Category: The Jayhawks

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Something Nobody’s Ever Seen Mix


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There was fog this morning, and for once, it was not all in my head…

Let’s shuffle, shall we?

“Judee Was a Punk” by Aaron Lee Tasjan

E2TG is and has long been all about connections.  I try not to overstate it, but rather let the connections express themselves in a variety of ways. Sometimes, something I post – a song or an artist or an album or my reflection about a one of those – will lead me to a deeper connection with someone I know – through a shared experience or emotion.  I have made some wonderful connections due to writing this blog. Big picture, I believe that we are all connected, and that life’s big illusion is one of separation, and that our primary purpose in life is to work on breaking through that illusion to find the real. Unexpected reminders of our collective connectedness are the source of some of my greatest joys, 

All this to say, the first time I was made aware of Judee Sill and her tortured life and her beautiful music was through my friends in Valued Customer. Very shortly after reading about Sill on Patrick and Justus’ Peacefork blog, I heard Aaron Lee Tasjan singing this song in Nashville at The 5 Spot.  The song and the unexpected connection brought me great joy.  It is an awesome song, and I am glad ALT included it on his latest album, In the Blazes – which is a much buy album – by the way.

“Inertia Fire” by Calming River

We move on with another track from The Ones That We Left Behind by this singer/songwriter from Denmark by way of the UK.

“Central Park” by Brian Wright and The Waco Tragedies

Man oh man, any shuffle that has Aaron Lee Tasjan AND Brian Wright is alright in my book.  From Brian’s album Bluebird with the Waco Tragedies. I love this song. Brian Wright’s songs speak truth – like all the best music does.

“Bought and Sold” by The Graveyard Kids

The Graveyard Kids were a Brooklyn band and part of the Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen family (which I dig so much). They released their swansong, It’s Been a Wonderful Evening, and then called it quits.  This is an awesome song, and I hope some people will look them up and follow rabbit holes to stay up with what the band members and the rest of MCFK are up to in the Big Apple.

“Waiting for the Sun” (Live) by The Jayhawks

Another thing I dig – also related to connectedness – are happy coincidences. Just like I trust in the power of randomness, I also believe in coincidence. Anyway, just yesterday someone posted something about The Jayhawks, and today this song shows up in the shuffle.  This is from that live recording that I grabbed off Noisetrade.  A solo Gary Louris live version of this was included on the Bonus CD of Rainy Day Music – called More Rain.

“Bluebird” by Don Gallardo

ALT, Brian Wright, and Don Gallardo!  A good day for Nashville music. Another coincidence, this song shares a title with the Brian Wright album from which today’s posted song was taken. Don Gallardo has jumped into my consciousness over the past several months, and I cannot wait to her is brand new album. This is from his 2012 album, The Art of Troublesome Times and features Jill Andrews.

“Laurel Canyon” by The Church

Yet another coincidence!  Yesterday, I heard that The Church will be making a rare Nashville appearance in April at the Mercy Lounge.  I have been a fan of The Church since the early 80s – when I heard “Electric Lash” on a compilation that was released on cassette inside a field rations can.  Laurel Canyon has a storied musical history dating back to the sixties and seventies. I once wrote a short story with a character named Laurel who another character called “Laurel Canyon”, but I’m not sure if that counts as coincidence or is just evidence of my weirdness.  Anyway, the recording I listened to, came from one of those many World Café Sessions that I downloaded some time ago. The song was on the band’s 24th and most recent Studio Album Further/Deeper.

“Down So Low” by Mother Earth

And we close things out with an iconic song with connects with my recent interest in late 60s/early 70s Nashville. Mother Earth formed in San Francisco, but later moved to a farm just outside of Nashville and became an integral part of the burgeoning scene around the West End area.  This song is from the band’s debut album Living with Animals and is easily one of the band’s best known songs. I got to see Tracy Nelson perform twice last year.

I will close out this post, by encouraging each of you to be open for unexpected moments of connection.  They – like the truth – are out there.

