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To me, we are in potentially hopeful and potentially perilous days. And, I feel I must offer the disclaimer that I don't always know where the line is between being careless and overly cautious. Although, there are many cases of carelessness that are blatantly obvious...
With COVID, person responsibility takes on a greater and more complex meaning. I strongly believe we could have been in much better shape, much earlier - and that although leadership or lack thereof played a big part - the largest part was in the actions of us as individuals making decisions.
Regardless of what your political beliefs - things like masks should never have become a political issue. Once the airborne nature of the virus was better understood - a strong, consistent message should have been enough. Mandates should not have even been needed - I don't think - but they became needed when people refused to follow recommendations. And where personal responsibility comes in... IF masks were meant to protect the wearer then it would have been fine (stupid but fine) for someone to make a personal decision to not wear a mask. But, since masks are meant to protect others - then it becomes part of the social contract. Unfortunately, one just need drive for a few miles down the highway to see how many people have no respect for the social contract...
So, here we are at a turning point - We have people being extremely cautious and basically still on lock-down, people who are moving back out into the world but trying to do so responsibly and safely, and we have people who are doing whatever they want - as if there was no virus. I find myself caught between the first two groups. And I know, those in the second group will likely make mistakes and unfortunately, with COVID - one mistake can be fatal for someone. But, I still struggle with where the line between group one and two should be for me. And, overall, I think we are doing fine... and then you have those in group 3.... And so, while I have feelings about some of the decisions being made by people in the 2nd group, I am withholding most of my anger toward those in the third group. Those who - despite everything - either believe the virus is a hoax or don't care about their fellow man.
We continue our recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist with songs 17-22:
17. "Can't Stop Singing the Blues" by Soo Line Loons
First up, we have the first single from the forthcoming eponymous third album from Minneapolis based Soo Line Loons. Guests on the album include Charlie Parr. I really dig this song.
18. "Things That You Do" by Working Class Hussys
Next up, we have the new single from this New Jersey band led by Ian Patrick Gentles.
19. "Kiss Me Like You Mean It" by Bikini Test Failure
Next up, we have a January single from UK band Bikini Test Failure. I have been talking to James Hill who leads Bikini Test Failure. We faced similar challenges and losses early this year, and in all our conversation, I realized I hadn't actually listened to the band's new single. So, I did, and I was very impressed. So, here it is a bit late, but right on time.
20. "Early Morning" by Rude Audio; Dan Wainwright
We first connected with London based collective Rude Audio back in 2018. This is one of two new dubs by Rude Audio and Dan Wainwright. Cool stuff.
21. "Too Far" by Brian Damage
Next up, we have the lead track from Yesterday's Slime - the debut album by this Columbus, Ohio based band led by Brian Baker (Brat Curse, DANA etc.). Great track.
22. "Raised on Rock And Roll" by Cricketbows
And from Columbus to Dayton, Ohio - we close out this segment of music with a recent single and title track from the forthcoming album by this band - who channel straight ahead rock and roll through a decidedly 21st Century filter. A great tune to take us into today's shuffle.
