#this song is one of like 5 songs that instantly transport me back to specific moments and times in my life
Text
20 Questions for Fic Writers
Originally started by @izanae.
**EDIT: Seems izanae was also tagged by someone, but didn't state who. So I'm not sure who truly originated this questionnaire...
Thanks for the tag @tree-reads
The "original" Fic Writers Ask thread (that izanae started) was getting lengthy (by nature of the game), and I was about to double its size (by nature of my writing style). But please go and check that thread out to see how other wriblrs answered. You might find a new favorite that way!
Alright, let's get to it.
1. How many works do you have on ao3?
49 (really? It feels like I have so many more...)
You can also find me over on FFN and DA still, and I do post my stories here too... just... FYI.
2. What's your total AO3 word count?
357,107*
*I feel like I should clarify that the 49 stories and 357k words is since I started publishing fanfic in 2010. I feel like this doesn't seem all that impressive now... (also... holy hecken! I've been publishing fanfic for 13 years!?)
3. What fandoms do you write for?
Mostly Miraculous Ladybug (31), but I originated in the "Hey, Arnold!" fandom (7*). I've also written for Fruits Basket (4). I have a couple of D&D fanfics - 1 each for 2 of my D&D characters, and I have written one story each for the following fandoms:
- Left 4 Dead/Jonathan Coulton's song "Re: Your Brains"
- Graceling Realm series by Kristin Cashore (specifically, the novel Bitterblue) [Rated: Explicit]
- Ender Series by Orson Scott Card (specifically, the novel Speaker for the Dead)
- Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (the LoZ franchise is one of my main fandoms... I'm shocked I haven't written more for it...) [Told in 1st person]
- An all-OCs fic set in the X-Men: Evolution universe
*I have more HA fics over on FFN that I didn't port over because they aren't completed works.
4. What are your top five fics by kudos?
Woven Heartstrings
Summary: Chat Noir needs a Christmas gift for Ladybug. Marinette is a very crafty and creative person, so Chat Noir asks her for some help in making a gift for his lady. While hesitant in aiding Chat Noir's attempts to woo her superhero self, Marinette reluctantly agrees. Although, after a week of working side-by-side with Marinette, Chat Noir's not so sure he wants to gift the scarf he's making to Ladybug after all.
Could Your Paradise Also Be Your Hell?
Summary: Marinette is not coping very well when she's magically transported into her older-self's body, and discovers she's now married to Adrien Agreste. [Unofficial companion piece to Remember That Time When... by @mostlovedgirl-writes ]
Peeping Tomcat
Summary: Something called to Adrien, and before he knew it, he was addicted to sitting outside Marinette's window as Chat Noir; just watching her. His voyeuristic habit needs to stop, but things have gotten far too complicated now that he realizes he's growing a crush on her. [Story told in 1st person; non-sexual voyeurism]
I Was Thinking of You
Summary: Girls' Day derails when Marinette realizes the male lead of a romance movie reminds her of someone other than Adrien. [Lukanette story]
Is it True?
Summary: Marinette instantly regrets confessing her feelings for Adrien. He decides it might be time for a confession of his own.
5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?
Always. I may run out of spoons and miss a comment for a little while, but I make a point of going back and still replying eventually. Even if it's months later.
EDIT: I neglected to copy/paste the whole question originally. So, here's the answer to the why/why not question. I make sure to respond to all comments because people put in the effort to read my story and then tell me how they felt about it. I NEED to send the love right back to them. I need them to know that their words matter and warmed my heart. (That said, even if you don't leave a review, I do love you, Reader)
6. What’s the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?
Despite my friends teasing that I'm "the queen of angst", I actually don't have too many stories that don't end on a hopeful note.
So, if we're going "pure angst ending" I only have two: Unsent Letter for the Fruits Basket fandom and True Husband for Speaker for the Dead (Enderverse). Both are shorter stories of people believing they are unworthy of love, pity those who do love them, and believe they have sinned and are deserving of being miserable.
If you want to stick within the Miraculous fandom, I'd say I'm Not Allowed to Love You [contains s4 finale spoilers]. That was angsty enough that I had to end on a hopeful note via an epilogue that I added to the closing author's notes.
7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?
Oh goodness! As mentioned, I try to end just about all of my stories on a high note. I was able to narrow the 49 stories down to 8 with a fluffy, happy ending. Out of those 8? I think Woven Heartstrings has the most optimistic, love-filled ending? Everybody is just showing their love and appreciation for everyone else (even Adrien and Gabriel... written pre-Chat Blanc, I believe???). It's just a lovefest story.
Runners Up categories:
- Favorite LoveSquare Fluff winner: I Just Wanted to Kiss You
- Happiest Lukanette content winner: I Was Thinking of You
- Happiest Family Unit winner: Build Your Own Luck
- Happiest Platonic Love winner*: The Truest of Friends
*excluding Woven Heartstrings
- Happiest "I'm probably going to rework this as original fiction" winner: I Don't Care [a Gabriemilie story written before s5 lore drops]
8. Do you get hate on fics?
I have been so so SO lucky that I have not. My heart goes out to you writers who do. :'(
9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?
I have written smut 3x (working on a 4th). I published 1. I am cishet, so I am vanilla and write cishet. Smut is also a rare genre of writing for me to venture into. So rare that my current "smut" story is more "plot with eventual porn" than it is "porn with(out) plot". The sex is a significant character development moment in 3 out of the 4 stories I wrote. The 4th was more of a character study for a pair of OCs.
No shade on the "porn without plot" folks. Those stories are so fun and indulgent and I appreciate them so much. My brain just won't let me pare down to that style no matter how much I try. It's like "Nope. Must have character growth. Throw emotions into this mess!"
10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one?
I think I've only attempted to write a crossover once... and it was not a very successful result. It was Arnold Shortman and Helga Pataki from "Hey, Arnold!" in the world of Familiar of Zero. Helga was Louise and Arnold was her familiar Saito.
11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?
Uh... I don't think so???
12. Have you ever had a fic translated?
Not to my knowledge (although I'd be down if someone wanted to translate any of my works). That said, Woven Heartstrings does have the only non-English review I've received (it's in French). So.... maybe someone translated it into French without letting me know??? I just assumed the reader knew enough English to understand what I wrote or otherwise used a translating service....
13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?
Three different times. One was partially published.
Prior to the Hey Arnold Jungle Movie officially being made, @chibisunnie and I attempted to write up a fanscript (is that how we met? I can't recall....). My friend Ronoxym and I have also attempted to write two different X-Men OC stories centered around his OC Devon. Although, in both cases, it was more he wrote the story and then I kind of unintentionally hijacked it????
The incomplete co-written fic that I actually attempted to publish* was one of the two I wrote with Rono: Please, Let Me Explain.
*not published on AO3; on FFN and DA only
14. What’s your all-time favorite ship?
That I've written for? Love Square. Specifically anything where Marinette is herself instead of Ladybug: MariChat or Adrienette. They just remind me so much of myself and my husband.
Fave in general? My OTP of OTPs is probably Gambit and Rogue from X-Men. I tend to refer to my husband as Gambit to my Rogue.
(Are you sensing a theme as per my relationship vs my shipping tendencies?)
15. What’s a WIP you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?
My poor unintentionally abandoned "Hey, Arnold!" epic What is Truly Meant to Be. It is on FFN and DA only.
16. What are your writing strengths?
I am frequently told that I keep the characters and world so in-character/canon-accurate that my stories read like "lost episodes" of a show. I'm also fairly good at dialogue and conveying emotions.
17. What are your writing weaknesses?
- Naming things. Titles. Naming a McGuffin. Coming up with superhero/villain names. etc.
- Anything with a LOT of action in it. Be that fight scenes, chase scenes, or sex scenes. I'm someone who can picture things in my head as clear as if I were watching a movie, and I try to convey what I'm seeing to the reader as if I were writing visual media such as a show/movie or comic. This usually leads me to micromanage the movement of the characters and the action ends up feeling clunky and repetitive.
- Allowing the characters to get physically hurt in a way that professional medical treatment is needed. Broken limb? Stab wound? Concussion? Injured eye? Poisoned? Nope. Can't do it. Mental block tells me "no".
- Write short, sweet, concise stories/drabbles/ficlets (can't you tell?)
18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?
Huh. With the exception of proper nouns (such as Chat Noir), I'm not sure if I've used non-English words that aren't just borrowed words within English or words most English speakers would know anyway (such as enchanté, cómo estás, or dōmo arigatō). I know I italicize thoughts, so I don't know if I'd italicize a non-English word to signal that it's a foreign word??? I'd assume the readers would know that already.
I think, if I were to ever use a foreign word within dialogue it would have to depend on the circumstance. If the foreign word or phrase is important for the POV character to learn, I may include it along with a translation. Otherwise, I may just state that the characters are speaking in this other language and then write it in English so my readers have a better chance at understanding what is being said. Also, I am far from multilingual, so that would help me avoid translation errors.
19. What’s the first fandom you wrote for?
Technically, I think it would be X-Men???? I think I came up with X-Men OCs and storylines for those OCs back when I was in, like, 5th grade?????
Then I did some Batman fanfics in middle and early high school. Mostly solo roleplay/dressup in my basement because I was that nerd still playing pretend by myself when I was 16.
First fandom I published a fic for? If you don't count play-by-post RPGs*, then my first published-online fanfic fandom was "Hey, Arnold!"
*the play-by-post game was for Batman.
20. Favorite fic you’ve ever written?
YOU'RE ASKING ME TO PICK MY FAVORITE CHILD!?
Unlike parenthood, I GUESS I could put effort into actually answering this....
