#it’s. the way the singers voice wavers at the end and the instrumental is so fucking good
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Not to maybe be cringe music taste on main but…Rule #9 - Child of the Stars by Fish in a Birdcage has me crying screaming blowing up
#it’s. the way the singers voice wavers at the end and the instrumental is so fucking good#Also want to mention Rule 11 - My Dream My Addiction for that absolute banger instrumental as well#finally. a band for certified cello enjoyers#if you like The Crane Wives/Oh Hellos/Dirt Poor Robins/ and or Cosmo Sheldrake this is the band for you#fish in a birdcage
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Ranking All 111 Albums Listened to in 2023!
111. Yeat- AftërLyfe. 0.5/5
Yeat's third studio Trap album was an utter slog to get through. I hate how it sounds, many of the tracks blend together, and it's way too long. Yeat's appeal as an artist is mindboggling to me.
110. Lewis Capaldi- Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent. 1/5.
Capaldi's second album harbors nothing of note and fails to engage me vocally, lyrically, or instrumentally.
109. Mia Carucci- Deities of Stone. 1/5
I appreciate it's brevity, but Mia's voice is grating to my ears and the production fails to evoke strong emotions from me.
108. Slowthai- Ugly. 1.5/5.
British rapper Slowthai's third studio album has one song, "Never Again" that is perhaps the best song on the album, but the rest of the competition is unimpressive with subpar instrumentals and lyrics.
107. Post Malone- Austin. 1.5/5.
Post Malone's 5th studio cements the notion that I am not a fan of his voice or music. His voice wavers and teeters onto annoying at times and with filler/bad bars, "I'm calling her Shrek cause she got a donkey" This is not an album I rock with.
106. Conor Maynard- +11 Hours. 2/5.
Back in 2013, Conor Maynard dropped the song "R U Crazy" which I liked then but does not hold up for me today. The songs on this album are slightly better than "R U Crazy" but are not lyrically interesting.
105. Crystal Fighters- Light+. 2/5.
The electronic indie band Crystal Fighters dropped their latest album in November and delivered an, in my opinion, underwhelming experience. With mediocre beats and forgettable lyrics, I feel there was potential for something better that they just didn't reach here.
104. American Authors- Best Night of My Life. 2/5
Best known for their 2014 hit "Best Day of My Life" the album to sequel from their hit song is too sweet and poppy. It has a positive vibe which I respect, and appreciate its brevity, but each song meshes together to create a generic, disappointing experience.
103. Youngboy Never Broke Again- Decided 2. 2/5
Decided 2 starts off terribly but gets a little better as the project goes on. Its production and lyrics are both okay towards the middle and end portions. Youngboy could've definitely stood to trim some tracks from the album.
102. Jason Mraz- Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride. 2/5.
Instrumentally, every song on the album sounds and feels different which gives it a somewhat unique listen. On that level, they surpass his 2008 hit "I'm Yours." Unfortunately, he lacks compelling vocals or lyrics. An instrumental version of this album might be better.
101. Escape The Fate- Out of The Shadows. 2/5.
The lyrics of this rock band are forgettable or incredibly cringe. "irreversible" is possibly the worst song on the album. Instrumentals carry the project slightly higher than the others.
100. Front Bottoms- You Are Who You Hang Out With.
The reverse of Front Bottoms appears as the lyrics are fine, but the instrumentals are uninspired. Lead singer Brian Sella's voice is something I can't stand with his nasally vocals.
99. Bebe Rexha- Seasons. 2/5.
Bebe's album has a decent pace and I really do like her voice, but she provides nothing engaging from a lyrical or instrumental perspective, unfortunately. "Born Again" is the only song of the 12 tracks I feel is worth a listen.
98. Scouting For Girls- The Place We Used To Meet. 2/5.
The Pop band's 7th studio album is a trying endeavor that's a bit too corny or sweet for my liking. Which might be surprising since I genuinely like their 2007 hit, "She's So Lovely" which is sweetness incarnate as a love song. The messages in some of the songs in the album are clearly made for his kids or his significant other, but it's not for me so it's ranked low.
97. Depeche Mode- Momento Mori. 2/5.
The English electronic music band's latest album was simply not for me. Lead singer Dave Gahan's low croons in his songs do nothing for me, and the instrumentals are not too fascinating. "Ghosts Again" and "People Are Good " were two of my favorite songs from the album, but nothing else really resonated with me,
96. Chief Keef- Finally Rich (Complete Edition). 2/5.
The Complete Edition of Chief Keef's Finally Rich adds seven previously unreleased songs to celebrate the anniversary of the album's release from over ten years ago. Besides the classic track "I don't like" there are no other songs that I really enjoy. There are still sparks of fun in his rap songs and the instrumentals are bombastic and go hard, so there's some credit to give.
95. Kelly Clarkson- Chemistry. 2/5
There are moments on Kelly's newest album where goodness bleeds through. "My Mistake" is her best song, but it's still a chore to go through it. The album could benefit from better production and lyrics, but at least Kelly still has some super vocals.
94. Sam Smith- Gloria. 2/5.
Chocked with features, yet none are particulalry gripping, especially Jessie Reyez on "Gimmie." It started decent with its opening track "Love Me More" but sadly wavered from there with forgettable tracks to follow.
93. John Mayer- Sob Rock. 2.5/5
Released in 2021 and resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic,John Mayer's Sob Rock carries solely on vibes. The title track is the best one, but goes down from there as the rest meander from vocals or lyrics.
92. Ten Tonnes- Dancing, Alone. 2.5/5.
Indie Rock artist Ethan James Barnett, or Ten Tonnes has decent production in his sophomore album, with hints of special moments sprinkled across the songs. It's a fine project, but nothing comes close to the acoustic version of one of his older songs, "Born To Lose."
91. Niall Horan- The Show. 2.5/5.
Another fine project from one of the former members of One Direction. There are some instances where the songwriting and vocals are strong, like in "Science" or "You Could Start a Cult," but other songs do not have the privilege to be as remarkable, unfortunately.
90. Gucci Mane- Breath of Fresh Air. 2.5/5.
Gucci Mane's newest album was too long with underwhelming features. Luckily for Gucci Mane, he outshines his colleagues and impresses at points. If the production were done by someone else, he could make something even better, I feel.
89. Robin Schulz- Pink. 2.5/5.
EDM artist Robin Schulz's best song on Pink is "No Drama" which reminds me a little of an Avicii song. Every other song is mostly serviceable, but doesn't stick out too much.
88. Rae Sremmurd- Sremm 4 Life. 2.5/5
Hip Hop duo Swae Lee and Slim Jimini do well on a few fine songs like "Royal Flush" and "Flaunt It/Cheap." Other songs don't live up to the quality, but Lee and Jimini are pretty competent in this run.
87. Taylor Swift- 1989 (Taylor's Version) 2.5/5
Taylor Swift's rereleased album 1989, which dropped back in 2014, is the weaker of Taylor's rereleases that I listened to this year. Her 'From the Vault' songs surpass the original tracklist, but they only carry so far. The big hits, "Blank Space," "Bad Blood," and "Shake it Off" have never worked for me, while the majority of the rest fall short lyrically. But still, from the vault tracks like "Suburban Legends" are really good.
86. Drake- For All the Dogs. 2.5/5
Drake's latest album is too long and at times monotonous. One of the best songs, "First Person Shooter" is brought down by Drake after an excellent J Cole verse and a beat switch that brings down the vibe of the song. There are some solid lines sprinkled throughout by Drake, but it's still overwhelmingly mediocre. Although, 8am in Charlotte is another bop admittedly.
85. Maneskin- RUSH! 2.5/5
The band starts strong with its first three tracks and then loses steam so fast. Sonically, every track varies from sounding really well to completely ear-piercing. Instrumentally sound throughout, but the fall-off is such a shame. The first 3 songs are good enough to carry it as high as it is.
84. EST Gee- MAD. 2.5/5
EST Gee is lyrically coherent throughout with a decent flow, but the production fails Gee too often. 25 Min Freestyle is the weakest song of the bunch as it lacks energy, but every other song is mostly okay. "Undefeated" and "Kadas Song" work on lyrical, instrumental, and vocal levels.
83. Idina Menzel- Drama Queen. 3/5.
The voice actress of Elsa from Frozen is unsurprisingly a great singer. "Madison Hotel" is the best song the Disney princess VA has to offer on the album. Besides that, the rest of the songs fail to meet her on the same level. If the production or lyrics were as good as her voice, Drama Queen would rank even higher.
82. Michael Bolton- Spark of Light. 3/5
The musical veteran behind classics like "How am I supposed to live without you" released a decent album that sounds better when he doesn't dip into guttural vocals. "Running out of ways" is my favorite song from the album, but the other songs could stand to be better.
81. Rick Astley- Are We There Yet?- 3/5
The legend of the Rick Roll has nothing here on the same level of his original classic, but there are plenty of fine songs in this decently paced 12-track album. Maria Love is the most intriguing song from a concept level and production-wise. While every other song is okay, I recommend seeking out Maria Love if you had to listen to one song from here.
80. Portugal, The Man- Chris Black Changed My Life. 3/5
Dedicated to their longtime friend Chris Black who died in 2019, the rock band produced a decent time with okay vocals and instrumentals, but spotty features. Grim Generation and Champ are standout songs, while the rest aren't bad but could stand to be more impressive.
79. Plain White T's- Plain White T's. 3/5
The same band behind Hey There Delilah produced a few songs here with the same cheesy earnestness. It works for tracks like Would You Even and Fired Up, but not so much for the rest.
78. Logic- College Park. 3/5.
A step down from his previous album. Not bad at all, but Logic might not be my cup of tea like he used to be when I was a teenager. His production this time around is iffy, the skits are intriguing but are too heavy in abundance, and the features fail to impress. But Logic can still impress with his lyrical ability when he puts himself to it.
77. Macklemore- Ben. 3/5
Macklemore's lyrical ability to surpass Logic by just a tad is wild to me. When he is rapping and embraces hip-hop, Macklemore is better. Unfortunately, the plethora of pop songs on here are nowhere near as good and bring down the quality. Still, it's a decent listen.
76. Rolling Stones- Hackney Diamonds. 3/5.
For a first-ever album listen from the classic rock band, I sort of expected more from them. On par with some of their classics? Probably not, but the instrumentals are enough to drive the album to become a vibe as other facets of the songs fall a bit short.
75. Offset- Set It Off. 3/5
Offset's solo record is bloated with songs that could be removed to improve the quality. But the rapper himself is lyrically decent. Coupled with features from Travis Scott and Cardi Bi among others that do well and production varying from okay to good, Offset's latest outing is an okay time overall.
74. Rick Ross and Meek Mill- Too Good To Be True. 3/5.
The collab album between both Robert rappers is a bit lop-sided as Rick Ross does a more impressive job than Meek. While Ross impresses lyrically and even has funny lines, Meek doesn't raise to meet Ross at his standard, though he has some good verses throughout. With mixed features and production alike, the album is a missed opportunity to be better than it is.
73. Kevin Abstract- Blanket. 3/5.
One of the members of the former rap group BROCKHAMPTON launched out on his own and surprised me with an alternative rock album to the usual rap he's known for. Kevin's best songs come from the crushy, love songs that remind me of old Blink 182 at points.
72. Blink 182- One More Time. 3/5.
Speaking of Blink 182, the punk rock band still presents decent melodies and instrumentals all these years later. Lyrically and vocally, there are moments where the band will falter, but there are still songs to enjoy and latch onto which is a more than welcome surprise.
71. ZZ Ward- Dirty Shine. 3/5.
A soulful artist at heart, Pennsylvania native ZZ Ward presents strong vocals in an engaging style. She harbors a little hip-hop influence in the album which I love to see. (She makes a Lil Wayne reference in a track that pops me). The features were decent on this project, but also could've provided more. Luckily for ZZ, she performs well across the album.
70. Icona Pop- Club Romantech. 3/5.
Swedish synth-pop duo Icona Pop dropped an okay EDM album that could've been more bombastic. vocally and lyrically the tracks are uninteresting as the beats carry somewhat, but they could be better.
69. Meredith O'Connor- I am. 3/5
Upon request earlier this year, I listened to singer Meredith O'Connor and her 2015 album, "I Am." With production and lyrics being decent as they are, it's O'Connor's vocals that carry the quality of the album, bringing a vibe reminiscent to someone like Cascada, which is a positive in my eyes.
68. The Hives- The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons. 3/5.
Garage rock band The Hives should have songs that work so much better than they do. Bogus Operandi and Two kinds of Trouble are two fun and intriguing listens that the other songs fail to reach the same level as.
67. Avenged Sevenfold- Life Is But A Dream. 3/5.
The metal band tried something bold with their latest project. There's electronic songs sprinkled throughout that seem to grab influence from controversial artist Kanye West/Ye. Some of it sounds fine but it's not as good as some of Kanye's older works. The production is better for the rock songs than for the electronic tracks. Above all else, it's an interesting listen.
66. Big Time Rush- Another Life. 3/5.
A nice welcome back from a boy band group that disbanded long ago and whose show I used to watch on Nickelodeon in the 2010s. Vocally, all 4 members of the group are sound, but it's admittedly hard to tell who is singing at some times. It's classic boy band material through and through and it's hard to hate on that.
65. Rita Ora- You & I. 3/5.
Her material needs better work, but vocally she is sublime. "I don't wanna be your friend" works really well as a cute way for the singer to articulate her feelings. Some of the songs feel a big generic, but some are really earworm-like on a sonic level.
64. Daz Dillinger- So So Gangsta. 3/5.
As one-half of the rap duo Tha Dogg Pound, Daz Dillinger dropped a "so so" album circa 2006. Daz and the various features have some decent lines and the production is sound and feels right out of the 2000s, but the subject matter to which Dillinger raps about could stand to be more engaging.
63. Temple of Angel- Endless Pursuit. 3/5.
This indie band has some decent songs overall, but I think they need to work on their mixing. In some songs, the lead singers voices feel drowned out against the instrumentals. With a male and female lead singer taking turns across the 11-track run, I also find the female lead singer to be the stronger of the two. I definitely recommend the album as a listen, but especially tracks like Tangled in joy, Waving to the Wind, and Secret Place.
62. Killer Mike- Michael. 3/5.
The other half of Run The Jewels manages to have plenty of impactful bars, but also comes off as preachy at times and uninspired. Shout out to Andre 3000 and 2 Chainz though for having some of the best features on the album.
61. Foo Fighters- But Here We Are. 3/5.
The first two tracks set a nice standard. "Rescued" and "You" are some of the best songs Dave Grohl and the band have to offer. There's a small downward slope in quality after the first two songs, but it's still an okay album overall.
60. Dave Matthews Band- Walk Around the Moon.
The beginning and ending tracks are some of the best songs Dave Matthews and his band have to offer. The middle portion is a bit meandering, but his acoustic, low-key songs work pretty well for Dave Matthews.
59. Metallica- 72 Seasons. 3/5.
The iconic rock band started incredibly strong with its first three tracks, but sort of drifts off into mediocrity afterward. It's roaring instrumentals and guitar riffs are dope, but could and should be better from its lyrics and James Hetfield vocals.
58. Kesha- Gag Order. 3/5.
Kesha strayed from the party days of Die Young and Tik Tok long ago, but the dive into her own psyche on this project is fascinating. Vocally and instrumentally, it holds her back. But lyrically, it's compact with thought-provoking subject matter. Living In My Head has to be my favorite song of the thirteen on here.
57. Poppy- Zig. 3/5.
Known for surreal performance art videos on YouTube, Poppy's music is as intriguing as her artwork, blending dark elements into pop-techno vibes. The first two songs are heavy into EDM as the rest lean more into pop. I would've preferred more EDM fusion but Poppy still crafted something worthwhile.
56. Daniel Caesar- Never Enough. 3/5.
R&B artist Daniel Caesar dropped a decent projects days after his 28th birthday. Vocally he's pretty good. The same applies to his lyrics, but the instrumentals are not so noteworthy. Cool and Toronto 2014 are 2 of my favorite songs from him here.
55. Ellie Goulding- Higher Than Heaven. 3/5.
Goulding's pop sounds comes across as typical sometimes, but other times its incredibly pleasant with stand out moments. Her songs for love, "Cure For Love," "Love Goes On," and "How Love" are some favorites on the album among a few that aren't as memorable unfortunately.
54. Kim Petras- Feed The Beast. 3/5.
You may or may not be aware of Kim Petras from her feature on Sam Smith's big hit Unholy, but on Feed The Beast, Petras strives off on her own in her debut album. The first half of the album is stronger with more bangers in the dance-pop project. "Alone" has to be one of my favorite songs from the album, though to be fair, it's a bit of a cheat since it interpolates the beat and instrumentals from the superior "Better Off Alone" by Alice Deejay.
53. Nicki Minaj- Pink Friday 2. 3/5.
The long-awaited sequel to one of her best projects, it could stand to be better by cutting some of the songs, but it's still an okay listen. J Cole's guest feature was the best on the album as others were more or less impressive. As for Minaj herself, she sometimes delivers and sometimes hits just right in Pink Friday 2 with some fun pop jams.
