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duchesschameleon · 3 years

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codependent idiots

an ajf playlist for @winterscaptain

hello tali! and everyone else reading this.

music is something incredibly important to me, as a musician and as someone who hates existing in silence. I always need something in the background. so, what better way to celebrate 100 ajf fics than with a playlist? tali, I am so incredibly proud of you for 100 ajf fics and so honored to have been part of the journey. and to be your friend. seeing the hard work that goes into this universe and how much you love it is just incredible. I cannot wait for what comes next and to see you continue to create and grow this universe that I love so, so much. you are amazing and wonderful and I love you to bits and pieces darling.

so without further ado, here’s the playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0RpXkdEbsdMqX6l5daBdaL?si=bae62e4556674c84

These songs make me think of ajf or just fit the universe - it’s not about one specific moment or one specific relationship, it’s ajf as whole. So I’ve included a little explanation for each song, considering there isn’t a cohesive sound.

paper rings - taylor swift

this one is pretty self explanatory. it’s a song about loving someone so much you don’t care how, when, or why you marry them. considering meraki, I think we can all agree this fits.

I will follow you into the dark - death cab for cutie

this is a song that screams going to the end of the line for someone. and we’ve seen time and time again (and I’ve referenced it in many a commentary) that aaron & mom lean on each other for everything. they are so reliant on each other for everything and I feel like this song captures it.

be my baby - the ronettes

another classic love song. and just the right amount of sweetness for aaron & mom I think. their love, to me, is a deep and everlasting love that endures and as we’ve seen in the fic, is filled with sweet moments between each other. and there’s a lot in this song about knowing you love someone from the start.

can’t keep on loving you from a distance - elliot yamin

this fits into berry hill/mean it ajf I think. it’s the yearning guys. it’s the not being able to love someone from afar anymore and wanting to do something about it. yeah I threw in a little angst, but this is one of my favorite songs. it’s good and it fits. it’s a crossroads.

die a happy man - thomas rhett

pretty self explanatory, listen to the lyrics. it's all about needing just the love of the person you love the most in this world. that is aaron and mom to a t.

unforgettable - thomas rhett

okay an upbeat song! this one is not forgetting any detail from when you met the person you love. again, aaron and mom. also it’s one of my favorite thomas rhett songs. it’s about inevitability, knowing that you’ve found your person, and not forgetting a single thing about them.

this will be (an everlasting love) - natalie cole

aaron always gives me classic song vibes, he likes the oldies and what he was raised on. this song is...it is happiness personified. it is happiness and joy in a song and you cannot convince me it wasn’t played at the wedding.

make a life, not a living - brett kissel

okay so first off: brett kissel is an amazing canadian country artist whom I love dearly. this is his newest song and it was released just in time for this. this ENCAPSULATES ajf for me - this aaron that allows himself to live and love again, to have this happiness and joy. it’s all about making a life, and making a good one. this is ajf for me.

between you and me - brett kissel

and this one is for all the 18+/nsfw moments. listen to the song and it's pretty self-explanatory.

at last - etta james

it took them like 6 years (? I think) to get together and another 2.5 to get married. someone played this at the wedding and you cannot convince me otherwise. again, it goes to inevitability and how everyone was waiting for this to happen. we knew it was gonna happen, it was just a matter of when. so when it does happen, everyone’s screaming “AT LAST!”

kiss me - ed sheeran

okay this album came out in 2011, mean it happened in 2011...it fits. and this song screams mean it to me. that’s really all I have to say

give me love - ed sheeran

same reasoning as kiss me. I just couldn’t decide which one fit more. but they both work.

growin’ up - bruce springsteen

this song is less mom & aaron and more ajf in general. it’s rebellion and doing what you want - hello bau - and it’s just a great song about learning and growing up and doing things your way. also it’s me, there had to be springsteen on here somewhere

mary’s place - bruce springsteen

run with me on this one: you’re driving in the car with your family, people you love, and this song comes on. you can’t help but smile and sing along and it is happiness personified. this one is all about the vibes, not the lyrics or meaning of the song. this to me is a bit of a party starter and something that could play at every bau party. familiar faces, laughter, gathering people together….this is all about having a good time with people you love.

we take care of our own - bruce springsteen

last springsteen song I promise. this one is similar to above, it’s all about a family and being there for one another. looking out for your own, looking out for each other.

some day one day - queen

this is a great soft, sweet song talking about hope for mom & aaron. much like this is early in queen’s discography, it fits into the early years of ajf.

you’re my best friend - queen

self explanatory. they are codependent, they rely on each other so much, they are best friends and lovers. it fits so well. and this song will always put a smile on my face.

another one bites the dust - queen

another unsub bites the dust because the bau is great at their jobs. and, this screams hotchner’s dancing around the kitchen or the living room. they seem like the kind of family to dance around and film each other for….no ulterior motive whatsoever (/sarcasm)

my wish - rascal flatts

so this fits for the wedding vows BUT ALSO - during enough when aaron is thinking about how he’ll fit into reader’s life. he just wants them to have a good life, to find happiness. that is his wish for them.

danger zone - kenny loggins

we all know the hotchner’s love top gun. they absolutely, unabashedly love this song and blast it for a dance party.

landslide - fleetwood mac

maybe it’s because we sang this at my camp as a last night campfire song, but I can see this being a song sung to the littles to get them to settle down. the lyrics might not make total sense but it’s a bit of a vibe.

this is it - scotty mccreery

it’s a great love song and I love it. it gives me ajf vibes for many reasons and many moments in the series

not alone - mcfly

OH ITS TIME FOR MY MCFLY SOAPBOX. mcfly is a band that yes, I mostly know because of the close geography of the internet and early 2010s british youtubers. they are a big band in the uk and they were in an early 2000s movie called just my luck with chris pine and lindsay lohan. I love the movie, I love mcfly. seriously, they are one of my favorite bands ever. not alone is a great song and one I think can be the background for many ajf scenes. and yes this is about to start a few mcfly songs on the playlist

I wanna hold you - mcfly

it’s just about being close and wanting to hold the person you love. how many times during ajf do we see mom & aaron with a hand on each other and reaching for one another?

it’s all about you - mcfly

I tend to find this is the most well known mcfly song. it was written for one of the band members’ wife and it’s so good. and yes, again, it encapsulates the love aaron and mom have.

being alive - company

I kinda had the realization that this song screams aaron to me. that for so long he fought against his feelings and was almost content with being alone, with not having anyone. he sort of holds himself at arms length, like bobby does throughout company. and then at some point, there’s a switch. and he realizes that being alone is not the same as being alive and he wants to have someone to hold and someone to be alive with. and that’s what this song is about.

