#stellar lyric choice
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Thinking about how meticulously the covers were chosen. The lyrics of all of them fit the general narrative of sleep token, they're never that much "out of character" and tbh? They can refer to a lover or to Sleep, depending on how you interpret them. And even if some of the choices of covers seem shocking at first glance, they all make sense in the end.
I absolutely cannot focus on anything lately, so I'll just list the songs with some vague comments/keywords, cause i just need it out of my system and maybe someone smarter will pick it up and do something proper about it, who knows. Not me.
I wanna dance with somebody
We have mentions of dancing in ascensionism too (rotating the was it all planned from the beginning theory in my head again). "The sun begins to fade" + all the mentions of everything being different at night!! The feeling of loneliness at night!! Wanting to feel the heat with somebody goes without saying here. Needing someone to love and be loved by them in return too.
Is it really you?
We start with talking about pain. With questions about pain (vore!). In the middle we have stars colliding - two opposite forces?? i don't wanna go into astrophysics too much here, but can't a stellar collision create:
a. a huge explosion (metaphor for explosion of negative feelings? Looking at you, nazareth. And idk, maybe higher??? my head hurts trying to think abt it, i just feel it fits),
b. a bigger and brighter star as a result of said explosion (uhh. A Sleep-gaining-power metaphor maybe?),
c. in some cases even a black hole ("vacuum i am" anyone?).
Basides, we have a sky mention (heavens, ascension, higher again? etc., etc.), "caught in ebb and flow" - give me a more vessel-ish line than this one. And we also have some bleeding. As a treat.
Hey ya!
A dark horse, huh. Surprisingly sad if you finally focus on the lyrics, huh. Not knowing how to keep the love going. "Nothing is forever" handshaking "nothing lasts forever". Being in denial even when they know this won't work. Yeah. And i know the part with not wanting a future together, but still choosing to have sex is not included in the cover, but hey. It does fit the narrative too. Just look at granite for example.
When the party's over
Do i even need to say anything here? If it wasn't a popular song you could've told me it's their original song and i would've believed you.
#sleep token#sleep token theories#uhh kinda#lyrics analysis more likely#but also not really bc it has no structure#idk i wanted this out of my system but i am too scattered to focus on creating anything coherent#i am also a huge fan of astrophysics even if i know SHIT about it. it's fun ok i love black holes
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Reflections: Cillian Murphy’s Limited Edition
Series 3, episode 2
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*I am a music prof (predominantly classical vocalist), and I LOVE listening to Cillian’s music choices! That being said, sometimes I won’t like a song simply because of a vocalist (it’s a professional hazard - sorry!) 👩🏫
** The following are my own observations/opinions. We may not agree, and that’s ok! That’s what makes music fun! 😊
*** I wouldn’t say I’m well-versed in Cillian’s music preferences, but I do enjoy them (for the most part). I always wind up adding to my own playlists after listening to Cillian’s recommendations.
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And now for episode 2…
🎵 Set 1 (Gonna Be - Sun King)
Gonna Be: an interesting beginning! I like the layers of motivic play from low, mid, and high parts of the texture. Fun instrument and sound effect choices, as well!
Come Home: harmonies are dense, but so wholesome and satisfying. It reminds me of a lot of Americana material.
Sun King: I LOVE THE BEATLES SO UNIRONICALLY 😍😍😍😍. Also, Abbey Road had its birthday this past week! 😊
🎤Talking Break
“Blathering blindly”
“Bus stops along the way”
He sounds more chill this time than last week? His voice is giving serious ASMR vibes
“Treash”
His love of close harmonies is so valid 👌
That’s adorable him asking his dad about the faux Italian in “Sun King” 😂
🎵Set 2 (SpongeBob -
SpongeBob: I promise you that this is the last thing I think of in association with SpongeBob! 😅 while this is objectively good, it’s not my cup of tea. I do like that I can understand/follow the lyrics. Well done and well constructed.
Officina stellare: I like this! A fun, atmospheric piece.
I’m not sure why this and SpongeBob go together, but the juxtaposition is striking.
🎤Talking Break:
Italian pronunciation should be: oh-fee-chee-nah steh-lah-rey
“Brilliant atmosphere of doom” ok… way to bring down the vibe, Cillian! 😅
🎵Set 3 (Weird Lullaby - Nite Owl)
Weird Lullaby: I do enjoy some good, original jazz. Swing era, and an unorthodox use of scat. I looked up Babs, and I need to find more of his stuff. He’s got an enjoyable voice, and approaches harmonies in a beautiful way.
Nite Owl: even though this is also an “oldie,” it is a STRONG difference compared with the previous!!! But I like this - what a feel good song! Good use of what is now called a “twang” vocal technique (twang isn’t just for country music).
🎤Talking Break
Now I need to listen to Frank Zappa’s Jukebox…
Joke’s on you, Cillian! First time I listened to this I was NOT “headphoned up!” 😂 I know, I’m such a rebel! 😂😂 Jk I was too lazy to go get my AirPods
🎵Set 4 (Trees, etc. - A Slice of the Top)
Trees, etc: well, it’s certainly better/more enjoyable than “Revolution 9” - that is one trippy, scary song! But I’ll be honest, I expected more “sound directionality” when he said to “headphone up,” like when you can hear the direction of the sound change from left to right. Regardless, this is a cool concept piece.
A Slice Of The Top: more jazzy, for sure. I’m loving the different riffs! Something about it sounds like Afro-Cuban jazz, but idk why? Maybe it’s the background rhythms? Fun dissonant harmonies, though!
🎤Talking Break:
“There is some coherence… somewhere”
🎵Set 5 (Dr. Ring Ding -Jack Ruby)
Dr. Ring Ding: the intro is so weird 😅 but no, this is a cool song. Again, I always appreciate some good riffs/solos!
Jack Ruby: same artist!! Wow! And man, I just wanna dance listening to these songs!💃
🎤Talking Break
A Cork specific question!
I saw somewhere someone was asking what a “boogie” is supposed to mean. I *think* (?) it’s just a jam session or performance of some kind??? At lest that’s how I’m interpreting this story.
A pub called Snotty Joe’s?! 😂😂😂
Ejected from establishments 😂😂😂😂
Corkonians
“Brilliantly sound self”
🎵Set 6 (Gone Daddy Gone - Downtown Train)
Gone Daddy Gone: ok, this is a boogie, if I say so! The instrumental track is fun, though repetitive. The vocal line is fairly monotone. Idk why monotone songs work, but they do (Mr. Brightside is a great example of monotone done right)! And a marimba solo?! Yes, please! 🤩
Downtown Train: ok… Tom Waits’ voice is not my favorite. That being said, this is a good song. It’s not something I would listen to often because of the vocals, but it’s definitely got merit. And something about this is so nostalgic?
🎤Talking Break
Aretha!!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍
Yay archive material!!!
“Baby, baby, baby”
🎵Set 7 (Baby, Baby, Baby)
Baby, baby, baby: I have no words. Aretha has SUCH a lovely, effortless-sounding voice! And her songs are so soulful! Perfection. 💯
🎤Talking Break
Thoughts on Bill: he’s eclectic. But his description is vague and I wish he’d be more specific.
🎵Set 8 (Free’s - Weird Sisters)
Free’s: the melody isn’t ambitious (almost like a recitative), but his voice has a nice, rich quality to it! And the instrumentation is fun! Almost like a little jazzy flute riff along with atmospheric backing.
Weird Sisters: enjoyable song! Definitely enjoying the slow build in texture - well done.
As a voice teacher, I want to double check some vocal production techniques of his. I’m not sure if some of the vocal anomalies I’m hearing are purposeful or not. I think they’re done on purpose, but if not, he should go visit an ENT (the doctor, not the talking tree). TLDR: vocal health is important.
🎤Talking Break
Oh no… not more weird dude from Yorkshire 😅
I’m still so confused.
Ok… an introduction to the next artist.
