#blah blah blah more victorious song lyrics

[spikeyjo]

Me when they half my lithium and double my Prozac

[zargsnake]

My crime lord OC, Glagret, a.k.a. Knightkiller

Usually, the “secondary evil name” trope is a Sith trick (or tradition?), as with Vader, Sidious, and Tyranus. But some Sith only use one name (Maul), some Sith use a secondary good name (Revan), and sometimes non-Sith partake, too (Kylo). The titular Knightkiller is not a Sith, but her dual identity is still the core of the drama and mystery of the story.

I wanted her to be an interesting and unique woman villain, and I wanted to write about a character who is inhumanly old, and the weird, incomprehensible pain that such a long life would bring. Many other fantasy worlds have dwelled on this topic (it’s like the main theme of The Silmarillion), but I wondered if I could make it work in the human-centric, family-tragedy-oriented world of Star Wars. Hopefully her relationships with Willo, Tila, and the Jedi Order express that eerie struggle.

Though her moral parallel to Vader is obvious, her main inspiration, and really the whole story’s, was Count Dooku. Spoilers if you haven’t read the latest chapter:

I was thinking about how twisted and backwards Dooku’s behavior is (if you follow my other blogs you’ll know that trying to understand the confusing and relatively unpopular narrative of Attack of the Clones is my main purpose in life). They don’t really explain his motivation in the movie, though they do set it up as a mystery or a trick (“He’s a political idealist, not a murderer,” so the Jedi believe).

You can definitely work backwards from the fact that he’s Christopher Lee, and a similar character to Saruman, and therefore indirectly granted the extremely thorough lore of Tolkien. Why should any other writer have to work so hard again, anyway? To horribly paraphrase, Saruman was trying to stop the rise of evil by learning more about it, but he read too many bad books and that turned him evil, too. In the movies, this is simplified a bit into a character who is ruled by logic, who sees with his prophetic orb that Sauron’s victory is inevitable, and chooses the winning side. I can see the cursed scholar and hopeless pragmatist in Dooku, too.

But the far more twisted aspect of Dooku’s descent, the one which inspired Glagret, is Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon was Dooku’s student and a fellow iconoclast; they seemed to have far more in common with each other than, say, Anakin and Obi-Wan do. Dooku invokes Qui-Gon when he’s trying to win over Obi-Wan, and his words show grief and yearning (“I wish he were still alive. I could use his help right now”).

But Qui-Gon was killed by the Sith. And Dooku joins the Sith. He replaces Maul as Palpatine’s apprentice, and steps into the role that murdered his own beloved friend and son-figure. How could he do this?

You could say that Palpatine tricked Dooku. But the more sickening and heart-breaking explanation, in my opinion, is that Dooku knew exactly what happened. The Sith, the objects of all the scary fairytales from his Jedi childhood, are back, and they’ve taken away the person he cared about most in the world. But instead of fear or anger, instead of wanting revenge, he takes the exact opposite reaction. Unnatural, indeed.

I tried to explain this backwards “logic” through Glagret’s conversation with Tila. From her strange spiritual and philosophical point of view, since the death match killed her Willo, then the death match is the most powerful and worthy thing in the world, the thing most in tune to the Jedi’s own mighty Force, which she will always believe in. I think Dooku felt the same -- since the Sith killed his Qui-Gon, they are clearly the more powerful side (nevermind that Maul lost the next one). And if might makes right, a lesson his cruel galaxy and strict upbringing has taught him, then his choice is clear.

The other aspect of their fall, of course, is that the wicked side has money. I think Dooku comes from a wealthy family, and Glagret works her butt off to get the sponsorship of Senator Dinv. The cynical reading is that all their morbid “logic” is a smokescreen for their real, though perhaps unconscious motivation, simple greed. I like this reading quite a lot. I also gave Glagret this dry obsession with “fun” to echo Star Wars’ raison d’être, to make money out of entertainment. (“Fun is the one thing that money can’t buy” is one of my favorite song lyrics because of its mournful, bitter attitude toward something meant to be light. Glagret has the same attitude but the opposite view.)

Anyway I think the Dooku stuff is more interesting and unique, but once that has been revealed then Glagret turns into yet another Vader parallel (I just can’t help myself!) with the “From her position of such great evil, she can do good, it is never too late, blah blah blah.” My only note about that part is another name origin, since “Glagret” of course comes from “regret.” She seems to want to move forward, but regret will always drag her unhelpfully into the past.

In the waning days of the Republic, can we trust a person like Glagret?

(Btw I haven’t thought of a name for her species, so if you’ve read this far and have an idea please hit me up!)

[highladyluck]

Fortuona Athaem Devi Paendrag playlist

Direct link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5KLghlM9nCF1WLKBNoLt5z?si=b1e1d244810e4ae9

26 songs, 1 hr 23 min. A character playlist for Tuon Athaem Kore Paendrag, aka the High Lady, aka the Daughter of the Nine Moons, aka “Precious” but only if you’re Mat Cauthon, aka Fortuona Athaem Devi Paendrag, aka the Empress of Seanchan.

She’s a fascinating mixture of good and evil, person and tool, sympathetic and unsympathetic by turns. I tried to capture that in this playlist, which is organized roughly chronologically by her personal timeline.

There are spoilers in the playlist and commentary for Winter's Heart through A Memory of Light, since this is meant to mirror the narrative.

Track List:

1.      Second Child, Restless Child – The Oh Hellos

2.      Game of Survival – Ruelle

3.      Sit Still, Look Pretty – Daya

4.      When I Rule The World – LIZ

5.      Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival

6.      The Thief and the Moon – Shawn James

7.      Pomegranate Seeds – Julian Moon

8.      Zebra – The Magnetic Fields

9.      Jolene – Dolly Parton

10.   Maybe, This Time – OK Go

11.   Big Guns – Ruelle

12.   Fascinated – Ivy

13.   The Bullpen – Dessa

14.   Pretty Little Head – Eliza Rickman

15.   Greek God – Conan Gray

16.   Emperor’s New Clothes – Panic! At The Disco

17.   Rat Queen – The Mountain Goats

18.   Carmina Burana: O Fortuna – Carl Orff

19.   you should see me in a crown – Billie Eilish

20.   Muse with a Dagger – Taylor Castro

21.   Please Don’t Say You Love Me – Gabrielle Aplin

22.   Daisy – Ashnikko

23.   Mother’s Daughter – Miley Cyrus

24.   I Walk The Line – Halsey

25.   Glory and Gore – Lorde

26.   Trouble – Stripped – Halsey

Commentary and lyrics underneath the cut. Listen to it here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5KLghlM9nCF1WLKBNoLt5z?si=b1e1d244810e4ae9

1)      Second Child, Restless Child – The Oh Hellos

See, I was born the second child With a spirit running wild, running free

The Empress’s second child, the only one who goes across the ocean.

2)      Game of Survival – Ruelle

Are we the hunters? Or are we the prey?

"Keep this doll to remind you that I will always hear you if you say my name. If I am still alive, of course."

3)      Sit Still, Look Pretty – Daya

Oh, I don't know what you've been told But this girl right here's gonna rule the world Yeah, that's where I'm gonna be because I wanna be No, I don't wanna sit still, look pretty

Tuon wishes she looked more intimidating, and threw a full-blown temper tantrum when she was told who she’d have to marry.

4)      When I Rule The World – LIZ

When I rule the world, then I'm gonna make you sweat Dog collar 'round your neck, on your knees and scrub the deck

I promise I didn't forget about the sul'dam thing. This should be as jarring as her initial POV in Winter's Heart is.

5)      Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival

I see the bad moon a-rising I see trouble on the way I see earthquakes and lightnin' I see bad times today

Such a good “Seanchan invade Ebou Dar” song! I definitely stole this from someone else’s Mat playlist, but I don’t think it’s on 8tracks anymore.

