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akwardlyuncool · 3 years

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Class Favorites: Albums/EP’s

The list is bigger this year because I’ve added in EP’s, which I don’t think I’ve ever officially counted before, thus making 2020 the biggest year for albums mentioned on Class Favorites that weren’t honorable mentions.

PS: This time they are also ranked, but I also think they’ve been ranked in the past but I’m not 100% sure, so take that knowledge for what it’s worth, if anything at all.

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don’t you wanna be glad? - Super Whatevr

This is the album that’s been sitting in my CD player for the better part of the last several months and it’s what’s chillin in there now. At one point I remembered that I had it and just put it on and then decided I didn’t want to take it out. It’s literally been that long of a year that I forget this album even came out in 2020. It was released back in February and I forgot because I pre-ordered it around this time last year. I take this album as a whole piece, yeah I can pick out songs, but with the way I listen to it, everything just flows from one song to the next and I’m not always paying attention to when the song has switched. It’s definitely been my comfort album of the year, something just to put on and go. I passed on seeing them in tour for this album, cause I felt like I wasn’t prepared enough when they came to town, but guess who’s prepared now, when in person live shows are nonexistent?

Top 4 Tracks (That aren’t better. or melancholyism.):

i wanna be cool. ft. Lost Boy (Track 5)

so am i. (Track 3)

holy anxious. (Track 11)

unhealthy. (Track 7)

Burst & Decay Volume II - The Wonder Years

Since the world put a wrench in the whole music industry, the site Bandcamp decided to put on “Bandcamp Fridays” once a month where all the proceeds go directly to the artist. So to go along with that idea, most months I’ve been trying to grab some music on that day, primarily from their website. That being said, Bandcamp Friday was how I finally bought both volumes of Burst & Decay and I couldn’t be happier, unless they decided to put them on CD.

Having these on repeat all year has made it so some of these song feel like I only know the acoustic version. It depends on the day though, cause sometimes I’m not sure which version of these songs hit harder. Let’s just say all versions have my heart, but I for sure get all the lyric feels from Burst & Decay. I also passed on going to see them in tour this last go-around because I wasn’t sure about how much I’d know the double setlist, but it also happened right before everything got shutdown, so I’m sad, but I don’t feel too bad about it. I did however catch their “The Wonder Years Live In Your Living Room” Livestream and attempted to make up for it that way.

Top 4 Tracks:

Washington Square Park (Track 1)

I Wanted So Badly To Be Brave (Track 3)

Cul-de-sac (Track 6)

Hoodie Weather Ft: Little Kruta (Track 7)

This song is on the list of top tracks cause I don’t know who’s out here disrespecting Hoodie Weather, but I don’t like it.

Burst & Decay Volume 1

Basically it’s the same spiel as before with volume II, because I bought them both at the same time, but I went back and listened to volume II more on an individual basis, which is why this one comes in second. Anyway I absolutely love both of them, they give me all of those great Wonder Years feels and their replay value is one of repeat status.

PS: “You In January” was a perfect song to conclude the EP with.

Side Note: Shout out to The Wonder Years on their 10 Year Anniversary of The Upsides/Suburbia, y’all were what I needed in high school but I was just a few years late to the party. Also if anybody wants to buy me that Hank Denim Jacket, I would be hella appreciative and would make you all the mixed CD’s.

Top 4 Tracks:

Coffee Eyes (Track 3)

Don’t Let Me Cave In (Track 5)

Don’t expect anything less from me.

Dismantling Summer (Track 6)

A Song For Ernest Hemingway (Track 1)

Nonsuch Park (sa) - Scott Helman

This was another album that was purchased on “Let’s Buy Music Fridays.” Once it was downloaded to my phone it was on repeat at work a lot and also while I brushed my teeth and while I hand washed my face masks, basically I played it a lot at work and at home in the bathroom. Anyway, I don’t think he could put out an album and it not make this list. Scott Helman’s songs aren’t ones I can play once and then move on, generally I find my favorites or in this case the whole album and continue to play it back to back forever.

PS: If you fall in love like I did, you can catch his livestream show next month on January 29th. Due to covid, it was pushed back so there’s more time to get prepared. (Tickets)

Top 4 Tracks:

Afraid of America (Track 7)

Wait No More Acoustic Version (Track 2)

I know I cheated by picking the acoustic version which is not technically on the album, but it is my preferred version. (Sue me, but here’s the video for the original cause it really good too.)

Papa (Track 11)

Good Problems (Track 4)

Unplugged State Champs EP - State Champs

I feel like I always have to give a shout out to State Champs for just being there and always pulling out the acoustic on the side, cause they know I love it so much. It’s been a minute since their last full album release, but I’m glad they put something out that will tide me over till the next album.