🎵Set 9 (Micael)
Micael: I like this song a lot. Guitar is haunting, atmospheric, and repetitive. The other instrumental and sound effects in the back are nice additions! The vocal line and it’s layers just keep adding to the strangeness of this song. It’s a puzzle, and I think that’s why I like it - it keeps you on your toes!
🎤Talking Break
An exclusive! 🙀
Oooh… a book reading!
Comments on Jarvis: yes. Music is a magic trick! His French is good. *the tingle* - yep! So important!
“Pop music was real music as far as I was concerned” - I do disagree with this point. All music is real. You may not like it, but that’s a different subject 🤷♀️
🎵Set 10 (Black Magic)
Black Magic: why is this such a banger??? 😎😎😎 the bell line is a really nice touch, and I like it’s unique and unexpected melody compared to the more predictable vocal line and chorus.
🎤Talking Break:
“Thank you, Jarvis”
🎵Set 11 (Harmoniser Dub - The Smoke)
Harmoniser Dub: for something with “harmonize” in the title, there isn’t much harmonizing… (I know, I’m being purposefully obtuse) 😂 but a fun use of electronic sounds and non-vocal music!
The Smoke: I like this a lot more than the previous song! Lots of unexpected rhythmic pauses, and the mysterious vocal line is cool 😎 I like how this song is constantly morphing and borrowing styles to form a whole.
🎤Talking Break
Love remixes!
“No let’s not play the ident”
“Friends”
🎵Set 12 (Lwonsome Tonight - All Souls)
Lwonsome Tonight: now I have a complicated relationship with her voice. She purposefully sings in a thin, unsupported style and in a difficult portion of her range to create a specific haunting/folksy effect. I get it, but I don’t care for it. Good storytelling, and the vocal melody has an interesting contour.
All Souls: a strong contrast with the previous song! I like the electronic distortion and sub-pulses. 👍 the piano line is reminiscent of some of the driving pulses in funeral marches, so that’s a cool touch. I would say I prefer this song to the other one featured.
🎤Talking Break
I do love covers
🎵Set 13 (PinkMoon - Paprika Pony)
Pink Moon: I like this! Fun electronic components, and a pleasant head-dominant vocal production. This is such a vibe! ✨
Side note: isn’t AURORA featured in Frozen 2?
Paprika Pony: WHOA what a contrast! This is all clear-cut edges where the previous is all soft and fluffy. I know that has nothing to do with musical qualities, but that’s how I’m hearing it tonight.
I guess this set is tied together by alliteration? 😂
🎤Talking Break
“Anthemic” - I did not know that was a word!
🎵Set 14 (Stand Anthem)
Stand Anthem: I’m sorry, Cill, but I don’t like this. I enjoyed the first 20 seconds? It does have a “We Are The World” vibe, but it’s so repetitive. I think it’s the “stand” portions I dislike most - they don’t go anywhere. There’s no sense of build or momentum, and I’d really like to have that featured, especially in an anthem!
🎤Talking Break
Yay! Irish music!
Set 15 (Foreign Fleas)
Foreign Fleas: dude, this sounds dark and scary! 🫣 but that’s not a bad thing! I’m just a wimp 😂 but there are some nice, crunchy, dissonant harmonies in the vocal line. 👍
🎤Talking Break
“Brave and moving act of communication”
“Multitudinal”
What’s a Wally???
“Mind yourselves”
🎵Set 16 (Become the Earth - Distant Sky)
Become the Earth: oddly enough, I would describe her voice as “earthy” 😂 the simplicity of this song is nice. Heavily produced stuff is nice, but so is something like this. There’s still some post-production parts, but it’s not overwhelming. I did like that descending and ascending slide in the backing vocals! That was cool!!!
Distant Sky: Nick Cave is one of those artists who has such a gift when it comes to storytelling. However, his voice isn’t my favorite. That being said, what he adds instrumentally and through storytelling outweighs his vocal production (which is also a choice, I believe). And the juxtaposition of Nick and Else Torp is just wow! Overall, this is a beautiful song, and I’m happy the show ended so strongly with this gorgeous piece.
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And that’s episode 2! Honestly, I’m surprised I was able to get this out by Friday - this week has been hectic! 😂😅
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed! Feel feee to share/comment! 😊
Tag List:
@iammrsrogers @deliciousnutcomputer @mariamoonie @brownskinsugarplum76 @look-at-the-soul @kj-davis @neverroad @teapothollow @thepurplearmyposts @possessedmarshmallow
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Apologies if something like this has been asked before, but what would you say are your favorite things about Fates? I’m curious because I actually like the games quite a bit, and I also enjoy hearing what other people like about them.
No worries, anon!
1-The Characters
Fates, imo, has a very stellar cast. Characters like Corrin, Xander and Takumi I've gone over already in how much I adore them, but honestly the vast majority of the cast is great! There's a few I'm only neutral towards, and only one I actively really dislike, the rest I'm at least pretty fond of. The first gen cast in particular I think does a good job at having strong character interactions, especially cross kingdom supports; the big differences between how citizens of Nohr and Hoshido respectively go about their lives is crafted with a very deliberate dichotomy that is initially platformed as something forever incompatible, but is then subverted in various points in all three routes.
2-The Gameplay and Content
The mechanics and game flow introduced in Awakening I think was finely tuned in Fates. Pair up being more player controlled leads to satisfying strategies, and reclassing and skills are less centered around grinding. I like how the cast more often than not have min-maxed stat lines with clear strengths and weaknesses, as to me, that supplements an already important aspect of how FE plays regarding it's classes. That being said, classes like bow users and Armor Knights got very good niches that were very needed to not be completely outclassed. Class sets being varied by supports not just for the children but also the first gen cast was a fantastic choice as well, as it encourages other combinations beyond just getting extra stats in pair up. Dragon Veins were an amazing interactive gameplay element, and added an extra way to interact with the maps beyond navigating around terrain. Lastly, each route has a bevy of unique content, mostly maps, but Revelation has lots of exclusive supports as well!
3 The Music
The game's ost is phenomenal. An underrated aspect of the FE series is how its music is used to convey the games' stories through sound. With map themes alone, there's progression and intent. Birthright, for example starts with the light and spirited "Past Light" track, before shifting to "Justice RIP" and "No Justice", both signifying that things are getting more serious and dangerous, the latter being notable in that it's a Nohrian track to go along with how you're now in Nohrian territory. Then the triumphic "Alight" only starts when you're in the homestretch, facing familiar enemies whom were beaten before and can be beaten again. And, again, that's just four tracks! The entire ost paints a picture, be it in gameplay, story, or supports. There's even an entire track that only plays when a character's about to die in gameplay, and only gets brought in cutscenes to show how dangerous a particular foe has gotten! It's immaculate. And of course, Lost in Thoughts All Alone is an amazing lyrical track.
4 The Art style and Designs
People can rag on how certain characters or classes are designed in this game, but one thing that I think can't-or shouldn't-be denied is that the cast and setting have presence; they're recognizeable and give a taste of what's what. Besides Hoshido and Nohr being the typical "white" and "black" kingdoms, Hoshido has more spiritual or outside the box classes; they have the resources to experiment and hyper-specialize in certain crafts, even having religious classes, merchants, and blacksmiths available for options. Nohr, meanwhile, has more armor and mounts; it's a kingdom trained to be effective at competition and warfare in order to survive, and must forgo experimentation for practicality. The game is also just very pleasing to look at, where the muted but varied color palette makes characters and locales visually distinct without being too loud. There's also a lot of neat animations that characters do in battle, many that lots probably didn't notice or haven't even seen, which to me showcases a deep care and passion put into the little things.
5 The Story
While of course, not everyon'e cup of tea, I'm extremely fond of Fates' narrative. Mostly because, in storytelling media, there's always more than just words to convey a story. It's why I listed the other points before this one, because they all contribute to Fates' narrative construction. Pull from map music to hear what the story wants you to take from it from that point in the campaign, pull from character designs and portraits to see what to expect from a character's personality at a glance, see stats, classes, and personal skills to see and put into action how that unit plays and interacts with the map they join in, take a moment to really examine the terrain of maps both for strategy and to take in the kinds of environments in the game's world. Fates has a lot to say-probably too much for its own good-and so efforts were made to say things without words being necessary.
