ALBUM LISTENED TO THE MOST THIS YEAR
Bret: Ron Miles, RAINBOW SIGN
Ginger: Nathaniel Rateliff "And It's Still Alright" is the newest album I listened to the most because it took me back to the very last concert I saw in 2020 before everything shut down: Nathaniel at the 1st Bank Center. And when I wanted to escape the world, I went old school: any album by The Beatles!
Keefer: Probably Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Reunions. Songs of romantic struggles, facing one’s fears and speaking truth to power claiming, “we won’t shut up and sing”. If Springsteen grew up in Muscle Shoals, he’d probably be writing songs like these. Nobody gets to the heart of the matter like Jason Isbell.
Robbyn: Nathaniel Rateliff And It's Still Alright
FAVORITE BOOK YOU READ
Bret: Shoshana Zuboff, THE AGE OF SURVEILLANCE CAPITALISM: THE FIGHT FOR A HUMAN FUTURE AT THE NEW FRONTIER OF POWER
Ginger: Fiction: "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens. Nonfiction: "Janis" by Holly George-Warren
Keefer: Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby. Fast cars, mean hillbillies, drugs and a diamond heist gone horribly, horribly wrong.
Robbyn: Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
SERIES YOU STREAMED THE MOST/FAV SERIES OR SHOW
Bret: I streamed all of the films made by director John Cassavetes this year. They’re all perfect in their way.
Ginger: "Last Tango in Halifax" and "Dead to Me" (can't pick one)
Keefer: Toss up. I’m a Johnny come lately to Michael Connelly’s Bosch series. A collection following the life of a Vietnam vet (he was a tunnel rat) who becomes a grizzled, but deep thinking, jazz loving LAPD detective. Started reading the books in chronological order, but The Narrows was impossible to find. So while I waited for that to arrive I found out about the show. The streaming series is a little different than the books, but still good and we’ve been binging it. Also Broadchurch. British crime drama set in a quiet seaside town. A body is found on a beach and everybody’s secrets start to unravel.
Robbyn: The Queen's Gambit
WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM 2020?
Bret: I learned that technology and social media can only take us so far in terms of human relationships.
Ginger: I learned that even though I was sequestered at home most of the year, I seldom felt lonely. For once I embraced modern technology and always felt connected to friends and co-workers even when we were miles apart. I also learned I really don't need to shower every day!
Keefer: It’s OK to turn off the news and social media. The sh*@t show will still be there when you get back. Take a break.
Robbyn: That so many people will rally together for the greater good despite terrible personal circumstances. There are so many truly good people in this world.
WHAT WAS SOMETHING POSTIVE ABOUT 2020? (WHAT WAS SOMETHING YOU ACTUALLY ENJOYED?)
bI enjoyed “binge listening” to artists I hadn’t paid the proper attention, like Joni Mitchell, Elmore James and Duke Ellington.t was something positive about 2020? (What was something you actually enjoyed?)
Ginger: I enjoyed hiking throughout Boulder County. Every day on my long walks I seemed to find something new, even in my own neighborhood. Took a pandemic for me to really explore and appreciate my surroundings!
Keefer: I perfected BBQ ribs. I’ve always desired a big ol’ smoker to cook’em right. But I found that a $25 grill and indirect heat (plus wood chips!) does a pretty good job. And use Lillie Q BBQ sauce, anything else is just a waste of time. Hot Smoky is my go to. And I got back into reading big time. I’ve probably read 60 books since February.
Robbyn: I enjoyed the numerous serious conversations that I had with people about really big issues. People wanted to talk and reach out and it was comforting and enlightening for me.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ONCE THE PANDEMIC IS OVER?
Bret: I’m looking forward to seeing my friends and family again.
Ginger: I can't wait to hug again, really really tightly!
Keefer: Let’s just assume live music is on another level when it comes to looking forward to a better 2021. Here’s what I’m looking forward to…I love to fish and I’ve had a Canadian trip on the books for over a year, but it just kept getting kicked down the road because of the border closure. It’s one of those deals where they fly you out to the wilderness on a sea plane, drop you off at on a lake and leave you there for a week. You’re on your own. If things are close to normal in June, I’m outta here.
Robbyn: LIVE concerts at Red Rocks!