I've got it narrowed down to 4. These are the 4 I have probably reread the most. Two of them are the stories I wrote as kind of fanfics of @mostlovedgirl-writes 's fanfics. Take what you want from that, but, basically, I guess I love living in the worlds MLG creates??? The other two finalists are my personal headcanons for Miraculous Ladybug.
Headcanon stories:
Build Your Own Luck - cute little Dupain-Cheng family bonding story about the origins of the lucky charm bracelet that Marinette gave to Adrien.
Forever in Darkness - What Plagg's life was like with his previous holders, and why he thinks Adrien is the best one he's had.
Inspired by MLG:
Could Your Paradise Also Be Your Hell? - How Marinette spent the night before heading off to NYC. Unofficial companion story for Remember That Time When...
Rolling Thunder - Adult Marinette and Adrien stumbling their way into a romantic relationship, finally! Based off of Finding Yourself in the Details
Honorable Mention to my longest story and first completed chaptered story: Peeping Tomcat
Phew! That... was a LOT! Thanks for sticking around until the end! It was fun going back through my portfolio.
All that wish to answer this, consider yourself tagged!
Official no-pressure tags for: @mostlovedgirl-writes, @captaintoomanybattles, @thetauruspixie, @livrever, and @cyhyr
#tag game#tumblr games#wriblr#fanfic writer asks#LycoRogue writing#LycoRogue original#(?) Kinda?#LycoRogue's added two cents#(since this is technically a pseudo-reblog?)#reblog#(kinda sorta???)#fanfics#LycoRogue fanfic
3 notes
·
View notes
Text
Cicadas
I don't typically write non-fiction but this piece has been rattling around in my brain (pun somewhat intended, you'll get it if you read it) for ages now so I finally put it to paper. I wasn't sure what to do with it so I'm throwing it up here. Light content warning for neurological conditions, specifically brain cysts and tinnitus.
I've always loved cicadas. In my mind, I associate them with the golden summers of my childhood—those late August days that burned into fall, urging me to wring every last drop of freedom out of them before going back to school.
I found their big green bodies fascinating and beautiful, with their delicate wings and filament legs that still carried around such a substantial weight for an insect. The holes they left when they emerged from the ground were their own source of entertainment. I'd find tiny sticks and miniscule pebbles and fill them up, trying to imagine how deeply underground these strange creatures had been sleeping, just waiting for the summer sun to let them know it was time to wake up.
I even loved the shells they left behind when their adult bodies broke free from their nymph forms. When I was really young, probably no more than 5, my grandpa and I would make a game of seeing how many intact shells we could find on our daily adventures on the farm. I'd scour the trees, hunting for their dull brown husks clinging to the bark, and then carefully pluck them free and carry them carefully to drop in Grandpa's outstretched hand. He'd take the best ones and hook them on the threads of my t-shirt, telling me they were my very special jewels and I'd wear them with such pride.
But most of all, I loved the cicadas' song: the clattering hiss of the individuals coming together to make one rush of sound, thrumming from the trees as the perfect soundtrack to a summer afternoon. When I close my eyes and think of my childhood running wild in the Missouri woods, the cacophony is always there. To this day, hearing a cicada can instantly transport me from my home on the east coast back to those Midwestern summers.
A little more than 18 months ago, doctors discovered I have a rare neurological condition called a colloid cyst of the third ventricle. It's a relatively benign condition, at least for the time being, and often goes undiagnosed for years, only being discovered by accident in the process of diagnosing other conditions, which is what happened in my case. Because of this, not much is known about these cysts and there's no real treatment. Doctors think these cysts form in utero, meaning I've likely had this condition—and its few symptoms—all my life and just didn't realize it.
One of these symptoms, in fact the most common one, is pulsatile tinnitus, or hearing your heartbeat in your ears. When my doctor asked me if I experienced this, I told him I didn't know, what did that even mean? He shared how other patients have described it: a low whooshing sound, one that thrums and hums in regular time, like hearing a drum beat underwater. I told him yes, I hear that. Often. I thought everyone did.
Recently, I heard the first cicadas of the summer. It made me so happy, I immediately began smiling and paused in my walk to just enjoy my favorite song. When I got home, I shared that it made my day with some friends in a private slack. One of those friends replied that she recently learned that she can't always distinguish the sound of cicadas from her own, regular tinnitus and it felt like my world tilted on its axis.
It's possible that I've had pulsatile tinnitus my whole life. As a society, we spend so little time talking about our bodies with others and sharing our experiences. It's taboo to ask your friends "hey, do you hear things like this? do you feel these sensations? have you ever experienced this?" so we don't and we go on thinking everything is fine and normal because we have no other frame of reference.
I don't know when I started to hear the thrumming whooshing in my ears. It's been a part of me as long as I can remember, just like my freckles and the birthmark on my thigh and the cowlick in my hair.
And maybe that's why I've always loved the song of the cicadas. Because unconsciously I recognized their pulsing, thrumming, cacophony as the same sound rattling around in my body my whole life.
#laura writes#cicadas#personal#tw: brain cyst#it's not a coincidence that this week marks 2 years since i had the first indication something wasn't entirely normal in my head
0 notes
Note
o/ 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 26 and uh random letter go. G. for anybody (or whoever would be best represented by a gemstone. not any specific one just the concept of one)
HIIII rewriting everything I wrote :3 I'm cursed to only talk about OCs that I know that people know about already soooo... Lotus it is. Besides she fits that gemstone concept anyway.
3. How do they put themselves to bed at night (reading, singing, thinking?)
Lotus will either do one of two things if she doesn't immediately fall asleep. Her go-to is recalling all the things she's seen and done that day/week. It helps her get excited to see what the next day will bring. Her other option is petting Gilly until she drifts to sleep. She only really do this if she's too upset to fall asleep. Which thankfully isn't a common occurrence.
4. How easy is it to earn their trust?
Moderately difficult. It may seem easy due to her happy-go-lucky nature, but she and Gilly are always ready to defend herself if needed. One way to gain her trust is to do something for her that's usually done after being paid. Things such as caring for her wounds or feed her. Though it's not a 100% guarantee she'll instantly trust someone afterwards.
5. How easy is it to earn their mistrust?
Incredibly easy! Just don't believe in something she determine to do, especially her main goal of finding her dad!
7. What triggers nostalgia for them, most often? Do they enjoy that feeling?
Sea shanty songs! One of her adoptive moms used to burst into song when the crew's overall mood is gloomy. She also gets this feeling whenever she smells baking fish. As one of the crew's sailors used to make breaded fish for everyone. It's rare whenever she experiences this feeling as you could imagine, but she enjoys it when it happens.
9. Do they swear? Do they remember their first swear word?
She doesn't... yet! Will she ever swear? Maybe. Swear near her enough and see what happens.
26. What is their preferred mode of transportation?
Funny enough, she much prefers wagons and horse back. Since she likes boat rides best when she's traveling from one land mass to another.
G. What trait of theirs bothers you the most?
The main trait of her that bothers me is how overly determined she is. Since she's always hard set on doing something once she makes up her mind about it. Despite how unlucky she can be at times.
The ask game's question list
1 note
·
View note
Note
hey anna!! for the halloween celebration "are you sure you're warm enough?" with calum!
hi nat! as you know this was such a fun blurb to write! this is a continuation of the blurb I wrote for you last month 🥰 this was easily over 1.1k words, whooops
"Are you sure your warm enough?"
___________
Date night with Calum was easily one of your favorite past times with him, you always took turns planning date night whether it was something elaborate like tonight's adventure or a simple coffee shop date. Tonight, You and Calum decided to plan the date together because of how elaborate it was. Calum wanted to take you to the fall festival in town and you wanted to see the pumpkin patch you drove by on your way to work. You both decided to go to the pumpkin patch first before the sun went down, he drove as his hand rested on your thigh like it always did.
The pumpkin patch was surrounded by families and teenagers getting pumpkins, Calum’s hand gripped yours tight. You kissed his cheek and whispered, "I love when you hold my hand like someone is going to take me away from you."
He chuckled and kissed your forehead, "You never know baby, I have to be sure." He winked as he led you further into the pumpkin patch as your other hand pulled the wheelbarrow along.
"No one could take me from you hubby." You beamed as he smiled at you.
"They better not Wifey." He smile, kissing your lips softly.
You smiled against his lips and beamed "I love you."
"Let's get some pumpkins my love, that is why we're here." He chuckled while his eye dimples on full display.
You giggled as you kissed his cheek, "You mean we're not here to make out?"
He let out a laugh shaking his head smirking at you, "Baby we don't have to leave the comfort of our own home to do that, how many pumpkins are you thinking?"
"Is 5 too much? 2 big ones and 3 little ones?"
“That’s a good idea, we’ve got plenty of room on the front stairs for them,” Calum commented as he walked with you in search of the pumpkins you wanted. You leaned down and grabbed two small ones that were the perfect size as Calum grabbed a big one setting it in the wheelbarrow. Calum grabbed the handle and pulled it as you walked with him further into the patch.
You pointed out a second bigger one, Calum took the lead and went for it as you luckily found the last small one. You waited for Calum to put the bigger one in first before placing the smaller one in.
Calum pulled the wheelbarrow with one hand as the other one grabbed your hand, “I was thinking before we go to the fall festival we could stop at Starbucks and get hot chocolate. What do you think?”
“That’s a perfect idea baby.” You smiled kissing his cheek.