Beyond that, I think the story itself is gripping and involves themes and symbolism very easy to get lost in though (tee-hee) about. Individuality and authenticity, rejecting status quo, pacifism, the cycle of hatred/vengeance, commonality and understanding amongst opposites, etc. Hell, I tend to get into my own head about how characters are written or how moments are utilized in the story to tie back into a theme of some kind, because there's just that much to unpack.
So yeah. That's that.
#queue#fire emblem fates#not to say Fates is perfect though#i think there's still could be some kinks ironed out#change around forging and weapon debuffs for example#and the some plot aspects can be a little cheap#but overall what works in the game I find REALLY works and I'm satisfied with that
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some cool observations I figured out after asking myself what makes a good fanfic
I wanted to randomly talk about how wonderful fanfiction is. Like really. It’s genuinely one of the most wonderful experiences being here has to offer. I’ve been having a really tough time these past few weeks, and the only thing that keeps getting me through a day has been to sit down and read a couple long fics. I’m an avid AO3 reader (don’t you dare suggest any other platform for me for reading, I like the organization okay), which yeah means I don’t read as carefully as the next person but I do read like 90% of the fic so that means something right? Reading a whole 300,000 words a day, while still having time to cook three meals separately, have a two hour tutoring session, and some space to freak out over my AP scores has got to be a superpower.
Anyways, my point is this: fanfiction is fucking amazing. How many ways worlds can come together, how many times characters can fall in love and it doesn’t get boring is just that, fucking amazing. The amount of great material I’ve found has been stellar. And since I’ve had so many hours to waste the past two weeks, my urge for fanfic reading has been consistently there. Which is strange to me because I’ve barely wanted to read, period. Academic, casual, printed, or online for months. But fanfiction is perfectly centered in what I love.
Yet I was thinking how do you make a good fanfic? After all, there’s so much, some of it is just better than the rest. And I figured I’d explore that.
Firstly, there’s the whole charm of fanfiction, since there’s something powerful in having characters you know. I’d like to highlight that it’s entirely possible and true that people can have completely different experiences in the fanfiction world. There’s Y/N and its whole self insert genre, and there’s the whole original characters' situation in universes that are explored within the OG material. Of course there’s a whole sub division of fanfic readers that love it, adore it, write it, and consume it, and who am I to judge? I guess when I say good fanfiction in this post, it’s about how good character based fanfiction works out. Because in my eyes, good fanfiction challenges the framing of a character, and works to develop a tangible change in both internal and external measures. For example, I was reading this two part (not-yet-fully-completed-but-doesn’t-really-end-in-a-cliffhanger-so-it’s-okay-as-someone-that-doesn’t-like-reading-uncomplete-stuff-I-give-the-green-light) Spideypool fic where the ship mainly worked as an empowering device for the story of Peter Parker (spoilers guys, he’s Spider-Man) finding connection, with his boss (it’s Harry Osborn :o), with his fellow superheroes, with his dying aunt, with his new boyfriend, and finally, with himself. The fic works with multiple characters to develop the plot. Good character based fanfiction in this case revolves about the multiple relationships developed between said explored characters. Because characters are fundamentally different from the source material, writing them and giving them needs and actions that feel indebted to the original want of the characters and balancing their choice from said wants is hard. It’s a fine line, tying it all up. Developing something independent from the original material to some extent, from a possibly canon compliant conversation to a whole different universe, and using that independence to further an enrichment of a world or character is necessary. Otherwise, stories bring themselves to a stalemate. Otherwise, stories bring themselves to lack character and connection to the reader.
Meanwhile, in I Was Screaming Your Name Through The Radio (a musician!au Soukoku fic) works with incredible storytelling design, using a past and present narrative as well as work with the characters' feelings and journeys with the description of music and their lyrics. Good fanfiction, here, uses positively impacting narrative tools to develop a good, tightly done story. In the fic, the development of falling in love, betrayal, heartbreak, and healing are explored. The way the characters connect, disconnect, and reconnect is just amazing. And the way that connection or lack thereof is explored works well with the narrative style of story. Two POVs, each having two time spaces. These POVs worked around the release date of Corruption, the fictional song the two main characters created together in the fic. The interaction between time settings allowed to further explore the characters’ memories and experiences wholly. It was a better choice than to write linearly. Much more entertaining as well. This is good fanfiction, using the narrative to explore and enrich once again the story.
Finally, there’s the greatest, most important aspect for a good fic. A great story. I wanted to highlight my first auditive fanfic in my life, and the only author I’ve been so unquestionably loyal to since I first heard her story: Mira Miraculous Ladybug Fanfiction on YouTube has forever been feeding me with rich stories, great jokes, and heartbreaking tears. What A Catch works as a creative outlet of all the powerful characters and their archetypes, and applies both a challenging reframe of a character and great narrative control. The story begins with all the main characters of the series as adults, in a wedding, unaware of the twisted memories that Hawkmoth has influenced. The story develops and explores something further than the previous two discussed factors. Before getting to that though, I want to clear up, I love romance fanfiction. It’s what I read 99.9% of the time. But I also enjoy stories that further the relationship not just with internal plot devices. The story of Marinette and Adrien is a long one, especially in the real world when the show’s been airing since 2015. However, there’s a magic in exploring something outside situations while adapting the narrative to continue the story already explored. Developing mayhem, confusion, stakes, as well as creating character growth within the flaws and victories that come with the challenges set in a fanfiction is important. Essential. Otherwise, fanfics turn into retellings, lightly chipping away the power of a story and beginning to re-make something already done. Archetypes are tools to work on choices, wants, and needs of a plot device. Characters breathe and feel with their own choices, wants, and needs along said plot. And stories? They make characters and feelings and experiences simply real.
In conclusion, what makes good fanfiction? In my humble opinion, it brings the following things. As expressed previously, first of all comes the challenging reframing of a character where depth is furthered or a new role is given. Consequently, the character keeps its original charm and familiarity while still developing a growth within the story and itself. Secondly, there’s the usage of palpable narrative control. Using narrative and literary devices to explore a story creates a better execution to the plot and the whole experience of the tale being told. Additionally, I’d like to plug in here that this requires good grammar and developed vocabulary (this doesn’t mean you need to be wordy or overwhelmingly poetic, just enjoyably readable). Thirdly, there’s the banger. The true reason stories can be done over and over again: they’re not being done over and over again. A good fanfic tells something new, explores something better, explains something different. A good fanfic has originality in its fundamental magic. For something to genuinely work as a banger in my book, you have to tell something I haven’t heard before. Something that will capture the reader. You can read a hundred coffee shop AUs, but did all of them make you feel the same, did all of them make you taste the need for more? Probably not. Because some of them will have something more than the fundamental establishment of the AU. Because there’s something new under the surface of the plot. I’ve listed three very different fanfics. One was clearly driven in canon spaces, another in a completely alternative universe, and the final one works after the culmination of the work explored in the original material. Fanfiction is endless, and it’s powerful. People may spit on its masterpieces, but we know its beauty. And it is as dashing as the sun, it is as changing as the ocean, and it is perfectly fitting of the puzzle that we’ve created for our comfort, our mind, and our heart.
Thank you for reading this far!
Happy reading <3
PS: This was the Spideypool fanfic in case anyone was interested
#i discuss a lot of shit#fanfiction#fanfic#ao3 works#spideypool#mlb#miraculous ladybug#soukoku#fanfic writing
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Louis Tomlinson’s Top 10 Songs Ranked
21 July 2023 | 10:00 am | Skylar Flowers
The UK heartthrob has just announced a massive tour of Australia and to celebrate the Vodafone presale starting today, we’ve ranked Louis’ biggest and best songs.
Earlier this week, one-man pop powerhouse Louis Tomlinson announced his imminent return to stages Down Under and if you’re a Vodafone customer (and believe us, you should be), you’ll be able to get your hands on the very first tickets this morning (July 21). An exclusive Vodafone presale will kick off at 10am AEST, running for 72 hours until the same time on Monday (July 24).
