Music City Monday Morning Shuffle – Marshall Tucker on My Stereo Mix

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Back at it on a Monday! Had a good time Friday at The Country (after checking in with Tim Carroll and company at The 5 Spot) – Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau + Saint Luke’s Drifters. Richie and company have a new album out now. Saint Luke’s Drifters are finishing up their new album. If you get the chance to see either one or both of these bands, I highly recommend it.

Tonight: My recommendation is Matt Phillips and the Philharmonic from 7-9p.m. at Charlie Bob’s on the eastside. Here is the Facebook event, if you Facebook.

This is definitely prime season for new music – look for some awesome new albums coming up in the next few months – I think I got at least 5 albums to listen to and possibly review over the last four or five days.

Shuffle:

“Down The River” by Ben Lowry

Another track from Somnium, the solo album by Ben Lowry of the band Bang OK Bang. For some reason (the banjo and vocals and lyrical content) this song reminded me of Hallowed Ground, the much maligned sophomore album by Violent Femmes. In the face of widespread criticism, I am a proponent of the Femmes album. No, I do not think it is better than their seminal debut, but it is bold and in its own way subversion. That being said, even if you aren’t a fan of the Femmes album, you will probably dig Lowry’s album.

“I’m Gonna Love You Forever” by Carolina Story

From the Chapter Two EP. Carolina Story are about as damn good as it gets.

“Theme from Crazy Aces” by Crazy Aces

Instrumental Rock from Nashville’s Crazy Aces… it’s their theme song!

“You Could Be My Baby (Samuel Stewart Remix)” by SHEL

The remix of the first single from SHEL’s forthcoming album, Crazy Enough. We featured the unremixed song earlier.

“Jesse” by Tom House

From Winding Down the Road – an album that was produced by Brock Zeman. Tom House is a Nashville treasure. Check out his music.

“40 Miles” by Zachariah Red

E2TG debuted this song when it was released. It was the first single off of Zachariah Red’s EP Backbone. A driving, roots rock song of the highest caliber.

“WHIP” by Ricca Vita

Okay – this right here is why I love Nashville (and love my random shuffle function). Ricca Vita’s music could not be any different than Zachariah Red’s music. So, that in and of itself, makes the transition here really cool – showcasing the diversity of music being made here in the home of the Grand Ole Opry… but wait, there is more. Timothy Ryssemus – the mastermind behind Ricca Vita – also happened to have co-produced Zachariah Red’s record. Any way, I love the Ricca Vita album, and this track is just so damn good.

“Promise Me Beautiful” by Lori Kelley

Moving on, another awesome song from songwriter Lori Kelley’s album, More. Gorgeous vocals and great songs – a great combination.

“Swimming New Orleans” by The Grey A

Okay smartypants! The Grey A are a Washington DC band. But Grey Jacks used to live down here, and this album was recorded in Middle Tennessee and features a lot of local folks including Kelly Smith, William Tyler, and the Nashville Horns. You may recall, I reviewed the My Country album when it was released in late 2014. “Swimming New Orleans” was released as a single (a wonderfully packaged vinyl 45) in 2015, and ahead of the forthcoming release of the next single (watch this space), I thought we would add this song to the playlist. So, yeah, I stand by it’s inclusion in the Music City Monday playlist. E2TG trivia gurus already know that Howard Rabach (who was probably one of the first ever readers and supporters of this blog) plays bass with The Grey A, who have some great shows coming up in support of their new single – including a date with Austin Lucas + Joey Kneiser and Kelly Smith (who Grey Jacks played with in Glossary at one point).

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Wednesday Special Red Cup Morning Music Shuffle – Oil Up a Snake Mix

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Wednesday! Well, thanks to about 500 of you, The Ear to the Ground Facebook page reached the 500 “Like” milestone late yesterday. It really means a ton to me. I promise bigger and better things for 2016.

I am running a bit short on time, but The “Earies” 2015 do continue on… I decided to call this one the “Dirty Rice” Award – aka – the “Land of my People” Award.

The premise: Although, I was born in Tennessee and have lived all but about one year in this state, my roots are in the bayous of Louisiana, and I still feel a deep connection to that very unique and colorful state. This year, I have been fortunate enough to write about two artists and albums with connections to Louisiana. This seemed like as good a reason as any to link them for this award.

