#emisunshine and the rain

[northcountrysounds]

Top Albums of 2023

Usually I try to get my end of year lists out in the first week of January, but this one is a little late. I kept meaning to, but other things just kept coming up and before you know it, it's 2 weeks in to the new year. Below are my top 15 albums from 2023, and I will be posting my favorite EP's and songs from the past year in the following days.

15. Bloodline - Moments 14. Tommy Prine - This Far South 13. The Sweet Lillies - Equality 12. Jeffrey M. Kelly - Deer Running Aimless 11. Sammy Brue - Nocturnal Country

10. Gabe Lee- Drink The River

9. Damien Jurado - Motorcycle Madness

8. Alexz Johnson - Seasons

7. Damien Jurado - Sometimes You Hurt the Ones You Hate

6. Aly & AJ - With Love From

5. Skarlett Woods - Letters to the West

4. EmiSunshine and the Rain - Sideshow

3. Cat Clyde - Down Rounder

2. William Prince - Stand in the Joy

1. Dean Johnson - Nothing for Me, Please

[musiconspotify]

#EmiSunshine and the Rain - The Boy I Never Loved

[nashmusicguide]

Blue Grass/Folk Sensation Emi Sunshine Releases "Crimson Moon"

Blue Grass/Folk Sensation Emi Sunshine Releases “Crimson Moon”

The gifted and talented Emi Sunshine recently released her latest single “Crimson Moon,” based on the famed bar in Georgia, along with her 6th studio album “Family Wars.” The album is her most personal project to date – covering domestic violence, dysfunctional families, political corruption, mass murder, love, and freedom.

EmiSunshine and The Rain – FAMILY WARS Photograph/Design by Alan…

[romanlightman001]

EmiSunshine & The Rain "There's Got To Be More"

[jillwener]

Zen and the Art of New Orleans Jazz Fest (or, Everything I Needed to Learn About Life, I Learned at Jazz Fest)

Jazz Fest in New Orleans. It’s my favorite place in the world, the highlight of my year. It’s not exactly what people think of when they think of spirituality, though. This year I brought a new friend with me, and I was telling someone, after the fact, that she was such a great Jazz Fest companion because not only was she awesome, but she was able to take care of herself so well. That prompted them to ask me: “what on earth happens there that she needs to take care of herself? Isn’t it supposed to be fun?”.

For you Princess Bride fans out there, Jazz Fest is like the fire swamp.

For you Princess Bride fans out there, Jazz Fest is like the fire swamp. Sure, there are obstacles, but once you figure them out (where to find air conditioning, how to find real toilets instead of porta-potties), you can live there quite happily for some time. Here are the top 9 life lessons I have learned at Jazz Fest:

1.     Don’t judge a book by its cover. Everyone always says, ‘Oh, it sounds fun, but I’m not a big jazz fan’, or they are intimidated by it, like it’s this hoity toity jazz music festival. Guess what: it’s not! It’s actually called the Jazz and Heritage Festival. There are over 10 stages, all with different types of music. (There is a whole tent dedicated to Jazz, but I haven’t been to it in the past few years.)

This year, I tried the Soft Shell Crap po-boy, and I don’t know how I ever lived without it. I actually get teary eyed when I think about how long I have to wait until I eat one again.

2.     Don’t cling to the ever-repeating known. So, at Jazz Fest, they have the same food vendors every year. People, including myself, really tend to stick with their favorites year after year. For me, it used to be Crawfish Monica. Then I was introduced to Crawfish Bread. Then one year I decided to try the Cochon de Lait po-boys (when I still ate pork). This year, I tried the Soft Shell Crap po-boy, and I don’t know how I ever lived without it. I actually get teary eyed when I think about how long I have to wait until I eat one again. The thing is, though, my mind is blown almost every single time I try something new. And if it’s not? $6-10 later, I’m trying something else new and delicious.

