwards through the trilogy of The Second Renaissance, and we conclude/begin this journey with some of the awesome folk/prog metal/alternative music we’ve come to know and love from The Danbury Lie.

“I Am the Mississippi” by Joseph Arthur from Redemption City

We complete our presentation of songs from Redemption City by Joseph Arthur with this song/story about the might Mississippi. In the late 80s, I lived for a time in Memphis just a few blocks away from the Mississippi River, and I came (in that short time) to understand and appreciate the romantic allure of that might body of water which served for so long as a borderline between the civilized east and the savage west.  Whether it was a solitary stroll or sitting in a crowd listening to the 1812 Overture and Old Man River or even having my ass pinched by some by at a party on Mud Island, the River still has stories to tell….

“The Great Unknown” by Dar Williams from The Honesty Room

We close things out with this song about a cold war era nuclear family…

VIDEOS

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Seems Like Incongruity Mix

So, I’ve been thinking a lot about the concept of incongruity, and I have this theory that incongruity is a concept made up by those who cannot or will not see that everything and everyone is connected.  And that what we experience as an incongruity means that we cannot presently see the way things are connected.  Sometimes, it helps me to think that I am the one thing that connects these seemingly !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”); incongruous things.  Hint: that thought though helpful is not the truth.

Keep this in mind (or don’t) as you experience today’s shuffle

“Month of Bad Habits” by Andrew Combs from unreleased demo

We’re off to a good if congruous start. After all, E2TG is a Nashville-based music blog, and Andrew Combs is a Nashville singer-songwriter getting a lot of (well-deserved) attention.  This is an as of yet unreleased song which we nicked from August Feel Bad for You mixtape.

“Roll This Stone” by David Olney from When the Deal Goes Down

Thing continue – more awesomeness but surprisingly lacking in incongruity. David Olney is a case study in why Nashville is one of the best music towns in the world.

 

“Eye of Tranquility” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

Okay, maybe we’re getting somewhere… Our good friends The Grimm Generation are from Connecticut so we step out from the Nashville connections…. except the record was produced by Tyler Bird who lives in Nashville…

“Colour Green” by Sibylle Baier from Colour Green

We may be getting somewhere on this seeming incongruity thing. Sibylle Baier is a German folk singer. I came to her music through the Peacefork blog run by E2TG favorites Valued Customer.  The album Colour Green was released in 2006, but the music was all recorded in the 70s. This song mentions Summer in New York City which seems about right for this day.  Peace.

“Rock N Roll Girl” by Paul Collins and The Beat from The Beat

There is no easy transition from gorgeous folk music to an outstanding California power pop band lead by Paul Collins who was the drummer for The Nerves.  They both come from the 70s – so there is that…

“Moon River” by Victoria Williams from Sings Some Ol’ Songs

Another outstanding song from Victoria Williams’ collection of old standards which simply by her amazing voice alone are transported into something amazing.  Victoria Williams was previously married to Peter Case who was in The Nerves with Paul Collins.

“Unconditionally” by Lael Summer from Burden to Bear

Speaking of an amazing voice… we have another song from Lael Summer’s Burden to Bear album and another live video of Ms. Summer with the True Groove All-Stars.

“stille nag” by velodrones from kersfees tape $

So… yeah – we move effortlessly into a version of Silent Night in Afrikaans by the truly incredible Velodrones.  Thean (I still don’t know how to do accent marks and stuff so I apologize) also makes remarkable music with Bosveld who recently completed a Bike Tour in Canada. And yeah, this is all connected – one link is Valued Customer who introduced me to this and Sibylle Baier.

“Wonderwall” by Ryan Adams from Love Is Hell, Pt. 1 (EP) (Oasis Cover)

See… You see… Ryan Adams has a new album that is really good.  Ryan Adams once had someone removed from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville for yelling out for Summer of ’69 which in case you don’t know was recorded by Bryan Adams who is in no way related to Ryan Adams except as I previously mentioned everyone and everything is connected. Anyway, this is Ryan Adams doing a cover of the Oasis hit song.

“Reverse Vampire” by Pujol from PUJOL SAMPLER/Reverse Vampire Single

Daniel Pujol is one of Nashville’s best.  I’ve seen him perform twice for Record Store Day at Grimey’s and he puts on an amazing show. 

