What a year! Calendar years for me, since I still live by a U.S. academic calendar, starts and ends on a “break.” This time last year I hadn’t really ever seen any of the Star Wars movies before, and over winter break last year I watched them all. This time last year I was finishing up my first semester of grad school and this year I’m finishing up my fourth. This time last year I didn’t believe in the idea of Georgia as a purple state, after Stacy Abrams performance in the midterm, I’m more intrigued than I’ve ever been before. I’m hoping to graduate with my Master’s in American Studies in May. When I write this piece next year, I could be writing it as a PhD student (or an adjunct professor). I’ve made a conscious effort to listen to more new music in general, inside and outside of metal, this year, and it’s been a good experience. You can check out some of my finds and favorites over at my Medium.
My album of the year: Catharsis by Machine Head
Catharsis has been a necessary album for getting through this year. From the opening decree of “Volatile,” “Awww, fuck the world!” to the folk-punk inspired “Bastards” to the 8 minute “Heavy Lies The Crown” to the closing track, “Eulogy,” this mix of personal and political helped me process and work through my own anger and angst at the socio-political realities we find ourselves in.
Check out the rest of my list here.
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