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Well, here in the States it is Fourth of July weekend. I think for many reasons the holiday will be different this year and maybe it should be different for some time to come. Rather than an excuse to swell with pride and celebrate, maybe - just maybe - we should use the time to reflect on where our nation has and is falling short and what we can do about it.
Here in Nashville, the number of COVID-19 cases has surged, and we are reverting to Phase 2 of the reopening plan. This is not surprising to me as I have seen so many people acting as if the pandemic is over. As for me, I never moved to Phase 3. I am mostly staying put. I just wish, people could put their selfish interests aside, and I wish we had competent leadership. I want to go visit my Mom. I want to see live music again. But, most importantly, I don't want any more people to fucking die.
Independence Day - what we need is an Interdependence Day because guess what - unless you are living totally off the grid - raising all your own food, making all your own clothes - then you are interdependent and that involves people working together for a common good.
So Happy Interdependence Day! I need you and you need me. Let's do this thing together for everyone...
By the way, I am off work tomorrow, and I normally don't post on my days off work, but what the heck, all the rules don't apply in 2020. Not only will be be premiering he new Featured Friday Playlist, but we also have a very special Video Premiere - from an old friend - just in time for the 4th of July.
And now, it is time to complete our recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist. Remember tomorrow, a brand new playlist premieres. Follow and/or tune in for all the details.
The thing I love about these playlist is the depth of the music featured. I haphazardly order the songs when I create the playlist - around midnight on Fridays, and I tend to start with artists I am most closely associated with - E2TG and/or local favorites. After that, it is really pretty random. Nonetheless, It is cool to recap these playlist the way I have been and to find gems throughout. Of course, I dig all the music - I mean, I am the one who picks the songs, but there are some that really resonate with me more than others, and it is fun to see where those songs turn up.
Now, songs 21-25:
21."World's Finest" by Special Pillow
The Special Pillow mark their 25th Anniversary with a new EP called World's Finest, and we have the title track. They are from Hoboken, New Jersey and their music has a psych pop feel to it. This was my first time hearing their music, and I am a fan.22. "Roman Bones Make Good Glue" by 8 Floors Up
8 Floors Up is the project of Danny Cawley - a veteran and survivor of the UK music scene. He formed his first band at age 17. They were managed by the ex-manager of the Stone Roses. Moving around England while fighting his personal demons, his story is one of perseverance and should provide hope to those who struggle. The music will appeal to fans of UK indie music of the last couple of decades, and I like it very much.23. "Groovy Lucy" by Serratone
Next, we have the latest single from this three-piece rock band based in Manchester. This is hard-hitting and riff heavy music. Cool stuff.24. "Clayton Jones Is Gonna Be Big" by TJ George
Shifting gears (we do that a lot here at E2TG), we have a wonderful song from this singer-songwriter from Columbus, Ohio singer-songwriter. It is taken from his new EP, Fragmented Soul Vo1. 2 - which is a follow up to his 2014 release. I was not really surprised to find that several of my Facebook friends were already on board with his music.25. "Babylon" by Dead Method
Released at the tail end of Pride month, "Babylon" is a powerful alternative pop song that celebrates and elevates all outcasts and outsiders. The band is based in Cardiff, and this track provides a groovy close to this week's list.
Featured Friday Playlist
