Monthly Archives: June 2020

Tales From The Drop Box Episode 165 (2020-13) The Pandemic/BLM Episodes

Posted on by
Reply

Pandemic still ongoing. Still no justice for victims of systemic racism carried out by police officers against Black Americans and other persons of color. Still no answer to the real problem of privilege in our country. The COVID-19 problem is, alarmingly, growing. As the world wide number of estimated infections crosses the 10 million persons infected threshold this should give us all pause to think about the rapid acceleration of the virus. The numbers are accelerating world wide. Last week the WHO reported 183,000 new cases – the single largest number of new cases reported in one day. On average, there are approximately 150,000 new cases per day worldwide. The U.S. which accounts for 25% of those cases recorded the largest number of daily reported cases since April 23 – the peak of the New York infection. There is little doubt that the lack of leadership at the federal level is the greatest threat to the safety of our country. The response is an abysmal failure. So, as I try to be positive with these notes, here are some suggestions:

  1. Always physically distance yourself from persons who are not your immediate family. This should make intuitive sense to everyone. I stay away from you and yuo stay away from me and we don’t spread the virus to each other. Why people still argue this point is a mystery to me. The large numbers of people who believe that this advice is false is a greater concern. Truly, this mystical belief that the physical distancing from each other is not effective and that the virus will disappear as if by magic (see a certain POTUS) is the very definition of idiot.]
  2. Wash your hands and avoid contact with your nose, eyes and mouth.
  3. When you cannot physically distance yourself from other people wear a cloth covering over your mouth and nose i.e. a face mask. [This is not a political statement – it is an objective statement based upon the best available science. Don’t be stupid – mask up].
  4. Vote for leaders who understand that public health emergencies are not political theater and need to be taken seriously; react by providing responses based upon based available objective data; provide a consistent rational message including realistic probabilities of events where the data is unclear; and don’t lie to the people. [Again, this is not advocating for any particular political party. It is a statement about leadership. Don’t vote for idiots who will kill you because they are either stupid or incredibly uniformed and lazy to actually think and then take reasoned action].

As for this week’s episode of Tales From The Drop Box Episode 165, there is no real theme. I have tried for consistency over these latest episodes and this one should fit right in the pocket. I have some power pop, indie rock, pop, punk rock and hell yeah a little live Chris Isaak whose first couple of records were actually really good. So, turn it up a little bit (because you are physically distanced) so you can share it with your neighbors, think positive thoughts and stay safe until next week!

Here is what you will find in Episode 165:

  1. Indian Queens – “Wanderlust” (God Is Woman)
  2. Butch Walker – “Gridlock” (American Love Story)
  3. Nova Twins – “Devil’s Face” (Who Are The Girls?)
  4. The Whiffs – “Hey Little Anne” (Another Whiff)
  5. The Wombats -“Headbutt Rock” (B-Z Sides 2003-2017 (In Rough Chronological Order))
  6. Japan, Man – “I Like To Wait” ( I Like To Wait EP)
  7. Kevin Devine & The Goddamn Band – “Stay Away” (Nevermind)
  8. Pkew Pkew Pkew – “The Polynesian” (Optimal Lifestyles)
  9. Silverstein – “Coming Down” (A Beautiful Place To Dream)
  10. Woods – “Where Do You Go When You Dream” (Strange To Explain)
  11. My Ugly Clementine – “Don’t Talk To Me” (Vitamin C)
  12. Boniface – “Dear Megan” (Boniface (Deluxe Edition))
  13. Single Mothers – “Road Sick” (New Damage Switcheroo Vol. 1)
  14. Chris Isaak – “Somebody’s Crying (Live)” (The World Was On Fire (Live 1995)
  15. Abbey Glover – “La Nuit” (Everybody Leaves)

Counting the days ’til, ’til I run away counting the days and the nights I stay oh, waiting is a game I like to play . . . Preoccupied with life itself absorbed all the attention you need
return to the state you were born an old friend you left to die . . ..

KFR

Tales From The Drop Box Episode 164 (2020-12) The Pandemic/BLM Episodes

Posted on by
Reply

A Father’s Day edition of Tales From The Drop Box amidst continuing national unrest in the wake of a growing number of police shootings of Black Americans following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, increases in COVID-19 cases across America, and the release of the John Bolton book confirming what the nation suspected about the corrupt unhinged troll living in the White House. I wish this was a world created in a fantasy novel but, unfortunately, we are living this fantasy as reality. We must not lose the plot though. The fight for change is a daily struggle. It is much like fatherhood with some challenges scattered among the many joy filled days. When we look back on the challenges we are now facing I hope that enough time will have passed that these troubling times are but a blip on a road filled of hope and joy. For those of you are fathers, I wish you all a very happy Father’s Day as our children are truly our greatest blessing.