52. Miley Cyrus- Endless Summer Vacation. 3/5
Vocally, Miley Cyrus is a champion. Lyrically, she flip-flops between engaging and meh. Her lead single, Flowers, is a certified bop, but other songs like "Jaded" and "You are" are two other dope tracks. Every other song is mostly acceptable, but the album would be better if it ended on "Wonder Woman" instead of another version of Flowers.
51. Lil Tjay- 222. 3/5.
On his third studio album, Lil Tjay dropped a finely paced album with decent lyricism. He even incorporates singing elements that were surprisingly nice to accompany solid production. It's chock-full of features that are hit or miss, but Polo G is definitely a standout amongst the sea of other rappers.
50. Dave East- Fortune Favors The Bold. 3/5.
The same rapper who portrayed Method Man in the Wu-Tang series delivered an adequate album that's way too bloated. At 24 songs, it's too much Dave East to endure, but there are still some verses and bars worth praise. With decent storytelling and solid production, Dave East's album could be better if a plethora of songs were cut.
49. Rupaul- Black Butta. 3.5/5.
As someone who does not follow or keep up on Rupaul much, I was pleasantly surprised to see how good this album was. The energetic dance elements are astonishingly well done here by the drag race icon.
48. TK Blockstar- Malicious Heart. 3.5/5.
I did a review for Cave Dweller Music on this upcoming artist, but to touch on her, TK Blockstar's 2019 release Malicious Heart is a really good debut album for her with some of the best aspects coming from the production and its features. Though one of my favorite tracks has to be Came a long Way.
47. Vic Mensa- Victor. 3.5/5
A bit long in the tooth, but Vic Mensa cultivated a rap album that impresses lyrically and vocally. While the features vary in quality, Mensa delivers quality verses in a run that could stand to have some songs cut.
46. Wiz Khalifa- Decisions. 3.5/5.
A song dedicated to Nipsey Hussle was a strong beginning. From there, he mostly tackles subject matters typical to him: Weed and Women. The tracks about girls are okay, but his weed jams are fun and elevate the album to be a decent, fun jam.
45. Troye Sivan- Something To Give Each Other. 3.5/5.
The theme of love goes strong throughout the album as its main subject, and it's done incredibly well. It's a cool instrumental, EDM album that has some admirable songs across the board.
44. Ben Folds- What Matters Most. 3.5/5.
Ben Folds crafts an engaging, emotionally charge experience with superb storytelling. With simplistic instrumentals and a soothing voice, Ben puts a unique spin on songs only he could craft like "Kristine From 7th Grade" and "Paddleboat Breakup."
43. Yellowcard- Childhood Eyes. 3.5/5
A short EP that makes the most of its runtime. The Pierce The Veil feature is a great surprise, Three Minutes More is the best of the bunch, and every other song is nice to listen to sonically.
42. Ab-Soul- HERBERT. 3.5/5.
At the tail-end of 2022, established rapper Ab-Soul dropped his fifth studio album titled after his birth name. One of the better rap albums to listen to this year with good beats and bars, but some iffy features.
41. Ava Max- Diamonds & Dancefloors. 3.5/5.
Ava has a stellar voice that the instrumentals compliment nicely here. Pacing, lyrics, there's plenty to like from this project with good tracks like Ghost or Hold Up (Wait a Minute).
40. Steel Panther- On The Prowl. 3.5/5.
The raunchy comedic rock band has funny shtick that manages to entertain for at least the first half of the project. It starts wearing thin in the second half with childish jokes or remarks, but it's pretty fun to listen to at points throughout. And it definitely helps that the instrumentals are sublime for the most part for the band.
39. Rod Wave- Nostalgia. 3.5/5.
Rod Wave shifts back and forth between rapping and singing, but its the singing that's stronger from him. At 18 songs, the tracks could've been shaved off after the tenth joint. 2018 and Call Your Friends are lowkey faves with sweet or interesting messages attached.
38. Melanie Martinez- Portals. 3.5/5.
Melanie Martinez is a gifted vocalist and lyricist. There's a story told throughout the project with peaks and valleys aplenty. Contortionist and Evil are standout tracks amongst some others.
37. Jorja Smith- Falling or Flying. 3.5/5
Jorja's emphasis on love is a wholesome, fascinating endeavor. Helped with decent production, but also could stand to have some songs be shaved off to help its length.
36. Paul Wall and Termanology- Start Finish Repeat. 3.5/5
A lowkey rap album where two great lyricists trade off bars and go back and forth is a superb listen. It's a chill vibe for people looking for something lowkey to listen to.
35. Danny Brown- Quaranta. 3.5/5.
Danny Brown's solo rap joint is a somber, retrospective listen. His unique voice works for the most part, and warrants listens from fans of him and hip hop alike.
34. Pierce The Veil- The Jaws of Life. 3.5/5.
There's a four-track run from the punk album that's wild and utterly sublime.
33. P!nk- Trustfall, 3.5./5.
P!nk's vocals and lyrics are really good, with her still being outstanding this far into her career.
32. PinkPantheress- Heaven Knows. 3.5/5.
The features sort of fumble the bag, but PinkPantheress is clearly better on her own and relishes in her solo project.
31. Burna Boy- I Told Them. 3.5/5.
An improvement on his last album, Love Damini, that's carried by chill vibes and a sampling of Birthday Sex by Jeremih that I have a soft spot for.
30. Gorillaz- Cracker island. 3.5/5.
The Gorillaz do EDM surprisingly well to me, I wasn't expecting it.
29. IDK- F65. 3.5/5.
The fusion of rap, jazz, and soul, is too damn good. Some of the songs are too short and should benefit from an extra verse, but IDK can sing and rap well, it's astounding.
28. Tiesto- Drive. 3.5/5.
More of the artists featured on this lowkey album do better than others and elevate the project to be really good.
27. Olivia Rodrigo- GUTS. 3.5/5.
I didn't like as much as her first album, which is on this list, but it has a lot to offer with lyrics and her range as a vocalist.
26. Alicia Keys- The Diary of Alicia Keys. 3.5./5.
As the 20th anniversary came and went, the initial release of Alicia keys 2003 classic is iconic.
25. Mitski- The Land is inhospitable and so are we. 3.5/5.
Mitski is an impressive vocalist but her song-writing ability is top notch as she records poetry for the listener to indulge in.
24. Lana Del Rey- Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd. 3.5/5.
Lana's songwriting and lyrics are even more sublime as she crafts a stunning effort with some easy favorites like Paris, Texas.
23. Rebecca Black- Let Her Burn. 3.5/5.
Rebecca Black recovered really well from the fiasco that was her disastrous song Friday. Tinges of darkness spread throughout to my liking.
22. Jon Batiste- World Music Radio. 3.5/5.
Jon Batiste aligned himself with a talented assortment of features to craft songs that are super solid to listen to.
21. Janelle Monae- The Age Of Pleasure. 3.5/5.
Janelle Monae crafted instant bops like Champagne Shit, Phenomenal, and Lipstick Lover, which fans of her and R&B genre should listen to.
20. Kali Uchis- Red Moon in Venus. 3.5/5.
Her soothing voice and intriguing lyrics help propel her romantic songs as some of the best tracks in 2023.
19. Taylor Swift- Speak Now. (Taylor's Version.) 3.5/5.
The obvious superior album to release from Taylor's vault this year, as opposed to the other one she dropped. The original lineup and from the vault are better here than 1989 by miles.
18. Paramore- This is Why. 3.5/5.
My favorite band dropped an album not quite as good in my opinion as After Laughter, but still a reaaaaally good listen that's gotten better as I listen more and more. Lyrically, vocally, and instrumentally, This is Why is an awesome listen.
17. Weezer- SZNZ: Winter. 4/5.
As Weezer experimented with 4 albums in 2022, one for each season, its the Winter season that may be my favorite of the bunch.
16. Bishop Briggs- When Everything Went Dark. 4/5.
Possibly the best EP I got to listen to throughout the year that makes the most of its short length.
15. Olivia Rodrigo- Sour. 4/5.
Olivia's freshman album surpasses her latest album by just a little bit with better pop-punk elements at play.
14. Dove Cameron- Alchemical: Volume 1.
sonically intriguing, one of the better pop elements to come out with decent pacing.
13. Corey Taylor- CMF2. 4/5.
The lead singer of Slipknot does well on his own swimmingly, as it works well and almost makes me want to check out the other Slipknot songs.
12. Travis Scott- Utopia. 4/5.
The long-awaited Utopia was worth the wait as it has songs that have great production and features that kill across the board from Drake to Westside Gunn to Beyonce.
11. Voyager- Fearless in Love. 4/5.
Instrumentals are godly, its vocals are a triumph, and most of the tracks here are powerful bops.
10. Danny Brown and JPEGMAFIA- Scaring The Hoes. 4/5.
its not my favorite rap album I listened to this past year, but it is the most interesting by far. the production is all over the place, its loud, bold, it full of nerd samples and references to games and wrestling that I love, its awesome.
9. 38 Spesh and Conway The machine- Speshal Machinery. 4/5.
Some tracks feel like retreads of other Conway songs and albums, but there are still some great songs, samples, and features across the board.
8. Hozier- Unreal Unearth. 4/5.
Similar to Mitski, the lyrics are akin to poetry. It's a remarkable sensational achievement with highlights like Damage Gets Done.
7. Conway The Machine- Won't He Do It. 4/5.
Conway by himself surpasses the collab with 38 Spesh by just a little. Brooklyn Chop House is a masterpiece of a song where Fabulous and Benny The Butcher are sublime in it.
6. Talib Kweli- Quality. 4/5.
Released in 2002, Talib Kweli dropped a critically acclaimed album that supplies dope bars, off-the-charts production, and sublime features. if it was just a little bit shorter, it would rank a tad higher.
5. AFI- Sing The Sorrow. 4/5.
Another epic album from the 2000s, my favorite decade. The punk album floored me with nostalgia as it hits peak 2000s punk rock. Vocals, lyrics, and instrumentals are exactly what I want from a project like this.
4. Raekwon- Only Bult 4 Cuban Linx. 4/5
It's billed as a Raekwon album, but it's more of a Raekwon and Ghostface Killah collab featuring other Wu tang members. Released in 1995, the production and bars shared by members of the collective are at their best which shows why this album is among some of the best.
3. 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne- Welcome 2 Collegrove.
it's one of the most fun albums to come out this year. Chainz and Wayne go dumb for song after song as they go back and forth with memorable moments throughout.
2. Fall Out Boy- So Much (For) Stardust. 4/5.
Heaven, Iowa is the only song from the album that is weak as hell. Every other song is a strong addition. It's instrumentals, lyrics, it all is immaculate.
Czarface- CZARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. 4.5/5. Czarface is a hip hop duo involving Inspectah Deck and Inspectah Deck. They managed to make raps about nerd shit like Marvel cool and it makes me grin ear to ear. I love almost all the features, mama's basement and marvel at that are endearing highlights. few low points but no bad songs overall. Clearly, my favorite album listened to in 2023.
#review#music review#music#album review#post malone#escape the fate#chief keef#sam smith#taylor swift#drake#blink 182#nicki minaj#miley cyrus#olivia rodrigo#lana del rey#paramore#weezer#fall out boy#punk rock#hip hop#rock#pop music
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You know that really generic yet oddly specific trope of person A being in a large theater of some sorts and they think they're alone and start singing and their voice is just so heavenly with the echo and it cuts to person B watching them perform from the very back and being absolutely starstruck and in love by how amazing person A is?
Person A is Shiver, person B is Frye and that's what happened to them that made Frye decide that Shiver does that part in their Now or Never (Shiver yelling)
this. this. this.
[AU? maybe? backstory? idk! shiver was a singer as a child here]
Shiver was standing in the empty concert hall where they had once performed their traditional singing as a child, the place brought back so many memories. Their parents smiling and taking photos of them in their kimono, the days of waking up early to practice singing, training their voice to be able to perform exactly the way they wanted it to. Sure, nowadays they made it look easy, their pitch fluctuating spontaneously yet seeming so controlled while they sang.
The accoustics of the concert hall were fantastic, they remembered hardly needing a microphone to aid them on stage due to their powerful voice carrying easily across the room. They wondered what Big Man's voice would sound like in here, he already didn't need a mic even in a normal room. Deep Cut could put on a wicked a cappella show in here...
Shiver sighed and cleared their throat, why not sing again in this room for nostalgia's sake? They began one of their favorite songs, an emotional piece with difficult notes to reach that they spent months perfecting. Back then, their voice could only reach a certain point, but they had strengthened it over their young adult years and could reach those once challenging pitches with ease. Singing in octarian, they closed their eyes and began to be lost in the music, putting as much of their soul into it as possible.
Each wavering note rang in the empty room, bouncing along the arched roof and carried all the way to the back of the room - to where Frye was standing in the doorway watching and listening in awe. The octoling sounded like a siren, tempting and gorgeous and Frye was sure she’d never heard a more beautiful sound in her life. She wanted to be captured by that voice, to hear it with the backing instrumentals in a proper song, she wanted that voice to be in their song.
Sure, she knew Shiver sang well, but she never heard them go all out like this. With so much passion and emotion dripping from their voice, it was inspiring and powerful, uplifting enough to make Frye want to try her best at whatever she could do. Deep Cut had a cover song they were going to do, Now or Never, and Frye knew exactly how she wanted it to be composed. Shiver had to do the vocals in the middle of the song, with this kind of emotion and pure rawness that would give each and every player on the field a morale boost.
Many bands had covered the iconic classic in the past, but none of them had Shiver on their tracks. None of them could even come close to the beauty of the octoling Frye was so infatuated by, both in appearance and aurally. The secret siren Shiver would be Deep Cut’s main weapon, the thing to set them apart specifically from the other covers of the anthem.
Shiver finished with a flawless high note descending into a scale where it ended on a low note, showcasing the abilities they had in their vocal range. The inkling hadn’t realized she had been walking closer to the stage this entire time, and when Shiver opened their eyes to take in the hall one last time, they were shocked by Frye’s presence, and admittedly a little embarrassed.
“Frye-?”
“You have to sing like that on our next track,” Frye interrupted immediately. “In Now or Never, you know that part that goes like laaa la la la la laaa, you gotta do what you just did for that.”
Shiver blinked, still surprised by Frye’s presence but now feeling a mix of emotions about bringing traditional singing into their cover of the song. They weren’t exactly sure how well it would be received, if the public didn’t like it then their band would be ridiculed for months or years to come. They were about to reply, but were interrupted once again by the inkling hopping up on the stage to grab their hands.
“I know you’re gonna say you don’t know if you wanna do it but please, Shiv, trust me. This is gonna be incredible.”
They looked into her bright gold eyes, nearly shining with hope and passion and love. When she looked at them like that... who was Shiver to say no?
#splatoon#splatoon ask#splatoon fic#splatoon fanfic#splatoon drabble#splatoon writing#deep cut#deep cut splatoon#shiver splatoon#frye splatoon#shye#shye splatoon#shiver x frye#frye x shiver#splatoon 3#splat3#splat 3
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Sheldon Agwu - Seeds of Sanctum, Vol. 2
(Nu-Jazz, Neo-Soul, Jazz Fusion)
A quick, loveable collection of breezy hip-hop grooves paired with jazzy guitar and saxophone performances that keep the vibes smooth and the production smoother. Similar to the lighthearted, colorful jam sessions he often participates in, Seeds of Sanctum Vol. 2 doesn't need to do anything crazy to pull your heart in.
☆☆☆½
You've more than likely heard Sheldon Agwu before, but he's only recently heightened the volume of his singular voice. A beloved player in the London nu-jazz and neo-soul circuit whose credits include work with the lovely neo-soul singer Ego Ella May and alt-R&B darling Jordan Rakei, Agwu's guitar playing is at the forefront of his music, liquid-smooth and never throwing in a ton of notes and instrumental embellishment for the sake of it - he knows that oftentimes using less notes makes things even more interesting. On the second installation of his Seeds of Sanctum EP series, he expands upon the jazzy blends of hip-hop and electronica from its predecessor, programming plush drum pads and layering some of the most engaging and enjoyable guitar work this year on top of it. Its seven short tracks and singular mood means Vol. 2 doesn't cover a whole lot of new ground for Agwu, but what's here is more than enough to make for another wonderful outing.
Simple as these beats may be, Vol 2. is a joy to listen to simply because of how charismatic and lively a performer Agwu is. The EP's hazy midnight mood of slow grooves and sensual instrumentation doesn't ever waver, but the real power of Vol 2. comes from the way he slowly approaches the high note at the minute mark of Nightlife and then finds different paths back up and down the fretboard, or treats Dracula to a regal array of saxophone harmonies and light improvisation before bringing back his guitar and tracing the saxophone's path with it - the EP is less about trying to wow you with crazy technical complexity as it is showing off Agwu's ability to set a mood and deliver it perfectly. HAVE A GREAT MORNING even throws in a bit of a breakbeat kick with its choppy drum loop, complimenting the creamier sound of surrounding tracks Disconnect and Dracula with a short but fresh take on his hip-hop/jazz fusions. I can only imagine what it might be like to see Agwu working on a larger scale with bigger and bolder concepts, but the honesty and warm heart at the core of Vol 2. beautifully pays tribute to all his inspirations and gives a colorful bird's-eye-view of his different musical influences and experiences poured into every song. Through and through, Vol 2. is simple, wonderful music.