“I thought so,” He smiled walking with you towards the checkout area where they weighed the pumpkins. As the cashier weighed every pumpkin before typing in the amount you attempted to get out your wallet and pay, Calum chuckled as he handed the cashier his card before winking at you. Thankfully the cashier let you use the wheelbarrow to transport your assorted pumpkins, Calum took the lead and walked with you to the car. You took the car keys out of his pocket and unlocked the car opening the trunk for him as you both unloaded the pumpkins into the trunk. You walked the empty wheelbarrow to the front and walked back to the car hand in hand.
After settling in the car you drove to the nearest Starbucks and decided to go to the drive-through as the sun hit your engagement ring that decorated your left hand perfectly. Calum must’ve noticed you staring at it, softly squeezing your thigh, “Admiring your ring Mrs. Hood?”
“I am Mr. Hood, it’s beautiful.” You knew what his response was going to be as you pulled into the drive thru.
“It’s nowhere near as beautiful as you.” He smiled leaning over to kiss your cheek.
You giggled at his response; Calum wasn’t one for overly cliche comments but he rarely ever turned away from them when you commented on somethings beauty. “Mhm.”
You ordered two hot chocolates for the both of you and paid before Calum could get the chance to get his wallet out, after you received your drink you started to drive to the fall festival. Calum’s hand stayed on your thigh throughout the entire drive as the both of you sipped your cocoa. Calum controlled the music in the car softly humming along to each song as he flashed a smile in your direction. You both finished your cocoa before exiting the warm car.
Crisp air surrounded you along with a mixture of the aroma of corn & hay. You regretted wearing a cute sweater versus a warm one; Calum questioned your outfit choice knowing the weather dropping when the sun went down. He specifically wore your favorite leather jacket of his in case you needed it. He led you towards the corn maze as he kept you as close as he possibly could keep you to his warm body, he let go of your hand so his arm could snake around your waist. You wrapped your arm around his waist as you rested your hand on his chest as he led you towards the hay ride he’d talked about, you followed his lead as you weeded through the crowd of people.
He helped you get on the hay ride moments before getting on and sitting next to you, his arm wrapped around your shoulder holding you as close as he possibly could before the driver began. You attempted to hide how cold you really were but you knew it wasn’t going to last; Calum knew you better than anyone. You shivered against him and he gave you a knowing look before pulling you into his lap and wrapping his arms tightly around you, “Are you sure you’re warm enough?”
You smiled looking in his eyes, “I am now.” You answered as you felt your body shiver against him. Without hesitation he took off his jacket and threw it over you.
“Better my love?” He asked kissing your lips softly.
“Much better.” You smiled cupping his face with your hands before kissing him, you instantly smiled against his lips as you felt his warmth radiate off of him. “Cal?”
“Yes?” Calum said as he tucked your hair behind your ear, causing your heart to skip a beat as he looked at you lovingly.
“Is there a reason you call me Mrs. Hood before we get married? Not that I’m complaining because I’m not but I’m just curious is all.” You asked softly, gazing into his brown eyes .
Without a second thought he answered, “As long as you and I have lived together, I’ve seen you as my family. You’ve been a part of my family ever since and you’ve always been Mrs. Hood to me before I even proposed, I didn’t need a license to prove it to me.”
You swore you could feel your heart melt into a puddle hearing his response, you knew he was telling you the truth due to the fact he had treated you like family for as long as you could remember. “I love you.”
“I love you beautiful.” He smiling kissing your lips once again except this time he kissed you slowly as he savored every second of his lips connected to yours
tagging my hood girls - @sublimehood @talkfastcal @blackbutterfliescal @blackheartedcal @wastelandcth @myloverboyash @calumrose @mashlums @boytoynamedcalum @twilightmomentswithyou @icyicejuice @calumscalm @saintlaurentcalum @calumswildflowerz @spicycal @notinthesameguey @cheekysos @tpwkatsumu @esbisos
halloween celebration! - request here!
#himbocalum#halloween!cal#halloween celebration#calum hood x reader#calum hood fanfic#calum hood fic
80 notes
·
View notes
Text
8 Songs, 8 Tags
I was tagged by @frogswithwings & @toast-the-unknowing . Thanks!
1. your favorite song at the moment
I have pretty much only listened to Sour by Olivia Rodrigo since it came out and I think i’ve settled on Happier as my favorite song from that album.
2. a song you associate with a favorite character or ship
I had the song Skin by Lume on a playlist I made for one of my fics years ago (pre-dreamer trilogy) and to me, it was always an “Adam going away to school” Pynch angst song. I just listened to it again to see how I felt about it now post-Mister Impossible and oof. It may be even more perfect for them now.
3. a song that could be about you
Liability (Reprise) by Lorde has always felt deeply personal to me.
4. a song you think is overrated
Oh no I do not think I am a good judge of what is overrated or not. A country song, probably. I’m so sorry!
5. a good song that reminds you of a specific memory
For one of my first big work projects, I was part of a team that was relocated to the basement of my company’s building so that we could “focus” and “collaborate” more easily. It was basically a windowless bunker and after spending many long days down there, we named Lorde’s version of Everybody Wants to Rule the World our theme song. If I hear it now, I’m instantly transported back to that basement.
6. the last song you listened to
I put my Liked songs on shuffle after I relistened to Skin above and the last song that played was I Don’t Like You by Grace VanderWaal.
7. a song that makes you laugh
Ugh I cannot think of an answer for this one. Probably like Despacito or something because of memes, but really that song slaps, so I’m mostly just singing along as loud as possible.
8. a song you want your mutuals to listen to
When I first found out that Mister Impossible was named after a song, I realized that I had been loving a different song by Phantogram at the same time called Dear God, so yeah, I would recommend that one.
Tagging: @creativefiend19, @telltaleclerk, @dkafterdark, @emmerrr, @strategist-scientia, @tinyarmedtrex, @wrapmeupinplastc, @pnrrish
8 notes
·
View notes
Text
Y’all are getting tunes whether you ask for them or not
1. A song that reminds you of your childhood
Orinoco Flow - Enya
One of my favorite songs as a kid. I still listen to it because I love the otherworldly feel it has to it. Plus now I associate it with Myst because the instrumentals are a lot like the Myst classic soundtrack. That matters because the Myst series is the only video game my mom plays and I have fond memories watching her play.
2. A song to sleep to
Bad Wings - The Glitch Mob
The Glitch Mob has a lot of tracks I find to be rather soothing. This one especially because it is slower than most of their other tracks. I actually found this one when I was playing my bed time Pandora radio like back in ohhhh 2014 I believe? So it works.
3. A song that your best friend loves
We’ll roll with Isa over @ aiiizawa
Pay No Mind (Feat. Passion Pit) - Madeon
Feeling is pretty mutual on how much this song rocks. It is nice, bouncy, and the song just makes you feel warm all over.
4. A song that hypes you the fuck up
Never Gonna Stop (The Red, Red Kroovy) - Rob Zombie
I will not be surprised when I get a speeding ticket due to this song. It’s just that good and I will never not go apeshit to it. I also love the bass in the intro, it sounds fucking killer in almost every car/truck I’ve been in.
5. A song you like to daydream to
Here Comes the Rain Again - Eurythmics
It’s soothing, it has a sweet vibe to it, it also has a longing feel to it. It works for almost every ship of mine, it instantly puts me in a mood. What else could I want from it?
6. A song that’s on at least 3 of your playlists
Bite Me! (Chrom Remix) - Hocico
This one was recommended to me by a very dear friend and I just love it. It’s on my personal playlist, a playlist for a friend’s character, and my general VtM playlist. It’s just a really cool song.
7. A song that you love from a genre you don’t usually like
Train, Train - Blackfoot
Rockabilly is something I want to get more into, but I really am so choosy. This was one given to me by my Dad and he was absolutely right to. The song fucking slaps.
8. A song that you liked when you where 10 that still slaps
Imaginary - Evanescence
I’ve loved Evanescence since I was a little one and I’m still right on that. Amy Lee’s voice is amazing and I still listen to her very often. This one was my favorite as a kid because on the Fallen album, you go from Tourniquet with it’s full orchestra ending and then it drops to this single violin in the intro and that rocked. I was always so excited to hear it as a kid. I also loved shouting “FLOWERS”. Didn’t really know any of the other lyrics until much later.
9. A song that makes you want to go on an adventure
Uncharted Worlds - Sam Hulick
Is it cheating to pull from a game OST? Either way, this song always makes me want to explore the galaxy. Lucky bastards in ME.
10. A song you’d want to dance with your partner to ( or future partner )
Ragtime Cat (Ft. Lilja Bloom) - Parov Stelar
I’ll take my L on this one, but I do genuinely love electro swing, I love swing dancing, and this one feels like the perfect one to dance with. It has a fun tempo and I also love the jump between new and old in this song.
11. A song to stomp around and pout to
Happy? - Mudvayne
I mean really, what else do you need beyond a passive-aggressive nu metal song to be angry to?
12. A song to listen to whilst you lie in a meadow
Wheel in the Sky - Journey
Sounds like the perfect place to contemplate, and Wheel in the Sky is the perfect song to do that with. Think about the future and fate while enjoying a good tune by Journey.
13. A song that reflects your views on love
Sparks - Faith and the Muse
Kind of my go to love song? There is a reverence and a hesitance in this song that really speaks to me. Love is scary, but it’s alive and well.
14. A song to sing to the sun
I could have been cheeky and picked The Sun by Gothminister, but I won’t
Honestly, I’m not sure how to read this, so take something that is definitely a daytime tune with Song 2 - Blur
Not a “sun” song, but I always associate it with the kind of sports I like and that as close as I can get.