 

 
 
 
 
VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Almost Died Mix

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Let’s see…  I attended the final show of the Jason Ringenberg residency at The 5 Spot. Jason’s guests were Kristi Rose and Fats Kaplin. Fats Kaplin is a wonder, Kristi Rose sings like an angel, and Jason is Jason!  The night included: Fats, Kristi, and Jason covering a Gun Club song.   And even though, I didn’t win the Farmer Jason eggs, Jason did play my request, “Don’t Go Back to Rockville” – which I first heard him sing in November 1985 when he joined R.E.M. on the stage of Vanderbilt Memorial Gym. Plus I got an XL Farmer Jason t-shirt!  I did have a brain-fart moment and told Jason that The Sluggers played a Gun Club song when they opened for the Scorchers at Cat’s Record. His reaction told me I was mistaken, and after giving some thought and digging into brain cells I thought had been lost years ago, I remember that it was Flipper that they covered.  Don’t ask me why I mistook Gun Club for Flipper except they were both bands that I loved and who had achieved legendary status just a relatively few short years after they formed.

After that, a bunch of folks migrated over to The Family Wash for a J.J. Cale tribute night put together by Pete Finney. An amazing band backed an all-star cast of guests including: Jon Byrd, Kevin Gordon, Mac Gayden, Jonell Mosser, Dave Coleman, Bill Lloyd, Nikki G, Jack Pearson, Pat Bergeson, and Rick Schell. Plus a couple of songs by the awesome East Nashvill band Los Colognes.

A big crowd full of really awesome people at both events on the eastside.

Meanwhile, Darrin Bradbury was representing East Nashville,well, in the deep, deep south of Nashville (Franklin), where he did the recurring Vietti Chili promo and totally owned the moment.  You can see it HERE.  Darrin comes in at the 37 minute mark.  Great news is that Darrin will be doing a full set a MCR in June!  I will be on the bus for that!

On to the shuffle which I think speaks for itself:

“The Ballad of Jimi Hendrix” by Stormtroopers of Death

From the 1985 debut, Speak English or Die… six seconds..

“Doppelganger” by The Transcendents

Possibly, my favorite song on the Common Ground EP from a band that have become a favorite of mine.  From the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand.

“Rainy Days” by Ashleigh Flynn

Ashleigh Flynn is originally from Louisville, KY, and is now based in Portland, OR.  I saw her at The 5 Spot during my Birthday Week, and I was blown away.  This song is from her album A Million Stars. 

“I Almost Died” by Tommy Womack

Tommy Womack played the third week of the Jason Ringenberg residency.  Easily, he is one of the best songwriters around.  This is a track from his forthcoming album, Namaste – which you can help Tommy release.

“Blue Blue Sea” by Man Named Pearl

Although, I always recommend listening to albums all the way through. The fun thing about doing the shuffle is uncovering the beauty of a record, a little at a time over a long period of time. Man Named Pearls is one of the…er.. pearls of the Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen Family. -Quietus Make- is the album, and yes, you should check it out.

“Heart of Fire” by The Naddiks

The b-side to the anti-bullying single, “Stop Listen Love”. Empowering words and music from the capital city of Australia.

“Sound of Lies” (live) by The Jayhawks

From the live album, Live at The Belly Up. This is the title track from the band’s 1997 album which coincidently was also called Sound of Lies. Go figure.

“Sleeping Sleeping” by Jeremy Gluck and Robert Coyne

We recently featured some new music from Jeremy Gluck, but amazingly there is still one more song (after this one) from the Memory Deluxe album. In a real Gun Club connection, Memory Deluxe is a follow-up to Gluck’s I Knew Buffalo Bill album which featured the late Gun Club front-man Jeffrey Lee Pierce among others.

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Puff Until You Burst Mix

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Greetings from Tuesday! 

First of all, I have to say how amazingly proud I am of Darrin Bradbury who played the first night of his month-long Monday Residency at the Basement East.  I know I may sound like a broken record about this, but even at the end of last year, when I named Darrin my Artist of the Year, the idea of his playing a month-long residency at the largest club in East Nashville would have been almost inconceivable (unless you stopped to consider the trajectory he was on). And yet, here he was playing before a sizable crowd filled with some of the best songwriters and musicians in this town.