Episode 164 of Tales From The Drop Box is yet another banger filled with upbeat melodic music guaranteed to free you from the doldrums you might be experiencing from the past couple of months. It should be obvious at this point, but you need to turn up the volume, eh?

Here is what you’ll find in Episode 164:

  1. Impulsive Hearts – “Melody” (Cry All The Time)
  2. Je T’aime – “Fuck Me” (Je T’aime)
  3. Chemtrails – “Uncanny Valley” ( The peculiar Smell Of The Inevitable)
  4. Names Without Numbers – “Middle Ground” (Silos & Smokestacks)
  5. Kiwi Jr. – “Swimming Pool” (Football Money)
  6. Coriky – “Clean Kill” (Coriky)
  7. Spanish Love Songs – “Beach Front Property” (Brave Faces Everyone)
  8. Heavenly – “Mark Angel” (Operation Heavenly)
  9. Pixies – “Catfish Kate” (Beneath The Eyrie (Deleuxe Edition))
  10. Mush – “No Signal In The Padlock” (3D Routine)
  11. Johnossi – “Hot Thoughts: (Torch//Flame)
  12. The Animen – “From The Get-Go” (Same Sun/Different Light)
  13. Screeching Weasel – “Brain In A Jar” (Some Freaks Of Atavism)
  14. Greg Kihn Band – “Valerie” (RocKihnRoll)
  15. Amyl & The Sniffers – “Control (Live)” (Live At The Croxton)

She reached out a cup when the next she showed up replacement asking what’s been going on she says “Not very much” but she’s seen a lot of action . . . When I’m not with you, I jump in my car and drive to the place that I think that you are if you’re not there, I might just park
And dream about your face in the dark …

KFR

Tales From The Drop Box Episode 163 (2020-11) The Pandemic/BLM Episodes

Posted on by
Reply

If you don’t want to read the political venting this week, skip the second paragraph of these notes. While I think the topic of Black Lives Matter is important enough to publish as a reminder that things must change, I also know that not everyone agrees with me. I also believe that we should not stay silent in the face of great injustice. Sure this looks like I am jumping on the bandwagon. I am. It’s okay, this is a bandwagon worth jumping upon at a time when one voice can be a force for change. Perhaps it is the outrage I feel when I hear of the senseless deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, two people I never met and do not know much about, but who were murdered by agents of government. You get the idea, skip the next paragraph if you are afraid my thinking is contrary to yours and you don’t want to be compelled to read opinions contrary to your own.

Another week in America. More COVID-19 deaths and more killings of Black Americans by police officers (yesterday in Atlanta). This devolution is created by a failure of government and an alarming lack of leadership at the Federal level. Chaos fills gaps in order. When social disorder reaches a critical threshold, change will occur. The mostly peaceful protests worldwide suggest that the time for meaningful change is here. Whether there will be success depends on each of us – depends on you. That doesn’t mean that bias and racism won’t exist – it will. If the violent and antagonistic counter-protests by fascists and far-right groups are any indication, then there will be violence. We need true leaders to ensure that the transition to a new day in America, where all are treated equally and respectfully by the agents of government exists. We need an America where Black Americans are not systemically disenfranchised by systems designed to keep them from achievement. It is not just the police, but education, economic disparity, and other bias inherent in our government’s treatment of people. It is the concept of privilege that is being missed in these discussions and how that impacts our government’s treatment of the poor, the homeless, the mentally ill. These words are just placeholders for “black” and the reason why the system must change. Fight for change because failure to change is not an option. Black Lives Matter.