3.     Let go of expectations. There are times when the headliners that I was really excited to see just aren’t that good (sadly, Beck), or maybe they are really really bad (sadly, Van Morrison). Maybe the festival atmosphere doesn’t really suit them, or maybe they are past their prime. Or maybe I was just not in the mood. The REAL juicy bits of Jazz Fest aren’t in the headliners. They are in the acts you aren’t expecting. The 13 year old with the astounding voice and insane talent you hear at the small stage (EmiSunshine), or the married R&B duo backed by a rock band that BLOW YOUR MIND with their power, enthusiasm, and haunting voices (The War and Treaty). Some of my favorite bands of all time are bands I ‘discovered’ over the years while walking by their stage on my way somewhere else (Trombone Shorty, The Revivalists).

4.     Life is not always gonna be easy. Jazz Fest can be tough. It can get hot, humid and crowded. There are long lines for the bathroom. There are emotional highs and lows, just like in life. Staying in the present moment, and taking care of yourself when needed with food, A/C, nice bathrooms, and water, is the best way to ensure your Jazz Fest longevity. Self-care, New Orleans-style.

Pure class: When the sun starts to go down (or if it is super cloudy), I’ll cautiously have a drink or two. But my fun times NEVER depend on it.

5.     Trust your intuition. Know yourself. I used to drink quite a bit in my day, and I still enjoy adult beverages in much more moderation, but I know I can’t drink in the hot sun. I have never been able to. I’ll dehydrate faster than a Georgia Peach on asphalt in the middle of summer, I’ll feel like crap, and I’ll be no fun at all. So, I drink tons and tons of water all day, and when the sun starts to go down (or if it is super cloudy), I’ll cautiously have a drink or two. But my fun times NEVER depend on it.

6.     Human nature is innately good. Jazz Fest is a happy place. There are black people, white people, old people, young people, and everyone in between. Go to a stage when Al Green is playing, and you’ll see all types of people dancing together. Never have I once seen any violence, or any fighting. There is no douchebaggery, and even the ‘bros’ behave themselves.

7.     Take the road less traveled. Some of the best parts of Jazz Fest are outside the festival grounds, away from the main entrance. People dancing in the streets outside the Fairgrounds, cooking out, less-polished (but no less amazing) brass bands playing in the street, and super cute ladies selling homemade 7-up Cake, sweet potato pies, and maple glazed pound cake.

8.     Moments of pure bliss are everywhere. When the sun starts to go down, or in the middle of a huge rain storm when people are dancing in the mud, or when a second line marches by and everyone stops what they are doing to watch and dance, or when a performer really electrifies the crowd… that’s the magic of Jazz Fest. Letting it all go, and seeing what is already there.

9.     Everything is better with a brass band. No explanation needed.

Let’s find the spiritual in the midst of chaos. Who’s with me?

 If you are looking to get your bliss on, or if you want some guidance on finding the beauty in the struggle, BEFORE next year's Jazz Fest, come learn more about Conscious Health Meditation! 

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from Conscious Health Meditation | Vedic Meditation | Blog | Stress Reduction | Wellness | Jill Wener, MD http://www.jillwener.com/blog/zen-and-the-art-of-new-orleans-jazz-fest-or-everything-i-needed-to-learn-about-life-i-learned-at-jazz-fest

[riverphilosopher]

EmiSunshine and The Rain: "Crimson Moon" Live 3/31/19 Indianapolis, IN

[jamieroxx]

So last night, we had to duck out a little early of the Art Opening we were at because we had to get back home to catch EmiSunshine and the Rain on NBC's Little Big Shots TV showcase. It was her 2nd appearance on program. But very exciting. They Killed It! We've been friends with Emi and her family for a few years now. and it is so fantastic to see their continued success. We just love Emi and her whole family, they are awesome. So talented! I mean Whoa! So folks when they come through your town or area, you gotta check them out. Always an Amazing Show! Here is a video that someone recorded off the TV from last night's appearance. SO GOOD! Check it out:

[huntergreenbro]

