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This has been a very busy week so far, and for a variety of reasons, I have felt constantly short on time. Yesterday, I intended to write a bit about being a contrarian, and then time slipped away.
In short, the last six and half years (or more) have been about coming to accept the parts of me that are fundamental while simultaneously trying to change parts of myself that are acquired. I keep going back to the Serenity Prayer. Grant me the serenity to accept the things, I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. And that is the challenge of realizing what I can (and should change) vs. what I need to learn to accept and even appreciate and nuture.
One conclusion I have is that I am a contrarian. The best way to get me not to do something is for a large number of people to tell me I should do it. Sometimes, I am proud of this trait - I see it as a mark of my individuality and independence. But, it can be annoying when something really interests me but because I am hearing a constant refrain that I "must do this or watch that or listen to this" I resist and refuse.
And it isn't just the nameless, faceless masses that elicit this response - even if it is people whose opinions and tastes that I respect - I will still get this reaction. But to clarify, it is different if someone makes a recommendation of an artist - shoot, I am not sure how to explain this...
I guess television (under which I include streaming services). That buzz worthy show that you call think the best and that you insist that I watch (and by that I don't mean directly insist that I watch it - but you know... "everyone must watch this" - well the chances are I am not going to watch it until the buzz has died down. Even if I really want to watch it. And that is where this is annoying. It is not an intentional action - it just seems to be a part of who I am.
Another more cogent example... E2TG occasionally leans heavily toward roots/Americana music. I am in Nashville and a lot of my friends play this type of music, I once wrote for No Depression, I like a lot of music that falls under this moniker. I have a lot of friends whose tastes run toward this (admittedly broadly defined style of music) and I have made some great connections through this type of music. However, anytime, I feel that E2TG is starting to go to far toward being an Americana/roots blog - I have an almost automatic reaction and start seeking out metal and punk and darkwave and shoegaze and indie pop. This is not to say that my interest in these other genres and styles is not genuine - it very much is. But, I sometimes, I think I end up unintentionally alienated some people.
But, it all comes back to what is a behavior that I can (and want to change) and what is a behavior that is just who I am and which I need to learn to accept and appreciate. No answers... just endless questions.
Onward - we have five more songs to feature from this week's Playlist - songs 19-23
19. "Northern Song" by The Asteroid No. 4
San Francisco based Psych band The Asteroid No. 4 return to the Playlist with the title track of their new album. The band originated in the 1990s in Philadelphia. They have a great sound, that I am happy to have in the Playlist.
20. "Some Days" by Wayne Graham
Kentucky based rock band Wayne Graham also make a return visit to the Playlist with a track from their forthcoming (Nov. 13) album 1% Juice. The band is led by two brothers: Kenny and Hayden Miles. This is a wonderful song.
21. "Silent Alarm" by Fabian Jack
Next up, we have the new single from London-based five piece band Fabian Jack. The song is warning about the dire state of the environment.
22. "Milk" by Wynnm
Next up, we have a really lovely track from an artist who has roots in the American Southwest (born to a harmonica playing father and a 1st generation Korean-American mother. Wynnm currently resides in Amsterdam. The music is rich and diverse and everything I love for my shuffle.
23. "Myfyrwyr Rhyngwladol" by HMS Morris
The title may have given this away, but HMS Morris is an art rock band from Wales. This is a great way to close out this segment of music. By the way, the title translates to "International Students".
Featured Friday Playlist