“Abstract by Alex and the Constellation (aka Livingmore) from download

Alex and the Constellations which may or may not have just changed their name to Livingmore is a collaboration of Spencer Livingston (who came into the E2TG fold back near the beginning with his band The Alternates) and Alex Moore.  They are based in Los Angeles.  I really dig this song and it’s an excellent way to end this shuffle with seems to be but is not filled with incongruity.


     window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”;       http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js   

Monday Morning (and Evening) Music Shuffle – Two Saints Mix

!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

Well, it’s late for the shuffle, but circumstance kept me from posting.  As compensation, I extended the shuffle which means tons of music and just a bit of my celebrated wisdom.  That last line is ego disguised as wry humility cleverly cloaked in a veneer of ego.

In case you missed it, the Ear to the Ground review of Darrin Bradbury’s Motel Oatmeal was featured for a time on the front page of No Depression – the preeminent Americana magazine/website,

The review is still a featured review, and you can read it here.

Now, we have a ton of music to get to….

“New Language” by Sam Davison from Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen: Section 5/Always Around

Love this song!

“Montgomery” by Tim Carroll from Opening Up/The Devil is a Busy Man

The big city won’t change me!

“Azmari Man” by Tomas Doncker from Power of the Trinity

Tomas Doncker is a Global Soul master!

“With Every Beat” by The Features from Old Familiar Melodies – 2008-2013/The Features

Tennessee band that done good – The Features!

“When the Pumps Run Dry” by Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray from Lean into the Wind

Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray are awesome people.  I couldn’t find a video for this song so I went way back to CXCW 2012

“Mirage” by The Queers from Surf Goddess/Beat Off (Tommy James and the Shondells Cover)

Punk rock!

“Crippler King” by Delta Spirit from Lost and Found/I Think I’ve Found It

Delta Spirit!

“Confederates” by Michael Rank and Stag from In the Weeds

One of two North Carolina artists – Dig this song! I wanting to hear more.

“We’ll Take It From There” by Deena from Rock River

My next E2TG Review – it’s in the can – waiting for the right moment.

“Quiet (St. Francis)” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

First of two Saints in the mix… thus the Two Saints Mix….  Good friends, awesome band

“FOH” by Superchunk from Merge Records Summer Sampler 2013/I Hate Music

#2 from the Tar Heel State…

“Woah-oh” by Francie Moon and the Great Outdoors from Francie Moon and the Great Outdoors

Another from Francie Moon – I couldn’t find this song on video so I picked a video done here in Nashville.

“I Miss the Zoo” by Joseph Arthur from Redemption City

Joseph Arthur recently did a Lou Reed tribute album – the Lou Reed influence is strong on this recording – I think,

“House Drinks” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

#2 from the fabulous Grimms of Connecticut.  Drinks are on the house!

“You’re the Best Thing” by The Style Council from The Singular Adventures of the Style Council/Cafe Bleu(UK)/My Ever Changing Moods(US)

This is what smooth sounds like!

“This Disorder” by The Features from Old Familiar Melodies/The Features

Dig this song. The core of The Features are from the next town over from my hometown.  Coincidentally, that is near where The Grey A’s new album My Country was recorded.  Plus The Grey A recently opened for The Features… Hey, wait a minute is that really a coincidence? I don’t know….

“Tree of Evolution” by The Grey A from My Country

Speaking of The Grey A.  They were the subject of my first No Depression featured review – back when it was exciting,,, yawn… I kid! A song about Evolution that you can and should dance to…

“It’s About Soul” by Lael Summer from Burden to Bear

Another from Lael Summer’s awesome True Groove released Burden to Bear album,

“St. Catherine’s Statue” by The Minus 5 from Through a Faraway Window: A Tribute to Jimmy Silva (Jimmy Silva and the Goats cover)

Groovy song from The Minus 5.  I couldn’t find a video so I included a video of The Minus 5 doing some covers with special guests Mike Mills and Bill Berry, and a video of the late Jimmy Silva and the Goats.

“Class Historian” by BRONCHO from An Introduction to BRONCHO/Just Enough Hip to be a Woman

And we close out with a song from the forthcoming album by Oklanhoma band BRONCHO.  This my first listen, and I dig it!

Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Monsterdogs and Zen Koans Mix

One thing I take pride in with E2TG is the diversity of music that I’m willing to include in my mix.  Frankly, as much as I love Americana and as much as Americana is a pretty wide ranging “genre” of music, sometimes I need some metal, some punk, some music from far corners of the world, some experimental crazy stuff, some classical…

I need to give a shoutout to my friends from Valued Customer who has done more than their fair share in expanding my mind and my musical knowledge beyond all constraints.  They have a blog of their own called P E A C E F O R K which explores some less travelled (but supremely awesome spokes in the complex web of musical styles and influences.  Some of the music they’ve been posting should be showing up here soon, and I can’t wait to share it.

