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)

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