15. A song you like that sounds like its on the soundtrack to an indie coming of age film
Volcanic Jig - Natalie MacMaster
Feels like the kind of light, bouncy stuff they would play in an opening scene to me.
16. A song that you like that romanticises being a teenager
Electricity - Red City Radio
At least part of it. It has a growing up with someone you like kind of feel to it and part of that would have to be being a teen. Beyond that, evidently nothing I listen to matches this either.
17. A song that makes you want to grab your friends jump up and down dancing and screaming the lyrics
Devil’s Dance Floor - Flogging Molly
Mostly because it’s just the song stuck in my head really bad, but that chorus, it sounds so fun to sing!!
18. A song that you like that the lyrics are just so beautiful they’re practically poetry
Oh I regret using Sparks already
Love You To Life - Grace Jones
Might as well be a poem really! Just take a listen and enjoy.
19. A song that you can imagine listening to in an abandoned church ( if it isn’t hozier im judging you, but whatever )
Listen to more artists
Sunday Morning - The Bolshoi
I would pick this one for a number of reasons - first off, it has a good sort of distant feeling to me that matches an abandoned place, second it has to deal with negative feelings with Christianity, which would match my mood best while standing in a church, abandoned or not.
20. A song from the soundtrack of a film that you like so much after the film finished you immediately looked for it
Warrior Falls - Ludwig Göransson
Yes, it is a Marvel movie soundtrack, but consider - The drums in the Black Panther Soundtrack rock. Now to be honest, this is like one of the only movie soundtracks I have saved. If we went video game, then god it might have to be
Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag Main Theme - Brian Tyler
AC soundtracks in general tend to fucking rock, but this theme is so powerful every time I hear it, I’m fuckin ready to be a pirate.
21. A song for when the sun has gone down and you are feeling absolutely buck-wild with exhilaration!
Augen Auf - Oomph!
I have so many songs that work for this. This is normally when I listen to music so I have many Manic Energy Songs.
22. A song that makes you feel like you’re strolling through Ancient Greece living your best life
Very specific indeed, but perhaps Antvmnos - Eluveite ?
Tell me it wouldn’t be perfect to stroll a Greek shoreline with.
23. A song that when you listen to it you’re transported to a liminal space, time is pointless and you must sit and wallow in the void that remains
Black Car - Beach House
I listen to this song and my mind is instantly somewhere indescribable and unknowable and all I can do is listen, relax, and go through it. It’s very pleasant to me.
24. A song to listen to on a long drive when you have the really strong urge to keep driving until you find somewhere to start a new life (preferably a europian city whose language you don’t speak)
Perhaps not that exactly, but a song that makes me want to be a weary traveler seeing sights most can only dream of is Far Horizons - Jeremy Soule
2 notes
·
View notes
Text
65 Questions You Aren’t Used To
I wasn’t tagged but @rafaelina-casillas and really want to know more about my mutuals! ^^
1. Do you ever doubt the existence of others than you?
- No, I don’t think that has happened to me.
2. On a scale of 1-5, how afraid of the dark are you?
- 3? I just get very nervous because that’s when my anxiety just zhfjlzbvk
3. The person you would never want to meet?
- Donald Trump, Kanye West and a bunch of assholes i can’t remember lol
4. What is your favorite word?
- papille and papillotte in French
5. If you were a type of tree, what would you be?
- A pine tree. Something that is always green. Plus it’s associated with Christmas and that’s a huge bonus.
6. When you looked in the mirror this morning what was the first thing you thought?
- Jesus did I come back from the dead?
7. What shirt are you wearing?
- Still Pj’s and an oversized sweatshirt
8. What do you label yourself as?
- Ugly
9. Bright room or dark room?
- Semi-bright room.
10. What were you doing at midnight last night?
- Sleeping
11. Favorite age you’ve been so far?
- 17?
12. Who told you they loved you last?
- my bae @pythiaaa
13. Your worst enemy?
- Me
14. What is your current desktop picture?
15. Do you like someone?
- A lot of fictional characters
16. The last song you listened to?
- No by Meghan Trainor
17. You can press a button that will make any one person explode. Who would you blow up?
- So many, just think about a whole country getting wiped out at this point!
18. Who would you really like to just punch in the face?
- Everyone that’s hurt me cuz that shit’s scarred me deep
19. If anyone could be your slave for a day, who would it be and what would they have to do?
- As much as I hate people, I’m against slavery.
20. What is your best physical attribute? (showing said attribute is optional)
- My hair?
21. If you were the opposite sex for one day, what would you look like and what would you do?
22. Do you have a secret talent? If yes, what is it?
- Writing? But I wouldn’t consider it a talent because I can’t write altogether!
23. What is one unique thing you’re afraid of?
- Spiders, I cry instantly when I see them. Also any animation that looks somewhat like Wallace And Gromit, that shit shady af
24. You can only have one kind of sandwich. Every sandwich ingredient known to humankind is at your disposal.
- Panini bread, mustard, ham and cheese, all of it toasted.
25. You just found $100! How are you going to spend it?
- Merchandise lmao
26. You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere in the world, but you have to leave immediately. Where are you going to go?
- Russia for reasons
27. An angel appears out of Heaven and offers you a lifetime supply of the alcoholic beverage of your choice. “Be brand-specific” it says. Man! What are you gonna say about that? Even if you don’t drink booze there’s something you can figure out… so what’s it gonna be?
Pimm’s Number 1 original
28. You discover a beautiful island upon which you may build your own society. You make the rules. What is the first rule you put into place?
- Equality
29. What is your favorite expletive?
- shithead or asshat.
30. Your house is on fire, holy shit! You have just enough time to run in there and grab ONE inanimate object. Don’t worry, your loved ones and pets have already made it out safely. So what’s the one thing you’re going to save from that blazing inferno?
- My computer and phone, chargers included
31. You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?
- Everything before my 17th birthday
32. You got kicked out of the country for being a time-traveling heathen who sleeps with celebrities and has super-powers. But check out this cool shit… you can move to anywhere else in the world!
- Greece
33. The Celestial Gates Of Beyond have opened, much to your surprise because you didn’t think such a thing existed. Death appears. As it turns out, Death is actually a pretty cool entity, and happens to be in a fantastic mood. Death offers to return the friend/family-member/person/etc. of your choice to the living world. Who will you bring back?
- Thankfully I haven’t lost anyone that I really cared about
34. What was your last dream about?
Not a wet dream about Donald Pierce
35. Are you a good….[insert anything you’d like here]? - Are you good at reading people a.k.a can you guess a person’s character correctly without knowing them well?
- I think so?
36. Have you ever been admitted to the hospital?
- Yes
37. Have you ever built a snowman?
- Keyword is ‘tried’ to make a snowman
38. What is the color of your socks?
- White
39. What type of music do you like?
- Movie soundtracks, not cliche classical music and pop
40. Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?
- Sunsets because I don’t feel as sleep deprived
41. What is your favorite milkshake flavor?
- I don’t know what milkshakes taste like
42. What football team do you support? (I will answer in terms of American football as well as soccer)
- French National Football Team!
43. Do you have any scars?
- Yes,
44. What do you want to be when you graduate?
- An Engineer for Dyson or Samsung
45. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
- Myself, that’s one thing!
46. Are you reliable?
- Yes, but only 100% to the people I deeply care about
47. If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
- Will I suck as much as I do now?
48. Do you hold grudges?
- It’s complicated
49. If you could breed two animals together to defy the laws of nature, what new animal would you create?
- A tiger and a wolf
50. What is the most unusual conversation you’ve ever had?
- Most convoes with my bae but I love them.
51. Are you a good liar?
- Meh
52. How long could you go without talking?
- A very very long time
53. What has been you worst haircut/style?
- Too short
54. Have you ever baked your own cake?
- I can’t make food lmao
55. Can you do any accents other than your own?
- Indian, Italian and very lowkey Russian
56. What do you like on your toast?
- Grated chocolate yum!!
57. What is the last thing you drew a picture of?
- I can’t draw
58. What would be you dream car?
- An Adam
59. Do you sing in the shower? Or do anything unusual in the shower? Explain.
- I can’t sing either, but I can stay for hours reflecting on my pathetic life.
60. Do you believe in aliens?
- Yes, I do believe we can’t be the only one in the universe
61. Do you often read your horoscope?
- No
62. What is your favorite letter of the alphabet?
- Lol what?
63. Which is cooler: dinosaurs or dragons?
- I ain’t choosing
64. What do you think about babies?
- Ew
65. Freebie! Ask anything interesting you can think of. - What’s one place in the world you would transport to if you could do it right at this moment?
- Alternate universes: Marvel for my baby and DC for my babies! Also Ikemen Sengoku cuz it looks so pretty!
Otherwise, I want to transport everywhere!
Tagging: @pythiaaa @nxttime @mizmahlia @sweetspiderboy @an-all-write-life @rosevered and my other sisters! And obvi everyone else who wants to do this!!
4 notes
·
View notes
Video
Hi everyone,
Hope you all had a great reading week!
As music plays (and always has played) a major role in my life, I loved the content of this week! I personally find that there is nothing quite similar to the way music is able to provoke emotion and thought. I thought I’d share some of my thoughts in response to the question prompts this week!
Where is music in nature?
Music is all around us in nature! I honestly really enjoyed reading the article about the science of music in nature and found I learned a ton. Of course I knew that animals have calls and melodies, but I kind of thought that all calls served the same purpose of just pure arrhythmic communication, similar to just talking between humans. I had no idea that bird or even whale songs have structure similar to human composition, and that seems kind of baffling to me. It is also absolutely crazy to me how they use similar note intervals and timbres to the music we make. It leads me to wonder if humans based our music off of those natural noises of birds and whales as suggested by the article, or if those specific frequencies and rhythms just naturally sound better to all animals. I don’t know if there will ever be a way to prove either theory. It is very intruiging and I intend to do a ton more research on this as I have so so so many questions!