Top 4 Tracks Even Though I Know There Are Only 6:

Crying Out Loud (Track 4)

A Thousand Hearts Ft. Saxl Rose (Track 1)

Shout out to Saxl Rose for the amazing saxophone feature!

Criminal (Track 5)

The Recipe (Track 2)

#Class Favorites 2020 #AKWARD CLASS FAVORITES #Albums #don't you wanna be glad?#Super Whatevr #Burst & Decay Volume 1 #Burst & Decay Volume II #Burst & Decay #The Wonder Years #Nonsuch Park (sa)#Scott Helman #Unplugged State Champs #State Champs

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andypartridges · 2 years

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EVERY XTC STUDIO LP → APPLE VENUS VOLUME 1 (1999)

Apple Venus Volume 1 is the thirteenth studio album by English band XTC, released on February 22nd, 1999. Its title is deliberately lifted from the lyrics of 'Then She Appeared', off the band's previous LP Nonsuch. XTC's first record in seven years after having spent the majority of the nineties on strike against Virgin Records, it was fraught with personal and professional complications. Notably, it was the last to feature guitarist Dave Gregory, who left in the middle of recording sessions. Apple Venus relies heavily on strings, acoustic guitars, and keyboards, boasting a sound that Andy Partridge dubbed as 'orchustic' - a portmanteau of orchestral and acoustic.

#the urge to beg andy partridge to put apple venus 1&2 on spotify vs fully understanding his complete hatred for streaming services #i do actually really love this xtc era though like it's just two old men making music together and i love that for them #xtc #xtc band #andy partridge #colin moulding #dave gregory #xtclps*#x~*#mia makes stuff #proof that i am capable of shutting up about elvis costello for 5 seconds to continue this series <3

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beatdisc · 2 years

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We're very happy to have the full compliment* of XTC remasters back in-stock! And as an added bonus, we now source them direct from the UK label for better prices than we had previously.

All re-issues are newly cut from masters approved by Andy Partridge and pressed on 200-Gram heavyweight vinyl.

- Drums And Wires (1979) $45

- Black Sea (1980) $45

- English Settlement (1982) $55 (2xLP)

- Skylarking (1986) $40

- Oranges & Lemons (1989) $55 (2xLP)

- Nonsuch (1992) $55 (2xLP)

- Apple Venus Volume 1 (1998) $40

- Wasp Star: Apple Venus Volume 2 (2000) $40

- 25 O'Clock (1985, As The Dukes Of Stratosphear) $45

- Psonic Psunspot (1987, As The Dukes Of Stratosphear) $45

(*Not every album has been remastered just yet unfortunately, but rest assured when White Music, Go2, Mummer and The Big Express receive the same treatment, we'll be stocking them!)

#xtc #xtcband #andypartridge #drumsandwires #blacksea #englishsettlement #skylarking

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earthandsunandmoon · 2 years

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what are ur top 5 xtc albums :)

Hii thanks so much for the ask!! Here we go…

1. Black Sea (it’s just so good start to finish and reminds me of someone I really loved)

2. The Big Express (inexplicably attracted to its dark swindonian appeal)

3. English Settlement (the album that made me fall in love with XTC. great colin songs what can i say)

4. Nonsuch (just so beautiful)

5. Skylarking (IT IS SO GOOD omg sorry but I have such emotional attachment to the others that it has to be #5)

#had to add explanations because i care too much lol #anyway it's so hard to exclude the masterpieces that are the other albums.#except go 2 and white music i cannot appreciate them #xtc #asks

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carebearlarrie · 3 years

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I was tagged by @sweetsubharry to do the last 4 albums challenge! Thank you love💕

The last four albums I’ve listened to are:

1. Nonsuch Park (sa) by Scott Helman

2. Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves

3. Notes On A Conditional Form by The 1975

4. A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships by The 1975

I will tag @mylarentsarerealll @lovelyfondlinson @alwayssoobvious @holyshit to do this if you want to!

#tagged #let me know if you’re not canadian and you know who Scott helman is #I don’t think such a person exists so prove me wrong

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heartbeatkitty · 4 years

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There are way, way too many songs from Nonsuch that I'd want to feature here, but I'll start with this one.

I love every single song XTC has ever done in 3/4 (or 6/8). They're already special, but something about that waltzy time signature makes them ULTRA special. It brings out the inherent elegance of their songcraft and really makes the lyrics shine.

I want to write as beautifully and inventively as Andy Partridge. He's got such a gift for wordplay - thoughtful turns of phrase seem to pour forth from him as easy as breathing. This song is absolutely stuffed with wordplay, so I'll just point out the one line I like best, the classic "your heart is the big box of paints".