And there always could be more: Agwu could incorporate a wider range of instruments or explore different kinds of beats and moods from his usual late night neo-soul, but Vol 2. is focused entirely on being the most pure and genuine showing of his music's core tenants and what makes listening to his songs such a joy: because you can hear how much he loves playing every time. When he's exploring the rich mid-range of his guitar on Oakley Gardens, every note is thoughtfully placed and given Agwu's full attention; when he's digging deep into the earthy low end and gleaming high end on Disconnect, the transitions between each are so natural and suave you'll barely even notice just how much the texture of his playing has changed in only a few seconds. You don't need to do anything to get the fullest from Seeds of Sanctum, Vol. 2 but let Awgu's music fill your mind for a while, and with songs as delightful as these, it's an offer you can't pass up.
#sheldon agwu#seeds of sanctum vol 2#electronic#hip-hop#jazz#jazz fusion#neo-soul#nu-jazz#soul#2022#7/10#album review#album reviews#2022 albums
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⭐️Album Review
🎤Artist: Rapt
🎵Album: Wayward Faith
🎶Genre/s: Folk/ Slowcore/ Acoustic/ Ambient/Indie-Folk/ Singer-songwriter/Dreampop
🏴Based in: London, England
🎧Listen to Rapt/ 🌎Social Media links: https://linktr.ee/jacobwrapt
I recently stumbled on solo artist/singer-songwriter Rapt and was captivated by his latest album, ‘Wayward Faith’. This is one of those albums that grabs me & despite my long-term hiatus from reviewing, I couldn’t resist but to come back and review it. Here’s then, is my track by track review of ‘Wayward Faith’ by Rapt…
Only Water: A brief fade in and then swell, reminiscent in ambience of the start of ‘Grace Cathedral Park’ by Alternative Rock/Sadcore band, Red House Painters, weaves and gently bounces. Guitar and piano meander and flow together, setting the soft yet dark tones through a controlled introduction, which although is short and sets a statement of intent, feels unhurried and dreamlike. Echoing vocals roll and ebb, expanding into an ethereal multi-voice swell. Chiming piano keys announce the arrival of a sombre funeral procession drum as neat male and female vocals define themselves, perhaps putting the listener in mind of the male/female vocal play of Shoegaze legends, Slowdive. A bass element deeply warbles around the drum and then both are released, as guitar and piano take centre stage for an instrumental interlude. The multi-voices return in a beautiful moment, which is then caught in the deep tones of percussion and bass element and what seems to be sparingly used strings. The vocals unravel, as the female voice flys and gently soars. As the song breaks, gone is the drum as all instruments and vocals become gentler and more distant as if fading into sleep, until a whispered voice and tender piano softly sing this track out.
The Nest: An acoustic guitar driven tune, the finger-style reminiscent of a few things: the precise guitar handwork of James Clayton of English Anti-Folk duo, Crywank, the patterns that repeat and draw the listener into ambient music, (reminiscent to me of Brian Eno) and the delicate touch of Pastoral-Folk legend, Nick Drake. Vocal-wise, there is still a sense of the ethereal, but more punctuated and front and centre. I have to praise the production here, I can almost visualise the space in which this track was recorded. It puts me in mind of intimate acoustic gigs, where the audience won’t make a sound out of respect for the player. A gig where you can almost sit back and enjoy the acoustics of the environment. This is what this track manages to do. Piano gently wavers in, but does not dominate. Vocals are enriched by a subtle backing voice, the effect reminds me of the great, late Nick Talbot, otherwise known as solo-artist Gravenhurst, who had a similar vocal style. There’s also a feel of a less-chaotic and more enunciated Guided by Voices. This song warmly, but slightly sadly rolls to
it’s finish.
Fallow Hill (I-III): A more percussive and dominant guitar style than the last two tracks flies in. The guitar drives the song, with little classical guitar flurries, similar to subtlety percussive classical guitarists, such as Canadian luminary, Norbert Kraft. There’s a strong string-work here too, carving out a mood, in the same way Alternative-Metal band Therapy? have used strings in the past; it creates an expansive and organic soundscape. Plus there’s some nice percussion sounds, driving a faster song. Something that Rapt is very proficient at is breaking down the song, in places, so there’s just a guitar here, or strings there. More classical swirls come, this time, more traditional in timbre, perhaps harnessing the spirit of Spanish Guitar virtuoso, Andres Segovia. As percussion shakes back with guitar fingerpicking, then voice and strings return. This part of the tune jumps from gentle to having a more bassy-percussive-thump. However, it does this in a subtle, effective way. A third classical guitar part ends the tune, with a hazier, more sundapled and relaxed section.
Threads: This song has a warm melodic quality. It has a feel of early 70s Folk/Acid Folk; old favourites such as Pentangle and Mark Fry come to mind. The guitar playing is rich and complex in this tune, weaving from British Folk to Alternate-Country to West Coast Psychedelic-Pop. There’s also a nursery rhyme element to this tune, a touch of Syd Barrett perhaps. The male and female voices define themselves once more, enhancing the melodic-strength of this tune. Listening to this tune takes me back to folk-pop artists I heard as a child, such as Simon and Garfunkel. This is a very strong mid-point to the album, which on first listen, compelled me to continue!
Last Night In Exile: A bass-heavy acoustic jumps in, perfectly juxtaposed with the female voice, this time sung solo. Then, the ‘Rapt-Trick’ again…actually far from a trick…a swell of strings and the male voice, expertly dropped in the right place, to serve the song and enhance the listening experience. The tune breaks, with some warm guitar harmonics and meanderings, before a faster guitar and dual-vocal run, with the guitar providing a sense of travel and percussion. A lovely almost Shoegaze-infused ending comes, with guitar finger-rakes weaving to the end.
Fifteen: This tune feels somehow darker and more foreboding, a bleaker folk approach perhaps entwined with a Metal sound. The lyrics too, appear perhaps personal and tell a story of the passage of time, feelings and old wounds. The strings are more prominent than other tunes, providing plenty of atmosphere and mood. Guitar is more secondary, (although there is a nice flurry later on) the focus falls on vocalist, lyrics and ambience. Special mention though goes to a horse-hoof-like percussion. It really enhances the themes of the song, a journey in one’s own head, in one’s own emotions.
New Pardoner: This starts as a dreamy, stripped down acoustic and vocal track. Both guitar and vocals get equal showcase and presence. Then there’s a swell of piano and a second male voice. as I’ve always maintained, a band or artist creating something a little different as their last track serves both to entice the listener to return to the album and to ponder what is in store in the next one. I believe Rapt do this and ‘New Pardoner’ serves as a great ending to an atmospheric and addictively listenable album. ⭐️
🎧Listen: https://linktr.ee/jacobwrapt
#Rapt #sadcore #slowcore #Folk #indiefolk #guitarist #acoustic #MusicBlogger #MusicBlogs
#MusicWriter #MusicBlog #TSW #MusicReviews #TheresasSoundWorld #MusicReviewer #Psychedelia #MusicVlogs #MusicVlogger #AlternativeMusic #Metal #Writer #UK #IndieBlogger #ambient #SingerSongwriter
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Goodbye in C Minor
Luke Patterson was dating this incredible girl, Y/N, until he died along with Alex and Reggie. Now that he’s been stuck in the present day, he doesn’t know how to move on from the girl he left behind in the 90s.
masterlist
A girl leans against an open doorway. She takes in the band playing around her, the black and white Sunset Curve banners streaked with color. Her eyes flash over all members of the band in turn, but they tend to linger on the lead singer, a boy with a shock of brown hair and enough passion for an entire band of his own.
In fact, he doesn’t even notice that the girl has arrived until the song ends and he looks up, finally snapped out of his reverie. Instantly, a smile shoots across his face and he jogs over to her, unslinging his guitar strap from around his shoulders and setting the instrument down on a nearby stand. He picks her up and twirls her around in the air. The girl laughs, and her eyes meet his again once her feet touch back down on the ground.
One of the boys from the band shouts something to her from across the studio, his voice hopeful. “Did you bring us lunch?” The girl turns to face them, attention finally diverted from her boyfriend. She holds up a plastic bag full of boxed containers. “I did! Takeout, hope you don’t mind. And yes, Bobby, some are vegetarian.” A light-haired boy, Alex, does a silent fist pump. “You’re the best, Y/N. Honestly.”
Y/N hands the bag of food over to the hungry bandmates, and all except one hurriedly dig in. Luke stays, interlacing his fingers with Y/N’s. “You didn’t have to do that, you know.” Y/N waves his concern away. “I absolutely did. You’ve gotten me into the Orpheum for your upcoming show, the least I can do is make sure you’re all properly fed. If I can’t help with music, I can at least help with this.”
Luke grins. “Trust me, I think the food is the best thing ever. By the way, Reggie wants me to tell you that we’ll invite you to every show on the planet if it means he keeps getting free lunch. Although technically you don’t have to worry about that- I want you by my side every step of the way, lunch or no lunch.” Y/N laughs. “That’s one of the most romantic things I’ve heard all week. Maybe you should put that into a new song. ‘I’ll love you even if you don’t bring me takeout.’”
Luke pouts, and Y/N giggles at his mock sadness. “I’m kidding. Mostly.” Luke leans forward to kiss Y/N. “You had better be.” From across the room, Alex yells something at them. “If you guys keep making out in the middle of practice we’re going to ban you from the studio.” Y/N waves her hand at him. “I brought you food, you can’t ban me! I’m too important to the future of the band.” Reggie shrugs. “She’s right, you know. We might starve.” Alex swats him on the shoulder, and Y/N turns back to Luke with a slight smile.
“I can’t believe you’re playing at the Orpheum in a week. That’s so exciting!” Luke nods fervently. “Sometimes it doesn’t even feel real. Like I’ll wake up and find out we were actually booked to some other place, not the actual Orpheum.” Y/N smiles at him. “You’re going to do great, and that’s final. I can’t wait to see you guys perform.” Luke absentmindedly runs his fingers over Y/N’s knuckles, tapping out the beats of half-written songs. “I know we’ll do great. I’ve got my muse. All of my songs are about you, you know that.” Y/N raises an eyebrow. “Even ‘My Name is Luke?’” Luke groans. “Okay, maybe not that one. Almost all of my songs are about you. How about that?” Y/N beams at her boyfriend. “That sounds perfect.”
Luke jolts back to reality. He’s still standing in that same studio, but he’s back to the present day. He’s not in the 90s anymore, and it’s been decades since he was writing songs with Sunset Curve, preparing to take on the Orpheum for the first time. He’s standing in the exact same place as that one memory, when he’d been talking to her. They’d both been so happy, so exhilarated at the prospect of Sunset Curve’s Orpheum performance. Neither of them had known that Luke, Alex, and Reggie would die that night, permanently taking Luke away from everything he knew best. Away from her.
There’s a slight motion next to him, and Luke freezes before remembering that he’s not alone in the studio. Alex has just walked up beside him, although his friend’s gaze softens when he sees the troubled look on Luke’s face. “You’re thinking about her, aren’t you? You’re thinking about Y/N.” Luke sighs. “Yeah. I just- I can’t believe that all this time had passed. She isn’t here with us, and she didn’t eat those street dogs, so she must not have died. That means she grew up and she’s probably older now. I don’t know what to think about that.”
Alex nods slowly, placing his hand on Luke’s shoulder in a show of comfort. “We left so much behind that it’s hard to think about. If you ever want anyone to talk to, you know we’re all here. Julie too, although that might be more of a difficult conversation.” Luke blows out a slow breath. “That’s the problem. Things are going so well with Julie and the new band and everything that I feel like I should be happier, and I am, and then-” His voice trails off. Alex finishes the sentence for him. “And then you remember what life used to be like.”
Luke walks over to a photo tacked onto the wall. Julie had found some old snapshots of Sunset Curve and set them out in the studio. They were nice to see, but sometimes they tended to hurt instead of inspiring fond memories. One in particular catches his eye- the band and a couple of friends, mere hours before the Sunset Curve show at the Orpheum. It’s a faded Polaroid, showing a group of beaming teenagers pointing up at the Orpheum’s sign glowing in neon lights above them. Look what we’re about to do, they seem to say, look what we never got to finish.
Luke’s eye strays on the far right corner. He’s standing there, arm wrapped around a girl. Y/N. They’re both smiling, although in this shot neither of them are looking at the camera. Instead, they’re both turned towards each other, as if delighted by the simple fact that both of them are together. Luke remembers the details of that night in perfect clarity. They’d all arrived at the Orpheum and taken the photo, and then the boys had headed back to begin their sound checks. Y/N had watched them perform, making friends with a girl who worked at the venue. Rose, who Luke now knows is Julie’s mother.
Y/N always had this easy way of making friends. One smile, a few words, and it was like she’d known a stranger all their life. She and Rose had both cheered when Sunset Curve had finished their warmups, and then looked down at her watch in surprise. She’d said something about how she had to run and do some final checks with the venue staff, and she’d be right back. Y/N had kissed Luke quickly before dashing out the door with a promise that she’d be back in a second. Luke, Alex, and Reggie had disappeared down the block to get some street dogs. By the time Y/N had gotten back, papers and signatures held triumphantly in her hand, it was too late.
Luke doesn’t know what happened after that. He’s not positive that Y/N was there when he died, maybe arriving a few minutes after the fact. He’s not sure if that makes it better or not- although she’d be furious with herself for not being there to save him, Luke knows there was nothing she could have done. Would it have hurt more to be next to him, unable to do anything but watch as he breathed his last, or to have missed the entire thing? He supposes Y/N has had years to think the issue over.
Luke turns away from the photograph. His legs are itching to take him away, his heart racing to find something to do. The band doesn’t have practice today, so there’s nothing to distract him from the awful loneliness beating against his chest. He has to do something to get away from all of this, from the memories and the photographs and the knowledge that he had left the girl he loved behind and there was nothing to do to get her back. Luke mumbles something to Alex about how he’s going to take a walk, then poofs out of the studio, no clear destination in mind.
Luke reappears in the middle of a path. At first, he’s not quite sure where he is. There’s a line of pavement under his feet, leading away in front of him. Spring green boughs wave overhead, framing the way before him. The trees eventually clear out to form a clearing, and only then does Luke realize where he is. It’s the local cemetery, the place where all of Luke’s family have been buried. The place where surely he, too, lies at rest. His head must have some twisted sense of humor to bring him here.
Luke wavers one last moment, then decides to take off down the path. He’s never actually visited his own grave, as it seemed too morbid an activity to actually set out and do, but if he’s already here he might as well see it. There’s some sort of curiosity affixed to seeing your own headstone, weird as that may be, and at least now he can glance at it once and forget about it.
Luke passes between the long lines of gravestones, reading through the names. It’s late afternoon, and there’s almost nobody here at all. At least, there isn’t anybody here except one woman, who’s crouching before a headstone in the middle of the cemetery. On second thought, she appears to be around the place where Luke’s family is buried. As he walks over, he realizes that this woman is actually next to his grave.
She’s speaking quietly. “Nothing much happened today, but it’s a Saturday, so I had to drop by anyway.” Her head drops. “You’ve been gone for 25 years. Can you believe that? 25. I miss you still.” A bittersweet smile cracks her lips, and Luke’s heart twists at the pain in her voice. “I have children now. They’re just beginning to enter double digits. At some point, they’ll be older than you. I wish you could have met them, Luke. I think you’d like them a lot.”
Luke’s head flies up when she says his name. The way she said it sounded so familiar, like he’s heard this woman before. Like he knows her, and knows her very well. The woman freezes slightly- she must have seen his small motion out of the corner of her eye. But that doesn’t make sense, because lifers aren’t supposed to see ghosts like Luke. Yet the woman still stands, lightly brushing dirt off of her legs. “Sorry, I’ll get out of your way. Didn’t see you there.”
The woman turns to face Luke, and her eyes widen. She stands for a moment, staring, and then her voice comes again, faltering and weak. “Luke?” She looks away from him, studying her own hands as if expecting them to be ghostly and translucent. “But you’re dead. How can you be here- Am I dead?” Luke shakes his head. “No, you’re not dead. I mean, I am, but I’m a, uh, ghost. You’re not a ghost. At least I don’t think so.” Luke’s voice trails off when the woman looks at him again. When she’s finally turned towards him, her face seems so familiar. It takes him a moment, and then he realizes who she is. “Y/N.”
It has to be her. There’s no way around it. Indeed, the second her name passes through his lips he knows it’s true. The Y/N standing before him is far older now, maybe in her late thirties or early forties. That would make sense, wouldn’t it? They were teenagers when he died, and if it’s been 25 years since then, she would have to be older. A slight lump forms in Luke’s throat. What would it have been like if he hadn’t died? Would he have been like this too? Would they have grown old together?
Y/N rubs a hand over her face as if in shock. “This makes no sense. I mean, you sound just like yourself and everything but-” Luke laughs quietly. “But ghosts aren’t real.” Y/N gestures loosely with her hand. “Exactly.” Her eyes flicker over him again, taking in every detail of his face as if committing it to memory. This small action itself is so strange to see- Luke remembers Y/N doing this at shows and practices, and it doesn’t feel right to see this similarity in a version of Y/N that is so much older, especially when Luke himself is still a teenager.
