plutoandmoon

[plutoandmoon]

he’s stuck in a jar

[plutoandmoon]

[plutoandmoon]

“But, still the moon pulls the oceans, luminously full of love.”

— Jaclyn Weber, from “When the Moon Hits Your Eye Like a Big Pizza Pie”

[plutoandmoon]

i wish you luck too. you helped me grow so much in my life. i will always cherish our friendship and the memories we created together.

forever how long we knew one another, i just want to let you know the impact you made on me. you might have left my side, spontaneously left without a warning, and now just another case of friends turned into strangers. but i still have every letter you dedicated to me (and i cherish every single one), i still have the jar of notes from freshmen year (although you hate me bringing it up), and i still glance at the cup i got you for your birthday- that you wanted on my kitchen counter, collecting dust. im not sure where time will take us, but i wish you nothing but the best, and ill always cherish the memories of us once being best friends. good luck.

[plutoandmoon]

Amy Tintera, Reboot

[plutoandmoon]

please practice speaking to yourself in a gentle mental voice. many of us, especially those raised by overly critical caregivers, have developed the habit of speaking unkindly to ourselves in our own heads. this is yet another instance of learned behavior that has to be purposely unlearnt. a good way to start is to monitor your thoughts and the judgments you pass on yourself, and practice rewording them in more positive, supportive language. practice speaking to yourself as if to a child who needs love and kindness. because you do. you do need those things.

in a world as jumbled and harsh as this, you deserve at least to cradle yourself in your own gentle hands. you deserve people who treat you gently. and one of those people needs to be you.

[plutoandmoon]

i’m ready when you are.

[plutoandmoon]

perhaps you’ll read this one day. perhaps you’ll find this one day. perhaps you may never even look at this one day. however, the sun and moon go through different phases; sometimes together, sometimes apart. yet no matter what, the star and the satellite always find their way back to each other at the end. without the sun, there is no moon. without the moon, there is no sun. for i love you to the moon and back. and you love me from the sun and back.

[plutoandmoon]

I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it / The 1975

I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it is The 1975’s second studio album. This iconic alternative album was released in 2016 and continuously has over a million streams combined. In addition, the English rock album has received variety of awards from being on the 100 Greatest Albums of the 2010s to reaching the Gold platform in the United States. The 1975 incorporates all sorts of new sounds into this album such as synth-pop, disco, electronic house, and R&B to deliver the overall mood of all 17 songs.

The introduction to the album, “The 1975”, is incredibly beautiful. It sounds like the beginning of a coming of age trailer that captures all the overwhelming emotions of the film and story.

Love Me is quite a legendary song in terms of how catchy the lyrics are and the musical layers of the band. I’m not sure how to properly describe it but it reminds me of a new age of 80s music with the electric guitar, synths, and drums. I do love the use of trumpets too to emphasize certain notes. The guitar solo is the perfect session to have a full jam out in your room. I really love that piano sound in the beginning and end of the song that sounds futuristic.

The beginning of UGH! sounds like an intro to a 2000s coming of age movie. It reminded me a lot of Clueless and Mean Girls. Again super catchy lyrics and melody.

The instrumentals of A Change Of Heart make me think of that slow dancing part of a junior high prom/dance. The way I visualize it is the main couple slow dancing underneath the bright light around their classmates after they just won prom king and queen. I love the electronic vocals and the piano synth used in this song. Again it still has that 80s feel to it that is perfect for this album and band.

I’m not sure why but the guitar rift in She’s American gives me Michael Jackson vibes. This song feels very American for some reason LOL. Again, it makes me visualize a scene in a coming of age movie where the main character is running and feels lost on what to do with her life. Catchy lyrics and melody. Personally don’t think this is their strongest song as it just feels similar to the others above but still a good song.

