I have heard countless times, “America is the greatest country on earth.” Always on top. Our COVID-19 case counts are almost a quarter of the world’s totals. Deaths! This analogy is used often, really capturing the grim reality. If three planes, holding approximately 350 people each, crashed every day that would be the equivalent of what we are experiencing in our nation. In late May, after Memorial Day, we realized 100,000 deaths. It’s been just over a month and now we are nearing 130,000. It’s so terrible the European Union is considering restricting us from traveling abroad.

In the late 1960’s a revolutionary, counter movement instituted by our nation’s youth was born. It focused on experimentation, heightened awareness, groundbreaking sounds, including statement pieces, rebutting the system, and casting off conservative social values. ‘Summer of Love’ was the name given to soften the period which was criticized by the mainstream. (Let’s call it as it was. They were freaked out by the hippies.) Without question, it was a turning point, shifting our perspectives. We are now in the midst of another rebellion. This better be our ‘Summer of Love.’

Thanks to the coronavirus, concerts are on hold until further notice. We get it; but we don’t like it.

Artists and fans have been making the best of it, with bands using internet outposts to broadcast archival performances or set up live streams without audiences in attendance and with allowances for social distancing among the musicians.

The music is flowing, but the experience is suffering.

Nahko And Medicine For The People released their new album “Take Your Power Back.” Nahko’s hard exterior, covered in powerful, tribal tattoos that flatter his muscular build are entrancing. He also sports a nasal, septum ring. It is sexy while still a tad aggressive. I have always been a big fan of Nahko’s music, but would I have judged him, if I only saw his image?

Here in LA; it’s hot! The usual May, grey days have disappeared, with summer clearly wooing us, even though we have nowhere to go. Some of my fondest memories are sticky, Sunday nights heading to Club 70’s to dance the night away in white, go-go boots with a vintage, brightly patterned miniskirt and complimenting mid-drift tee. I was only seventeen. We would pack into my VW convertible or borrow one of our dad’s fancy, mid-life crisis’ vehicles to shuttle ourselves to Hollywood. The windows were down and popular 90’s music was blaring.

Without question it has been a rough few months, but things are turning around. Kory Quinn & Co. released their new record, “The Blueroom.” See; it is a very promising start to May. Quinn’s music is absolutely spellbinding. His vocals are seasoned and solid yet still tender. The entire band have a breathtaking command over the genre. It’s as if they have been playing together for the past fifty years. Even as they tackle gritty subject matter, there is a free-spiritedness in the music.

I saw the words meditation and yoga in the body of the email regarding Joss Jaffe. My urge was to delete it, having a visceral dislike for the practices. Two things a native Angeleno, blonde gal should keep to herself unless she’s okay with being shunned from her bougie community. I’m a contradiction. I don’t care that meditation and yoga expands the mind and are good for the soul. In these capacities, they make me want to crawl out of my skin.

When the opportunity to write about Gospel Book Revisited’s new album, “Morning Songs & Midnight Lullabies” presented itself, I jumped. I didn’t do this because I was familiar with the band or read positive reviews. I didn’t even take a listen which is quite out of character. I said yes for the sole reason the group originates from Italy. My heart is hurting for the entire world but our Italian friends are suffering exponentially. I wanted to give them a bit more love.

Horror movie worthy experiences and lots of therapy have helped me to gain very valuable perspectives on life including how to self-sooth and be on my own. For many this will be a trying time with introspection occurring on monumental levels. Some people have it down already. Others are in the midst of learning how to be with themselves. Many are struggling to find inner peace and sadly will spiral further and further out of control, if a solution is not uncovered. For those dealing with the latter, here’s some tough love.

I need a play list that captures my mood. It’s mostly dark, perplexed and chaotic but sometimes there are much needed glimmers of inspiration. I have so many questions. Is this really our plight? Will it ever end? How will humanity change? With this rapidly, unfolding uncertainty, I can’t do light and surface. Good old rock or pop, my normal go-tos, definitely will not work. I’m craving gritty and real.