Where is nature in music?
I really enjoyed listening to Ben Mirins music as a “wildlife DJ” where he incorporated sampler recording of nature into his work. I had never considered the concept, but I really liked how he felt as though the birds he lived around were his most valuable teachers growing up. I think we all have so much to learn from the nature around us and I think Ben did a great job of showing just how beautiful it can be when we learn from and value it. I also really appreciate the way he travels around the world to make mixes specific to one area or culture, using their native species they have there. I think it’s such a great way to celebrate and embrace new culture, all while having fun with it! As we read in the Ares reading as well, music such as the traditional folk music in Finland can be used to represent culture and communicate the value of nature.
Other than Ben’s “wilflife DJ” music, I’m not sure I’ve ever heard of wildlife noise being incorporated into songs. Some music videos definitely start with birds chirping in the morning or things like that to set the scene, but I’ve never heard of them being put directly into the music. I know Billie Eilish and Finneas incorporate surrounding noises into their beats sometimes, but I don’t think they’re from nature. I know in Bad Guy Billie said that the main beat was based off a recording she took on her phone while she was at a crosswalk in Australia which is kind of cool! The concept is quite similar in that beauty and melodies surround us and whether or not we choose to tune it in or out is up to us.
What song takes you immediately back to a natural landscape? What is the context?
A song that takes me back to nature is one I just found this past week actually, called Haywire by Bootstraps. It’s not a song that you would think relates to nature at all, but I spent a ton of time listening to it while in Hawaii last week and now it sounds and feels like listening to waves to me. I think that one of the most empowering things about music is that it can carry such strong associations with it. I’m sure you have all experienced something similar, but I find if I listen to one song for a long time over a certain period, if I listen to that song 5 years later it has the ability to transport me back to that time and instantly allows me to feel the exact same way I did at that time. For that reason, I think its hard to instantly provide that same “nostalgic” feeling after only hearing a song a couple times, but I think I would still share songs along with interpretation to provide a specific feeling. Haywire instantly had a calming effect on me the first time I heard it, and it slowed my breathing so I was able to focus on the sound of the waves in tandem with the music. It allowed me to really just focus on my surroundings and be in the moment! I think it would be a great choice for a song to share with others while guiding interpretation. Above I included a video of some of the waves I got to appreciate while I was in Hawaii.Below is a link to Haywire if you would like to listen to it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4chXhf6cDhM
Does anyone have a song that brings up nostalgia every time they hear it?
0 notes
Text
11 Questions
I was tagged by @4vrafangirl a little while ago! I apologize for the delay, but some answers took me a while to think about before I answered.
Rules: Answer the 11 questions, write 11 of your own, tag 11 people.
1. What’s a movie you could watch again immediately after viewing it if you realized a friend or family member hadn’t seen it yet?
I’d argue for a lot of movies for this one, tbh. But if I had to pick just one, I would definitely say The Mummy. The one with Brendan Frazier. I adore that movie.
2. What’s a song you used to listen to ad nauseam you can’t stand anymore?
Hmm, I don’t really think I have a song that fits the bill? Unlike other people I know, I don’t really get sick of something because I’ve heard/watched/read it too many times.
3. You’ve the magical power to make one of your rewrites/alternate endings to a show/book/movie canon. But just one. What would you pick and how would you change it?
Eh, I mean my ME alternate ending? But I think that’s me and half of the fandom, so I don’t know if it really counts lol. Otherwise, I actually don’t do rewritten endings too much? Surprisingly?
4. Favorite RPG class?
Overall, I love spellcasters of any kind. It’s almost always my go-to choice when starting a new game with your “typical” RPG elements. However, I have also found that it is incredibly fun playing a rogue in D&D, especially with sneak attack damage ;)
5. Top 5 desert island albums (assuming you have a means of playing them, what could you listen to without tiring of them)?
Songs from the Heart - Celtic Woman
Hamilton: An American Musical - Original Broadway Cast
Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz - Original Broadway Cast
Tailgates & Tanlines - Luke Bryan
The Strange Case Of... - Halestorm
6. Ever colored/wanted to color your hair? Which was your favorite?
I got blonde highlights once when I was in middle school, and then dyed my hair back to its natural color right before I started high school. I would love to try being silver, purple, or blue for a while, but I also don’t want to go to the blonde in-between stage required for my dark hair haha
7. What artistic or creative medium do you wish you could possess/improve?
Uh, like all of them? I’m okay with 2-D art, I guess, but I definitely want to get better. I also want to learn how to do digital art. I also want to improve what minimal crafting skills I have so that I can create more cosplays and work on opening up some sort of online store.
8. You’ve been tasked with writing an NPC for your favorite game. Describe them a bit.
So, the fandom I have with the largest number of OCs has to be Dragon Age. In addition to all my Wardens/Champions/Inquisitors, I actually have a handful of other OCs for the universe that aren’t player characters. I would love to see any of them as an NPC, so I’m going to list them below. Outside of their intended canon, I like to imagine them as the Inquisitor’s companions, specifically.
Zahra Tahan: A Nevarran ranger. She is elven-blooded, the result of an illegitimate union between a merchant prince and one of his servants. However, she has never been shunned by her family, and actually works closely with her father and half-brothers in the merchant houses. She has a fairly adventurous spirit, so she’s often getting into trouble.
Nicolette Fabre: An Orlesian mage-rogue. She is an elf and is part of the Red Jennies. She primarily operates as a cat burglar with the pseudonym of Ombre. She has as extremely guarded personality and is one of many that idolizes Briala and her efforts to fight for the rights of the elves.
Sonya Barros: A Rivaini Seer. She is an orphaned Qunari that was raised by Isadora Barros, an established Seer just outside of Dairsmuid. She’s spent most of her life serving as the village healer alongside her mother, and is extremely gentle and polite.
9. Do you have anything you consider a lucky charm?
Nothing that I wear or keep on my person on a consistent basis. At least, not anymore. However, I usually consider most of my crystal necklaces to be lucky for me.
10. What smell/sound/thing can instantly transport you back to a happy time/memory?
This may be a cop-out of an answer, but my journal brings me back to multiple happy memories. I like to hoard little mementos from fun things I do, like ticket stubs or photobooth strips, and make my journal into a pseudo-scrapbook.
11. Hogwarts & Ilvermorny house?
I am a proud Hufflepuff! And according to Pottermore, my Ilvermorny house is Thunderbird.
I tag: @thevetranyxs, @dismalzelenka, @sasshole-for-rent, @calwyne, @suzumicchi, @sylveonne, @heronfem, @battlefox, @amariahellcat, @ariannadi, and @tiredspaceplant. However, as always, there is no obligation to respond.
Here are your questions! (Some of which are blatantly copied from a previous “11 Questions” I did.)
1. Do you sing in the shower?
2. What was the last book you read?
3. If you play D&D (or any other tabletop RPG), who is one of your favorite PCs that you created?
4. What’s one thing that you can’t live without?
5. How would you describe your personal aesthetic?
6. If you could trade places with one person for a day, who would it be and why?
7. What is the craziest thing you have ever done because someone dared you to?
8. Who are you closest friends and why?
9. What physical features do you find most attractive in other people?
10. You are stuck in the universe of the last video game you played. How screwed are you?
11. If you were given an all-expenses paid trip, where would you want to go and why?
4 notes
·
View notes
Text
@metamercury done tagged me so Here Goes
1. Always post these rules
2. Answer the questions given by the person who tagged you
3. Write 11 questions of your own
4. Tag 11 people
1. Who’s your fave gym leader from pokemon? (and if you don’t really play the games then just fave pokemon will do)
i do play the games but i never paid attention to the leaders BUT my fav would be...a tie between duoblade/vaporeon/talonflame
2. Weird phobias?
i probably do have weird ones but i honestly cannot remember them at the moment?
3. Do you listen to music a lot? Or are you the type of person that enjoys the quiet?
i listen to music a lot a lot because i cannot do ANYTHING if it’s dead silent
4. What’s your favourite smell?
DIESEL and also pomegranates/them fruity candles
5. So like. If you suddenly developed whatever super power you’ve always wanted, would you use it for good or evil, or would you just kind of use it to make your regular life easier?
i would use it for good but also because i’m lazy i would use it for regular life too
6. When it comes to reading, do you enjoy the old timey classics?
it depends? like when you say old timey classics i think of like “To Kill A Mockingbird” or “Old Yeller” or something so it’s kinda iffy
7. What’s the most badass thing you’ve ever done? (by your standards)
uhh i guess like [fairly regularly i guess] just casually walkin down the road while the prison guards and the transports are coming out because people think it is Very Dangerous but tbh...its ok
8. Okay this is weirdly specific, but it’s come to my attention recently that people sometimes dip their fries in mayonnaise instead of ketchup. Or even mix the two together. Thoughts?
get BOTH them outta here i just use bbq. my sister’s kids mix their ketchup with ranch and it forever killed any enjoyment i had
9. Gimme a song that kind of speaks to you.
the lose yourself remix where everything is replaced by “mom’s spaghetti uhh if we’re talkin like lyrics then it’s still “it comes back to you” but if we’re talkin about it in general then the “this is who you are” from warframe because i reliably cry every time i listen to it OR the void ambient soundtrack because i listen to it when i do literally anything and i transcend this plane of reality
10. Who do/would you main in Overwatch?
i don’t have a console and if i tried to play it on my laptop it would actually combust but probably...bastion because that’s sorta how i play games in general but also maybe mccree because we both wear flannels and talk like idiots
11. How was your day?
it’s only like 2 here but it’s been STUPIDLY HOT and we’re going to help do a house later so i might actually die
OK so now i gotta think of some questions
1. Favorite video game soundtrack?
2. Are you into sports at all? If so, what’s your favorite one and favorite team from it?
3. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve eaten/drank?