If I Believe You is very different from the songs we have listened to so far. I love Matty Healy’s vocals in this song so much and the production is literally beautiful. It is a very R&B inspired song with the slower pace tempo, back up vocals, piano, and drums. The 1975 still incorporate their own unique style in the song with the usage of electronic elements with the high hats, reverbs, and futuristic sounds. The middle of this song with the trumpet (3:30) is very jazz inspired. It is a beautiful intermission of the song. It is musically layered filled with so much emotion and sensation. The pizzicato from perhaps violins and harps really up lift this song. It adds an angelic layer to it as Healy continues on with the lyrics “If I am lost / how will i find myself?”. For me, the addition of these instruments makes me feel as I am ascending towards heaven or a higher awakening. One of The 1975’s most underrated songs in their whole career.

Please Be Naked is a perfect transition from If I Believe You because it sounds like the ending of a chapter and an opening to a new one. When looking at it through a coming of age lens, it appears as if the main character has said goodbye to their old past, old version of themselves, and everything that does not serve them. They are coming to terms with the reality of life and looking forwards for a new and higher purpose. Although there are no lyrics to this song, it is keep to pay attention to the instrumentals and the dynamics of each note. You can also hear the sounds of someone walking, closing the door, opening paper, etc that adds layers and meaning to the song. It is not another simple lofi or instrumental piece but rather it is an important one for the album and the 1975’s message. It tells a beautiful story over 4 minutes if you choose to really listen to the main character’s journey.

Once again, the introduction of Lostmyhead sounds like the continuation of the story from If I Believe You and Please Be Naked. The beginning is heavily rock inspired with the overwhelming guitar, piano synth, electric guitar solo, and much other sounds. I believe this is the point in the character’s journey where they are probably overlooking a building or a crowd and thinking to themselves that this is a start of something new. They are going onto this journey and not looking back anymore. I also love the use of string instruments here and how at the end of this song, everything finally drops. It is like we have finally bursted this bubble and allowed everything (emotions, purpose, life, etc) to hit us. You can hear this with the aggressive drum kick, the crescendos of the violins, and how dynamic everything else is. Then the song slowly crescendos and all we are left to hear is the futuristic sounds.

The Ballad of Me and My Brain has a very interesting introduction with the background vocals being manipulated with their dynamic and pitch. This song is heavily influenced by rock and synth pop as Healy’s vocals are more aggressive.

Somebody Else. The most iconic songs in our generation, the 1975’s career, in alternative pop music. Everything about this song is perfect from the lyrics to the musical production to simply everything. This song can put you into two moods: dance or sadness. You can visualize yourself dancing to this at a party/club or blasting this in your car at 2am as you sob. The versatile of this song is something that I believe many over look. Like you cannot just ignore the most help advice ever “Get someone you love / get someone you need / fuck that get money”. 

Loving Someone is another LEGENDARY song from the 1975. I love everything about it from the lyrics, melody, musical production, and the execution of it. The introduction of the song is unlike anything you have heard of. It sounds like Matty Healy is rapping (perhaps) but it sure does have the influence electronic and indie pop. The flow of Matty Healy’s verses is very different from all the rest of the songs on this album. It shows how musical diverse the 1975 is and how they executed this new style perfectly. The ending is cute with the piano (sounds like ones we used to play as a child) and the monologue softly being played.

The self titled album song sounds like another intermission in the band’s album. This instrumental sounds to focus more on futuristic electronic sounds. It could be another story that Healy and the band is explaining to us through a coming of age lens. It sure is more optimistic than the other instrumental songs we have heard from the band in this album. I love how more towards the end, the overall pace and tone of the song is changed up as it has more of a dance feel to. Listening to it more, it sounds more of a song where everything is at a peak and peace. Where you can just jam the fuck out and not care about anything at all.

The Sound sounds like new beginnings. This could be why it is put in towards the end of the album. With the optimistic beat and melody, it could be referring to a new perspective on life. It does sound similar to a few of the 1975’s songs at the start of the album and that is due to the synth pop style the band is famous for. Overall, it is quite a catchy song and a nice one to jump around to.

This Must Be My Dream has a really unique intro. It really gives the song a 80s/90s feel to it. I believe the band uses a dream like bell sound for the melody. This song feels dreamy hence the title of the song. Towards the end of the song where the breakdown begins, it feels like the part where the dream starts to slowly warp and then the main character is reflecting on what just happened.