You can head here for more info on how to take advantage of that presale.
Come January, he’ll deliver his mind-bending blend of bubblegum, Britpop and rock to his biggest crowds yet in Naarm/Melbourne, Meanjin/Brisbane and Eora/Sydney. The run comes in support of Tomlinson’s stellar second album, Faith In The Future, and although this tour will be his biggest on local soil, we’re expecting tickets to fly right out the gates.
To get the hype train chugging at full steam, we’ve crafted the ultimate playlist to soundtrack your ticket-scoring endeavours: a meticulous, indisputable* ranking of Tomlinson’s ten best solo releases.
10. Just Hold On (with Steve Aoki) [2016]
We’ll happily admit that Tomlinson’s first solo outing followed a fairly safe formula – squeaky clean, harmonic vocals (supplemented with plenty of “woah-ohs”) flowing over the unique kind of pseudo-clubby bubblegum pop beat Steve Aoki is a certified master at – but for what it is, Just Hold On is exactly what it should be. Back in ye olden times (2016), it proved to us that Tomlinson had the chops to carry a pop banger on his own, lapping up every lumen of the spotlight. And listeners seemed to agree: the song went Platinum in five territories (including Australia), came just one spot shy of topping the UK charts, and still pops up in Tomlinson’s live sets from time to time.
9. Back To You (featuring Bebe Rexha and Digital Farm Animals) [2017]
Tomlinson’s second track as the headline act landed some 16 months after Just Hold On, making for one of the most brutal waits we’ve endured between a debut single and its follow-up. But it’s without a doubt that Back To You was worth the wait, shining with an equally cool and catchy beat, and an impassioned vocal performance (carried by emotive lyrics tailored for maximum swoonability) that made it undeniably clear: Tomlinson was always the biggest heartthrob in One Direction, and goddammit, he’s still their biggest heartthrob in his solo era.
Bebe Rexha’s vocals add so much colour to the tune, too, as her smoky swagger gels with the sweetness in Tomlinson’s own delivery. Us here Down Under were especially stoked on Back To You – racking up three Platinum certificates and a peak at #11 on the ARIA Charts, it remains Tomlinson’s biggest single as a solo artist.
8. Two Of Us (2019)
Though it came out a solid 15 months after lead single Miss You, it was Two Of Us that really kickstarted the cycle for Tomlinson’s debut solo album, Walls (which arrived in January of 2020). It was a bold choice for that role, too, as a deeply emotive ballad steered by haunting grand piano chords and widescreen orchestration. But it was a power move: the song itself is striking and cuts deep with authentic pangs of grief, Tomlinson’s vocals swelling from lowkey and melancholic to intensely poignant as the music builds. Thematically, too, it’s one of his most important efforts – a touching ode to his late mum.
7. Walls (2020)
The title track from Walls is another ballad, but this one stands out a little more with its ear-pricking instrumentation, channelling the greats of ‘90s Britpop with its coolly strummed acoustic guitars, droning pianos and atmospheric string- and synth-work. Released as the album’s fifth and final single, it offered a fantastic summary of everything we’d heard thus far, from the searing pain he poured out in Two Of Us to the energised pop-rock of Kill My Mind.
Then there’s the lyrics – some of Tomlinson’s most gripping and evocative – with the chorus in particular standing out for its motivational punch. He sings: “These high walls, they came up short / Now I stand taller than them all / These high walls never broke my soul / And I, I watched them all come fallin' down / I watched them all come fallin' down for you.”
6. Bigger Than Me (2022)
Tomlinson’s newest era began last September, when he dropped the lead single from Faith In The Future: a rousing slow-burner called Bigger Than Me. It’s the perfect song to bridge the gap between his first and second albums, starting off as a lowkey acoustic number and growing into a big, bold pop anthem you could scream along to at the top of your lungs. It swells into a peak around three minutes in, where Tomlinson is virtually howling to contest with the operatic strings, spirited drums and scene-stealing synths. When we first heard Bigger Than Me, it felt like a proper reintroduction to Louis Tomlinson – and goddamn, were we keen to learn more about this new version of him.
5. Just Like You (2017)
After launching his solo career with two collaborative tracks, Just Like You marked the very first time we heard Tomlinson without a guest singer or heavyweight producer. Released standalone in October of 2017 – about a month and a half before Miss You kicked off the Walls era – this airy pop gem serves as somewhat of a theme song, very on-the-nose as Tomlinson literally opens it with a verse about how he’s “the guy from the one band” with the “whole world in [his] right hand”, prone to racking up “headlines that [he] can't stand” with his lavish escapades (“Night out and it's ten grand”)... Before explaining that as his fans, we “only get half of the story” when we see Tomlinson revel in all “the cash and the cars and the glory”.
Is it self-indulgent? Yeah, absolutely. But does it absolutely slap nonetheless? Yeah, absolutely.
4. Miss You (2017)
It makes sense that the music video for Miss You takes place at a party: accented by tasteful juts of an electric guitar and a thumping drum beat, the song feels triumphant and energising – the kind of song you’d blast in your room to hype yourself up while you get ready for an actual party. Following on from Just Like You in December of 2017, this was also the first time we heard Tomlinson shine on a track driven primarily by electric guitars, something we’d hear a lot more of on Faith In The Future, but felt like a special treat on Walls.
3. Kill My Mind (2019)
Remember how we noted that Walls (the song) saw Tomlinson channel an ambiguous ‘90s Britpop flavour? We can be a little more straight-up with Kill My Mind – this song is Oasis as fuck. But we say that as nothing but a compliment: charging forward with brisk strumming and animated drums, the artist’s vocals soar overhead, his thick Yorkshire accent gripping as he sings passionately: “You kill my mind / Raise my body back to life / And I don't know what I'd do without you now.” Honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without this absolute banger in my morning playlist.
2. Written All Over Your Face (2022)
Walls was a stellar album, no doubt about it – this list features three songs from it, after all – but it’s with Faith In The Future that Tomlinson has really come into his own as a solo artist. The headstrong rock’n’roll energy weaved throughout it peaks on Written All Over Your Face, clear from the outset as, over a punchy drum beat and rollicking bassline, the artist embraces his heartthrob personality, seeped in sensuality as he quips, “Hey babe / It’s written all over your face.” You’re telling us this is the same man that once sang on What Makes You Beautiful!? Sheer insanity.
1. Out Of My System (2022)
The latest single from Faith In The Future – a post-release pick that made impact earlier this year – is a punk-laced belter that stands out with ripping guitars and a downright explosive chorus. It feels like an almost oddly natural fit for Tomlinson, too, as he smashes through the more intense vocal delivery with stunning aplomb – he’s a bonafide rocker, and Out Of My System shows he’s much better suited to reign in this world than in bubblegum pop.
On his upcoming Australian tour, Tomlinson will play three of the biggest and most renowned venues in the country – two in the open air (sorry, Sydney) – and this is the exact kind of song those venues were built for: a rip-roaring anthem-in-the-making that no sane human could stand still (or, God forbid, sit) for.
LOUIS TOMLINSON 2024 AUSTRALIAN TOUR
Sunday January 28 – Naarm/Melbourne, Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Tuesday January 30 – Meanjin/Brisbane, Riverstage
Friday February 2 – Eora/Sydney, Qudos Bank Arena
Presale: vodafone.com.au/ticket
Tickets: livenation.com.au
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maraschino cherries
Lucy is stellar with words. She can spell them without seeing them, she can rattle off etymologies like song lyrics, and she always has the right adjective for a situation. Back in fifth grade, the popular kids called her The Thesaurus, and even though it was supposed to be an insult, Lucy wore it with pride. Damn right she’s The Thesaurus. She has a word for everything.
Except for the way she feels when she looks at Will.