4. Pop or soda?
5. What’s your favorite holiday?
6. Favorite video game character?
7. Is there something that can instantly make you mad?
8. Would you trust a horse
9. What’s the weirdest sticker you’ve seen on a car?
10. Favorite cryptid?
11. What’s your favorite planet?
ok uhh 11 people,, : @drdone @shrubbot @the-ultimate-owl @big-stupid-jellyfish @zangapf @biamblonyx @equusoils @darvobek @dietpeachfaygo @quenive @spichy
#I HAD TO REALLY GRAB FOR QUESTIONS FYI SO SORRY IF THEY'RE BAD#plus i'm fighting off the cat and the dog because someone's outside and they're trying to see out the window#i u wanna do it u can say i tagged you because i had to really grab for 11 people too#i need a new tag
4 notes
·
View notes
Note
5, 11, 15, 22, 37, 46?
5)A song that reminds you of another period in your life
Anytime I listen to Mirror by Ellie Goulding (which is on the Catching Fire soundtrack and is so good) I’m always transported back to when that movie came out. Because I listened to that song non stop and it played a lot at Icing when I worked there.
11)A song that reminds you of your best friend
Don’t Stop Believing by Journey. We’re obnoxious and belt it anytime it’s on and we’re together. It played at our prom and we were like screaming it. Our poor dates’ ears probably hurt after that hahaha
15)A song that makes you want to fall in love
I have 2 that I’ll name. The first being Still Falling For You by Ellie Goulding. It’s so good and it’s just so sweet. The second being Bright by Echosmith for the same reasons. They’re just like the cutest and upbeat songs and they always put me in a good mood. They don’t depict love as something bad. They’re very loving songs. Because, as you can probably guess, Still Falling For You is about still loving somebody after so long and after going through so much. And Bright is about knowing that the love you have currently is good. “Life is good and that’s the way it should be.”
22)A song that motivates you to work/helps you focus
I don’t think I really have a specific song for this; it tends to be whatever I’m listening nonstop at the moment is what I listen to to help me focus. But the most recent song has been Younger Now by Miley Cyrus. It’s a really good song. It’s chilled and easy to sing along to. I still haven’t gotten sick of it and I’ve bee listening to it nonstop for quite awhile.
37)A song that helped you through a difficult time in your life
I’m gonna answer this two ways. One being the song that helped me during a specific part in my life and then the next being what has continually helped me.
The first being Clean by Taylor Swift. I was in kind of a shitty place when I first heard this one and it not only helped me feel better, I got out of the shitty place. I was dealing with people who made my life difficult that I didn’t want to deal with, I didn’t feel happy about anything in my life and it really helped listening to this.
The second being music that helps me whenever I’m having a panic attack or just not feeling great and that’s the music from Mermaid Melody. Literally any song can calm me. One in particular though which is Legend of Mermaid. Singing it to myself when I can’t listen to it helps me a lot and listening to the orgel version helps calm me down A LOT. I’ll link the orgel one because it’s beautiful Taiyou no Rakuen, helps too.
46)A song that you wish more people knew about
Inner Demons by Julia Brennan!!! I heard it on the radio a while back and I instantly fell in love with it. And I think I might’ve heard it on the radio once or twice since then. But I had it on repeat for a long time and it’s just SUCH A GOOD SONG.
#thank you for the ask!! :)#honestly though i kept kind of waking up during the procedure where they put my new port in#and the only thing to make me not freak out was singing legend of mermaid to myself#because when i officially woke up while they were stitching me i had a panic attack#afterwards one of the nurses was like oh hey you were singing during the procedure#and i'm like yeah because you assholes didn't knock me all the way out
1 note
·
View note
Text
Game of the Year 2018
2018 was an interesting year for games. While there wasn’t as much depth as previous years, the games that stood out were truly something special. This was certainly a year where big franchises that had been dormant for a few years came roaring back, but more importantly some developers released some truly unique new IP that took the industry by storm. All of this combined for some great experiences that won’t soon be forgotten. There wasn’t a ton of games I thought were fantastic outside of the top 10, but this was one of the most difficult years to order the top 10 as the quality of each game was unbelievable.
As always, the rules for inclusion are as follows:
The game must have its final retail release in 2018. Thus, anything in an alpha/beta state or Steam Early Access does not qualify. This rule is still being under consideration for removal.
In the case of episodic games, they must have their final episode delivered in 2018 to make the list.
While this list is comprehensive, I haven’t played everything. Games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Dragon Quest XI, Hitman 2, Forza Horizon 4, Florence, and The Messenger all seem great but are unfortunately all still on my backlog.
Most importantly: the game has to be really good. No-brainer there.
Honorable mentions:
While this year wasn’t as competitive past the Top 10, there were a few other games I played that deserved mentions as my final cuts:
Monster Hunter World - This was a causality of not having enough time to get deep enough in the game, but from what I played MHW does a great job making the series more accessible to a broader audience.
Octopath Traveler - The game oozes style and has a great combat system, but unfortunately the late-game repetition and disjointed story keeps it from becoming something great.
Yoku’s Island Express - It was truly a unique idea to mix pinball with Metroidvania, and it pays off with a fun game and a great soundtrack.
Without further ado, here are my top 10 games of 2018:
10. Super Smash Bros Ultimate (Bandai Namco/Sora - Switch)
The follow up to Smash Bros for Wii U/3DS, this entry once again delivered. Nintendo managed to bring back every character that has ever been in a Smash game, including characters that were cut from previous installments for various reasons. The team managed to make enough subtle tweaks to most characters to keep the brawler as entertaining as usual. However, the standout mode in this version has to be in the massive single-player Spirits system. There are over 1,000 unique spirits to collect in this game, and to unlock most of them you need to complete a special battle that represents the character of the spirit you are trying to unlock. These clever fights help pay homage to characters that don’t make the cut for Smash, and it is a nice touch to help add several dozens of hours of fun moments.
9. Into the Breach (Subset Games - PC, Switch)
Following up to their 2012 indie hit FTL, Subset Games is back with another clever run-based adventure. Into the Breach is something all its own though, as this turn-based strategy game tasks you with using a few mechs to defend various cities and structures from an invading alien menace. Customization is key here, as you are able to unlock multiple squads and pilots that help completely modify your strategy to save the world. One of the more brilliant parts of the game is that almost all the information is provided to you prior to each turn. You know exactly where each enemy is going to attack the following turn, so the goal isn’t just to eliminate your foe, but also disrupt them. If you see your opponent is poised to barrel ahead in a straight line towards a building, you can use a ranged attack to instead knock it of its path so that it instead rams into another adversary. While it is incredibly challenging to have the perfect turn, everything is within your control so you know it was your fault if things go wrong. Ben Prunty also delivers an incredible soundtrack yet again, as his melodies help really set the atmosphere for each tense battle.
8. Red Dead Redemption 2 (Rockstar Studios - PS4/XBO)
Easily the most talked about game of 2018, Rockstar’s prologue to their 2010 western is an incredible technical achievement. The amount of detail that goes into every aspect of this game seems mind-blowing, and it is quite easy to lose yourself in the world that has been created. The story is also one of the biggest improvements in the game this time around, as seeing how Dutch’s gang fell leading to the events of the previous installment is a fascinating tale. The protagonist, Arthur Morgan, has one of the more gripping character arcs seen in the past few years. There is an absolute ton to accomplish in this game, as it is constantly introducing new side quests as well as presenting random stranger events that help make everything feel very alive. Unfortunately, sometimes the gameplay gets in its own way, and some of the later missions can be a repetitive slog despite the gripping story being told. This is one not to be missed, but there’s just enough keeping it from being a true classic.
7. Donut County (Ben Esposito - iOS, PC, PS4, Switch, XBO)
Donut County is easily the weirdest game on this list as this is a game where you play as a hole. While in most games that have pits you are used to avoiding them, here you are actually trying to have as many characters and objects fall into a hole as possible. The puzzles aren’t difficult at all, but every time you suck something up, the hole gets larger so that you are able to go after larger items until nothing is left on screen. It is a unique concept that works, and it is something that anyone can play. What ties everything together though is the tremendous cast of characters in the game, as BK the raccoon and everyone around him will keep you laughing the entire way through. There is a journal in the game, the Trashopedia, which includes hilarious descriptions written by a raccoon describing real world items. It is worth ready every single entry. The soundtrack does a great job pulling everything together, and the game only being 2 to 3 hours makes it a great quick jaunt for everyone.
6. Tetris Effect (Monstars Inc/Resonair - PS4)
At this point, everyone knows what Tetris is. So, there’s nothing new that can be done with Tetris, right? Wrong. Tetsuya Mizuguchi, the mind behind Lumines, helped gets the rights to Tetris so that his studio could help work on a version of Tetris that functioned similar to his music-based puzzler. While he only served as a producer on the title, his influence is clearly seen. The hallmark mode, Journey, has you making a specific number of lines as the speed changes based on the tempo of the song that is playing. All the while this is happening, interactive backgrounds also animate to the rhythm. Once you hit your line goal, you keep your blocks on screen, but you are then transported to another song and environment to continue on with its own tempo with a new count of lines to achieve. While the game was initially built for VR, it plays just fine on a normal TV and will have you glued trying to get that classic four line namesake. The presentation also extends to multiple other challenging modes, including trying to build the highest combo as well as using 3 or 4 blocks to clear every line on a puzzle. The weekly events will keep you coming back, and overall this a great package to help revitalize one of the best games ever created.
