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First of all, yes, it is okay to be impressed that I am continuing on today with all of the uncertainty in our country. Just kidding - E2TG helps keep me sane.
The only thing I know for sure is that no matter the outcome of this or any other election, we have a very difficult path ahead. There are divisions that must be healed or at least begin to be healed if this nation is going to stand.
I have read several comments from my left-leaning friends who - like me - are horrified that so many people support such an (to us) obviously incompetent, racist, xenophobic, homophobic president. While I 100% acknowledge that we as a nation have deep and engrained issues with racism and other forms of bigotry - I do also need to acknowledge that many people who are supporting the current President are doing to out of fear - real and intense fear - and I do not see a path ahead for this nation unless all of those fears are at least acknowledge and unless work is done around those fears.
I don't know how that happens. When facts and science and logic are ignored and met with disdain - I am not sure how to reach those people. I think those fears have been long-held and the Republicans have long used those fears to lure vulnerable voters. These people fear that their way of life is threatened. They have had these fears stoked by right wing media outlets for years.
So, while there are many racists and bigots who support the current administration - there are also many people who have let their fear blind them to the fascist and racist tendencies of their chose leader. This is not meant as a defense of these people and people of color, LGBTQ+ people, women who want to control their own health and bodies, the disabled etc., all have every right to be disgusted by these people. I do think understanding is a start. And, I do know people whose thinking has evolved.
As with any election (and more so with this one perhaps), there are opportunities for learning and growth and change. There are deep divisions not just between left and right but between many who are on the left. Between hardline progressives and moderate/centrist liberals. I do hope we can find a way to make the necessary changes in a respectful manner and in a way that listens to all sides and all voices and debates the needed changes without name-calling and bitterness.
I don't know if any of that needed healing and polite discourse is even possible, but I do know if it is possible it probably won't come from comment sections on social media posts or news articles. It will come with many, many open one-on-one discussions. Talkin' about a revolution sounds like a whisper.
Find peace today - however you can!
Feature Friday Playlist Recap - continues with Songs 20-24 - the depth of this week's Playlist shines through here - it bears repeating that I have a loose design when it comes to my Featured Friday Playlists mixed with a little classic E2TG randomness, but one thing is certain - the list should never be considered a ranking of any kind. I could give you the formula I used to order the songs, but then I would have to kill you. (Plus, it probably doesn't make sense except to me). Suffice it to say this segment of the list proves that quality music can be found throughout my weekly Playlists.
20. "The Fall" by Pozzi
L.A. based alt-folk artist Pozzi is becoming a semi-regular here at E2TG. We have featured a few of his earlier singles. His debut album, Tyrant, has been out for a couple of months, and I continue to be impressed by his songs and his voice.
21. "In My Head" by The Amboys
The Amboys were a Band of the Week at E2TG way back in 2012, and I even got to see them live at The Basement in March of that year. I had kind of lost touch with this New Jersey band that combined traditional folk instrumentation with a punk rock approach and sense of humor, but thanks to the little birds of Bandcamp, I was alerted to the fact that they had just released a new single and here it is. Always great to hear from old favorites, and The Amboys do not disappoint.
22. "A Little Heat" by Andrew Grimm
Next up, we have the title track from the world-wide solo debut from Maryland based singer-songwriter Andrew Grimm. The album was produced by Eric "Roscoe" Amble. Grimm is behind the long-running Baltimore band June Star. This is a flat out great song, and Grimm's voice really got to me.
23. "Parfum De Nuit" by Marten Larka
Next up, we have a new single from Swedish alt-pop singer-songwriter Marten Larka - who is described as Wilco under the influence of Gainsbourg. And, although I know the music of both the named artists - I don't feel qualified to access the veracity of that claim, but what I can tell you is that this is a fantastic song. Alt-pop is a pretty widely encompassing descriptor, but in this case, I think it fits, and I love the sound.
24. "Good Man Down" by The Mojo Slide
We close out this segment with a new single from UK blues rock band The Mojo Slide. Blues rock is another descriptor that can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people. What I hear is a definite influence of the blues with a refreshingly original sound. A great way to close out this segment of music.
Featured Friday Playlist