I was struck once again by Darrin’s skill as a songwriter.  Back in November of 2013, when a mutual friend (Popa Tune’s) told me that Darrin was moving to Nashville, I checked out his music (I had written about his old band Big Wilson River a year earlier, but did not know much about Darrin’s solo stuff). Around the time, I started listening to Darrin’s songs, a friend of mine posted something on Facebook about how they don’t make songwriters like they used to… or something like that. And, I remember thinking that Darrin may be the best pure songwriter I’ve heard in a long, long time.  And, he has only gotten better since then. 

Darrin was backed by the kind of band that may only be possible in East Nashville:  Laur Joamets (Little Joe) from Sturgill Simpson’s band on guitar, Megan Palmer on fiddle, Cameron Carrus on bass, Aaron Shafer-Haiss on drums.

The always amazing Aaron Lee Tasjan opened the night, playing some new tunes and sounding awesome even when he forget the lyrics to a song and sang it out of order.

2015 E2TG Artist of the Year, Jon Latham played next – confirming the wisdom of my selection.  By the way, Jon was just named Local Artist of the Week at Nashville Independent station Lightning 100.  His song “Anesthesia” will be in rotation this week and he will play a free show Friday at Soulshine Pizza.

For me (in kind a full circle kind of way), a highlight of the evening was Darrin leading the band through a cover of the Merle Travis song made famous by Johnny Cash, “Nine Pound Hammer”. This song had been Darrin’s warm-up song for all of those Wednesday night Fran’s shows back in the day.

On to the shuffle….

“Ginchy” by Balu and Die Surfgrammeln

After I played a track from this Austrian surf rock band a while back, they sent me some new music.  Los Chicharrones del Surf is the name of their latest album, and it is excellent.

“I’ll Never Give It Up” by Richard Thompson

From the album, Sweet Warrior.  Richard Thompson remains one of my all-time favorites.

“Right Next to You” by Christopher Aaron Slade

When Christopher Aaron Slade first submitted his music, he referenced sounding like AC/DC meets Scissor Sisters (my wording).  That got me to listen.  His songs are at times brash and suggestive in the best kind of way, and they all have a bit of groove to them.  This song may be my favorite.  It has a hook to die for and it sounds like it belongs on a really cool classic rock station.

“Meet a Changing World” by Smug Brothers

Smug Brothers are a Dayton Ohio rock band. This song is on their latest album, Woodpecker Paradise.  I really like it a bunch!

“Better Off Dead” by Jonas H. Sjøvaag’s Navyelectre

Jonas is a composer and musician from Oslo, Norway.  This song is from the  album, Large Ensemble which we have been featuring for some time.  Every time a song comes up, I am once again intrigued and amazed by how good this is.

“All the Right Reasons” (live) by The Jayhawks

Another from that live Jayhawks album via Noisetrade.  This song was originally on the album Rainy Day Music.

“Get to Me” by Amy Black

Amy Black’s latest album, Muscle Shoals Sessions features some of the great song that were created in that legendary hotbed of contemporary music.  In the midst, she also included 3 original tunes, including this one. It is to her credit as a songwriter, that I had to look up to see if this was a cover or an original.

“Tatiana” by Slingshot Dragster

We began with an Austrian surf rock band, and we end with an Australian surf rock band.  Seems about right.  Did I mention that I love surf music more than I even knew a few months ago.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Just Can’t Win Mix

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After today, there are only nine work days left in 2015.  Which means no more than nine more days of the “Earies”  (unless I hit panic mode and start posting on weekends which is not out of the question).

So the next award…

I call this one the “Far From East Nashville” Award.

