Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle – All the Way to Peter’s Gate Mix

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I hesitate to report again about how awesome $2 Tuesdays are at The 5 Spot.  Derek Hoke and DJ Tim Hibbs throw a massive weekly party.  It cost you just $2 to get in and you can get Yazoo pints for just $2 all night.  I hesitate because it was packed out last night, and maybe enough people know about it… but hell.  For that $2, every single time I have gone, I have seen and heard some pretty amazing music.  Hell, $2 would be cheap just to hear Derek Hoke and his amazing band play a couple of songs.  Dead Horses from Wisconsin were awesome, Quinn from here in Nashville (and featuring E2TG Artist of the Year Jon Latham on guitar and BGVs) have an awesome sound.  Probably the only complaint I have (and I guess my age is showing) is that I left before the last band played and it was already midnight.  But, the young folks love it – ah, I remember… I remember…

Wednesday? What the hell is it?  Some call it hump day and celebrate having reached the mid-way through the work week, what does that say about us?  1. We are wishing our lives away and/or 2. We hate our week day existence so much and/or 3. We are optimists (I mean we would say we’ve toiled away for days and still have days of toil ahead).  Who knows? Wednesday are wild!  Wild used in the same way as “Jokers Wild”.  Wednesday can be anything.  Or maybe wild used in the sense of wild!

Welcome to the first ever Wild Wednesday Shuffle.  Make sure your seatbelts are locked and loaded… or whatever…

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Here goes nothing!

“Lucky” by The Dead Milkmen

How awesome!  The very first “Wild Wednesday” shuffle, randomly kicks off with The Dead Milkmen with a deep cut from Big Lizard in My Backyard. How lucky!

“Jesus Everyday” by Treat Her Right

How sad is it that this brilliantly satirical song could un-ironically be the campaign theme song for the top GOP candidate (whose name I refuse to mention)… Treat Her Right, as you may or may not know were a Boston-based blues rock band fronted by the late, great Mark Sandman who went on to front the band Morphine.  This is from the self-titled debut of the band which came out the year following The Dead Milkmen album mentioned above.

“Yr Hallway” by Youngstrr Joey

In the spirit of Wild Wednesday, we jump ahead about 30 years for this track from Glascow based – experimental musician, Youngstrr Joey from his album Grilled Wiig. And, yes all of those words are spelled as intended.

“Feels So Right” by Discount Ravioli

The debut from Discount Ravioli (Robin Schultz and the 21 Prayers) is a gift that keeps on giving. This is a favorite of mine from that album. The combo has just released yet another record (Ermilaw EP).  I guess it keeps the kids off the street. 😉

“Dirty Cop” by Ricca Vita

Ricca Vita is an eclectic electronica project of Timothy Joe Ryssemus who co-produced the new Zachariah Red album, and who also has the best hair in Nashville. This EP is available on Noisetrade where it is currently “New and Notable”.  Recommended to spice up your music collection.  

“Laundromat Song” by The Dead Milkmen

Wild!  Two songs from Big Lizard in My Backyard.  One of the coolest things garnered from posting this album is that I now follow Rodney Anonymous on Twitter, and his tweets are awesome.  I hope somebody on the new WXNA plays “Bitchin’ Camaro” (I will if no one else will), because back in the day on the old WRVU, I must have heard that song a couple hundred times.

“Nothin'” by Townes Van Zandt

We finally wrap up the early live recording of Townes Van Zandt with this song which I like a bunch.

“B.N.G.F.K.R.” by Smokey the Firebear

Six minutes of noise via the title track from Smokey the Firebear’s noisy album.  To bad, I couldn’t add this to the video playlist. 

“Clickin'” by Whistlin’ Britches

Proving that noise is not limited to teenagers from Connecticut – this mouth noise track comes to us via Music Maker Relief Foundation. Haskel Thompson (known as Whistlin’ Britches) passed away in 2011, and Music Maker Relief Foundation helped him to spread his unbridled joy with the world. 