I believe everyone holds the song, Paris, in a special place in their heart. It is such a cute song with the melody, instrumentals, lyrics, and vocals. I would definitely listen to this song in my own room and sway alone under the flashing lights pretending I’m at a dance with my lover. The chorus after Healy says “How I would love to go to Paris again” is very dreamy with the echo background vocals and the synths. It is quite a slow song though so for me, I feel like 4 minutes and 53 seconds is drag for the song (that is just me because my attention span is short …)

Personally, I find Nana to be boring. Perhaps because of how slow it is but other than that, it seems like a nice song.

She Lays Down is another soft slow song but this time it is just Healy’s vocals with an acoustic guitar. I think it is a nice and beautiful way to end the album. It is a huge contrast to how the 1975 began this 2nd studio album. They began with their intro (The 1975) and Love Me, that immediately set the overall mood and tone of the album. It was very electric and energetic, while She Lays Down is a more mellow and reflectional piece. Overall, this album is a memorable work of art as many associate these songs with their teenage years. Some songs to mention are If I Believe You, Please Be Naked, Somebody Else, and Loving Someone. The 1975 is a powerful band with Healy’s vocals, lyrics, and style. Hopefully they will be able to create more music as similar to the ones in “I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it”.

[plutoandmoon]

i would do ANYTHING to sleep under a window with the moonlight shining at me omg ^.^

Moonlight is so pure and clean that it feels like a gift.

[plutoandmoon]

Clouds at 6000m by Rudiger Nehmzow

[plutoandmoon]

“Love isn’t something natural. Rather it requires discipline, concentration, patience, faith, and the overcoming of narcissism. It isn’t a feeling, it is a practice.”

— The Art of Loving, Erich Fromm (b. 23 March 1900)

[plutoandmoon]

OK Human / Weezer

Weezer being one of the most notable alternative bands in this modern era has released a new album this 2021. OK Human has 12 songs and I will be listening to this album for the first time today.

All My Favorite Songs begins with a cute melody that reminds me of my childhood. The title and the first 10 seconds of the song feel like a play on words as it demonstrates our favorite songs from the past. Basically our childhood in this short melody. All My Favorite Songs also represents the theme of the album and the overall tone. It refers to the title of the album, “OK Human”. We are all human and experience very human things - “all my favorite songs are slow and sad / i don’t know what is wrong with me”. This is all about growing up and viewing our reality in a logical point of view. It is a super catchy song. I love it.

I love how Weezer incorporates a string orchestra in their song, Aloo Gobi. You can hear the staccato articulation from the string instruments as they are emphasizing the notes and message in the song. I love the piano solo especially. It gives the song a sense of magical and empowering feeling to it. Aloo Gobi is a very empowering song with the beautiful melody, string instruments, lyrics, and piano.

The transition from Aloo Gobi to Grapes of Wrath is so CLEAN. I did not even know it was a new song because it cuts off from the string instruments holding out a note in Aloo Gobi to transitioning to staccato articulation in Grapes of Wrath. Once again, I love the incorporation of string instruments. I believe you can also hear either a guitar or banjo in the chorus that adds more musical layers to this song. Again a catchy melody with catchy lyrics.

The introduction of Numbers with that solo violin and cello, violas, and other violins acting as the harmony is so beautiful. Rivers Cuomo’s vocals are so fitting for this song. You can hear Cuomo’s pure talent in this song as he belts out the chorus and bridge. STOP THE ENDING OF THIS SONG IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!! THAT BRIDGE WHERE CUOMO HARMONIZES WITH HIMSELF AND CHANGES THE OCTAVE OF THE MELODY FOR A SHORT SECOND WAS SO BEAUTIFUL. The best part of this is the quick pause and how he picked up the ending to where the string instruments held out their note for just a few more seconds.

They are definitely playing the piano in the next song, Playing My Piano. The build up to the chorus and the way Cuomo and the band delivers the chorus sounds sinister. This song gives me a grande finale sinister feeling that you would expect in a lot of musical theatre.

