What can be said about 2020 to accurately capture, in as few words as possible, the year that we’ve had? I don’t know if this does it for anyone else, but I’m going to call this year what it’s been for me and those close to me: 2020 has been one f#$!ed-up year from hell.
Most of us have spent the year in lockdown, quarantine, or trying to make a full recovery from a pandemic that has left virtually no one untouched and unaffected. Nearly everyone has at least a story or two of a friend, loved one, or someone else close that has succumbed to COVID-19. Even as I compose these notes, the United States alone is approaching the 20 million affected mark with hundreds of thousands dead.
Globally, we’re near 80 million cases thus far. To the credit of the rest of the world, many developed nations and population centers have a handle on the disease at this point. Here in the United States, our narcissistic (and thankfully outgoing) president has left most of the nation to fend for itself. Of his many (in)actions, the one with the highest body count is the number of Americans who have died on his watch due to their disbelief in COVID and/or their refusal to accept that masks are effective in arresting the spread of the virus. By turning the wearing of masks into a political statement, he has greatly reduced the chances for many of his most ardent supporters and those that may look up to him. History will not be kind to the outgoing president; if there was ever any doubt of that fact, his fate was incrementally cemented as he repeatedly and without fail prioritized his own ego and personal agenda over the lives of fellow Americans who, for four long years, hoped he would actually start to do the job that he was elected to do: govern the country. January and inauguration day can’t come soon enough.
Socially, financially, spiritually, and in many other ways, many of us are on the ropes right now and just trying to survive. We’re looking to 2021 for some much-needed hope, and we’re already starting to see some signs of it. For one, we now have approved COVID vaccines that are starting to be distributed. Many of us are hoping that the vaccines will allow us to return to some semblance of normal life in the new year. I, for one, am hopeful for that outcome.
I’m doing what I can to help out here and there, support friends and loved ones, and just trying to be patient and understanding with everyone as we all try to navigate this happening. I firmly believe that each of us is fighting a hidden battle and/or struggling with something that most people, if not everyone, cannot comprehend, appreciate, or sometimes even understand. We’re all deserving of the benefit of the doubt – especially in times like these.
So with that, I give you the 2020 Bunker Tuneage mixes. Consider them a critical piece of your aural vaccination regimen. Auditorily inject regularly as needed to give yourself – and those you care about – some relief from your mundane and existential pains.
The mixes are on the shorter side this year, but I think they contain at least a song or two you’ll find worth your time. And hey: they’re out before the actual Christmas holiday this year. I suppose that’s a silver lining.
Be safe and kind to each other. And give one another the virtual hug I’ve been unable to give each of you this year – but hope to give you in 2021 🙂