“Out” by Mouth Reader

This final track from Mouth Reader’s Hands EP has been hanging out in our playlist for several months. You may or may not recall that the EP was released on Record Store Day as a limited edition Playable pop-up book. Mouth Reader are from Murfreesboro, TN.

“Weather Report Suite”  by Lena Horne

I actually may need some help with this one.  This was an unlisted track on my friend Ronnie’s annual mix CD.  According to Amazon Firefly, the track is as listed above.  I could not find this recording on You Tube, and my quick research created a bit of mystery for me.  The Grateful Dead have a 12 minute, 3-part song called Weather Report Suite, however, this track appears to be a cover of another Dead song called Franklin’s Tower.  I hope either Ronnie or one of the Grateful Dead fans I know will shed some light.   Anyway, the track is awesome.  I did find it on Amazon (UK) and it is titled as above and playing a sample proves it to be song I have.  Either way, Lena Horne covering the Grateful Dead is a pretty darn cool thing. Since, I could not find a video of this, I posted Lena Horne doing “Stormy Weather” which is cool, but still not this… 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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


Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – White Light Had It Mix

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Exciting day yesterday as the #E2TG Facebook Page barreled over 400 Likes on our way to 500!  Welcome all the new “likers”.  To get in on the party, click the clink above and give us a “Like”.

Let’s get  to today’s shuffle….

“White Light/White Heat” by The Velvet Underground

The repetition, the distortion, the power… The Velvet Underground were so far out in front that most people still haven’t caught up.  The title track from the band’s second album – the last with John Cale.

“Smoke” by Ilana J

Ilana J is a pop songwriter from Britain. Her current album Freefalling from the Ground Up was released last month.  This song is light, airy, and extremely catchy.

“Genie Versus Genie” by Clouseaux

When I attended the surf rock show featuring Crazy Aces and The Mystery Men, I picked up an instrumental rock zine that included a compilation CD.  From that record, comes a groovy track by this band from Houston.  I don’t know much about the band, but I really dig this tune.

“Hurricane Wind” by Carl Anderson

Another from Carl Anderson’s awesome record, Risk of Loss.  Coming to the Nashville scene by way of Charlottesville, VA, Anderson has found his place among the incredible wellspring of talent bubbling up out of East Nashville of late.  Risk of Loss remains in my heretofore hypothetical best of list for 2015.

“girl” by valued customer

The final song on Byugecup (The Huge Cup B-Sides). The song clocks in at over 9 minutes and manages to encompass much of what it is that makes Valued Customer so awesome.  I kind of said a whole bunch the last post I made about VC, so I will just end this post by saying: Valued Customer is good – really good.

“Cuckoo Song” by Townes Van Zandt

A while back, I grabbed a download of a Townes Van Zandt performance 1973 recorded at a coffee shop in Minneapolis…

“Marquee Man” by Pony Boy

Pony Boy was an L.A. singer/songwriter when Ear to the Ground first caught up with her about three years ago.  She has since moved to Nashillve and she just released her latest albun, Blue Gold on Cosmic Thug Records. The album was produced by the superduo of Adam Landry and Justin Collins. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Lock the Door and Unplug the Phone Mix

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Be sure to check out my review of Drew Kohl’s new EP, Sweetheart.

When I hit shuffle this morning, there were 985 songs in my active playlist. Based upon statistical averages, the number of combinations for the first 10 songs to come up in a random shuffle of those songs, is… well, I don’t know, but it’s probably a pretty big number.  And yet, on any given shuffle, only one combination actually did come up, and here it is…

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The recently reformed Memphis/Nashville band with a song from their self-titled album from back in the day. 

“Everything Blue” by Kansas Bible Company

Nashville via Goshen, IN horn-based rock and roll 12-piece with a song from their Dad’s Day EP.

“Sugah Daddy” by D’Angelo and The Vanguard

From the album Black Messiah… D’Angelo always makes my shuffles better.

