Two Months. Two Playlists. One Late and One Early. Figure That Shit Out.
Two playlists in one shot: October's (finally) here and November's early for once. Martin on forgetfulness, balance, and what the right song at the right time can drag out of you.
Apparently, I can put together an October playlist and then completely forget to upload the damn thing.
So here we are, October almost in the rearview mirror, and I’m finally getting around to sharing it. Chasing my ass like usual. Somewhere between everything I meant to do and everything else that needed doing, hitting “publish” apparently became a major logistical operation.
But—and I feel like this deserves some recognition—I’m actually early with November.
Yes. Early.
Take a screenshot. Tell somebody. This level of organization might never happen again. For one brief, glorious moment, I’m behind schedule and ahead of schedule at the same time. That’s balance, right?
Either way, you’re getting both playlists in one shot.
Music deserves more attention than I sometimes give the business of sharing it. A song can stop you cold in the middle of an otherwise ordinary day. The first few notes hit, and suddenly you remember a person you haven’t seen in years, a place you thought you’d forgotten, or a version of yourself you can barely recognize anymore.
Then another song comes on and makes you want to get off your ass, get in the car, and go somewhere. No grand plan. Just some road ahead of you and the volume exactly where you want it.
I love that a few minutes of music can do all of that. It can drag something out of you that you’ve been avoiding, or give you enough energy to get through whatever’s standing in front of you. Sometimes you listen closely to every word. Sometimes you just need the whole damn room to feel it.
That’s why I like sharing these playlists. Putting music out there gives somebody else a chance to find the song they needed that day. Maybe you’ll hear something you already love. Maybe you’ll find something you haven’t heard before and play it until everyone around you is thoroughly sick of it. That’s your right. Exercise it.
October’s playlist is finally here, despite my apparent determination to keep it to myself through sheer forgetfulness.
Consider this its overdue entrance. October still has a little life left in it, and I’m giving this playlist its moment before we turn the calendar. And honestly, a song doesn’t suddenly quit sounding good because I missed my own imaginary deadline.
🎵 Turn up the October Playlist
November, meanwhile, is ready before November. I remain as surprised as you are.
There’s something satisfying about having the next playlist waiting. The year starts moving fast around this point. You look up, the evenings are shorter, the calendar is filling up, and everybody’s talking about the holidays while you’re still trying to finish something you started three weeks ago.
At least the music is ready this time.
Whether you need something to put on during a long drive, some company while you’re getting things done, or an excuse to shut the door and take a little time for yourself, November’s playlist is there when you want it.
🎵 Get an early start on the November Playlist
Give them both a listen. Spend a little time with them. And tell me what grabs you—the song you replayed, the one that brought something back, or the one you immediately sent to somebody else.
Send me something you think I need to hear, too. There’s always room for another good song.
Enjoy the music. Turn it up.
I’ll be over here celebrating being early for November while trying to remember what the hell else I forgot in October.
—Sgt. Engster, Martin M. USMC