She figured out – nay, admitted to herself – she had romantic feelings for him last year, in ninth grade, shortly before her fifteenth birthday. But it was different then. It was about wishing she could peck his lips before and after school, about wanting to dance with him to whatever shitty pop songs they play at school dances, about having someone to call my boyfriend and watching while other people got jealous. She wanted to go to the movies or out to dinner with Will and just Will, not all the Pisces, and she wanted it to mean something. Last year, it was all about the romance. If her feelings had been food, they’d have been heart-shaped cookies with pink sanding sugar. It all made sense.
It’s been sixteen days since Lucy’s sixteenth birthday, and that’s just not how she feels anymore. It’s not that she’s over Will. Far from it, actually. She’s thinking about him even more. When Will turned sixteen two days ago, it was like she couldn’t stop looking at him. Like he looked like a man to her. Like she just wanted to grab him by the collar, lead him down into that basement bedroom of his, and explain how she’s been feeling. It’s not cute anymore. It’s like agony. She can only describe it in similes and metaphor. It’s fire. It’s hunger. It’s being too full and being too cold. It’s every extreme depending on the day, and it is a parasite. If she could get rid of it, she would. Whatever this feeling is, it’s distracting. Last week, when Lucy was up in her bedroom trying to study for a French test the next day, she had to shut the book because she couldn’t stop thinking about when Will wore that black t-shirt to her birthday dinner. So what if it was the end of February, and it was cold? It was like he knew it made him look good. Like he knew it would haunt Lucy for weeks to come. She got a 95% on that test, but she knew she should have earned a perfect score. She probably would have, too, if she hadn’t thought about Will in his black t-shirt right in the middle of the exam. She foolishly circled the wrong letter in the multiple choice section, and she foolishly turned in her test before she could double check her answers. Thinking about Will seemed more important than conjugating savoir.
Right now, she’s sitting across from Will at the diner. She’s drinking a cherry Coke and biting her straw with incredible force. All she can do to fight it off. Will and Sam are singing “I Can See for Miles” in the most annoying voices possible, but Lucy does not care. That feeling is back, and this time, it feels like a stick of dynamite where it should never be. The rest of the world seems to spin on, but how could it? How could it when this girl is a bomb, and this boy is the detonator? And why won’t anyone else notice?
All Lucy can do is stab at the maraschino cherries at the bottom of her glass and make them explode.
(part of @nosebleedclub february challenge -- day 10!)
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The Show Captures Niall Horan In Love:
Niall Horan releases his third studio album ‘The Show’. It is a short album that makes infatuation with the person you are with the centre point. Niall is an artist worth noticing and he’s shown growth from one record to the next. He is sure of who he is as an artist and what sound he wants to venture into when creating music. ‘Heaven’ the lead single was a stellar single choice for teasing what we could expect from the body of work and deserved to be a big hit. He should be getting the same level of success as his fellow bandmate Harry Style’s. Now lets get into this record.
Heaven - The lead single also serves as the opening track to the album and starts with his ‘Aah’s’ that instantly draw you in with the feeling of grandness they create. Then you get into this bass driven track, that embeds its infectious hook in your memory from the first listen as you find yourself singing along to it. You get lost in this track that focuses on the present and making the most of right now, without being caught up on what the future holds. That regardless of the uncertainty of what may be up ahead, what he has with the person of interest is great right now and he is fully devoted to her. This opener gives you this blissful feel, starting things of on a high.
If You Leave Me - Niall’s keeping things fast paced on this one that keeps the bass at the forefront. Here he sings about the fear he has of losing her, as he pleads for her to stay. The production on both track and vocal is slick, and does so well in capturing the essence of the lyrics. There is a sense of vulnerability to what he is saying through his lyrics. This track fills the room and makes you feel fully immersed in its captivating lure. Mimicking the draw he feels to the person of interest.
Meltdown - We get into this right away with its choir like opening and he is not slowing things down just yet. The structure of this track is intriguing and how he uses the production to mimic the chaotic feelings going through him. As he sings on the verses about times when things seem to not be going as you want them to be and that you find yourself feeling all over the place. Then when the chorus hits there is a feeling of hope coming through. Another moment that gets you hooked to its catchy nature.
Never Grow Up - Now the pace slows a bit as we arrive at this mellow moment. Here Niall sings about hoping that they keep hold of the way they are right now as they grow older. It is something that resonates with all of us, as we often desire for things to remain the same when they are going good. It has this feeling of longing as though he is sat there thinking about the twos future together and wanting to replicate these moments even when they are older. A beautiful tender moment that gives you this cosy feel.
The Show - The title track and this piano driven moment switches the instrumentation up. Its a rather sombre track as you feel the emotions he is feeling through his vocal delivery of the lyrics. At first he was avoiding having to face the inevitable of the challenges you can end up facing in a relationship as so far things have been going great. Here he actually acknowledging that they’ll faces trials and moments that won’t be as great, however those moments are what allow for growth and help make the bond the two share stronger. The production and build give the track this feel as though you are rising above the hard times.
You Could Start A Cult - This guitar led track has an acoustic vibe to it and later on he brings in the harmonic in parts to give this a folk feel. He is staying in this sombre space for now as he sings about his devotion to his partner. He is willing to give everything up for them and that the love they have isn’t based on physical attraction alone. He uses the line ‘You could start a cult’ to depict the power she possess to draw someone to her.
Save A Life - The holds throwback vibes back to the 80s as it has this groovy edge that you find yourself captivated by. It takes over you as the pace lifts once again. Here he sings about how she’s been a positive influence on him ever since she’s come into his life. He goes as far as to say that she may have saved his life. For the last part of the track the saxophone makes an appearance enhancing the tracks dynamic. A dreamy moment that has this euphoric feel to it.
On A Night Like Tonight - Here Niall is wondering as to what things would be like up in heaven if they are this good down where he is. He is completely smitten by the person of interest and he finds himself yearning for her touch. The chorus ascends into this dreamy moment that you find embrace you through the layered vocal. The bass is the key instrument used here.
Science - This heartfelt piano driven track lyrically pushes you to keep going. He sings about the challenges one can face and that regardless of how hard they may seem at first, we all have the ability to face them and come out stronger on the other side. As he tells you not to be scared of these moments. A beautiful and emotive moment that provides with a sense of comfort and hopefulness for the future.
Must Be Love - This closing track continues on with the essence of the previous tack, however he is a little more specific in regards to his own tendencies with the things he struggles with. He touches on having anxiety and always overthinking things. However he picks up the pace and the chorus with the layered vocals gives it an anthem like feel. The catchy hook has you singing along from the get go. A powerful end to the album.
Overall this is a solid effort from Niall. It is cohesive both sonically and thematically. He has the upbeat moments and then the more sombre ones, finding the perfect balance to keep you drawn to the record from start to finish. He is in love and is going through all the phases you find yourself experiencing when in love. The honeymoon faze, the thought of will this last and the anxiety that comes with overthinking things. Its rather short in its duration and that enables it to be more focused. It is an album worth checking out and he is an artist that deserves more attention.
#Niall Horan#The Show#Harry Styles#One Direction#1D#Directioners#XFactor#Billboard#Music#Artist#Heaven#Album#Love#Relationships
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Top 5 Bakurae eye colors
Also
Top 5 Geck1000 lyrics
LMAOOOO THE MEAT AND POTATOES ASK!!!!!!!! 💕💕
Ok top five bakurae eye colors:
5) I. Could not think of a five so I sought out some of those charts and oo. That gold yami b eye in the one KT art is really good
4) blue for the bakurae is such a nice color choice. a friend has given me a soft spot for this one lmao
3) green for ryou, purple for yami b. just an absolutely stellar combo
2) brown for both. used to be my number one and still could be tied for first but like. dsod has made me a new person
1) dsod making me a new person means magenta is my current number one ☝️ like. yes that’s so good oh my frickin gosh. give my guy ryou special eye colors lmaoooo. and in this case yami b gets red
AND TOP FIVE HUNDY GEC LYRICS LETS GOOOOOO MY #1 HYERPOP DUO
my top songs and lyrics fluctuate all the time but. here are some of my current favorites from their released tracks:
5) gecgecgec —
you can call on me anytime and I’m runnin’ home to you /
but please remember, baby baby, I’m not stronger than, stronger than you
4) gec 2 ü —
you’re sitting all alone, and you call me on the phone /
and you say, “I need love, can you get to me now?”
