Two Years And Counting…
My Mixtape’s A Masterpiece is a weekly feature in which a guest compiles a playlist around some theme. This week, Alexis M. Collazo assembles 12 tracks that resemble, and helped her cope with, the past two chaotic years. Read Alexis’ thoughts on each song and listen along to the Spotify playlist on top and/or the YouTube playlist at the bottom of the post.
It feels like an understatement to say the past couple years have been crazy. Starting with a pandemic that seemed to stop time, we’ve been thrown one unprecedented event after another. Besides the global shut down, there were massive social justice protests, murder hornets, a worldwide supply chain crisis, Tiger King, COVID variants, and even the death of Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman). That barely covers 2020, I don’t even want to think about the hysteria surrounding the U.S presidential election.
Basically, my point is it’s been a struggle to stay sane and functional. And while things seem to be getting better, we have no idea what’s still to come. What better way to cope than with music? I put together a playlist almost as chaotic as the past couple of years. It includes songs reflecting events or my mood over that time, others helped me cope and brought comfort, and some will possibly prepare us for whatever’s next.
1. “The Stupid, The Proud” by IAMX
Proud and loud, stupid people are nothing new. But it’s become so much clearer how detrimental they are to the survival of us all. It’s also a bit surprising and terrifying to see the how easily the masses can be swayed and their unwavering belief in the absurd.
2. “Riot” by Three Days Grace
After months of forced isolation, something was going to set people off sooner rather than later. Of course, the brave men in blue delivered. I absolutely do not condone rioting or any type of violent behavior. But having had my fair share of experience with the NYPD, I absolutely understand and relate to the rage and frustration that leads someone down that road.
3. “Soldier Of Love” by Sade
I had a really hard time pulling myself away from social media and news during the summer of 2020. It was hard not to internalize the anger, disappointment and fear when facing the realities of our society’s many broken systems. Instead of giving in, I finally put the phone down and let Sade soothe and comfort me.
4. “Impossible Year” by Panic At The Disco
If we were nicknaming years, this would at the top of the list for 2020. The somber tone and depressing lyrics are likely a good way to sum up how most of us felt by the end of the year.
“There’s no sunshine this impossible year, only black days and sky grey and clouds full of fear.” Even the best of us can’t stay positive all the time, I bet we all gave in to despair at some point.
5. “Under Pressure” by Queen ft David Bowie
Speaking of giving up and giving in under pressure. “It never rains but it pours.” That line says it all.
6. “The Mirror’s Truth” by In Flames
Another reminder of how easily people refuse to see the truth, especially if it’s staring back at them in the mirror. I’ve also had the privilege of seeing the band live, an experience I kind of get to relive in my head every time hear their music.
7. “Like A Stone” by Audioslave
I can’t be the only one that’s spent way too much time considering their mortality. On top of the daily death toll reports, at least three people I know passed away these past two years. Two old classmates and a friend who were around the same age I am. Honestly, I’m already amazed I lasted this long.
8. “Desecrate Through Reverence” by Avenged Sevenfold
There was a time when A7X was one of my favorite bands. With an abundance of spare time early in the pandemic, I got a bit introspective. Eventually leading to nostalgia and dredging up more old favorites.
9. “Shadowmaker” by Apocalyptica
We all know that one person who seems to always have a dark cloud hanging over them. While it’s been their time to shine, the rest of us have fought not to give into the doom and gloom mood. I don’t blame anybody that gave in, that dark cloud feels like it’s never very far.
10. “Youth Of The Nation” by P.O.D.
Luckily, I don’t have any kids of my own. From what I hear the children are not okay. I absolutely can’t imagine growing up through these shitshow years. Personally, it probably would have fucked me up…y’know, worse than I am now.
11. “War Pigs by Black Sabbath
It’s hard to find a time period where this song is not relevant. But with the heightened tensions of the past couple years, the likelihood of an actual war starting was inevitable. For added cynicism, it’s highly likely that many of the people in power are happy to have attention diverted from the other hundred issues we need to deal with.
12. “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” by R.E.M.
I’ve reached the point where I simply don’t have the energy to react to the latest shocking events. I’m going to take a nap. Wake me up when the aliens land.