Luke’s voice is quiet. “Do you always visit my grave?” Y/N nods. “Every other Saturday. I think your mom and dad come all the time too. I try to give them some space.” She looks back at him, as if she can understand what he’s thinking. “We haven’t moved on so easily. There was a time right after you died when I thought we never would. I didn’t see how the earth could keep turning without my boys. And then the years kept passing by, and although the pain never got any easier we learned how to be happy too, how to keep the grief but remember you with brighter memories instead.”
She smiles, although her eyes are tinged with pain. “I’m married now.” She holds up her hand, and Luke’s gaze is drawn to the ring on her finger. “I think you’d like him a lot. We have two children, a boy and a girl. They know your parents well, we get together all the time. They supported me when I was in over my head, they pulled me out of a well when I was drowning in grief. I check in on them, and they check in on me. We were trying to do right by you.”
Luke feels like his legs are about to collapse underneath him. To see Y/N like this, so much older and calmer, feels like an earthquake tearing him apart. He doesn’t know why, but some part of him had almost assumed that she wouldn’t grow old either, that if he looked hard enough he could find her and they could be the same again. He knows now that he was wrong, although the sight of Y/N is still so reflexively exhilarating that he doesn’t know what to do with himself.
Luke forces himself to speak. “Are you- are you happy? Now, with your family?” Y/N nods, a radiant smile breaking out across her face. “I’m incredibly happy. Things are good now, and they’re going to keep being good for a very long time.” She looks at him, seeing the questions he’s too afraid to ask. “I’m sorry that things happened the way they did. I would have liked nothing more than to see you shine on that stage and have your star career the way that we always planned. I have a feeling that you’ve got a new chance now, a way to move on. I’d take it. You’ve always been able to stay on your feet and keep running forward. Don’t let that go.”
Luke nods. “Thank you, Y/N.” They exchange their goodbyes and then Luke disappears back into the trees. After a moment or two of walking, he poofs back into the studio. Luke walks on leaden limbs towards his songwriting notebook, flinging it open and reaching for a pencil. He turns to one page in particular, a song he’d begun writing for Y/N a few days before their performance at the Orpheum. He changes some lines, adds new chords, transposes the song from a major to a minor key. He doesn’t know how long he sits there, but when he looks up at last, the song is finished.
The title sits at the top, a blurry gray after recent erasings. ‘Goodbye in C Minor.’ The beautiful start to a love he never got to see through.
#luke patterson#luke patterson imagine#luke patterson x reader#luke patterson imagines#jatp#jatp imagine#jatp x reader#jatp imagines#jatp oneshot#luke patterson oneshot#jatp luke#jatp luke imagine#jatp luke x reader#jatp luke imagines#jatp luke oneshot
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Awake by Jin
** Disclaimer: It's not my first time listening to this song, and at this point I'm very familiar with it so this won't be written with fresh thoughts, but these are my thoughts that may or may not be swayed due to my knowledge of the song so don't judge me. (I have avoided listening to it for a couple of weeks though, to try to replicate a first experience as closely as i could.)
** Another disclaimer: I'm not fluent in Korean (yet), so I will be relying on BangtanSubs for the translations of the lyrics.
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3 seconds in, and you're already in for a surprise. It doesn't sound like the typical 'Bangtan' sound. (Although yes, I am aware that BTS have different sounds because they do different genres,) but there aren't that many BTS songs that have an orchestral accompaniment; (Black Swan and Lie are the only ones I can list from the top of my head, but even those have a mix of modern to them.) To me, the 'Bangtan' sound is more of a digital sound, if that makes sense to you. If it doesn't, that's fine, my brain has an unusual way of linking things together.
The intro does a good job of pulling you in. It kind of gets you ready for what's to come; though Bangtan does a good job of going the complete opposite direction of where you think it's going. It's building tension, amplifying the listener's curiosity as to what direction it's headed.
I don't know if it's because I know what this is song is about that makes me hear this but to me it sounds both sad yet accepting. The dynamic accents, and the chords make it sound sad, especially since the notes seem to be going downward, that is, until the last seconds of the intro, when the notes are ascending strongly, followed by a tremolo*.
To me, the intro sounds like sad acceptance; like it's saying: "This thing is making me feel sad, and that's okay. I've accepted the fact that it's making me feel sad, and I'm okay with feeling sad about it." The fast ascending notes feel like that's him trying to feel 'okay' again. Kinda like when you get too tired from running, so you slow down into a walk, but after a while you have to gather up energy and start running again. That's what it feels like to me.
When Jin's voice finally comes in, it's quite soothing. Similar to taking a warm bath after an exhausting day, the tension that the strings were building fades as the strings stop, Jin's singing a capella for a short while before a piano joins him.
There's something very vulnerable with singing with just a few instruments backing you up. Since there isn't much noise to compete with, you're able to very clearly hear the singer's voice.
The way Jin sings in this song kind of amplifies the vulnerability. He sounds a bit breathy, especially in the beginning of his lines. His voice isn't quiet, though it sounds like it should be. He sings almost like he's whispering a secret, or more plausibly in this case, like he's admitting his insecurities.
It doesn't sound small as you would expect when one would voice out their insecurities. There's a sense of stability when he sings, like he's sure of what he's saying, even if it's a little sad.
Then the pre-chorus comes in with Jin singing in his mixed voice that I'm absolutely in awe of, and honestly I could ramble on about Jin's voice but that's not what this is about.
The strings filter back in, and you could tell it's slowly building up to the chorus.
The pull back of the instruments, along with what sounds like a bass dropping just as Jin sings "maybe I, I..." sounds like a bit like a realization to me.
(I know I said I wasn't going to talk about Jin's voice but holy shit his high notes when he sings 'sky' is chefs kiss. Can you believe he apparently had no experience with singing before joining Bangtan? because I can't, his vocals are absolutely insane.)
You know this song is a sad one based on the lyrics, (even if you haven't checked the translations yet, he literally has a line in english saying maybe he can never fly) but it doesn't sound hopeless. Him reaching the high notes, literally sounds like he's reaching out. Kinda like when you're standing on your tippy toes trying to reach a mug from the cabinet, and it's right there and you can almost reach it but you're not quite there, and even though you know you can't reach it by just standing on your tippy toes, you're still reaching out your hand regardless.
The second verse sounds much more stable than the first. The lines don't start with whispers this time. Except for that one line, where he breaks into a whisper again at '정말.' The line says "You, are you really okay, it asked me." This could be unintentional, but then again coincidences are hardly a thing with Bangtan.
It reminds me of the feeling when you're at a weird place mentally and you think you're okay but you're actually not, and you don't realize until a weird things triggers you, like if someone asks if you're okay then suddenly you're breaking down, and you realize that no, you're not okay.
But the next lines sound more nonchalant, like he's answering the question in a 'it's not a big deal' kinda way. "Oh no, I replied, No, I’m so afraid, Still, I hold the 6 flowers tightly in my hands" He's answering the question like 'no, I'm not okay, I am very much terrified, but it's not like it will stop me. I will still continue doing this thing even if I'm scared.'
Since there's no power in the way he sings, it doesn't really sound like a hero's determination, it just sounds like he's stating a fact. Like he's saying 'this is the way things are' with a shrug, no sadness intended despite it's lyrics.
There's not much difference in the second chorus other than he uses his mixed voice rather than his head voice in the '안 돼' part. I'm not sure if this particular change means anything considering it's quite common for the second chorus to be more powerful than the first. Take that as you will.
In the bridge, he sings "Wide awake Wide awake Wide awake, Don’t cry , Wide awake Wide awake Wide awake, No lie" I could interpret that in two ways. It could be that he's being kept up by his loud thoughts, and his "don't cry" is him trying to comfort himself, trying to keep himself from crying though he's already on the verge of tears, or the "don't cry" could be telling him telling himself (not unkindly) that it's not something to cry about, that he's accepted it and has moved on– is moving on.
The "no lie" line supports my second assumption since he's just saying things as it is. Although many of us would argue that yes, Jin is talented, great at what he does, and just as great as the others, that isn't what he feels to be true, so technically, he isn't lying.
However the way Jin sings the lines sound more like he's aiming for comfort so that aligns with my first assumption more, but who knows, it could be either, it could both, it can even be neither.
The last chorus is both softer and more powerful than the previous choruses. It kinda sounds like he's whispering the words to himself one last time before it sinks in, then finally it does and he belts out: "I can’t (fly) like the flower petals over there, Or as though I have wings" Like he's shouting it out to the world, but it's not from a place of frustration but rather from a place of peace and acceptance. He's not shouting 'I'm not on par with them, and I'm frustrated that I can't be!' but rather 'This is who I am, and I've finally accepted that this is a part of me.'
Unlike the first chorus though, the ending of this chorus sounds more hopeful. The strings sound more playful joyful now, and that's leading me to believe that its toying around the idea that maybe one day Jin will no longer feel as though he's chasing behind the members. That he'd realize that he's always been running beside them, and not after them all along.
Overall, I think this song is just Jin being vulnerable but not in a sense that he's wavering, or opening the door for the first time, but like he's giving us a tour of the room itself. He's already explored, he's sure about his feelings, and even though the thoughts are sad, that's okay because he won't really beat himself up over it. This song is one of my (many) favourites from Bangtan. Despite the sad tone, I think this is a strangely comforting song.
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*Tremolo is the rapid reiteration of a musical tone or of alternating tones to produce a tremulous. (On a violin it's the rapid back and forth movement of the bow on the same note, you know, when the violin sounds like it's wiggling.)
#Bangtan#bangtan sonyeondan#bts#bts jin#awake by jin#kim seokjin#bts songs#song analysis#song reaction#latest#bangtan lyrics#bts lyrics#bangtan songs#seokjin#music#bts army
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A Tribute
A/N: Sarah here, hello. Ky is in love with Finneas so she mostly wrote this, I just did a lil bit. Based on Finneas’s Bill Withers cover for the April 20, 2020 tribute. Link here ;)
Word count: 1.3k
Warnings: grief, fluff, sadness
Finneas x fem!reader
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He sat at the piano, unmoving, for what seemed like hours. His hands ghosting over the keys, back straight, staring into the abyss. She stood on the final stair that led to the basement of the house, watching him, wishing so badly to take away his pain. Finneas always took everything to heart, especially when it came to music. When they got the news that Bill Withers passed away, she knew immediately that he would take it to heart. That had been a few days ago, when Finneas insisted that he film a cover to honor the man’s life. He had just found the courage to sit down at the piano bench an hour ago, yet not a single key resinated off of the basement walls.
Y/N walked behind the pale boy, trying to make her footsteps as loud as possible to snap him out of his trance without scaring him. Once she was in arms length, she tried calling out to him.
“Finn,'' she tried, her voice coming out hoarse and hesitant. She reached her hand out, placing it on his shoulder, he had no reaction, just kept his head straight. She took that as her que to move closer. Wrapping her arms around his back, Y/N moved so her lips were right next to his ear. The collar of his denim jacket scratched against her cheek.
“Finneas,” she tried again with his name, hoping to draw him out of his head, he turned his head just enough for her to see him. Tears sat at the edge of his eyes, killing her heart. She backed her face away looking at him fully.
“I can’t do it.” A single tear glided down his face, catching at the end of his nose, a weak smile formed on the edges of the mouth. She untangled herself from his back, moving to sit next to him on the small bench. Her body facing his side, slowly bringing a hand up to cup his face, thumb catching the fallen tears.
“It’s okay, you don’t have to do it today.” She said with a smile, thumb still lazily swiping against his tear stained face.
“It’s okay to take some time to finish mourning, no one would be mad.” He nodded his head against her palm. They sat like that for a while, slience filling the room as Y/N wiped away the sea of tears that fell out of Finneas’s blue dull eyes. She moved to cup his cheek and rested her forehead against his. His eyes were always so bright, electric even. She had never seen them so close to grey before.
He pulled away gently and brought his hand up to cover hers, his hand colder than expected. He removed their hands from his face and brought it to his lips kissing the center of her palm, she felt the scruffy beard against the bottom of her palm, it ticked and contrasted against the softness of his lips. He moved their hands away, finally linking them together.
“I love you.” He whispered, moving his face forward until their foreheads rested against each other again. His face hot against hers, the tears leaving a sticky feeling against her skin. He moved to rest his lips against hers. They shared a short kiss, before disconnecting.
“Will you stay here while I play?” He asked, voice still not going above a whisper.
“Of course Finn.” She moved off the bench, placing a kiss to the top of his head before going upstairs.
Finneas stared at the keys, inhaling a huge breath and holding it until his lungs burned. Before slowly letting it escape his mouth. He suddenly heard the scrape of a chair against the stairs as Y/N's face appeared again. She was carting down one of the wooden chairs from the dining table, dragging it behind her like a rollie bag suitcase. A weak smile plastered on her face as she lugged the chair across the room. Finally placing it behind the camera. She walked back over to him.
“You don’t have to do this.” She said again, placing her head on top of his.
“I know, but I want to.” He kissed the back of her hand one more time. Y/N walked away with a gentle smile and moved to sit behind the camera.
He began to play then. Softly pressing into the keys, looking down in his hands. She knew that he didn’t need to watch them to play the right cords. He knew this song and he knew how to play it, but he just wanted something to ground him and his music. The music that his idol made was the only way to connect them, even after his passing.
She be lying if she said that she wasn’t a little mesmerized watching him. Finneas looked so sad and his voice was so clear. To others it might seem that he was simply enjoying himself and his music. But she knew that he was losing the battle to not cry.
With every verse he hit the keys harder, his voice screaming out, the vibrato punching the air, and he kept hitting the keys harder still. He was suddenly small. He was a small boy hitting the keys with a grin on his face as his favorite singer played on the radio. Trying to learn the melodies his mother showed him. She pulled him onto her lap and covered his little hands with hers. He was a teenager turning up the stereo in his car that he finally got to drive. His new license sitting in his wallet. The feeling of freedom he never knew and as he shouted the words with a loud laugh. Whooping as he sped down that road. He was a young man humming to his lover the sweet music of his youth. She was wrapped in his arms as they laid on the couch in their new home. The housewarming gifts splayed all over. A gentle smile spread across his face as he pressed a kiss to her cheek. He was a sad man playing the piano to tribute to the legend that shaped him. Choking on the realization that the music that made him who he was, was fading out. Nothing more would be created from the soulful man he cherished. His heart ached in his chest painfully and he moved his head sharply as a tear won over his will and hit his hand that was slamming on the piano.
Finneas’s left hand pressed one final chord out from the instrument. Y/N didn’t realise she was crying until the song was finished, the last dark note ringing in the air. Finneas moved his hands off the piano quickly and just stared at the wood in front of him. She moved slowly, not wanting to disturb the quiet that settled. She sat next to him on the bench and rested her head to his shoulder.
“That was beautiful, Finn.” She whispered and he closed his eyes at her voice. Bill Withers was dead, this was something they both knew. But with his legacy and with his music, he wasn’t gone. Finneas sucked in a breath and nodded to her. The memories involving the blues and the passion seeped into his bones and he felt another tear fall down his face.
“My favorite.” He mumbled pressing the heels of his hand to his eyes. He smiled pitifully at her, his voice wavering.
“I bet he’s smiling down on all that he inspired.” Y/N looked up at him then and brushed the hair from his forehead.
Finneas looked up at the ceiling. He had never been a religious man, but the thought that Bill Withers was somewhere else in this life, looking down at the music he inspired and the people’s lives he touched granted Finneas some calm. Finneas smiled at Y/N and moved to press a gentle kiss to her mouth.
For the first time that evening, he felt happy.
Music has always been universal and he was glad he got to share in the experience of millions of others. Finneas was happy he got to love a legend and feel in his body and mind the soulful sounds that were created from a man born in another time. He looked up at the ceiling again and felt another tear fall from his face. It streaked down his cheek and was stopped by the fold of a grateful smile.
#finneas#finneas o’connell#finneas oconnell#finneas x reader#finneas x fem!reader#bill withers#bill withers tribute#billie eilish#billie elish#billie ellish#bilie eilish#billie eilish x reader#finneas o’connell x reader#finneas oconnell x reader
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The Irony of Fate [2]
Gif not mine!
(A/N): Uhhh this gif kills me holy fuck LOOK AT HIM- UGH. OK, SORRY this took so long lmao, my writing has honestly been so slow lately. I’m trying to fix that but idk I guess it’s a work in process. ALSO!!!! I’m so GRATEFUL for y’all! You’ve all been so kind and supportive with the series, I honestly thought I was going to be swamped with hate! I’m really glad you’re all enjoying it, and love Arthur as much as I do. It’s really made me feel better about my shitty writing. So without further ado, I’ll let you read. Sorry for the monster essay!
Summary: Arthur hated his life. That was no secret. He could pull out a list of the reasons why if someone had to ask. Perhaps he had pissed off fate really badly, a time he couldn’t seem to recall. Or perhaps, not that he believed in it, in a past life he had behaved so reprehensively that he was cursed for the entirety of his reincarnated existence. At this point, anything would make more sense than his continual bad luck - make more sense than his life. Was he doomed to be miserable for the rest of his time on earth? Or would the woman he spotted from his window instigate a rapid spiral of change?
Word Count: 3,400
Pairing: Arthur Fleck x Reader
Warnings: None!
!! SPOILERS FOR ANYONE WHO HASN’T WATCHED THE MOVIE !!
