#1 - WHAT IS THE ONE ALBUM (OR EP OR SONG) THAT YOU THINK SHOULD BE THE VERY NEXT MUSICAL THING THAT EVERYONE PRESSES PLAY ON THE NEXT TIME THEY FIND THEMSELVES THINKING “WHAT SHOULD I LISTEN TO NOW”?

I can’t get “Water Me Down” by Vagabon out of my head. Laetitia Tamko’s voice is so smooth and beautiful. This track is definitely shaping up to be my summer jam of 2020.

#2 - WHAT IS THE ONE MOVIE OR TV SHOW THAT YOU THINK SHOULD BE NEXT IN EVERYBODY’S NETFLIX QUEUE (OK, DOESN’T HAVE TO BE NETFLIX, WE’RE ALL INTERNET ADULTS HERE AND KNOW HOW TO FIND ANYTHING ONLINE, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER)?

It’s an election year and we are struggling with a worldwide pandemic. In the middle of all this, the death of George Floyd has ignited national unrest, ultimately leading to worldwide protests. The Black Lives Matter movement has brought attention to the inequities of the USA, but change is impossible without action. Our president is failing to lead, and our country is a wreck. ‘13th’ provides so much insight into the systemic racism built into our every institution as a country.

I first watched this documentary a few years back when it was recommended to me by a close friend. If you have already seen it, watch it again. And please recommend it to someone who doesn’t understand this historic moment in history. The first step for many is education and awareness. And please vote with a conscious come November.

#3. I (AND BY “I” I MEAN “THE PERSON THAT IS READING THIS”) AM GOING TO THE LOCAL BOOK STORE (OK, MAYBE THE LOCAL LIBRARY FIRST) TO FIND THE VERY NEXT BOOK THAT I WILL BE PUTTING SOME EXTREMELY VALUABLE ‘ME-TIME' ASIDE FOR. WHICH BOOK WOULD YOU GET, IF YOU WERE ME (AND, I SUPPOSE, YOU HADN’T ALREADY READ WHAT YOU’RE ABOUT TO SUGGEST)?

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo, Michael Eric Dyson

I’m a privileged white male, so for me it’s important to listen and learn right now. I’m doing my best to educate myself so that I can and put what I have learned into my daily life. The Black Lives Matter movement isn’t over, and justice for all will require continued action far into the future. Education should lead our march toward social equity, just as science should lead our decision making during a pandemic.

#4 - WHAT IS THE ONE WEBSITE (OR JUST ANY OLD INTERNET THING: APP, GIF, SERVICE, WHATEVER) THAT YOU WOULD GET REALLY DOWN IN THE DUMPS ABOUT IF IT WERE TO SUDDENLY GO AWAY?

I signed up for Sirius XM this year and I love it. I subscribe to other services like Spotify, but I prefer having a DJ in the mix (versus playlists). It’s like broadcast radio except it’s uncensored.

The conversation can go any direction and DJ’s can get as explicit as they want. There is a wide range of options for music and commentary. My favorite stations are Shade 45 and Sirius XMU. I’m tired of talking to my smart speaker. She isn’t very smart.

#5 - AND FINALLY… PLEASE GIVE ONE COMPLETELY UNAIDED RECOMMENDATION THAT YOU THINK EVERYONE SHOULD START DOING / USING / WATCHING / EATING / THINKING / QUITTING / ETC-ING TO MAKE THEIR LIVES A LITTLE BIT MORE BETTER AND/OR BEARABLE.

Get out of bed, clean your house, put on some nice clothes, and take care of yourself. Do anything you can to establish routine if you don’t have one right now.

I have personally struggled with isolation during the pandemic. I have been fortunate to have a circle of isolation friends who keep me company. But I talk to people every day who are dealing with depression and other mental health issues. It’s normal right now to have those feelings. Lean on your friends and look to professionals if needed. For me, I find the only thing I can control is my surroundings and my routine. I always feel better when my house is clean.

OK folks, there you have it. Things that Brent Amaker DeathSquad thinks you should consider incorporating into your day/life. Before you log off and go clean your personal space, make sure to follow them on the Facebook / Instagram / Twitter and then also give ‘Hello’ a listen below…

…and if you like what you’re hearing, go do some further brent-amaker-deathsquad-flavoured audio exploring over on the Youtube / Spotify.