3) hand crushed by a mallet —
I was tryin' to find a way to kill time /
I didn't even get to tell you goodbye /
I was tryin' to find a way to kill time /
Now you're gone and I can't ever say goodbye
2) I got my tooth removed —
It doesn't hurt me every day so I just let it get away /
I'll deal with it another day, I guess that day just never came
1) dumbest girl alive —
put emojis on my grave, I’m the dumbest girl alive
✨✨ THANK U FOR THE ASK!!!!! ✨✨
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Oh boy, an ask game? Here I am. Lets go 23 and 24.
Hello Traayaa! Thanks for the questions ❤️
23:A song that you think everybody should listen to
Oooff, that's another one of those questions I have such a difficult time choosing only one song for!! I should make a playlist of mandatory listens one day XD For this round, let's go with a perfect melodic power metal / metal opera piece:
Avantasia - The Scarecrow
Avantasia's a power metal supergroup/ super project created by Tobias Sammet, frontman of Edguy and some other bands. Avantasia is a metal opera, there are different singers for different characters and each album's a story. When they tour, it's not uncommon to see 10 different singers step on stage along with the main band, singers from a ton of other huge metal, power metal, symphonic metal and hard rock. The list of features on this project over the decades is INSANE and a power metaller's wet dream. This particular track features Jørn Lande of Masterplan fame as the 2nd character and on dear GODS does his voice fuck me up in the best way. One of the most distinctive, magnetic, old rocker smooth charisma voice in metal in my opinion. He's addictive, the second he jumps in I'm done, I'm just a puddle of goosebumps. And then we also get Michael Kiske of Helloween in the mix. Insanity. And then there's the entire orchestration of this song, the violins and extra strings, how it swells and builds towards the triumphant ending. The lyrics are stellar, there are some choice gut punching lines in there that I relate to very very much and that make this song feel personal. The Scarecrow is a masterful blend of symphonic and metal elements, of different voices, different influences, powerful chorus that soar above head superimposed with soft lonesome and mournful bridges, it's such a perfect ride for me.
24:A song by a band you wish were still together
Yo, this was so difficult to answer wtf XD I had multiple bands in mind, bands we haven't heard any new material from that haven't toured in over a decade in some cases, but every single one I checked were still in active status. None of the bands I thought had broken up are actually broken up xD There were some I was so sure they were done, and like, they reformed last year and are active again for example XD It was so difficult to find one band I love currently disbanded or inactive. So this feels like a bit of a cop-out but: I wish I got to see Soundgarden when I was little, before Chris Cornell passed dude. One of the few bands from my childhood I didn't get to see.
Soundgarden - Burden in my Hand
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9, 10, 11, and 12!
9. Do you have a specific lyric or quote which you associate with your OC?
(from Delirium Tremendous by Felix Hagan & The Family)
Bonus: Ashes by Stellar for Hiram and the Deviless
10. What's an AU that would be interesting to explore with your OC?
I've never given much thought to AUs for Fallen London, but the Neon Future is very interesting. For Hiram in particular I think a modern setting would work very well. I chose the Time ending from Heart's Desire because the character's main motivation is seeing how things are and how things turn out, and even though all the endings are somewhat tragic, I think immortality in the sense of continuously witnessing change and innovation would work perfectly for Hiram. A modern AU would be cool to explore in general, but the Neon Future adds the fact that London gets obliterated along the way, and the character would get some interesting choices of behaviour about it.
11. What is your OC's weapon of choice? Have they ever actually used it?
Hiram's weapon of choice is a good old reliable Ravenglass Knife, it's the oldest weapon he owns. He doesn't need to use it very often (anymore) as he usually relies on his pawns to do the dirty work for him, but when he has to take matters into his own hands the Ravenglass Knife is still as good as new.
In some occasions he finds use for one particular Tune in Three-Fours, but only when the situation calls for it, it's not a weapon to be deployed lightly.
12. Is your OC self-destructive? In what ways?
He's a soulless hubristic guy with a laudanum addiction, curiosity should be his downfall but fortunately for him in Fallen London curiosity cannot kill the cat in any way that matters. Things need to be A Lot for him to properly experience them, and his standard for A Lot is in fact Too Much for anyone else capable of self-preservation. He always pushes himself a little too far. He needs to experience life to the fullest and stir-crazyness can make him spiral into obsession. He doesn't feel the need to stop and he keeps going even in the most dire circumstances just because he can, even if he always plans to avoid the worst outcomes he sometimes chooses to pursue them just to gain something more.
He also loves partying a little too much.
#insane victorian levels of substance abuse#what's gonna stop him? death? bitch please#oc asks#hiram hargrave
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newjeans - "ditto" review
I fell in love with newjeans the instant I heard 'attention'. Everything about them was utterly captivating - their fresh concept that embraces the members' youth instead of plastering it in glitz and black leather, their clean nostalgic production merged with soft, delicate vocals, and of course, the undeniable and astounding talent of the members.
As I said in the round up of my top songs of the year, all of their songs were hits for me, which is incredible especially in a year such as 2022, which has been an excellent year for kpop, especially for girl groups.
Their success was instantaneous too - they ruled the charts for weeks, no one could stop doing their dances on TikTok, and even idols were singing their hearts out to their songs. And so, to the joy of the entire K-Pop community, they announced their first ever comeback for December 19, a pre-release called ‘Ditto’. And I, for once, was not even slightly nervous that it would be anything less than perfect.
‘Ditto’ is a Baltimore club inspired pop song that is as understated as it is addictive. Sonically it explores themes of bittersweet nostalgia, and lyrically it references shy smiles, nervous butterflies, stolen glances across the classroom, and your first ever love at 16. To me ‘Ditto’ reads as a memory, a discovered VHS tape, or a polaroid at the bottom of a box in your attic. The song introduces itself within the first twenty seconds, and keeps a delicate pace throughout, pulling the listener through every inch of the melodies and harmonies the members and instrumentation create. It's a beautiful blur from start to finish, and when you do reach the end you can’t help but wind it back to the start for just one more listen.
The music videos were amazing too, some of the best conceptually that I have seen in K-Pop. The visuals of the girls flicking in and out of reality perfectly matches the song’s energy, and the decision to have the members themselves not be the main characters of the story is an inspired choice that pays off 100%.
As a person on TikTok who I have unfortunately lost put it, ‘newjeans feels like rediscovering kpop again’, which in my opinion sums it up perfectly. They have that spark I’ve been looking for in the fourth generation, they have that Red Velvet, SNSD, Twice aura that draws you in, and I can see them going so far in this industry. They sound like no-one else in the industry, and that’s what makes them so alluring. ‘Ditto’, like every single other one of their songs, was a hit, and is probably my favourite from them so far. I have no doubts that ‘OMG’ is going to be a stellar album, and I know that in ten years I will be proud to say I was a newjeans fan from debut. This comeback was, in a word, flawless.
#newjeans#ditto#newjeans ditto#haerin#hyein#hanni#danielle#minji#attention#hype boy#hurt#cookie#kpop#kpop review#kpop reviews#newjeans review#ditto review#music reviews#music review#kpop aesthetic
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Song Review: Ireland
Complaints aside, time for another review.
Wild Youth - We Are One
Personal opinion: I actually made my own ranking about this NF a while ago, and this one was fourth. So while the song wouldn’t have been my first choice to represent Ireland, it was not the absolute worst option. This is Coldplay-style stadion rock that also kind of reminds me of Nicky Byrne’s Sunlight. The lyrics are corny and simple, but if you let them slide, it’s a nice radio song. The live performance could use more energy.
Prediction: I mean, this is the first song chosen/released for the first semifinal, so at this point, it might be too early to say it’s a definite qualifier or NQ. I do learn towards the latter, if I’m being honest. Like I said, this reminds me of Sunlight, and that song didn’t get a stellar result either. This one might also be too forgettable for the audience, and if we look at the other participating countries in the semi, the competition will probably be strong.