The premise:  I had a funny moment a while back when I was introduced as someone who writes an East Nashville music blog.  It was meant as a compliment, and I took it as such, but it did give me pause. When I started writing Ear to the Ground (on a lark and with no experience writing about music) back in May of 2011, some interesting things began to happen.  For whatever reason, when I wrote about Nashville bands and artists, I was generally ignored, but when I wrote about band’s from elsewhere, it seemed more likely that my posts would be acknowledged, appreciated, and shared. This is not a criticism of Nashville musicians. My take was, honestly, that the folks in Nashville knew that I wasn’t one of the “big players” when it came to music writing in Nashville. Meanwhile, folks from other places maybe didn’t know that and so they gave me a chance.  I am forever grateful for the music and wonderful people I discovered and met during that period of Ear to the Ground, and my ear continues to be open to great music from any locale. But, in a very unintentional way, I have been able to meet and hear some of the amazing talents this town has to offer. Over the past year, in particular, I have noticed and maybe you have, too, that more and more Nashville artists (East or not) have been showing up in my posts. However, as I said, I still keep my ears open to wherever I am lead, and so this award goes out to International Artists who have been a big part of E2TG.

The Awards Go To:

1.  Start closest to home:  Brock Zeman has been on my radar for a while, but in 2015 he released, Pulling Your Sword from the Devil’s Back.  I also was fortunate enough to see him three times this year. Once in an amazing round at The Bluebird Café, and later on subsequent nights at The Family Wash and The 5 Spot.  Shoot, I almost consider Brock and his musical partner Blair Hogan to be honorary Nashvillians.  Nevertheless, they are from Canada.

2.  Also from our neighbor to the north: Velodrones/Bosveld. Again, Velodrones which is Stopmo Turt Darren has been on our radar for a while.  In 2015, his project Bosveld released Veldbrand a very beautiful and unique collection of songs that combine several different and divergent music styles and wonderfully original way.

3.  From a bit further away, Jeremy Gluck.  You may recall back in the Spring or so, I think we had a Jeremy Gluck song in the shuffle for what seemed like weeks.  We were spinning tunes from Memory Deluxe: I Knew Buffalo Bill 2 which was actually release in 2014.  The album was a follow up to his 1987 album, I Knew Buffalo Bill – an album that featured Jeffery Lee Pierce of The Gun Club, Nikki Sudden, Epic Soundtracks, and others.   Gluck was in the band The Barracudas, and more recently has been working on a project called Plasticon (and some other projects). 

4.  Getting further away:  Artur U and  The New City Limits. From Helsinki, Finland.  Artur U and the New City Limits released their full length debut, Holiday from Eternity early this year. I fell in love with the high energy grooves. They are very closely connected to some of our friends at True Groove in Brooklyn.

5.  The farthest from East Nashville award:  The Transcendents.   From Christchurch, NZ.  I first connected with this band via their self-titled debut which was released late in 2014.  In 2015, they released two EPs, Lay Where You Collapse and Common Ground.  I really love the way this band creates unique and challenging soundscapes that still remain rooted in the kind of awesome pop music that I grew up listening to.

Congrats to the winners:

To the shuffle (I’m low on time!)

“Winding Down the Road” by Tom House

The shuffle is really in love with Tom House’s music and so am I.  This is the title track and last song on House’s, Brock Zeman (Earie award winner) produced album.  Last night, I had the distinct pleasure of seeing Tom House play his latest album with an incredible nine piece band that took up about all of the space of the small stage at The Basement.  It was truly an amazing sounding show and some of the most original music coming out of Nashville.

“Your Way Or The Highway” by Blake Babies

Another from that Noisetrade released Live album my Blake Babies.  This song was on their album Earwig.

“In the Meantime” by Chris Knight

The first song on Chris Knight’s Little Victories album. Knight will be playing The Exit/In on New Years Eve with Aaron Lee Tasjan opening. 

“Circle of One” by The Lemonheads

A song that first appeared on the band’s 1989 album Lick.  The version I heard this morning was a BBC Peel Session recording that was released on a four song EP called Bored on the Fourth of July.