louder than words - tick, tick, boom

there are so many times where aaron and mom just look at each other. they use their actions, their body language, and their eyes to communicate and forgo words. they don’t need words. and it’s not just with one another. it’s with jack and the littles and the whole team. actions truly do speak louder than words in this universe.

always will - bright star

it’s a mean it & mistletoe song. “we’re supposed to be/together it’s true/I’ve had my doubts/but not about you.” these lyrics SCREAM ajf and this is one of my favorite songs from bright star - WHICH IS AN UNDERRATED MUSICAL.

dirty little secret - all american rejects

okay so it’s never a dirty secret, but this fits in during the mean it arc. they’re so secretive and sneaking around. we needed one unhinged song here okay???

the power of love - huey lewis & the news

this is a song that fits the relationship, but is also something that could play in the hotchner house and get everyone singing and jamming. or could be played at dinner at uncle dave’s house to get everyone up and dancing on the flagstones.

sharp dressed man - zz top

it’s aaron hotchner. also, this is a song I can see aaron making his kids listen to (yes my dad made me listen to this a lot growing up)

I want to hold your hand - the beatles

yes we need a beatles song on here and yes this is one that always makes me think of ajf. there’s always some way people are touching - linking pinkies, holding hands, a finger through a belt loop, hands on the top of someone’s chair - touch and contact are important here so yes this is the requisite beatles song.

the heart never lies - mcfly

one more mcfly song. just listen to the lyrics and you’ll know why it’s one of my favorites. for as long as these two fought their feelings and denied them, the heart never lies. and their eyes can give it away.

#ajf 100 #fic stuff #ajf stuff #tali is masterful #music #lets not talk about how long putting together the playlist and writing the commentary took #and then the formatting #oh the formatting #BUT ITS DONE #it doesn't have fancy cover art #yet #that might change #but i hope you all like it!

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idontwanttospoiltheparty · 3 years

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when/how did you realize beatles music was amazing and something you couldn't live without?

I'm trying to not start off every answer with "OOF" but you people do keep sending me loaded questions lol. That's fine though, I enjoy it, keep it coming! My close attachment to the bug boys (both their music and them) is new. It more or less started at the beginnng of May of this year.

I've always known about them and known a good handful of songs. We sang Yellow Submarine and Hello Goodbye in school, I have memories of playing Beatles Rockband once at my cousin's house and also the Love album used to be relatively regular car music for my family. Also, I was in class with someone who was obsessed with their music and sometimes she'd be playing songs. My opinion on the music for most of my life has been kind of… middling. There were songs I really liked or loved (like Help! or Eleanor Rigby) songs I thought were fine but didn't take much note of (something like Being For The Benefit of Mr Kite) and ones I just really didn't get the hype for (A Hard Day's Night comes to mind [I love it now]). But I have a sort of kneejerk sceptic reaction to people hyping stuff up for no discernible reason sometimes, and so the more I'd hear older people with little knowledge of music theory and history call them the be-all end-all of music, the more I sort of developed a kind of aversion to them. I just hate being told to respect and/or like things without knowing why, y'know?

PSA to older Beatles fans: you will NOT convince younger people to listen to your music by telling them their music taste sucks actually.

On the other hand, I had also sort of gotten the idea I should maybe go through their entire discography and get behind the myth of it all. I sort of attempted this a few times over the years, like I started listening to Sgt. Pepper once and then for some reason had to stop halfway, and I listened to the This Is The Beatles playlist on spotify a few nights in a row in 2019 lol.

What actually made me commit to doing it was 1) I had seen a LOT of backlash against Taylor for breaking the Beatles' records for 3 number one albums within the least amount of time in the UK last April, and like the sheer stupidity of some of the arguments being made why "Actually She Didn't Break This Record" really set me off (for example talking about it being "more effort" to buy an album back in the day… But the Beatles weren't competing for number one against anyone who had it "easier" to sell their albums and Taylor wasn't competing against anyone who had it "harder" than her. Or talking about absolute pure sales numbers when that's not what going number one means?) and 2) in a Discord I was in, someone shared a link to an 8-Bit version of Sgt. Pepper at the beginning of May, which I decided to listen to cause it seemed like good study music and I rather enjoyed! I found it really let their talent for creating good melodies shine through.

WHY DO I KEEP COMPLETELY EXPOSING MYSELF IN MINIATURE ESSAYS WHEN ASKED STRAIGHTFORWARD QUESTIONS

Anyways, so all of that made me go okay! I'm gonna go through this motherfucking huge discography then I will know this music better than a LOT of the people who hype it up and then I will be able to be objective about all of this.

So I listened to Sgt. Pepper and Please Please Me and then the White Album. The first was enjoyable but I didn't really ~get the immense hype, Please Please Me bored me at first (I think their early style is something you kind of need to get into and need to hear a few times to fully appreciate. But also Love Me Do sucks and why a record label thought it would be a good debut single is absolutely BEYOND ME) and the last one REALLY caught me off guard. There was stuff in there I loved (Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da is actually possibly my very first favourite song that wasn't a kids' song. I used to have to go to these psychomotor education classes and that song played there often and I adored it. Also Piggies slaps, send tweet) but also like a lot of stuff I found pretty weird and off-putting. And I still haven't warmed up to Yer Blues and Why Don't We Do It In The Road. That album did, however, get me very interested in the band. I think the weirdness of the album really just invited me to look into their history. I wanted to understand why they had broken up. That sent me down the rabbithole of the India trip history and I just kept reading more and more wikipedia articles related to all of it.

It was around this point I sort of came to realize that I'd had a lot of wrong preconceived notions about them, especially John. I was never someone like roaming around twitter, yelling for him to be cancelled, but he had simply never seemed sympathetic to me. For instance, IDK if I misunderstood what someone told me or if that person had misunderstood, but the story of John learning chords with Paul left-handed to follow him better (and maybe also Stuart not letting Paul change around the strings on his bass) had somehow been morphed into John finding Paul's left-handed playing off-putting and forcing Paul to play right-handed?? And I was like "Wow, what an asshole!" Also all the 1970 narrative that the two didn't like each other, plus I projected boomers' and gen-xers' Beatle snobism onto them and just got the impression they were pretentious narcissists. (I mean they were kind of that, but not to the extent or in the same way I imagined)

So I think learning these things opened me up to them more. Like I realized Hey! They were my age! And then at some point I found out about the Christmas albums and thought that was so fascinating, that that existed, (a huge part of my initial interest was my fascination with the marketing around them, which is why I watched AHDN and Help! super early on) so I listened to those and was like "Fuck! These guys are endearing!" and then I remember lurking on bug-tumblr and seeing that "Well that was very observant of them, because we aren't American actually" quote and I wanted to find the video of it and ended up finding this legendary video. And starting to actually like these guys and realizing they took all of this ten times less seriously than their Boomer fans do made me more excited to keep listening to the discography and look up more of the stories behind the songs and just kind of… Come to understand them better. I also found that once I accepted that some Boomers are just gonna hype up their fave music too much I'd enjoy it more. Like I'd listen to I Want To Hold Your Hand and get a bit defensive like "why do you love this so much??? the lyrics are so dumb??" but when I just kind of accepted that fact I realized no! It's an amazingly structured bop, which yes, has weak lyrics but it's fine!!! It's the Call Me Maybe of its day and that's NOT a bad thing!!