The Awards:

Kevin Gordon – is one of the most respected songwriters around. He has released a number of excellent albums, and his album Gloryland definitely raised the bar. In 2015, he released Long Gone Time, and with it, he managed to raise the bar even further. Kevin Gordon is an incredible live act, and his music really captures the complicated realities of the post-Civil Rights era deep south.

D.L. Duncan – A well respected blues musician and songwriter, D.L. “Dave” Duncan, released a self-titled album in 2015 that really captured the essence of the what the blues are all about. The album was partially produced in Lafayette, Louisiana which happens to be where my parents lived when they were first married. Featuring an all-star cast of musical talent, the album has some of the most infectious blues grooves I’ve heard in a long time.

On to the shuffle: I have not downloaded a ton of Christmas/Holiday/Winter music this year, and so I had intended to wait until next week to break into that list, however, I did download a few more song last night, so I decided to kick things off today. As I mentioned before, I struggled with what to call this playlist. As creative as I can try to be, my playlist names are pretty unimaginative. The main playlist from which most shuffles are drawn, is just called “E2TG”. The Featured Friday playlist is called “Featured Friday”. When it came to this one though… I just was not sure. I have not problem with Christmas, however, for the sake of accuracy, I knew that the list might included some songs some of the other holidays celebrated at this time of year. I could have called it “Holiday Playlist” but I know the term, “Holiday” bothers some people. Some songs are not about a holiday, but rather are just about the season of Winter. Again, Winter playlist didn’t seem to work, because while the winter songs might be appropriate for a couple more months, I really don’t want to hear about mangers and Santa and elves in February. In the end, I decided to call this playlist the Red Cup playlist, because, who in the world could be offended by red cup? Am I right?

“Garland”, “Christmas Creation”, and “Home” by Batkhi Dahn

New England just seems like the place for a good old fashioned Christmas. Even though I am a lifelong resident of the South, when I think traditional American Christmas, the images that form in my mind all correspond to what I think Christmas in New England is all about. “Winter Wonderland” is not about Christmas in the South… that song in particular brings to my mind images straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. This year, there is a brand new EP of Christmas songs from Connecticut – the one of the southern most New England States. Christmas EP features the talents of Hayden and Evan Nork and songs about various aspects of the Christmas holiday. One listen, and you can expect to have this one playing while you decorate your tree and house with maybe, say… Garland.

“Intro” (1st Interlude) from Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas

From the Jim Henson classic Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas was a 1977 Television special based upon a 1971 Children’s Novel. Yesterday, I grabbed the soundtrack from Aquarium Drunkard. Included a few Intro’s including this first snippet with the joke about Snake Oil Salesmen. “Not many people want to oil up a snake.”

“Jingle Bell Jezebel” by Kevin Gordon

Next up, a holiday tune from “Earie” award winner, Kevin Gordon!

“Take Me Home for Christmas” by Karen Mav

Karen Mav is an incredible singer from Liverpool. She recently put out this tune which really showcases her incredible vocal pyrotechnics.

“When the Mountains” from Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas

A lovely song from Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas.

“Light Shines Through” (feat. The Hoboken Holiday All Star Band) by Deena and Jon (from The Cucumbers)

Next up, a lovely holiday treat from Deena and John Fried who were both part of the New Jersey. Joined by an All Star band – this is a great new holiday song.

“Intro” (2nd Interlude) from Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas

Next up, a second interlude from Emmet Otter and the gang.

“Too Early for Christmas” by Tom House

Another day, and another Tom House song. This is a sort of Christmas song from Songs Like Dreams… More Like Blood.

“Snoopy’s Christmas” by American Scarecrows

American Scarecrows are continuing a long line of folk/country inspired Rock and Roll from Minneapolis. Here they close out this shuffle with a song dedicated to the World War One Flying Aces, Snoopy.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Note: Since I could not find videos for many of the songs featured in this playlist, I decided to post many of my favorite Christmas/Holiday songs of all time. Enjoy!

