Summary

The author shares their personal experience with music that resonated with them over the past week, which includes a mix of introspection, vaccine recovery, and the joy of a busy airport, reflecting a return to normalcy post-COVID-19.

Abstract

The article titled "This Week’s Heavy Rotation #15" delves into the author's recent experiences and emotions, mirrored through their musical selections. It opens with the author's relief at the reanimation of the airport where they work, signaling a hopeful return to pre-pandemic life. After receiving their second COVID-19 vaccine dose, the author dedicates time to revisit old records, leading to a day of reflection and enjoyment, including a viewing of "Roadhouse." The author's Top 5 songs of the week are presented, each with a personal anecdote or reflection, including Talking Heads' "Electricity (Drugs)," The Cure's "2 Late," Yo La Tengo's "Sugarcube," Ride's "Twisterella," and Bad Religion's "Give You Nothing." The piece concludes with a nod to the growing community of readers and a teaser for the B-side of a well-known hit by The Cure.

Opinions

The author finds relief and a sense of normalcy in the increased activity at the airport where they work.
The experience of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and having a day of rest was unexpectedly positive, allowing for a deep dive into music.
"Electricity (Drugs)" by Talking Heads encapsulates the mixed feelings of post-vaccination for the author.
"2 Late" by The Cure is considered one of the band's most underrated B-sides and is vastly different from its A-side counterpart.
Yo La Tengo's "Sugarcube" is praised for its portrayal of unrequited love.
Ride's "Twisterella" resurfaced for the author, prompting a rediscovery of the band's music.
Bad Religion's "Give You Nothing" is highlighted as a standout song, reflecting the essence of the band's style, and is a personal favorite of the author.
The author expresses gratitude towards the readers and the sense of community within the platform.

Music

This Week’s Heavy Rotation #15

“Vibrations in the brain can’t ever be explained.”

Note: Each week I take a look back at my playlists and share songs that were either played the most, got stuck in my head, or just stood out. Many are new to me, but there are old faves mixed in as well.

As more and more Americans feel safe to travel, the airport where I work seems to be finally be reanimating. I know people hate seeing lines at TSA checkpoints, but to me, it’s frankly a huge relief. Too early to declare victory, but it seems close? Finding yourself happy to wait in a line is a strange place to be, but it’s been a strange last 14 months.

In that same vein, I received my second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this past week, and after hearing stories about possible side effects, decided to block off a full day-and-a-half just in case.

It turned out to be mostly unnecessary, but it also turns out having an entire day with a specific objective of nothing has a huge upside, and I spent a lot of it digging through records I hadn’t listened to in a while.

I also may or may not have watched Patrick Swayze’s “Roadhouse.”

Here are my Top 5 of the last 7 days:

Talking Heads- Electricity (Drugs)

For the live “The Name of This Band is Talking Heads,” album, the band reworked Fear of Music’s “Drugs,” and this is the result. Honestly, if you asked me to describe how the day after getting vaccinated was, I’d probably just point to this. Alternately energized, and laconic. Not too high, not too low. Kinda cranky, kinda excited. A little fuzzy, a little electric.

I’m charged up, don’t put me down Don’t feel like talking, don’t mess around I feel mean, but I feel okay I’m charged up, electricity

The Cure- 2 Late

After a few weeks off, the band makes a return to the list. This is one of my favorite Cure songs, and arguably one of the most underrated B-sides by the band. It’s also light-years away from what was on Side A.

Any guesses on what that single was? Read through to the end for the answer.

Yo La Tengo-Sugarcube

Only Yo La Tengo could take a song about the desperation of unrequited love and package it like this. Fantastic.

Ride- Twisterella

I’ve been thinking about finally(!) getting back home a lot lately, and who I’m hoping to see while there. A chat — and playlist — with a high school friend brought this one back to the surface. I haven’t listened to Ride in a long time. It’s time to fix that.

Bad Religion- Give You Nothing

This one is Rob Janicke’s fault. While reading his piece about seeing the band live, I skipped down and reflexively looked for this song on the attached setlist. It looks like they didn’t play it at this show, but I wish they would have. It’s fast and relentless — Bad Religion personified.

I don’t know if Suffer is my favorite album by the band, but “Give You Nothing” makes a strong case for being my favorite song by them.

And really, who else but Greg Graffin brings us lyrics like:

Hey, everybody’s looking but they never can see All the angst, corruption and the dishonesty Look around and ask someone if you are alive You’re a sidewalk cipher speaking prionic jive

This is the kind of track that makes you want to run red lights.

What was on your list this week?

We’re closing in on 500 (!) people in this community, and as always, I’d like to thank all of you. For your being here, for your contributions, and for having me be a part of it.

ANSWER: 2 Late was the B-side on the single for this hit by the band.

This Week’s Heavy Rotation #14

“Never say never”

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