81: Ship arriving too late to save a drowning family

And a few brilliant songs

It is upwards of 40 degrees celsius today in Toronto. Our school’s Welcome Orientation had to be inside, and I felt barfingly aware of the difficult future we’ve left our collective children. I was able to fake it and make it happen (meditation, baby!), but when I left to drive home in the heat my mood bottomed right out. I can see it now, locate it in my body, not fixate on it – but I am still feeling a massively sad anger. I won’t go on about it, but I share it just in case you were wondering if you were alone in feeling heavy after this too-hot summer. You’re not.

Music, Though

I have been having a lot of musical fun, revisiting some great 80s stuff and some rotten 80s garbage. I’ve found some record-bin treasure that I’ll share soon – funny, interesting Canadiana.

For now, I’ll indulge myself and share a few current non-80s fixations, starting with Lucinda Williams’ “Honeybee,” which made me bark-laugh out loud the first time I heard it. It rocks hard, it’s full of joyful lust, and the delivery is punk-gorgeous.

Our old friend Celia turned me on to Orville Peck, and I am slowly absorbing his oeuvre. Amazing – spend a moment.

Orville P. also does Bronski Beat’s classic “Smalltown Boy” with his low, low voice, in contrast to Jimmy Somerville’s angel-with-a-high-voice delivery. So fun.

Tom Robinson Band released this gem in 1978 – a wry-versed anthem with an on-the-nose chorus. I’m surprised I hadn’t heard it before, but it’s on rotation every day now. His delivery and voice make me think of Young Canadians/Art Bergman.

And I’m coming around to The Style Council, thanks to Marjan, and have “Internationalists” on repeat. What a song.

Stay frosty. Touch grass. Breathe.

I hope you’re cool.

jep