“I Missed the Point” by Neko Case

From her third album, Black Listed… 

“Out the Door” by Hoodoo Gurus

From Blow Your Cool!  I don’t listen to Hoodoo Gurus as much as I used to, but every time I do listen, I am reminded again why they are one of my all-time favorite bands.

“I’ve Wasted My Time Getting Wasted” by Reckless Johnny Wales

Reckless Johnny Wales had probably forgotten more about Nashville music than most people ever knew.  He is larger than life – and in a previously incarnation he was a Music Row Executive who is a CMA Founding President’s award winner and who discovered and signed Faith Hill. In retirement, he reinvented him self as a folk/roots legend. Reckless Johnny has a new album coming out soon, and this is the first taste of it, but it definitely will not be the last.  Having met Reckless Johnny and heard some of his stories, I tend to believe that he writes from experience.

“No One’s Home” by  Gear Daddies

The Gear Daddies capture a period in my life almost as if they were watching me… I remember – in the days before cell phones and constant internet connections – being lonely and filled with ennui as only a young twenty-something can be… and choosing to combat my loneliness by unplugging my phone to further isolate myself from the world. It made sense at the time. Anyway, this song brings me back to those days.

“Handsome” by The Vaccines

For some reason, I always think The Vaccines are an old band from like the 70s or something. I don’t know why and it’s not really relevant. Anyway, I always like a shot of rock and roll added into my shuffles.  Handsome is the lead single from the brand new album by The Vaccines  which is titled English Graffiti. I like the song quite a bit.

“Where I Lead Me” by Townes Van Zandt

Taken from a 1973 live recording which I downloaded on the late singer-songwriter’s birthday.  This is a song from Van Zandt’s 1971 fourth album, Delta Momma Blues.

“The One I’m Still Thinking About” by Darrell Scott

We close things out today with a song written by the late Ben Bullington.  Darrell Scott’s latest album ’10’ features the songs of Bullington who was a country doctor and a songwriter who passed away from cancer a couple of years ago.  I was fortunate enough to attend a CD Release party which featured an all-star cast and which was a celebration of songs – Ben Bullington’s songs and the songs of the various performers – all songs Bullington would have loved.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – A Czech at the Blue Line Mix

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I saw a remarkable show at City Winery – Nashville last night.  It was a CD Release show for Darrell Scott’s new album which features the songs of the late Ben Bullington.  You can read my review on No Depression here.

On to the shuffle….

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“In Between Drinks” by Tim Carroll

My visual interpretation of the awesome song that I get to hear at least once just about every week.

 

“An Arrow in the Gale” by Magnolia Electric Co.

From the 2009 album Josephine.  Jason Molina is very much missed in this world.

“Hit Somebody (The Hockey Song)” by Warren Zevon

A song about the importance of knowing your role and waiting for the right opportunity to rise above it. Or something like that… It’s Warren Zevon singing about hockey! What else do you want?

“Sleeping Bag” by Patrick Sweany

Patrick Sweany filled in for Tim Carroll a few weeks back for the Rock and Roll Happy Hour, and he did a mighty fine job.  This is an awesome song from his 2011 album, That Old Southern Drag.  Sweany is from Ohio but now resides in East Nashville.  He was worked with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys among many others.

“Saint Valentine” by Gregory Alan Isakov

The South African born, American singer-songwriter with a song from his 2013 album The Weatherman.  This came off of a Noisetrade Bonnaroo sampler.

