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The fight to address systemic racism in our society and the issues of police brutality that disproportionately affect members of the African American community continues and will continue for some time. This is a problem that has festered for much, much too long, and one week of protests and direct action will not change it overnight. I will keep speaking up on these issues and continue the push to remove our disaster of a president from office.
But, I need to step back just for a few minutes to talk about the state of E2TG and myself personally. This week has been difficult for me, but at the same time I feel tremendous guilt saying that. By all practicable accounts, I have been extremely fortunate in that the COVID-19 shut downs have not impacted me financially. And, I live a life of privilege in our society. So, on days when isolation gets to me, and I miss hanging out with my friends and seeing live music; my mind tells me it is trivial compared to what others face. But, telling myself that does not really help me. So, I will say to you (and to myself), it is okay to feel what you feel about these times. It is okay to acknowledge sadness and loneliness.
As for E2TG, I think maybe some people think that because E2TG has continued for over nine years, that maybe I never thought about hanging it up or that I don't ever question what it is I do. Neither of those are true. I am human and sometimes, I question if what I do means anything or if many people care. Page views, social media likes and shares are wonderful and affirming, but if I ever choose to use those exclusively as justification for continuing E2TG, I would have quit a long time ago.
I know there are people who enjoy what I do, and I also know that there is a lot of information and posts and live streams etc. out there. I know that there are people whose work I adore and support that I don't have time to view every day. I also know that there are websites that hold more cache that E2TG and that rightly get more attention from artists that a mention on E2TG. Does it bother me - again, I am human so yes - but I do understand it.
There are days when pageviews dip down low, and yes, I do wonder on those days, if it is worth it to continue. But, then I am encouraged because someone tells me how much E2TG means to them. So, I got back to this - if E2TG is fun (and it is), I will continue until I hear an outcry for me to stop. When it becomes a burden, I will reexamine, reconfigure, and if necessary take a hiatus.
Meanwhile, I am proud of what I do and thrilled about the variety of music that I have the chance to feature here.
And, now, we have our penultimate recap of this week's Featured Friday Playlist (Songs #17-21). Tomorrow, we wrap up the recap just in time for Friday's brand new recap.
17. "Be Thou By My Side" by Holy Hive
First up today, we have a cover of a rather obscure 1972 song by Honeybus - a UK band that existed from 1967-1973. Holy Hive is a trio featuring Homer Steinweiss (The Dap Kings) and Paul Spring along with Joseph "Tone" Harrison. This is a lovely song.18. "White Knuckle Ride" by Delta Maid
Delta Maid is a singer-songwriter from Liverpool who returns after a nine year hiatus. This short but moving opening track his from her new album Katie.19. "Cut 'n' Curl" by Lacey Williams
Next up, we have the brand new singer from Utah native Lacey Williams. Williams spent several years in Nashville before returning to her home state. This catchy song is about the center for gossip in many small towns, the local beauty salon.20. "The Wanderer and the Outcast" by Sea of Fog
Next, we have a really beautiful song from a band founded by singer-songwriter Thomas Bowers. They are based in the south. This is from their new album Michael Collins Observes the First Moonwalk from the Columbia Module.21. "Innocence" by KissDoomFate
KissDoomFate (or KDF) is a duo from Angers, France. The music here is really interesting to me. Frentic percussion, at once seductive and powerful vocals. It is disarming and unique music. A very cool addition to this week's playlist. I dig it.
Featured Friday Playlist