Anxiety coursed through (Y/n) like a turbulent storm, its rage coursing throughout her body, numbing her fingertips. Her mouth was abnormally dry and her attempts at swallowing - to try and lessen the prominence of the drought within, were all in vain. Counting down the seconds in her head silently, her jaw ticked. Large multicoloured drapes burned into her eyes, their bright colours harsh if looked at for too long. As she stood behind them, backstage, the familiar, upbeat music filled her ears, a tune she had known since teenagehood. In person, the arrangement of instruments beyond the curtains sounded different. It was raw. Loud. Unfiltered. The difference was something she found she prefered, it’s authenticity shining through.
Despite the nostalgia, and the thrill of her dreams coming true, the song was hardly comforting, adding to the growing nausea in her stomach. Solidifying the presence of the knot within.
The fact she was there was surreal.
The crowd, in response to the anthem, went wild, clapping on cue, along with the song.
“Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen!” Murray shouted. His renowned dance moves, which had him swinging to the beat, were perfectly timed.
Although (Y/n) was shrouded by the massive curtains in front of her, she could practically hear the smirk on his face. Sickly sweet and, dare she say, sickly fake. While she was eternally grateful to be where she was, the disingenuity unsettled her. It rubbed her the wrong way.
Good ratings meant more money, and more money meant fewer problems.
“Now, tonight, we’ve got an extra special guest,” he said.
(Y/n) swallowed.
She felt her fingers twitch in anticipation while the majority of the public oohed at Murray’s news.
“She’s a gorgeous woman…” a handful whistled, earning a soft chuckle from the host, “though I must say, she has an even lovelier voice.”
“It’s quite funny actually, I met her on the street the other day. I was blown away when I first heard her performing. And...I usually don’t do this, but I just had to have her on the show. You all know how much I love talent.”
“However, there was just one thing that left me confused. I asked her, ‘why on the streets?’” Murray gave a quizzical look, “with such a gift, you’d expect her to be in the clubs!”
“She shrugged her shoulders and told me, ‘you gotta start somewhere’.”
“Now while I respect that, starting from humble beginnings and all, I told her, ‘honey with a face like that, you don’t gotta go around singing on the streets for money,’ if you know what I mean.”
The spectators laughed, and (Y/n) rolled her eyes in response. Suddenly, she was glad she was hidden. She wouldn’t want her annoyed expression to give the wrong impression. She didn’t want to be labelled. The last thing she needed was to wake up and read some shitty news article painting her as a ‘diva’ and ‘ungrateful’. Gotham thrived on negativity, so once that was out there, she’d never recover from the defaming blow. Sexist jokes or not, fighting up against one of the most dominant television personalities in Gotham, as well as the media, was a deathwish careerwise.
“Now that’s enough from me, you’re all probably sick of my face. Please welcome, (Y/n)!”
Swiftly, the live band played their tunes, signalling her entrance. Murray directed attention to the infamous curtains, his arms stretching, his fingers wiggling towards the material. Screams of joy echoed off the studio walls.
At the sound, her hands raced to her form-fitting black dress, smoothing out the wrinkles before the curtain opened. When they did, they were slow. A cringe formed its way onto her face as the pully system squeaked along. As ready as she’ll ever be, she cemented a smile, hiding the wince, and walked through the drapes, deciding against waiting.
Feeling a little dramatic, her form hunched over into a bow. A leg darted behind the other, with one hand in front, another resting against her back. Wolf whistles decorated the air at her arrival, though they were promptly replaced with roaring laughter as she made her way towards Murray and planted two firm kisses on both of his cheeks. Eventually, the clacking of her heels signified movement from the older man as she moved to occupy the yellow chair next to Murray’s desk.
Murray made a face after her display of affection, a look although (Y/n) couldn’t see, with his back towards her, she knew it transpired because of the public’s response. She could only imagine the face: one of shock and surprise, or perhaps confidence, as he winked towards them. Either way, both weren’t hard to envision, and the thought made short, distinct, puffs of air release from her nose in amusement.
Shortly, he followed her lead and took a seat behind his table.
“You’ve got some flare kid,” Murray chuckled, and (Y/n) could tell a genuine smile had replaced the false one. A twinge of pride wriggled in her chest at the realisation.
“Are you nervous?” Murray asked suddenly, his eyes flying to the hands in her lap, fidgeting, “you seem nervous.”
She shot the audience a look, her teeth clenched as her eyebrows flew up.
“Yeah,” was all she said, her tone coming out high and unsure.
Laughter.
“You’re already doing great. This your first time on live television?”
The reminder that this was live exacerbated her anxiety, her leg threatening to bounce. The pressure was on; if she screwed up, everyone would remember.
“Pretty much,” a hint of fear wavered her voice, and the laugh that followed was shaky, “this is really surreal.”
“Don’t worry about it,” he flicked his wrist at her, “it’ll be second nature the way you’re headed.”
Her hands flew up to her cheeks, a tinge of pink coating the area while she tittered, “thank you, but I’m not so sure of that.”
“So humble!”
Murray adjusted himself in his chair, his leg crossing over his other. He leaned forward towards the singer, form angled away from the onlookers. His concentration was solely on her.
“So (Y/n), what have you got planned for us tonight?”
A diffident expression crossed the woman’s features as she recalled her song.
“One of my favourites. Put On a Happy Face by Tony Bennett.”
Murray nodded.
“Interesting choice. But, a classic.”
His formerly interlocked hands were thrown into the air, giving a signal to the band. At this, (Y/n) stood up from her seat, and headed towards the already arranged set up towards the end of the stage. Once she arrived, she gripped the cylindrical microphone with both hands, its body supported by a stand. The object was cool against her heated fingertips.
The music started, the funk infectious and the woman’s hips began to sway.
----
Arthur barely held the gasp within him when he gazed upon (Y/n) ’s form, her flattering black dress a spectacle to behold. Her bow, cute and pure, converted the gasp he was restraining into a lovestruck sigh.
He was sold, struck by the arrow of the little rascal Cupid himself.
She looked just as good on TV.
He found it endearing how honest she was, admitting to her nerves. In his eyes, she was genuine, not like the scum that riddled Gotham’s streets; not like those who laughed at him; not like Randall.
Similar to a child who was urgent to take in his favourite cartoon, he moved himself closer to the screen, a meter away at best, as he sat cross-legged. The tickling sensation of excitement shot throughout his slender body.
As the music started playing, the overly happy tune seized him. When the camera panned on (Y/n) ’s walking form, he took in every little detail. The sigh she let out when she reached the microphone. The wobbling of her hands, which she tried to hide by clutching the device. The movement of her throat, suggesting a swallow. The jaw that clicked.
Arthur saw it all.
Then, she started singing.
Gray skies are gonna clear up
Put on a happy face
Brush off the clouds and cheer up
Put on a happy face
The spectators interjected, drowning out a portion of the lyrics as they released sounds of support.
As Arthur leant into his tv screen, he was absolutely convinced nothing could deter his eyes, his hypnosis. Not even the whining of his mum, who had been entirely obstructed from viewing the screen.
He hadn’t even realised she was there, he’d forgotten all about her.
Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy
It’s not your style
You’ll look so good that you’ll be glad
You decide to smile
Arthur wished he was there in the room with (Y/n). In the crowd. To see her pretty (e/c) eyes glance over him and shoot him a wink. Or perhaps a smile. Anything - like the acknowledgement she gave him days prior. Just something to know that he really existed. That he wasn’t riding through life like a doormat - invisible, stepped on, beaten up and chucked around. No one really noticed the object, nor cared to, as it dejectedly rested below the door. Day after day.
Pick out a pleasant outlook
Stick out that noble chin
Wipe off that “full of doubt” look
Slap on a happy grin
Arthur began to grin when she saw her nerves were starting to leave her. Oh, how badly he wanted to applaud her. Encourage her.
And spread sunshine all over the place
And put on a happy face
One hand released the microphone, moving to her face as she traced the outline of her upturned lips, a short, accidental giggle slipping out. It made Arthur’s heart swell!
The band complemented her style perfectly. Their contrasting deep voices were melodic as they harmonised with her humming.
Gray skies are gonna clear up
Put on a happy face
Brush off the clouds and cheer up
Put on a happy face
Arthur found his form lightly swaying to the tune, his grin extending from ear to ear, impossibly deeper.
She was really into it now, and he could tell she could feel the music rushing through her, now a conduit for the art. When he saw the confidence which had manifested, growing with each passing second, his mind swarmed with joy, his mind conjuring a bundle of soothing words he noiselessly projected through the cubic barrier before them - to her.
And if you’re feeling cross and bickerish
Don’t sit and whine
Think of banana splits and licorice
And you’ll feel fine
She disconnected the microphone from the stand, bringing it under her chin. Quickly she departed from her spot with a small spin, strutting across the rest of the stage - something that got the fans rowdy; wooing. Her body swung to the beat, shoulders moving with her.
I knew a girl so gloomy
She’d never laugh or sing
She wouldn’t listen to me
Now she’s a mean old thing
Now incredibly expressive - antithetical from when she first began - she accompanied her singing by miming the lyrics. A fist rocked below her eyes imitating tears in a burlesque manner, and a fake frown contorted her features. Though, no matter how sad she pretended to be, Arthur knew just by the twinkle in her eyes that she was bursting with happiness.
So spread sunshine all over the place
And put on a happy, happy face
Put on a happy, happy, happy face
During the final verse, she had moved closer to the camera, dragging out the closing note with a high.
Oh, come on bubby, smile, it’s your birthday!
She made direct eye contact with the lens and winked.
Arthur’s chest tightened at the action, and he couldn’t help but take it personally; as if the playful act was directly meant to be for him. Him and only him.
Applause nearly deafened Arthur as it reverberated around the room, projecting shockingly loud for such a small device. Scrambling, his hands tried to lower the volume. Unfortunately, in his rush, his clumsy hands instead knocked up against another button, changing the channel entirely in the process.
Regrettably for Arthur, the noise emitted only worsened. Although the tv was no longer on the Murray Franklin show, it was now on a channel playing an old war movie. Explosions and the earthshaking noises of artillery filled his crappy apartment, gunfire jolting his poor, unexpecting form. Letting out his shock with a shout, and a string of curses, his hands automatically moved to cover his ears - a reaction he midway stopped; gaining some control, he felt the device vibrate beneath his fingertips when they finally discovered the volume button. When he had readjusted the strength, he returned back to the station, free from the clamour, the show now on commercial break.
He sighed, running a hand through his unkempt hair.
Why was he so fucking clumsy?
Even the smallest things he couldn’t seem to get right.
Gentle snoring shifted his awareness from his self-deprecating mental exchange, and when he looked over to the noise, he saw his mother asleep in her chair. Her head was tilted against her shoulder, her mouth open. It was a sight that made him laugh through his nose; something that managed to halt the negativity which began to swarm in his mind, like a vicious cloud of hornets.
Arthur didn’t know how his mother could one minute be the lightest sleeper on earth, then the next, swing to the other extreme. It was a miracle she slept through his fuck up, but then again, if she were in a deep sleep, he was confident enough to bet she’d sleep through a natural disaster.
It was honestly impressive.
Emitting a soft groan as his palms pushed himself up from his sitting position, he trailed from one end of his apartment to the other. He opened one of the squeaking cabinets near the bathroom, the small storage space containing miscellaneous items. Though, it mostly harboured their modest collection of towels and blankets. As his eyes skimmed the shelves, from top to bottom, they soon fell onto what he was searching for. On the very bottom, his hands gripped onto an old quilt. It was soft to touch, though when he moved to collect it, he felt small pricks against his flesh as his arms maneuvered to fit its length.
Feathers.
The floral pattern, which was a chaotic blend of reds, pinks, whites and cremes was gaudy and straining to look at. Arthur guessed it was a victorian design, and it was quite apparent that it was a style he wasn’t fond of. He didn’t think he ever understood the things his mother liked. It was definitely a selective taste.
Shaking away his absentmindedness, and the staredown he was giving the blanket in his hand, he moved back to the living room, rounding behind his mother’s chair as he gently placed the cover against her. She was still snoring, some of them morphing into snorts. He honestly did try to contain his giggling, but most of it slipped out. To try and lessen the ache in her neck she was bound to wake up with tomorrow, he lastly righted her position.
The upbeat music coming from the tv began again, letting Arthur know his favourite show had returned. Hurried, his lips pressed up against his sleeping mother’s forehead before returning back to his spot in front of the tube.
“Welcome back, everyone! If you’re just tuning in, we have the lovely (Y/n) with us.”
For what was probably the 100th time, the crowd responded to Murray, who was sitting back at his desk, gaze set towards the camera.
“And I’ve got good news for you, kid!”
(Y/n) looked up at the host from her chair, eyebrows furrowing.
“What do you-”
Murray interrupted.
“I’ve set you up with a few clubs. We can’t let talent like yours go on without reward, it would be a disservice. On behalf of Gotham city, I think we can all agree we need some joy in these troubling times, and your presence just seems to radiate it.”
(Y/n) was evidently stunned. Suddenly, to her, some of his awful jokes had been worth it.
“This isn’t a prank, right?” she turned to the audience, eyes expanded wholly making the audience explode into chuckles. Arthur found himself joining in.
“I assure you lovely, we wouldn’t do that to ya.”
“Your first gigs gonna be at Pogo’s comedy club. And yes, although it is a comedy club, they’ve made an exception. It’s best to start small and work your way up into the bigger names.”
Arthur’s chest constricted.
He went there all the time!
He could see her perform!
Talk to her!
Finally have the chance to introduce himse-
“So what do you say, darling?” Murray piped up, his eyes giving her an encouraging glance.
Arthur leaned forward, nose about to touch the screen in anticipation.
Her hands found her cheeks as she tried to conceal the spreading heat. Even in darkness, she was convinced the crimson flush would be bright enough to light up the room. While Murray had said a few off comments here and there, things she didn’t agree with, he truly had been welcoming to her. She thought maybe, just maybe, she had been too harsh on him.
“I-I don’t know what to say?!”
Please say yes - please say yes - please say yes.
“You could say, yes?” Murray shot her a playful look.
The woman finally nodded, adrenaline and joy manipulating her quaking frame, “yes! Yes! Thank you so much!”
Arthur’s fists shook in the air, a sigh he wasn’t aware he was holding, released.
(Y/n) got up from her seat, shooting up like a rocket as she made her way behind Murray’s desk. He followed her actions and removed himself from his chair, and accepted the hug she pulled him into with a ‘whoa’.
“Well, there you have it, folks! Pogo’s, Friday night, at seven. Be there or be square!”
With a little whisper to (Y/n), she was sent off, back to the area with the microphone.
“Goodnight, tune in next time, and always remember-”
Instantly, the legendary keyboard tune started playing, and (Y/n) prepared herself to sing once more.
“-that’s life!” Arthur mimicked.
For one final performance, the camera panned away from Murray, setting on (Y/n) as the credits rolled. Arthur relished in the sound, the lyrics hitting his very soul.
That’s life (that’s life), that’s what people say
You’re riding high in April, shot down in May
But, I know I’m gonna change that tune
When I’m back on top, back on top in June
I said, that’s life, (that’s life), and as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks,
Stompin’ on a dream
But I don’t let it, let it get me down
Cause, this fine old world it keeps spinning around
He sunk into the numbing feeling of the lyrics, forcing himself to close his eyes. He didn’t even realise the song was nearing its end until she reached the final verse.
My, My!
With the expression of dazed euphoria, Arthur opened his eyes, watching her part from the microphone, the credits now over.
“Thank you,” was the only thing she said, her beaming expression the last thing Arthur saw.
The show ended.
Arthur, who was abandoned by the gentle, radiant hue of the cube before him, was consumed by the darkness. It dwelled within the room as the device had been switched off by his lingering hand.
He didn’t know how long he sat in silence for. His mother had finally stopped snoring.
He didn’t want to watch television; didn’t feel like it. He wanted to soak in the episode he’d just witnessed - flick through the memorable moments for the rest of the night.
He wanted to think about what he’d say to (Y/n) when he finally met her officially - he wanted it to be perfect. While the little wave she gave him days ago would have been such an insignificant action to most, it wasn’t to Arthur. It was real.
And the fact that he knew it was, reeled him in like an unsuspecting fish speeding to bait.
Well and truly, Arthur was bewitched.
The sombre air surrounding him - a mood that always seemed to cling to him - and the dim blue hue which encompassed his apartment, strangely didn’t feel so bad for once. Hell, he didn’t feel so bad for once.
With the image of her smile repeating in his head, he didn’t feel so...
Alone.
#arthur fleck x reader#arthur fleck#joker x reader#joker 2019#joaquin phoenix joker#x reader#joker imagine#fanfiction series
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Blue Guitar | Chapter 2: Dinner’s On You
Series Summary: Leone Abbacchio's trying his best to get his shit together for Narancia. But when Narancia ends up inviting him to a concert he's playing for, Leone ends up under the sheets of the popstar, Bruno Buccellati. It turns out dating a popstar has complications. Especially when a certain someone named Diavolo has tricks up his sleeves.
Chapter 2 Summary: Leone Abbacchio arrives at Bruno’s concert, only to be completed fascinated by the singer. He promptly meets the band, and gets flirted by Bruno.