While I’ve got your attention – I direct you to Valued Customer’s masterpiece Kalpa which can be yours if the price is right (or wrong).

http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=50545387/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/
On to the shuffle for today….

“I. Prologue: Monsterdogs” by Left of Logic from In Formation

It isn’t often that the shuffle pulls up a Prologue as the first song of the morning.  Ever less often that the song is about Monsterdogs. We have both from Left of Logics awesome In Formation album. (speaking of expanding our range…)

“I Need a Man” by Lael Summer from Burden to Bear

Another artist from the True Groove label. This song is sexy and sultry and Lael Summer is amazing.

“Always Maybe” by The Black Angels from Indigo Meadow

Austin based The Black Angels are based in the quest for pure sanity.

“Dizzy in my Hips Swinging” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

A prime example of why I think The Grimm Generation should be huge.  They are huge – I just want more people to know it.

“Peace is Not Fiction” by Tomas Doncker from Power of the Trinity

It is entirely possible that I’ve had this song in the shuffle before. It’s also entirely possible that I don’t really care.  The world needs to be reminded of this simple  fact now more than ever.

“Scarecrow Man” by David Olney from When the Deal Goes Down

You may think it’s hyperbole for me to call David Olney a modern Renaissance man, but trust me when I say it isn’t.  In addition to his amazing recent album, he does an incredible recitation of Kubla Khan, and he wrote music and acts in The Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s current production of As You Like It for Shakespeare in the Park here in Nashville.  It runs through the 14th, and if anyone wants to see it and will let me tag along, hit me up. Seriously.  We’ve included a video promo Mr. Olney made about the production.

“Zen Koans Gonna Rise Again” by Dave Van Ronk from Going Back to Brooklyn

I really want to listen to more Dave Van Ronk.  I will listen to more Dave Van Ronk.  I deserve to listen to more Dave Van Ronk.

“I’m Old Fashioned” by Victoria Williams from Sings Some Old Songs

Jerome Kern and Johnny Mercer wrote it.  Tons of people have covered it.  Since I couldn’t find Ms. Williams’ version, I posted John Coltrane’s instead.  Dig it.

“Oye Como Va” (Live at El Jefe) by Perico Hernandez from Chef Soundtrack

We close with some Latin sounds from the Soundtrack of that Jon Favreau  movie with Robert Downey, Jr.  No, not that one.  No, not that one either.  Yeah, that one!

VIDEOS

!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   

Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Adjustable Rod Mix

Not much pre-shuffle commentary today.  It is Friday ahead of a three day weekend here in the States, and this is the last Morning Shuffle of August. We have some real gems in the shuffle today, so let’s do it!

“The Second Renaissance (Part III)” by The Danbury Lie from Fourth Time’s a Charm

Working our way backwards through The Second Renaissance series of tracks (we previously have presented part IV and Parts I-II are still to come).  The enigmatic The Danbury Lie offer up a prime example of what they do so well in this instrumental track that transitions effortlessly from gentle folk to progressive metal.

“Thinking Out Loud” by Ron Sexsmith from Other Songs

Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith is up next with a song from his second major label album.  This song really resonated with me this morning.  “But it’s hard to think with all the racket Going on inside our heads”

“Grampa’s Got the Marshall Out Again” by Tim Carroll from Opening Up

Just a fun song – one of the highlights from seeing Tim down at Fran’s. Maybe he’ll do this song with a full-band tonight at The 5 Spot for his Rock ‘n Roll Happy Hour… Go Grampa go! Just not too far…

“If Memory Serves” by Chris Stamey from Lovesick Blues

Chris Stamey was part of The Dbs.  He has played with a virtual who’s who of my musical heroes.  This song is from his excellent 2013 solo record.

“Girl That’s Hip” by Tim Carroll from Opening Up/Not for Sale

I want a girl who’s hip, but not too hip…  #2 from Mr. Carroll. Another favorite.

“Occasional Shivers” by Chris Stamey from Lovesick Blues

I have to say this alternating tracks thing with Tim Carroll and Chris Stamey that the shuffle monster has come up with is pretty damn sweet.  This is another song that really resonated with me this morning…

“Hold Me Up” by Velvet Crush from Teenage Symphonies to God

This record is twenty years old this year, and it still sounds fresh, and it really makes a nice addition to this shuffle.

