THE M:M MUSIC TEAM (LOTR): Crystal Ann Lea, Meg MacDonald, Rene Magallon
FEATURED ARTISTS
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Abraham Lincoln
Malcom X
Toni Morrison
John F. Kennedy
William Faulkner
Since starting this chart back in 2012, I have written columns that I postponed to acknowledge tragic events. Some were devastating natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, fires and tornados.
Others were horrific man-made tragedies. From mass shootings at schools, night clubs and concerts to the bombings in Boston and most recently Covid-19.
It used to be a rare occasion and it’s becoming all too regular.
I have no original words for what happened to George Floyd. I only know my heart breaks for his family and I’m scared and livid that this kind of abuse still happens.
I have no original words for the riots that have broken out. I’m saddened and disgusted that while there is genuine and absolutely justified anger, it is being drowned out by people using this as an excuse to rob innocent merchants and vandalize their stores.
I have no original words for the peaceful gatherings. I am comforted and inspired by them. Police kneeling side by side with those protesters and I’m also angry that so little of that is being shown by the media.
I don’t know what it’s like to be scared to walk in my own neighborhood because I’m black. I don’t know what it’s like to be the man who posted this on Facebook: “I have to bring my child or pet with me so the police will see me as a dad or loving pet owner and not a threat just because I am a black man who wanted a quiet walk alone.”
And because I have no original words I’m borrowing someone else’s.
EQUALITY
You declare you see me dimly
through a glass which will not shine,
though I stand before you boldly,
trim in rank and marking time.
You do own to hear me faintly
as a whisper out of range,
while my drums beat out the message
and the rhythms never change.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.
You announce my ways are wanton,
that I fly from man to man,
but if I'm just a shadow to you,
could you ever understand ?
We have lived a painful history,
we know the shameful past,
but I keep on marching forward,
and you keep on coming last.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.
Take the blinders from your vision,
take the padding from your ears,
and confess you've heard me crying,
and admit you've seen my tears.
Hear the tempo so compelling,
hear the blood throb in my veins.
Yes, my drums are beating nightly,
and the rhythms never change.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.
-Maya Angelou
From Minneapolis to LA to Nashville to NY and all towns and cities in between; please stay safe and please be kind.
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin….people must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate they can be taught to love for love comes more naturally to the human heart than the opposite.”
- Nelson Mandela
NEEDTOBREATHE
"Hang On' could easily be the next summertime sing-along" -American Songwriter
“The sort of anthem we all need right now” -E! News
White Reaper
"Our listeners have reached out about White Reaper more than any other artists we've played in the last couple years" - Tim Johnstone (KRVB)
"White Reaper - Holy Thin Lizzy guitarmony on that opening with the galloping beat too. I frickin' love that" -Jim McGuinn (The Current Minneapolis)
Chelsea Williams
“The very first song on this record is ‘Wasted’ and it will get a hook stuck in your head in 30 seconds” -Stephen Thompson, NPR Music
“It’s complexion in disguise, perfectly aligning dynamic layers of guitar chords and a simple backbeat. It periodically sneaks in other subtle instruments, jovial and innocent, never once letting you escape its irresistible charm.” -Earmilk
The Strokes
"'The New Abnormal' will be the perfect soundtrack to help us adjust to our new, abnormal lives" -Vulture
“Their best since the glory days of the early 00s” -Rolling Stone
"The New Abnormal takes the pop propulsion and energy of The Strokes' early days, but refuses to retread, instead venturing into intriguing new terrain" -GQ