Fandom: Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
Pairing: Leone Abbacchio x Bruno Buccellati
AO3 Link | Previously | Masterlist
“How are we doing so far tonight? Are we good?” Bruno took the microphone off from the stand it was placed and grasped it within his hand. He walks around the stage, waving a hand towards the crowd before him, a bright smile on his lips. The singer was clad in glittered, iridescent, light blue pants. A sheer white suit with ruffles upfront adorned his torso, showing off the black lace of his undergarment. All the while a shiny, heeled, black Christian Louboutin completed the outfit he wore.
Bruno’s under the spotlights, illuminating his whole figure and showcasing the singer to the audience in front of him. He’s charismatic, in words and in movement. When his band had started playing the first tunes to his opening song had started playing and he was waiting for his moment to come out to the stage, he clutched the handle of his microphone- a sleek white with black teardrops design which he had custom made- soft breaths leaving his lips as the rush of adrenaline had slowly come over him. And when it was his cue, all anxiety just drifted away and sheer euphoria flooded his veins as he started singing in sync with the tune.
The crowd before him cheers, waving their hands wildly. Bruno’s chest feels warm at the overwhelming attention he’s getting. Life on stage was the best part of being a musician. The adrenaline he gets from being upstage, hearing the screams of people, singing his songs as he moved to the beat. It was exhilarating.
Although, the handsome man upfront surely caught his attention.
Narancia seemed more anxious about the concert than Leone had expected. A few hours ago, Narancia was frantic. Running from the kitchen, his bedroom, the living room- pretty much the whole apartment basically- to make sure he did not forget anything. Moody Blues grumpily hissed at Narancia when the cat awoke from her nap due to the teenager’s feet shaking the floors of their apartment as if an earthquake was happening. Leone had to reassure Narancia a thousand times, all the while Moody Blues tried to resume her nap.
Leone did not have high expectations for the concert. He just wanted to watch Narancia rock his guitar. Before Buccellati climbed up the stage, the band first settled in. When Narancia had entered the stage with two other guys, his eyes immediately started to scan the crowd- eagerly wanting to see Leone. The teenager had frantically waved with a massive grin on his face when he had spotted Leone’s silver hair among the crowd.
The adult chuckled at Narancia and waved back at him, a warm feeling filling his chest.
But what he didn’t expect was to see the charming man, Bruno- whom he had met in the grocery shop after his squabble with Giorno, upstage singing in front of him. From the moment Bruno had revealed himself onstage with dancing lights above him, least to say he was stunned to see the view before him. Who knew that Bruno from the grocery store was the Buccellati Narancia was working for? Certainly not Leone.
Leone hadn’t been to many concerts. He’d rather put up his headphones and get lost in the music of Monteverdi. But today, this- wholly, beautiful man that’s got Leone into some sort of trance that’s gotten him lost in nothing but Bruno’s voice- it’s exhilarating. He’s irrevocably captivated. The tone of the singer’s voice sends deep chills down his spine and he’s pulled in to listen for more.
“Before we near the end of today’s show, I wanna give a massive thank you to my incredible, incredible band!” Bruno splayed out a hand and presented the band behind him, multiple spotlights falling on the boys who were bringing life to the instruments they were playing.
A grin is plastered on Bruno’s face as he presented Narancia to the crowd first, “A recent recruit of mine and my wonderful guitarist, Narancia Ghirga!”
The spotlights fell onto Narancia. The teenager waved to the crowd, full of enthusiasm. In return, the audience before him cheered. Leone’s lips twitched into a smile as he looked at Narancia fondly, warmth seeping through his chest. Damn, he’d never felt any prouder than he was before.
Narancia is wearing a black t-shirt which was tucked in grey wide-legged pants and black loafers that had a big, gold ring in front as design. But what really was eye-catching was the glittered light blue bandana he wore on his head. The bandana matched Bruno’s trendy trousers.
Leone looked over to the drummer as Bruno introduced him, “My great and amazing drummer, Guido Mista!”
Guido Mista was sitting behind the array of drums but he stood to his feet and stepped out from his set of drums and bowed with his hand outstretched when Bruno called his name. Mista is dressed in a solid black, cropped turtleneck sweater. A beanie of the same color sat on his head, an arrow pointed downwards on his forehead. However, the turtle-necked collar, the hem of the sleeves, and the color of the arrow of his beanie also happened to be glittered and light blue that also twinned Bruno’s trousers.
“Of course, last but not least. My skilled and marvelous keyboardist, Pannacotta Fugo!”
Pannacotta Fugo had dirty blonde hair that fell behind his back ever so gracefully. His face only showed a twitch of a smile and a gentle wave to the crowd. Leone had to keep a snicker when he saw that Fugo’s black suit was riddled with holes and strawberry earrings dangle freely. He thought that the boy looked ridiculous. And surprisingly, the necktie he adorned matched Bruno’s pants as well.
“Wow, fashionably coordinated, huh.” Leone murmured under his breath.
Bruno walked back in front of the microphone stand and attached the microphone back to its stand before speaking once more. “This is: Adore You.”
The lights dim a little bit, Mista starts thrumming his drums at a pace. Fugo’s fingers start pressing down on the keys and Narancia’s strumming his guitar with the chords of the song. Bruno’s foot starts tapping to the beat, bobbing his head to the sound, eyes shut as he starts singing, “Walk in your rainbow paradise,”
Narancia, Fugo, and Mista sing a back-up of, “Paradise,” and it amazes Leone how their voices mesh together in a perfect melody that accompanied Bruno’s voice so well.
“Blueberry lipstick state of mind,” Bruno’s eyebrows furrow as he sings into the mic.
Then the lyric is followed by the trio harmonizing, “State of mind.”
“I get so lost inside your eyes,” Bruno’s eyes subtly scan the array of people in the area in front of him. It wasn’t that hard to spot the pair of eyes he wanted to see as the owner of those eyes belonged to a man with hair white as snow. “Would you believe it?”
Bruno Buccellati, a kind, and compassionate soul. He was adored by many due to his songs. His overall aura just draws you to him. Bruno lived in the coastal suburbs of Naples with his mother and father. His father worked as a humble fisherman. When his mother had sung him a lullaby instead of the usual bedtime stories, he was instantly enthralled by the way his mother sang. It was then he developed an interest in singing.
“You don’t have to say you love me. You don’t have to say nothing, you don’t have to say you’re mine.”
Even when his parents divorced, his passion for singing never wavered. His father was determined to give Bruno a good education so he started taking tourists on his boats to earn more. Bruno would entertain the tourists by giving them a song number he practiced the day before. Consequently, it earned him a good amount of lire which he put into his savings.
“ Honey, ” Bruno sang, taking the mic off its stand and walking around the stage.
Collectively, the three band members sang, “ Ah, ah, ah, ah, ”
“ I’d walk through fire for you, just let me adore you, ”
Leone used to think that nobody could match the likes of Monteverdi. Just like how no movie could surpass Sling Blade, in his opinion. But watching Bruno sing his heart out in front of him. And the charming smile the singer puts on his face while he gazes to the crowd. Leone thought, maybe Monteverdi won’t be the only artist he’ll be listening to after this.
“ Like it’s the only thing I’ll ever do, ” Bruno finishes the first chorus. He proceeds to walk around the stage, waving to people.
Bruno was found by Polpo who worked for the management, Passione. After being able to save up for his education, Bruno started working a part-time job in a local pub where he would stand in front of tipsy people and sing songs. Coincidentally, Polpo had been looking for a client. He offered Bruno a chance at becoming an artist. It took Bruno a couple of days to consider the man’s offer. He didn’t want to leave his father all alone when he was off chasing his dreams. But his father encouraged him to take it.
“You’d make a proud man,” His father had told him.
So here he was now. Pouring his heart out with every ounce of his being to the songs he had written.
Bruno stops in a particular spot at the stage, which just happened to be right in front of Leone. “ Your wonder under summer skies, ”
“ Summer skies, ” The three band members sing.
“ Fair skin and lemon over ice, ” A twitch overcomes Leone’s lips as he meets Bruno’s eyes.
He feels entranced when Bruno shoots him a subtle wink. Like he can’t seem to take his eyes off of him.
“ Would you believe it? ” Bruno tilts his head in question as if he was asking Leone.
Leone bites back a chuckle, pressing his lips together. He looks around him to see if anyone saw their interaction, but everyone else was lost in Bruno’s singing. Bruno starts his pre-chorus again, but he stays in that particular area of the stage. His body moves to the rhythm of the song, his head is swaying with the melody. The ends of his hair are dancing along with him, whipping against his head back and forth. And his right foot, simultaneously in sync.
“ It’s the only thing I’ll ever do,” Narancia, Fugo, and Mista sing the lyric repeatedly as the song’s bridge. They sing it a number of times as they play their instruments. Bruno’s feet bring him to different parts of the stage as he awaits the finishing lines. But before the bridge finishes, he quickly pulls the microphone stand and drags it toward that spot.
Just as the last chorus began, he swiftly places his microphone back on the stand and opens his mouth. “I'd walk through fire for you, just let me adore you.”
He knows Leone’s eyes are on him, but he doesn’t return the gaze this time. Instead, he shuts his eyes, grasping the thin body of the microphone stand. His other hand stays on the mic. “Oh, honey. I’d walk through fire for you. Just let me adore you.” He continues singing the chorus until it eventually comes to the finishing lyrics.
But for the last lyric of the song, he opens his eyes and it makes contact with Leone’s, “Just let me adore you.” Bruno places a hand on his heart as he sings, then he points. The crowd goes wild at the action- thinking it was meant for them and their proceeding screams are deafening. But Leone knows it was meant for him.
--
Leone’s pulled by Narancia’s hand through the hallway that led to the lounge where the rest of the band and Bruno retired too when the concert was finished. He was nervous to see Bruno again, especially after the striking stares a pair of blue eyes had given him when the singer was pouring his heart out on the song. Leone felt as though Bruno was indirectly talking to him through the song. Even with a crowd full of people that came to watch and adore Bruno Buccellati, it was like Bruno was playing the song for him.
When Narancia opened the door, Leone first laid eyes on a certain blonde that brought irritation to his veins. He immediately rolled his eyes when the familiarity struck him and the events at the grocery shop came flashing back in his mind.
Giorno snickered when he saw Leone come through the door being pulled by Narancia while he leaned against Mista who was munching on a slice of strawberry cake.
“Guys! Guys! Meet Leone Abbacchio!” Narancia announced, two of his hands splayed to present the tall goth, “My foster dad!”
The tall goth received a wave from Mista and a nod of acknowledgment from Fugo. Giorno greeted Leone with a small smile, “ Buona serata. ”
“Buona serata my ass,” Leone murmured, but he slowly realized what Narancia had called him earlier on. His eyebrows raised in surprise as he turned to look at Narancia, “Foster dad? What have you been telling these people Narancia-” But he wasn’t able to finish what he was saying because before he could process what Narancia called him, his arm was tugged once more.
But this time, it was pulled in the direction of none other than Bruno Buccellati himself.
Oh shit, Leone thought, stammering in unsensible words as he tried to stop Narancia but alas, it was already too late since they neared Bruno who was stood by the food table.
“Buccellati! Buccellati!” Enthusiastically, Narancia beamed at the adult in front of him.
Bruno turned his head when he heard Narancia’s voice, first glancing at the teenager himself before settling to the tall male next to him. Gently, he smirked at Leone. “And to whom do I have the pleasure of meeting, Narancia?”
Narancia giggled with a cute grin, pulling Leone close to him like glue. “Buccellati, meet Leone Abbacchio! He’s the one who’s been taking care of me. Abba, meet Buccellati!”
Leone inhaled sharply, swimming in the pools of blue he’s staring at. Without the sunglasses (And standing directly in front of him), Bruno looked so handsome at this proximity. Leone’s able to see his pretty face and the full of his sweetly curved lips. He feels his cheeks flush red when he sees Bruno’s eyes check over his body almost sensually. Fuck, Leone feels weak at the knees under his intense stare.
“Is that so? It’s a pleasure to meet you, Leone, ” Bruno smiles endearingly, eyes looking back at Leone’s while he holds out his hand. The way his name falls out of Bruno’s lips is smooth. The tone of his voice is soft yet it’s deep and penetrating.
“Pleasure to meet you too, Buccellati,” Leone replied, taking Bruno’s hand in his for a shake.
Bruno’s hand feels soft against his compared to his calloused ones. The warmth of Bruno’s hand engulfs his own, and he is almost reluctant to let go. “Bruno’s just fine, bello,” Bruno’s thumb softly rubs at Leone’s knuckles- Leone’s hand still grasped in his- as he gave another one of his award-winning smiles. Narancia’s oblivious to the overwhelming tension between the two adults.
“Oi Narancia! If you don’t hurry I’ll finish the cake myself!” Mista’s exclaim echoes in the room.
Gasping offendedly, Narancia shrills, “You wouldn’t dare!” He turned his head to look at the cake which earlier was whole but was now reduced to two slices.
“Oh, I would!” Mista threateningly taunts Narancia.
“You guys get acquainted! I’m gonna get the cake before Mista eats all of it,” The teen says to the two adults who finally let go of each other’s hands when they heard Mista shout. Before the two could say another word, Narancia is shuffling over the food table to grab a plate and a fork before quickly heading to grab a slice of the cake.
“Did you enjoy the show?” Bruno asks Leone, turning to face the food table. He resumes filling up his plate with a slice of prosciutto.
Leone nods his head, picking at his lacquered nails. “It was good, yeah. You were uh- great up there.”
For a moment, Bruno’s head spins to look at Leone and gives him a smirk, “I’m glad you liked it, bello. You should take a seat.” He nudges the legs of the stool beside him with the toe of his foot.
Politely, Leone takes a seat at the stool. He brushes back a strand of hair behind his ear when it falls to the front of his face as he sits down.
"So you’re Narancia’s guardian?”
Leone hums, “Not legally. The kid ran away from home and all. I just gave him a place to stay.”
“Not foster dad then?” An amused smile overcomes Bruno’s lips.
Chuckling Leone answered, “Nope. Not foster dad.”
Bruno leans against the food table with his back away from the array of food and moves beside Leone. He holds a plate of prosciutto in front of him. “Tell me about yourself, Leone.” Bruno takes a forkful of the food in his mouth as he awaits Leone’s reply.
Leone scratches the back of his neck, “There’s not much to tell and besides, I just met you.” He raised a brow pointedly to which Bruno replies with a chuckle.
“Buon punto, Leone. Surely you remember our encounter in the grocery store? You know, orange thief?”
Leone inwardly groans, rolling his eyes as he remembers an annoying blonde brat. “Hardly makes me a thief. You gave them to me at the end, though. Remember?”
When he came home from the grocery shop, he refused to tell Narancia what had gone down to save himself from the teen’s endless bickering. Ugh, the things I do for you, Leone thought as he handed Narancia the pack of oranges hours before. He was rewarded by repetitious thank yous from the teenager.
Bruno nodded, “Sì, you were quite adamant about getting them for your kid and all.” He flicks his eyes to Narancia.
“Okay, okay. Let’s just- forget about the oranges.” The long-haired man sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose.
Another hearty chuckle escapes through Bruno’s mouth. “Don’t fret, Leone. I was only teasing. Anyway, have you formally met the others?”
“Not really. All I know is the brat who claimed that I stole the oranges.” Leone huffs, crossing his arms stubbornly.
“That brat is my publicist,” Bruno answers, finishing his plate of prosciutto. “Giorno’s pretty strict and he can be dogmatic at times. But it’s what makes him a good publicist. I apologize on his behalf.”
Leone shakes his head, “It’s fine. It’s over now anyway.”
Humming, Bruno asked, “Say, Leone, are you busy tonight?”
Shaking his head, Leone answered, “Have lots of free time, why do you ask?”
“Hmm… I have a reservation for Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890 to try out their food. Giorno insists I go and have dinner with a friend for the experience because apparently he and Mista had a date there. He said the food was great.” Bruno poured two glasses with iced tea, offering one to Leone.
Graciously, Leone accepts the glass. “You’re… you want me to go with you?”
“I was going to bring mio padre but he told me he was exhausted from working and he rather I’d bring a friend instead,” Bruno explained.
Leone purses his lips in thought. Staring at the iced tea before him. Bruno Buccellati was inviting him to dinner. “Are- are you asking me out?”
Bruno looks at Leone and hums. He shrugs his shoulders, “Maybe. Maybe not.”
It baffles him that someone like Bruno Buccellati would want to invite him to dinner. Bruno could have anyone he wants but instead, he’s asking Leone out for dinner. Leone wasn’t really a romantic person. He’s reserved and closed off, built up walls. Unlike Bruno’s charming and outgoing personality- which people admire- He’s the complete opposite of Bruno.
Bruno’s had his fair share of lovers. Ranging from men and women. But they were all flings. The only long-term relationship he had didn’t last because the press was being invasive with their relationship. Consequently, that led to a break-up. He coped with the aftermath through songwriting and thus, his new album was born.
“As long as there’s good wine, I’m in.” Said Leone. He agrees because he does want to go. He wants to get to know Bruno. Not Bruno Buccellati the pop star, but just simply Bruno. Even without admitting it to himself, he already likes where this is going.
Bruno smiles, “Di molto bene! Wear something nice, bello. I’d very much like to adore you.”
Leone blushes, he opens his mouth to reply however a sudden thud, crack of an object and a shout interrupts them.
“You shit for brains!”
A distorted, out of tune note erupts from the keyboard due to the clenched fist that belonged to Fugo pounded on the instrument. Bruno and Leone’s eyes widen and survey the scene.
