An Open Letter to Rubén Blades: Why Am I In It? Note: Please read the linked Rubén Blades article for reference before proceeding with this post! https://www.rubenblades.com/la-esquina/baja-california-mxico-january-21st-2016 If you have followed my work—whether on YouTube or other platforms—you know I typically avoid topics deeper than the surface level. I prefer to focus on my love of music, art, and mixed-media creation. This is not due to a lack of concern for the issues of the world, but rather a nuanced antipathy with how the internet transforms civil discourse into vitriol. To avoid adding to said negativity, I have largely remained in a "neutral positivity zone." Today, however, I am stepping out of that zone to address Mr. Rubén Blades and his commentary on the 2016 Oscars controversy . I am not particularly a fan of the Academy Awards; I find that actors are often rewarded for their worst work while their best performances are ignored. (Al Pacino winning for Scent ...
" This album and I, we go way back. In my tenure as a cashier, it seemed no matter what store I worked in, whether it was Frys, Safeway, Nordstrom, or Starbucks, there was always a Go West song on somewhere in the background. " - Anne While I have my thoughts about the querstionable ( yes querstionable not Questionable) album title, I cant deny that this is a banger of an album. It's rare to find an album with practically zero skips and this one definitely tops the list of those that do. I can't believe it took me so long to finally listen to the album in its entirety. This album is powerful and kicks it into high gear IMMEDIATELY upon opening. A nostalgic trip to an era long gone that just feels like home, it's so comfortable and warm. Opening up the album is the incredible Faithful which I'm sure I heard more than 100 times working in grocery. Nonetheless, this song makes me want to get up and dance. Faithful is an absolute JAM that is full of energy and s...