And in the end they have an amazingly versatile catalogue that covers most things you might be in the mood for. It is kind of hard (for me) not to like it.

There are still sort of two bands in my head: the archetype, the myth, the pretentious group of people who hate each other that I just sort of instinctively want to dislike and the band who sang all those songs I had NO IDEA existed and came into my life without any baggage or expectations from my part. I've pretty much never listened to say Hey Jude in the past months, even though I don't find it bad the outro is too fucking long because it's kind of got too much of that baggage to me still.

This was SUCH a ramble but I hope this makes sense to people to some extent. Anyways I'm a new fan, drag me, but maybe drag me more for how much I seem to know after three months. Seriously, this is a curse.

#mine #ask #bugs #anon

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malcolmfm · 4 years

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* 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 , i hope u are all doing fabulous . my name is 𝐤𝐨𝐝𝐲 , & i can’t even begin to explain how excited i am to be a part of this group . i come from the 𝐩𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐞 , my pronouns being 𝐬𝐡𝐞 / 𝐡𝐞𝐫 . i am so happy & so fortunate to be able to write with you all , as all your characters are just amazing . if any of u are interested in plotting & becoming the best of friends , please give this post a 🖤 to consent to an endless love spam in ur ims .

new york’s very own malcolm ‘ mac ’ dunn was spotted on broadway street in converse chuck taylor’s . your resemblance to joe keery is unreal . according to tmz , you just had your twenty - fourth birthday bash . while living in nyc , you’ve been labeled as being contumacious , but also jocular . i guess being a taurus explains that . three things that would paint a better picture of you would be comic filled bookshelves , roughed up sneakers , and laughter floating through a room .

tw ﹕ depression , suicide attempt .

* 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 .

𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 ﹕ malcolm ronan dunn . 𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 ﹕ mac , mac daddy ( no one calls him this , he calls himself this 🙃 ) , mac attack . 𝐚𝐠𝐞 ﹕ twenty - four . 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 ﹕ may thirteenth . 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 / 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬 ﹕ cismale / he ﹕ him . 𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ﹕ heterosexual . 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ﹕ heteromantic . 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 ﹕ american . 𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 ﹕ irish , english , scottish . 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 ﹕ malcolm first began his career as an actor during his teenage years with michael cera’s filmography . he has starred in films that include juno , superbad , nick & norah’s infinite playlist , & scott pilgrim vs . the world . since he had the opportunity to help write & produce songs for the spvtw soundtrack , this eventually led to his transition from acting to becoming a musician , claiming twenty one pilots as his sound . currently he has only released the album blurryface , & has recently concluded the blurryface tour . presently , he is now writing & producing songs for his upcoming album , trench . 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨 ﹕ chandler bing friends , ron weasley harry potter , star - lord guardians of the galaxy , steven hyde & michael kelso hybrid that 70s show , scott pilgrim scott pilgrim vs . the world , jim halpert the office , cody ko youtube , beast boy teen titans , steve harrington stranger things .

* 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 .

malcolm ronan dunn is the first born of derrick & vivian dunn , that alone creating a set sum of high expectations for the male descendent . being the genesis of what would eventually be a very famed family , it entails great pressure of being the eldest . being the offspring of a prominent actor during the 80s turned car mogul & one of the most exceptional astrophysicists of this decade , it was said that malcolm was destined to be an extension of their talents . his childhood was as ordinary as any other , attending school & having juvenile interests . . though one prominent influence in his life was music . ever since he was a baby , a set of hazel hues twinkled & cheeks were perked by harmonies that would liven up a room . by the time he was eight years old , he had already been familiar with all of queen’s discography & can partake in a discussion of how music truly defines our society .

advancing several years ahead , malcolm reaching the ripe age of sixteen , it was then he set his sights on becoming an actor . by the time he had made this realization , he had already been writing music of his own & had become what many would consider an expert drummist . however , music was subsided as a hobby for the time being , as his parents insisted that is what it was meant to be , just a hobby . his parents , his father in particular , was very ecstatic to hear that his son’s interests in becoming an actor . with the vast amount of connections he accumulated during his cinematic years , it had only took a single phone call for malcolm to star in his very first film . a quality in which almost anyone who had known mac is how effortlessly comical the boy was , & could light up just about any crowd with vivacious laughter . the boy’s innately jocular mannerisms is what landed him in his first role as evan in the seth rogan production of superbad . this film would end up being one of malcolm’s most prominent roles in his acting career , alongside scott pilgrim . following his comedic role , he starred as paulie bleeker in the romantic drama juno , which would be his first role in the romantic genre . the project that quickly followed afterward was nick & norah’s infinite playlist , leading as nick in a romance accompanied with comedy . after receiving roles back to back , his name began to rise up in day - to - day conversations , especially amongst younger audiences . he accumulated a vast & very dedicated following , all expressing their adoration for the boy & his charmingly dorkish demeanor . once he hit the age of eighteen , it was then when he landed on what would be his final role in a film , for at least awhile . the media was in a frenzy once it was revealed that malcolm would be portraying scott pilgrim in the upcoming picture , scott pilgrim vs . the world , based on the graphic novel series by bryan lee o'malley . malcolm would consider this role to be his personal favorite , as he was already a devout fan of the graphic novels to begin with , so being able to portray one of his most favorite fictional characters . . a dream , he’d say . not only was the spvtw production his favorite because of his role , but because of the heavy influence music had in the film . he was fortunate enough to be able to write & perform on the soundtrack , along the side of the best song writers in the industry . this is what ultimately led to his decision to transition from acting to becoming a musician , & his involvement in this film is what made many people realize that malcolm was quite the virtuoso .

tw ﹕ depression , suicide attempt .