Yet again, the transition from Playing My Piano to Mirror Image was so SMOOTH. You do not feel like it is a completely new song. It sounds like a continuation of the message before hand.

The melody to Screens definitely feels like it was influenced by a variety of other songs with the same chords used. The beginning sounds like the intro to Sweater Weather by The Neighborhood and then with the cello and bass included it, it just sounds like a song from the 80s. Personally, Screens is not their strongest song on the album. It is very simple with the lyrics and production.

I love the very beginning of Dead Roses. It gave me this musical theatre feeling with the flute, oboe, and other wind instruments. This song feels very emotional with the string instruments, melody, the pacing, and the way Cuomo sings it.

Here Comes The Rain sounds like the part in a musical where the main character finally over comes the challenging obstacle and they have a fresh new mindset on life. Same goes to La Brea Tar Pits because of how hopeful and positive it sounds like. It feels like the main character in this album has finally come to terms with their new life that they are looking forward to the optimism and such. What a perfect ending to this album. It really gives the listeners a sense of hope for the future and what is more to come.

OK Human is a solid album from Weezer and one that explores a new type of alternative style as the band heavily uses string instruments and a theatrical sense of sound. It definitely seems to represent a theme that many young adults come to face with growing up. Reflecting on their past self and memories while over coming the obstacles they face now in the present moment. I would definitely recommend this album to listen to for this year as it is a new type of sound coming from Weezer. Some honorable mentions are All My Favorite Songs, Grapes of Wrath, and Numbers.

[plutoandmoon]

Planet Her / Doja Cat

Planet Her is Doja Cat’s third album in her work. This album was released in the summer of 2021. It features various artists from SZA, The Weeknd, JID, Gunna, and Ariana Grande.

Woman being the first song on Doja Cat’s new album represents the theme and vibe of this 2021 release. The influence of a Caribbean type of beat showcases Doja’s artistic skills as a producer as well. I love Doja’s style of rapping. It is a very unique and distinct style.

Love the way Doja has a play with words in her verses especially in Naked. Really love it omg.

Was not expecting Payday to began like that but it reminded me of a Legend of Zelda song, which is really cool. Personally, I think Payday is one of her weakest songs, however, Young Thug’s feature helps the song greatly. He adds his own twist on the song which gives it a nice breath of air. Payday sounds like a mediocre mainstream pop song. It doesn’t showcase Doja Cat’s style greatly. Feels very limited.

Get Into It (Yuh) reminds me of Playboi Carti and I think it is the way Doja Cat raps similar to his style. Love the “Thank you, Nicki” part!

Definitely vibing to Need To Know. It is not like Doja Cat’s typical upbeat and mainstream songs. It feels more heavier and serious with the aggressive beat and verses. The 808s definitely carry the song and so does Doja’s vocals/verse. This song is one of the many that showcases her talents that she is known for today. 

I Don’t Do Drugs is a really nice song. I love Ariana Grande being featured here because her vocals fit perfectly for this song. I also really enjoy the use of arpeggios here! You don’t hear much of that in a lot of modern songs with vocals!

Love to Dream is a SUCH a nice song. Showcases Doja’s vocals and I really think she needs more songs like this. It is such a laidback vibe and it’s sweet. Personally, one of Doja’s memorable songs on this album.

I LOVE THE WEEKND’S VERSE AND FEATURE ON YOU RIGHT SO MUCH. THANK YOU FOR THIS COLLABORATION. His verse should had been so much longer oh my god. Actually You Right the extended version is SOOOO much better. One of the best songs on this album. I love the sexual ness of this song. “A couple strokes to put it in, then you’ll belong to me”. HELLO ABELLLLL 🙄 Thank you so much for this masterpiece.

Been Like This gives me the same vibes as Streets. It is so seductive and naughty. Doja really knows how to capture those NSFW moods with her vocals, lyrics, and production. What a sex god.