Thoughts on selection: I didn’t watch the show simply because I was too tired, but I listened to the songs beforehand and the overall selection didn’t make a huge impression. When a country holds a small-scale selection like this, you’d expect them to choose high-quality songs, but it seems that the Irish broadcaster isn’t interested in putting on much effort. My personal winner was Adgy, but Connolly would’ve also been a good representative.
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My Five Key Songs of July 2023
Into the second half.
The song choices that will soon follow for July are a bit of an odd selection. The tracks themselves aren't odd but rather this time around there wasn't a clear front runner to be the key song of the month. In fact, all five songs seemed to have stumbled their way into the list as July was one of those months without a clear musical focus which meant that instead of five key songs, it probably should have been more like twenty. However, that is not the format and so five it is, and whilst we're here I suppose we should probably find out what those five are exactly so as a certain Italian journalist says, here we go.
First up for July, 'Angela' by Bob James.
I am starting this month's picks with what is actually the most recent discovery on the list. I had heard 'Angela' about a month ago in a show that I was watching but then in the last week or so as I have been listening to quite a few scores it seemed to crop up unexpectedly and I am so very glad that it has done. Now, I have not seen the show 'Taxi' however, I would very much like to so I think that I will need to try and track it down on DVD as it seems like the sort of show that I would really get along with. Its musical choice for the title has all but confirmed that for me as this is perhaps one of the strongest title pieces that I have ever heard and bare in mind that I am saying that without any emotional connection to the show itself, as of yet that is. Bob James' gentle 70s classic never fails to help me to relax and settle and I have found that I have been listening to it quite a lot over the past week particularly as I have been walking back from working at a few events in the city centre. It won't be the key song this time around but I think give it a few more weeks in my headphones and perhaps a viewing of the show attached to it and soon it will be one of the key players on my roster.
Second on the call list, 'Run from Tears' by Crosby, Stills and Nash.
Usually when I turn to Crosby, Stills and Nash I head straight to 'Just a Song Before I Go' which is one of my favourite songs, but over July it has been more of the case that I have been listening to 'Run From Tears'. Now, as 'Run From Tears' is also from the self titled album with one of my favourite photographs of musicians on or actually one of my favourite photographs ever adorning its cover, it makes it all the more attractive as putting this song on does mean that I get to look at that album cover again. But 'Run from Tears' is more than that. It is a track that manages to encapsulate what Crosby, Stills and Nash are as a group. It has their harmonized vocals, it has the moments of peace and gentle romanticism whilst also being able to pick up the pace and display their always stellar guitar work. The song in many ways feels funnily enough like a Neil Young track and I would very much like to have heard a version of it with Young singing the lead lyrics however, the trio still manage to make it a truly wonderful number even without their missing fourth member.
The third song for July is 'Hurdy Gurdy Man' by Donovan.
At the end of February, over the course of a couple of days I watched David Fincher's 'Zodiac' film for the first time and then a second time. Whilst ofcourse the subject matter is very disturbing and dark, I found 'Zodiac' to perhaps be Fincher's most underrated film and I think my favourite of his titles. My love affair with the 'Zodiac' film has continued as I have listened to various podcasts about it and have been thinking about it a great deal but the real legacy that it has for me is its soundtrack which features hit after hit that feel like they are the zeitgeist song of that moment within the pursuit of Zodiac themselves. Over July I have been working through the entire soundtrack so to single out one track from it is rather difficult but really I think that this time around it does have to be 'Hurdy Gurdy Man'. The sound that Donovan creates here to surround the song with this ethereal air from the outset is quite something and I don't think that I have ever heard anything like it or really ever will. It's use in 'Zodiac' is perfect, well, actually the entire film is so perhaps that isn't as strong a compliment as I want to give it but I think the point still stands.
The penultimate song for this month is 'Coral Reef' by Shigeru Suzuki.
Really, I think that this is the key song for July but this time around I have gone with a more emotional choice which we will get to in a minute. Also, I don't feel that there is any pressure to choose 'Coral Reef' now as I am sure that it will claim the top spot at some point down the line. When I stumbled across 'Pacific' it was Haruomi Hosono's name that caught my eye but now that I have listened to it again and again, it is Shigeru Suzuki who is my stand out from the record and that is most apparent through 'Coral Reef'. 'Coral Reef', I don't know what it is, there is just this quality to this song that really hits me. Its the sort of song that makes me actually stop typing as I look off into the distance to try and work out exactly what it is that I would like to stay but I'm not quite sure. On a practical level, it sounds a little like what may have inspired Dan Mason, the artist who is often floating around the top spot for my artist of the year over the last couple of trips around the sun. But really, it is more than the similarity to Mason's work. It has this quality to it of something that feels very unique, it feels of its time in Japan in 1978 and listening to it takes me to that time or rather that my vision of it. I don't know, I suppose 'Coral Reef' is my version of the beach paradise that adorns the album 'Pacific's cover, it is paradise and words can't really do it justice but the feeling that it inspires, that is enough. More than enough.
And finally, the key song for July 2023 is 'Germany, 1944' by John Williams.
'Germany, 1944' is the song that hits me the hardest from the 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny's score. Going into the film, I was aware that hearing the 'Raiders March' musical sting would be rather emotional as the whole viewing experience itself would be. The thing is, 'Raiders March' never truly made a full experience, instead it worked itself into a few of the tracks as a gentle nod to Williams' iconic cinematic score from 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'. And really, I think that I preferred this use of the song, it meant that on one hand 'Dial of Destiny' could be its own thing and that it was looking back at its predecessors in a respectful way rather than in one that was solely using its previous adventures to propel the story forward. When 'Germany, 1944' played and when I first heard that sting from 'Raiders March' it felt truly heroic, as Indiana Jones always does, and more than that it served as a reminder that whilst a song may not be playing all the time, it is never really gone and is always there when you listen for it out there in the Universe.
So there we have it, the key songs for July 2023 and with one month of summer left it feels like there has not been a true 'summer' pick as of yet to be the key song of the month. Maybe August will change that, we shall have to wait and see and I for one am excited for the month ahead and for the adventures it will have in store and the music that they will inspire.
-Jake, a man still looking for his own Indiana style hat, 30/07/2023
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Tag People You Wanna Get to Know Better
Tagged by the wonderful and lovely @lans-rabbit-glade 😊💖! Thanks for tagging me izzy! I loved reading your answers :)
Relationship Status: It’s just me here (single pringle)
Favorite Colors: Pink & Red
Song Stuck in My Head: Do I Wanna Know by Arctic Monkeys… I’ve listened to that song probably a million times and I’m still not tired of it nor will I ever be 💖. I’m definitely not looping it for writing inspiration or anything (also izzy I see your song choice and I am tempted to roast you for being a mobile gamer 😜)
Last Thing You Googled: “There’d Better Be a Mirrorball.” I was looking up song lyrics (I listen to other artists besides arctic monkeys, I swear 😅)
Time: 11:47 PM when I’m writing this. But I usually queue most of my posts so it’ll be 10 AM when I’m posting this :3
Dream Trip: Hmmm, idk. I’m not much of an explorer lol. Maybe Japan or New Zealand? Just to say that I’ve been there before. Honestly, as long as I can go either shopping or to an amusement park I’ll be happy as a clam.
Last Thing You Read: It’s rare, but sometimes I want to read a cute high school AU with a love triangle. So the last thing I read was a tyrus fanfic called Of Course by CaithyCat & imnotanauthor. I’ve been rewatching Andi Mack, an old comfort show of mine. I know it’s a disney show “for kids” but sometimes I just feel like watching disney or nickelodeon shows ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Also this one in particular I started watching when I was bedridden for a month so it’s very dear to me :)
Last Book You Enjoyed Reading: Believe it or not, I actually read a paperback book last week. I was looking for a quote, so I opened my volume 2 of *cough* Scum Villain’s Self Saving System *cough*. And then I found the quote. And then I just kept reading until I was halfway through volume 3 and it was like 3 in the morning. Seriously, that book makes my brain go a little bonkers. The scene where Shen Qingqiu tries to hide Luo Binghe from Zhuzhi Lang nearly made me cry from laughing too hard.