when malcolm had settled on becoming a musician , his mental state began to gradually decline once he revealed this ambition to his parents . to say the least , they were not very supportive of his shift in careers , especially on what career he was shifting onto . considering malcolm did not have much going for him academically , this alone had concerned his parents . being an actor was what they considered to be stability for him , so to be presented with this news was dismaying on their behalf . the pair genuinely had exhibited zero faith in their son becoming a successful musician , & had forewarned him that there were thousands of talented musicians , essentially raising the question ﹕ ❛ what makes you think you will be good enough to make a living out of this ? ❜ . malcolm felt dispirited by his parents lack of encouragement , as well as faith in himself , to pursue the one thing he has been passionate about since the days of his youth . eventually , the voices in his head began to deter him from fulfilling his passion , & convincing him that he has amounted to a failure . among other contributing factors , malcolm eventually slipped into a deep depression for several months . his days would be spent lying in bed , in a state of restlessness , often skipping meals for the fact that he genuinely did not feel like nourishing his body . the mental state he was exhibiting was so detrimental , that his own life began to be at risk . there would be days where he would wonder what would come from ingesting more pills than what he was prescribed , or having his head remain sunk beneath his bath water for more than a few minutes . on one evening in particular , he decided to test his theory , as he had been sprawled upon the tiles of his bathroom , a capsule of his medication clutched within his palm , ebony hues ascended onto the ceiling in what he believed would be his final moments . he was in too deep . . convinced that there was no light at the end of this tunnel . though fortunately enough , his younger sister , discovered him at just the right time & immediately demanded that he receives help .

end trigger warning .

after several months of therapy , the virtuoso had begun feeling tremendously better , his mental wounds somewhat healed though not entirely . during his dark times , he managed to get some writing done , the various pieces which would eventually be released as his first official album , titled blurryface . by the time he had turned twenty two , the album made its debut & became one of the most streamed albums of the year , & won a grammy for top rock album of the year , along with many other achievements . his most popular tracks off the album include stressed out , ride , tear in my heart , & we don’t believe what’s on tv . his second album , trench , is currently in production & will be releasing singles when the time calls for it . while his depression hasn’t been entirely rid of , he a majority of the time is content with the way life is going .

* 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 .

as mentioned before , he is the most comical guy , & often uses humor as a coping mechanism . you are likely to hear him crack a joke at inappropriate times , & find him laughing in scenarios that make him uncomfortable . he often gets himself into trouble for this , naturally . malcolm has a very robin williams - esque to him , where making others laugh & feel happy to be one of his favorite past times . however , you would never suspect that someone so animated would be suffering from depression . admittedly , he has improved since the evening his sister discovered him , but of course , it still continues to creep its way back into his mental . he doesn’t like to talk about what had happened , & it was hidden from the press entirely so he wouldn’t be pitied or constantly reminded of that night . he tends to avoid the topic of it altogether . the man is one of the most loyal people you could ever meet , & would do absolutely anything for those he loves . his sister , markelle , being a prime example of this . he loves his family more than he loves himself , & prioritizes their well being before his own . he often kept his depression disclosed from them , as well as his friends , for he genuinely did not want anyone to be concerned , in spite of having a reason to be . he is always willing to be the hero in someone else’s story , but never his own , which is probably the most heartbreaking yet beautiful aspect about him . he would sacrifice his own life if it meant that the people who he cared about would be safe , & exhibits bravery in any conflict he finds himself in . to those who don’t know him personally , or even people that do , they would simply describe him as a happy go lucky guy who is constantly seeking an adventure .

malcolm is the kind to downplay his achievements , exhibiting a humble attribute , & is truthfully touched by anyone who enjoys his work . having been told that his work always lifts someone’s spirits when they are down , or his films being involved in the most memorable moments in a person’s life . . that shit means the absolute world to him , & gives him a feeling that he would want to live on for a lifetime . the man loves music , & incorporates music in his life on the daily , for it has the biggest influence on him . his stage presence is truly fucking awesome , for you are truly getting your money’s worth by attending a concert of his . he feels alive & a rush when he is standing before thousands of people , & his faith in the world is always restored when he hears the crowd sing in unison as he performs . there is nothing he loves more than music , & music is an element of what makes him who he is . he is extremely supportive of those who pursue music , or anything , really . he has an understanding & admiration for those who are super passionate about their craft . however , he certainly has his unfavorable qualities as well , & we have to keep it 100 in this house . the guy can be an absolute juvenile when he wants to be , & you almost forget that you are dealing with a twenty four year old in conversation at times . his inner child can get the best of him at times , so he may handle certain situations inappropriately . not only that , he can be incredibly stubborn . varying on the cause , if he is adamant about something , he will disregard the opinions of what anyone has to say about it , even if they are looking for his best interest . in spite of all his achievements , he still can be incredibly insecure with himself or his work , & is his own worst critic . considering he isn’t academically acclaimed , he can be a bit dense . . sometimes it’s frustrating , for you genuinely wonder if he utilizes any brain power . sarcasm is one of his many defense mechanisms , & he can be pretty blunt when he wants to be , something offensive slipping from his lips & likely not even acknowledging how insulting it may sound .

#so . fucking . LONG .#i am SO sorry .#my fingers are in pain ODIFJVDOFV .#but hi everyone ily !#let me love u down !#wealthyhq:intro

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thisselflovecamebacktome · 3 years

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My personal connection with Taylor’s discography, part seven: Cowboy Like Me

Basically this is just a series I’m doing where I write down my feelings on what each of the Taylor songs means to me personally on a line to line basis both for my own sake to have it somewhere and for anyone who wants to know anything further about me.

So with that in mind, let’s get started.

Cowboy Like Me

One of my favourite things about this song is that despite Taylor writing it as a love song and confirming as such by adding it to the ‘forever is the sweetest con’ playlist, the lyrics can just as easily be referring to a breakup. And to be honest, I thought it was a breakup song the first time I heard it. And though I’ve now realised that wasn’t the intention and the song’s connection to Ready For It makes that all the clearer, I still relate it to the platonic breakup between me and a now ex friend. In short, while I cannot obviously know for sure, it has always felt like they moved on from this friendship without a second thought while I am still stuck here missing it some days. Likewise, while I logically know how it all fell apart and I can see I wore rose-coloured glasses for a lot of it and so on, in the decade this friendship went on for, it really did feel like I had met a twin flame and am still kind of in shock about how it all went down.

And the tennis court was covered up with some tent-like thing

In general, I love this line as an opener because it makes it seem like you’re in the middle of the story. And like that feels significant to me because 1. when you tell others about someone and/or your past, you are effectively telling a story and 2. it gives the impression that you were out being perfectly fine living your life without this person but indicates that this person will change you. And to me that’s how it feels when anyone significant comes into your life. Like typically you are not born with them already there, they come along later, typically when you’re least expecting them and are just going about your everyday life.

Anyway, for me personally, I love the idea of starting with a story because when I talk about the person I relate this song to, I always start with how they actually gave me one of the worst first impressions I’ve ever had. On the first day of seventh grade, I started with band and after introducing themselves, they immediately tripped over the drum kit. Me, being the judgmental person I was at the time, shook my head and internally went ‘god what an idiot’ and walked away, expecting to never speak to them again.