Ain’t Shit is such a vibe. I can definitely see myself blasting this song with a group of friends in the car or on the beach. Just another great song that displays Doja’s genius. It is incredibly catchy with the chorus and the verses. It is something everyone can sing along and relate to (with exclusion of the n word though).

Alone is such a personal song especially coming from Doja Cat. As listeners, we are allowed into an aspect of her life as she shares with us that she is enjoying her time alone after leaving a relationship with her former lover. She addresses the issues in their relationship, the breakup from her pov, and how she is reflecting on her past actions.

Kiss Me More is simply iconic. A perfect summer song and the best feature on this album, SZA, besides The Weeknd.

The beat for Up and Down really is up and down LMAO. I LOVE HOW DOJA REALLY IS BEING UP AND DOWN IN THIS SONG WITH THE PRODUCTION AND VOCALS. Love the 808 so much in this song.

Personally, the album could had ended with You Right - Extended instead of Why Why. To wrap up, I believe this is not Doja’s strongest album yet it does showcase a new style of hers. The album is more sensual with the beats, vocals, features, and verses. Doja’s features could have had longer verses. However, I am looking forward to more of Doja’s work as we can see she is constantly progressing and improving as an artist! Some honorable mentions are Woman, Need to Know, Love To Dream, You Right, Been Like This, Kiss Me More, and Ain’t Shit.

[plutoandmoon]

CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST / Tyler, The Creator

Tyler’s new album introduces a combination of his old and new developed music style. It gives listeners a taste of both Cherry Bomb and IGOR eras with the heavy beats and impactful verses with a twist of the beautiful background vocals. CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST features a variety of artists from Lil Wayne to Brent Faiyaz to Pharrell Williams.

The change up of style within LEMONHEAD show cases Tyler’s artistic abilities as he begins the song with a heavy and aggressive beat emphasized with trumpets, a dirty kick, and an 808. The last 40 seconds of the song changes the vibe of the song as it is more calm and collective. It is a moment of reflecting and rewinding down. It is a great transition into the next song, WUSYANAME, because it is a slower and sensual song. The song reminds me of a modern twist of a Japanese city pop song. YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s verse and flow fits perfectly with this song as it gives it a unique aspect. Flow reminds me a lot of how Lil Uzi Vert begins his songs. Definitely also showcases how YoungBoy Never Broke Again can fit into a song outside of his style.

Another beautiful transition from Hot Wind Blows to MASSA. It is like Tyler’s continuation of the message/story in Hot Wind Blows in MASSA. The same beat but a change up of flow and verse.

SWEET/I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE is literally a part 2 of FUCKING YOUNG/PERFECT from the Cherry Bomb album. The same melody and vibe. This is one of Tyler’s most memorable songs on his new album as it show cases his vocals, production, and lyricism. It is definitely worth the 10 minutes. Brent and Fana’s features takes this song to a whole different level. A very lovey dovey song to dedicate this to your significant other while on a beautiful picnic date!! Now the change up to the second half of the song is just … breath taking. Tyler changes the whole vibe by including congo drums, sirens blasting, basically a whole tropical vibe. Tyler, the Creator has definitely done it yet again :’) This song resonates strongly with me so could be another reason why I enjoy it deeply.

HOLD UP THE WAY THE BEAT CHANGED UP IN JAGGERNUT IS SO ICONIC. I love the way Tyler used the typical hard aggressive snares you usually hear in EDM or electronic music. Lil Uzi Vert and Pharrell Williams on a Tyler song together is so surprising because you would never expect that but this collaboration is perfect.

The transition from JAGGERNUT to WILSHIRE is so clean that I didn’t even know it was a new song. I thought it was a part 2 of JAGGERNUT. Love the vibe of Wilshire. Just hearing this song once and paying attention to the lyrics love the way Tyler addresses this situation. His way of getting closure through music.

Safari is such a perfect song to wrap up the whole album. It sounds like the grande finale with the trumpets, the aggressive and heavy verses, and flutes. Another solid album from the one and only, Tyler the Creator!

[plutoandmoon]

Marguerite Duras

[plutoandmoon]

bell hooks, from all about love