If this is your first Friday newsletter, heads up that the format is different from the rest of the week. On Fridays, we listen to music.
James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix (November 27, 1942 - September 18, 1970)
In early 1970, Hendrix recorded a project in his apartment. He called it Black Gold. Hendrix stans consider Black Gold the "holy grail" of Hendrix’s unheard music. Consisting of 16 songs, all created by a solo Hendrix armed only with his voice and an acoustic guitar. Other songs from the Black Gold sessions were also further developed in the studio and have surfaced in the Hendrix catalogue (You have probably heard "Machine Gun" without realizing it) but at least nine of the songs are known to be exclusive to the tapes.
"Suddenly November Morning" is the only track from Black Gold ever released. Listen in the audio player up top and enjoy in honor of Hendrix’s legacy.
IT’S FALL, Y’ALL:
It’s feeling like fall outside, so this week’s playlists are optimized for autumnal vibes:
BRAND NEW PLAYLIST: SHORTS & HOODIE SEASON.
Saturday Morning Errands in Sweatpants
PUT THIS ON WHILE COOKING
90’s Teen Sex Comedy Soundtrack
Songs You Forgot from the 2010’s
HOW TO HELP BLACK LIVES IN 30 MINS OR LESS:
Carve out 30 minutes in your calendar this week. Call it “Being A Better Person Time” or “Set a Good Example for my Kid” Time, whatever works.
Do one thing in that 30-minute window. Click a link. Make a call or donate or sign a petition.
This weekend, share the above link with your three closest friends and say, “Hey, I’m (calling/donating/signing a petition). I’m worried about how things will be for future generations, so I’m doing something about it. If you’re interested, here’s the link!” If you have a group chat, drop it into your group chat!
Repeat the following week for as long as you can. Do it while you online shop, do it while you’re on an annoying call, hell, you can do it while you poop, I don’t care! Whatever it takes! It is the absolute least that you can do, but you’ll get a sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that you at least did SOMETHING to help.
BONUS: You have a vision of who you want to be, right? That ideal version of yourself that does the right thing when given a chance and leads by example? This is that chance. You won’t have to lie to your kids or grandkids about being on the right side of history! You can be all like, “Children/Grandchildren, we don’t tolerate that racist shit in this house. If anyone says otherwise, send them to me.” and you’ll sound all tough and cool, and your kids or grandkids will respect and love you and not want to be racists…guess what? That means less racist people in the future!!!
Look at that. It turns out you had a bigger impact than you thought the whole time! You can do it!
ESSENTIAL PLAYLISTS:
These are my most-popular playlists on Spotify. If I’ve recreated the playlist on Apple Music or Tidal, links to those are included as well.
RIP Herb Kent
a.k.a “The best soul playlist you’ve never heard”
Older Millennial Instant Party Starter
Cool Men’s Boutique
Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
Cool Hotel Pool
Cool Dive Bar
Safe For Babies
(clean music that’s cool for my parents out there)
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Gmail users: I’ve heard that some of you aren’t seeing the newsletter because it goes to the “Promotions” folder in your inbox. I made a GIF to show you how to add Office Hours to your primary inbox so you never miss a new issue:
The pod will be live this month but having to edit it myself means it’s not going to be out when I originally promised. Lesson here, kids: All that “self-made” talk is a better used as a source of personal motivation, not a business strategy😂. While we’re on the subject…
I’m looking for someone to edit The Office Hours podcast! Gig is about 2 hours a week of work and is paid. All are welcome to apply, but people from Chicago get to cut to the front of the line. If this sounds like something you’d be into, E-mail me with the subject line “Office Hours Pod” and samples of your work.
SUPPORT THIS THING:
Did you know that for the price of a shared appetizer and two rounds of drinks, you can support the development of a Black-owned media business? Become a paid supporter of the newsletter on an ongoing basis today:
Can’t commit to an ongoing subscription right now? I get it, it’s crazy out here. However, if you enjoy what you read, consider showing your support for my work with a one-time donation!
Office Hours is written and curated by Ernest Wilkins.
Follow me on Twitter/Clubhouse/IG @ErnestWilkins.
Want to work with me? Send me an e-mail.
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