6)      The Thief and the Moon – Shawn James

Said the Thief to the Moon "I'll extinguish your light soon I'll put an end to all the light that you shed On this world in its darkened state"

I can imagine this as a Seanchan myth; covers Tuon's opinion on her prophecy & getting kidnapped.

7)      Pomegranate Seeds – Julian Moon

Kore, Kore, fauna and flora How did you get your throne? (Hey!) You made a deal You traded daffodils For a kingdom of ash and bone

Had to sneak in a reference to Tuon's middle name. Tuon's POV on her bargain with Mat.

8)      Zebra – The Magnetic Fields

so there's one thing I crave when my days become ho-hum and blah I want a zebra

Took this from my Mat/Tuon book playlist because it is truly the funniest song on there. It's a zebra in our hearts!

9)      Jolene – Dolly Parton

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene I'm begging of you please don't take my man

This is very tongue-in-cheek, but at the same time, if you pay attention you can see that Tuon's particularly annoyed by/threatened by Joline Maza.

10)   Maybe, This Time – OK Go

So listen, I'm not trying to prove anything at all here But don't you think that maybe, this time, you were wrong?

Mat to Tuon after confiscating the a'dam from her.

11)   Big Guns – Ruelle

Every little move is fixed Like a game of chess The blood on your hands is thick And you're placing bets Can't hide in the den of lions

A really perfect song for Tuon's 'lion on the high plains' realization; I know technically Mat doesn't have cannon or grenades yet, but shhhh, the rapid-fire crossbows are more or less machine guns. Let me have this. Call it foreshadowing if you must.

12)   Fascinated – Ivy

Never turned out like we talked about Never could tell how to read your mind Never found out what you're all about In this lifetime, baby, you will be mine

Tuon's POV on the marriage ceremony.

13)   The Bullpen – Dessa

Forget the bull in the china shop There's a china doll in the bullpen

Returning to Ebou Dar to kick ass and take heads. This was the song that made me create this playlist, because of "china doll in the bullpen," which is such a great description of Tuon.

14)   Pretty Little Head – Eliza Rickman

Catch yourself a looker, let him go, go, go Wanna have your baby, but I'm so, so slow

Tuon misses Mat, but don’t you dare breathe a word about it. Besides, it’s just business.

15)   Greek God – Conan Gray

And since you always swear that you wanted me gone Then why don't you go get your gun? 'Cause you don't really hate me (You're a little baby) You don't wanna end me (You wanna befriend me)

The Tuon vs Rand confrontation (take two, where Tuon's actually there.) Rand has quite enough confidence, really, but most of the song really works.

16)   Emperor’s New Clothes – Panic! At The Disco

Welcome to the end of eras Ice has melted back to life Done my time and served my sentence Dress me up and watch me die

Declaring herself Empress after meeting with Rand.

17)   Rat Queen – The Mountain Goats

We who have never once tasted The stench of defeat Victory sweet as the dregs of the fast food dumpster Look how they jump when we show up Like they've just seen a monster

H/T to @anyboli, who first suggested this to me as a Tuon song. This is a good soundtrack to planning the raid on the White Tower…

18)   Carmina Burana: O Fortuna – Carl Orff

O Fortune, like the moon you are changeable[…]

I literally cannot imagine a Tuon playlist without this song. It’s White Tower raid time!

19)   you should see me in a crown – Billie Eilish

Count my cards, watch them fall Blood on a marble wall I like the way they all Scream

Yeah, this was inevitable too. I’m using it for that absolutely horrifying POV of hers where she's in the damane training room and decides it's time to plan a full-out attack on the White Tower.

20)   Muse with a Dagger – Taylor Castro

You're making fun of my people Pretend I don't hear you Cause I won't forgive myself For fueling or burning you

Tuon's thoughts on Mat in the garden. This didn't lean as as far into the dagger/knife imagery as I'd hoped for- remember, this is the blog that insists Athaem means Magic Dagger Curse- but it seemed so strangely apt for the two of them that I had to include it.

21)   Please Don’t Say You Love Me – Gabrielle Aplin

There's no need to worry when You see just where we're at Just please don't say you love me Cause I might not say it back

Her conversation with Mat in the garden.

22)   Daisy – Ashnikko

Respect a bitch, I'm a maverick Flexible, so elastic But don't you dare bend a bitch backwards

This is what you married, Mat. (The Mat POV version of this character sketch is probably Cake's Short Skirt Long Jacket.) I will not apologize for the number of #girlboss songs on this playlist.

23)   Mother’s Daughter – Miley Cyrus

Oh my gosh, she got the power Oh, look at her, she got the power So, so, so Don't fuck with my freedom I came up to get me some

The confrontation with Egwene. I see this as mostly Egwene's POV, with Tuon doing a sort of echo, the way she does in the original scene. They are fascinatingly alike here, and the way Egwene controls the scene and gets in Tuon's head- when that's Tuon's signature strategy- is amazing.

24)   I Walk The Line – Halsey

You've got a way to keep me on your side You give me cause for love that I can't hide For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide

Tuon admitting that her heart tells her to return to save Mat (and the armies of the Light).

25)   Glory and Gore – Lorde

Glory and gore go hand in hand That's why we're makin' headlines (Oh! Oh!) You could try and take us (Oh! Oh!) But victory's contagious

The Seanchan army comes back for the kill.

26)   Trouble – Stripped – Halsey

Don't forget me, don't forget me I wouldn't leave you if you'd let me Hmm, when you met me when you met me You told me you were gonna get me

Death threats are just their deranged way of flirting; if Tuon wanted Mat dead she wouldn't warn him, you know? And in that final scene with the fireworks Tuon's telling Mat that she wants him around, and he understands it as such.

[falcor-thee-luck-dragon]

Diego Hargreeves x Powered reader (Platonic Klaus x reader)

Summary: You and Klaus get very drunk in the Academy and have an absolute ball until Diego comes to take you home.

-Reader is from What a Time to be Alive universe

Masterlist

You’re with Klaus one night, he’s drunk as a skunk and high as a fucking kite all in one incredibly chaotic mixture. Diego’s off gallivanting around the city and you’re not in the mood for any late night crime fighting, so instead you’re chilling with Klaus in the Academy while Reginald is off on some business abroad, or at least that’s what Pogo told you. At the moment Klaus is talking to himself on the carpet as he stares wide eyed at a dream catcher on the far wall. You’re laying on his bed staring up at the ceiling, your mind swirling with random thoughts.

“Heyyy..uh...Y/N my favorite Vampire seductress. Hows ‘bout we tell each other a fun fact about ourselves.” He slurs drunkingly, his face a giant smile of bliss. You give him a hum of acknowledgment as you think for a second of what to say.

“Okay I’ll go first. I have a tattoo of a fish skeleton under my right boob.”

He bursts out laughing at the honest bluntness of your comment, “Cheers to our amazinggg tats my friend.” Quips Klaus as he takes another small swig of his liquor. You continue to stare up at the ceiling, your eyes following the dimly lit Christmas lights strung about the walls.

“Okay my turn. When I was 10, I challenged myself to see if I could steal one thing from everyone’s room in a week.”

“How’d that turn out for you?”

“Oh I was highly successful, until Pogo caught me sneaking around old Reggie’s office. Ya know now since I’ve thought about it...he probably saved my ass from some gory fate if Dad actually caught me.”

“Amazing.”

Klaus nods as he shifts himself around to face you, “So my dear, you got anything else that’s highly juicy drama? Come onnnn, you have to have had some wild nights with my bro for sure.” He says while wiggling his eyebrows, hoping for an answer. You roll yourself onto your stomach so as to better see him.

“None that are for your innocent ears, Klaus.”

“Oooohhh the scandal, you know what...I don’t wanna know. Oh hey Y/N have some of this shit it’s seriously sooo good.” Insists Klaus while raising up his almost empty bottle of whatever. You eye it curiously, it does smell appealing if you’re being honest, and there’s no one here to stop you.