And you asked me to dance but I said, "dancing is a dangerous game"

A year and a half later, we were still strangers. He was however, a friend of the boy I started crushing on on my first day of seventh grade and didn’t get over for two years. In eighth grade, I tried out and joined the SRC in part because said crush did. As part of that, we had to organise the school dances. At the time, I had this plan to ask my crush out at the dance, but when the time came along, the other SRC representative and my now ex friend then stranger tried to stop me. At the time I just assumed it was because my crush was gonna say no, but that I’d rather try and hear it from them than not.... it turns out the others were trying to stop me because my crush had asked out his crush the same night and were currently making out with dancing on the dancefloor. Being the stereotypical teenage girl I was, I cried over it (even though looking back there was like literally 0 reason to believe this dude would ever like me or not have a partner lmaaao). In an attempt to make me feel better, this stranger now ex friend asked me to dance. I declined, cleaning myself up and lied that it was fine and it wasn’t safe to because I ‘had two left feet’ anyway so things turned out for the best. That night was never brought up again and I didn’t see the now ex friend for another year.

Oh, I thought this is gonna be one of those things

In ninth grade, me and my ex friend were put into the same class. In said class, the teacher hated them and loved me. This was also very much a class where the more the teacher liked you, the better your grade was, no exceptions. So when this now ex friend took several weeks off after being sick, I offered to catch them up to earn points with the teacher. Given I didn’t think much of the now ex friend at the time, I assumed it would be a hassle. Needless to say, it went so well that we sat together in every class we had together since. It was also the beginning of me no longer being the favourite of the teacher, and for the first time I got a B that semester.

Now I know I'm never gonna love again

I’m someone who believes you never love two people the same way. Like you’re obviously not going to love a partner in the same way as your sister or mother in the same way as your friend. But even between friends, I feel like each friendship takes a life of its own and it’s impossible to love two of them the same way. And I definitely felt that way with this friend. Like there was just something so free and exciting and different about that friendship that I not only didn’t have at the time, but to be honest, don’t feel like I’ve matched since. And while I’m obviously not past the age of making new connections, I don’t feel myself ever feeling that way again.

I've got some tricks up my sleeve. Takes one to know one. You're a cowboy like me

Simply put, the more time I spent with this person, the more alike I realised we were. Additionally, I was someone who played hot and cold or other games at the time, and they feel like the first person to really call me out on that and keep up with me. And for someone as judgmental as I was at the time, that really took me off my feet and was something I needed to grow.

Never wanted love, just a fancy car

Like I said, I never expected to have a friendship, let alone a long lasting one on that first day. All I was thinking about was how to raise my grades and ‘assure’ my perfect future with an amazing job.

Now I'm waiting by the phone like I'm sitting in an airport bar

For those who don’t know, I am someone who, if I find any type of interest in you (or really any topic too), want to spend as much time with you as possible and know everything about you. It’s not a romantic thing and definitely not a sexual one, I just get very invested in things that interest me. It’s kinda like trying to solving a puzzle for me. And like I’ve implied, this friend was the one who piqued my interest at the time. So any chance I got, I spent with them and any time we were chatting on facebook, I’d stop everything to engage and hope they’d keep responding.

You had some tricks up your sleeve

Just like I had my games to keep them interested, they certainly had theirs to keep me involved.

Perched in the dark telling all the rich folks anything they wanna hear like it could be love. I could be the way forward only if they pay for it

I’ve mentioned before that I was a kid that tried to please and be liked by everyone, and as part of that, I tried to be a friend to all. But because of that, I now recognise that I didn’t put my all into a lot of my friendships and a lot of other people got hurt because of that while I mostly walked away unscathed.

You're a bandit like me eyes full of stars hustling for the good life

While this friend mostly lived in the present, we had so many talks about the future and how we’d get there and those memories along with being able to see the steps the other took are among my favourite moments with this ex friend.

Never thought I'd meet you here

Like I’ve said, I never intended or thought I’d walk into that classroom that day and make one of the most impactful friendships I’ve had to this day, but life’s funny like that.

It could be love. We could be the way forward and I know I'll pay for it

Though I’ve realised as I’ve grown that I had a lot of friendships where I should have been more present, I’ve always felt that I was the one who cared more about the ones I did put effort into. And in many ways, I knew if this fell apart that I’d be the one who (openly) felt it more.

And the skeletons in both our closets plotted hard to fuck this up.

For however much this ex friend and had in common, we had as many differing traits. We are also both fire signs. These factors led to a place where when we did clash, it was bloody and bruised. The differences also meant that a lot of miscommunication happened. I am someone who as a whole likes a lot of communication and puts more effort into people I’ve know for a while. As a result, I get somewhat anxious if someone starts to put less effort in. They on the other hand, were the type to put a lot of effort to get to know someone and then didn’t feel the need to because they felt the other person should already know that the bond is good. Likewise, I was very open with my negative emotions/issues with the relationship whereas they would rather just spend time away until they felt better, meaning I was either left in the dust not knowing what I did wrong or found out much later. So looking back, honestly it’s a bit of a miracle things lasted as long as they did.

And the old men that I've swindled really did believe I was the one

As said, a lot of people who I’ve hurt over time really did believe my kindness was some indication of forever or a special bond when I didn’t feel the same.

And the ladies lunching have their stories about when you passed through town

I had a lot of warning about this ex friend. Like a lot of people told me they were fickle, quick to lose interest and that I should’ve spared myself earlier because I deserved better.

But that was all before I locked it down

But alas, I am too damn stubborn and convinced myself that I was different and that the fact I was willing to stick through that meant it wouldn’t end up the same.

Now you hang from my lips like the Gardens of Babylon. With your boots beneath my bed, forever is the sweetest con

So now I’m here wondering if, like the Gardens of Babylon, it was even real, and to what degree. Like despite the ‘I love yous’ and talk of ‘forever’, it still ended up like this with them having no interest in fixing things and me looking through old photos and memories, left to wander what I ever meant to them.

#taylor swift #cowboy like me #evermore album #about me

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tarpsybaby · 3 years

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The Best Albums of 2020

What can I say about 2020 that hasn't already been said a hundred times before? Yes, I have learned many things throughout the last 365 days, but one thing that I have always known, but have now emphatically proven this year is that - "Music (really) IS Life".

When the world outside is as dark as it has ever been, I know that I can always put on my headphones to escape from the sheer madness of it all for a little while, and feel completely comfortable and peaceful within the walls of my own mind.

