Category: The Radicals

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Jack Chick vs. Twin Peaks with a Twist Mix

I had a great night hanging out with a bunch of friends at a venerated Music Row bar and watching about a dozen or more of those friends make awesome music….

We have a delightful shuffle today with some cool songs and some cool pop culture references.  The shuffle contains old and new music of differing genres and points of view all existing in some semblance of harmony on my phone’s music player.   If these songs can all keep along, why can’t we?

“Twin Peaks Twist” by Messer Chups from Heretic Channel

It’s a good sign on a cold, snowy Monday morning when the shuffle begins with experimental music from Russia/Germany in the form of a mash-up of sorts of the Twin Peaks theme with The Twist? or least with a surf rock backbeat.  From Messer Chups’ 2009 album.

“San Francisco Girl” by Joe Nolan from Plain Jane

Our second listen to Nashville writer Joe Nolan.  This is a song about one of my favorite cities (even if I have only been to it a couple of time).  There is something almost Dylanesque about this song – I really liked it. Joe Nolan will be playing Short Sets at The Family Wash tomorrow night.

“Waiting” by The Style Council from The Singular Adventures of the Style Council/The Cost of Loving

A tenderer side of Paul Weller with this song from the band’s 1987 third album.

“Bunker” (Acoustic NoiseTrade Exclusive) by Heath McNease from Fort Wayne

Another awesome acoustic song from Heath McNease  from a collection of songs inspired by his film Fort Wayne.

“California (There is No End to Love)” by U2 from Songs of Innocence

Beginning with bits of “Barbara Ann”, a promisingly different sounding song from U2’s infamous new album.  I actually like this song.

“Let the Last Night Be the Longest” by The Jayhawks from The Jayhawks (aka The Bunkhouse Album)

A recent thrift store find – the debut album from Gary Louris and company.  Some solid songwriting – even as the band had not yet found their signature sound.

“See Me” by Heather Powell from A Haze of Grays and Blues

I was fortunate enough to get hold of a few songs from True Groove recording artist Heather Powell’s next album, A Haze of Grays and Blues (due out in the first part of 2015).  From what I’ve heard so far, this is going to a must have album.  A powerful song

“Lonely Mind” by Tex and the Horseheads from Tex and the Horseheads

I was reminded of Tex and the Horseheads after recently watching the 1987 film Border Radio in which Texala Jones plays a pretty funny (if irresponsible) babysitter.  I found this from what I think is a 2011 reunion EP.  Sounds great.

“Jack T. Chick and the Long Hand of Satan” by The Radicals from Halloween Rhymes and Children’s Crimes

As a long time… eh um… fan/collector of Jack Chick’s religious tracts, this track which seemingly features some audio of Mr. Chick caught my attention.  Beware the Long Hand of Satan….

“King Harvest (Has Surely Come)” by The Band from The Band

And we close out our first shuffle of the week with the song that closes out The Band’s self-titled second album. It doesn’t get much better than this…. 

 

VIDEOS


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

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – This is the Blues Mix

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

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

Shuffle Up!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Little City” by The Western Shore from Thunderstorm

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

“Whistle in the Dark” by Matt King from Raw

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

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

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

VIDEO PLAYLIST

!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

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Takes Brains Mix

Back at you with another shuffle after a day off.  Made it to four different venues last night to see friends play music.  Two downtown, two on the eastside.  Heard a couple of great songwriter circles – one with Taylor Alexander of the band Young America and one with Lindsay Ellyn.  Hustled to the East Nashville – Logue’s Black Raven Speakeasy to catch the last part of Amelia White’s set and a moving set from the incomparable Julie Christensen, and then drove a few block down Gallatin Pike to catch the tail end of a set from Darrin Bradbury and the Fran’s Eastside Super-High Band (Tim Carroll, Cameron Carrus, and David Strayer).  As Lindsay said, the hustle is real…

Today’s shuffle is long on great music, but I am short on time… so check it out, google if you need to and enjoy our little video approximation.