“Yeah alright lets get fucked up, why not.” His face breaks out into a full Cheshire Cat smile as he eagerly hands you the bottle of alcohol. You grasp the glass bottle, flashing him a quick smirk before chugging the rest of it, much to Klaus’ surprised amusement.

“Yeahhh Y/N! We’re breakkin the ruulesss tonight.” He laughs while cheering you on. You finally set the bottle down as a do your best to hold in a watery burp, your face making a sour expression instead.

“Classy Y/N.”

“Thank you I’ll be here all night.”

Suddenly Klaus’ face shifts into a fake pout, as he sits on his carpet like a moody six year old, you smile at him as you tilt your head to the side.

“Whatcha thinking ‘bout Klaus.”

“We’re out of booze. This is not good.”

You can’t help yourself as a loud laugh bursts from your lips, the alcohols effects ever so slightly working their way into your bloodstream. He snaps his attention back to you, his face faining shock.

“This is a serious issue Y/N!”

“Exactly! We’re gonna have to go on a mission...to the downstairs bar...for..”

“For..?”

“For the good shit.”

“YES! You’re a genius, no wonder Diego keeps you around...you’re so smart Y/N..and he’s just so...stupid.” Drawls Klaus with an intoxicated giggle at the end.

You snort at the odd compliment of Klaus’ while getting up off of the bed, and setting the empty bottle onto the covers. You stand above Klaus as you reach your hand out for him to take, he gladly accepts your invitation for making more mischief as you easily pull him up, the both of you silently walking out the door and quietly tiptoeing down the vacant hallway. You’re in the lead as Klaus holds onto the bottom of your t-shirt in the darkness. He can’t see nearly as well as you can, so he smartly lets you handle your guys’ stealth mode adventure through the Academy’s eccentric hallways. You listen for any sounds of Pogo or Grace who may potentially cross paths with the two of you, and most likely ruin your fun.

The both of you ever-so-sneakily fumble up the stairs like giggly school girls doing something they shouldn’t be. Once you reach the top you sniff the air for any threats, nothing. Taking this as an obvious sign that everything’s all clear you make a break for the main living room, Klaus hot on your heels. Sprinting faster then you’ve ever seen him before, it’s honestly quit impressive.

You skid to an abrupt stop once you finally reach the back of the bar where all the most expensive and best tasting beverages are kept. Klaus quickly pushing past you to seek out his favorite bottle, you watch him grab one then two different kinds, insisting that they’re both equally as important and they shouldn’t be separated cause that would be a crime. You agree, looking through the vast collection as your skilled eyes finally lock onto your favorite drink. You pick it up eagerly, swiftly turning your body back around to face a visibly excited Klaus who’s practically shaking with adrenaline or maybe it’s whatever drugs he took, you’re not really sure.

“Y/N if you would do the honors.” He asks while handing you his bottle to open since you’re the stronger one here. You set your own bottle down onto the counter, taking his and twisting it with a satisfying pop sound as the cap releases. He practically yanks it out of your hands, giving you a peppy salute before taking a long swig. You leave him to it, opening up your own bottle and taking a hearty drink of your own. The two of you wipe your mouths as you both take a satisfied sigh of relief, enjoying how the alcohol is starting to slowly affect you.

“You know what we need to make this experience extra fantastic?”

“Blow my frickin mind.”

“Music!” Shouts Klaus as he races around the bar and bolts towards the stairs leading down to his room. With your bottle still in hand you hustle after him, practically sliding into his door when you make it to his room. He’s already ahead of the game as he fumbles around with his record player, putting a classic tune on that instantly has you jumping. The two of you practically scream sing the lyrics of the song currently blasting throughout the room and down the hallway. Both you jumping on his bed and dancing around the small area like bad little kids staying up past their bedtime.

You don’t remember how you got to the top floor of the Umbrella Academy but here you are. One fourth of a bottle full in your left hand and a red plastic lightsaber in your right. Klaus standing a couple feet away practically mirroring your own stance. He just looks a lot more fucked up then you are, as he drunkingly swings the saber around like a lunatic.

“Y/N I HAVE THE HIGH GROUND!”

“But you were the CHOSEN one!”

“Die rebel scum!” Yelps Klaus as he swings his weapon towards you, he looks like an old man as he’s basically moving in slow motion for dramatics. You give him his moment as you lean into the lightsaber, pretending to get sliced in the most ridiculously dramatic way possible.

“Ugh I am...defeated...blah.”

“HA get fucked loser!” Laughs Klaus who starts to randomly dance around you in a sort of weird victory dance type thing. You raise your own lightsaber up into the air as you shout a loud battlecry.

“SIKE! The evil cannot defeat me....I am INVINCIBLE!” Klaus’ eyes widen as you give him a devilish grin, he suddenly flips you off and screams before hauling ass down the hallway.

“Come get me bitches!!!”

Downing most of your bottle you race after him with your saber swinging wildly in front of you, he turns a corner and then down another in a fruitless attempt at losing you. You suddenly catch him into a corner, stalking slowly over to him like a tigress to her prey, his eyes going wide. But without warning he haphazardly chucks his lightsaber at you, successfully smacking you across the head with it, catching you very off guard and giving him just enough time to book it down the hallway and down the stairs. You quickly recover, downing the rest of your bottle as you trade it for the extra lightsaber. Cackling to yourself like a crazed witch as you continue your hunt for Klaus.

You can hear him running around the Academy so you take a shortcut down another hallway, leading you right in front of him. He stops, eyeing you suspiciously as he gets into a kung foo looking posture.

“I have two lightsabers you dumb-buss. And I’m gonna kick your buns for that little getaway stunt you just pulled. Bitch.”

“Get hit by a car.” Whisper yells Klaus before abruptly turning around and racing down the hallway once again.

As you race around another corner you suddenly smack into the back of Klaus, knocking yourself backwards and onto the floor with a breathy grunt. “Klaus what the he..” Your eyes go wide when they land on an incredibly confused Pogo who’s eyes the two of you suspiciously. You quickly gather yourself as you bolt to your feet, doing a terrible job at hiding the lightsabers behind you in the process.

“Now what is all this ruckus about you two?”

“Oh, what did you hear something suspicious? Me and Y/N/N here were just...uh...checking the halls for any possible intruders.” Rambles Klaus, hands casually on his slender hips as he stares at Pogo with the chillest face possible.

“Yeah, don’t worry Pogo. No thieves in this Academy.” You nervously shrug, giving him a forced smile, though you’re pretty sure you look a bit demented. Pogo looks between the two of you knowing full well that your dumbasses are drunk and causing all kinds of mischief around the large estate. This is definitely not the first time this has happened and probably not the last, he shakes his head as he blinks, “Well then...that’s good to know...I’ll just be in my room reading if you two need anything. Goodnight.”

“Night Pogo.”

“Save travels in dreamland.” Snickers Klaus as you smack the back of his head.

Pogo gives the both of you a kind tight lipped smile before nodding and turning around to walk into his room. You watch as he disappears within, the great oaken door shutting with a small thud. Klaus abruptly swivels to face you, a cheeky grin stuck to his scruffy face, “That went pretty well...all things considered.”

“Guess what.”

“What.”

“You’re a little bitch. And I have two lightsabers.” His eyes quickly widen in realization as he swats at your shoulder, laughing in delight as he practically gallops down the hallway.

“Stop running I might throw up!”

You sprint after him, Klaus leads you down more hallways and stairs until you catch him in the front room. Blocking him from escaping anywhere else into the Academy, unless he opened the front door and ran outside, but that’s highly unlikely considering it’s snowing out and he’s shoeless and without a shirt on except for a Hufflepuff scarf you bought him last year. Klaus fake growls at you while flailing his lanky arms around like pool noodles. You suddenly have the bright idea of jumping onto the wooden table, and without another thought you do just that.

