Last year I wrote, in an excess of pessimism,
Happy New Year, everybody. Not that there is much to be happy about. As our great republic approaches its end, whether with a whimper or a bang remaining to be seen, Irving Berlin's "The Song is Ended" seems an appropriate way to convey the thought that happiness in the coming year is more likely to be found by an inner path. "Take your happiness while you may." Here's a hipster version, my favorite.
But November 5th brought a change, and things are looking up.
Bang on the first link supra for last year's tune list.