“Glacial Flood” by the transcendents

There is a reason I still check out as much of the music that comes through my e-mail as I can…  This band from New Zealand has rapidly become one of my favorites simply because their songs and music is so amazing.  They seem like descent people, too, and it will be good to know some people if I ever wake up and find myself in New Zealand…

“Love/H8” by The Danbury Lie

Interestingly, I have been reading a book written by someone named Dan Burylie.  I have no idea if the book is connected to this #E2TG favorite, but the cover of the book and the cover of the album (Choose Your Delusion) are identical.  So if the two works are not related there may be a lawsuit in the future…  come to think of it, the title is similar, too… hmm… 

Choose Your Delusion: Stream-of-Consciousness Ramblings from the Mind of Dan Burylie
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“Argosvinis Moni” by Imam Baildi

Also from that Noisetrade Bonnaroo sampler.  This is a band from Athens… such a great history of music from  Athens –  B52s, R.E.M…. oh wait, this band is from Athens, Greece.  Never mind.  Anyway, it some cool exotic sounding music to expand your musical vocabulary.

“Roberta Sparrow” by Grumsling

From the EP, A Church, On a Boat, In the Sea.  This highly creative Oakland, California band has captured my attention in short order.  I highly recommend the Philosophy of Time Travel if you want to know where the title of this song came from…

“Tying Ten Knots in the Devils Tail” by Townes Van Zandt

I kind of sort of think that maybe I featured this song before, but it may have been on one of my Facebook posting sprees… which you would know about if you “Liked” by Facebook page (link at the top of this entry).. hint, hint…  either way, it is Townes Van Zandt so even if this is a repost, you know what?  I don’t care… the song was written by Gail Gardner.

“Belly of the Beast” by Holy Sheboygan!

I had the wonderful opportunity to see Wisconsin based Holy Sheboygan! last month when they brought their little bus and inventive, upbeat music to Nashville.    They brought everything but the kitchen sink to the stage of Foobar… and it was kind of dark, so I’m not completely sure that there wasn’t a kitchen sink.. Cameron Carrus who plays bass for Darrin Bradbury and Tim Carroll among others is a long time member of this band. 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Lost Cause Mix

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A great week of live music continued last night: the count: Darrin Bradbury with Aaron Lee Tasjan and Cameron Carrus backing him up, Carl Anderson, and Holy Sheboygan (an awesome band from Wisconsin) all at Foobar.  Then, Tim Carroll and Luella Wood  and a solo Darrin Bradbury set at Fran’s Eastside.

“Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold” by Townes Van Zandt

Always a good sign when the shuffle begins with a Townes Van Zandt song.  A 1973 live version of the song on High, Low and In Between.

“My Old Friend the Blues” by Steve Earle

An even better sign when that Townes song is followed up with some classic Steve Earle from Guitar Town.

“Magnet” by Tom Schreck

The positive signs continue with a track from Nashville Outsider, Tom Schreck’s album Save Your Glory.  I had the privilege of attending the Bob Dylan concert with Mr. Schreck.  I enjoy getting to know songwriters I  love to gain some insight into where their songs come from… without asking the dreaded, “Where do you get your ideas?” question.

“Marionette” by Soul Asylum

I’ve probably slam-danced alone to Hang Time than I have to about any other album.  And yes, I have been known to slam-dance alone….  I still maintain that Soul Asylum really hit the perfect mix between punk and pop with this record.  Not necessarily what is called Punk Pop or Pop Punk, but very effective.

“Fools in Love” by Joe Jackson

Look Sharp!  There are so many great songs on this album…

“Bye Bye Baby” by Social Distortion

From Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell.  Social Distortion are or will be touring for the 25 anniversary of their self-titled third album. This album was released two years later, so maybe we can expect another anniversary tour in 2017.

“Bob Dylan Wrote Propaganda Songs” by Minutemen

From What Makes a Man Start Fires?  A testament to the incredible career of Bob Dylan.  When this album was released 32 years ago, Dylan was already a legendary performer. Dylan released his twenty second album, Infidels, that same year. Thirty two years later, Dylan is still building on that legendary status. Also, I think having the proper context of my musical tastes requires that you know that Minutemen were and are one of my all time favorite bands.

“Like a Whore” by Broken Guru

Broken Guru are an alternative/punk trio from New York. Their debut album, Bent Up Halo, was released two days ago. 

