Midweek on a major election week is always a bit complicated. But somehow managed not to forget! So there’s one positive. As I feared, this is going to be that nail biter electoral college scenario that seemed plausible, but that none of us wanted. The potential that regaining the Senate Majority (or even parity) is also looking to have been, as I feared, too heavy a lift this year. Votes are still being counted as I write this, and there is that Georgia Senatorial runoff election to look forward to, come January. So, we’re still in turbulent waters. My 2012 vintage Merlot is ready to be opened regardless of outcome, as either way there is some fitting symbolism.
Until then, it is important to breathe, and remain calm. So, I am compiling some soothing music for you all. I am a bit of an Ambient Music fan, and so some of what I will share is recycled from the past. It seems needed now.
Let’s start with a mid-1990s Aphex Twin track called Alberto Balsalm, except covered by a university’s steel drum ensemble:
And here’s the original, with some relaxing photography:
Here’s Xtal by Aphex Twin. This video was filmed by someone in Budapest. I know a number of these locations from when I visited there some years back. This video was filmed in 2008, when I think a lot of us (including our friends in Hungary) were more hopeful.
I have been a Brian Eno fan since my first David Bowie LP. Anyone who would play instruments listed as “cricket menace” seemed to be intriguing. This is the first track from what is considered the landmark Ambient Music album.
I always find that calming.
The jukebox is open. So is the bar. Drink responsibly. And remember that we were prepared for a red mirage in what was once the Blue Wall. Take a deep breath. Exhale. We all have done what we can. We have to wait.
Take care of yourselves and each other.
There was a little bit of a snafu with the last painting polooza. Seems like Cafe got checked. So if you don’t see this during daytime hours, that is why. Hopefully that gets fixed. It’s going to be a helluva good painting, but man, we just finally got the joint jumping here.
How’s everyone holding up? It’s been quite the bumpy ride, almost shades of 2016. Looks like a probably Biden/Harris win, which is something. Unfortunately, flipping the Senate looks like it will be too heavy a lift. I had feared that pundits who thought it would be difficult if not impossible to accomplish earlier this year would be right. The polling these last few months looked intoxicating. Instead, things seem to be mostly breaking down as expected. This will be a difficult next two years and probably decade. Let’s make sure we take care of ourselves and each other.
Anyone have some music for waiting?
Tonight a bit of jazz for y’all. Franklin Kiermyer was someone I learned about in grad school. The combo with Pharoah Sanders on the sax was beautiful. Peace on earth. We could use that right now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZKjDP3rY30
In the spirit of keeping cool while votes get counted, and in the spirit of those early Booman Tribune Jazz Jams about 15 years ago:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7EGQzn8e1k
I hope y’all are holding up. This is an unusual election cycle. The pandemic may be the least of it. This space is here and I am here. The darkest of times may be about over, but the road ahead is long. We’re going to need each other.
Interesting feature article on Brian Eno:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/04/arts/music/brian-eno-film-music.html
Colbert’s stark briefing:
https://twitter.com/colbertlateshow/status/1324571460673949702
Drudge after Pennsylvania was called for Biden:
https://twitter.com/oliverdarcy/status/1325114878307295232
SNL Weekend Update:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUVFhcFoR7Q
Apparently, this has been broken down into two separate videos. We’ll see how long this lasts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUJhtZZWZZI
And the other lampooning Giuliani:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LmFVEi5Jd0
Think this was part of the soundtrack at the end of the Biden/Harris victory speech on Saturday night:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsS4xlHKnpw
Also this old Tom Petty classic at the end of the Biden/Harris victory speech:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvlTJrNJ5lA
I was going to post a bit earlier but ended up at Progress Pond Total Landscaping instead. Oops.
Well enjoy one of the last Infrastructure Weeks we’ll have to endure. Light’s at the end of the tunnel. Hope you all are doing well.