Narancia and Mista lay on the floor groaning, the coffee table that used to be in front of the couch was now in broken pieces scattered around and under the two bodies. Giorno’s face is full of shock as he tries to process what the fuck just happened.
Bruno’s sudden snap makes the room go silent, “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS DOING?!”
< To Be Continued I \ I |
#march's fics#JoJo's Bizarre Adventure#Golden Wind#Bruabba#Leone Abbacchio#Bruno Buccellati#Giorno Giovanna#Guido Mista#Narancia Ghirga#Pannacotta Fugo#jjba#Vento Aureo#fanfic#jojo golden wind
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Digimon Adventures + Tri AMV ~ x Kagerou Project
“ Summertime Record ” AMV [ music ( C ) Jin, singer: IA / Vocaloid ]
featuring DUO/SHIP:
Taichi Yagami [“Tai Kamiya”] x Koushiro(u) Izumi [“Izzy Izumi”] [Taishiro(u)]
( this amv initially completed around 10 AM on December 19, 2019 )
PAST AMVS / VIDEO EDITS IN THIS SERIES:
Kagerou Daze (Heat-Haze Daze) / Children Record / RED /
Additional Memory and Imaginary Reload music edits for KageDaze /
Days (short edit) / Lost Time Memory / Yesterday Evening
( * It’s ok to start on this current AMV “Summertime Record ” ! )
[ *You may understand the story/implied timeline of things better if you begin from “Kagerou Daze” though it’s also not required!
“Children Record” is also recommended as a starting point! ]
- part of my Taishiro [Taichi x Koushiro] REPEAT?_ ficverse
(please note any and all notes/trigger warnings for said ficverse!!)
[seriously, please note the warnings, the plot is kinda heavy]
(please note any and all warnings for Kage-pro’s plot too if you look into that!!)
{Lyrics Preview}:
Under the withering sun, THE HEAT HAZE wavered:
" Don't forget , come on , let's go forward . ”
“ LET’S DRAW IT ” “ AGAIN AND AGAIN ”
Further notes + Lyrics under the ‘read more’!
- no, it’s not a direct parody (but v. inspired) (if you can’t tell)
- no, the Digimon characters aren’t meant to portray those (specific) characters exactly or even at all ; though inspirations were taken from all the Kage-pros
- Digimon Tri minor non-plot related spoilers through to “Kyousei” [Tri Part 5]
- further Tri spoilers may show up in the other amvs but THIS ONE IS SAFE
- note: the amv at the direct youtube link has somewhat better quality if you change the definition to high definition / 1080p !!!
- there are some other vaguely implied side pairings in the overall story besides Taishiro but Taishiro is the main focus so please note that !!!
- in other words, THIS AMV PARTICULARLY IS TAISHIRO-FOCUSED.
- PLEASE DO NOT COMMENT if you don’t ship them.
I don’t care to hear that.
- PLEASE DO NOT TAG AS SIMPLY “BROTP” (A STRONG RELATIONSHIP IS INTENDED) unless you also tag as ship, please.
- ( Basically please just acknowledge that yes, this is more of a shippy amv, but I also have no issue with others’ LGBTQIA+ headcanons for them!! )
- basically, to make a long story short, T I M E L O O P S
- with something like a not-quite-soulmates AU BUT VERY CLOSE
- ( ok but it’s still not really a soulmates AU )
- ( MORE LIKE A DECONSTRUCTION *WAVES HANDS WILDLY* )
- ( I HAVE A LOT OF COMPLICATED THOUGHTS RE: SOULMATES AUs )
- ( AND MY FRUSTRATIONS WITH THEM Y E A H )
- Tri is here because … ah … …
- let’s just say it’s probably AT LEAST ONE part of the “start” of it all ah
- Koushiro voice: ( ‘ W H Y ’ )
- DO THEY MAKE IT TO THE END
- @ TAICHI & KOUSHIRO, ARE YOU SURE YOU /WANT/ TO ——-
- " Summertime Record " a.k.a. A Sort Of " Ending " ? ?? ? ( /or was it/ )
- relevant to Chapter 33 of the related fic itself ; “ Summertime ”
- I DID A THING WITH TRI ! TAICHI AROUND 2:50 TIMEMARK AND
I HATE--------- (LOVE) HIM TOO
( subtle " Kagerou " in the lyrics for that line there = " Heat Haze " /whoooooo ):
( also: lyrics here
because Windows Movie Maker will NOT let me add these easily this time )
[1st verse]
With yesterday and today’s good weather,
I was watching the huge clouds
Weather so fine it’s annoying,
I slowly closed my eyes
[2nd verse]
" THAT " can't seem to be
... Recalled that easily
I was drowning in the fact ...
... That I was getting older .
[1st verse after instrumental interlude]
With an adult-like plan
Start a mysterious signal
" LET’S GO , today is war again "
Opposing the enemy, we took each other's hands
[2nd verse]
Unreasonableness is natural
Being forced to be alone,
The me that lost my way,
was about to become melancholic.
[3rd verse/interlude verse]
Parting the tall grass,
Glaring at the blotted sun,
YOU, said this: " If you're lonely, then come WITH ME "
The noisiness knocked
Even the feelings
That came into my mind deflated
" Is this an i l l u s i o n ? " ...
[chorus]
Gathered at the secret base
"It's so fun"
Recalling those fun and simple days,
And let's talk about them
The airplane flies past the clouds,
Crying, " it's so bright ",
What face did you make?
I wonder why I can't remember ?
[1st verse]
This painful reality
Runs past me at a quick pace
The todays I chose is ordinary
And almost about to crumble
[2nd verse]
Yesterday's today is an overtime game
Even adults are cowardly
I seem to have noticed somehow,
that it had become right now
[3rd verse/interlude verse]
An idea of the spinning " world ",
Under the withering sun, THE HEAT HAZE wavered:
" Don't forget , come on , let's go forward . "
With an impatient feeling, many times over,
I had dreamed about tomorrow
To the world with a future, not going back
" Let's change it ourselves . "
[interlude to chorus]
" Remember , it ended
The secret base, the adventures,
And the story of getting lost in that day. "
The lonely gathered together
The children's plan
Started to spin again
" Let’s meet again , someday ."
[chorus]
" It's so refreshing , " we said to each other
The summer sky is transparent
Breathe in so we won't cry
Let's say " goodbye ".
Gathered at the secret base
The summer days that we laughed together
" Maybe we can remember someday , ..... and meet again "
LET’S DRAW IT AGAIN AND AGAIN
KAGEPROS FOR COMPARISON:
youtube
Further note/credit:
the scene at the very end of the Digimon amv is originally from
“ The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya ”
because yes it too inspired this series
#taishiro#taishirou#taichi x koushirou#taichi x koushiro#taikou#REPEAT INSPIRATION#REPEAT TAISHIRO#REPEAT KOUSHIRO#REPEAT TAICHI#REPEAT TRI TAICHI#amv: summertime record#izzyizumi amvs#izzyizumi posts#REPEAT CHOSEN#REPEAT TRI KOUSHIRO#verse: repeat#verse: adv#verse: tri#verse: 02#verse: AUs#(WHOA ALSO AN AMV I WANTED TO DO SINCE DAY 1 OF THE FIC)#(OK THIS ONE ISN'T FINISHED actually I wanted to align it like how the Kagepros one is laid out KOUSHIRO IN THE CORNER TYPING ETERNALLY ...)#(alas I'm too lazy to mess in VegasPro with that right now and also because this one took me ALL MORNING to finish)#(ADV CHOSEN VOICES ' YOU'RE COMING WITH US ' ' AND YOU'RE COMING WITH US ' ' AND YOU TOO ' ' AND YOU ' -----)#(HAVE I ALSO EVER SAID HOW MUCH I TRULY LOVE JOU KIDO AND ALSO MIMI TACHIKAWA AND THE IZUMI FAMILY AND TENTOMON AND AND AND)#(OK BUT FOR REAL JOU IS ALSO AN MVP OF THIS SERIES YOU GO JOU I like to think he FIGURES OUT SURPRISINGLY QUICKLY re: WHAT'S GOING ON)#(ok but this amv is REALLY an excuse for me to just include every pretty Tri scenery I managed to refind in the span of a few hours)#(IF YOU PAY ATTENTION YOU'LL SEE WHAT I WAS DOING THERE RE: SCENERY USAGES ..............)#(ANYWAY ALSO FLIPS HEAT HAZE ! TAICHI INTO THE SUN)#(HE'S MY DISASTER ONE BUT I LOVE HIM TOO)
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*Slams fist on table* Omo time with these 1960s lovers (so uh, omo themes under the read more) (Also on my Ao3!)
🌸🌸🌸🌸
"Here."
Nihil raised a brow, eyeing the glass in her grip.
"Little bit of liquid courage for tonight,"Sister says, placing the cup into his hand as he takes the stool beside her.
"I suppose a bit of an excess of that wouldn't hurt," he chuckled before taking the drink down in one swig, the bitter warmth coating his throat.
As he placed the empty glass down, another filled one was placed besides him.
[[MORE]]
"Can't have you going up there inebriated, this'll slow that down," she explained when she saw the curious expression on the man's face.
"Besides," she paused, "I would not want to see our Papa becoming dehydrated while bringing the word to the others," she purred, circling a manicured finger around his chest, a gleam to her eyes as she watched Nihil shrug before drinking the next glass.
"Good boy," she murmured, placing the glasses to the side before leaning back in, fixing the edges of his skull paint, smiling when she felt the warmth on the apples of his cheeks.
"Now, on you go, we've got a ritual to do."
--
He chewed on the inside of his cheek while the instrumental played. The urgent sensation traveled up his spine, causing him to shudder. Nihil clutched the hem of his jacket, resisting the need to dance on spot. It would surely be too obvious. He let the fabric crumple back to his side as the music played on behind him, signaling him to hop back in.
He could hold it.
He had to hold it.
While the crowd danced to the rhythmic beat, Sister smiled from the sideline as she watched him, even from a distance, she could sense the growing need within him.
What was unbeknown to the Sister was, those two brim filled glasses hadn't been his only drinks of the evening.
--
As the night grew on so did Nihil's need. The skin around his bladder became taut, a staticky sensitivity while it pressed against the buttons of his slacks.
A new thickness coated his throat as he tried to push his needs down, the slightest wavering crack to his voice as he sang. He swallowed dryly, shifting his weight from foot to foot absentmindedly in a subtle attempt hold everything back.
The movements, although the alternative motives being nearly unnoticeable from the floor, those closer by picked up on the strangeness of the 'dance'.
The hairs on Nihil's neck stood in attention when the looming sensation chilled his shoulders as the masked demon leaned closer than required.
These 'ghouls'(or so the olde one wrote in the text) were more, animalistic than Nihil had cared to admit. They were curious creatures by nature, perhaps in this instance, too curious for their own good. His bladder let out a small spurt, urine quickly being absorbed by his briefs.
"Ghoul," he spoke through gritted teeth, "Now is not the time," he gently nudged the weight of the ghoul's chin off his shoulder.
The ghoul simply tilited their head as they continued to watch the now frantic fidgeting of the Papa. They stepped back, going back to playing as the next song began.
As the music kicked up once more, Nihil's mind began to cloud.
The cooling dampness against his flesh caused his bladder to involuntarily relax further before clenching his thighs tightly together. Nihil nearly whined into the microphone, the pressure growing to be too much for him to sublet keep under wraps.
One more song.
Just one more song before he could make a B-line to the washroom he thought. He quickly glanced to the sideline, squirming when he saw Imperator standing there, seemingly watching him with, a deeper, curious gaze. His heart lunging into his throat at the head tilit.
His wandering mind was ripped from thought from the screeching of a guitar.
Ghoul's although unable to communicate as humans did, they still had their ways of seeking attention, bringing their Papa back to present thought.
The unannounced sound caused the man to become startled. Light chuckles echoed in the crowd as Nihil chuckled awkwardly, continuing on with the set, despite the warning signals from his bladder.
Tears pricked in the corners of his eyes, thighs trembling; knees pressed inwardly as the urgent nuance escalated to top priority.
He had to go, now.
Nihil swallowed back the lump, continuing on with the final verse. As if in slow motion, the singer collapsed to his knees, urine spilling down his inner thighs as the last words of the song squeaked out. His breaths ragged as he doubled over, squeezing his legs as tight as he could.
Murmurs filled the dance floor, starting in the front and slowly trickling to the back. Confusion as to what they were witnessing, was this part of the show? Some assumed that was how they ended their set and continued on with their mingling.
Sister Imperator was quick in her actions, a haste yet calm stride on stage. Gently tugging on the faux fur of the man's jacket, bringing him to his feet and guiding him down the small stairs.
His steps were reluctant, hesitant as the two walked towards the small hall. Imperator opened the alleyway door, pausing before turning towards the man, empathy in her gaze as she rubbed his shoulder.
"Papa," she began, letting her eyes finish the rest of her sentence.
Nihil whimpered, heart racing as he shook his head. He didn't want to make even more of a mess than he already had.
His breath hitched to a new octave when Imperator's hands roamed lower, resting atop his bloated lower abdomen. The man feebly attempted to keep the breaking dam from bursting however, the light kneading and cold air of the October evening sent him over the edge, he finally let go.
Nihil pressed his burning face into the nape of Imperator's neck, unable to mute the hissing noise as the urine puddled beneath his feet.
"I-I'm sorry seestor," he croaked out as the stream tapered off, the final droplets dripping down the fabric the clung to his shaking legs.
She looked down at the pooling urine between them before gently lifting Nihil's chin away from her shoulder to look in his mismatched eyes.
"It's alright, Papa. You didn't mean to, you barely got any on stage," she mused, her gaze taking a small tear away to the obvious trail that lead to the pair, "Accidents happen to us all." She added, caressing his tear stained face, rubbing off some of the smudged makeup.
"Nonetheless, I'll never be able to live this down, they won't want someone who cannot hold it back on their stage, " he mumbled.
The melodramatic tone to his voice made Imperator bite back a chuckle, always the one for the flair of dramatics, perhaps she was rubbing off on him a bit too much.
"Oh I'm sure by next weekend no one will even remember and I don't think they would get rid of the band that brings the best revenue to the place, hmm?"
Nihil was silent for a moment, a small smile forming on his lips as he leaned into her touch.
"You always know what to say," he murmured.
"I suppose it's a talent of mine," Imperator gave, leaning forward to plant a kiss on his nose, "Now, how about we get you out of these and something more comfortable, yes?" She said, gently placing a hand on his back as she guided them to the car.
A well deserved rest was definitely in order for the night.
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「 When I’m With You. 」
⇢ MGA Season 5 strongest skill performance ( 1:27 - 3:15 )
⇢ In which Choi Yuzu shows she can actually sing ( outfit )
“ I may not have power vocals, but I can help any insomniac fall asleep! ”
As they go down the list of people by alphabet, Yuzu is on the edge of her seat. She’s thrilled to have gotten her own news so early due to her last name starting with “C” but some of her friends aren’t as lucky. She is torn back and forth but mostly the female is shocked when the “KIM”’s pass by without her brother’s name being mentioned. She had looked forward to perform with him together and found it crazy how she could have gotten a step further but not him.
Turning to him she is of course happy for the folks that get called out after that but she’ll party with them later. For now she just wants to comfort her brother and be there for him like she had wanted to do so all those years ago. Today she was wiser and instead of bouncing around the older male she just turns in her seat and reaches for his hands, swinging them back and forth between them while pouting at him like a kicked puppy.
She’s still thinking about it a week later, when she finds herself back on the same stage, ready to perform yet again. The female had debated to go for the entertaining route again, maybe even switch her main skill to rap just to show that she could do that too but after talking it over with her cousin, the streamer came to the conclusion that she wanted to show another facet to her personality rather than her skills. So she stuck with singing and allowed her cousin to give her “special guidance” in the form of drilling the girl to the point she had to drink two cups of tea a day to not end up with a sore thread.
Despite all it had been fun and the fool felt like she had grown closer to her cousin in the process, so she really wanted to do her proud. Seokjin and Jieun would be proud of her, she didn’t care what her parents thought but she wanted to show them at least. As she steps onto the stage for her turn she decides to go for a dramatic pose this time getting down on one knee, hands extended with finger hearts as if she was holding a gun. “Choi Yena back to steal all yer hearts!” With the last word spoken she releases the hearts and winks straight at the judges. Then she jumps back to her feet quickly and folds her hands before herself. “Today I wanna aim to make y’all have sweet dreams and feel super relaxed from listenin’ to my smooth vocals!”
Microphone clasped tight in her grasp she closes her eyes and inhales a steady breath before breathing the first tender notes past her lips.
너와 함께 있을 땐
길던 하루가 이렇게 짧아져
With the line sung it’s only then the instrumental begins and the streamer’s eyes open as she mentally prepares herself to start. Her gentle, naturally breathy voie carries across the notes in a tender manner without a single waver this time. When people had noticed the slight instability in her voice due to being more focused on her dancing, this time she remains secure as she taps her foot to the beat and nods her head along. She solely had chosen to start from the second verse because the high notes of the bridge were deemed essential to her for accentuating her range as well as the fact that the lyrics just matched so very nicely.