“Lost Cause” (Beck cover) by Max Jury

Max Jury is a singer-songwriter from Iowa.  His first single, called Home is out.  This Beck cover came to me via a Noisetrade SXSW Mixtape.  Looking forward to hearing more from Max Jury.

“Religionism” by The Great Game

Another song from the New World Music of The Great Game who originate from several locations in Europe.  Their highly original self-titled album is available for  download on the band’s website.

“Pictures from Vacation in Tuscany” by Burning Bridges

Every Thursday, we like to Throwback to hear some pre-history music from one of the #E2TG favorite artists.  Actually, not every Thursday nor exclusively on Thursday, but whenever a song comes up in our shuffle.  Burning Bridges is a early band from the founder of The Danbury Lie.

“I Know What I Know” by Paul Simon

And we close out the day with more music from Graceland. Who am I to blow against the wind.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Later Than You Think Mix

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You know the Nashville Conundrum I mentioned a couple of weeks ago?  Well the is a addendum to that conundrum (or something like that).. that is… there are amazing things happening every single night of the week, and (especially if you work a day job), there are nights that you just have to stay in to recharge, refresh, and do some of your own work…  Last night was one of those nights, and yes, I missed some amazing things happening around town, but I am glad that I stayed in, and I got something accomplished…

Case in point, I added a couple of things to my Soundcloud… bits and pieces from my novel-in-progress which you can check out… (there may be some NSFW language/themes, depending where or if you work…)

On to the shuffle:

“Love You Till Friday” by The Replacements

#E2TG Rule # 15*: Any shuffle that begins with a Replacement’s song is a good shuffle.   *I decided to start making up random rules so that when being a Earie (as in Trekkie) becomes a thing, someone can compile them all… you know like the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition.  I may make a language, too. Who knows…  But, yeah, this is from Sorry Ma… and cheers to those seeing the ‘Mats in Chicago tonight.

“Episode in a Town” by Jeremy Gluck/Robert Coyne

After a brief respite, Jeremy Gluck returns to the shuffle with song from his album Memory Deluxe: I Knew Buffalo Bill 2.  This is a reprise of a song on the original I Knew Buffalo Bill album which was released in 1987.  The album featured the late Nikki Sudden and his brother, the late Epic Soundtracks (both of Swell Maps), along with the late Jeffrey Lee Pierce (Gun Club).  Gluck was a founding member of the Barracudas, and he is very actively making a bunch of music with different projects… and I’m sure he will work any factual missteps I made in the above blurb.  I also found out that he lives very close to long-time #E2TG favorite Tipi Valley.  This is a truly great song, by the way.

“Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think)” by Guy Lombardo and his Orchestra

Some timely advise from the late, great bandleader… Man oh man, what a great song.

“Waves” by Bahamas

From the Noisetrade Bonnaroo Mixtape.  Bahamas is Afie Jurvanen a musician from Toronto. If you know anything at all about Bahamas, then you know more than I do… This was (I think) my first exposure to his music, and I kind of dig it.

“Molly and Ten Brooks” by Townes Van Zandt

#E2TG Rule #28: Any shuffle with Townes Van Zandt is a good shuffle. Rule #28.1: If that Townes song happens to be a cover of a song that  Bill Monroe  recorded… well, that is just fine. On this live recording, Townes refers to this as a Bill Monroe song, but it is actually a traditional song from the 19th Century… but Townes didn’t have Wikipedia in 1973 when he said it… so…

“The Bulrushes” by Richard Barone

The opening song from Barone’s Cool Blue Halo.  This song originally recorded by his old band, The Bongos, serves as a gorgeous jumping off point for this extraordinary live album.

“Thinkin’ Bout Chicago” by Rich Robbins (Produced by Nate France)

When we last caught up with Rich Robbins, he was going by Christian Robins.  He released an album called Nimbus.  Robbins was born in Chicago, raised in Philly, and moved back to Chicago for high school.  He is currently attending the University of Wisconsin in Madison which is how I first got introduced to him (Robbins studied under a friend of mine from my hometown). I have really digging his music from day one, and it is good to hear the lyrical and musical evolution which has occurred since then.