“There’s an upcoming benefit concert going on at Kenlake State Resort Park, for Marshall County high school and you’re invited. The event is June 3 from 2 to 6 PM and will be a free event with $5 parking. Of course, Donations are suggested. Plus you may make paypal donations to tjschott@bellsouth.net The concert is a benefit for the victims from the recent shooting tragedy and their parents. When Music extraordinaire EmiSunshine and The Rain found out about the tragedy at Marshall County High School and that Bailey Holt was a fan, they immediately wanted to help. Host of the event, Tami Miller Schott as Emi fondly calls “Mammy-Tami” stated that “Knowing that I was a home girl, they contacted me to try and get this to happen. This event is really taking shape, with food vendors, local talent, 3 bands, disc jockey, and the chance to win great prizes”. Be sure and Contact officials if you have an idea or donation or want to get involved. As Emi Sunshine said, “We can't wait to see everyone there and Thank you, kindly.” !!!! Lol June 3rd from 2-6:pm at Kenlake State Resort Park. We’ll see ya there. 👌😊🌹 (at Kenlake State Resort Park)

[ordinaryhouseholdtoaster]

30 Day Song Challenge [Super, Spooky, Double Down, Tumblr Edition]

For the past 30 days, I’ve been doing this silly “30 Day Song Challenge” thing on the Twitter and, as is so often the case with this sort of nonsense, two days after almost every single selection, I suddenly think of a song that better fits the criteria and I curse at the sky, howling and pounding my fists into the ground until the tarmac is cracked and dented and my hands are bloody and raw.

So, here’s my Super, Spooky, Double Down, Tumblr Edition© of the 30 Day Song Challenge. Some days have one entry... and some days have two entities... and there ain’t a damn thing you can do about it.

#1: A Song You Like With A Colour In The Title

The 5.6.7.8's - I’m Blue They Might Be Giants - Purple Toupee

#2: A Song You Like With A Number In The Title

Mike Doughty - 27 Jennifers Stevie Nicks - Edge Of Seventeen

#3: A Song That Reminds You Of The Summertime

Eels - Mr Es Beautiful Blues Cornershop - Brimful Of Asha (Norman Cook Mix)

#4: A Song That Reminds You Of Someone You'd Rather Forget About

Ryan Adams - To Be Young (Is to Be Sad, Is to Be High) MeWithoutYou - The Fox, The Crow And The Cookie

#5: A Song That Needs To Be Played LOUD

The Distillers - Sick of It All Iron Maiden - Hallowed Be Thy Name

#6: A Song That Makes You Want To Dance

Karla DeVito - We Are Not Alone Harry Belafonte - Jump In The Line

#7: A Song To Drive/Ride To

John Williams - Superman Theme Danny Elfman - Batman Theme

#8: A Song About Drugs Or Alcohol

Pulp - Sorted For E's & Wizz Dr Feelgood - Milk and Alcohol

#9: A Song That Makes You Happy

Alessi - Savin’ The Day B*Witched - C’est La Vie

#10: A Song That Makes You Sad

Johnny Cash - If You Could Read My Mind

#11: A Song That You Never Get Tired Of

M.I.A - Paper Planes

#12: A Song From Your Teens

OPM - Heaven Is A Halfpipe Sum 41 - Motivation

#13: One Of Your Favorite Songs From The '70s

The Who - Slip Kid Styx - Come Sail Away

#14: A Song That You Want Played At Your Funeral

They Might Be Giants - Hopeless Bleak Dispair

#15: One Of Your Favorite Pieces Of Classical Music

Erik Satie - Gymnopédie No.1

#16: A Cover Of One Of Your Favorite Songs

Harry Nilsson - Dayton, Ohio 1903 EmiSunshine And The Rain - Folsom Prison Blues

#17: The First Song That Comes On Your iPod (Shuffle Mode)

Liars - Plaster Casts Of Everything Chance The Rapper - Favorite Song (feat. Childish Gambino)

#18: A Song From The Year You Were Born

Def Leppard - Pour Some Sugar On Me Belinda Carlisle - Heaven Is A Place On Earth