!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”); “Another Fine Day” by Golden Smog from Another Fine Day

Title track – a nice way to start another fine day…

“The Devil’s Masquerade” by The Radicals from Halloween Rhymes and Children’s Crimes

Nothing like some punk rock music to get the morning hopping…

“Walter” (Acoustic Noisetrade Exclusive) by Heath McNease from Fort Wayne (songs inspired by the film)

Any song that begins by referencing David Bowie is okay in my book.  I really can relate to this song… Ground Control to Major Tom…

“Shake ’em On Down” by Sidestreet Reny and Lil’ Bell from Holler

New music from a West Coast Blues duo I’ve become very fond of lately. With a great R.L. Burnside Mississippi Fred McDowell cover (I haven’t fact checked this – so if I’m wrong let me know and I will correct/retract). Thanks to Sturgis Nikides for the assist.

“Living the Dream” by Sturgill Simpson from 2014-05-13 – Grimey’s Records – Nashville/Metamodern Sounds in Country Music

What can I say? The incredibly awesome Sturgill Simpson recorded live at the awesome Grimey’s New and Pre-Loved Music.

“The Mayor of Simpleton” by XTC from Oranges and Lemons

If you don’t like this song… I just don’t understand you…  One of my all-time favorites.

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

Classic Rock just not in the way the term is usually used…

“I Was Raised in Babylon” by Yusuf/Cat Stevens from Yusuf

I remember when “Peace Train” was pulled from the 10,000 Maniacs In my Tribe album.  I saw this new album pop up on Freegal – I listened to a few seconds of this opening track, and I had to download it… 

“Ain’t Nobody (Gonna Save My Soul)” by Pork Chop Willie from Love is the Devil

I actually think we’ve already featured this song – I think it got added to my playlist twice. I’m not complaining. Some great Hill Country Blues from North Mississippi by way of Brooklyn, New York.

VIDEOS

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

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Handle With Care Mix

Monday.  And we have another shuffle that demonstrates many of  the best qualities of what makes our daily shuffles so special (and they are special….) – we have a collection of excellent songs – a few mini-almost-themes running through some of the songs, a fairly diverse collection of styles but nothing terribly extreme (by our standards).  Let’s do it!

“Ghost Limb” by Emily Wolfe from Roulette

Emily Wolfe from Austin starts us off with the dreamy opening track off of their Roulette EP which was released just over a month ago. 

“Man I Am” by Goodbye June from Deer Head Music Presents: Indie Mixtape Nashville/ Nor the Wild Music Flows

The bluesier, rockinger side of Nashville Indie music, and another fine track from the Deer Head Music Presents mixtape. I really dig this song, and I want to hear more from this band.

“Savannah Almost Killed Me” by American Aquarium from Burn.Flicker.Die.

My internet friend and CXCW legend Josie Little has a birthday today (so Happy Birthday Josie).  This song goes out to her because she posted about seeing these guys this weekend, and my shuffle function was kind enough to include this song in the mix today.  American Aquarium ya’ll… just… American Aquarium!

“Shabbaditty” by Shabbadoo from Pajama

A little ditty by Shabbadoo… appropriately named…

“You’re So Small” by Lael Summer from Burden to Bear

Lael Summer doesn’t pull any punches.  I wish I had a voice like hers when I need to tell people off… I think I’ll just play this song and let them figure out what I’m trying to say.

“Medley: Johnny One Note/One Note Samba” by Barbra Streisand from Barbra Streisand… And Other Musical Instruments

Babs just needs one note.  Let’s Samba!

“Stay Together” (Acoustic) by Madi Diaz from Stripped Chopped + Screwed/ originally from Phantom

A mini-theme of three great female vocalists in a row.  A powerful stripped down version of a song from her most recent album.  Madi Diaz used to live in Nashville.