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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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Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Now You See the Light Mix

By the way, the #E2TG Facebook Page is approaching 500 “Likes”. I would love to reach that milestone by the end of the year. If you have not done so, give us a “Like”. Limited time offer: We will waive the normal $0.00 Annual Fee!

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Sending Birthday wishes to 2014 Ear to the Ground Artist of the Year, Darrin Bradbury who just wrapped up his first ever West Coast tour.

The 2015 “Earie” Awards roll onward.

TODAY’S AWARD: The “Middle-Aged America” Award The Premise: No premise – just an inside joke.

The Award goes to: Drew Kohl and Taylor Alexander
Young America was a band from Georgia that had a long run. They released an EP early in 2015 shortly before deciding that with two members in Georgia and two in Nashville, it was no longer viable to continue as a group. The award goes to the two members of Young America who are now living in Nashville. Time flies when you are having fun, thus my joke about Middle-Aged America…

Drew Kohl: Drew is a super talented singer, songwriter, and player. He released Sweetheart, an EP filled with songs that explore different aspects of the theme of Love, earlier in the year, and he has been touring and playing throughout the year, sharpening his sound. His trademark is his high-lonesome bluegrass inspired songs which often feature mind blowing sustained vocal notes.

Taylor Alexander: Taylor has been recording his solo album which is due in 2016. He is a regular performer on Lower Broadway, and he often backs up other musicians. He and fellow “Earie” award winner, Lindsay Ellyn frequently perform as a duo (which I have dubbed: #Tindsay – which Taylor hates so let’s make that hashtag trend!). He has an impressive repertoire of classic country tunes and his own compositions have a classic country feel to them.

Congrats, Taylor and Drew! The “Earies” march on for the rest of December culminating in the naming of the 2015 #E2TG Artist of the Year.

By the way, before we jump into the shuffle, I had the great opportunity to head out to the Stone Fox in West Nashville last night to see Chris Scruggs and the Stone Fox 5 play some amazing classic country music. They will be there every Sunday throughout December and most of January. Highly recommended.

Shuffle:

“Willie McBroom” by Tom House

A good old-fashioned Appalachian murder ballad from the album Winding Down the Road which was produced by Brock Zeman. Tom House will be performing his latest album, Songs Like Dreams…More Like Blood, tonight at The Basement (the original one).

“Someday” by All The King’s Men

All the King’s Men are an Indie Rock band from Manchester, UK. They combine a classic rock sound with the classic Manchester attitude. This song is from the band’s new EP, Making My Escape. I dig it!

“Get Up, Stand Up” by Peter Tosh

From his 1977 second album, Equal Rights, we have Peter Tosh’s version of a song he wrote with Bob Marley. The song was first recorded in 1973 by the Wailers.

“That’s All” by The Train Set

We have another song from Never California, the recently released compilation album for this UK band.

“Mary Ann and One Eyed Dan” by Shovels and Rope

Shovels and Rope recently made their 2014 album, Swimmin’ Time awailable on Noisetrade.

“It’s Alright” by ’77

’77 are a band from Barcelona who play aggressive, high energy rock music reminiscent of the year from which their name derives. Their latest album, Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us was released back in October.

“Nettles” by Circus Propaganda

From the one and only Circus Propaganda album, Botany.

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From Lay Where You Collapse EP by the Christchurch band, The Transcendents. The band have already released a new EP called Common Ground. This song is named for an American Pop-Art artist. It is a great example of the band’s signature blend of experimentation with pop music sensibilities.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle – The Joy and the Crap Mix

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Well… It’s Friday! By my estimates, there are eleven work days left in 2015. I am going to have to huddle up with the awards committee* over the weekend to take stock of where things stand. I know I will leave somebody important out, so expect some adjunct awards early in 2016.
*I am the awards committee, by the way….

Now to today’s “Earie”Award.

The Award: the “There Going to Put Me in the Movies” Award aka the “Act Naturally” Award aka the “Buck Owens” Award….

The premise: No premise really, just a way to connect two awesome songwriters/musicians so that I can give them both an award for being awesome.