It surprisingly holds you up, Klaus steps back as you swing your dual lightsabers around like a maniac, clearly enjoying yourself in this blissfully warm drunken state. Quickly thinking on the fly, or maybe its his ingrained hero training, Klaus grabs a spare umbrella hanging on the coat rack and swings it at you with a new theatrical passion.

“Don’t worry Y/N I’ll put you out of your misery!” Shouts Klaus as he swats your legs with the umbrella, you smack him on the arm as he yelps out in pain.

“I’ll put your grandma out of her misery!”

“I don’t even have a grandma you monster!”

“Neither do I!”

The front door swings open just as Klaus finishes his sentence and you loudly answering him back, as the both of you swing your weapons at each other once again. You and Klaus oblivious to whoever just walked inside, until the door shuts with a loud thud, causing the two of you to stop mid hit and look over to the individual standing by the front entrance, who’s looking a very hard mixture of concerned and not sure if he should ask. Your eyes instantly go wide as they land on Diego.

“She started it!” Points Klaus before smacking your legs with the umbrella and booking it down the hallway for about the hundredth time that night. You jump off the table, sprinting towards Klaus with a new found purpose, leaving a confused Diego in your wake. Klaus is fast but not fast enough as you slide past him and block his ass from seeking safety within his room. The two of you have an intense old western style stare down for a couple moments before he breaks the silence.

“I may be vurrryyy outs of it, but I think Diego is hurrr.” Slurs Klaus as he leans himself against the wall.

“Well he’s not allowed in our pillow fort then.”

“We don’t even have a pillow fort Y/N!”

“We gonna have one now! Let’s get inside!” You quickly whisper yell at him, before grabbing his hand and yanking him into his room, shutting the door right after. Forgetting to lock the door in the process. You and Klaus throw some chairs and blankets around, in a sad attempt at making a pillow fort. It looks like a goddamn pillow Godzilla came crashing through your plush city of Pillow Tokyo, but who cares at this point anyways. The two of you begin laughing like a pair of drunken sailors as Klaus hands you another one of his half filled bottles. You gladly accept with a lopsided smile while Klaus mumbles something to himself. A second later the door jiggles and opens a few inches before it gets stuck on a bunched up blanket.

“Y/N, Klaus what the hell are you two doing? And let me in.”

“What’s the password Diego?” Giggles you and Klaus as Diego let’s out a frustrated sigh.

“Uh...”

“Incorrect. You’ve got two more guesses babe.” You playfully snap at him.

“Luther sucks?”

“Errrgggg, wrong again brother.” Quips Klaus, taking the bottle out of your hand to down some himself.

“Y/N is the best?” Tries Diego cautiously, hoping this will be the password. You bolt up from the floor as you lose your footing and catch yourself with a quick smack of your hands into the doorframe. Diego holds in a laugh as he gives you an amused smile, still finding you absolutely adorable even when visibly out of it and quit possibly drunk off your ass.

“DD, hellooowww.” You wiggle your eyebrows at him as you give him a sappy grin.

“Don’t let him in Y/N he didn’t guess the password. It’s Jesus...the passwords always Jesus.” Warns Klaus in the background. Diego raises his eyebrows at that as your face falls in disappointment.

“Dammit Klaus now he knows.” You turn round to hiss at him like an angry cat.

“Y/N I don’t really...uh..really feel good.” Mumbles Klaus as he leans himself back against a pile of pillows. You purse your lips into a tight frown, realizing in your own buzzed state that the fun is over and you’ll have to go home, but it’s cold outside. You look up at Diego as he stares back down at you, he’s not entirely sure if your about to cry or not, until your face abruptly lights up into a cheeky grin taking him off guard.

“Y/N. Don’t do it.” Is all he has time to say before you hastily slam the door in his face and turn around to get the high ground on Klaus’ bed. You’ve got an empty bottle in one hand as Diego shoves the door open eyeing you up like a wolf to his prey. You’d be more turned on by this if it wasn’t for the fact that you really don’t want to go home. He carefully walks in closer to you as Klaus watches in amusement, loudly cheering Diego on. You’re back presses against the back wall as you hold out your empty wine bottle in defense, “None of you bitches could handle me.”

“Y/N put the bottle down.”

“I’ve died of alcohol poisoning twice you can’t kill me!”

“I wish I could do that.” Adds Klaus with a laugh.

“That’s not something to be proud of.” Says Diego as his attention snaps back to you.

“I’ve done cocaine off of Brad Pitts ass cheeks.” You cackle as your face breaks out into another bright smile, Diego lets out an amused huff of air, really doing his best to keep a straight face at your intoxicated nonsense.

“Oh shit me too. Or maybe he was a stripper, ya know I don’t actually recall.”

“Jesus Christ you two.” Mutters Diego as he slowly gets closer to you, his legs now reaching the bed. He gives you a pleading look as he reaches his arm out for you to take.

“No TOUCHY. I have a boyfriend!” You shout back, as he quickly takes the opportunity to snatch your bottle out of your hand and toss it into the nearby destroyed pillow fort.

“Y/N I am your boyfriend. And we need to go home now. Please.” You give him a dirty look before rolling your eyes and walking into his open arms, not being able to resist from him any longer. He hugs you tight while gently setting your feet onto the carpeted floor.

“I’ll help you put your boots and coat on okay? Just sit on the bed please.” He sweetly asks, you oblige without so much as a pout. Letting him take care of you in the smallest of ways, once you’re finally all ready to go he takes your hands and pulls you up.

“See ya ‘round Klaus. Have fun, do crimes.” You wink while shooting him finger guns, he nods his head lifting up a lightsaber to salute you.

“May the forces of this broken umbrella be with you.” Replies Klaus, lifting up the umbrella to salute you again. Diego lets out an amused snort as he says goodbye to his brother and ushers you out the door. He holds your hand the whole time as he leads you throughout the Academy and all the way to the front door, where he opens it for you to walk through.

When you walk outside the air is calm and quiet, the world is cold and surrounded in a shimmering white blanket of fresh snow. A small silent parade of silver confetti falls lightly from the dark sky, landing on your flushed face as cool icy kisses touch your hot skin. It feels nice and has your head spinning as you wait on the sidewalk for Diego to finish locking the front gate. His steps are quiet in the snow as he links his arm with yours, startling you for a second before you relax back into his touch. The two of you walk peacefully through the snow covered sidewalk for about fifteen minutes before you decide to break the quiet.

“So hows’ err night ‘iego?” You slur while struggling to stay balanced, your head feels cloudy and the sparkly snow is messing with your perception due to you being drunk and all. He pulls you in closer while placing a quick kiss onto the top of your head. 

“I saved this old guy from getting robbed by some teenage punks, who clearly didn’t know what they were doing. It was too easy, but uh...that was about it. Pretty slow tonight actually.” You let out a satisfied hum in response.

“You’re like...so...hot.” You mumble while craning your neck to get a good view of his face. He looks down at you with an adoring smirk gracing his lips, his very very kissable lips. You can’t help yourself as you pull down on his jacket collar and crash your lips into his, its a sweet but brief embrace, as he pulls away first. You give him an annoyed pout while he smiles, shaking his head at you.

“We gotta make it home Y/N. I can already tell how bad your hangovers gonna be in the morning.”

You give him a what-the-fuck face, still pissed that he broke your kiss so soon and is now instructing you like a mother goose. You’re not having it one bit. In response you pull his hat down into his eyes and trip him into a snowbank, you watch in amusement as he disappears into the cold puffy whiteness. Only to come back into view with an angry grunt as he pulls himself to his feet, you’re absolutely losing your shit watching him struggle and get frustrated with you. By the time he’s removed the snow from his face, he stops his angry protests to watch you crying with laughter. His frustration and growing irritation slowly dissipating away as he sees how truly happy you are, it’s adorable to watch someone like you in such a rare drunkingly blissful state. He breaks out into a tired grin, thinking it best not to provoke you anymore as he abandons the idea of throwing a snowball at you. As this decision may not end very well for him.