Last Book You Hated Reading: Excluding fanfics, I can’t think of one… Maybe Tokyo Ghoul/:re back in 2017? I remember really hating that manga. Honestly, I’m really picky when choosing something to read so the stories I end up disliking I tend to just drop them and then completely forget they ever existed.
Favorite Thing to Cook/Bake: I’m kind of a terrible chef ngl. But the reviews are in and I make a pretty stellar spaghetti. Whenever my niece visits, she always asks me if I can make her my spaghetti because it’s way better than any she’s ever had. Getting that kid to eat anything is a struggle, so I’m really glad that she not only eats my food, she asks for seconds.
Favorite Craft to Do in Your Free Time: When I think of the word “crafts”, I imagine, like, art projects made by hand, so I’m not sure I can include writing and gif-making on this one. So excluding those, does drawing count? Even before I got a drawing tablet, I used to doodle all the time even on scraps of paper. I’m not really good at it, but it’s always been something I do just to kinda get my brain to chill.
Most Niche Dislike: Hmm. You know, it’s funny that you mentioned nail polish, izzy, because the first thing that popped into my head was long nails. I have tried to be that girl who gets a full set at the nail salon and I never did it again because the sound of my nails clacking against things bugged me. Like, I can’t even stand the feel of my own natural nails when they’re the slightest bit too long lol.
Opinion on Circuses: Never been to one. But, clowns slightly freak me out so I don’t have the best opinion of their home turfs.
Do You Have Any Sense of Direction: I’d say I do. Or maybe I think I do by association? My parents both have a pretty bad sense of direction and I used to help them a lot by printing out maps and searching for streets in relation to where we were. One of my older brothers used to always assign me as designated navigator because I’m good at keeping an eye on where we are and how to get back on track should we get lost
I liked this tag game! It was fun and refreshing. Gonna tag a couple of you, but please no pressure to respond! Only if you feel like making one 😊 @bioerin @kimievii @koujaaku @ashinlae @wallynorthbynorthwest @fluffyrabbitofdoom @apocalyptickoala @theraincanttouchus @mdzs-rabbithole + anyone who sees this and wants to make one 💖
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ㅡ a character study: the stage
references: kim chaewon ( le sserafim ), kim dayeon ( kep1er ), pham hanni ( newjeans )
habits: intensity in the eyes, playful smiles, soft pouts, playing with her hair
favorite song(s) to perform: lovesick girls, la di da, savage
least favorite song to perform: black mamba — often feels nauseous and in pain after performing the song, due to the intense choreography during the chorus
strengths: high energy, versatile, stable vocals, good facial expressions
weaknesses: overexerts herself, prone to panic attacks on stage, overthinks performances
when one thinks of jinnie of braveheart, strong stage presence typically comes to mind. those who have seen her perform live have noticed that her movements and expressions come from a deep love for music, and a deeper understanding of what the concept is trying to say. a lot of that is conveyed through her eyes. when narrowed and focused, her eyes draw you in. mesmerizingly fierce, they look across the water and scan for the next ship, striking fear into every sailor that make up the thousands watching her. her eyes entrap you, and now that you’re trapped, you have no choice but to listen to what she has to say. however, on the opposite end of the spectrum, her eyes can radiate a doe-like energy, which is perfect for conveying braveheart’s softer and brighter concepts. one wide eye look cast in your direction, and you may feel compelled to indulge her every sweet whim as quickly as you can.
her movements are fluid but precise and her acute concentration when performing means that she throws her everything into each step and lyric. her control in both her body and breathing is impressive, but it also leaves jinnie depleted after each performance. as soon as she steps off the stage and into the wings, her body has the tendency to crumble under the immense pressure of giving it her all. during longer sets, she relies heavily on the portable respirator to keep her going. she tries to save those moments for when the cameras aren’t looking but unfortunately, her anxiety can be unforgiving and the stage can be overwhelming — if she finds herself in the realm of over-exhaustion, jinnie can be prone to panic attacks which interferes with her usual performance style. so while there are many stellar clips to her name, there are also a few ( unfortunately viral ) ones where the maknae lacks energy or joy.
jinnie doesn’t consider the show over once the performance is all said and done. often times, she spends hours afterwards rewatching herself from every angle, critiquing what could be done better or differently. valentines have noted that the sweet maknae is most serious when monitoring herself, very quick to point out her own mistakes or quietly suggesting a change to her members. though she is one of the faster members of braveheart to memorize choreography, the tendency to live in her head means that when she thinks no one is looking, jinnie seems disconnected from her surroundings because she’s so hyper-focused on what steps come next.
study references for performing ic: daisy ( @fieldofdeisies ), michelle ( @mishiisms ), fleur ( @offleurs )
#tysm to kip for letting me use their template and for their help <33333#꒰ ♡ ꒱ characterization ╱ jinnie ◞#꒰ ♡ ꒱ stage ╱ jinnie ◞#anxiety tw#panic attack tw
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HALESTORM's LZZY HALE Discusses Her Songwriting Process In New Episode Of 'How I Wrote That Song'
BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.),Beasley Media Group and Xperi's HD Radio Technology recently announced the launch of the third season of BMI's signature series "How I Wrote That Song", featuring acclaimed songwriters from country and rock/pop. Each episode of the six-part series will give audiences an insider's look into the creative process of writing and producing hit songs as well as the stories behind them.
In the latest installment of "How I Wrote That Song", Radio Sara of WMMR asks Lzzy Hale of HALESTORM about her biggest hits, going back to when the band came out swinging in 2009 with the single "I Get Off". Despite the saucy title, the song's first draft was actually about how the band won over a few hardened record executives in the audience at a live showcase. Lzzy developed the lyrics further with a writing collective called The Girls, explaining: "I was telling them this story [about the show] and one of them — and this is why I love writing with women, because our sense of humor is the same — was like, 'Oh, so you got off on them enjoying what you do'… and we took over this piano, in the lobby of this hotel, and were singing 'I get off on you, getting off on me,' just totally annoying everybody around us."
She adds with a laugh: "It originally didn't start from sex, but it definitely grew its own legs!"
Sara and Lzzy also discuss the Grammy-nominated song "Uncomfortable" and a new track called "Terrible Things". Along the way, they touch on her unexpected radio hit with DAUGHTRY this year, swapping gender perspectives in song lyrics, and how activism plays a role in her writing process.
Additional award-winning music creators included in the series include heavy hitters Ann Wilson (HEART),Tyler Hubbard (May 30),Luke Spiller of THE STRUTS (June 13) and Clint Black (June 27).
"BMI is thrilled to announce a stellar lineup for Season 3 of 'How I Wrote That Song'," said BMI's AVP, creative, Nashville, Mason Hunter. "It is such a great way to highlight the vast talent that BMI has the pleasure to represent, and it gives our songwriters a way to connect with fans as they tell the stories behind their biggest hits. Thanks to our wonderful longstanding partners at Xperi's HD Radio Technology and Beasley Media Group for pushing this compelling content out to their listeners."
"After two consecutive, highly successful campaigns with our partners at BMI and Xperi/HD Radio, we are excited to bring back 'How I Wrote That Song' to celebrate some of the biggest hit songwriters heard on our radio brands," said Beasley Media Group's chief content officer Justin Chase. "Our listeners and digital audience love to hear the story behind their favorite songs!"
"The 'How I Wrote That Song' series has been a great success, and Xperi is excited to continue working with BMI and Beasley Media Group to highlight the songwriters who create the songs we know and love," said Xperi's senior vice president, radio, Joe D'Angelo. "This is especially meaningful to us as we continue to build on 20 years of broadcast radio innovation, both through our HD Radio Technology, which delivers superior audio quality and a wealth of content choices for music fans around the world, and our DTS AutoStage in-vehicle media platform, which now supports lyrics, further bringing the songwriter into the radio experience."
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