The Awards go to:

1. Joe Nolan – Joe recently signed a new publishing agreement with Creative Songwriters Music which is hopefully mean we will be hearing some of his great songs in movies and television shows soon. In addition, Joe Nolan is by the best definition I know, a true modern day renaissance man. In addition to his extensive journalistic work – among other things he is the arts editor for the Nashville Scene, a regular blogger, etc. etc. etc. He was recently awarded a commission by the Metro (Nashville) Arts Commission to create a song based upon a piece of public art, and he has an on-going Nashville Public Radio series about Nashville’s many “Pikes”. Makes me proud to be a “Joe”.

2. Andrew Adkins – Andrew has an excellent track record of having songs used in movies and trailers. Most recently, one of his songs was used in the trailer for Colin Hanks’ film about Tower Records, All Things Must Pass. This was cool to me for two reason, 1. Tower Records played an important role in my musical development – particularly in the early 90s. 2. Colin Hanks was in Orange County and he’s Tom Hanks’ son. In addition, Adkins has kept busy making music under a variety of names before consolidating it all under his own name. Semi-coincidently, he just released the first single from his forthcoming album, Glass Castles (which will be released the day after my birthday). The single is called, “May the Stars Fall At Your Door” and it marks a bit of a departure from the kind of music Andrew Adkins has been doing.

On to the shuffle:

“This I See” by Dan Coyle

Another track from Dan Coyle’s Random Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences. The album is a few years old, and maybe shouldn’t be on my “Featured” playlist, but hey, it’s new to me, plus it’s my playlist, my blog, my rules.

“Oklahoma” by Nellie Clay

I got to hear Nellie Clay perform some of her music Wednesday night at the Family Wash and then I ran into her last night. She is one of my newest favorite local songwriters. Originally from Oklahoma, she moved to Nashville from Alaska. Her new album is called Never Did What I Should Have Done.

“Write it Down” by Tom House

The first of three songs from Tom House’s latest album, Songs Like Dreams… More Like Blood. The album features a cover image shot by E2TG favorite Brock Zeman. Tom House is hands down one of Nashville’s best songwriters and I am glad I finally caught on to his music. This song really speaks to me as a creative person.

“The Sky is the Color of Wow” by Tom House

I love almost everything about this song. The title is great. Some of the lines just blew me away to the point that I wanted to go back and hear them again to get the full impact. The subtitle of this post comes from a line in this song.

“True North/Magnetic North (Metro North)” by Smokey the Firebear

Yesterday, Smokey the Firebear posted the following:

The rough mix of Ohm Atlanta is finished! I now have two months to wear myself out over every little detail and probably rerecord half if it

— Smøkey The Fįrebær (@smokefirebear) December 11, 2015

This track is one of the rough mixes which is available on Bandcamp. Today, Smokey the Firebear tweeted that tomorrow is the one year anniversary of Smokey the Firebear. I currently have almost 40 Smokey the Firebear songs in my playlist. As I have said before, these Connecticut kids don’t mess around.

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“I Do the Worst Things” by Tom House

Back to Tom House. Sadly, I can relate to this song, too. I posted three different Tom House songs in the video playlist but be sure to search out Songs Like Dreams… More Like Blood.

“Prayer Emoji” (feat. Supa Bwe) by Rich Robbins

Another track from Nimbus on of my favorite albums of 2015. I love the title of this one.

“Can’t Be Satisfied” by Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen

Closing out the shuffle with two blues songs by gentlemen who know more than most about the genre. Earie Award winning Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen had been on my radar before 2015, but with the release of Love and Life and having had the opportunity to see them live a few times this year, they have jumped into my favorite artist category big time. By the way, some E2TG trivia, Ted’s Scissormen played a show up in New York with E2TG Hall of Famers and fellow “Earie” award winners The End Men – a couple of months ago. I wish I had been at that show!

“Goodnight” by Bob Margolin

Our first listen to My Road the forthcoming new album by “Steady Rollin'” Bob Margolin. Mark Robinson recently got me up to speed on Bob Margolin. I had heard the album before I talked to Robinson and I knew right away this was something special. Margolin is a legendary blues guitarist who spent of backing Muddy Waters and even appeared with Waters and The Band in The Last Waltz. Like Ted Drozdowski, Bob Margolin is a respected journalist who has been contributing to Blues Revue for many years. As I said, even without the background, one listen to My Road leaves little doubt as to the genius behind it.