“Come on you goofball lets get inside. Some of us can actually get frostbite.” Diego tells you while throwing a snow covered arm over your shoulder, your face breaks out into a crooked half smile as you lean into Diego’s warm side once again. Then without warning your stomach lurches with a nasty after taste of whatever you ate earlier touching your tongue. Instantly you break from his grasp, turning to the snowy street curb and abruptly puking onto the dazzling snow innocently minding its business below. Diego instantly rushes to hold your hair back as you loudly let it all out, your body feels like it’s on fire and your throat hurts as you continue to vomit a nasty mix of alcohol and chicken nuggets. Once done, you quickly wipe off your mouth of any lasting unwanted particles.

You spit in the snow, turning around to face a concerned Diego who looks at you worriedly with those big brown eyes of his. You give him a theatrical bow, before hanging your head down in exhaustion as you slowly shuffle past him.

“Oh shut up.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You were thinking it.”

[ilovebeingmarvin]

Breakdown (hehe) of In Trousers

This all my interpretation of what each song means

Marvin’s Giddy Seizures: This song is like all about that kid who wants attention negative or positive, doesn’t matter. I think this is Marvin asking for attention, trying to make people either see him or think he needs their help/care. I think this need for attention could be stemmed from his parents who are never mentioned, which might be because they aren’t active in his life, and this could be why he has “giddy seizures” and fits, why he needs love. Marvin is selfish, abrasive, egotistical, narcissitic, and demanding. It’s also worth noting the darker parts mentioning death are not seen by others, whether it’s because he doesn’t want those to be seen or if they’re not as much of a spectacle.

How The Body Falls Apart/Your Lips and Me: I think the first part with all the girls are how sex and love don’t always work, you cannot rely on sex to keep your marriage or relationships together. The relationship is falling apart, like the body.

Trina/Marvin’s wife is singing of her relationship with Marvin. She knows Marvin isn’t hers to keep and there’s another lover, she talks of Marvin’s parents, his dad is down and suicidal and his mother is witholding of love, which is kind of relfective of Trina and Marvin. Trina even says she didn’t ask to be his mother, and she tries witholding love. The parakeet not flying or moving may be a metaphor for their relationship not going anywhere. 

My High School Sweetheart: His sweetheart wants ether sex or something more from Marvin, she has her “wants and needs”. The sweetheart is saying a person wants sex and love, Marvin doesn’t want that, at least not with his SH. Or being a perosn could be seen as how Marvin doesn’t see anyone else as a person since he is a narcissist. His love of miss Goldberg stems from the attention and limelight she gives him.

Set Those Sails: Every musical has sailing in it, Bill, what’s up with that? Sailing over rocky, stormy water is a metaphor for life. The bravery it takes to steer through life, how that journey turns a boy into what can be hoped is a good man. This song talks a lot about courage, boys, men, and failing. How his past has shaped him into who he is. It also references his role as Colombus, an explorer, like how he is exploring who he is and his sexuality. This sonh can also be seen as reinforcing what society wants Marvin to be, a “good man”, meaning a heterosexual manly man.

My Chance to Survive the Night: I think I’ve unpacked this one before, but it’s Marvin understanding who he truly is, and it’s not heterosexual. He tried to love girls, but he found only men (one man) fulfilled him, made him feel smart, and played his games. Having to relax may be everyone telling him to not think about his true identity. The lyrics “a queer little word” can reflect both him figuring out he isn’t straight, but knowing it’s a slur, also his internalized homophobia that’s still there. I Am Wearing A Hat: This is Miss Goldberg, Trina, and Marvin relfecting on their loneliness. Wearing A Hat is easy and normal, like heterosexual marriage, if Marvin marries Trina he’ll be normal. Trina also marries Marvin for money, and she knows Marvin isn’t marrying her out of love. This song is about people enforcing society’s views on what an average family should be and look like. How Marvin Eats His Breakfast: This song highlights a young boys immaturity, and the ladies are mocking him. The girls see him as a child, meek and small, while Marvin sees himself as a man, commanding and important. He is the most important thing or person to exist. This song also has so many sexual references and innuendos. A Breakfast Over Sugar: They’re most likely discussing their divorce, or the want of one, Trina knows of Marvin’s affair. Marvin asks her to not express her sadness trying as he doesn’t want to stay, Trina is begging him to stay, she can sleep with others as long as they’re married. Marvin thinks separating is best. Sugar can be seen as love. Whizzer Going Down: Obviously this is Marvin and Whizzer together, it’s not so hidden the song is about sex and Florida. Whizzer is “indiscreet” meaning he might not be hiding his sexuality in a stereotypical way, like how he dresses or acts. Playing easy may be alluding to all the metaphors about games, or the confidence Whizzer displays in Falsettos later on. Marvin is also nervous with Whizzer, as he sweats and bites his nails, maybe because he’s scared of being seen with a man, or he isn’t 100% confident in his love yet. Also it’s funny how Marvin’s past “lovers” cheer him on in this song?? Idk, something I thought I’d point out. High School Ladies/Miss Goldberg: LISTEN APPARENTLY EVEN BILL FORGOT WHAT HIGH SCHOOL LADIES IS SUPPOSED TO MEAN SO I GUESS I’M ALL YA GOT!! The ladies are seen as feminine and obidient, doing as they’re asked, going where they’re asked. There’s also a few sexual innundoes, but the most interesting is the banana with Marvin screaming, maybe embarrassed or not wanting to hear their answer, or just the ladies. This also highlights his intimacy (or lack of) with women, and his doubts in his sexuality. Marvin (jesus christ dude) wants to have sex with Miss G, Miss G doesn’t want his childish bullshit. The r*pe aspect is taking her glasses and seeing the eyes she hid, he’s taking part of her and seeing what she hides from others. “Except the things he wants” “Marvin always gets the things he wants” Love. Nausea/Love Me: This is my favorite song, and probaby the most straight forward. It’s Marvin repressing his sexuality. The game is women, which he’s playing, and it’s not an easy game, he doesn’t understand women because he doesn’t like them. But the game promises “a perfect life”. Love me for what I am is Trina showing the audience and Marvin her true colors, who she is, flaws and all, which is funny because Marvin hides nearly every part of himself, except his need to be dominant over the people in his life. Michael/Your Lips (reprise)/Victory Shower: Marvin discovers his sexuality. Trina is finally accepting Marvin is not hers, they’re divorced, and he has left them. She’s gonna forge through life without Marvin. I don’t even know about the fucking shower guys, he’s celebrating the divorce? the kosher dick he’s getting?? his bitch attitude? Bill you’re killing me. I can tell you this song does reinforce that marvin is selfish as HELL. Another Sleepless Night: Loneliness. Empty beds after separation, sleepless nights due to mistakes one’s made. All the characters reflect how small or big one feels when left alone, how it’s sad and it leaves one thinking how this happened, why, and can it be fixed?  In Trousers (The ((fever)) Dream): Trousers= pants, men wear pants. Society, blah. blah you get it by now? Common motifs in this song and the musical is women being feminine, soft, and obidient, and men are crude, loud, and demanding. And the loss of love. The four ladies could be Trina, the high school sweetheart, miss G, and Marvin’s mom. They all lost love. In Trousers might actually be a way of being “discreet” hiding emotions, passions, acts of “love”, etc.? I’m Breaking Down: A FUCKING BANGER BITCH

[orangevinyards]

I Heard a song the other day on K-Love by Daigle. Looked it up- it’s called The Power to Redeem. The lyrics ran “Only by the blood are we set free”. Pretty song.