“Traveling Wilburys” by Heath McNease from Fort Wayne (songs inspired by the film)

Heath McNease sings about the late 80s supergroup that featured Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, and George Harrison. Whoever they are… Any way, I dig this song, and I took advantage to include the Traveling Wilbury’s song (which gives its name to today’s mix and which is mentioned in the Heath McNease song) in the Video Playlist today.  Handle with Care…

“You’re My Little Mellowcreme Pumpkin” by The Radicals from Halloween Rhymes and Children’s Crimes!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”);

It is now 10 days past Halloween, but I know you still have some of the extra candy hanging around somewhere.  Here is a sweet number about murder and mayhem from the Massachusetts punk rockers, The Radicals.

VIDEOS

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

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Slow Drive Mix

Okay… I’m tired – physically and emotionally drained, but I got a shuffle and it’s a good one… so  let’s do this thing!

“Like Coming Home” by Matt King from Raw

Just is just a flat out great song. Matt King is a Nashville-based songwriter/musician whose brand new band features Matthew and Livia from reigning E2TG Band of the Year, The End Men. Expect a new album featuring this new band in 2015.  In the meantime, I picked up with stripped down sounding album at a thrift store recently, and I am enjoying the hell out of it.

“Iris (Hold Me Close)” by U2 from Songs of Innocence

Another track from the audaciously released latest album from the long-running Irish rock band.  As I’ve felt about much of what the band has done in the past several years, there is nothing I actively dislike, but also no much that I am terribly excited about.  If you dig it – dig it – if you don’t – don’t.

“Where You’re Going” by Lindsay Ellyn from Shores EP

It’s always a good week when I get to see Lindsay Ellyn sing just about every night.  A highlight of this week was her amazing Short Sets appearance at The Family Wash on Tuesday night. She performed a stunning version of Tim Carroll’s “Always Tomorrow” as well as performing the song that is in our shuffle today – a song about an amicable breakup.

“Wish You Well” by Bad Cop from Wish You Well..And Goodbye

It’s good to have Nashville band, Bad Cop back on Ear to the Ground.  They were a featured artist a couple of years ago, and now they have a brand new EP, and we have the (sort of) title track.  Some excellent Rock for my morning commute.

“Slow Love” by Prince from Sign O’ The Times

What’s your rush?  The Artist Formerly and Currently known as Prince sings about the virtues of Slow Love. 

“My Funny Valentine” by Victoria Williams from Sings Some Ol’ Songs

Another delectable Jazz/Pop standard from this album of great old songs.  This is a Rogers and Hart song originally from the musical Babes in Arms. The song has appeared on over 1300 albums performed by well over 600 different artists.  Here Ms. Victoria Williams puts her unique spin on the song.  In the video playlist, we have a version by Miles Davis.

“The Messenger” by Brown Bird from Fits of Reason

I picked up this album by Brown Bird (featuring the late David Lamb) on Record Store Day this year, and it has been great having this incredible songs in the shuffle.  We still have a few more to go.

“Drive” by Grey’s Fool from Drive

When Ear to the Ground started, the primary way I found new music was from Twitter. Nowadays, I get music from a variety of sources, but it’s good to get back to where I began.  I am pretty sure that is how I was introduced to this band.  Gray’s Fool are a singer/songwriter duo from Pittsburgh.  A strong song – lyrical and yes – driving.  Digging the male/female vocals on this track.

“No Saint’s Day” by The Radicals from Halloween Rhymes and Children’s Crimes!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   

Some blogs would drop off the Halloween tracks once that day passed. But, as we have long established, #E2TG is not your run-of-the-mill, Brand X music blog.  We first came across The Radicals on the Built4BBQ sampler.  They recently made their 2011 Halloween album available for free download, and we jump all over it.  This is a wholesome, uplifting song about the joy of Halloween and children and candy… or maybe it’s not.