5. Marvel’s Spider-Man (Insomniac Games - PS4)
While the previous generation saw great comic success with the Batman Arkham series, it was often wondered when some other classic heroes would get a resurgence in the gaming world. It took a while, but Insomniac found a way to capture that lightning with their PS4-exclusive Spider-Man. Skipping the origin story that has been told to death at this point, you are transported into the life of Peter Parker years after he has already become Spider-Man and several of his foes are already locked up in the Raft. Certain characters have yet to become their iconic villainous forms yet, while others are already terrorizing New York City like the Shocker. A unique Spider-Man story is told here, as with the change of canon you aren’t sure the twists and turns each character arc is going to take which always keeps you on your toes. Most importantly, the gameplay here is a blast. Previous Spider-Man games always have trouble making it feel fun to swing around the city, but Insomniac’s version has you darting around the city with ease. Random events happen in the city in real time, and everything is so tightly packed that you can accomplish anything even if you only have small amounts of time to play. There are great nods to Spider-Man and Marvel lore through with Peter’s costumes and collectibles. The underrated gem of the entire experiences are the sequences where you play as Mary Jane and Miles, as their ventures help show that everyday people are just as important to Peter’s success as Spider-Man is.
4. Return of the Obra Dinn (3909 LLC - PC)
Definitely the most unique game on the list this year, Return of the Obra Dinn casts you as an insurance claims collector that needs to catalog the deaths and disappearances of a few dozen people from an abandoned ship that has just returned. Ok, that might not sound captivating at first, but stay with me. Lucas Pope (creator of Papers Please) made one of the most novel puzzle games here, as you are given an empty journal and an artist’s rendition of everyone who was aboard the doomed vessel. You are then able to walk up to any corpse on the boat and be instantly transported back to the exact moment of their demise. Sometimes you hear brief dialogue, but mostly you are just able to walk around a still scene of the exact moment of their death. Here, you walk around and try to figure out who the person is, how they died, and who else was there. While you can typically figure out how the person died, the true puzzle solving comes with finding out the names of who each person is from their involvement in other scenes, and it creates a deep loop of investigation and revisiting moments. There truly is nothing like this game, and the unique look helps it give it a style all its own.
3. God of War (Sony Santa Monica - PS4)
While multiple franchises saw returns this year, none had more of an impact than the return of God of War. Previous installments in the series saw Kratos as a bloodthirsty screaming god looking for revenge, but this time around he moved away from Ancient Greece to Midgard for a quieter life where he is taking care of his son Atreus. His wife in this realm has recently passed, and your objective is to honor her last wish of spreading her ashes at the highest point in the realm. Part of what makes this entry in the series so satisfying is that it slows down the adventure and gives more weight to the combat as well as more options to vanquish your foes. The light-RPG system implemented helps you determine what skills Kratos can utilize and lets your specialize your character more than previous games. While the combat is great, the world and its story is what takes center stage here. Kratos’ relationship with his son makes for great moments throughout and does a lot more to humanize Kratos compared to previous games in the series. The supporting cast does a great job of making the world feel alive as well, especially Mimir who will help give insight to the history of everything around you in real time as you travel. Kratos’ return is a triumph, and it helped make me care about a franchise that I thought I had lost all interest in. The ending was left very open, so its very exciting to see where Sony Santa Monica goes from here.
2. Dead Cells (Motion Twin - PC, PS4, Switch, XBO)
youtube
Early Access has been a system that has certainly had its ups and downs, but Dead Cells just may be the best thing to ever come out of the program. There have been games in the past that have attempted to fuse Metroidvanias and rouge-lites, but none have succeeded like this. It’s simple, at the beginning of every run you are given a melee weapon and a choice of one other weapon, all of which differ depending on what you have unlocked so far. From here, you’re free to explore the first level of the game and keep any upgrade that you find. Also along the way you occasionally pick up cells from enemies, which serve as your currency for upgrades. However, if you die before the end of a level, you lose everything that you picked up so far in that area. This helps build tension when you’ve gotten a rare blueprint for a new item or a large number of cells, as you want to make sure you can reach the collector who will essentially bank your cells and let you buy things to improve future runs. Its a loop that works.
While the upgrade system, the unique weapons and skills, and branching paths help set this rogue-lite apart, the true glory in Dead Cells is the combat and how tight the controls are. There are few 2D action games that feel this good to play, and it makes some of the more frantic levels an absolute blast. You’ll certainly get to the first boss in an early run, but he’ll likely demolish you. Improve yourself a little bit, and the next time you get back to him you see progress but still no victory. Hone your skills more, and the next thing you know it you are trouncing the first boss every single time you get to him. Then as the game ramps up in difficulty in the following levels, you learn to adapt in new ways to advance even more. After tons of runs and hours, you’ll eventually find yourself at the final test: The Hand of the King. He is without a doubt the hardest aspect of this game that will do everything to crush what you thought was a perfect run. But when you finally have a run that allows you to land that final blow and defeat him, it is something special that encapsulates the beauty of perseverance in this game. This just might be the best rogue-lite since Spelunky.
1. Celeste (Matt Makes Games - PC, PS4, Switch, XBO)
youtube
At the beginning of the game, you’re told that Celeste is a game about climbing a mountain. While that is very true, it’s about much more than that. Celeste is a precision platform that stars a young girl named Madeline who is setting out to climb Celeste Mountain to prove she can do it. Her intentions aren’t crystal clear at first, but she’s told by one of the other NPCs that she’ll fail. She has told by her mother in a dream sequence that she’ll fail. She’s followed by a dark version of herself that tells her that she’ll fail. It becomes evident quickly that this is a game about conquering your own anxiety and doing something outside of your comfort zone.
While Celeste draws inspiration from games like Super Meat Boy and I Wanna Be the Man, there is enough to give the game its own identity here. This game is punishing, but at the same time it is incredibly fair. Anytime you die, you are sent back immediately to the beginning of the screen. This allows you to easily evaluate how you made a mistake adjust or fine tune your strategy from there. Soon obstacles that seemed impossible are nothing to you, and you instead need to figure out how to get through the next roadblock. You get better and learn something every time you die, and that helps you propel forwards better than other similar games in the genre. There are also collectibles hidden on most screens known as strawberries, and they serve as an extra challenge to help make each level even harder if you want to take the extra step. But the true difficulty lies in the bonus B-side and C-side levels that unlock should you find the other collectibles in each level. These are remixed levels that are shorter than the main game but present new twists on the mechanics of each world, leading to one of the most rewarding feelings should you be able to conquer these. They are not for the faint of heart.
0 notes
Text
Depeche Mode Intensive Training
It’s pretty rare that we go to large concerts (i.e. “large” to us is anything with over 1,000 people). Notice we’re calling them “concerts” and not just “shows.” These are large scale, bordering on spectacle, musical events that usually include elaborate light shows, possible wardrobe changes, stage decorations/design, etc.
It’s been years since the last one, but it’s for a “bucketlist” band that we’re going to a concert like this later this year: Depeche Mode
This mixtape is intended to serve as an “intensive training” playlist that bridges two criteria: Depeche Mode songs that are considered in the canon and one’s that are specifically special/meaningful to us. In short: undisputed classics and songs which helped mold our perception of the group.
From there, we tried to branch out, as well as geek out, a bit more for a balanced selection of songs:
Range of discography - Songs from pretty much every era of the band
Energy and tempo - Dancefloor destroyers to downbeat, somber introspectors (yea, we made that word up)
Official releases vs. Rarities - The familiar versions of songs as well as some remixes and b-sides (as well as a live performance)
Of course there are going to be so many songs with the above criteria, we had to impose a 20-song cap. This meant loads of songs were left off that really pained us to not include, but we can’t go making a four hour mixtape. Without further ado, here’s the ‘Depeche Mode 2017 Intensive Training’ mixtape:
CH #79 - Depeche Mode 2k17 Intensive Training
1) Strangelove (Tim Simenon, Mark Saunders Remix)
An undisputed classic can almost elicit eyerolls for its “No duh” factor. That’s why it’s nice when a remix can keep the core of the song intact, with nice updated window dressing that doesn’t anchor the song into any one particular era. The intro sounds vaguely familiar, but it’s almost generic enough to not give away what you’re immediately hearing. As it builds the lightbulb of familiarity doesn’t as much instantly flick on as it slowly starts to illuminate... And then the moment comes (THE MOMENT) where it’s instantly recognizable in one second, at the 1min 51 second mark, and DING! It’s “Strangelove” and you’re pumped.
2) Behind The Wheel (Remix)
DM’s Music For The Masses was a flashpoint in the group’s career. Arenas to stadiums. Big to huge. One of the key singles from the 1987 record was “Behind The Wheel.” While the album also saw DM start to step out of the darker themes of their previous couple albums a bit more, this track kept the somber strains present, revolving around power, control, and relationship dynamics (and *foreshadowing* this won’t be the last time you’ll encounter elements of “Behind The Wheel” on this playlist). This is the 7-inch version of the song, which cuts about one minute out of the original, for better or worse, from the original album version
3) World In My Eyes
The general consensus is that Violator is probably Depeche Mode’s most popular record. The aforementioned Music For The Masses broke the band through to the mainstream, so in many ways Violator was their critical moment: could they maintain their craft beyond their relatively recent entry to stardom? Judging how ubiquitous the singles “Personal Jesus” and “Enjoy The Silence” are, the answer has to be, “Yes.” However, we get as much or more excitement at hearing the kick-off song to the album. Maybe it’s because as the lead-off track the listener knows what other great songs lie ahead on the record (spoiler alert: one of said songs is further down the list). As such, it’s a great “Set-the-tone” track for the amazing collection of songs that follow it.