Of course being raised in the UC this one is a hard pass. It bakes down to salvation by faith and that is theology we simply do not agree with (at least on paper). How many sister church visits can I recall, sitting or squirming in my chair listening to those sermons about the free gift of everlasting life? Alter calls, baptisms, Death bed conversions… how easily children are molded into the beliefs of a system right? I would awkwardly explain to my Christian associate how it says in the Bible that faith without works is dead and we teach that blah blah blah. Regardless it has and probably always will make me uncomfortable. Not to hear that God loves me. No, that one we are big on. Strangely it’s being told that somehow in that love we find absolution... I know right … one would think.

Anyhow. So as an adolescent I spent a lot of time in church learning about Gods unending love, his infinite hope, for the world and for his children and his creation! But I also heard a lot more about me and my personal responsibility, and that ever-present divine mandate to become a person more perfect than Jesus Christ. What I felt this week… is that in the gap between those two… there’s found Grace.

Just Grace. Not a big UC theme. Or maybe it was there and I just filtered it out. Was if offensive to me that there might be anything I ever could not do for myself?

But I let the words settle over and around me and allowed myself to glimpse what it might be like to believe them. The peace and solace of believing that love is indeed unconditional. No disclaimers, no foot notes, no questions of worthiness, no need to ask if I did right, or whether it was enough. Just Grace. And the rational part of my brain is almost screaming, scrambling to get back on top, but that moment of bliss lingers for a minute, victorious before it gets sucked under.

[thelocalshooter]

The Local Shooter Vs. B-LIFE

(LS) Hello thank you being apart of a great come up and welcome, may we get a small introduction for the people reading who don’t know who you are, where are you from? Who are you? And what do you do?

(B) I'm B-L1FE or B to most. I am an Indiana native but for the last 4 years I've been in the Houston, TX area. I do everything except make beats. I'm a recording artist myself, I engineer, DJ, design, visuals, animations, curate. To add to all that I'm also the CEO of my own record label, FAITH×VICTORY Records. I also am the CEO of three other companies: SupportArt which is a promotion company that also houses a collective, and MeditatedMerch which is my clothing line. There is stuff I'm missing I'm sure but I'm basically the one stop shop for good underground business.

(LS) Being a Texas native how do you feel that the music scene has impacted you and your creativeness?

(B) The scene in the H has never really impacted me much but surround regions have amazingly unique sounds that are almost nice accents to a style like mine that blends hip hop with metal and alt rock. The Dallas FT. Worth area is full of this new wave sound that people like Jah or $not really helped catapult. Then south Florida is known for the wild hype sounds they give us like Pouya. I think these regions influenced me by just kind of telling me hey its ight to let go and just be me. I used to be signed under a different stage name and to be honest it was all bullshit. All the rules and what they wanted me to be. This area in general just let the monster loose I guess you could say.

(LS) You also run a blog on your own called supportart where its a platform for many creative artist in the underground, how did that come about and how long have you been running it?

(B) We are gonna be two years old in June which is unreal. We house 20 artists at the moment including myself. It honestly all started as a group chat of artists trying to put together a collective mixtape. Most people didnt come through but it actually opened a networking portal that led us to our first client who was King Kap who at the time was signed to Quality Control. We continue to work with him to this day and alongside the leaders I make the calls with (Yung N ICy, Fat Daddy J, Psych Ward, Penny the Shabba, Waveon, wa55up, & Kaster) we just had the flood gates opened on us. Alot of trial and error but never once have we been exposed or finessed. We work hard for the underground and have new ways coming soon to showcase hidden talent.

(LS) you seem to be a jack of all trades with graphics, producing, and much more! What do you feel is your strongest creative outlet for you and why?

(B) All the other crafts came from being a recording artist. I think I truly shine there. Away from the art and visuals, I've had some pretty big accomplishments as the rapper B-L1FE. Sometimes I forget to push my own stuff when I'm so busy pushing the underground or my artists. In 2019 I dropped my first and sophomore album which did well. Underviews did an article naming me a young mogul. I made the underground freshman list which was amazing to be with the likes of GNAR, Lord Xan, 916frosty, and more. But if anything compares it's my graphic design. I've been doing design since I was 14 and I'm almost 28 now. I still have every graphic I've done and my portfolio now have close to 6000 pieces. It's the main reason I could leave the day job life behind.

(LS) You also happen to be on all major platforms with a couple single releases, where did you first find your passion for music? Also how did you know that it was going to be a career for you?

(B) My parents didnt really do much parenting but they did raise me around terrific music. I have right now I believe 83 songs on all major platforms which is quite a bit since my contract from the previous record label didnt expire until April of 2018. My parents raised me around Dr. Dre, Bone Thugs, Snoop, Nas, Destinys Child, Master P, and all the greats. So I had this around me so much at 12 I started writing structured songs and didnt even realize it. Football was passion #1 but when I decided to rescend my commitment to Eastern Michigan University, I started toying around with being in a band. After awhile my vocal cords suffered from pure metal music. So I turned to rap which was also like a hobby. Then once I began to network in around 2012 I noticed I had something alot of others didnt. So it was then I knew. The rest was waiting for the contract I signed stupidly to expire. My biggest influences would be Chronic 2001 by Dr. Dre and Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park.

(LS) Your most recent single regurgitate and there’s a single called “Welcome To Hell” which did amazing numbers on Twitter! What was the whole process behind those songs and why did you pick that specific song to shows case the project?

(B) The process behind these two singles were both random to be honest. I put out my second EP back in December and wanted to take my time on my third album so I do what I call SINGLE SZN. I drop a new song on major platforms every week. It started with my first single of 2020 which was 'Never' and 'Welcome to Hell' was the second. With that one it was Angry Orphan's concept (featured artist) and he sent me his parts and a rough idea and I thought since we both are lyrical artists let's do what Em and Royce do when they collab and take these same schemes but change our words and small parts of our flows. It made a very cohesive song. The marketing is always the same for me. I let people know way before something drops that it's coming. The main key is promoting stuff more than once. So many people drop a track, run it through some group chats for that day, and then leave it to die. You gotta keep pushing content towards people. With 'Regurgitate' I hadn't even planned a part of it. I woke up to an email from SupportArt's head engineer, Penny the Shabba, that two beats. One was the beat for that song. Wrote it in 15 mins recorded it mixed it, he mastered it while I did the cover, and within 4 or so hours a full song was ready and off to distrubution.

(LS) What’s a regular day in the life of B-LIFE? Do you wake up in the morning go to the studio? Do you wake up in the morning and start interviewing people and check on your blog? What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

(B) The minute I wake up I need a shower. Cant start the day right without it. My studio and everything is at home so I just go off my daily planner. I keep everything written down including my own personal stuff and I usually pick whatever project I really dont wanna do to start. That way I'm getting through the 'blah' jobs with full energy and the shit I'll enjoy doing I save for later when I'm drained. Usually first thing I do business wise is touch base with my team. We use telegram so we can avoid social media. We a family so they come first. Next is clients. Always touch base with any clients waiting still or people I may have had halfway to the payment phase.

(LS) juggling music, blogs, graphics, and also a clothing brand how do you know when to find time for each creative outlet? Do you set a certain schedule for certain things? Do you have a certain day for certain things how does that work for you?

(B) I wish I knew. Everyday is dedicated to everything. I didnt want to say okay Tuesday we design only covers and logos but sell 5 videos the night before that Tuesday. I ask my clients for deadlines and bundle clients I tell them the timeframes. To be honest my turnaround is so quick and I've done this for so long I do it super fast. Some AMV clients get their video back in an hour with their mind blown. I try not to look at it as such a big work load. Whenever I do feel overwhelmed then its time for like 30 mins on the xbox or a jog. Somehow I never run out of creativity which certainly helps.

(LS) What’s your main goal as far as music? Do you plan on getting signed, are you looking to stay independent? Is music even your full on passion or are you looking to stay more on the blog and manager/artist development side or what is your main goal?