VIDEOS

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Muddy Water Mix

Last night, I made my weekly pilgrimage to Fran’s Eastside Tavern on a rainy Wednesday night in East Nashville. Fran’s on Wednesday is a bit hard to explain unless you’ve been there (and maybe even if you have).  I haven’t been to Fran’s on any other night, so I am not able to say anything about those other nights.  Just to keep in simple, Fran’s is a dive bar, smoky beyond ever what you might expect from a dive bar, with cheap beer (cash only), regulars, a pool table, and the added tension of being in the midst of the East Nashville “scene”.  Most Wednesday nights, it is Tim Carroll and Darrin Bradbury holding court with original songs and a wildly unpredictable nature that has included a world-class trombone player, a Christmas Carole in early October, and the Music City Roots bus.  With Tim Carroll on tour, Zachariah Red filled in last night – not an easy task – not an easy gig.  Having missed much of Zach’s set the last time I went to see him (it may or may not have involved my keys getting locked in my van) and having heard his demo EP, I was looking forward to this.

As I listened, the words understated brilliance came to my mind.  But, I think it is more unassuming brilliance. A quiet personality –  a calm, smooth delivery – definitely enjoyable. I don’t know if this will make sense to anyone but me, but when Zach sang a Kris Kristofferson song, it came to me. When Kristofferson sang with the Highwaymen – Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson were such larger than life figures with legendary figures with such storied reputations for hard living… and it was not that Kristofferson wasn’t larger than life and it wasn’t that he didn’t live just as hard… but relatively, he seemed unassuming to me. And, that is how I feel about Zachariah Red. His original songs are awesome and the brilliance hits you in subtle waves rather than in a massive attack. 

And Darrin Bradbury…  what can I say – it is fun to watch this amazingly talented guy really hit a stride and start to get some well-deserved recognition.

To the shuffle:

The shuffle begins with some wildly fun, sharp turns in genre and then settles into a delicious groove of excellent songwriting.

“Toss Me A Shovel, Pt. II” by The Radicals from The Entrée (a Built4BBQ sampler)/One for the Ditch

More punk rock goodness from the Built4BBQ Sampler via Boston-area band The Radicals.

“Ms. Fat Booty” by Amerigo Gazaway from Yasiin Gaye: The Departure (Side One)

This is Nashville!  Amerigo Gazaway is a Nashville based producer.  This is a pretty sick mashup of Mos Def and Marvin Gaye.

“I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water” by Stonewall Jackson from Waterloo – CD3

This is also Nashville! I’m sorry – I don’t like to toot my own horn, but sometimes you just need to toot… wait – nevermind… But seriously, do you think your Pitchfork, your Stereogum, your No Depression, your Country Music News (or whatever) are going to follow up a Mos Def/Marvin Gaye mashup with some classic Country and Western Music from the great Stonewall Jackson?  I don’t think so.  I have my niche! 🙂

“Nine Eyes” by Brown Bird from Fits of Reason

Consider the groove settled into… another outstanding song from Brown Bird. Happy for the music they gave us.

“Washateria” by Fat Opie from Victoryville

Fat Opie is the non de plume of Scott Mickelson, who I came across when I posted about Dan Coyle.  Mickelson contributed to Coyle’s new album and the two are currently touring together.  I really dig this song.

“This is Not the House That Pain Built” by Dar Williams from The Honesty Room

Dar Williams.  If I need to say more… well just go listen.

“I’ve Won Every Battle, But I’ve Lost Every War” by Cahalen Morrison from The Flower of Muscle Shoals

 I grabbed this one off the September Feel Bad for You mixtape (October’s mix is up now), and I didn’t have time to get much information, but this is a 2014 release, and I will be on the lookout for more music.

“Bright White” by Haesemeyer from Three Mirrors

The great songs from great writers trend continues with another track off the great new album from the incredible San Francisco artist.

“The Morning After the Coup” by Grant Peeples and the Peeples Republik from Punishing the Myth

And we close things out with another awesome song from Florida “leftneck” poet and songwriter Grant Peeples.

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