Though your experience has been undeniably different, these are my life defining albums from the year that was 2020. I hope that you are inclined enough to share YOUR favorites and your reasons for being so.

Happy New Year, my MUSIC friends.

31 - Lil Wayne - Funeral

This was the first album that I had added to the "Best of" list back in very early January. Back before the everlovin' shit hit the fan in the world! I loved the first half of the album so much that it was constantly on repeat, though it certainly isn't Wayne's best album. The insanely fun and erratic tracks "Mahogany" and "Mama Mia" may very well be some of my all time favorite beats of the last decade. Especially in a time where the greater majority of modern rap production sounds exactly the same, with little focus on the beats. As the year continued on and I listened to hundreds of albums, Funeral didn't hold up quite as much as I would have thought. With 24 tracks and a runtime of an hour and sixteen minutes, the album is one that goes on well after the juice has run out. The first half is compiled so well though, that I still consider it one of the best, and I’d already written the review before I counted my “Best Of”. Hence the extra album review this year! ;)

30 - Lapsley - Through Water

This album was recommended to me from my boss when we were all first working from home in the height of the pandemic. Immediately I knew it would have a home on one of my most favorite playlists that I have been building for the last decade. The playlist is called my "H20 Mixologist" mix and if you've ever been with me at the beach, you already know that the only rules for this playlist are that it must be played by water. Preferably a beautiful ocean, though a bathtub and a healthy dose of imagination will work just fine! This album came out right around the time when we weren't afraid to stay inside quite as much and we were no longer opposed to going to our neighborhood pool as a break from our own four walls. This album will forever remind me of the truest and most pure joys of sunshine, fresh air, and the freedom one feels when outside surrounded by nature.

29 - Tame Impala - The Slow Rush

I have always loved me some Tame Impala, and this is certainly not Kevin Parker's best album to date... but even the most average material, is still some of the strongest of the year overall. Still bringing the same consistent level of dreamlike alternative pop melodies that Tame Impala has been known for in the last decade, it is an album to easily get lost in... and that was beyond helpful this year.

28 - Car Seat Headrest - Making A Door Less Open

I have been an excited fan of Car Seat Headrest since I first head "Teens of Style" back in 2015 after I had just moved to Florida. As the years have gone on and more albums have been released, I love the band even more. I've been saying for years that Will Toledo is the ‘Beck’ that I have always wanted the real Beck to be, but has never fully become. The single "Can't Cool Me Down" is singlehandedly one of the best tracks of the year, by far! Led by the most basic bass riff that fully drives the song forward, its those little odd and eccentric instruments used for accent that really hit when you are listening through a really good pair of headphones! In a year where the outros on songs have been more prevalent in any years that I've ever noticed before, this was the first mind bending outro to fully grab my attention. An absolute must listen and a significant album to add to the bands catalog!

27 - Fontaines DC - A Hero’s Death

This is the first of the albums on my list that had been suggested to me through one of my Twitter music friends, and there have been quite a few of these suggestions this year, which makes me incredibly happy - as that was the whole idea of the account! There was a genuine buzz around the sophomore album from this Dublin band that I had started to notice online, and I was excited to see what all the fuss was all about. Immediately I was drawn into the sullen voice of Grian Chatten after watching the video for “Televised Mind”. “A Hero’s Death stands out significantly for me after listening to their first album, but I love the significant growth that happened in the year in between. This is a band that I am very curious to see how they continue to grow in future years.

26 - Mac Miller - Circles

I was one of those people who discovered Mac Miller too late. Young Frankie got me into him, as he always had Mac playing throughout our house. One day, I simply decided to start at the very beginning of his discography. I fell in love with his energy, his humor, & his blunt honesty about his battles with depression and addiction. Listening to "Blue Slide Park" for the first time made me feel like I was in college again. It would have been my favorite album had it come out at that time in my life. For some, it did & I envy you all for that. With all my love for him, listening to Mac can be painful when you sit and listen in chronological order You can hear actually him deteriorate over the years, much like Jim Morrison with The Doors albums in chronological order. As honest and sincere as this final record is, it is incredibly sad to listen to Mac on "Circles" when you know there will never be a follow up. Sadly the album does serve as a beautiful bookend to a tragically short story.

25 - The Strokes - The New Abnormal

I've been a huge fan of Julien Casablancas and everything he has done for years, especially his most recent work with The Voidz. However, the thought of a new Stokes album brought about some nostalgia for younger years when they were at their peak. From the first listen, everything about this album sounds as catchy and familiar, just what we have always come to expect from The Stokes, but at the same time, new. You hear one lick from Hammond Jr's guitar and you know exactly who you are listening to. Even with seven years off, they are still capable of producing some serious quality work and it makes for some of their best.

24 - Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons - We're the Bastards

This album was one of my accidental finds on Apple Music one day early in December when I thought all odds of discovering any new music before the end of the year was impossible. Considering Campbell is the lead guitarist of Motorhead, I was expecting something a little different, perhaps a little harder? What I found was a solid family band rock album! I love the idea that Phil has created a band with his three sons, on all instrumental duties. The lead front man of Attack! Attack, Neil Starr, lends his vocals, and sounds a lot like a cross breed of Corey Taylor and Jacoby Shaddix that I actually find quite endearing, considering I am a fan of both of their bands respectively. At a time where rock music seems to be something that you have to dig deep for, this was a fresh album to get very excited about.

23 - Run The Jewels - RTJ4

Run The Jewels has been one of my favorite hip hip groups in recent years, as they have always created what I call "smart rap". Smart rap has something to say ...it makes you listen, but more so - it makes you THINK. RTJ4 came out at EXACTLY when the world needed the album and words as an anthem. Much more than just music, the lyrics in "Walking in the Snow" seemed prophetic at the time in the death of George Lloyd. Looking back on it, the lyrics weren't prophetic at all. Tragedies like George Floyd just happen FAR TO FUCKING OFTEN. If you haven't listened to this album in its entirety, you need to... and you need to make sure you listen to every single syllable of every single word.

22 - PVRIS - Use Me

Later on this list, you will hear me talk about the rash of female fronted bands that came out in the last few years that were never able to fully separate themselves from each other in my eyes. PVRIS is one of the female fronted bands that I have always had an affinity for. With that being said, this album was a complete change up of sounds than albums prior. Much more dance-y and poppy than anything from their past, though it does work well. You will later see another band on this list who were able to steal the higher place, just for being more authentic and true to themselves. Stay tuned!

21 - Johan Johannsson - Last and First Men

I definitely experienced many moods during quarantine and this album set off a rabbit hole in which I thoroughly enjoyed traveling through, as well as looking forward to continuing down. I highly suggest everyone starts looking into Icelandic composers, especially Johann Johannsson. His tragic story is just that, but his beautifully haunting music is still very much alive. Not only is "Last and First Men" an audiophiles dream from start to finish, learning that Johannsson scored one of my favorite movies of all times "Arrival", made complete and perfect sense. Total mood music, and sometimes that mood just happens to be fucking apocalyptic. Especially this year.