“Tell Her Lies and Feed Her Candy” by The Sadies

Our second Toronto-based artist/band in the shuffle.  This is a cover of a Porter Wagoner song.

“Little Rock and Roller” by Steve Earle

This song from the classic Guitar Town album makes me think of some of my musician friends who balance raising kids with life on the road.  A touching and heartbreaking song.

“The Landlocked Surfer” by Steelism

Another steel guitar driven, surf, instrumental track from 615 to Fame, Steelism will be playing the still brand new Basement East on Saturday.

“Twenty First Century Believer” by The Naddiks

Another song from 21CB, by The Naddiks from Canberra.  I’ve been enjoying the hell out of this album.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – A Rusted Fork in the Road Mix

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A modest proposal to deal with the problem of people talking during music performances: Just let John Moreland play.  I saw John Moreland play twice last night. The first was at Music City Roots where he wowed an audience mostly unfamiliar with his music.  Later, he played a full headlining set at The 5 Spot in East Nashville in front of a packed house.  The minute John Moreland began to play, the crowd (a bar crowd after 11:00pm) fell silent almost immediately.  A friend of mine asked what it was about his music that had that effect.  In the moment, the only words that came to me were the emotional vulnerability of his songs.  I don’t know if that is the answer.  But, it got me thinking about vulnerability, and how our society sees it as a weakness, but how in the hands of someone like John Moreland – it can be such a powerful thing.

“Heima” by Hildur Gudnadottir

Hildur Gudnadottir is a cellist and composer currently based out of Berlin.  This stunning composition comes from a Noisetrade Sampler from the recent Big Ears Festival which took place in Knoxville, Tennessee.  Quite an impressive line-up at that festival.

“Buddy” by The Western Shore

One of my favorite songs from the Thunderstorm album.  I saw The Western Shore Monday night, and they are preparing to hit the road for a short tour which includes a couple of West Coast dates with Nikki Lane.

“Breathe” by Maria McKee

Another track from Maria McKee’s self-titled debut solo album.  McKee was named among the “Top 10 Female Artists You Really Should Know” in a recent article – she was included with other great artists like Kate Bush, Alison Moyet, and Nina Hagen among others. Well deserved.

“Revelation (The Final Book)” by Jeremiah Tall

In a short time, I’ve come to really dig this guy’s music.  It’s available on Noisetrade, you should really check it out.  (Free – but donate if you can, and definitely share to spread the word).

“Tying Ten Knots in the Devil’s Tail” by Townes Van Zandt

A classic western poem/song performed by the legendary Townes Van Zandt from a 1973 live recording.

“The Difference” by Dan Coyle

From Perfect Word, Perfect Beat comes this song with a great doo-wop sound. 

“Sharp Feathers” by Telepathic Teddy Bear

From the album Forgiveness…  Telepathic Teddy Bear writes great songs and produces great sounding records. 

“Don’t Make Nothin’ in the USA” by Tim Carroll

The lead track and one of my favorite songs on the new Tim Carroll album, Pure As Coal.  A ton of my East Nashville friends are featured in the video including Kalee Smyth from The Western Shore who we heard from earlier in the shuffle.  I was at The 5 Spot when the live performance portions of the video were recorded. 

“Napoleon” by Scott Miller

Scott Miller was one of the performers at Music City Roots last night, and he was fantastic.  He was previously a member of the seminal Knoxville band The V-Roys.  This song comes from a compilation album called Bubbapalooza Vol. 1: Chronicle of the Redneck Underground – which also included Southern Culture on the Skids and others. 

“Plight of Imemine” by Broken Guru

Broken Guru are an Alternative Rock band from New York City. Their debut album, Bent Up Halo is scheduled to be released on April 28.  You can currently stream five of the songs from that album on their Bandcamp page.