“Maple Leaf”  by Some Kind of Illness (ft. Daisy Davies)

One of the most recent albums to reach my ears… Some Kind of Illness are a Manchester band that first formed in 1999.  They released their self-titled debut full-length in August and have been touring heavily in the UK and seem to be getting some excellent coverage across the pond. This track was my very first listen and I cannot wait to hear more. I really love the sound and look forward to writing more.

“Stomp It” by Crazy Aces

From the Continental Magazine Sampler – Nashville Instrumental Rock music purveyors, Crazy Aces – tell us to Stomp It, and we do and we do.

“Angelyne” (live) by The Jayhawks

We close things out with another from the Noisetrade issued live recording by The Jayhawks.  This is a song that was originally released on Rainy Day Music.

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Like a Cash Machine Mix

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Whew… it’s been quite a week. Thanks for hanging with me as my schedule has been off…  We seem to be back on schedule. 

Enjoyed some fine Nashville music last night at The Family Wash.  Nellie Clay, Megan Palmer, and Russell Thompson – all backed by an amazing band made up of Adam “Ditch” Kurtz on pedal steel and guitar, Aaron Shafer-Haiss, and Jonathan Beam.

Today’s E2TG “Earie” Award is called the “Hall of Fame” Award.  It recognizes long-time E2TG favorite artists who made significant achievements in 2015.

1.  The End Men – I was first introduced to The End Men around January 2012.  They immediately caught my attention and have been a favorite band of mine ever since.  2015 saw the release of their latest album, Terms and Conditions which found the band’s sound enhanced by the addition of a sax player.  They still melt faces.  In addition, they had a successful European tour and partnered with the the comic book East of the West for a song/comic collaboration of epic proportions.

http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2462696432/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/

2. Valued Customer – Valued Customer have been on my radar since at least October 2012 (maybe earlier).  They are one of the most creative and unique bands I have ever encountered. Combining wildly inventive experimentation, classically trained musicianship, and some pretty deep Eastern spirituality.  The diversity of their musical knowledge and tastes puts me to shame. Although, their next album hugecup is not due until next year, the band treated us with byugecup which are b-sides from the new album – which blew me away.

http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1292256144/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/

To the shuffle:

“Made for TV Movie” by Sean Watkins

Our penultimate track from All I Do is Lie – by Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek and Watkins Family Hour.

“All Around in Space” by The Charades

It’s fun having the occasional surf music break in the midst of my shuffle.  The Charades are a Finnish Surf/Instrumental Rock band. 

“Crammed and Jammed” by Low Society

Some powerhouse Blues from Memphis – off the album, You Can’t Keep a Good Woman Down.

“Hope” by Vusi Mahlasela

A South African folk singer, that I was introduced to through Warren Haynes live recording from Bonnaroo a few years back.  There is something about African music that touches an elemental place in my being.

“I’ll Meet You In the Morning” by Townes Van Zandt

The penultimate track from the live recording I downloaded back in March on what would have been Townes Van Zandt’s 71st Birthday. 

“I’m Down to My Last Cigarette” by The Jayhawks

From Live at The Belly Up.  This is a cover of a Harlan Howard/Billy Walker penned song that was also covered by K.D. Lang on her album Shadowland.

“Jericho” by Tom House

An extremely timely song from Nashville songwriter Tom House from his album Winding Down the Road which was produced by Brock Zeman.

“100 Floors” by Stone Cupid   

We are inching closer to the official release date of The Cardinal – the debut album by Stone Cupid which is Julie Christensen’s band.  If you didn’t get in on this via the PledgeMusic campaign or pick up a copy at a live show, you will soon get your chance to own this album.  I have been digging on it for a few months now, and I can tell you it is going to be one of my favorite albums of 2016. (It’s already a favorite).  window.amznpubstudioTag = “eartothegro00-20”;       http://ps-us.amazon-adsystem.com/domains/eartothegro00-20_3dcd3a52-1a1a-4afe-a2fd-aaba8e251afc.js   

VIDEO PLAYLIST


Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Enough is Enough Mix

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“No Holding Back” by Graham Parker

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

“Another Theory Shot to Shit” by fIREHOSE

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

“Wait For Me” by Bosveld

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

“Up the Junction” by Squeeze

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

“Shanghai Surprise” by Smokey the Firebear

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

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

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

“Breakfast in Bed” by Dusty Springfield

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

“Enough is Enough” by The Unravelling  

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

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

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

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Hit the Right Spot Mix

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The 1st Annual E2TG Awards (The Earies) continues… Today’s award ended in a tie (expect several to end up this way).  Today’s award is “The Better Late Than Never Award” (aka “The Anti-Hipster  Award”.