20 - Pearl Jam - Gigaton

I'll just put this out there, Pearl Jam lost me as a fan for a great many years. If I am being candid, and I always am - they lost me after Vs. When the single "Dance of the Clairvoyant's" was released, I was blown away that somehow they were still putting out great music and I had to go back through the entire catalog to see what I had really been missing since Vitology, when I had officially decided that I didn't like the softer route the band was taking. Man, have I been wrong for far too long and am happy to admit it. What an actual EPIC band! No real bullshit in their history, just a bunch of really good dudes making solid music for 30 years. If you are like me at all, this is the album that you need to check out immediately. Pearl Jam are back, even though they never really left!

19 - Yves Tumor - Heaven To A Tortured Mind

This has to be one of the coolest, most trippy and adventurous albums of the year in my opinion. This is yet another one, that came out at height of COVID and I loved it instantly the dark & twisted imagery that it can conjure up, while still being soulful and new. "Gospel For A New Century" was the song and video that really gave this album some definitive visuals to work with, as Tumor wears some seriously creepy horns, reminding me of the devil in the Tom Cruise movie "Legend" from back in the 80's. An absolutely intriguing album and one to revisit many times over, as there is nothing else like it being made today. 1

18 - Agoria - Lucky: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

I can't even remember how I found this little treat, but I did! I've tried to find the movie that its attached to many times, and have been quite unsuccessful so far. With that being said, this is an insanely fun little electronic soundtrack. "Visit", "Satan", "All Over You", and "Police" are standout tracks from an album that brings electronic tribal percussion to your ears that is capable of making you dance in your seat. After listening to this album repeatedly throughout the year, it makes me want to hire Agoria to score all of the most adventurous scenes of my life!

17 - Eminem - Music To Be Murdered By

Two surprise albums by Eminem in 2020, and that isn't always a good thing. It doesn't matter who is reviewing anymore, everyone seems to hate Eminem now a days. Not sure why, as he IS the lyrical genius he has always been... even if you still aren't in on the joke. Sure, he is just as offensive as always, but everyone has that friend that gets booed and yelled at for being the one to make a joke "too soon". After listening to Eminem for the last 22 years and being from metro Detroit, he has always been that friend to me, even though he will never know it! The two surprise albums this year were significantly better than anything since MMLP2, and the lack of beats and production from Kamikaze and Revival are all but forgotten here . We finally had some new slick beats, the kind that work very well with Em's style. Deny it all you want, Marshall Mathers is still relevant today.

16 - Kid Cudi - Man On The Moon 3

I knew that new music was coming from Cudi, but thought it was expected to be in the new year. However, I woke up on release day in late December with a text message from Apple Music saying that it was here. What?! I have always loved some Cudi, but this has been the year where he has played more of a soundtrack than ever before & had already made it into my all time favorites. At first listen to MOTM3, I realized that it was going to need a few listens to really soak it all up, so I kept at it all day. I read many critic and personal reviews and everyone seemed to be loving it, but why wasn't I? I kept at it, for days and days... and it worked. I will say there is certainly more modern trap music than I like from my Cudi, but if he has to integrate it in his music, he does it well enough. "Tequila Shots" is the stand out that has had the most airplay in our house, as it is the most quintessential Cudi sounding on the whole album. The autobiographical "Elsie's Baby Boy" is another track that we've had on constant rotation. All it takes is a Cudi hum, and I am sold.

15 - HAIM - Women In Music Pt. III

As I slightly eluded to back in my PVRIS review, I have never been a huge fan of all female bands, mainly as most came out at a time where there was a rash flooding of all female bands. Obviously, I have nothing against this, as long as they all don't sound the same! HAIM hadn't caught me until this album, but wow. The harmonies on "Darling" , Up From A Dream", "Don't Wanna", and "Leaning On You" are so flawless that this band finally got the recognition from me that they deserve. This album sets the band apart from the rest of the pack, as well as themselves! Leaps above PVRIS, CVRCHES, Soccer Mommy, and the rest - this is the best female band fronted album for me in years.

14 - Bassnectar - The Lockdown Mixtapes Pt: 1 - Inside For The People

The better part of 2020 quarantine was spent in extreme close proximity with family while trying to hold down different non-negotiable responsibilities. On my part, this usually included Air Pods in my ears any time I had to "be on" and work from home. Early on, it was impossible not to feel a little trapped and frankly pretty fucking sad. This album came out at precisely the right time of quarantine to bring you out of the funk, even if only temporary! Listening to this for the first time, and hearing Biggie's voice come to life behind the beats was a smack in the face of 90's nostalgia that is was comforting... and something that I didn't even know I needed at the time. The use of the "American Beauty" dialogue in the outro was also oh so nice, and perfectly placed at the end. It was unfortunate that the second Lockdown Mixtape came nowhere close to this first installment. This is a must though, and it will always be an integral album to pull out whenever I am feeling a little claustrophobic.

13 - Gorillaz - Song Machine, Season I: Strange Timez

One of my all time favorite bands for the last twenty years, even though they have missed the mark in the past. This album brings back a lot of the sounds and creativity sparks that have been missing the last few albums. The moment you hear Robert Smith's voice start torture crooning about Strange Timez, with a Damon Albarn echo, you know you're going to be in for a fun trip. The Schoolboy Q featured "Pac Man" is without a doubt the most authentic Gorillaz song recorded in years. This has also been the most cohesive complete album they have produced since Plastic Beach. Paying attention to the recipe that made them one of the best, is a good way to move forward. More of the same please, Damon.

12 - Creeper - Sex , Death, & the Infinite Void

This album was recommended to me by a friend on Twitter & I was a little shocked on how much it reminded me of some of the pop, punk, emo , alt rock bands that came out of the 2000's. More specifically, My Chemical Romance, and I mean that in the best way. I have often found myself loving some sort of incredible theatrics with my music and this album truly has more black eyeliner than I do. Categorized as English Horror Punk, this sophomore effort by Creeper has rock opera written all over it. The intro had me a little skeptical on first listen, but once you settle in with "Be My End" you start to have a feel of where you are going and it isn't as scary as a first impulse indicate!