“Earthquake, Hurricane, Flood and You” !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”); by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

Okay – so several songs are resonating with me this morning.  The mighty, mighty The Grimm Generation sum up a bunch of relationships in a way only they can do. 

“Adjustable Rod” by Joe Bouchard and Marty Carlson from $100 Guitar Project

So, as I understand it, somebody bought a guitar for $100 bucks.  Passed it around to a bunch of great players and let them play and then sign the guitar.  The resulting songs were recorded and released and feature such names Fred Firth, Elliot Smith, Henry Kaiser, and a bunch more.  This track features Joe Bouchard who was in Blue Oyster Cult from 1971 until 1986, and Marty Carlson. 

“People Happy” by The Grey A from My Country

And we close out with another great song from the soon to be released new album from The Grey A.  I have some great lines in my head about this song, but I want to save them for the review I AM going to write this weekend.  Ah heck…. this song is what happens when to take a gentle yet sincere political folk song and incorporate it into a catchy pop song. And I use catchy pop song in the most respectful and positive way. I think too often Pop music becomes too synonymous in some peoples minds with mindless, lame, disposable music.  I tend to call those type of songs crap music. People Happy is none of those previously mentioned things.  It is thoughtful, clever, and timeless. I think (for better or for worse) this song will come off as timely and in the now as it does today.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Bad Voodoo Mix

!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”); Casual readers may not know this, but although I was born in Tennessee, my parents were both born in Louisiana, and I still have some deep roots in that state.  There is quite a bit of Louisiana in today’s shuffle by some twist of fortune/juju…

My phone did feel heavier this morning – probably due to the nearly 100 songs I added to the current playlist.  How much does an MP3 file weigh anyway?

Ah- let’s jump into it…

“Blues de Bosco” by Rodney Crowell from Evangeline Made: a tribute to Cajun Music

On Record Store Day, while the cool kids were enduring the long lines for the rare vinyl releases, I was perusing the $1.00 CD bins looking for cool finds.  I came across this star-studded Cajun Music tribute from early in this century.  Americana standard bearer Rodney Crowell is from southern Mississippi which is about as close to Cajun country as you can get without being in South Louisiana.  The video is a version of this song from a New York City Cajun band named for a small town near where some of my family lives.

“Loud Loud Loud Loud Guitars” by Young Fresh Fellows from Songs for Slim – A Benefit Compilation for Slim Dunlap

Stick some cotton in your ears if you must… hell, I’ll likely be deaf before too long…

This reminds me of three things:  1.  Seeing Slim with the ‘Mats in the sweaty National Guard Armory in Nashville in the late 80s. 2.  Seeing Warren Zevon with the Odds at the Ace of Clubs in Nashville in the early 90s (it was one of the loudest shows I’ve ever experienced) and 3. that line from They Might Be Giants “She doesn’t have to have her Young Fresh Fellows tape back…” 

“Fury of the Light” by The Bones of J.R. Jones from Dark was the Yearling

The Bones of J.R. Jones is from Brooklyn and makes some incredible dark, rootsy, blues/folk music. I grabbed this from the July Feel Bad for You mixtape, and I have to hear more!

“Miller, Don’t You Even Care?” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

The first of three tracks in today’s shuffle from perennial E2TG favorites The Grimm Generation.  What you need to know about The Grimm Generation:  They are from Connecticut, they make music deeply rooted in themes and influences of which I am all too familiar, and they are awesome.  Get The Big Fame  – as soon as you possibly can!

“The Big Fame” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

The title track from the landmark album!

“French Quarter” by Delta Spirit from Lost and Found

Our second Louisiana-inspired song… Delta Spirit are from San Diego and currently reside in Brookyln, but as their name implies, the spirit of the Mississippi Delta runs all through their music.  This is from a free sampler released on Noisetrade ahead of the band’s fourth album which is due in just a couple of weeks.  It takes us to a post-Katrina New Orleans…

“Real Bad Voodoo” by The Grimm Generation from The Big Fame

We stay down in the Crescent city and wander into a strange shop with no distinguishable signage, filled with tables and shelves of trinkets and bottles… there is some real bad voodoo…

“Youth Culture Killed My Dog” by They Might Be Giants from First Album Live

In honor of yesterday being National Dog Day, we offer this first album gem from TMBG.  Damn you hipsters – stay out of my yard!
window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”; http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js
“Kentucky” by Year of October from WDVX Blue Plate Special 4/12/2014

And we close things out with one of Year of Octobers prettiest and most heartfelt songs – about their home state.  This is the first track on Golden Days – their new album which you can pre-order now!

VIDEO PLAYLIST