(I found that image over there.)
Every year, at the end of the year, there are lists. So many damn lists. They come from people of dubious authority, people in whom we place trust because of familiarity, or assumed esteem, or just the brand name. None of them - not a one - can really purport to know what's best because that is a matter of opinion. Always has been, always will. It's entirely human to want to believe that you're part of a tribe that values excellence, but it's at the cost of excluding, & perhaps demeaning or even demonizing, others that don't share your values. Year-end best-of lists are just another sad way that humans clump together to trumpet their opinions over others.
Ah, you say, but you're no different, Gary! You do the same! I do. I do. Sort of. I don't use the word "best." I don't think my opinion is better or worse than yours. I will value & respect your opinion if it's informed, if you know why it is you like the things you like, but I won't dismiss your opinion otherwise. & I don't care if you don't do the same, because it doesn't bother me that people like things that you like. When you use the word "best," however, I'm laughing at your hubris. Just like I laugh at all those year-end best-of lists that'll pollute the web like smog in Beijing now until the end of the year, & beyond.
What I do have that maybe you don't is a radio show in which I can play my favorite stuff, & that's why I am careful not to say that this is "the best music" that came out this year. One, I didn't listen to everything that came out this year. It would be impossible, & besides, I have no opinion about many genres, like hip hop, country, opera, etc. Two, I can't say what's best. I only know what I like. & three, even I may not think it's up to same standards of my favorite music ever - I only know this is music I listened to over & over & over this year. Next year I may forget all about it. Who knows?
So with that caveat in mind, please tune in today from 4-6pm to hear a sampling of my favorite releases of 2015. There'll be comedy bits, some oddness, a lot of twee & fey, & some great songs by musicians I've just discovered & others that I hold so dear their music is now part of my DNA. You can listen on 88.1 fm in Lexington + online at wrfl dot fm. I hope it'll be fun to listen to.
Oh! There'll be guests. Talking about 2016. & nearly all of them mention Donald Trump!
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