11 - Smith & Myers - Volume 1 & 2

One of my absolute favorite discoveries of 2020! I have always been a fan of Shinedown & have some incredible memories of seeing them live at Rock on the Range years ago - so I was incredibly happy to discover this stripped down side project that only features vocalist Brent Smith and lead guitar Zach Myers performing acoustic covers. Songs like "Unchained Melody" are done so perfectly, the sound like they were initially written for Smith's voice, which is a national treasure in itself! My absolute favorite cover off both volumes is "Valerie", most famously covered by Amy Winehouse, though originally written and performed by The Zutons. i dare you to sing along to this cover and NOT smile. The rest? See for yourself. 1

10 - Marcus King - El Dorado

Early in the year, I saw a few friends had been listening to this album on Apple Music. I had to check it out and immediately loved how different it was for a new country rock and blues album. I was not shocked to discover that Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys played an integral part of its creation. If you haven't discovered King yet, you should head right over to YouTube and check out any of his live performances. This is the kind of dude you HAVE to see live, when this world ever gets back to being able to see live shows. "El Dorado" did for me this year, what Sturgill Simpsons' "Sound of Fury" for me last year. Another act that I cannot wait to see what comes next.

9 - BAMBARA - Stray

To me, this is Mullholland Drive music. I picture California, up in the LA Hills, very late at night, cruising around, up to no good in some sleek, sharp convertible old school car. The big brass gives the music edge and age and its fucking glorious. This it the band that I would love to see do some sleazy and metaphor fueled track with Lana del Rey at some point in the future. Oh, what a combo that could be. BAMBARA also brings to mind a Stooges/Iggy Pop meets Jim Morrison head on, kind of vibe and I love it a lot. Check out their KEXP performance on YouTube, as it is absolute gold. Even though they refer to themselves as post punk, I'd like to refer to it as underground filth glamour... and its never been more beautiful.

8 - Freddie Gibbs & Alchemist - Alfredo

Freddie Gibbs is one of the most exciting artists in modern hip hop, mainly because everything he puts out has that classic hip hop vibe that I have been missing. Last year Gibbs made this list with his collaboration with Madlib, "Bandana". Whereas Eminem, Lil Wayne, and Kid Cudi have released some great albums this year, "Alfredo" is another cohesive piece of work that you just don't find often. When the track placement doesn't matter, as they are a seamless piece, meant to be listened to from beginning to end, every time. This album does for hip hop what Tyler The Creators, Igor, did last year. Its only appropriate there is a Tyler cameo. Once again, bringing soul to the forefront of hip-hop, and I am totally here for it.

7 - Chris Stapleton - Starting Over

This is the kind of modern country that I like. Bar rock country music! Even though Stapleton hails from Kentucky and its true country, something about his voice and this album makes me nostalgic for my childhood and those great Michigan summers growing up. In a time of 'pretty boy' country, Stapleton gets to the grit of it. This album conjures up the want for whiskey shots and dirty dancing. There aren't many like it, but this is a greatest hits album from start to finish.

6 - Benny Yurco - You Are My Dreams

Benny has always been the absolute best discovery of Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, as he THRIVES on his own. As well as I feel I know him as a solo artist, I can't find jack shit on him on his own. Everything you find is all Grace Potter. The little things that I DO know are, is that I am well aware that he is musical instrument collector and finds ways to integrate it into all his music. One thing I love about Benny is his absolute classic and beachy sounds. Even though he hails from Vermont, its like he was made to be on the beach at all times playing his music. All three of his solo albums are so clearly connected, but so different. He always picks up right where the last one ended. It should be noted that anytime Benny comes out with a new album, he ends up on this list. So if you have read about him here and have still never checked him out, you are missing out.

5 - Me & That Man - New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol 1

One of the most "mood" albums of the year for me! In the initial weeks of quarantine, I was in a mood where all I wanted to hear was outlaw western rock. I couldn't really put a finger on any specific bands that I considered completely outlaw rock, but I had been listening to Volbeat's "Outlaw Gentleman & Shady Ladies" and the score for Red Dead Redemption for far too long, when I found Me & That Man. Imagine my shock when I discovered the man behind the whole project was Nergal, the man who is also behind the band Behemoth, the black death metal band that I have simply never been able to get into! What a turn from the norm for Nergal and I couldn't have been more excited about the album. Another album that will always remind me of the worst of the worst of the year, but always knowing that music would carry it all and would always make things better.

4 - All Them Witches - Nothing as the Ideal

I have a been a fan of All Them Witches since I first discovered them on Spotify years ago. This is one of those albums that is so fucking perfect from beginning to end that you don't even realized that you have spent 45 minutes having a consistent eargasm. Exactly what a progressive rock band should sound like in 2020, as they draw from all past music and inspire the next round of craftsmanship. This is one that I can't speak/type on too much, as it has to be experience on ones own... at full blast.

3 - Molchat Doma - Monument

One of the best, purest retro albums that has been inspired by 80's in the best fucking way possible. How can you take something that has been done over and over throughout the years and make it sound not at all forced or contrived? This is how. I would call them new wave, but I've been since directed to the appropriate terminology, which is cold wave. Hailing from Belarus, the Slavic language is such a perfect mesh for the sounds that they have created. The rest of the world was ahead of me with Molchat Doma, since one of their older songs hit TikTok and made them quite well known with a younger generation. This album makes me daydream that I am dancing at one of their lives shows, in some dark eastern European club, where I would probably never feel comfortable, in anything outside of my imagination... but I it that though. That is the kind of music that I live for.

2 - Deftones - Ohms

It has been an entire decade since I have fully paid any significant attention to the Deftones, and for me, this has been their best album since White Pony twenty years ago. The excitement that came with the release of the first two singles was enough to generate a massive buzz within me. I made sure to listen to the entire catalog before release day, just to fully prepare... and when the new album finally arrive, it did not disappoint. The last three albums have been the more subtle side of Chino Moreno, which is just fine when working with his side project +++. He actually has one of my all time favorite sexy voices, when he isn't in the full tilt of a wail. When he has the whole band behind him, he fully thrives and can still hit the screams that defined his voice decades ago. This is an album that has made me feel all of the ROCK again and it will be in my rotation for many years to come. As the NYE ball drops this evening, I will be playing Ohms, as that is the best outro of any album to date... and certainly the way to close out the year.

1 - Other Lives - For Their Love

My favorite of the year comes from a band that I had never heard of, despite their three albums that have been released prior! Even though I initially loved this album on first listen, I will candidly admit that I forgot about it for a few months. Somehow I found my way back, and For Their Love was on constant rotation for weeks at a time. There is something about Jesse Tabish's voice that continues to haunt me well after the last note. Other Lives has a sound that reminds me of something old, that has somehow become new and fresh all over again. It is haunting, it is beautiful, and it resonates the soul like a tuning fork. The most beautiful souvenir of an awfully bleak and tragic year. If you check out ONE of my suggestions this year, let it be this...

#bestalbumsof2020

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