Another thing I love is the melody, which makes the best of Partridge's abilities as a singer. XTC songs are generally only 1-1.5 octaves in range, and they're all clustered around the middle of the piano. That means they're incredibly easy to sing (especially for me, an alto). And yet, you would never guess that, listening to them. The melodies are so stunning that it's only in singing along that you discover how accessible they are. Andy Partridge's singing vastly improved over the course of his career, to the point where I would call him a genuinely strong vocalist around this time. He's no longer relying on the "disguise-my-voice" tricks of the early albums. He's just singing, and his voice as developed power and emotional nuance. "Wrapped in Grey" is not Nonsuch's most impressive display of his talent (that would have to be the sublime "Rook"), but it's up there. And, buoyed by a lovely melody, he emotes the lyrics in a very sincere, earnest, idealistic way that encourages me to shed some of my own cynicism. I believe in you, Andy.

I'm composing this post on mobile, so it may be all over the place, but I'll attempt to sum this up. This is a fantastic album, and "Wrapped in Grey" is one of its best tunes, blending Andy Partridge's wonderful wordplay and singing with a time signature that always spells magic for our band of intrepid Swindonians.

#excellent music #xtc #Spotify

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sea-side-scribbles · 4 years

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Fanfiction: Sympathy For A Downer

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22737214/chapters/57245623

Chapter 15:

Nick really spent the night alone, and therefore it was a rather unpleasant one. He took on this burden though, because he knew it was time to show his good will for once. First, he made sure that the door was truly closed and no uninvited quest hid in his suite, as always, before he got ready for bed. Doing all that he experienced every step of this dull procedure in full awareness, and he didn’t quite like it. It would bother him much less if he couldn’t remember what happened that night, if only he didn’t wake up all alone.

And if only he didn’t have to bother with his own thoughts anymore. They made him lie awake for what felt like hours, which he spent tossing and turning in his bed while trying to fall asleep. In the end, Nick slept late and woke up late, at least that’s what it felt like for him. As a result he wasn’t much more lively in the morning, when he woke up and spend a long time stretching himself. He also took a cold shower, before he left the suite to get some coffee.

At Morrie’s door he stopped and called for his friend, only to find out that he must’ve been gone already. Downstairs he found that the lounge was almost empty at this time. Nick quickly sat down at a table and waved at a waiter to order the desired coffee. When he finally had it, his entire concentration was directed to the hot drink, in the confidence that it would help.

He didn’t notice the person that approached him only when he heard their bell-like voice.

„Good morning.”

Confused by that, Nick looked up and saw a girl standing at his table.

„Good morning,“ he replied blankly, completely distracted by her tight-fitting dress that emphasized her body shape and her nearly endless stream of blonde hair that his gaze got caught in.

„Please, sit down,“ he tried, offering her a seat. Birdie Callagher only smiled.

„I don’t know…“, she said. „I think I should be angry at you. But then again, I should’ve known that you’ll try to steal the show from me.“

Her voice was tinkering in the air and she tilted her head in a feisty way.

Nick gaped into her beautiful face until he noticed that she was waiting for him to say something.

„Pardon?“, he stuttered, because he didn’t get half of what she was saying and as an answer she shook her head.

„Oh, no, I won’t fall for that. I know what you were thinking. After I had a downer in my show, you wanted your own.“

She walked around his table with forceful steps before she leaned on his table again, only a few inches away from him.

„The fight was really impressive,“ now she almost whispered, „maybe a little stilted, but I’m sure the fans will love it.“

Meanwhile Nick got used to her presence and was able to answer: „This is an interesting theory, really. Much more interesting than the truth.“

Birdie crossed her arms at that and pursed her lips, but before she could say something, Nick interrupted her:

„Come on, do you want to pout about this all day? I’m sure we could pass the time in a more pleasant way.“

He leaned back nonchalantly and offered her a seat again.

She gracefully slid from the table and said. „I can imagine what you’re thinking about. Perhaps another time…Good bye.“ With that, she turned around with waving hair and walked away while Nick kept looking after her.

He knew she wouldn’t stay but he wondered if he really had a chance for another time.

„Hey, Nick, I’m here to pick you up, in case you don’t have other plans…“, another voice ripped Nick out of his daydream. Pulling his head around, his gaze fell on Morrie, who’s face showed a faint sign of jealousy.

„No, I don’t,“ Nick quickly assured and shook his head, before he looked into the other man’s eyes.

„Can we talk?“

Morrie’s expression softened and he sat down next to Nick, who didn’t hesitate to grasp his hands and whisper: „I love no one else but you.“

Morrie was visibly surprised by Nick’s sudden outburst.

„Forgive me what I have with my fans…you used to understand…,“ Nick went on, trying to dig up all the good memories in his foggy mind.

„We had an arrangement“, Morrie agreed. „But you broke it. Can you remember?“

Nick gulped and shook his head again.

„I don’t know if I can bear another arrangement“.