(B) Main goal is to get my label signed how Travis Scott did with Cactus Jack. It keeps the artist safe and in it's own way allows you to stay independent but with proper funding. Music is the main passion. I never say I manage my artists. We push them to build their own brands and we help them with that. I'm simply just keeping a platform all about love. The rest does it's own thing all by itself. Truly amazing.

(LS) Thank you again for being a part of this great come up, is there anything else you would like for the readers to know about you? Or should we keep our eyes peeled for anything to come in 2020? What are some links that you can share were new readers can go ahead and find your work?

(B) You can find everything related to be via my linktree which is linktr.ee/lifewitha1

Album 3's first single drops May 1st and you can already pre order it on Apple Music. Its titled 'Bob Ross' and ensomber produced it. Tune in. Tap in. We out here not just for us but for everybody with the it's always love approach. Just dont get shit twisted haha. You can find me everywhere but soundcloud. Bless up everybody and much love to The Local Shooter. Houston we strong!!

The Local Shooter Vs. B-L1FE

[masteredshadows]

🎧

VAGUE ATTEMPTS AT PLAYLISTS. // tentatively accepting

I’m so

so much of this relies on everything we’ve discussed off tumblr so I’m … 

if you want explanations for any I can throw you them on discord otherwise take this list of songs I’ve been stockpiling it’s long I hope that makes up for th elack of elaboration

forgive the repeat artists, do look at the lyrics bc sound wise a lot of them don’t quite work

muse – time is running out

“I wanted freedomBound and restrictedI tried to give you upBut I’m addicted…”

twist – I am kloot

this one is partially the lyrics but a lot how delightfully sinister it sounds

arctic monkeys – do me a favour

“She said, do me a favour and stop flattering yourself!How to tear apart the ties that bind, perhaps ‘fuck off’ might be too kind,Perhaps 'fuck off’ might be too kind.”

technically a breakup song but like. c’mon.

arsonist’s lullabye – hozier

Don’t you ever tame your demonsBut always keep 'em on a leash

dance little liar – arctic monkeys

“I heard the truth was built to bend…”

“The liar takes a lot less time to decide on his saunter…”

this one is … it’s more the theme of dishonesty than anything else; dishonesty, relationships, bad people, blah blah blah

suddenly strange – I am kloot

“You’re lying right here with me,And it’s strange…”

death death (devil devil evil evil song) – voltaire

how could I make them a playlist and not include voltaire

apocalypse please – muse

“Proclaim eternal victory…”

for that verse

the poison woman – the dear hunter

the song itself is actually very literal but take it metaphorically and it works

I have more if you want but I will just stop myself now

[thesinglesjukebox]

CELESTE - STRANGE

[5.33]

Next up, some Brighton-based soul fit for cabarets, coffeehouses, really any venue that begins with the letter 'C'...

Katie Gill: What a beautiful, dreamy song. The combination of Celeste's vocals and those beautifully sparse strings make a product that seems tailored solely to piano bars and not to any other actual performance spaces. But hey, I'm okay with coffeehouse chic. [7]

Iain Mew: Celeste is the winner of the Brits' newly renamed Rising Star award, which has a better track record than Sound of... victory for predicting commercial success. It makes sense on the basis of "Strange," which doesn't sound like someone with potential but like the complete article. Its assurance and confidence is a big part of what makes it enjoyable to listen to as well, as Celeste takes a straightforward observation and gives it the space and velvety depth to make it into something more. [7]

Kylo Nocom: She sings the word "smoke" like she's begging for somebody to call her smoky-voiced. This isn't even the best miserable sub-Simone breakup ballad of 2019, but it functions exactly as it's meant to. [6]

Michael Hong: The video suggests a certain fiery passion but the actual song itself falls short. Vague lyricism, Celeste's smoky voice that often drops to a mumble, and the dramatic instrumentation that builds to nowhere, "Strange" paints the picture of sedated lounge singer for an empty audience. [3]

Katherine St Asaph: One more name crossed off the mononymic blah-soul list! The existence of Celeste implies the existence of a Daphne, whose music would probably be more fun and less breathy, dreary Nina-via-Norah cabaret. [3]

Joshua Minsoo Kim: Celeste doesn't sell this story of friends-turned-lovers-turned-strangers -- the arrangement does the heavy lifting; it's the faint strings, carrying the quiet and lonesome mourning of lost love, that make this emotive. "Strange" feels incomplete though, like we've stumbled into a soliloquy and walked out before all was said. [4]

Jacob Sujin Kuppermann: The croak of Celeste's voice and the staid balladry of the piano pair nicely -- it's pleasant without fully descending into lullaby territory. Yet the song itself goes nowhere, content with an "isn't it weird how breakups go?" observation that's just melancholy small talk where there's ample room to explore more interesting material. [5]

Brad Shoup: It's as if she's been singing it for a decade, and she wrote it several decades prior. The strings certainly seem familiar with it: they murmur in support while still holding their voicings. For all its torch-song sturdiness, "Strange" contrasts a fairly blasé chorus with verses full of harm and suspicion. The stillness, then, turns out to be more of a laying low, waiting for the breathing to become snores. [7]

Alfred Soto: To sing as if it's taken decades to blow your voice is some parlor trick, and Celeste tries to inject feeling between the words and the crinkles. I don't buy the hook, though: it's not strange how people change from friends to lovers. Happens all the time. [6]

[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox]

[futilism-blog]

MUSIC CONSUMPTION PT IV

it goes it goes it goes on. still plodding through trying to find intelligent things to say about the music i’m listening to. lately it’s been a lot of older stuff. but most of them are reissues so that counts, basically.

rixe - bapteme du feu: what can i say. this is just expertly done street punk with one of the best guitar tones i've ever heard. twoish minute blasts of oi that make me punch my steering wheel along with the drums. fuck yea.

cocteau twins - heaven or las vegas: holy shit. as i said or at least i thought i said, these reviews ain't contemporaneous. this is all the music i listened to in 2017 that made me feel a way period. and WHAT A WAY THIS WAGES. the title track is so breath-stoppingly beautiful that i did that thing where everything around you stops. i think i was on a walk and just stopped in place and looked at the big ass sky and thought, "this. this is a moment. praise the lil baby jesus." i've never heard a guitar sound like that before, and probably never will again. phenom. i feel like a fucking moron for not "getting" this sooner.

tools you can trust - working and shopping COMP: i love following hausfrau records on IG. follow them. they posted a pic of this record, a comp on BFE recs, and i immediately dug how the album art looked like a fucked up owner's manual. true enough, this band was two manchester dudes playing busy post punk supplemented with power tools and hammers and shit clangin and bangin the whole time. is 'literally industrial' a genre already? because i dig the shit out of this. most songs feel like they're spazzing through as fast as they can. vokes with a lot of range that always sound mean and breathless making this a cagey, dark, amazing listen. listen to this shit.

s-21 - year zero: do you like pissed off music?? do you like riffs??? do you like really good drumming?????? do you hate punk music? are you a good person? got to see this phillie band play recently and their show was THE SHIT. and this record is THE SHIT. captures the intensity and amazing energy of this band perfectly. buy this. a great record to blast in the car in a tumultuous and confusing time (all times).

vietnam - 12" s/t: another incredible hausfrau recs rec (and as i learned ANOTHER reissue from BFE records!). this was a mega obscure NZ post punk band that REALLY LIKED joy division but ended up being REALLY BETTER than joy division. "broken doll" is one of the best songs i've heard in my entire life. the dude in this has vokes more reminiscent of iono...mission of burma? throaty kiwi but on key but in that post punk style we all know and love that interpol ruined. aside from strange dark moods present on "china tonight" and the almost SLINT-ness of “victory” (but not in the nomeansnoness of nomeansno’s “victory”), some of these feels like Flying Nun too. insanely good guitar work to boot. all too short 5 song record and some demos. desperately wish they had done more. buy this.

