My Gen X Playlist: Superman – REM

We hosted Thanksgiving this year. There were a few unexpected guests and the head count reached 21. Good thing we had a big turkey and thankfully, I wasn’t on my own.

I’ve heard of brining before, but wouldn’t know what it was even we said hello every morning over a cup at Starbucks. Thank goodness my sister in law volunteered to help with the brine. That left plenty of time to read up on how to cook the turkey.

This was my second time cooking a turkey. The first time, the turkey didn’t have that golden brown color on the outside. It was oddly almost like an albino turkey. Weird, I know. Thank goodness it still turned out moist and tasty. I was determined not to serve another albino turkey this year.

After a number of YouTube videos, I learned all I needed was a slab of butter. I literally took a stick of butter and smothered the entire bird with my hands. Every nook and cranny, over and under the skin. It was a mess. Thankfully, YouTubers know what they’re talking about. The skin came out golden brown. Thank you, YouTube.

Carving the turkey was another experience. Again, what would I do without YouTube. Surprisingly, my carving skills weren’t too bad. I remember the first time I butchered the bird. This time I took my time, a few deep breaths and had YouTube walk me through it. Not too bad, patting myself on the back. I actually received a few compliments. That was unexpected and nice.

Gravy? You’d think that wouldn’t be too difficult to make, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. Mom to the rescue. I was busy carving the bird and let her take the reigns on the gravy. I stole a few glances as I finished carving. It looked a bit more involved than I thought.

All in all, I’m happy to report it was a success. But it begs the question: How in the world does one person pull this off? Brine, roast, carve and gravy. You’d have to be Superman to do all of these things. I will say, I gained a little more confidence this time around. Next time we host Thanksgiving, I’ll add brining to my list. I like this layered learning approach. I can only handle one freak out at a time.

(I am, I am)
I am Superman and I can do anything

Once again, I’m learning something new. It turns out, REM’s Superman is a cover of a 1969 song by the Texas band The Clique. Plus, he’s not all powerful. . .

Funny that one of R.E.M.’s greatest tunes wasn’t even written by the band. That’s right, this little ditty, which revolves around Mike Mills rolling basslines and chirpy vocals is a cover! Again, the lyrics and mention of Superman deal specifically with a love scorned, showing that even a man impervious to bullets can still suffer a broken heart.

– IGN

Even though bullets bounce off Superman’s chest, he is still susceptible to a broken heart? I thought he was the man of steel. Now it has me second guessing if he can pull off a Thanksgiving turkey. . .

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For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

(I am, I am)
I am Superman and I know what's happening
(I am, I am)
I am Superman and I can do anything

You don't really love that guy you make it with, now, do you
I know you don't love that guy 'cause I can see right through you

(I am, I am)
I am Superman and I know what's happening
(I am, I am)
I am Superman and I can do anything

If you go a million miles away, I'll track you down, girl
Trust me when I say I know the pathway to your heart

If you go a million miles away, I'll track you down, girl
Trust me when I say I know the pathway to your heart

(I am, I am)
I am Superman and I know what's happening
(I am, I am)
I am Superman and I can do anything

(I am, I am)
I am Superman and I know what's happening
(I am, I am)
I am Superman and I can do anything