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.

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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

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Whispered Diamonds Up Shit Creek Mix

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We are back and ready to finish off 2015 in style. I hope everyone who celebrates it had a good Thanksgiving.

After fighting off a cold for several days, I ended up pretty knocked out by Friday. I’m on meds and making a recovering. Expect my live music updates to be few and far between the first part of the week, but I will be healthy for some fun stuff coming up at the end of the week. More on that.

On a related note, between the cold and getting ready to and going out of town, I am WAY behind on e-mails and checking out music that has been submitted. Please be patient, but feel free to shoot me a follow-up e-mail/message.

We have a pretty awesome 8 song shuffle.

“It’s a Whisper” by James Roquemore

A confessional track from The First (EP). I saw James open up Patrick Kinsley’s album release show earlier in the year, and I really dug his songs and his voice. I got hold of this EP that night.

“Nickel and a diamond” by Bob Lewis

The first time I saw Bob Lewis perform was opening up for (I think) Darrin Bradbury and Austin Lucas. I downloaded his album NOw here… and have been digging it ever since. Coincidently, Austin Lucas will be back in Nashville Thursday along with Two Cow Garage and some other folks. I intend to healthy by then.

“Two Day High” by Sugar and the Hi Lows

Amy Stroup and Trent Dabbs are established solo artists in their own right. Both members of the Ten out of Tenn collective (I’m not sure if that is an on-going thing or not), after several co-writes, they formed Sugar and the Hi Lows – which for a long time BandsinTown kept mistaking for Sugar (the defunct band formed by Bob Mould of Husker Du). I have been a fan of Sugar and the Hi Lows for a few years – even naming them a featured artist back in 2012. They had a pretty successful run since then. I grabbed a sampler from Noisetrade a couple of months back – so it is good to have them back in the shuffle. This track is from their 2012 self-titled album – so maybe I wrote about it back them????

“Chemicals Pt. 1 and 2” by Bang Ok Bang

Our fourth Nashville band/artist to start of the week. This is from live album recorded at East Nashville Underground. I love all kinds of music, but I never complain when I have some good loud, hard, nasty music show up in my shuffle. Mixing chemicals can be a dangerous thing… but rock and roll is supposed to be dangerous, so here is “Chemicals Pt. 1 and 2” combined in one dangerous track.

“Dead as It Gets” by Joe Mansman and the Midnight Revival Band

Long time Ear to the Ground readers may remember Joe Mansman from his old band The Cosmonauts. They were a featured band and we did an interview with them and premiered a video back in the day. When that band finished it’s run, Joe moved on with a new project that has evolved, changed names, and which has just released a new album as Joe Mansman and the Midnight Revivial Band. The album is called Too Far Gone. It is some really awesome rootsy Outlaw American Rock and Roll from the Upstate New York area. I just got hold of this album right before my cold and the holiday hit, so I’ve just had time to hear a couple of songs, but this is a good one. Expect to read much more about this band and this album soon.

“Looks Like I’m Up Shit Creek Again” by Tom Waits

Seems like a good time to mention that Saturday night is the 10th Annual: Tom Waits Tribute and Benefit for Second Harvest Food Bank (Get Behind the Mule). My friend Mary Sack is the organizer and I had total blast last year. An all-star cast of amazing artists cover Tom Waits’ songs all night, a visual artist does a live painting, fun is had, money is raised. Maybe someone will dig out this chestnut that was released on The Early Years Volume One. Far different sound than Waits later musical forays.

“Hailing Wide” by Tom House

From one Tom to another. Coincidently (or not), I was introduced to Tom House by the same Mary Sack who is organizing the Tom Waits benefit. This is another track from Songs Like Dreams… More Like Blood.