why - moh lhean: seems to be panned on RYM by a bunch of dudes with 4.5/5 ratings for sunny day real estate, bark pyschosis, radiohead, and animal collective. maybe i'm being too hard on KIDS THESE DAYS GEEZ or maybe this is just hitting how i've been feeling lately but the molasses slow sad ass shit on this? i'm lappin it up like corn syrup. SAD ass shit corn syrup. i just feel like why? is paying attention to the songwriting again. the beginning of "the water" hits me the same way the best massive attack songs do. i guess if mumps, etc was supposedly a rekindling of his lyricism and rapping this is exploring the same territory eskimo snow dived into. iono man. i get a real sea change vibe from this, and THAT album's a top 5er for me. so i vote this one... 8 buckets of popcorn out of 10.

heart attack man - the manson family: i'm a little close to this record personally for me to judge it fairly. but i'll try. HAM really knocked it out of the park with this one. we're past the tight micro jams from the demo, and refining the sound going on in the acid rain EP. sure, there's points of reference in pop music history we can point to, but that's true of like, everything except jandek. maybe even jandek. JANDEK. but i'm trying to say that this just sounds like heart attack man at this point. the break ups in rhythm, chord progressions, and song structure blah blah blah you know the fucking drill. what really makes this cohesive is the lyrical content of each song. ostracization. alienation. when a friendship hits a brick wall you weren't anticipating but everyone else saw coming a mile away, you gotta process that shit. this record's a meditation on not only that, but where the fuck our place is in the world. "surrounded by morons" provides that elaboration well. a record i've spent a lot of time with, and will spend a lot of time with, in the time with, to come, up.

roobydocks - reliant robin: i fucking love this record. just good ass fast punk. awesome awesome drumming and riffs. drums and riffs and sub-minute songs. what else do i need to say about this.

siouxsie and the banshees - juju: my favorite thing i've heard all year. one of those rare albums where i'm bewildered when it's finished because i was so drawn into the atmosphere and songwriting. arresting vocals, TRIBAL DRUMS, and guitar work like a rabbit hole. "monitor" opens with the guitar tone i've been trying to get for the last my entire life and does my FAVORITE THING A SONG CAN DO when the initial guitar part makes you think the song's going one way, only to go a completely different way when the rest of the band kicks in. intentional or not, i flipped when i heard that shit. "night shift" has a weird cumbersome surfy feel to it and i've been just listening to that over and over again when i'm driving at night or working late. "into the light" is so propulsive and desperate and beautiful that's about the most intelligent description i can come up with. that guitar riff dude. i don't know why i slept on this band for so long. probably because idiot. each stage of this band has had something i admire about it. both drummers, the period with robert smith later on, all has something of value. but juju is not only their best moment, but easily one of the best records i've ever heard.

[thesinglesjukebox]

THE CHAINSMOKERS FT. 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER - WHO DO YOU LOVE

[2.10]

It's the collaboration everyone except us was waiting for (even though we underrated "Youngblood" a bit).

Alfred Soto: In 2015 this build-and-release formula of The Chainsmokers would've guaranteed them another hit. Their public image rests to such a degree on tumescence/detumescence that I'm glad they assembled a noise worthy of their wilt. [1]

Joshua Minsoo Kim: Steady pianos, a chipper synth curlicue, a guitar line that teeters nervously, and dramatic downscale piano chords: the first four bars summarize the entirety of a relationship's rise and fall. We find 5 Seconds of Summer near the tail end of it all, betrayed by an unfaithful lover, wanting to make sense of it all. Their angst and bitterness is validated by acoustic guitar strums and stadium stomps -- they convince listeners of their moment of self-aggrandizing. But what was potentially the best Chainsmokers song in two years is nearly ruined by awful mixing in its final forty seconds; what should've been cathartic release becomes a muffled drag. Still, being cheated on doesn't ever leave you feeling victorious, does it. [6]

Ian Mathers: I can't be the only one who was hoping against hope this would be a Bo Diddley cover, right? At least that's an interesting trainwreck (and doesn't have any creepy lines about access codes, either). [2]

Thomas Inskeep: "Who Do You Love" incorporates every pop trend of the past 24 months into a song under four minutes; unfortunately, I actively dislike just about every pop trend of the past 24 months. So, this results in pretty much just what I expected/feared from this team-up. Also, I'm not convinced that either the Chainsmokers or 5SOS know what "conspicuous" means. [2]

Iris Xie: This song troubles me. The combination of the squealy hook, the slaps, the guitar, and the EDM drop... it's like my two least favorite timelines converged, with really boring acoustic pop songs and even more boring EDM songs. It's so inoffensive, that I didn't even consciously register it as a song -- it's background noise. This will definitely get played in boba shops all over the world. [0]

Nicholas Donohoue: Me (reading the title and artists): Okay, these two entities are both bro-y, both wrote one great song, most of the time are average blobby groups that are listenable. This will probably be average filler, but who knows, maybe like likes like. Me (stopping the song at 1:36): Oh my god, this is garbage. Why are you pronouncing these words like you just learned them? Why are the Chainsmokers enchanted with that strumming guitar in all their recent choruses? Why is the music saying triumph when the song is saying betrayal? Me (stopping the song at 2:50): Why is this song a week long? I almost want to give this song credit for putting me in the skin of someone who has every good reason to cheat if this is their boyfriend, though at this point unless this person is doing an amazing grift I don't get why they don't break it off. There's no thing in here to find likable. Me (refusing to play anymore at 3:21): I love myself too much to continue. [0]

Scott Mildenhall: The good thing about "Behind the Mask" is that there doesn't seem to be any doubt that the guy singing it is an arse with a ban from even visiting the moral high ground (and perhaps soon, his addressee). By contrast, the same hectoring appeal for sympathy here is self-pityingly morose, and so that bit more insidious. Still, at least by opening with references to something expensive that will mean nothing to most listeners, and something to do with technology, The Chainsmokers have once again cracked The Modern Condition. [3]

Ramzi Awn: Sometimes, when you're very unlucky, everything that's wrong with American music comes together in a brief but painful three minutes and forty-six seconds. Every tired detail outshines the last on the latest offering from The Chainsmokers and 5 Seconds of Summer. There's the John Mayer-esque strumming of the guitar. The "oohs" in the sample-heavy, broke down chorus. The shoddy vocal production. And most of all, "Who Do You Love" is an expert lesson in how to sing like a total douche. Five seconds would have been more than enough. [0]

Stephen Eisermann: I remember when Penn Badgley had to get on Twitter and remind people that, no, you shouldn't be obsessed with his character in the show You because he was a stalker/serial killer. It seems that The Chainsmokers and 5 Seconds of Summer didn't get the memo, because I'm pretty confident that Penn's character in the show said every one of these lyrics in the show. The man in this song is a crazy person and whoever is dating this dude needs to run, even if this song is kind of a bop. [4]

Katherine St Asaph: The Chainsmokers, in true frat boy style, are keeping up with country music, and specifically Florida Georgia and Maren Morris eyeing their pop-radio turf. That's undoubtedly why their last track had Kelsea Ballerini, and perhaps why "Who Do You Love" is basically pop country. Weird how their roles are reversed: Kelsea sounded pop-punk, and 5SOS sound bro-country, lumbering among the acoustic lines and bleacher stomps. Bro-country is the closest thing pop music has to power ballads anymore, so if you miss those, this may well be for you. Except that the Chainjokers are still there, with their usual annoyances: the same jackhammering percussion leading up to the drop, the same snippetized vocals -- especially bad this time since the human tendency is to fit such things into patterns and the sound pattern here is "blah blah, lookie-lookie-loo." Also weird: how the Chainsmokers' move from targeting pop kids to targeting adult contemporary happened so damn fast. Maybe they should rebrand as the Chainjuuls. [3]

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