About the Award: As a respected music blogger (ahem!) and journalist (ahem!), I do pride myself on “discovering” new artists early on in their careers.  However, I also recognize that there is (and has been) a ton of great music out there, and that I went through periods where life and all kept me from being on the cutting edge like I am today (ahem!).  I also remember the days of trying to outdo people by claiming to have been a fan of (some band or artist) since before they had even played their first show or whatever.  So, these days, when I “discover” music that is new to me or that I have been aware of but not really checked out thoroughly, I just proudly admit that fact and move on.

The two winners of this award are both Nashville artists who released albums prior to 2015, but that I did not get my grubby little hands on until this year. Do I wish I had heard the heard the music sooner? Sure, it’s good stuff, which is why I am handing out the awards (again, no actual trophies will be exchanged). 

Winner #1:  Paul Zografi – Bright (Released 10/2014)

I met Paul at Bobby’s Idle Hour through Tim Carroll which is when I copy a copy of this album which I fell in love with.  Found out he shares at least one band member with Joe Nolan who was also playing at Bobby’s that night.  Zografi’s music has clarity and understatement and really good songs. 

 
 
 
Winner #2: Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau – Tennessee (Released May 2014)
 
 
There was a even longer interval between the release of this album and my getting hold of it, and in this case, I really don’t have a good excuse. I first saw Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau late in 2014 at Rocking Roots Guitar Showcase during Americana week.  (I have been a fan of Richie’s music for over 30 years).  I have been fortunate to see them live on a number of occasions since then, but I didn’t get a hold of the album until a chance encounter with Farm Bureau bassist John Reed downtown over the summer. The album offers a rootsy, rocking history of the Volunteer State through familial and public stories that span the state.  Owen’s besides being an amazing instrumentalist and songwriter, is able to provide an authentic and honest voice to the stories.  Plus, he has more first hand stories of the beginnings of Nashville’s independent music “scene” than just about anybody I know.
 
 

Congratulations to the winners!  More to Come….

“Die Traurige Grammel” by Balu and Die Surfgrammeln

So, I was thinking to myself… Joe, I asked myself, “have we ever had Viennese Surf Music is the shuffle?”  And, not knowing the answer or having any willingness to comb the archives to be sure, I decided to play some just to be sure.  So, now we have!  This is from that Continental Magazine sampler of Surf and Instrumental Rock music. For some reason the name of the band was misspelled in my music play which made it a challenge to find the video, but I did.    

“Burning Fires” by Nellie Clay

Nellie Clay is a part of the loose collective known as Campfire Propaganda. She came to Nashville by way of Alaska, but at her heart she is a red dirt girl from Oklahoma. This is real deal Country Music with authentic drawl and twang.  The song tells a heart breaking tale so beautifully that it actually warms your heart like the burning fires.

“Florida Man” by Aaron Lee Tasjan

I don’t know if ALT is an official member of Campfire Propaganda (or if there is such a thing), but I would think he is at least an honorary member, and one of the brightest spots on the East Nashville music scene.  Besides his obvious talents as a guitarist and songwriter, he is also a tireless champion of other artists and really a very nice guy. His new album, In the Blazes is rightfully getting some amazing coverage.  “Florida Man” received a nice write up from Rolling Stone. The song offers a bit of comfort to the state which has received much negative attention due to the actions of some of its residents, but which has made some amazing contributions, too. 

“Tailspin” (Live) by The Jayhawks

Noisetrade recently released a live album by alt-country pioneers The Jayhawks. This is a track from the band’s 2003 album Rainy Day Music.