“Joan of Arc” (Version 2) by Thrushes

We close out today’s shuffle with some Shoegaze music from the Baltimore, Maryland band, Thrushes. This is from Exposing Seas – which is the band’s first album in around five years. As I always say when I post songs by band’s that are described as “Shoegaze” – don’t ask me to explain or define the term, but for the most part I usually dig the music, and this is certainly no exception.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Featured Monday Music Shuffle – Fell Down on my Knees Mix

Welcome back! I trust everyone had an okay weekend… Winter seems to have put in an appearance here in Nashville with our coldest morning of the season…

Music around town is still heating up. Friday night, I caught a trifecta of great shows. Joey Kneiser had part one of his album release show at Grimey’s New and Used Music. Great stuff, and be sure to check out his new album. Next, Nellie Clay opened for Will Kimbrough downstairs at The Basement. Nellie sounded awesome, and Will Kimbrough melted faces with his songs and his playing. After that, I booked it across the river (following the lead of Mary Sack) to The Family Wash for Tommy Womack’s birthday show. Tommy, who is well on his way to full recovery from his car accident at the beginning of the summer, pulled together an all-star band (Mark Robinson on guitar, Ross Rice on keyboards, Daniel Seymour on bass, Brad Pemberton on drums, and Lisa Oliver Gray). They ripped through an impressive set that opened with a version of the Velvet Underground song, “Sweet Jane” and closed (before an encore) with Dylan’s “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again”. In between, Womack hit some of his best songs – like “Alpha Male and the Canine Mystery Blood”, “90 Miles an Hour Down a Dead-End Street”, and “Nice Day” and more.

Saturday, featured another really entertaining Mark Robinson Band show at The 5 Spot. Back by Daniel Seymour and Rick Schell. Robinson showed off his incredible blues rock guitar chops. Honestly, one of the best live bands around. That was followed by a short trip over to the Family Wash – this time to catch Knoxville living legend, poet, and songwriter R.B. Morris. Morris also put together an amazing band (Greg Horne on guitar, Daniel Kimbro on Bass, and Paul Griffith on drums). Morris was in rare form as he tore through a set that besides his original music included covers of Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits. Morris will be back in Nashville one week from this coming Saturday for the 10th Annual Get Behind Mule Tom Waits Tribute and Benefit for Second Harvest Food Bank.

To the shuffle – partially because Friday was so much fun and also because this is a short work week plus to help clear out some of my Featured playlist – I have made the executive decision to do all Featured Music shuffles this week.

“Crossroads” by Sara Syms

We open up the shuffle with Sara Syms bold take on the classic Robert Johnson song, “Crossroads”. Syms adds her distinctive touch to the song, and as a result, it is a central part of her new album.

“Pinyin” (DJ Mankiewicz Remix) by Batkhi Dahn

Batkhi Dahn from Connecticut has a new single called, “Pinyin”. The download includes a few different mixes and versions of the song – including this one. I continue to be amazed by the growth being shown by Batkhi Dahn and by all of the artists on the Dord Music Group label. In the video playlist, we have a brand new video for Batkhi Dahn’s song, “Yip” which gives a good look into the mind of Batkhi Dahn mastermind, Hayden Nork.

“3000 Miles” by James Tomberlin

Songwriter, James Tomberlin is greatly missed here in Nashville, but I, for one, and happy that he is pursuing his goals. I am also very glad that Josh Morris managed to get James into the studio before he left to record this wonderful EP, “Still Life with Orange”. This song is about a long distance relationship, and it shows off Tomberlin’s adept word play and songwriting.

“I Really Don’t Care” by Dan Coyle

Another track from Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences. This album and some other Dan Coyle music can be found on Noisetrade.

“Bright Spot in a Bad Year” by The Deadline Shakes

This is the lead track from the debut album by Glascow band, The Deadline Shakes. It features some pretty infectious music. Look for more from them forthcoming.

“Real Bad Low” by Sara Syms

Another great song from “Way Back Home”. If you missed it, this might be a good time to read my review of the album. HERE

“Goodbye” by Dan Coyle

Our second song of the day from Dan Coyle’s Random Thoughts and Incomplete Sentences. Dan Coyle is a consistently great songwriter. The stuff on Noisetrade would make a good jumping on point if you want to check him out… which you should.

“Lay My Head Down Easy” by Tom House

Another track from Tom House’s album Songs Like Dreams… More Like Blood. An authentic and original voice from a long time Nashville songwriter.