맘을 여는 게 어려워 그런 건 아니야
내 아픔을 보이는 게
이 고민의 끝에
날 기다리는 게 있다면
뭐라도 좋을 텐데
모두 넌 잘하고 있어
위로 되지 않는 말로 날 무겁게 해
기대하는 것도 지쳐
그럴 때 넌 말 없이 내 손 잡아줬어
And she wasn’t sure if Aron was watching this, if it even would get aired but as she meet the camera, a soft smile widened across her lips, as charming as it was soft in its nature and he would know whom she was dedicating this song to. Rather than just staying in one place she made the stage her own, arm swinging to the melody as she walked across the stage and smiled and waved at friends and the audience she did have to make sure everyone would enjoy her performance and know that despite being competitors, she still valued them as comrades for all of them being in the same boat in the end.
너와 함께 있을 땐
길던 하루가 이렇게 짧아져
너와 함께 걸을 땐
어두운 이 밤길도 구름이 돼
As the chorus came she placed her hand on her chest, swaying gently to the music as if she was actually rocking a child to sleep for real. The smile never does leave her lips, confident and consistent on her lips even as she raises her brows to emphasize a particular line or wink towards the camera or a judge. Anyone could easily tell how comfortable she was to be performing this song and accentuate her gentle vocals.
어떤 말도 들리지 않아
듣고 싶지 않아
나 혼자 같을 때
너는 날 믿어줘 기다려줘
유일한 내 편이 돼줘
Only when the bridge comes does she take a solid stand, hand placed on the flat on her stomach instead to watch for her breathing. The pitch shifts upwards but the streamer remains solid, the soft falsetto used to remain true to the soft flow of the song rather than belt them out with all the power she had. Halfway through the high notes the smile seems to widen, her expression brightening as she continues to nail down note after note with a pitch steadier than even she herself anticipated. All the lessons with her cousin had indeed paid off and for that the streamer was grateful.
너와 함께 있을 땐
길던 하루가 이렇게 짧아져
너와 함께 걸을 땐
어두운 이 밤길도 구름이 돼
When I’m with you
So in her euphoria she allowed herself to get a bit more energetic during the last chorus, raising her hand high to get the other contestants to wave their arms along in time to the rhythm before turning towards the judges to do the same. Toothy grin in place she continues to wave and animated the crowd as she finishes her performance, spinning in a circle once to express her joy of having sung the song to her own satisfaction. Even if she was no power vocal and most likely going to blend out between the other great singers, she had her own charms and those, she was confident off, had been highlighted in the best way she could.
#rkmga5#rkmga5skill#got reminded how ppl said on pd48 that her voice is like soyou's#so I had her cover a soyou song :3#tagged cause mentioned:#rkseokjin#aronrk
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KING GNU - HAKUJITSU
[5.86]
"Tokyo new mixture style," they say...
Ryo Miyauchi: The grizzled King Gnu looked like the odd one out when they played Music Station back in April, not only in appearance -- they shared the room with AKB48 and JYJ's Jaejoong -- but when they played a new track in between acts booked to play Heisei's classics. The biggest hook for what M-Ste touted as the program's last Heisei broadcast was Noriyuki Makihara performing "Sekaini Hitotsudake No Hana" -- one of the era's best-selling singles, which he wrote for the era's biggest boy band, SMAP. "Who?" may as well had been a valid question on audience's minds and yet getting King Gnu to perform their new hit "Hakujitsu" was the perfect choice as a hint to what to expect as Heisei recedes into view. The band not only sounds like today's rock wearing some retro-funk sensibilities, it also got its spot on TV in the most current way: through gaining big traction in streaming charts. Singer Daiki Tsuneta squeezes every bit of pain out of his words of heartbreak, intensely longing to wipe out every memory for a clean slate. When he sings those lyrics of starting anew on live TV, it also slyly echoes this feeling of an arrival of a new guard.
[7]
Julian Axelrod: My only previous exposure to King Gnu was the thrilling, frantic "Sorrows," so maybe I'm the sucker for finding this boy band "Stereo Hearts" redux disappointing. Points for versatility, I guess.
[5]
Tim de Reuse: From charming enthusiasm into infectious energy into second-act exhaustion into one of the most tonally disorienting climaxes I've heard in something selling itself as "pop." Desperately in need of a quiet bridge where our ears get a chance to figure out what key we're supposed to be in.
[6]
Alfred Soto: I admire its determination to shift among three inconclusive and tentative musical sections -- maybe it's three? It's hard to tell. Not a pleasant listen, though.
[4]
Kalani Leblanc: "Hakujitsu"'s YouTube views and placement on the Oricon chart would suggest something with more flair or un je ne sais quoi. I didn't think something could be dramatic while boring till now. This is nothing I'd take time out of my day to listen to, but would gladly reenact every dramatic vocal switch and heightening in a karaoke performance.
[5]
Iris Xie: "Sometimes I do not realize the crime I committed/until I hurt or lose someone/before I knew it" opens a splendid song that makes full use of King Gnu's dynamism to flow through different attitudes towards one's coping with sadness about an ended relationship. I love how the quieter parts transition back and into each other, and how the arrangement moves through all the different stages of that grief and contemplation about the mistakes and responsibility one has in an ended relationship, fluidly dialing the emotion up and down to match each of the states. I also appreciate how the textures of their singing voices contrast, one thin and delicate, and another one warmer and huskier. It's such a detailed and full-bodied song in its warmth and vulnerability, but the lyrics really tie everything together and shift between melancholy about meeting one's former relationship and contemplation about the mechanics of one's existential continuation. The brighter and more defiant instrumentation matches the verses, while the more contemplative parts communicate the sadness. What stands out to me is the imagery used throughout the song, specifically the line: "You cannot go back to old days anymore/even if you envy/You must start walking for tomorrow/even if it snows hard." In contrast with Hatchie's "Stay With Me," which is submerged in interiority, "Hakujitsu" concerns the emotion of one who is hurting, but hanging on tighter to coping mechanisms that would bring them back to this world, as an attempt to recover from a hopeless situation. It is an excellent example of how to portray these multiple, cyclical states without being overstuffed or gaudy.
[8]
Joshua Minsoo Kim: For a song about regretful mistakes and wanting second chances, "Hakujitsu" is wise to let its stream of consciousness lyrics find a partner in such restless instrumentation. The vocal melodies ultimately drive the song, forcing you to hear out Daiki Tsuneta as he pours out his heart. His voice wavers between anxiety-ridden and achingly beautiful, but the clarity of his emotions is never once lost on the listener.
[6]
[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox]
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Sonic Warlock - 1
So for conciseness, my band ocs who try to rescue their lead singer with cursed, powerful instruments while encountering otherworldly bozos:
Joan St. Clair (The Raptor): Guitar, vocals
Age: 24
Hometown: Seattle, WA
- Got into music as a way to kill the dead end life of her neighborhood along with the anxieties that plagued it, enhanced by the consant struggles of having a single mother with multiple jobs. That along with her own vitriol for anything that slights her and loved ones, it all leaned her towards aggressive sides of rock n roll. She’s also savvy about pitfalls in the industry, and makes sure that the band is financially secure to provide for her and her family.
- She was talented from the start and tried to start many aggressive, in-your-face bands such as Pussy Slave, but few people would give her any support. She decided to recruit a couple of European rhythm players to back her up and give them a solid rock edge while being more radio friendly. The band was close to being fractured, however, as her controlling behavior was at end with the impulsive Mark and seemingly lazy Hannah. One incident left her punching Mark in the nose after a heated disagreement, with the drummer and bassist kicking her out until her attitude changed. She agreed to calm down and began to act more generously while still having the final say.
- She accepted singer Rodney Roth’s audition as he was a fairly well known singer who was also notably agreeable. Her talent mixed with his charisma very well, and she began to see him as a legitimate creative force with his theatrics and operatic voice. The balance of rawness and power made them shoot up, even if Rodney’s voice was wavering a bit from alcohol usage. Any form of rehab was cut short when he disappeared in a concert’s finale, and Joan would be damned to just sit on her ass while her friend, bandmate, and money-maker was lost.
-Her playing involves dive bombs and other flashy styles while still being in full control of her playing. Her stage presence is full of movement when she’s not performing solos, as well as making obscene gestures with her body and face. Her singing generally has an aggressive mezzo-soprano with an occasional bird-of-prey scream thrown in.
Phys - Olive skin, brown eyes, chest-length black hair, thick framed, 5′8
Outfit - Gold suit with long fringes beneath arms, sharp yellow lines around cheeks and eyes (Based on her soaring shrieks and desire to ascend to great heights)
Ment - Ambitious, shrewd, callous, egotistical
Influences - Judas Priest, Alice in Chains, Metallica, Van Halen
“My screams aren’t even for show. I’m just that done with everything.”
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@condomglitter
It was quaint really. Picturesque, the little hole in the wall, dug deep in the confines of the city. Regal, with a certain charm painted along the skies of the atmosphere. Quiet, not a very large place and yet, lined with copious amounts of individuals. All of which gathered delicately around a stage, sitting patiently, chattering among themselves.
A soft melody played in the background, the delicate wooden sticks tapping upon the drums surface, the soft hiss of the base once fingers so delicately plucked the strings from their placement. A rather young woman stood sound in the middle, wide dancers hips swaying to the rhythm of the song her band played. Fabric from her flowing skirt ruffled in all the right places, moving almost in sync to the music at hand.
It held a certain amount of class, this place at hand. Enough that even he could appreciate the sentiment, the appeal that this place had to offer. He knew why she chose it, knew that eventually as the night progressed, her and her little entourage would end up in this little gem. There was no abundance of humans succumbed to intoxication, no thick scent of sickness, that usually followed an establishment this late in the night. Just the scent of skin, the warmth from the bodies that swayed on the floor to the sweet song, and the subtly of fine cigar smoke, just touching the ceiling softly.
To be honest, he wouldn’t be surprised if there wasn’t a human among the lot of them. When it came to celestial beings as it were, scents were most often deceiving.
Taking in a slow drag from the cigarette pursed between his lips, he listened to the echo of the voices and the music, coming through the open door from the rooftop patio. He didn’t need to be beside her, to single out the soft dialect of her tone. Her words like silk rolling off her tongue, and the soft flirting seductive laughter that followed. Her voice, he could pick it out almost anywhere. The sound standing above all others, however, her attention still oblivious to his presence.
He had just got back into town after all, a few weeks longer than originally anticipated. He still remembered the last conversation, the rather salty tone she took with him, disapproving with the choice that he had made. She never much cared for when he left the city, not that he couldn’t fathom why. However this time around, if he had to guess he would gauge it with the lack of his presence upon certain ‘holiday’ that he had so conveniently missed.
One she had said ‘didn’t matter’. Like he believed it for a second.
Putting out the flaming end of his cigarette, he turned back into the building, allowing himself to be submersed in the echo of song, the scent of sweet perfume and subtle jasmine incense. He moved against the perimeter, weaving his way along the dim lighting, grabbing a quick drink from the bar. All the while he spotted her, out of the corner of his eye, surrounded by a group of individuals, females and males alike. Auburn curls pulled loosely back behind her head. A dark corset like bodice, with a flowing satin skirt dipping low towards the ground. It accented her bodies natural curve rather well, the lace black in color and yet the skirt was made out of a sheer, an opaque material, leaving the shape of her legs, visible to the eye, should someone look close enough. It left little to the imagination, and yet, enough to leave one so deliciously wondering.
Lifting the glass to his lips, he smirked a bit, grasping another drink before walking slowly behind the stage. He approached the lovely singer, deep brown hair, hanging softly beside her face. He placed a drink in her hand, and leaned down to whisper something softly in her ear. It took a moment, before her coy lips curved upwards into an almost feline like smile. She gave him a nod, his fingers leaving the glass in her tender care before walking up the stairs slightly, rounding behind the wires and instruments that laid there.
The drummer made eye contact first, and with a soft nod, the once slow tempo he had so graciously spun, sped up a bit, changing in an almost faster direction. The guitarist followed next, expertly coming out of the previous song, changing the chords until he tuned himself in with his band mate, the other two musicians slowly following suit. The music started to flow, each note getting hit with precision, the crowd slowly humming along with the beat. It was subtle, most individuals still intertwined in the conversations amongst themselves. However it didn’t matter, it wasn’t the attention he was after.
There was a certain amount of finesse that came with performing, and even though he was in no position vocally to pursue anything on a professional level, he still crossed the stage slowly approaching the microphone stand. The words rolled off his tongue, perfectly in sync with the band, hitting every note, with remarkable pitch, never once missing a beat. He sang low, the tone of his voice coating each word with a soft melodious beat. The lyrics echoing off every surface of the building as more and more sets of eyes, slowly began turning towards the stage.
‘I was so high I did not recognize,
the fire burning in her eyes,
the chaos that controlled my mind.’
He held his drink in one hand, the other, fastened around the mic in front of him. He could feel the light absorbed in his iris’, dark blues flashing the the ambiance of the room. The words kept rolling, and he could feel his body shifting in subtle ways to the beat. He didn’t have an ounce of fear, anxiety, the man knew how to work a crowd, he knew how to move. A performance like this, would be simple. He just had to put it all together.
‘Whispered goodbye she got on a plane,
never to return again,
but always in my heart.’
The chorus came, and he could feel himself starting to get into the song, an almost devilish smirk crossing over his features. He felt the lights dim, before shining slightly brighter on him. His voice, pouring out the words, watching as the crowd reacted to him. Some even slowly moving to the beat much like he himself was doing. He made a point, to not look in a certain direction, already feeling blackened eyes settling in on him. The first verse was slowly coming to an end, and with a pause he downed the contents of his drink, He grabbed the cordless mic, taking it off the stand, he slid off the stage, walking then onto the floor.
He never broke his tempo, instead, he moved as if the whole performance was some elaborate dance. Taking a drink out of a waitress’ hand, he gave her a wink, before handing it off to another lovely young lady to his right, placing it softly in her hand. His voice never wavering, not even for a single moment.
‘I tried to feed her appetite,
to keep her coming every night,
so hard to keep her satisfied.’
He gave a soft flick of his eyes, rolling as he sung the words, moving around the crowd. It wasn’t long before they were singing and dancing with him, doing nothing more, then feeding his ego, pushing life into his song. He smirked all the while, even breaking for a moment to chuckle amongst his words in a low laugh deep in his throat, his voice, was the only sound to be heard now.
‘Kept playing love like it was just a game,
pretending to feel the same.
Then turn around and leave again.’
Walking forward it didn’t take him long to find her, to settle into the look she as sending his way. Lips pursed, eyes trained dead set on his person. He walked behind her, taking hold of the ever so selective drink she had sitting oh so perfectly in front of her. Bourbon perhaps. His eyes met hers then, watching the soft gold dance in the reflection of her eyes, his own darkening under her gaze. He winked in her direction, taking a swig of the drink before making his way back to the stage, turning his back to her.
He heard the roar of the crowd now, dipping into the second chorus of the song. Voices were echoing, singing the words along with him now. Even the diva, the sweet little singer he had encountered before, was on stage, clapping her hands, singing a soft back up in the foreground. He stepped on a nearby chair, tipping it with his feet until it fell against the stage, stepping off the added lift with perfect balance. He spun on his foot, continuing the words even when the crowd was carrying it for him. The smooth surface of the floor guided like butter under the soles of his shoes. He pulled his tie loose, dropping it from his neck and off the stage. He pushed his hair back, taking a pause until the band led up to the final verse. A soft breath passing through his lips before the words started to form, holding the mic firmly grasped in one hand, all the while leaning on the stand with the other.
‘I fix these broken things,
repair your broken wings,
and make sure everything’s alright.’
‘My pressure on your hips,
sinking my fingertips, into every inch of you,
because I know that’s what you want me to do.’
The band came to life now, perfectly chiming in with their instruments, playing the chords as if they were the band themselves. The lyrics echo’d, his voice intermingled with the voice of the crowd. They danced as he moved, keeping in tune with his steps to the music. He could feel the heat rise, his shirt shifting on his person as he moved.
‘This love has taken it’s toll on me,
she said goodbye,
too many times before.’
‘Her heart is breaking in front of me,
and I have no choice,
cause I won’t say goodbye anymore.’
His eyes met hers once more, by now that he had her full unadulterated attention. He grinned at her again, his tongue flicking against the words that continued to fall from his lips. His smirk curving to the point where he without a doubt flashed the pointed tips of his canines. He reached, grasping his heart the moment he belted out the next line, grasping at the fabric of his shirt. His eyes closed for a moment, feeling the lyrics pour from his mouth.
‘And my heart is breaking in front of me,
she said goodbye,
too many times before.’
The musicians kept it going, taking the show all the way to the end. He had the attention from the entire establishment by the songs end, dancing up on stage with the other performers. He could feel the vibration of the energy, the people falling just like sheep in line with his show. It was predictable, but a rather entertaining way to make an entrance. However, he kept going, as long as the band carried the tune. His voice going quiet, the song slowly coming to an close.
One could say, it was quite a ‘literal’ mic drop by the end of it.
#condomglitter#;;auburnharlot#;;Bullets of Silver#This wasn't meant to be this long#Rip#PS#Kibas death will consist of being smothered by his own ego#Sorryi'mnotsorry#The idea hit me like a bus and backed over my twice I had to write it#Also I'm trash and yes it is a Maroon 5 song but IDGAF#It fit the mood
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