avatarTerry Barr

Summary

The web content presents the "American Crisis Playlist #23," a curated selection of songs reflecting on the recent U.S. Presidential election results, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the collective mood of the nation.

Abstract

The article "American Crisis Playlist #23" is a musical reflection on the current state of America, offering a mix of nostalgia and commentary through a diverse playlist. It touches on the aftermath of the 2020 Presidential election, the continued spread of the Corona Virus, and the nation's division. The playlist includes tracks from various artists and eras, each chosen for its relevance to the current political and social climate. The author uses the songs to express hope, criticize the outgoing administration, and encourage unity during challenging times. The piece also nods to the importance of following public health guidelines and the anticipation of a vaccine.

Opinions

  • The author expresses skepticism about the Trump administration's handling of the election and the pandemic, particularly criticizing the White House's election night party and the spread of misinformation.
  • There is a clear disapproval of the outgoing president's actions and the behavior of his supporters, as seen in the mention of the "Know-Nothings" and the critique of the Trump lawn sign re-posting.
  • The author seems to hold a cynical view of conspiracy theories and their proponents, as indicated by the inclusion of Steve Earle's "Conspiracy Theorist" and the mention of QAnon.
  • Despite the criticism, there is an underlying tone of optimism, advocating for togetherness and looking forward to better days, as expressed through the selection of uplifting and unifying songs.
  • The author suggests that music can be a source of comfort and resilience, implicitly endorsing the therapeutic power of music during times of crisis.
  • There is a call to action for readers to dance away their heartaches, follow music writers, and engage with previous installments of the "American Crisis Playlist."

A music playlist series

American Crisis Playlist #23

From a whisper to a scream

Photo by Ardian Lumi on Unsplash

It’s been nearly a week since all media outlets projected Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the winners in the 2020 Presidential election. The moment is large and maybe one of the best internal moments occurred when old Rudy stood at the 4 Seasons waiting to be landscaped while he delivered more false proclamations.

Reportedly someone informed him that the election had just been called.

“By whom?” Rudy reportedly asked.

“By everyone,” went the response.

Even Trump News, as Chris Hayes calls Fox.

But don’t let the results get you down, Rudy. Someone in our neighborhood just today re-posted her Trump lawn sign.

“For God and Country,”

leading me to ask,

“Which God and which country?”

As the orange plague keeps floating ideas about how he might, maybe, possibly, and in some far-out alternative-fact-universe still win, the Corona Virus keeps raging. Maybe the new vaccine will be here by summer. Dr. Fauci, at least, seems encouraged by that news, and so am I. Regardless of the op, Fauci keeps working and reminding us to stay indoors, wear masks, and listen to music. Or at least I think he said that last part. He should have, anyway.

So while the op keeps railing at even this positive news — you know they came up with the vaccine after the election just to get him, don’t you? — let’s focus on some upbeat tunes to help us move through another Friday the 13th, just 69 days before we’re done, for now, with the latest incarnation of the “Know-Nothings” in the White House.

