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Something that has come up recently on my mind and in the things I have been reading (In ways I don't understand and certainly can't explain, I believe that when ideas or artists or whatever keep showing up in my mind and in my life, then I should stop and listen and see what I need to hear):
With the recent news, that the current administration may want to put an end to Social Security and/or Medicare, it occurred to me that this MIGHT be the catalyst for some supports of the current administration to finally reconsider that support. (I know, I may be optimistic - but hear me out). If this should come about, I was thinking about the instinct to shame those people for taking too long or for not making the decision for a less selfish reason, and how maybe, we need to fight against that instinct and instead support them in what must be a difficult decision and admission. Anyway, this was my incomplete and unexplored thought.
Then, today, I read an article where the author tried to get to an understanding of the "anti-maskers", and their reasons for their position were all the ones you have heard and would expect - a combination of conspiracy theories, anti-science bias, misguided ideas of personal freedom etc. But, one part of the article was a caution to pro-maskers not to shame the anti-maskers and how that is an ineffective tool in trying to sway someone's opinion.
What is funny, is my gut reaction to this advise is to think about the aggressive anti-maskers who spit on people who are wearing masks or who behave boorishly to merchants or others or who like to use the phrase, "F**k your feelings". And, I felt a guttural instinct to reject this advise and continue to remind these people how their actions are harming others.
Then, it occurred to me that the advise given in the article is probably sound, and not only that is very similar to my own thoughts on a different issue.
So, I don't have an answer, but I do need to stop and check out my gut-level reactions. It is not easy... if someone fails to show a modicum of respect and sensitivity to you, why shouldn't you treat them the same? But, that is a vicious cycle, and the only way to break a vicious cycle is change behavior....
Anyway, something for me to think about.. Onward!
Today, we recap the next five songs in this week's playlist - songs 9-13:
9. "Whisper Away" by Jason Molina
We start off with something I was very happy to get in my inbox a few months back - the last collection of solo studio recordings by the late great Jason Molina. I know that fans are excited about this release, and I can tell you - it sounds amazing. Molina's life was cut way to short, which makes any new material that much more sweet.
10. "A Steady Hand" by I LIKE TRAINS
Next up, we have the return of Leeds band I Like Trains to the Playlist- with the latest single ahead of their KOMPROMAT album which is due in a couple of weeks. I am digging their sound.
11. "Time to Run" by Smile
Now, this is the way E2TG is supposed to work. I write about an artist and another artist finds out about me and sends me their music, and it is so amazing. Smile is an Italian band whose sound features the kind of jangle pop I grew up listening to, and so strikes a warm spot with me. This track really stood out to me. Great stuff!
12. "Joskus mä pelkään" by Gim Kordon
Next up, we have some long-awaited new music from Helsinki-based indie rock band Gim Kordon. The title of this song means "Sometimes I Fear". The band played their first gig at a festival in 2012 which was headlined by Sonic Youth featuring Kim Gordon - whose name inspired the band name. They got to give Gordon one of their pins at the festival.
13. "Drip a Drop" by The Flat Five
And, we close things out with a supergroup from Chicago. The Flat Five features members who have and do play with artists like The Decemberists, NRBQ, JD McPherson, Neko Case, Andrew Bird, Cactus Blossoms, Mavis Staples, Brian Wilson and more). The music features out of this world vocal harmonies in a wonderful sunshiny sound. A great way to close out this segment of music.
Tomorrow the next five songs (14-18)!
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