Intravenous Sanity, In My Room

Nostalgia is a powerful drug. It’s arguably as unhealthy an addiction as any other more tangible one. It’s as much a paralytic as it is steeped in problematic modes of thought that were considered acceptable in times long since past.

But this is the dawning of the age of COVID-19 and it seems like a good time to embrace every single sterile mind-altering substance and shove it into wherever it’s most effective in alleviating pain, anxiety and boredom. Focusing on the present is unbearable and focusing on the future is pointless. Inasmuch as we know what’s happening, we don’t want to know what’s happening, and inasmuch as we have a future, that economic-stability-predicting octopus has already dragged itself on land to suffocate itself out of severe depression.

Binging TV shows from another era is a suggestion that has been bandied about. But TV shows from the past are too disconnected for a world in self-isolation and the likeliness of encountering a kiddy-fiddler is far too jarring for a brain increasingly infantilizing itself out of anxiety.

What we need right now is a shot of nostalgia that allows us to feel as though we are also connected to a present that doesn’t frighten us.

Perhaps we can find that with In My Room.

With the coronavirus crisis rapidly unfolding, artists and venues around the globe are coming up with innovative ways to keep the lights on and the music playing. Rolling Stone is launching a new IGTV series titled “In My Room.”

The first episode kicked off with a very special performance by Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson. Sitting at the piano in his California home, Wilson begins with a short instrumental performance of “In My Room,” the Beach Boys’ early classic from 1963. From there, Wilson goes to a bright, upbeat solo piano version of the group’s 1968 comeback hit, “Do It Again,” followed by a heartfelt take on his 1988 solo single “Love and Mercy.”

They’ll be releasing episodes three times a week on Rolling Stone’s Instagram — with legacy artists and newer names; with artists across genres and across the globe. It will be an intimate, unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.

We’re facing an unprecedented time period of constant mortal fear and economic anxiety that will last long after it’s over. Mainlining The Beach Boys just might preserve your sanity.

So eat up, eat up, eat up, honey.

 

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