Nick fondled the other man’s hands with this thumb. Their warmth and Morries sad eyes helped him to make a grave decision.

„Alright…I…I’ll stop.“

Morrie furrowed his brow.

„Just like that? You did this your entire life, how could you stop?“

„I know it won’t be easy, but I can’t lose you again.“

Morrie began to gently squeeze Nick’s hands in return.

„Listen, we have to do this together. I can help you, but only if you tell me what’s going on in your head,“ he urged Nick. „So…when there’s anything you can’t handle, tell me.“

Nick actually had a lot he couldn’t handle. His improper sympathy with downers, his secret caretaker James and his plans, his awful nightmares…but for the life of him he couldn’t confess them. He kept it with a nod for now.

„I promise you Morrie, no solo actions anymore.“

„So…tell me something.“, the other man insisted. „What’s in your head right now?“

Nick looked like he was caught in the act for a second, then he said: „Want to kiss you.“

To prove it, he leaned forward, but Morrie dodged him.

„Not here,“ he hissed.

Nick leaned back again, regretting Morries cautiousness.

„Why not? I’m yours alone, we can show everyone we belong together.“

„Trust me Nick, that’ll bring nothing but trouble. Let the others think what they want and keep the truth for ourselves.“

Even though Nick knew that Morrie was the more reasonable one of both of them, he looked disappointed when he said: „I guess you’re right. You know much better how to stay out of trouble.“

The other man gave him a concerned look.

„Do you need it that much? Do you seek your fans because you can kiss them in public?“

„No, silly,“ Nick said firmly. „It’s not the same. No one is like you.“

Now Morrie even smiled a little.

They sat for a while, holding hands, until Morrie got up.

„Alright, let’s go then, back to your place. Virgil wants a new album from us, as soon as possible.“

Nick followed the other man.

„Sounds just like him. I guess we shouldn’t keep him waiting.“

At Nick’s place, it came out that the band was forgiving, also because they had read the headlines in the newspapers which put them in a good mood again. They brought their song ideas they had worked on already, initially for their solo careers and tried out some new things. After all, Nick felt his creativity come back.

About noon, a bunch of fans gathered in front of Nick’s house, screaming at their idol to come out. The band though did’t allow Nick to even show himself at the window and after a while the bobbies took care of this problem. Still, it felt great to be desired again.

When they made a pause in the afternoon he looked forward to go out with his friends again, just like in the old days. Then Virgil approached him, because there had been a package delivered to his suite. Since the manager thought it was safer for his star to stay in the house, he had brought the package with him and handed it to Nick. Usually, Nick wasn’t too curious about fan mails, but this was interesting, so he decided to open it right now, in his bedroom.

The package was large, but rather lightweight when he picked it up and ripped it open. Nick was amazed to see a bright red shine coming from the inside. Peeking in, he found something that looked like flowers, but they couldn’t be real, glowing like that. When Nick pulled them out they completely changed colors and lost their glow as soon as they hit broad daylight. However, they were still beautiful and smelled great. Their stalks were wrapped into wet paper, proving that the flowers were indeed real. Nick had never seen something like that before. Now he was really curious about who would make him such a precious gift.

Looking back into the package, he found a letter lying in there, that was written in a neat, curved handwriting.

Dear Nick,

I wanted to give this to you in person, but I guess I was too early.

I hope the flowers are still good when you find them.

They are Nightblooming Nonsuches, flowers that only grow in the Garden District. Maybe you’ve heard of them before. If you treat them well, they’ll last for ages.

This is my offering.

If you accept it, you know where to find me and I’ll be waiting for you there.

Yours

Arthur

Arthur…

Nick read the letter multiple times. Could it really be him? The same Arthur who ran away from him? There was no real doubt, only if there had been another Arthur in his life he had forgotten about, but that was unlikely.

In a way, it was easy to find out…

Nick’s pulse was beating faster ever since he had read the name. He wanted to see him.

But he couldn’t.

Did Arthur even know what an offering meant? Maybe he only wanted to see Nick again…and talk. Everything was possible.

Nicks hands shivered, clutching the flowers. He thought that it was a very romantic gift. In any case a beautiful one. Something he couldn’t refuse. He had almost never refused an offering, they were a sign of appreciation and it would be unfair on Arthur to start now…

But he had made a promise.

He couldn’t break it again.

He hadn’t mentioned the offerings, though…and Arthur was a friend.

And maybe he only got everything wrong again, just like last time…

Oh, bugger, he had to go!

There was no excuse.

He didn’t have to stay that long, he told himself, he could be back in time to join the others when they returned and make up a story why he didn’t leave the house. Yeah, that sounded like a good plan, right?

#we happy few #whf #wehappyfew #fanfiction #whf arthur #nick lightbearer

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