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So, this line from a Tommy Womack song seems to replay in mind almost constantly. We're in uncharted waters, this much is true... this song was written and recorded before 2020 so it is even more true today - and I try to hold on to the hope of that song which is called "We'll Get Through This, Too.".
So this next paragraph is going to get a little political and is purely my opinion:
I have been thinking about how the COVID-19 pandemic has turned into a political - right vs. left issue. The easy answer is that we live in such a polarized time that everything is potentially political - from sports, to friend chicken, to coffee... but I think there is a deeper answer.
In the early days of the pandemic - I mean Trump was being Trump and there is a lot to unpack about the abysmal failure of the U.S. response. But, there was at least on some level a sense of unity. Shutdowns happened - people were sharing their quarantine stories and "we're all in this together" was a common theme. While the response time and language varied, the shutdowns happened in Red states and Blue states and Purple states.
Then, time wore on and things seemed to be getting better - a little. And that, to me anyway, is when all hell broke loose. No doubt, the shutdown had a massive impact on the economies - federal, state, local, personal. So, the push to reopen came and it seems like mostly Republican governors pushed for quick reopening of the economy - even when numbers did not support it.
This, to me, is Republicans being Republicans. Making decisions for the benefit of short-term financial reasons without concern for the long-term implications. We have seen this for years on environmental issues, budget issues, etc. Regulations to protect the environment may negatively impact short-term profits and so they must go - even if the eventual costs of the destruction of the environment is massive. Cut taxes on the wealthy without decreasing spending and the wealthy spend and invest more and the stock market rises until the government faces massive deficits and then the economy crashes... and typically, the Democrats come to the rescue until the cycle repeats.
So, here we are with the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19 and the push to reopen. When the folly of this push became clear that is when the conspiracy theories and denial and minimization really took off. Anything to avoid another shutdown. Now - this is not taking into account that many people just seemed to decide that the pandemic was over and that they could return to life as normal. But, it comes from the same place. Short-term comfort and pleasure at the expense of the disease continuing to ravage the country for longer...
I don't know, man, I can't stop thinking about this stuff. I just want to visit my Mom and see live music and hang with my friends at a bar, but I don't know when any of that will happen and then I see people doing whatever the hell they want consequences be damned, and it pisses me off.
Our recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist rolls on. Today, we bring you songs 16-22...
16. "From the Ashes" by Pozzi
First out of the gate today, we have the brand new single from L.A. singer songwriter Pozzi. We featured his earlier single a few weeks back. I am really digging his sound. His debut full-length album is due in August - called Tyrant.17. "Let Go" by Other Child
Next up, we have a recent single from this 5-piece indie pop band from Dublin. Just a funky, feel good kind of song. I dig.18. "Roll the Dice" by Abby Reign
Next up, we have some country-flavored pop with some attitude. Abby Reign is a native of Nebraska who now lives in Nashville. This is her latest single.19. "There is Always a Light" by Civic Green
Next up, we have the new single from this four-piece rock band from South Yorkshire, UK. I like this song a whole bunch.20. "Anonymous Future" by The Wild Blue
Post-punk quartet, The Wild Blue - from NYC are up next with the title track of their new EP. I hear a variety of sounds that come together to form something unique. Good stuff.21. "Too Long" by Certain Animals
The Dutch trio - Certain Animals are up next with their latest single. Their music boasts some definite 70s influences, but with a firm grasp on modern indie music. I want to hear more from them.22. "Better" by Kyle Maher
We close out this segment of the playlist with the latest single from Australian singer-songwriter Kyle Maher. The song was produced by German producers OUHBOY. The song was inspired by lessons learned during a tumultuous two years - that included a taste of success, heartbreak, and major eye surgery. His first single appeared in the Netflix series Terrace House: Tokyo.
Featured Friday Playlist
