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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
E2TG: MUSIC/WORDS 