Vinyls; Resolutions vs Intentions; Top Songs/Albums of 2022; SZA; Damar Hamlin Thoughts & Prayers
Vinyls
How come y’all old heads didn’t tell me how cathartic playing records are? Now that I’m officially off Twitter/Instagram I think I’ve found something else to fill my time with. The act of carefully pulling out a vinyl from its packaging, setting it down on the soft turntable mat, and watching the needle gently fall into place, all filled with the anticipation of hearing the first track play makes me unbelievably present with music in a way that usually only a concert can accomplish. Usually music comes and goes so quickly, but this whole process makes me want to slow down and appreciate the art. I usually like listening to albums rather than playlists anyway as I believe artists put together albums with intention (or at least they should).
Resolutions vs Intentions
Are you a New Year’s resolution type person? I think they’re something honorable in that. I’m kind of that way, too. But after listening to a recent NPR Life Kit episode, I think I’ve found a better way to approach the new year (for myself). The host on the show said approaching goals and lifestyle changes with intentionality, rather than resolve, allows for grace rather than rigidity.
I believe reaching for lifestyle changes instead of goals is a better way to become the person I want to be so this falls right in line with that frame of mind for me. What do you think? Do you have any resolutions for 2023 or are you setting intentions for yourself? Check out the podcast here:
My Top Song/Albums of 2022
Like I mentioned previously, I like to listen to albums instead of just songs. So I’ll pair my favorite songs with my favorite albums of 2022. These are my top picks so feel free to disagree, but I think the best songs/albums are those that are the soundtrack of life and color to the life we’re all living. Did you have any?
“We Cry Together” — Kendrick Lamar (Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers)
For however toxic this song is, it’s the closest thing to real life I’ve heard on an album all 2022. “This is what the world sounds like” indeed.
“Church Girl” — Beyoncé
One of the biggest mistakes I think I’ve made as a Christian was believing in a phony western religiosity that convinced me that I had to shut down all aspects of my cultural expressions to appease the gods of European Christianity. I learn and release stress with kinesthetic movements and through honest conversations. That’s what this song is to me (especially as I think about the women in my life who’ve grown up with a similar perspective thrust upon them).
“Crown” (Can’t please everybody) — Kendrick Lamar
Back to Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, the repeated message of this song is a great reminder and truth, and echoes sentiments from my momma, “You can’t please everybody.”
“Lemonade” — Vince Staples
Cali Vibes
“Reconstruction” — Lecrae
This is my life right now.
Blue Water Road — Kehlani
This was just one of those albums I could put on and just ride, work, or write to. Love Kehlani’s voice.
SOS — SZA
Speaking of albums you can just vibe to, man, SZA came in with a sizzler right at the end of the year with SOS. This is the album that made me conclude that the best music out there is the music that tells the tale of our lives. Check it out!
Damar Hamlin and Prayers for Recovery
I’m sure by now you heard about Buffalo Bills’ 24-year-old safety Damar Hamlin’s sudden collapse and cardiac arrest during Monday Nigh Football this week. I wrote a short write up for my Coaches Box column. You can check it out here.
Also, I thought it was pretty awesome to see ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky do this on national television…
Now that I’m off social media feeds, is there anything else I should know about? Until next week!