AMERICAN CRISIS PLAYLIST #23

  1. “Runaway,” The Traveling Wilburys, from 2007’s The Traveling Wilbury’s Deluxe Collection. Maybe I’ve written about this somewhere else, but ten years ago, we were having a party — remember those? — at our friend John’s house, and he played this cover of the Del Shannon classic. It sounded so good to me, and while I knew it was the Wilbury’s, I was blanking out on who was singing. “That’s Jeff Lynne,” my friend Al told me. Oh Jeff, oh Al, oh John. I love you guys so much, just as I love this song beyond reason.
  2. “The Less I Know the Better,” Tame Impala from 2015’s Currents. Should I take a cheap shot here? Oh why not, for I’ve been taking them all along. Did the White House really think that holding a mask-less election night party was: a) going to provide a celebratory night? b) allow the dueling Trump women to show off more gauche finery? c) allow Eric any sort of platform? and d) not encourage the Corona Virus to spread like wildfire? I’m sorry, but stupid is just stupid. Tame Impala, though, quite smart and oh so very smooth.
  3. “Someday, We’ll be Together,” Diana Ross and the Supremes, from way back in 1969, a song that jumped to number one faster than a Georgia recount. We’re so split right now, that I thought I should play the hopeful optimist and encourage togetherness. When that violin intro starts, I don’t know about you, but I want to hug my dog and dance around and try not to pull my hip out of joint. This was their last dance together, and if you have to end on something, it’s hard to imagine anything better. I believe it’s true.
  4. “Conspiracy Theory,” from Steve Earle’s Jerusalem (2002). “Hush now, don’t you believe it. Go back to bed now, don’t you cry.” I wonder who that could be written for? I hear that the Q from QAnon has gone quiet, living in some bad bunker somewhere. There’s internal fighting in those ranks, but they’ll likely emerge to reinstate the Illuminati again. Or the Protocols of the Elders of Zion. Or maybe they’ll be telling us that Paul is dead. Or that Generalissimo Franco is cadaver diving still. Steve is my God.
  5. “Brain Matter,” St. Paul and the Broken Bones, from Sea of Noise (2016). I got to see this Birmingham-based band live seven or eight years ago when we still had a decent music venue here in Greenville. White soul from a group that finds ways to make me feel decent and good about my home area. Our brains seem to have been dormant for the past few years. Let’s wake em up and give em a good stroll through the park or even just down the street. Love to love you baby.
  6. “Take the Fifth,” Spoon from Girls Can Tell (2001). So after he leaves office, what’s the op got waiting for him in the southern district of New York? Can you see him ever taking the fifth? I would so love to see him on the stand trying to explain why he’s so rich, so bankrupt, so successful, and such a loser. Maybe this song can play on an endless loop in the background, and we can even import some “dancers” from that club next to where Rudy was delivering his fraud speech the other day. Something to see, and report on.
  7. “Steeeam,” Shelly, from a recently released single. Pop at its best, and what I wonder here is how much of that vapor has been wafting off the op as he sits alone, watching TV, and tweeting out vast and grand conspiracy theories about how he really won, and maybe wondering why the universe has finally conspired against him? He shouldn’t worry, because SC’s own Sen. Graham is still out there waiting to play golf in the steam heat of this 76 degree Friday. Gonna get cold tomorrow, Lindsey, so strike now while the irons are hot. Yeah, I did write that.
  8. “Kiss Them for Me,” Siouxsie and the Banshees, from 2002’s Best Of, though clearly from the 80’s New Wave era. So, please Mr. Donald, say goodbye to all that, and feel free to shed some moisture on all those in your peculiar orbit. It doesn’t matter to me whether or not you wear a mask while doing so, because it’s your life, your only life, and I’m so sorry about that because I do practice radical love when I can. Kiss them for me. Where’s my dog? Gotta dance to this one.
  9. “Hope You’re Feeling Better,” Santana from 1970’s Abraxas. No, not you Donald, or even you, Corey, or even you Mr. Meadows. No, I’m talking all my dear friends and family who lost sleep and years to our collective fears and worries and existential angst. Not that we’re out of the woods, but here’s to better days and more wild guitar and more Gregg Rolie, wherever he is, singing with such mysterious gusto. Question: which Trump family member can name one Santana song? Which one has even heard of this “Mexican” band?
  10. “Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye),” Steam from 1969. “He’ll never love you, the way that I love you.” I clearly have no shame. “He’s never near you, to comfort and cheer you, when all those sad teardrops are falling baby from your eyes.” Go on, and kiss him goodbye.

Dance away your heartaches, and while you do, please follow The Riff and Noah Levy, Steven Hale, Jessica Lee McMillan, and the host of others who let music into their hearts and souls.

If you like this list, check out these others:

Music
Playlist
The Riff
Politics
Dance
Recommended from ReadMedium
avatarUlf Wolf
Love as Betrayal

When lust pays no heed to friendship

14 min read
avatarDustin Arand
Republicans’ Cynical Ploy to Keep Abortion Off the Ballot

Afraid of their own voters, conservatives have gone to court to thwart them

7 min read
avatarMichael Horvich (he, him)
What Would a Gay Husband’s Passing Look Like in Six Points of View?

Yet another visit, almost ten years later, to the death of my husband of 41 years, only this time told from several points of view.

9 min read
avatarTerry Barr
Were the Moody Blues Ever Cool?

Or were they our generation’s Perry Como?

6 min read
avatarW Lance Hunt
What It Was Like to Be Trapped Inside the News on 9–11

A personal account from street level

21 min read
avatarLoren Kantor
The Lost Art of the Mix Tape

There are many reasons to make a music mix tape. To win the love of someone, to make a soundtrack for a long road trip, to help a friend…

7 min read