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Over the last couple of days, there does seem to be something happening in this country. Is it the start of a change? I don't know. I am, I think, I cautious optimist. I like to see the best in situations and in people, but I also tend to question and doubt that optimism.
As I said in my long rant on Tuesday's post, I have observed that people who have been silent are beginning to speak up and speak out. These are concrete anecdotal examples - not a scientific survey. Whether is was the use of tear gas and rubber bullets on peaceful protesters and religious aid workers to clear the way for a craven photo-op, the George Floyd video tape, the many instances of unnecessary, cruel, and violent attacks by law enforcement officers on American citizens, or some combination of all of these and more, I feel like maybe a sleeping and heretofore silent majority is beginning to stir. But, Americans are fickle people. So, it is important what happens next.
While, I am aware that so-called copaganda (not sure of the spelling since it isn't a real word), being used to divert attention from the many egregious acts, I also know that in some cases, positive actions by law enforcement officers toward protesters are brave acts of defiance to a commander and chief who has blood lust. Discerning the difference is a challenge, but it is important I think to recognize and acknowledge the latter. I know there are some that oppose any mention of positive actions (the National Guard laying down their shields), officers taking a knee or walking beside protesters. But, I tend to disagree. Yes, we need to keep calling out and exposing the violent and unconstitutional actions, but I don't think it is a one or the other situation.
But, yes, I am feeling some hope. And I am happy that at least in some places the protests are growing and the violence is lessening. While I would not consider telling a Black person how to protest, I was concerned about nefarious players trying to control the narrative.
By the way, I also need to remind my readers that the COVID-19 pandemic is NOT over. In Nashville, the number of new cases is trending up, and any impact from the mass gatherings to protest may not have been shown. There seems to be a unstoppable march toward reopening, and what I have observed is my ventures out, seems to be an attitude of acting as if any danger has passed. It has not. So, be safe, wear your masks if in public, socially distance. I am as ready as anyone for things to go back to "normal", but we are not there yet, and it may be a while.
And on we go, time to review the final four songs from this week's Featured Friday Playlist (songs 23-26).
In summary, I am really proud of these weekly playlists, and I hope you are enjoying them, too. The richness and diversity of the music is something I strive for, and by trusting instinct and a process I use, I have been adding some really cool music. This new process of recapping all week has been working well for me. Time will tell if I can keep it up once I am unleashed back into the world on a regular basis, but for now... on we go!
Tomorrow, we unveil the brand new playlist (follow the Playlist on Spotify)
23. "Three-Fold" by Altar of Eris
The recently released sophomore effort by the Seattle postpunk/darkwave trio Altar of Eris is called Isolation. This is dark, murky, and raw music.24. "Stanglehold" by Atomic Bronco
Next up, we have a track from Nightflowers by the London based Atomic Bronco. Atomic Bronco was founded by Kyle Nuss - who is an electrical engineer whose past projects have included NBA arenas and the Super Bowl. He is originally from Kansas and moved to the UK to complete his Masters degree at Oxford. The music has a retro feel, but seems modern. I dig it.25. "Someday Maybe" by The Know
LA based husband and wife from their debut EP wearetheknow. The duo mix a diverse set of influences into a densely packed sound. To me it is like a five feet think, steel-plated wall of sound. Cool stuff.26. "Beer Lust" by Party Nails
Closing thingsd out with a track from the sophomore album by LA based Party Nails (Elena Belle Carroll). I am liking the groove of this song - mixing atmospheric synth sounds with a strong beat and lyrics that seem a cut above standard electronica songs.
Featured Friday Playlist