“I Want the One I Can’t Have” by The Smiths

We close out today’s shuffle with a track from The Smiths’ second album, Meat is Murder.  Any shuffle that includes The Smiths and Townes Van Zandt can’t be bad…

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Sunburn at Night Mix

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It is Tuesday.  A bit tired today after a night of great music. The Nashville Conundrum was in full effect, but one thing I didn’t say yesterday, is that I’ve learned that it is okay to feel bad for the shows you missed – especially when it means missing the show of a friend, but in the end, when you’ve made your choice, you should expend more energy appreciating the show you did see than you do regretting the show(s) you missed.  Life is kind of like that, too, I think.

 “Walter Mitty” by Cletus Kennelly and Lori Kelley

Cletus and Lori were a popular duo in the Greater Washington D.C. area over the last decade.  In 2014, Lori Kelley decided to move to Nashville to pursue a solo career, and I have been fortunate enough to hear some of her great music.  Recently Cletus Kennelly came through Nashville, and I had the rare treat of seeing them perform together.  I also got hold of their 2005 album Lotus, and I have been digging it tons.  “Walter Mitty” is a track from that album.  In the video playlist, we have the duo’s cover of “America” by another duo – Simon and Garfunkel.

“When a Car Becomes a House” by Darrin Bradbury

The title track from Darrin Bradbury’s most recent collection of demos. This song is about the time that he lived out of his car.  Stay tuned for news of his new record. I have had the pleasure of hearing the final mixes, and it is going to be amazing.

“Back Inside the Shell” by Artur U and the New City Limits

Relatively new #E2TG favorites, Artur U and the New City Limits are from Finland, and this song is from their relatively new album, Holiday from Eternity.  This is some innovative music with elements of Rock, Pop, and Alternative.

“Hymn” by Tom Schreck

A gorgeous song from Schreck’s incredible album Save Your Glory.  He calls himself the Nashville Outsider, but dammit Nashville! Let him in!

“Maggots and Flies” by Dead in 5

Sometimes, I wonder if my quest for diversity in the music I feature serves to bring a diverse audience or to drive people away.  It doesn’t really matter, I guess.  I am what I am, and Ear to the Ground is what it is.  There is no logical way to explain following up a gorgeous song like “Hymn” with a song called “Maggots and Flies” – except to say that it is a great big weird wild world, and I have a variety of interests and who is to say that the world always makes sense, and so why should my shuffles always make sense… Dead in 5 are from Detroit, and they rock… hard.  Check them out, if you dare.

“Black Pony” by The Wans

The Wans are a hard rocking, Nashville garage band who I have been hearing about.  This song is from the Noisetrade SXSW mixtape, and it was featured in a commercial for BMW – as all good aggressive, garage rocks songs should be.

“Dance With Me” by The Danbury Lie

I have two The Danbury Lie albums in my current playlist.  This is from Scattered Moments of Connection – the oldest of two albums (by about two months).  Fun fact:  two of the artists in today’s shuffle first came to my attention directly as a result of my writing about Don Ryan back in late 2012 or so.  Today is Don’s birthday, so it seems appropriate to have music from The Danbury Lie and Darrin Bradbury in the shuffle.

“A Farm Named Froo” by John Hamilton

This is the theme song to the 1970s film Come On Children which I mentioned the other day.  The song composed by John Hamilton, one of the young “stars” of the film introduces the cast.  The film is an interesting view into a particular moment in time and a particular group of young people.  As I said before, it’s kind of a representation of what “reality” television could be in some alternate reality (early 1970s Canada) where a group of teens could be transported to a farm (name Froo) and left to their own devices and vices with just a camera crew to document.  Short of major drama, the film nonetheless is fascinating to watch.  It’s available through the Criterion Collection.