#19: A Song That Makes You Think About Life   

Wilson Dixon - Life

#20: A Song That Has Many Meanings To You

Journey - Don’t Stop Believin’

#21: A Song With A Person's Name In The Title

The Pogues - Sally MacLennane April March - Stay Away From Robert Mitchum

#22: The Last Song You Heard On The Radio (Or On The TV Or In A Film)

Simon & Garfunkel - El Condor Pasa (If I Could) The Jeff Healey Band - When The Night Comes Falling From The Sky

#23: A Song You Think Everybody Should Listen To

Grace Petrie - They Shall Not Pass Frank Turner - Reasons Not To Be An Idiot

#24: A Song By A Band That You Wish Were Still Together

The Dresden Dolls - Dirty Business

#25: A Song By An Artist No Longer Living

Peter Sarstedt - Where Do You Go To (My Lovely) George Harrison - Blow Away

#26: A Song That Makes You Want To Fall In Love

Dashboard Confessional - So Impossible The Cure - Friday I’m In Love

#27: The Last Song You Had Stuck In Your Head All Day

Starship - We Built This City TLC - No Scrubs

#28: A Song By An Artist With A Voice That You Love

Randy Newman - Rider In The Rain Catatonia - Mulder And Scully

#29: A Song From Your Childhood

James Horner (Feat. Philip Glasser, Betsy Cathcart) - Somewhere Out There Randy Newman (Feat. Paul Terry) - My Name Is James

#30: A Song That Reminds You Of Yourself

Grandaddy - The Go In The Go-For-It The Statler Brothers - Flowers On Wall

[northcountrysounds]

Top 20 Albums of 2022

Well, better late than never, right? I had planned to post my favorite albums of 2022 about a week ago, a little before Christmas in fact, but the busyness of the holiday season kept me busy. So, I will be posting my top albums of the past year today, I will try to post my top EP's of 2022 tomorrow, and hopefully post my favorite songs of 2022 in the next few days as well. I listened to 284 albums this year, and have narrowed it down to these 20 as my favorites.

20. Heavy Gus - Notions 19. Becky Kapell - In It to Win It 18. Leona Naess - Brood X 17. Aria - Confession 16. Emisunshine and the Rain - Universe 15. Ryan Adams - Devolver 14. Chastity Brown - Sing to the Walls 13. Brooke Annibale - Better by Now 12. Peter Doherty & Frédéric Lo - The Fantasy Life of Poetry & Crime 11. Ryan Adams - Romeo & Juliet

10. The Cactus Blossoms - One Day

9. IV and the Strange Band - Southern Circus

8. Ryan Adams - Chris

7. Ondara - Spanish Villager No. 3

6. Zach Bryan - American Heartbreak

5. Alela Diane - Looking Glass

4. Caitlin Rose - Cazimi

3. Corey Medina & Brothers - Soak

2. Damien Jurado - Reggae Film Star

1. Hurray for the Riff Raff - Life on Earth

[musiconspotify]

EmiSunshine & The Rain Sideshow (2023) … strong songwriting …

[northcountrysounds]

Top Song of 2023

Like I said in last years post of top songs, I don't really rank them as it becomes an impossible task after a certain point. But, I figured I could make my top 5 out of this list a yearly tradition. All of these songs are great and were listened to many times over the past year by me, but these 5 stood above the rest.

Dean Johnson- Possession

William Prince- Tanqueray

EmiSunshine and the Rain- Scars and Wings

Skarlett Woods- Portland, OR

Aly & AJ- Open to Something and That Something Is You

Please note, 1 song on my list was not on Spotify, but can be found here:

Damien Jurado- Neiman Marcus

[romanlightman001]

EmiSunshine and The Rain: "Can't No Grave Hold My Body Down" Live 8/15/15

[romanlightman001]

EmiSunshine and The Rain: "Be You" Live 6/1/19 Newport, KY

[romanlightman001]

EmiSunshine and The Rain - Live at WFPK

[riverphilosopher]

EmiSunshine and The Rain: "Valerie" Live 3/31/19 Indianapolis, IN