4) Love In Itself
...Speaking of songs to kick-off an album, ‘Love In Itself’ is a ‘beaut from the 1983 record Construction Time Again. The low-to-high variations in tempo between the verse and chorus is something the band rarely did, making it a little more unique than most of their other singles. Throw in the dour lyrics from Gahan and you’ve got a DM classic.
5) Happens All The Time
The first of a few b-sides on this playlist is from Delta Machine. The album sounds very modern (it came out in 2013) and with a generally more subdued tempo overall, but it’s lyrics and subject matter echo the more bleak tones of their mid-late 80s output, which got a lot of fans and critics jazzed. However, arguably our favorite song from this record wasn’t actually on the record; it’s one of the four b-sides: “Happens All The Time.” There’s something so deliciously eerie and foggy about the crawling pace, subtle synths and backing vocals... The layers really give this song a thick atmosphere.
6) Master And Servant
Like “Behind The Wheel” above, this song really hinges on the same basic precepts: an upbeat dancefloor destroyer with the subject matter revolving around power dynamics in life and relationships... except the lyrics sprinkle in just enough hints of S&M sexual kinkiness to give it an edge the group flirted with from time to time.
7) Stripped (7" Version)
So much power in this song. Its strength really rests in the universality of the lyrics: When no one is looking, who are you really? Without distracting influence, or need for validation or security, who ARE you? The question seems to be directed at whoever the protagonist is speaking to, but can also be self-reflection. The song plays out almost like a novel: a minimal theme sets the stage at the beginning and slowly grows. The simple premise is presented: “Let’s get away” (ie. Let’s remove the layers and societal filters we’ve acquired). And then Gahan comes sweeping in with such grandeur at the 41 second mark, “Let me see you stripped down to the bone...” The echoey, reverb makes the words nearly cinematic in their delivery.
8) Heaven (Justin Warfield Remix)
The second remix on this playlist is from Justin Warfield, of She Wants Revenge fame (sidenote: his band toured with DM when they released their first self-titled album; that must’ve been insane for a band’s first tour). This version of the song has an unusual tempo of about 100 bpms, where you feel like you’re just taking a stroll, plodding along, then things come into focus during the chorus and you also get a good dose of how well Martin and Dave can harmonize. Bonus points for the great keyboard stabs at the end of the song, 3min 40 sec.
9) Everything Counts (Live)
This song needs to be in everyone’s Depeche Mode ‘Best of’ list, full stop. It’s firmly in the “Classic” category without question. We already covered “Love In Itself” above from Construction Time Again, so to sprinkle a little more variety into this selection, we’re featuring the live version. Tell me you don’t get chills (with the volume turned way up) when the audience sing-along happens at the 4:55 mark.
10) I Feel Loved
We specifically remember when this record, Exciter, won us over. That summer when it was released (2001) we were on tour, a big two and a half month excursion across amphitheaters throughout the U.S., and laying the in dark in the bunk of the bus at night, this song just clicked. This album came at a tumultuous time for the band, having released the most derided album of their career (Ultra) just prior. While the songs reclaimed a bit more of the electronic foundation of previous records, albeit with updated technology, the spirit of the record also felt like a step in the right direction with its plaintive yearning. What really makes this song are the quasi-psychedelic interpretive keyboard warbling just after the chorus - this kaleidoscope of sound really translated the rollercoaster feeling of being on tour for us.
11) Shake The Disease
Coming out in 1985, ‘Shake The Disease’ has all the ingredients for a DM classic. This one opting for mid-pace tempo and emotional heft, putting all it’s weight into catchy melodies and lyrics of emotional befuddlement and relationship woes. For years we were (maybe still are?) obsessed with Hooverphonic’s cover of this song.
12) In Your Room
First of all, it needs to be said: the album version of this song and the single version are basically two completely different songs (also: the single version is terrible and this one rules). Here’s the deal, like talked about above, Violator is typically revered as the most popular and/or fan favorite album of DM. Released in 1993, Songs Of Faith And Devotion lands in the tumult of alt-rock and grunge’s ascendancy. So the record is somewhat tainted by living in the shadow of its predecessor, and certainly isn’t helped by the musical climate of the time (ie. there are some rock leanings/influence - the aforementioned single version of this song take those influences to disastrous levels). But there are some great songs on the album (hint you’ll hear another one further down). “In Your Room,” in particular, does an awesome job of layering a swirling mass of synths and textures into a dreamlike haze the band doesn’t do too often. When coupled with lyrics that have a real feeling of space and dimension and place, it can really transport the listener.
13) A Question Of Time (Remix)
From arguably the apex of their darker mid-to-late 80s period, Black Celebration, released in 1986, has a lot of amazing songs (we already discussed “Stripped” above). This remix of “A Question Of Time” is essentially the 7-inch version of the song, just slightly faster than the album version; ergo, it’s a dance rager at 140 bpms.
14) Slow
Talk about truth in advertising - this song is slow. But it is damn good. The moodiness is thick and really sells this one as a sensual slowburn (pun INTENDED).
15) One Caress
Another one from Songs Of Faith And Devotion, but this one threw fans and critics alike a big curveball: a purely stringed song featuring nothing but orchestration and Gahan’s vocals. The band had only done something similar once or twice before (”Little 15″ comes to mind) and is reminiscent of Morrissey’s “Angel, Angel, Down We Go Together.” However, this is executed at such an expert level, no one can deny the songwriting talents of DM, and this musical divergence proves that genre or style are by no means a limitation or challenge to their abilities. This song is darkly catchy with it’s shadowy stringed melodies and lyrics about temptation and obsession.
16) Peace
Depeche Mode’s 2009 album, Sounds Of The Universe is a unique standout in their catalog. It’s probably the most modern and digital sounding record they’ve released. The blips, bleeps and glitchy electronic framework definitely make it a more space-aged sounding outlier in their discography. These qualities might not endear it to many fans (including the uncharacteristically positive lyrics), but they come together nicely on the song “Peace” where the sterile synths sound like something pulled from DM’s first or second record, played at half-speed with futuristic equipment/technology.
17) Route 66
A bit of nostalgia colors this song, but let’s back up... Yes, this is a cover of the rhythm and blues standard of the same name. It also happens to be the b-side that accompanied “Behind the Wheel” (see higher up on the list), which is interesting because the band deftly splices in the key melody of “Behind The Wheel” smack dab into the middle of “Route 66.” In our minds, this makes them almost companion songs, or siblings, because of their multiple connections. What also makes this track unique is that it sounds like the band is just having FUN. There’s so much earnest emotion throughout all of their works that it’s worth mentioning that while this is a cover song, DM genuinely sounds like they’re just enjoying the heck out of it. Also: if you’re hitting the road this summer, this song is a crucial roadtrip track to include - the rhythm and quick guitar riff just beg to to have the windows down while cruising down the highway. Oh, and about the nostalgia: if you’ve danced in an small town underground party with dozens of other cool kids raging hard on the dancefloor, you’d be partial to this song also.
18) Cover Me
From the newest album, Spirit. This track is a dynamic gem. Starts out slow, somber and minimal with Gahan sounding as fatigued as the synths riding in tandem. Martin Gore again shows how his harmonizing with Dave can be so subtle and yet very effective. The lyrics paint a unique picture, within the framework of sobering relationship “What if’s,” - what if things were different, what if another time, what if another life? Then at the halfway point, the song turns a corner, Dave is done singing and now DM takes the listener on a journey that’s very much an exercise in creating the feeling of space (similar to “In Your Room” discussed above), evolving, growing and pulsing. The jury is still out on the overall summation of Spirit, but we’re confident this is our favorite song from the album.
19) Clean
Self-reflection (and sometimes self-flagellation) are usual themes in Depeche Mode’s oeuvre. “Clean” takes this topic and addresses it probably the most directly of the band’s career. It’s a safe assumption that tacked on to the end of Violator didn’t really give this song the platform it deserves and is probably overlooked as a result. Hearing Converge cover this song on their 2001 split with Hellchild reinvigorated our interest in the song at the time (and kudos to them for making the song familiar and yet their own). Truth be told, it’s a great album closer.
20) Lillian
Playing the Angel is one of the more pop/radio-oriented albums DM has put out. Still great songs, but missing a bit of that dark edged grit musically. However, this came at a formative time in life when being nomadic made even some of DM’s more prosaic songs meaningful. But, we’re being pretty critical. This song could almost have been replaced by “Suffer Well” from the same album, but in the end this song feels more appropriate. It’s a great way to end this list and a mixtape closer: it’s a balance of everything you’ve read about above, revisiting the classic tropes of DM. Somewhere in the mid-pace range, not too fast or slow, it’s catchy without being mindless or mundane, the lyrics tread the tried and true well the band draws from: love, obsession, helplessness and melancholy. It tapers off with a skilled fade-out, and there you have it:
20 Depeche Mode songs in 1hr 33min, covering a lot of ground, some biased, some unimpeachable, and the rest is for the fans to debate. Cheers!
0 notes
Last Seen Blogs
steamedtuofu
Tuofu's District
reverseimpact
Elysian ★ Paradox
chainsaw-babes
Chainsaw Babes
virathis
"History is written by victors"
b0yishgirl
Nick