“Skalle” by Smokey the Firebear

Another very brief track from Smokey the Firebear.  (“Remember kids, only you can start forest fires!” ????)  Skalle (according to my haphazard internet search can either mean “headbutt”, “roach”, “peel, flake”, or “skull”). This 30 second track is included on the BNGFKR which was released back in May.  The album is a collage of sounds and noises and stuff. By the way, a limited edition CD version of the album is available on Bandcamp (only six remain!) for $420.00.  I ended up posting  video of the defunct band, Circus Propaganda of which Cade Williams (Smokey the Firebear was a member).

“Don’t Own the Right” by Uncle Lucius

During the middle of a very crazy American Week this year, I got to hang out for a few hours in a small Artist Co-op building in East Nashville (the “Purple Building”), and I saw and heard some incredibly great music including a performance by Uncle Lucius from Austin, Texas.  Really like this song a bunch. The song is from the band’s most recent album, The Light. 

 

“Fiat 500” by Discount Ravioli

From the late night July 4 (early morning July 5) outdoor tent session recordings… the opening track from the album, Robin Schultz and the 21 Prayers. Unfortunately, I could not find a Discount Ravioli videos on You Tube, so I posted instead a Neutral Milk Hotel cover by at least one or so of the people involved here.  Appropriate because this track name drops, Jeff Mangrum.

“Hittin’ Where It Hurts” by Webb Wilder

The opening track of Webb Wilder’s Hybrid Vigor.  The video performance is from the short lived Pat Sajak show.  Sajak got his start in Nashville television and Wilder is a long time fixture on the Nashville music scene. Coincidently, Facebook showed me that a year ago or so, I saw Webb- solo in the round with David Olney and Kevin Gordon – that was quite a lineup!

“We Have No Problems” by The Unravelling

Another track from the experimental Metal band from Canada – from their record, Tear a Hole in the Collective Vision.

“Smile” (Live) by The Jayhawks

And we close out today’s shuffle with another track from that Jayhawks’ Live album (via Noisetrade).  This song was the title track from the band’s 2000 album. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Burn Thru Mix


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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

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Pitch Black Mix

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As with many people, my mind is consumed with thoughts of what has happened and is happening in Ferguson, Missouri and what it says about us as a nation – as human beings…. I am not one of those who thinks he has all the answers… in fact there are just a few things I think I know…. repeated and systemic injustice creates situations where violence flourishes.  Violence and Hate are never the answer.  Peace and Love always are the answer.  Justice must proceed peace.  We are one world and one people. We really need to work on losing this idea of them vs. us.

Coincidently, we begin today’s random shuffle with a cover of  Gil Scott-Heron song, but not the one I’ve seen others posting today…

“Legend in His Own Mind” by Stacy Mitchhart from Live My Life

Nashville Bluesman Stacy Mitchhart is up first with his cover of Gil Scott-Heron’s Legend is His Own Mind.

“Wino” by Bob Frank from Bob Frank

To be honest, when I listened to this song this morning, I did not know anything about it.  I grabbed this off of the latest Feel Bad for You Mixtape where it was submitted by Mad Mackerel Music Blog.  The song is from 1972 and is from a 2014 Remastered version of Bob Frank’s self-titled first album.  From my hasty research, Mr. Frank has quite the storied history.  What I know for sure is this is a great song that I wanted more people to hear.

“Shimmer and Shine” by Michael Sackler-Berner

Michael Sackler-Berner is a Musician and Actor from NYC.  I’ll be honest until last night when I came across this song on the New Release section of Freegal, I had never heard of him.  He has worked with a stellar array of talent including folks like Marshall Crenshaw and Jim Keltner.  This is not raw roughly hewn music. This slick, well produced music that “shimmers and shines” like the song talks about.  As much as I dig me some rough raw music, I do not think that slick, well produced music is to be ignored. Especially, when the production is supported by a great pop song.