“Born in the U.S.A.” by Amanda Shires and Jason Isbell

If anyone was still confused about the meaning of Bruce Springsteen’s song (how many times have you heard it played at a 4th of July celebration). This devastatingly beautiful version by Amanda Shires and Jason Isbell leaves very little room for misinterpretation.  From the Dead Man’s Town – Springsteen Tribute record. 

“Keep Yourself Alive” by Queen

The first single off the very first Queen album.  Because sometimes you need a little 70s arena rock in your life.

“The Ballad of Ira Hayes” by Townes Van Zandt

Van Zandt’s cover of a folk classic written by Peter La Farge.  The song has been covered by among others: Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Kinky Friedman, and Pete Seeger.

“Ghost of the Road” by Guadalcanal Diary

We close out today’s shuffle with a song from the album, Walking in the Shadow of the Big Man, by Georgia band, Guadalcanal Diary.

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – No, All! Mix

Back in the shuffle business after an absolutely incredible weekend at the 2nd Annual Safety Harbor SongFest.  Expect more detailed and official reports once I have fully recovered, but for now, let me just say I had a blast at this well-organized, artistically uplifting event and enjoyed some gorgeous weather.  Despite my peeling nose and flight delay coming home, I can strongly recommend fans and musicians alike check out this still relatively new festival.

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“Heart Beats” by Hey Marseilles

From Lines We Trace. Hey Marseilles are an indie/chamber pop band from Seattle. Contrary to what some may tell you, there are no fiddles in the band.

“Kiss Me When I Get Back” by Tom Tom Club

From Boom Boom Chi Boom Boom. Chris, Tina, and company add some funky grooves to the morning shuffle.

“Can’t Seem to Make You Mine” by Alex Chilton

Taken from the Alex Chilton compilation 19 Years… This is a cover of the 1965 single by the American garage band, The Seeds.

“Crazy Love, Vol. II” by Paul Simon

From Graceland. I have no opinion about that….

“Conquistador” by Love Tractor

 The instrumental rock band that was instrumental in the creating the vibrant Athens, Georgia music scene that spawned so many great bands.  This is from their 2014 comeback album Dear Aliens.

“No, All!” by Descendents

From the album All.  This follow up to the 1 second lead and title track expands on the theme stretching out to a full 2 seconds allows the band to really explore the overarching philosophy of “to not settle for some but to always go for All.”  Melodically simple (as I suppose a 2 second song is bound to be), the music nevertheless conveys a deep insight into the band’s influences from the punk and post punk era. The lyrics, “No, All!” while seeming self-explanatory bear repeated reading in order to fully comprehend the intricate nuances.  When Milo Aukerman left the Descendents, the remaining members formed a band named All which I got to see live sometime in 1991 or 1992.  It was a good show. 

“2013” by Mothers

From Panamanian Times.  Another cool track from the Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen band Mothers from their most recent album Panamanian Times.  Some good vibey punk rock and a nice palate cleanser from the spicy Descendents’ track.  Not so much fond of the year, but I love the song, “2013”.

“Cusp” by Forebear

Cinematic L.A. Progressive Folk band Forebear return to the shuffle with another track from their self-titled EP. 

“Killing What’s Left of Me” by Dead in 5

Dead in 5 bring some Detroit Hard Rock and outlaw attitude to the morning shuffle. It was a perfect bit of raw power to drive me forward toward work after a long and enjoyable weekend.  The album is called Schizophrenic Razor Project.  The graphics are awesome and the music delivers on the promise of the visual images…. CRACK!

“Trudy and Dave” by John Hiatt

From Slow Turning.  After the raw energy of Dead in 5, I really needed to come down a bit before I faced my workplace.  Who knows, I might have punched someone… not really, but I might have thought about it.  A great song from one of my all time favorite artists.

“Talking Thunderbird Blues”  by Townes Van Zandt

Taken from a 1973 live recording…  What a better way to get ready to solve the whole world’s problems (or at least my tiny corner of the world) then to listen to a song about drinking Thunderbird wine for the very first time… 

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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