“Call” by New York Tourists

We close out with the a single from an alternative band that is neither from New York nor tourists. I really like this song a lot. It has been described as Queens of the Stone Age meets The Foals. I will leave it up to you to decide if that is accurate. It’s a really groovy song, though. Check it out.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle – For Money or Against Your Will Mix

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And so it goes, and we reach the end of another work week here at #E2TG. Heading into the weekend just ahead of Thanksgiving here in the United States. There is a ton of great music happening this weekend at different venues. Choose your poison and get out there.

Among the shows coming up today and tomorrow (and no I cannot make it to all of these): Today: Joey Kneiser of Glossary is releasing a new record, and he will play this evening at Grimey’s. Will Kimbrough is also he releasing a new record, and he will be playing The Basement at 7:00 with Nellie Clay opening. Today is Tommy Womack’s birthday, and we will playing around 9:00 at The Family Wash. Also tonight, the East Nashville Underground: A Magical Reunion is going on at The Basement East. Plus there is the weekly, Tim Carroll Rock and Roll Happy Hour at The 5 Spot. Plus probably tons of other stuff.

Tomorrow night: One of this blog’s favorites Mark Robinson Band will be playing an early show at The 5 Spot (6:00 start). Joey Kneiser will be playing that venue after that. Meanwhile, over at the Family Wash – Knoxville poet and songwriter R.B. Morris will be playing. Plus the aforementioned East Nashville Underground event continues at The Beast. and More…

We have a Featured Friday Shuffle that I am really happy about today… let’s take a gander…

“Pieces of Things” by Lindsay Ellyn

What can I say? This is another track from Lindsay’s Out of Road EP which is one of my faves of the year. Lindsay somehow manages to pull of great fashion sense, amazing songwriting ability, and being one of the most generous and genuine people I know. Plus, she surrounds herself with some incredibly talented people (both on this record and in her live performances).

“Broken As I Am” by Stone Cupid

From the forthcoming album, The Cardinal. This is one of two leaving California songs that Julie Christensen sings. While, we know that California misses her, Nashville is awfully glad to claim her. Backed by an amazing band of Nashville’s finest, Stone Cupid serves as wonderful encapsulation of Christensen’s storied career and life.

“All My Nightmares” by Maxim Ludwig

Way back in at the very beginning of this blog, when I was still trying to figure out what Ear to the Ground was going to be, I decided to create an Artist of the Week feature (the feature lasted several months and gave way to the Featured Artists feature which lasted several more months). The very first Ear to the Ground Artist of the Week was Maxim Ludwig. At the time, he was performing with his band, The Santa Fe Seven. Later he recorded under a different band name, and now he is back with music recording under the name Maxim Ludwig. He has new single, which I am really digging. I really like keeping up with the music and artists I have “discovered” through writing this blog, and it is always a great thing when one of them puts out new music.

“So Long, So Long” by Jeremy Nash

My shuffle function seems to really be enjoying Jeremy Nash’s Getaway Driver record, and I cannot say that I blame it one bit. This is another fine track of that album.

“Killing Women and Children” by Tom House

Tom House is a songwriter and a poet who has long been a fixture on the Nashville music scene. His latest album is called Songs Like Dreams… More Like Blood. Looking forward to hearing and writing more about his music.

“Sorry You’re Sick” by Mary Gauthier

Another track from Cold and Bitter Tears: The Songs of Ted Hawkins. This track features Mary Gauthier. I got to see her perform this song at the meet and greet for the record, held during Americana week. A really lovely song.

“Major Key” by Jon Latham

“What are you wanting out of this? A little more Steve Earle, a little less heroin.” So opens Jon Latham’s Real Bad News – that studio banter is followed by this song on which Latham delivers. This is the defining song on the album and sets the tone. A steady rocker that hits on all cylinders (clever and intelligent references, powerful lines and a crystal clear musicality). This should be your new favorite song.

“Sweet Magnolia Love” by D.L. Duncan

And we close out the day with some more excellent blues from the self-titled record by D.L. Duncan which features some amazing players including Delbert McClinton, Sonny Landreth and many more. If this music does not make you feel better, I am not sure what will.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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E2TG: MUSIC/WORDS

Words about music/Music inspired words

Category: Tom House

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Featured Monday Music Shuffle – Fell Down on my Knees Mix

Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle – For Money or Against Your Will Mix