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

A powerful song about war veterans from Ike Reilly.  Our second listen to Mr. Reilly and so far he’s 2 for 2 in my book.

“Shut Up Shuttin’ Up” by Victor from Victor

Before things get too heavy, let’s take it in a completely different direction with this humorous track from Alex Lifeson’s ( of RUSH) 1996 solo album recorded under the name Victor.  This track features Lifeson’s wife and another woman talking about men.  The sentiment is appropriate for a day filled with loud mouths spouting off on the internet and using opinions as facts.

“Line Up” by Minton Sparks from Middlin’ Sisters

Spoken word of a completely different sort with this tale of corporal punishment and familial bonds that cross generations.

“Pitch Black” by PUJOL from PUJOL Sampler/Kludge

What can I say except, I absolutely love PUJOL’s music. This is a great song.

“Tried and True” by The Jayhawks from The Jayhawks (aka The Bunkhouse Album)

More from the debut album of The Jayhawks… tried and true indeed…

“Bad Habits” by Hugh Trimble from neighborpoem

Hugh Trimble just released a new album which I need to check out, but right now we are making our way through this one, and so far every song is a gem. 

“The Hanging” by Grant Peeples from Punishing the Myth

On a serious day, it seems fitting to close out the shuffle with a song that sends a powerful message about Capital Punishment and our nation’s seemingly insatiable appetite for blood.  Two wrongs don’t make a right.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Mister Jarmusch Mix

The first of only three shuffles this week before I head off for Thanksgiving.  We have to cover as much ground as we can in a short time… We begin with a relatively short (7 song) shuffle that manages to cover a wide range – geographically, musically, lyrically, and thematically.

“Weather Pattern” by Frazey Ford from Frazey Ford Five EP/Indian Ocean

From Vancouver comes Frazee Ford with a unique blend of Folk/Country/Soul… coincidently, my commute this morning had some interesting weather patterns… after a rainy night, the morning began with an odd yellowish sunlit sky with some gray clouds and even a hint of a rainbow. Then, there was a brief rain shower, followed by clearing skies and more sunshine. All this is the course of these seven songs.

“5-22-02” by Golden Smog from Another Fine Day

From Minneapolis comes the Alt-whatever supergroup featuring members of Run Westy Run, The Jayhawks, Soul Asylum, and Big Star among others.

“Hey, Can I Sleep on Your Futon” by Richard Barone from Occupy This Album

From NYC by way of Tampa, Florida comes The Bongos’ Richard Barone with his contribution to the Occupy This Album project. Although the Occupy Movement had a relatively short life in the public consciousness, the problems they exposed are still present and still should be a source of national shame regardless of party affiliation. Barone captures a very real issue in a catchy and powerful song.

“Casualties” by American Aquarium from Burn. Flicker. Die

Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina comes American Aquarium with another stand out track from their latest album.  The band’s next album, Wolves, will be released in early February 2015. We are all casualties of Rock and Roll.

“We Come From the Same Place” by Allo Darlin’ from We Come From the Same Place

From London by way of Australia and Kent, England comes Allo Darlin’ with the title track from their latest album which was released last month.  I really did the sound and the evocative lyrics.

“Mister Jarmusch” by Le Grand Escroc from Portraits

Contributing greatly to the diversity of this shuffle, we have this jazzy track from a fascinating album out of Tokyo. Portraits contains ten musical tributes to “Misters” and “Monsieurs”. Le Grand Escroc is the assumed name of Makoto Miura –  DJ and producer.  Having been on a bit of Jarmusch kick of late, I feel qualified to say this musical tribute is fitting as well as fun. 

“Six Pack on the Dashboard” by The Jayhawks from The Jayhawks (aka The Bunkhouse Album)

Despite trying to be diverse, sometimes it is good to have some continuity to fall back on… so, we have Gary Louris making his second appearance in today’s shuffle with his band The Jayhawks from their very first album (1986). Although not politically or legally correct, Six Pack on the Dashboard is a damn fine song and a great way to close out today’s shuffle.

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VIDEO PLAYLIST