So, what about Tales From The Drop Box Episode 163? It rocks! This episode is a little more aggressive than most. It is filled with angry running from the police music. Play loud…

Here is what you’ll find in Episode 163:

  1. The Pack A.D. – “No Good” (It Was Fun While It Lasted)
  2. American Terror – “She’s A Bitch” (Influencer)
  3. Green/Blue – “Police Street” (Green/Blue)
  4. Bullets & Octane – “Give Me A Reason” (Riot Riot Rock n’ Roll)
  5. Nufo – “Fight Your Thoughts” (Fight Your Thoughts)
  6. Annabel Lee- Never Give” (Let The Kids Go)
  7. Ground Culture – “Trauma Can Teach” (How Well Do You Really Know Yourself?)
  8. Subsistance – “Re-educating The Rich” (Unstoppable EP)
  9. Es – “Foundation” (Less of Everything)
  10. Dens – “Learn” (Taming Tongues)
  11. Hot Mulligan – “Feal Like Crab” (You’ll Be Fine)
  12. Cold Cream – “Rat Fucker” (Cold Cream)
  13. Dark Thoughts – “Where Did You Come From?” (Must Be Nice)
  14. Sex Pistols – ‘No Feelings” (The Last Show On Earth + Sid’s Debut)
  15. Die Happy – “Give Me A Break” (Guess What)
  16. Cruel Youth – “When I’m Looking At You” (The Powder Room)

When You speak, the earth it quakes when You speak, the fires rage when all is quiet, there You are when You speak, the waters flood . . . I’ve seen you in the mirror when the story began and I fell in love with you . . .

KFR

Tales From The Drop Box Episode 162 (2020-10) The Pandemic/BLM Episodes

Posted on by
Reply

Black Lives Matter.

As mentioned in the last episode, COVID-19 was replaced last week as the topic du jour by a resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of the tragic execution of George Floyd by a police officer. After two weeks of protests, yesterday’s demonstrations in support of change in police use of force policies disproportionately impacting Black Lives were the largest of this current cycle. Peaceful demonstrations in cities and towns worldwide to support changes to systemic race based policing policies which disproportionately impact Black Lives are an important first step in creating an environment for change. Perhaps now is the time for actual change that matters. Talk – Action = 0. Real change to race based police brutality and disproportionate treatment will take both persistence and new leadership. The divisive incompetent in the White House must go. Register to vote. Then vote. Vote for candidates who will lead us out of the darkest period of our modern history. Not since the Civil Rights era of the late 1960s does America have a chance to right historical and systemic wrong and stand against police brutality. It is not enough to stand against racism. The real conversation is about what we stand for as a nation. Do we stand for good, fair treatment of all people and for all nations? Do we stand for equal justice under the law? How can you help?

Do Something!

As for the music, Episode 162 of Tales From The Drop Box marks a slight departure from prior episodes. This week is filled with mostly new music but for kicks I’ve included a block of oldies that may be slightly unfamiliar to you. Classic well known bands bust different versions of songs that you might be familiar with. A small change for sure, but as noted above we all need change, so I am modeling a little bit.

I have been on this planet long enough to know that it is going to take a number of small changes to tip the current equilibrium from unjust to just. When the shift in equilibrium happens – and I truly believe that it will – there will be some turbulence and chaos before that new equilibrium is achieved. There is never a convenient time for revolution when the battle is truly for this nation’s soul. I hope that the worldwide peaceful demonstrations are sufficient force to create the change we need for our country and the end result of this turbulent time is a country where all persons are created equal and all are equally respected by the law. #Black Lives Matter

Here is what you will find in Episode 162:

  1. Mrs. Piss – “M.B.O.T.W.O.” (Self Surgery)
  2. The Howl & The Hum – “Love You Like A Gun” (Human Contact)
  3. Joyce Manor – “House Warming Party” (Songs From Northern Torrance)
  4. The Dears – “Heart Of An Animal” (Lovers Rock)
  5. Of Good Nature – “Fade” (Everything Turns Gold)
  6. Skuldpadda – “Summer In The City” (Commitment)
  7. Taking On Water – “How The West Was Won” (20 Years Too Late)
  8. Gold Key – “Human” (Panic Machine)
  9. Heads – “Nobody Moves & Everybody Talks” (Push)
  10. Household Names – “Famous (For Losing You)” (Picture In My Head)
  11. It’s For Us – “The Fight” (Malax EP)
  12. The Buzzcocks – “Tranquilizer” ( The 1991 Demo Album)
  13. Magazine – “Look What Fear’s Done To My Body (Because You’re Frightened)” (The Complete John Peel Sessions)
  14. The Jam – “Burning Sky (Demo Version) (Setting Sons (Super Deluxe Edition)
  15. Penny Diving – “Shotgun, She Said” (Big Inhale)
2020-06-07 EP 162Download

How are things in your little world? I hope they’re going well, and you are too Do you still see the same old crowd? The ones who used to meet every Friday? . . . You love me because you’re frightened and I’m falling in love with you because I’m getting frightened of the things you somehow make me do…

KFR