This week’s new albums include releases by Olivia Rodrigo, Allison Russell, Chrissie Hynde, Robert Finley, Lord Huron, Lambchop, Gruff Rhys, Mannequin Pussy, Jo Mersa Marley, and YG & Mozzy, plus singles by Lil Nas X, Saweetie, Phosphorescent, and Lucky Daye. [Spotify]
We’ve always wanted to make a documentary on Sinead O’Connor— the archival footage alone would be riveting. Don’t none of you steal our idea! [NYT]
History / Politics
Buddy Roemer, one of the subjects of Brian’s book, passed away at age 77 this week. He was a first: the first Governor in American history to switch political parties while in office, the first Governor in Louisiana to have his wife leave him (also while in office), the first to have his veto overriden. But he was also so much more than this, including his famous quip about Edwin Edwards: “I would endorse anyone but Edwards,” he said in 1987. “We’ve got to slay the dragon.” [The Hayride]
Don’t go back to the office. Strike if you have to. [The Conversation]
“I think that the thing about 2020 is there was a huge number of new voters. But what we still don’t know yet, because it just requires more analysis, is this: Were the new voters who are activated in 2020 sort of more likely to support Trump? Which is probably true because turnout among Democrats in 2018 did not really drop between 2016 and 2020.” [Men Yell At Me]
Misc.
An interview with the armored truck driver seen in two viral video clips (above): “On this particular day we were escorting valuables, not cash, a job I have done a few times in the past few months. The sad fact is because attacks on trucks happen so often in our country, I tell myself every time I step behind the wheel, ‘This is the day it is going to happen.’ The mind needs to always be prepared, because when you get complacent, that is when things go bad. Sadly, this time I was right.” [Inside Hook]
See you next Friday!